The Wondrous Worldly Designs of Tom Britt – What the Magazine Won’t Show
  Posted on May 17, 2012

The May/June issue of Veranda trumpeting “American Classics” is especially fab and I am tickled to have written about a house in the Hamptons designed by Tom Britt and Valentino Samsonadze because, well, Tom is an old friend and a HOOT.

Britt’s work is famously infused with a fascinating array of influences from all over the world, and I thought it’d be fun to see them side-by-side. We get to see how a (hoot of a) designer’s mind works and how he translates ideas from his travels to his own creative process… and be inspired to try it ourselves.

Tom Britt and Valentino Samsonadze

In Water Mill, New York, a house designed by Tom Britt and Valentino Samsonadze, from photo by Max Kim-Bee for Veranda.

First Britt talks about the Chateau de Groussay outside Paris…

Chateau de Groussay exterior, by Heather Clawson

Chateau de Groussay exterior, via Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic. Britt did a take on the chateau's gray and white color scheme.

In her wonderful Habitually Chic blog, Heather Clawson did an excellent  2-part series on Groussay and its extraordinary steward Charles de Beistegui.

Britt also clearly loved the Lazienki Palace near Warsaw…

Lazienki Palace, Poland

Lazienki Palace, Poland, via www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl. The architecture and reflecting pool are directly mirrored in Britt's design.

Now look again up top at Britt’s house. Got the hang of it?

The library at Groussay, with its handsome double stair and gallery, is probably one of the most admired in France (a nation of self-admirers).

Library at Chateau Groussay

Library at Chateau de Groussay, from photo by Xavier Bejot in the book Groussay, by Albin Michel.

With yet another nod to Lazienki:

The ballroom at Lazienki Palace, Warsaw

The ballroom at Lazienki Palace in Warsaw, via www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl.

And he didn’t leave out Nancy Lancaster’s famous yellow drawing room in her London house, via designer Sara Gilbane’s Travel for Design blog.

Nancy Lancaster's yellow library in Avery Row, London

Nancy Lancaster's yellow library in Avery Row, London, via Travel for Design.

It’s all cooked up in Britt and Samsonadze’s version, below. Notice the Lazienki pediment. Not that you could miss it. Britt by the way loves to say he “cooked up” something about a room. That’s something like somebody from Kansas City would say, which he is.

Tom Britt Water Mill Library

Tom Britt's Water Mill Library, from photo by Max Kim-Bee for Veranda.

Let’s keep cooking. Now the dining room. Begin at Groussay, again via Habitually Chic:

Chateau de Groussay, by Heather Clawson

Dining room at Chateau de Groussay, via Habitually Chic.

Chateau de Groussay, by Heather Clawson

Dining room at Chateau de Groussay, via Habitually Chic.

With a dollop of Tony Duquette, which you probably didn’t need me to tell you…

Tony Duquette drawing room at Dawnridge, Los Angeles

Tony Duquette drawing room at Dawnridge, Los Angeles, via TonyDuquette.com

And you get…

Tom Britt Water Mill dining room

The Britt-Samsonadze dining room with its dramatic Burmese altar piece, large niche for statuary, double rows of windows, and pictures - on an angle - hung to the ceiling.

Many rooms of the house also profit from the light and soothing interiors of Scandinavia, Sweden in particular, as Britt’s painting of floors, paneling and doors attests. Has anybody heard of Thureholm in Sweden? I have but I don’t count. I’ve actually been there on a trip organized by the Sir John Soane Museum Foundation, which does the most amazing trips. At Thureholm, Sweden meets Chinoiserie, another favorite of Britt’s, in the stunning “porcelain kitchen.” The kitchen is so-called because its purpose was to display porcelain as opposed to fry chicken. Not that they ate a lot of fried chicken in 18th-century Sweden. What they did do after Thureholm was start painting a lot of walls, instead of papering or covering them with leather or fabric.

Kitchen at Thureholm

The porcelain kitchen at Thureholm, from Johan Cederlund's Classical Swedish Architecture & Interiors.

I can’t even believe I found this hastily scribbled sketch of the kitchen by yours truly on the spot, in 2006. My notes say we were greeted by the noble family who owns it, but don’t quote me on that. Everywhere are racks and brackets for porcelain.

