Encore American Red Cross Designers’ Show House

Encore American Red Cross Designers’ Show House

We were invited to attend a viewing of this divine decorator show house today, by Naples associates- Jay Jerauld and Susan Gardner,but were unfortunately previously booked!  Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design participated this year, and I was impressed since he has formed a partnership with our blogging friend, and leading Palm Beach-New York decorator, LETA AUSTIN FOSTER- who also maintains a very charming boutique in the Via Mizner off Worth Avenue...
Stay tuned for more east coast design updates to follow!  Cheers!  Enjoy!  DF *****

Candice Olson for Highland House

Designer Candice Olson

News Flash!  Canadian design guru and HGTV star, Candice Olson is here in Naples- sources tell us she had 1,000 rsvps for her talk here, and had to be dropped in by helicopter...onto the roof- we also heard that her handsome speaking engagement fee runs $75,000.00-  We do carry her line for Highland House Furniture, which is quite well done, and would love to show it to you at our Naples showroom- Norris Home Furnishings, 5015 Tamiami Trail North-  Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF ***** 

Foodie Alert: Lamoraga Malaga Coming To Naples

Bradley wants to go to Lamoraga

Great News!  Naples is getting a new authentic Spanish bistro, called Lamoraga... TripAdvisor gives it four stars.  Even better, it's going up in a beautiful modern building adjacent to the shop of my good friend, Mark Felix - called J. Mark Designs- which offers great examples of modern furnishings and decorative objects.  Just across from Park Shore Drive, check it out!  Cheers! DF *****

Lantana Villas at Olde Cypress

Model Home by Stock Development

One of our new projects is working with long time clients on a new villa in Lantana at Olde Cypress- a new development by Naples area builders Stock Development.  Pizazz Interiors designed this model, called the San Remo -which is the same floor plan I am working on.  Below, the dining area-

Model Home, Stock Development

We especially like the use of a banquette seat with the square dining table- this floor plan is one of the smaller ones- but perfectly suitable for empty nester's looking for low maintenance.  Our clients also have homes in Texas, Colorado, Panama, and North Carolina - as well as several others in Naples!
Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF *****

Saint Valentine's Teddie by Ralph

Teddie Bear by Ralph Lauren

Happy Saint Valentines Day!  This cute little bear, by Ralph Lauren, slept with me last night- and he asked me to send his best wishes and warmest regards to all of our worldwide readers, friends, and followers...Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF *****

Film: A Passage to India

Taj Mahal, Agra

I just saw the 1984 film, A Passage to India, by the late Sir David Lean.  What a fantastic film!  Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, James Fox, and Dame Peggy Ashcroft gave it their all- doing justice to the 1926 novel by E.M. Forster.  This fabulous film reminded me of the Anglo Indian rage back in New York of the 1980's, remember British Khaki, by Robert Leighton ?  Check out this iconic production- it's a great story about the decline of the British rule in India- with the most amazing cinematography. Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF *****

Avenue 5, Naples

Seen at Inn on Fifth, Club Suites, Naples

We were recently treated to a private, designers only tour of the new Avenue 5 bistro, and the club suites at Inn on Fifth, Naples.

A ceiling detail at Avenue 5, Naples

As you can see from the above shot, the new bistro in the hotel will have a totally hip and up to date vibe, along with a 3,800 bottle wine cellar!  Many thanks to Cathy and Jinx for a wonderful evening on Fifth.  DF *****