An Enchanting Hideaway
The recent months have encouraged us to create an enchanting hideaway to call our happy place. I remember receiving the April issue of Architectural Digest and feeling drawn to the cozy charisma of Dakota Johnson’s LA home. The indoor-outdoor style of life was a perfect setup to ride this rollercoaster in peace.
As I continued to read the editorial, I discover Johnson hired her friends Louisa and Emily to decorate this charming habitat. This girl gang is the mastermind alliance behind Pierce & Ward. A noted design firm with an established roster of famous clients who appreciate glamour and comfort. Once again, they found the magical spirit behind Dakota’s down to earth digs.
The mid-century residence is a mix of Mad Man mod and the heart of a hippie. A perfect match for a flourishing mind and intelligent old soul. Dakota’s passion for music is everywhere. The home includes an expansive vinyl collection, several guitars, a vintage piano. The oriental rugs also represent a bit of rock-n-roll funkiness. Appropriate for the girlfriend of Chris Martin and the Mom of a pup named Zeppelin. Her office is filled with a library of books, photography, and artwork. These prized possessions are a testament to her love and appreciation of her journey.
The best amenity of the property is the inside/outside style of living. The naturally chic landscaping allows you to feel like you are on a secluded island. This serene sophistication lets your imagination run wild. A foolproof setting for cherished time alone or shared with welcomed guests.
Forever Chic!
Crayola Chic
I was thrilled to receive this month’s Architectural Digest to discover the editorial about Katherine Rheinstein Brodsky. Kate is a New York Interior Designer and the owner of KRB. She has established a signature style that I like to classify as Crayola chic. A mixture of the Influence of her talented Mother and admiration for people like Diana Vreeland.
The home initially constructed in 1901 needed a three-year makeover. A project that ended with the cheery glow of Brodsky’s vision. The Rheinstein DNA was apparent throughout the home. The mother-daughter love of tradition painted floors and graphic prints make up the home’s unique personality.
Katherine’s chic Crayola glamour is infectious. Her use of brilliant color is the main attraction. The playful hues give all she creates a lively elegance. A feeling that starts with a warm smile and becomes an obsession for her spirited good-taste.
Forever Chic!
Sagaponack Soul
As we continue through this chaotic journey I look for the beauty that will inspire my current tainted vision. The recent editorial in Elle Decor about the home of Marc Glimcher and Fairfax Dorn offered this promising perspective. Based on the images it is no surprise this partnership is highly regarded within the contemporary art set. Marc is actually a member of the founding family of the notable Pace Gallery. The New York-based salon was established in the sixties and best known for recognizing the artistic talents of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
The couple’s initial attempt to bring about a Hampton’s home fell through. These circumstances encouraged a remedy that changed gears from scratch to readymade construction. The twosome came across an all-inclusive hideaway that only needed to take on its own distinct personality. This was the moment that Fairfax became the person in charge. A master arranger and Interior Designer, Dorn’s business background was perfect for devising a unique footprint.
To start she brought in the couple’s art connections and collections. Showpieces from Jullian Schnabel, Yoshitomo Nara, and David Hockney were some of the work selected to decorate the walls with an artful aura. The images were the focal point accompanied by select furnishings to bring originality to every room.
To keep it interesting the dining destination took on a mind of its own. The eating quarters told a striking tale with a wall covering by Jennifer Shorto. The floor to ceiling print offered a worldly-wise warmth in comparison to the museum quality appearance of the rest of the house.
An uplifting journey from start to finish. A lesson that demonstrates how to roll with life with an open mind. The end results in creating a colorful home for the things that matter most. A gathering place for family, friends, and the heartfelt passions embedded in our souls.
Forever Chic!
Sunshine Daydream
As the winter blues set in most of us dream about the warmth of a sun-filled paradise. Travel might not be in the cards so finding creative outlets will have to serve as a mood-lifting influence. Last month I was taken by the stunning sophistication of Elle Macpherson’s new Floridian oasis in Architectural Digest.
The well-known Australian born supermodel spent most of her adulthood in London raising her children in a lavish and energetic world. Recently the family relocated to the sunny isles of Florida to recreate this standard of living in a brand-new way. To assist on this domestic adventure Elle solicited the design firm Sawyer/Berson.
The unexpended purchase of the Normandy style edifice was a perfect fit for Elle and her boys to continue to evolve personally and professionally. The house was an excellent choice to showcase the family’s history in a new grown-up setting. The spacious floorplan serves her notable art collection well. The outstanding talents of the 20th and 21st centuries lead the way of offering a simplistic yet stylish aura throughout the residence. In addition, the outdoor tropical splendor composed of lemon, orange, and oak trees magnifies Elles’s present-day career as a wellness guru.
All in all, the story is an inspiring vision to begin the ’20s. A renewed start that promotes a healthy style of life guided by a mindset filled with a sunny spirit.
Forever Chic!
The New York In-Crowd: John Derian
As a native New Yorker, I look forward every year to the sparkle that lights up the city and transforms Manhattan into a holiday destination. However, it is the hometown hangouts known by the in-group that is truly worth exploring.
On the top of the list would be the downtown headquarters of John Derian. John established his company in the late eighties to focus on offering the artistry of the decoupage. Over thirty years later with two namesake locations, he is well-known as the home decor king.
John has a gifted appreciation for time-honored treasures and the ability to convert them to present-day riches. He took his show on the road in the 1990s. At this time he found a place he now calls home in Manhattans East Village. A well-matched neighborhood that shares his celebrated chic elegance.