Sketch of Kitchen at Thureholm, by Frances Schultz

My quickie sketch of the porcelain kitchen at Thureholm, done on a visit in 2006.

The kitchen and breakfast room a la Britt is a worthy compliment.

Tom Britt Water Mill breakfast room

The breakfast room's paint treatment continues to the adjacent kitchen. Thought you'd like to know that.

Tom Britt with Charlotte Moss and Thom Felicia

Tom Britt, center, with Charlotte Moss and Thom Felicia. You can see the twinkle in his eye from here. Photo via designintuit.com

Since you cannot possibly read this without wanting more, Veranda’s website obliges with Tom Britt’s Decorating Tips. There is also a nice post at HouseCrush.com. But for the full story, for your life to be complete, you’ll have to fetch the magazine itself. Moreover, you will be completely and Habitually Chic after reading about Groussay and oh so many other topics on Heather Clawson’s blog, a claim I cannot make straight-faced for my own.

Posted in Blog, Decoration & Design | 8 comments

Fabulous Rooms #2: Victorian Writing Room at the Greenbrier
  Posted on May 12, 2012
Fabulous Rooms #2: Victorian Writing Room at the Greenbrier

This second Fabulous Rooms post is in response to the first (Living Room at Lyford Cay), wherein I solicited favorite rooms from readers. Paige Ward wins a nickel* for submitting the Victorian Writing Room at the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia. Originally decorated by the legendary Dorothy Draper and carried on today by her protege and business partner Carleton Varney, the room was once called the most photographed room in the United States. Now here's the funny thing: Paige is an old friend and a new blogger, and I was thinking this would be a good time to tell you about her blog, Seekers Bazaar because it is terrific and fun and colorful colorful colorful. So I go to her blog today and guess what she's writing about: "The Mother of Color" - random musings on Dorothy Draper and Carleton Varney. Are we in the flow or what. A while ago there was also a great post by John Loecke about the Greenbrier on Hotel Chic, a wonderful blog for the wander-ful. Here's an overall shot from outofhands.blogspot.com. I made the small image larger, so the fuzziness is my fault... And from Sprezzatura Images... By the way, what the hell is a sprezzatura? Sprezzatura (Italian pronunciation: ) is an Italian word originating from Baldassare Castiglione's The Book of the Courtier, where it is defined by the author as "a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it." From Wikipedia, you're welcome. Safe to say the Victorian Writing Room was done almost without any sprezzatura about it. A carefully conceived and meticulously executed scheme is called for in a large formal room such as this, which is why it is a Fabulous Room. Also, green-and-red is always fabulous, as are its first cousins green-and-pink and sage-and-scarlet. I find myself returning to them again and again. Maybe because I was born in December. Big, floral chintzes are staging a comeback, quietly at present, but you just wait. They're too happy and colorful not to, and that's another part of the timeless appeal of this room. Of course for some, Carleton Varney, aka Mr. Color, among them, color and chintz are in the DNA. My favorite image is this charming watercolor by Jeanne Brenneman, who lives and paints in West by God Virginia. If you're a Southerner you probably grew up hearing about the Greenbrier. If you'd like to hear more, here's a clip from CBS Sunday Morning, which is about the best thing on television when Downton Abbey is off. And here are a few more photos from the Greenbrier's own site. Happy Mother's Day, too. So you know, there was no compensation for this post, from the Greenbrier or anyone else. Now your turn: What is your favorite fabulous room in the world? *Paige, would you like your nickel by cash, check, or wire transfer?

