It's Curtains for 2013!

My Living Room curtains

Another year has come and gone!  Looking forward with great pleasure and anticipation to 2014 -
Best wishes to you and may all your dreams come true!  Cheers! DF ***** 

A Carolina Christmas

A William Roy Wallace house

Roslyn Road

I had a wonderful and relaxing time in lovely Winston-Salem, and thought to share a few images with you-

Above, another later house by architect William Roy Wallace, who apprenticed under the famous Charles Barton Keen, of Philadelphia.  The Reynolds family had brought Mr. Keen to Winston-Salem to design "Reynolda" their estate, which was completed in 1912.  CBK then also designed the beautiful campus of buildings called Reynolds High School, where yours truly went- and as you can see from these images, W-S is a lovely old town.  Cheers!  DF *****  

Some Highlights from 2013

Billy at Webster and Company

My great friend and partner Billy, above, in front of a very monumental coquillage mirror by our friend and mentor, the fabulous Judith Auclair...

Scott and Susan of Theo and Isabella Design

Our wonderful and so talented friends, the designers from Boston, who just completed a large home in Mediterra, Naples- www.theoandisabella.com 

Mary C. Treptow and friend, Osetra, Naples

One of the coolest people I am privileged to know, dear friend Mary Catherine Treptow, celebrating her birthday at Osetra Caviar Bar, Naples

Dean Farris Interior Design, Global Views tables

We waited for a long time to get these two tables installed- for the O'Connell residence- and the clients are thrilled with the finished results...

India Hicks Products at Wynn's Market, Naples 

Mini cannoli at New York Pizza, Naples

Billy and I love having lunch with our friend Gillian Grieve, at New York Pizza and Pasta- everything is always super fresh and delicious!  And of course, finding the India Hicks line of bath and grooming products here in Naples was just the icing on the cake!  Great stocking stuffers!  XXOO

Cheers, Enjoy!  DF *****

Babe's 17th Century Mirror

Room by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, AD 2005

This mirror, purchased from John Hobbs, once hung in the Parish-Hadley designed Manhasset, Long Island home of Babe and Bill Paley.  I read this with great interest, having always been intrigued by this mirror.  Imagine, over many centuries, the mirror has traveled from Europe to New York, to California! 

From Parish Hadley, Sixty Years of American Design 1995

 Described as being Portugese, and of olive wood, this stunning object showcases the exquisite taste level of the Paleys and their designers...and is a fabulous example of how a good antique can add so much flair and a sense of quality to a room.  Enjoy! DF*****

Babe Paley Smoking

Barbara "Babe" Paley

If one picture is worth a thousand words...what an inspiring image this is-!  Cheers!  DF *****

Mario's New Book - New York Flair!

Santa brought me this early!

Amazon shipped this out pretty fast- and I'm up to page 107- took a break to jot a note to MB, then post this mini blog- :) I just got back from a preview party at Leslie Hindman, they have the estate of Lilly Pulitzer coming up.

I noted also, that Emily Evans Eerdmans used the word "fantastical" in the text- so, Anonymous, if you're reading this, I hope you'll get a big laugh!

  My Mario inspired sash hanger shown above-

Mary gave me this Mario inspired silk table skirt-

Stay tuned for more on this fabulous new book- which is full of wit and fun! Cheers! DF *****  

How Do You Like These Designer Vignettes?

Billy and I created this colorful "garniture" look in my new Naples flat

I've always loved and enjoyed porcelain objects, and here we used some to make a kind of "garniture" for the rattan console table- what do you think?

We floated this amethyst geode coaster on a porcelain plate
Coaster, BR UNO, Naples

I got a kick out of placing this coaster on this plate-the BR UNO boutique also carries Hermes' china and Baccarat crystal, as well as the new "Versailles" scented candles...

Fabulous 1970's inspired pillow by Thro by Marlo Lorenz

Sister and Albert would totally "get" this chevron look...what fun!

One of my collages...

Mummy had this collage I made framed, since it got ruined in the fire...my friend and client Mary Ann gave me the cloisonne' vase-

Clients Bob and Martin gave me this table- I love it!

My friend Mitzi gave me a strobe light, to place under the Maitland Smith bust when I have a party- "disco fever" !

The Dean chair, by Century Furniture

I love this small slipper chair in our showroom in Naples- (wonder why?) I sold one today too! We will match the cream in the stripe to the paint color on the walls- and use the "Connor" sofa with it-

Be prepared to fight traffic if you go shopping in Naples

I thought this was a funny shot- since I have often counted as many as 43 Mercedes while waiting for a light to change- I kid you not- I am SERIOUS! :)
Happy shopping!  Cheers!  Enjoy!  DF *****

Shopping With Clients, Kitchen Remodel...!

Shopped for slabs at U.M.I , Naples

We also found this backsplash tile at U.M.I.

Comparing the cabinet finish with our stone selection

Wilson Lighting for the Breakfast Room, (Corbett)

Corbett Lighting at Wilson, Naples

New cabinet door and drawer pulls, Smith and DeShields

I liked this simple pewter finish pull...

We also both liked this look...

Just another day in the life of a busy Naples designer- this project is in The Claridge, a high rise condominium in Naples, where I have worked previously for another client.  Stay tuned!  Cheers!  DF ***** 

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Vintage Mercedes Benz  Convertible

Hermes' Limoges tray from my friend Jerry

Anything Cartier...that's my Mummy in a dress I
bought for her on my first trip to Paris...

Charvet ties

Napoleon III Chinoiserie Lacquer Commode

The porphyry lacquer walls in Hilary Geary Ross's former living room
by my friend Mario Buatta...

Mario Villa faux emerald cuff links from my friend Mary 

Cocktails with Bourbon

Greek Revival houses

Private aircraft

Just a few of the things that make life worth living!
Cheers!  DF *****

More Decorator Scrapbook 2013

Deans' Living - Dining Room 2013

Deans' Living Room 2012

Deans' Living Room 2010

Deans' Living Room 2007

While I don't have images from all of my recent Living Room incarnations to show you here, I thought you might enjoy a look back over the past six years of my personal decorating- something I enjoy as a respite from working with the clients.  The last (2007) shot shows a Donghia low table, and Oly Studio dining chairs, upholstered in blonde raffia.  I sold the unit furnished.  Compare this layout which is similar to the 2013 room- a similar floor plan, only located in a more fashionable part of town.  Although I gave up new construction for a 1970's condo- I just love living near the beach- and I enjoy the established ambience of The Moorings neighborhood.  Stay tuned for more updates! Cheers!  DF ***** 

Decorator Scrapbook 2013

Dean Farris Interior Design

Tony Duquette

Dean Farris Interior Design

Elizabeth Dinkel

Dean in Paris, Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais

Stephen Sills

Dean in his shop, Winston-Salem, NC

Alexa Hampton

Hunt Slonem

James Andrew

Our client and friend, Charles Fleck

Deans' New York flat, E. 66th Street

Enjoy these images of good friends, and favorite rooms...Cheers!  DF *****