Take the time to tour his home and visit his shop to discover a world that respects former fashion with young eyes. A conversation-worthy journey for those who strive to be a member of the New York in-crowd.
Forever Chic!
Dare to Dream de Gournay
As a young girl my Mom always said I was drawn to quality. I had an instinct for excellence and authenticity in outstanding craftsmanship. I sought out a unique type of beauty that offered originality in all categories from apparel, accessories, jewelry, and home interiors.
The October issue of Architectural Digest showcased the London home of Hannah Cecil Gurney, Hannah is the Director of Global Marketing and the daughter of the owner of Claud Cecil Gurney. Claud is the owner of De Gournay the well-known 19th century French Papier and design firm. The article brings to life the company’s vision to construct interiors that offer a blissful elegance.
The editorial was illustrated by Douglas Friedman aka The Fasicintator. As in all his work, he captured the brilliance of the artistry found in the beautiful dreamlike designs. The new home and its expanded floorplan flow with the handcrafted chinoiserie, panoramic, and Asian patterns. The uniqueness of each design creates a magical adventure in every room.
Explore Hannah’s fairytale flat and the workmanship of masters who are held to the highest esteem. A welcomed tradition to pay forward for those who dare to dream of a lifestyle from de Gournay.
Forever Chic!
Avec Amour
Did you ever admire someone from afar and feel you should be friends. This is the cut reaction I receive as I learn more and more about Aerin Lauder. The connection must stem from her New York heritage, sense of style, and abiding respect for the family.
This month Elle Decor has highlighted her families Pied a Terre in Paris. The editorial showcases the apartments recent facelift spearheaded by architect Antoine Stinco. Antoine gave the city-dwelling a sleek modern glamour while keeping up with Aerin’s easy elegance. The floorplan is composed of contemporary cabinetry encompassed by notable pieces of artwork and collectible antiques. As with all of Aerin’s real estate the rooms are filled with the meaningful treasures that make her a true Lauder.
The image of Aerin surrounded by the frocks of Valentino and Giambattista Villi represent her womenly spirit and desire to feel pretty. This attribute is her
Forever Chic!
A Millerton Miracle
The spirit of summer encourages us all to rewind and recharge. Everyone is in vacation mode celebrating the season taking fashionable sun-filled adventures. As most head for beachfront destinations, traveling upstate has become a popular contender. This was the calling for Mieke Ten Have. Meike is a Stylist an editorial correspondent for several well-known publications. Her first debut was the presentation of her garden wedding in Vogue. Fast forward to present-day to explore the current Architectural Digest showcasing of her charming farm in Millerton New York.
The historic Hudson River home was an unexpected purchase that was originally built by the Dutch settlers of the 18th century. The home speaks to Mieke’s sophisticated bohemian glamour and Nana chic style. She used her talents to capture the barn’s past aura while applying modern artistry and ingenuity. The dwelling was decorated with everything from old-world antiques to present-day pieces from Ikea. The use of respected fabrics and wall coverings inspired the essence of her family life both past and present.
As they say, what is meant to be will find you. This might be the story behind Meike’s treasure trove. A landmark that could only be appreciated by a retro renegade who could relate to the properties enchanting splendor.
Forever Chic!
Unexpected Elegance
Sun season is off and running and although everyone is heading for summertime destinations I want to share a spirited city dwelling. The apartment was highlighted in the May issue of AD and is the home of Patricia Herrera Lansing. If you are not familiar she is the daughter of the iconic fashion designer Carolina Herrera.
It is not surprising I was immediately drawn to this vibrant space that is a meaningful part of New York’s historic charm. The loft layout was once a home for law and the lawless located in the surprising neighborhood known as Little Italy. The offbeat address has lived many different lives and is now the humble abode for Patricia and her beautiful family.
To update the floorplan Patricia collaborated with the up-in-coming interior designer Patrick McGrath. The images speak for themselves revealing the brilliant hues, elevated classic furnishing, and sophisticated prints all surrounded by museum-worthy artwork. The chic influence of Patricia’s iconic Mom can be felt throughout the home as her distinct sophistiticated creativity is the dominating aura.
The dwelling is a great example that you can never judge a book by its cover. The time-honored foundation that was once a pre-war hangout is now a highly respected Manhattan residence filled with elegance.
Forever Chic!
Modern Soul – Timeless Heart
It has been noted that nothing is random. I keep thinking this must be the true after being attracted to writer and New York Times best-selling author Derek Blasberg. I discovered Derek through Instagram only to realize he was the owner of my design inspiration found in the most recent Architectural Digest.
The article coincides with his Insta-image and contagious enthusiasm about life. A youngish man originally from Missouri who has adopted the hometown spirit of a tried and true Manhattanite. R
The 1920’s pre-war edifice shares the landmarked aesthetic of the hoods surroundings. The off-market find was reincarnated by Virginia Tupker and architects Yaiza Armbruster and Maria Dayton. The time-honored treasure was transformed into a newer better version of its best self. The residence includes the glamour of a gossip room and the thrill of a secret door. These unique additions along with an outstanding art collection, one-of-a-kind furnishings, and a Dachshund named Monster give the house a playful distinctiveness.
Overall, the images below represent Derek’s colorful full of life personal style. He is a welcomed addition to a longstanding uptown culture that has a timeless heart and a modern soul.
Forever Chic!