Read More
Posted in Adventure & Travel, Blog, Decoration & Design, Sketches, Paintings & Projects | 5 comments

Furniture Market Finds and High Point Highlights
  Posted on May 3, 2012

It's been fun these past few days reviewing fellow bloggers' notes on their favorite finds, fads and trends from the High Point furniture market, and one is eternally grateful for not having had to go one's self. High Point is a big deal in our industry, of course, not to mention in my home state, but it can be overwhelming. Heck getting through everybody's blogs about High Point is a bit much, but it's wonderful having them edit it for us. Here is one I especially liked, from the wonderful and geographically diverse Material Girls blog, as written by their LA impresaria, Jill Seidner of Jill Seidner Interior Design. Enjoy. P.S. Today is His Grace's birthday, and I have brought him to Canyon Ranch (a spa) as punishment for not letting me give him a party...  though is not immune to the occasional facial, I notice. Los Angeles Design Blog | Material Girls | LA Interior Design Home Chicago Dallas Houston Los Angeles New York Curating High Point Market Wednesday, April 25, 2012 | Category: Decor Accessories, Design Bloggers, Events, Fabric,Furniture, Lighting, Shops and Showrooms, Trends {The official High Point Market Spring 2012 poster} I’ve just returned from a fabulous trip to High Point Market Spring 2012! Hardly made a dent in all that there is to see – but here’s a highlight of some of the things that did catch my eye!   Seeing a lot of the natural and organic, this rope chandelier at Regina Andrew really caught my attention! And these little side tables too, also from Regina Andrew. Noir Furniture had a ton of great accessories, furniture, and lighting – Katie of Matchbook Magazine was eyeing some of the accessories! Oomph was fresh and vibrant – lots of colorful items in their collections! Pretty sure this is the prettiest backgammon table I’ve ever seen! All the little side tables from Oomph are fun in their assortment of colors and patterned tops! Dransfield & Ross had some very pretty bedding, bathroom accessoires, and pillows in their space at High Point. I loved some of the soft muted colors in their bedding collections. All of these bathroom accessories from Dransfield & Ross are gorgeous! This nautical pillow in their collection has been a long time favorite of mine, perhaps stemming from my year’s of being around boats. The Halo showroom is always where it’s happening…gotta love that edgy industrial chic vibe with a British edge by Timothy Oultan. The fab lighting at the Halo Styles showroom. “Kids in the window” – at the Oly showroom with Christian of Maison21, Ashlina of The Decorista, Crystal of Rue Magazine, Mandy, & Cassandra of Coco + Kelley. So fresh and pretty and Spring-like at Oly! There were some very pretty upholstered pieces, like this headboard from Thomasville. And this side chair too, from Thomasville. Loved this headboard at Drexel Heritage! This console table from Drexel Heritage with the tie dye effect fabric and nail-head trim really caught my eye – and so did the whole vignette, love the Arabesque mirrors too! Over at Hickory Chair, these “painterly” textiles from Hable Construction were a favorite of all of us. The painted effect seems to be popular, as also seen on this chest at Hickory Chair.   More vibrant colors on the fabric in this Hickory Chair. As one of the featured designer collections at Hickory Chair, Suzanne Kasler’s girl’s room vignette was oh so pretty! As always, the Currey & Co showroom space was magnificent, filled with all their amazing lighting (& furnishing) pieces! I spotted these fun and colorful pendants at Currey & Co from across the room! Loved this elegant table lamp from Currey & Co named “Cassandra” after our own Cassandra from Coco + Kelley! We had the most fun and fantastic tour of CR Laine given to us by Holly. All of us enjoyed visiting the showroom – we even got to pick out fabrics for pillows that are being made for us! Can’t wait to share that! This is the entry to the showroom space. Again, seeing lots of pretty colors and a fresh, Spring like look! Cassandra of Coco + Kelley and Ashlina of The Decorista fit right into the CR Laineshowroom! Global Views was filled with so many great accessories & furnishings – it was like being a kid in a candy store! And lots & lots of color! Thought this tall headboard at Global Views was very chic. In awe of this credenza from Global Views, too – love the detailing and hardware. The ever so cool Four Hands showroom had a lot of great things going on (& not just because they throw the best party in town during High Point Market!) – loved these cluster of pendants and the round dining table. These colorful Moroccan lanterns were seen all through out the Four Hands showroom. And if you are looking to catch a breath of fresh air, step out onto the balcony at Four Handswhich is filled with beautiful outdoor furniture and overlooks the buildings of High Point! All photos by Jill Seidner Interior Design. Stay tuned for more blog posts about High Point and my tours of Thomasville, Drexel Heritage, and Hickory Chair! Posted By Jill-LA

