PHOTO: The Lost Petite Salon

This little jewel box of a room was my dream and inspiration for the past two years...

DESIGNERS OWN HOME: Salon Style

For many years, I had wanted to have a small jewel box of a room - for showcasing some of my favorite objects, furnishings, and works of art... so finally, after changing addresses around forty times...this is what I came up with ! Small yes, at only about 9 x 12' with two windows and two doors- it would be considered small even for a walk in closet ! But sometimes, its not about the size, more about the STYLE ! Dear Sister Parish converted a small closet in one of her Fifth Avenue apartments into a tiny but oh so charming guest room for a beloved grandchild. Sheila LaBrecque of New York and Boca Grande, Florida - referred to an out building on her Gasparilla Island property as a "snooze box" ! I craved a kind of revival 18th century opulence, inspired by places such as the Hotel Lambert in Paris, the Musee de Camondo and the apartment of Madame Coco Chanel on Rue Cambon, also in Paris. My bed is a fabulous Jansen model from 1960's Italian manufacture, topped with stunning jewel tone cushions in silks and velvets, on Sferra linens and blanket. The blanket, in ivory, comes off somewhat like a super trendy boucle' or sherpa. The cow wallpaper print, by famous artist Andy Warhol, is one of my favorite things in this space. And I adore the simple painted floor, which has since this picture was taken been mostly covered with a flat weave rug in rosy tones... Enjoy! DF

SPRING 2021 : Garden Dreams

This is my favorite outdoor furniture...design by John Hutton for Sutherland...

HOUSE: Painted White

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

I've always been drawn to a white painted house- like so many of us- the crisp look of the white painted brick against the background of bright green lawns and even brighter blue skies is a sight to behold... this "Monterrey" style house is facing the intracoastal, just off of Las Olas Boulevard, and is probably my favorite in a neighborhood where it would be hard to decide which one is the prettiest-

I also found this one (below) on Acacia, in the same neighborhood- it reminded me of the one belonging to my friend Louise in West Palm Beach- the awnings are something I'm very partial to- like a tuxedo!  DF



Vizcaya: A Return to Elegance

Vintage postcard, Vizcaya

One of my favorite and very special places to visit, in Miami, is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, formerly known as Villa Vizcaya, and the winter home of James Deering.  Constructed between 1914 and 1922.  Click here for the site for VMG.  DF *****

Entrance to drive

View from the water

Garden

Garden steps

Garden folly

Garden

Hall

Loggia

Gazebo

Music Room

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DESIGNER SCRAPBOOK April 2016

(c) DFID

(c) DFID

Design by Tara Bates, Naples

(c) DFID

Just came back from a nice long weekend....

Ziff estate in Manalapan said to be priced at $195 million

Ziff estate in Manalapan said to be priced at $195 million

Provenance: Gerard Lambert, Gloria Guinness, The Windsor's, Truman Capote...33 bedrooms! 

Dolores Guinness, via AD

Gloria Guinness, via Curbed


 

Cap Ferrat by Timothy Corrigan

Timothy Corrigan used his Cap Ferrat fabric by Schumacher at the Atlanta Symphony Decorator Showhouse

More exciting news from Timothy Corrigan~ the designer who kicks off our LUXURY HOME DESIGN SHOW at Miromar Design Center, here in Florida...he used his Cap Ferrat fabric from F. Schumacher in the room he designed this year for the Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorator Showhouse, which is also featured in TRADITIONAL HOME.
 
We're certainly looking forward to meeting TC and hosting his book signing party on February 19th...for his book AN INVITATION TO CHATEAU DU GRAND LUCE', DECORATING A GREAT FRENCH COUNTRY HOUSE !!!  

We also have Nancy Brathwaite, India Hicks, and Jason and John from MADCAP COTTAGE coming !  A true designer blow-out! What fun! The excitement is building!  Stay tuned for more!  Enjoy!  DF *****

detail Cap Ferrat F Schumacher

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Modern in the Jungle, Captiva Island

Darryl Pottorf and Robert Rauschenberg

11520 Laika Ln - Captiva, FL 33924 - VIP Realty

11520 Laika Lane, Captiva Island, FL

How exciting ~ to be able to purchase a Darryl Pottorf property- on fabulous Captiva Island!  Darryl is an artist, and was also the companion and assistant to the late artist Robert Rauschenberg.  I've always been intrigued by these artists ~ and thought how fun to post about this property which is currently listed.  It's a luxurious 2/2 within 7,588 square feet, and built in 1994 by Lawrence Voytek.  Click on the link above to see more!  
DF *****  

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Shopping for Rugs: Naples

Dean's shirt by J. McLaughlin

I have one favorite source here in Naples, called DESIGNERS RUG CENTER. While they may not have Stark, PFM, or Doris Blau, they do have some decent things to work with for most any client. Here I am shopping away this morning, where I found a Pakistan "black" rug I loved for myself, a Turkish one of a kind piece for a client, and another one I liked for the cottage look favored by Sister Parish in Maine. ENJOY! DF *****PS: Mark Nelson in New York also has some great rug and carpet designs.

More East Coast Fun!

Entrance gates at the Bonnet House, Ft Lauderdale, Florida

We had a great time this weekend over in Ft Lauderdale and Miami - lunch at Rotellis in Pompano, Dinners at Luigis (Las Olas) and Tropics (Wilton Manors) and just an overall relaxing and easygoing getaway to the "wild side" of Florida. Back to work tomorrow! DF*****