TRENDING-- WALLPAPERED CEILINGS ON THE RISE

Lacquered, wainscotted and stenciled, ceilings have gone from flat to fabulous bringing the eyes upward making "the fifth wall" decors latest star. Kelly Wearstler kick started the trend by featuring her bold and graphic designs on top. Her graphic stripes, bold geometric designs and whimsical spatter's have graced the ceilings of stars like Cameron Diaz bringing an added layer of energy and artistic elegance to the room. 

Wearstler's mod and playful girl's bedroom

Love the horizontal lines juxtaposed with swirled granite

Cameron Diaz's muted bedroom gets a boost from gold caned wallpaper

Malachite on the ceiling? Yes! Shelly Johnstone Pashke has embraced the trend with gorgeous results.

Muted wallpaper balances the rich lacquered walls.

Cole & Sons Hicks wallpaper looks gorgeous paired with blue kitchen cabinets

I'm ready to jump on the trend. My latest design project includes a sitting room layered with texture in soothing shades of cream and white. The element of surprise? A wallpapered ceiling-bold and graphic or subtle and sophisticated?  I'll keep you posted...

BLANKET STATEMENT

Elle Decor, 2009

I've kept this photo of style icon Lee Radizwill posing in her Paris pied a terre for years. It's one of my favorite living rooms, understated and beautiful, a melange of carefully curated antiques and comfortable seating. The plaid cashmere throw is simply sublime-a touch of color and comfort, adding a note of informality to the room. Update your living space for fall with a cashmere throw. Here are my favorites-stylish and ready for a snuggle! 

An ultrasuede edge brings haute couture to this classic cashmere throw

Qui cashmere throw in a peaceful plaid

Super luxe Burberry cashmere throw

A melody of delicate greys 

cashmere throw features a soft autumnal plaid

BLUE SMOKE

I had the dress and a beautiful pair of heels but something was missing. A quick trip to my favorite cosmetics counter and I found the answer.  "Smokey eyes," the young woman behind the counter enthused.  Ten minutes later I left the store with a pair of smokey, sultry eyes, the perfect compliment to my cocktail dress, and a shopping bag filled with little tins: pewter, French grey and blue smoke, all waiting to create their evening magic!

That smokey palette translates beautifully to interiors.  I've always found shades of grey  soothing and sophisticated on their own or with a pop of color (turquoise, plum!) sophisticated and elegant. Smokey eyes, smokey interiors-you decide!

all images Elle Decor

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A LITTLE BLACK FOR YOUR FRIDAY

Black Friday-Gorgeous Black Interiors
 Not for the faint of heart, black interiors definitely make a statement and translate well in both contemporary and traditional interiors.  Like any good neutral, pair black with a touch of color and the rooms temperature and tone completely changes. I love dramatic glossy black paint in a small hallway or on a row of wood cabinets (think butlers pantry) -its surprising what a little black can do to boost the mood in your room!

How are you spending your Black Friday?
Photos:courtesy of Marie Claire Masio, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda

FIELD OF CLOVER

 photo from Elle Decor

My obsession with D. Porthault linens began nearly 15 years ago when we had the good fortune to rent the home of the late movie star Gary Cooper and his widow Rocky Cooper Converse. The charming ranch house was perched on the edge of Lake Agawam in Southampton and over the years had been the site of some spectacular parties. Due to poor health, Mrs. Converse would not be summering there and the home had been put up for rent.  We took a quick walk through the expansive house with our real estate agent.  The furnishings were original 1960's groovy, with Lily Pulitzer floral slipcovers in the living room, shag rugs and silver and orange wallpaper in the guest bath. I was imagining an August psychedelic birthday dinner for my husband with Mai Tai's and a limbo line. We hit the master bath and  I took a quick peek in the linen closet which was stocked with several sets of freshly pressed Porthault linen and floral towels. I touched the sheets, bright and beautiful and incredibly soft. I was in love. "When can we move in?" I asked the agent as I gingerly stepped over the avocado green shag rug.

The designs of D. Porthault are timeless. Brilliant floral patterns, the iconic heart shape designed for the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor, and my favorite, the four leaf clover print inspired by the signature of Louise deVilmorin, the French writer, are immediately recognizable as classic Porthault. I was recently reminded of my favorite print when I saw a photo of Kate Brodsky's Manhattan bathroom in Elle Decor.  A bathtub curtain was fashioned from a Porthault clover print bedsheet which looked utterly sweet and charming.  Its wonderful to see the lovely clover print getting some attention.

OH SUZANI!

Donghia's Suzani Jacquard fabric in Blue Bliss in a room by designer Jeffery Bilhuber

Bright punctuations of color really appeal to me- I guess that's why I seem to be constantly drawn to the vibrant colors and beautiful patterns which are hallmarks of Suzani-the intricate Central Asian embroidered cloth.  Persian for "needle," Susani fabric is a folk art tradition, lovingly handmade and handed down for centuries, just like our American quilt.  The brilliant cloth seems to be all the rage these days, covering tables, chairs and even walls in their dazzling, artful design. My favorite piece is the brilliant blue painted chair that Jeffrey Bilhuber upholstered in a gorgeous Dongia Suzani-I'll take four chairs please!

Vintage Suzani quilt adds drama to a neutral sofa from Esquenazi-House Beautiful 

 

Layers of color and  pattern in a dining room add drama-Elle Decor

 

Ethnic chic in the bedroom-Domino

Bigger and bolder is better in this massive living room-Cote De Texas

Ready to add some color to your home?

Louis XVI painted chair from Jason Home will brighten any corner

 

Madeline Weinrib interprets Suzani in a bright pink and black motif.

Coral and cream overlay-Wisteria 

 

Cloisonne Suzani tea vessel from Madison Avenue Gifts

STYLISH SOAKING TUBS

Elle Decor October 2009

American bathrooms have evolved from the utilitarian tub and shower combo of years past. With today's fast paced lifestyle, a relaxing spa like atmosphere and refuge is more in sync with our needs and desires. Today's bathrooms are being designed with tiled walk in showers with rainwater heads, deep soaking tubs and lounging chairs-all in an effort to relax and calm our frazzled nerves.

 I have to admit- I installed a large English soaking tub in my bathroom and it was so worth it.  Deep and extra long, gone are the days of knees and elbows sticking out for lack of room.  I can fill the tub with bubbles and hide for hours!

Some of my favorite soaking tubs-

Agape's Spoon tub is modern and sculptural.

Kohler's Vintage bath tub has classic lines, perfect for a more traditional bathroom.

Copper tubs, traditional and very luxurious.

Full out glamour with the Julien soaking tub by Troy Adams in stainless steel.

More like modern sculpture, this marble tub is magnificent.