Designer Leta Austin Foster to discuss new book in Palm Beach

Designer Leta Austin Foster to discuss new book in Palm Beach

Leta Austin Foster Associates 

Stay tuned for more about Leta's exciting new book!  DF *****

Not Torn Down (Yet)

Gordon Drive, Naples, FL

This is one of my favorite of the older, hidden properties in Naples, and it was built originally as the guest quarters for J. Glen Sample, who very fortuitously developed the area known as Port Royal. 

It was only in the mid-1980's that even our east coast sister city of Palm Beach implemented a historic preservation program, and let's hope the same will happen here~as it already has in the historic district of Old Naples.  I'll be in PB on Monday to hear dear Leta Foster talk about her new book: "Traditional Interiors" with dear Billy and our Palm Beach friend the designer Louise Wilcox Cronan.  Stay tuned! 
DF *****

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Progress in Mediterra !

Dean Farris Interior Design (c) 2015

We're slowly, but surely, making progress at the Mediterra condominium residence of my real estate professional client, (a young bachelor) and I took this quick shot today while there for a drapery (curtains) installation. 
This client loves blue, and likes symmetry and a "Hampton's" look, which we are working towards achieving together.  Stay tuned for more shots coming soon!
DF *****

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Neoclassical in Naples

3555 Gordon Drive, Naples, FL

Yesterday was a glorious weather day, and as I so often do, rode all the way down Gordon Drive to enjoy the beach and the breezes...and just happened to discover this hidden jewel of a house...approached down a long drive behind two other houses and hugging Champney bay, with good views of the gulf as well.  It's a 2009 house built to look at least 100-200 years older.  Price has been reduced from 20M to 16M...I particularly liked the distressing on the side of the guest house-garage. (not shown here) A LOT to be thankful for! DF

3555 Gordon Drive, Naples, FL via MLS

English Chic: Andrew Martin

Douglas Chair, Andrew Martin U.K. (Miromar Design Center)

More exciting design world news!  Our Andrew Martin showroom, suite 101, at Miromar Design Center is featuring the latest and the greatest, and hosting a fundraiser for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, tomorrow, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm...

Blair chair, Andrew Martin U.K. (Miromar Design Center)

Looking forward to seeing everyone then!  DF *****

Peggy G, Why I Must Return to Venice

Peggy Guggenheim, via Habitually Chic

Having been obsessed with the famous art patron and collector, Peggy Guggenheim, ever since I read the fabulous story of her life~(d. 1979) AND there is a new film on her by Lisa Immordino Vreeland click here !  I wanted to share with my loyal readers the time I was on that motoscafo headed towards the Hotel Danieli, and whooshed right on by the famous Castello housing the Peggy Guggenheim museum...on the Gran Canale...

I had wanted very badly, in the brief time I was there in the Venetian islands, to find my way back to her museum,  but I did recall my old friend Nicky Cardone warning me about getting lost and even falling into a canale after one too many Proseccos...(at night) but even with the throngs of daytime tourists, I was quite wistful thinking about dear Tadzio in my favorite Visconti film Death In Venice.  The beautiful young boy who tormented an older man...

So, with all best intentions, I do think Billy and I will be in Venice sometime next year.  I promised myself I'd return with someone who was important to me, and of course, would love to go for the biennale too.  But, if only to visit the Guggenheim Museum, that would be reason enough!  DF *****

At Home, an Homage

Home Sweet Home, DFID (2015)

My wonderful father, who fought in the early 1950's in Korea, deserves a big thank you on this, Veteran's Day...

Korean War

 

The Korean War was a war between North and South Korea, in which a United Nations force led by the United States of America fought for the South, and China fought for the North, which was also assisted by the Soviet Union. The war arose from the division of Korea at the end of World War II and from the global tensions of the Cold War that developed immediately afterwards.

en.wikipedia.org

· Text under CC-BY-SA license

• Start date: Jun 25, 1950
• End date: Jul 27, 1953

Mallard Pond, Georgian Revival

via Christie's International

I'm quite partial to these entrance gates...at Mallard Pond, in Ridgefield, CT

Aerial view, Mallard Pond, via Christie's International

Here's an aerial view, I think these re-creations of Georgian almost always age well.  Enjoy!  DF *****

Dining at Bricktops, Naples

Blue Bar, Hotel Algonquin, NYC

Last night, Billy and I had great fun, while dining chez Bricktops (Naples and Palm Beach) with our new friend, Mr. Philip Norkeliunas, who was sent to us by dear Mario Buatta, The Prince of Chintz! 
Philip roomed with Christopher Spitzmiller at Saint Lawrence College.  Philip's partner, Dr. Amin Jaffer, lives in London, and works at Christie's ...and he has also written a book, "Beyond Extravagance"...click here ~we also saw our old friends from Gulf Shore Boulevard and Amagansett, Joy and Tom Edwards, which was a delightful surprise.  Tom is a very talented decorator, and a native New Yorker.  All in all, a very enjoyable evening!  DF *****

When Albert Wintered in Naples

Albert Hadley's former cottage, Naples, Florida

I have such fond memories of all the time I spent with Albert Hadley, when he had a winter cottage here in Naples...you can read more about this in previous posts of mine...DF

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YSL/Halston in Naples !

Baker Museum, Naples

Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the ’70s offers a unique perspective on two of the best-known fashion designers in modern history who defined the sexy and glamorous looks of the 1970s. The approximately 80 ensembles and 20 accessories — drawn from The Museum at FIT’s extensive collection of pieces from both designers — reflect the social, economic and political realities of their creators and the world at large. November 7, 2015 – March 6, 2016

I was thrilled to see that this exhibition was coming to town~ and in partnership with my alma mater (FIT) no less!  DF***** 

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Morning Light, Early November

My new slipper chairs from Linda, Calling It Home, fabric is Robert Allen

Even though I don't shoot film anymore, I still get a kick out of using my phone for images with instant gratification...and I'm still crazy for these ultra-chic chairs that my new friend Linda gave me recently.  They're now flanking my early 20th century (circa 1915) chesterfield in newer buttery caramel colored leather.  I caught the beautiful early morning light and wanted to share it with you.



My Albert Hadley low table, with red lacquer tray

Love this image, the small bohemian glass vases were another gift, from dear friend Roberta.  Billy bought the small Imari bowl for me in a shop in Key West, that had moved down from Greenwich Village. 
As I enjoy my morning coffee here, I think of all the wonderful memories of dear Albert, and when he gave me this table while on his way to the trash bin to throw it out.  It was lacquered in a khaki-bamboo gold color and I simply brushed it with a gloss black paint.  Black accents with taupe walls and beige carpet is a smart combination, and gives a nice masculine atmosphere to my small flat here in Naples on the gulf.  Enjoy!  DF ***** 

DFID (c) 2015

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In A Chinese Garden, Charleston

image via Carolyne Roehm blog

The charm of a garden in Charleston, at the home of tastemaker Carolyne Roehm, had me thinking of the new wallpaper and fabric by Miles Redd for Schumacher...

Brighton pavilion, Miles Redd for Schumacher

Looking forward to a very festive and fun holiday season!  Enjoy!  DF *****

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