Read More
Posted in Blog, Decoration & Design | 4 comments

Dream Kitchen Has Great Ideas for Yours
  Posted on May 2, 2012
Dream Kitchen Has Great Ideas for Yours

For anyone working on a kitchen just now, House Beautiful includes a "kitchen of the month" in every issue, and they're always full of good ideas, even for those of us working with what we have. For the April issue - off the newsstands but now online - I interviewed New Jersey designer Nicole Hough (delightful, btw) about her own fab kitchen in an old house she has renovated for her and her busy young family. I won't repeat the interview which you can read here, but rather touch on a few elements that impressed me most. First of all, the variety of materials, surfaces, and finishes give the kitchen warmth and visual interest, from the wood floor, to the marble shelving, to the black painted island, to the metal and brass pipe fittings supporting the island counter, to the way the pots and pans are hung on racks on the wall. It ain't just another sterile white kitchen. (I don't need to see another one, do you?) And note how the legs of the cabinets look more like furniture than built-ins. The designer was keeping with the early 20th-century period of the house. I can only dream about that gorgeous La Cornue range. Nicole says it was a dream of hers, too. When she was just starting in the design business she sold La Cornue ranges and has loved them every since. Off the top of my head I know three houses--including ours at the ranch--with one of these Miele built-in coffee makers, in photo above to the right of the fridge, and everyone loves them. I am normally leery of built-in gadgetry, but this one's a winner. You immediately know this is a real kitchen with real people cooking in it--which is refreshing, no? It's also a kitchen for hanging out. Seating at the island counter as well as the banquette in the corner makes the room functional and inviting as well. It also gives people a place to be out of the dadgum way of the cook. This is something anyone planning a kitchen needs to think about. Baskets add texture, warmth, and storage. If you wanted to convert some of your drawers into baskets, it's do-able with a little ingenuity. Baskets can also become "drawers" on open shelves, with pretty labels or tags. With all the open shelving displaying the pretty things--glassware and china--you still need a place for the not so pretty things, like Cheerios and canned tomatoes. A massive armoire, built-in but designed to look free-standing, fills this role, although putting staples like rice and flour in canisters turns them into kind of pretty. Nicole says this part of the kitchen is also a major pass-through, so all those little apothecary drawers are catch-alls for family flotsom and stuff--keys, glasses, chargers, etc. And the coolest thing she told me about was the toe-kick in-floor vacuum, where you just flick up the top with your foot, sweep toward it, and boom, all your troubles are sucked away. Photos by Laura Moss for House Beautiful.

Read More
Posted in Blog, Decoration & Design | 6 comments

New York Flower Show Dinner Dance – Part 2
  Posted on April 20, 2012
New York Flower Show Dinner Dance – Part 2

New York Flower Show, Part 2. Drumroll please. (In case you missed, here's Part 1.) Benefitting the Horticultural Society of New York, and therefore all New Yorkers and the universe. Also some great ideas here for you to try at home. Or not. Here's my table, by the talented team at Plaza Flowers, who are also my neighbors over on Lexington Avenue. I love the lilacs under skirt. This is the dress I wore. I got the memo to come as a centerpiece. My sartorial subconscious was channeling among others Mixed Greens Event Design... ...and Gramercy Park Flower Shop... Quite a statement by H. Hartley du Pont: Along with Lee Anderson Couture and jewelry designer James Taffin de Givenchy; the shoe, accessories and clothing company Jack Rogers was one of the evening's honorees. Interior designer Richard Mishaan did the Jack Rogers table, cleverly centering each daisy with the signature, whip-stitched rondel that made the Jack Rogers "Navajo" sandal a beloved fashion icon. By Perianth Interior Design: Flowers by Daye: It's always fun when everybody dances, and everybody did. They don't always because, you know, New Yorkers are jaded and all. But not me, I am a dork. And clearly I have taken to heart the dictum "Dance like nobody's watching." I should probably re-think that. If this were to end up on my Facebook page it could ruin my glamorous image. If someone will identify the uncredited photos here I will put in the designers' names immediately, gratefully. Thank you. Photos by Frances Schultz for francesschultz.com, except the last by jillphotography.com.

Read More
Posted in Blog, Decoration & Design, Entertaining, Fashion & Style, Flowers & Gardens | 18 comments