DFID: Morning Light

DFID (c) 2019

I enjoy the sunshine in my new Naples flat- such a pleasure after the darkness of my former! DF

WHAT'S NEW: Tony D for Maitland-Smith

Hutton Wilkinson of Tony Duquette for Maitland-Smith

It's always exciting and inspiring to see what Hutton Wilkinson comes up with - and now, he is bringing out a stunning collection for Maitland-Smith.
He also has created an upholstery collection for Pearson!  On view now at Hickory Chair, Miromar Design Center, Estero, Florida.  DF

CLASSIC: Les Touches

DFID (2019)

Did you know that Billy Baldwin used Brunschwig's "les touches" back in the late sixties?  Re-reading his classic book BILLY BALDWIN DECORATES, I noticed he used it in brown for pillows in the Madrid library of Maite' Arango-!

So, of course I was thrilled when my PB friend the esteemed decorator Louise Cronan, sent me a housewarming gift of 2 yards of this iconic and charming print-!  Thank you Louise!  Be sure and visit her at the Kips Bay Palm Beach Designer Show House now through February 20th. DF

CHARITY: 2019 Kips Bay PB Show House

Louise Cronan Interior Decoration 

Check out the new (2nd annual) Kips Bay Palm Beach Designer Show house- my dear, talented friend , the decorator Louise Cronan designed the outdoor living room- known as a loggia- with her usual classic, timeless style- all for a very good cause - enjoy!  DF

CARPET: Wilton in Pastel

DFID (c) 2019

Here is the new Wilton carpet by Stanton (through Designers Rug in Naples) that I'm really enjoying after the bold and colorful ikat jute rugs I had in the previous flat- love these classic carpets and the softer look and feel of wool-

DFID (c) 2017

Above, I kept the ikat and used it temporarily in my small dining area-
Until the new travertine floor gets installed this summer!  DF

DESIGNER CULINARY : James Farmer

James Farmer

I was totally inspired by the latest post from designer James Farmer- where he mentioned his love for food and specifically, Talenti gelato- see
www.JamesFarmer.com

So, I tried the Talenti Sicilian Pistachio - it's heavenly!  The secret is to let it thaw a bit in the fridge before serving- or consuming straight from the cute container with a screw top-

As a Georgia boy myself, I can tell you that it's hard to beat one- and we know what's good- especially in the food department ! DF

PRIMROSE: Decorative Icon

The late English decorative artist, George Oakes, was fond of using the highly decorative primrose (auricula vulgaris) in his work- promoted by John Fowler and later my old pal Mario Buatta, whom I miss terribly- the silk hand painted pillows were a favorite of his back in the eighties- and, according to Nina Garcia of ELLE, the eighties are making a comeback in fashion- I found these brilliant purple ones at Driftwood Garden Center here in Naples- lovely!  DF

LOVING: Mini Topiary

DFID (c) 2019

I've always liked topiary - and here, I used these dried boxwood ones on small brackets from Suzanne  Kasler for Ballard Designs- I purchased the classic mini bouillotte lamp from a small shop in Greenwich Village years ago- mirror is 18th century French. DF

ARTIST: Jennifer Graylock

Custom Silk Screened Fabric by Jennifer Graylock

I was thrilled to discover the photographer, Jennifer Graylock, while shopping for clients at Tucker Station in Naples- @graylockphoto on Instagram -
Here, the artist used some fabric she created to upholster a copy of a Louis XVI fauteuil- to great effect, I think- DF

Chinoiserie Porcelain

DFID (c) 2019

I've always loved porcelain- and the decorative richness it adds to a room-

Found this treasure at Tucker Station in Old Naples-

Love how the colors blend with my scheme!  DF

Inspired by Billy B

DFID (c) 2019

My chaperone, Robert Morring, called the office of Billy Baldwin to arrange for me to meet the master- unfortunate for me, Mr. Baldwin had just left Manhattan for his beloved Nantucket.  So, instead we went to a chic cocktail party at the Sutton Place aerie of the designer Joseph Braswell-
All's well that ends well - and it was swell !  Next day, off to London for the beginning of my "grand tour" !  DF

INSPIRED: Morning View

Dean Farris Interior Design (c) 2019

Enjoying my new flat in Naples!  A lighter and brighter "neoclassic " look for 2019! DF

NAPLES CHARM: Before and After

DFID (c) 2019

DFID (c) 2019

INSPIRED: A Touch of Empire

(C) Dean Farris Interior Design 2019

Inspiring: Port Royal Naples

Always inspiring, beautiful, and peaceful!