KIPS BAY PALM BEACH: Impressions

Dean with designer Susan Zises Green,
Kips Bay PB Showhouse 2017

Thanks to the prodding of my good friend the designer, Steven Matable, Billy and I visited Palm Beach 
(with Steve) to see the first annual Kips Bay Palm Beach Decorator Showhouse -
 I was tickled pink to run into Susan Zises Green there, as she was a friend of my former mentor and friend, the late Tice Alexander.  Her room was a stunning confection in Quadrille and Alan Campbell prints with a delicious shade of amethyst playing off of a unique one of a kind rug.

Susan Zises Green, via House Beautiful

Designer Steven Matable in Lisa Erdmann's room- KBPBDS 2017

We got a kick out of this bright yellow room by Lisa Erdmann Associates-

Bierly-Drake for KBPBDS 2017

Loved this chair treatment, possibly inspired by Pauline de Rothschild...

Stephen Mooney for KBPBDS 2017

This upstairs library by Stephen Mooney reminded me of the New York penthouse I worked on with the late Parkin Saunders- where once upon a time Joan Crawford lived!

Christopher Maya for KBPBDS 2017

One of my favorite rooms was this one- as it had a Giacometti white plaster lantern, table top, and wall plaque !!!

Fernando Wong for KBPBDS 2017

This modern sculpture in the garden was the first thing you saw upon approaching the house- stunning!  

Perhaps the best of all was visiting my dear friend, decorator Louise Cronan at her restored 1924 cottage near El Cid...it seemed as if we left one showhouse and entered another!  No surprise as she is one of the most brilliant designers I know.  
Her mother decorated the house in Atlanta that Miles Redd grew up in!  A very talented family to say the least.  DF *****

DECORATOR SCRAPBOOK: 04.25.17

Alex Hitz

Honey Collins

Anthony Baratta

Casa Bonita project, (c) DFID

Hal Ainsworth

Cathy Kincaid

Ralph Lauren for Visual Comfort

Some random images from my files- I'm mad for those Louis XV chairs in the Beverly Hills residence of Alex Hitz, image courtesy House Beautiful.  Enjoy!  DF *****

LOOK BACK: Muse Baron Nicolas de Gunzburg- FORWARD: Todd Alexander Romano

Baron Nicolas de Gunzburg, Horst

I think the first time I ever met Todd Romano, was in the office of the late decorator Parkin Saunders- and I recall being impressed by his personal style, very 1930's playboy, very Baron de Gunzburg!  (He was wearing an ascot perfectly knotted)  I'm sorry to say, we haven't had a chance to reconnect since that first meeting which must have been about 1995.  

Interesting to note, that the Baron, a stylish figure in European and (North) American society, first settled in Hollywood- and later went to New York. 

Todd is now based in San Antonio, Paris, Los Angeles and New York- Click aqui to find out more about the ultra glamorous and very interesting Nicolas de Gunzburg.  Check out this fabulous portrait of Todd Romano which reminds me so much of the Horst photograph of Nicolas, who was known as "Nicky".  (aka Nikki)

Todd Alexander Romano

In researching the Baron, I learned, not surprisingly, that he had been a muse and inspiration to designers Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, and especially Calvin Klein, who considered the Baron to be a style mentor.  When, after his first big fashion show, Calvin approached the Baron to ask his opinion, whether it was a success or a flop- the Baron said "You showed great courage".  Wow!  Can you say "concise" ?

Adding further parallel interest to my story of two gentleman of great style,  Todd has done extensive work for Suzy Hilfiger, a wife of the fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger.  Check out Todd's beautiful site here and you can see for yourself the extent of his talent and fabulous point of view.

I had posted previously about Todd's recent completion in Naples, Fla. of the former cottage of Albert Hadley- which made the cover of House Beautiful, for the second time!  (first time was when Albert was still the owner)  This then reminded me of how my other decorator friend, Mario Buatta, had designed a maisonette previously belonging to Sister Parish - for his client Patricia Altschul.

I recently was riding my bike down the alley where the entrance to Albert's former small guest house is located, and took this snap of it- after I showed it to Mario, he noted  "Very New England" - and indeed there is that quality to this charming property, located in the historic district of Naples.

I-fone photo by Dean

And here's the main house living room when Albert had it- a place where I spent many happy evenings of cocktails and long conversations!

via House Beautiful

And here is the same room from the Todd Romano decoration- some of the renovation had been done by previous owners who were subsequent to Albert's ownership.

Todd Alexander Romano, House Beautiful

What fun for me to have these talented gents in my life, and to have the Baron for inspiration- he makes me want to smoke so badly!  But, I did give up using Tenax in my hair back in the late 70's-
Don't you love how Nicky's hair is slicked back?  Not an easy look to pull off.  But in his day it was THE LOOK !  Check out Todd's Instagram too! DF *****

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TODD ALEXANDER ROMANO, NAPLES

Todd Romano, via House Beautiful

I was excited to hear (from dear friend Mary) that Todd Romano had recently decorated the old Albert Hadley cottage...(Naples) where I spent a lot of time back in the late 90's.

Having always been a huge fan of Todd's, I was relieved to know that he had been involved in this project, and I know that Albert would be very pleased as well.  See the circa 2000 image from House Beautiful below for the Albert version of this room...



Albert Hadley, via House Beautiful

It's a great tribute to Naples to have had not just Albert but also Todd working here, and I was thrilled to see what Todd had done, since the previous owner had used some oversized furniture that seemed to dwarf the diminutive cottage rooms... this house has sold several times since Mr. Hadley owned it, and it finally is coming into it's own now that TAR has put his elegant imprimatur on it...check out more of Todd's beautiful design work here from his interior design site. 

Beautiful, elegant, and suitable- Billy Baldwin would be impressed too!  DF *****

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Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon in House Beautiful

via Love Is Speed

We can't get enough of this Schumacher print "Chiang Mai Dragon" ...see my earlier posts on this iconic fabric design.
DF *****

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Another Hadley Protege' !

Designer Sam Allen, via HB

A young and talented designer, Sam Allen, who worked with Albert Hadley, has a real flair~ his apartment shown above, reminds me of the color sense of the designer George Stacey, whom Maureen Footer has done a book about.  Of course, it doesn't hurt to be young, talented, and handsome!  All of which Sam is.  Enjoy!  DF *****
(see more of Sam on The Glam Pad and in House Beautiful)

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Nick Olsen in House Beautiful!

I was very excited to see that Emily Evans Eerdmans had posted about designer Nick Olsen.  Nick is a protege' of Miles Redd- and I found this entry hall Nick created to be something I could really fall for-

New York, New York, it's a hell of a town!  (see the current issue of House Beautiful)
Congratulations to Nick- he deserves this coverage- and we wish him all the luck and success in the world! Nick Olsen has created Manhattan magic in a 1,000 square foot one bedroom apartment.
The visual excitement of this flat is something else.  The photography is very good also!  The painted stripes on the living room walls reminded me of what Albert had done for his young friend, the model Robert Yoh- only with black stripes.  Ditto the bright violet leather on the open arm chair. So, what do YOU think of this entry hall?  I love it!  I feel that all the strong colour can make up for those very long, dreary winters that many New Yorkers are forced to endure.  Kudos to Nick Olsen!  Congrats!
DF *****

Nick Olsen House Beautiful

Albert Hadley for Brooke Astor

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"I deeply believe that a beautiful decor can have a beneficial influence on our lives"

Albert Hadley

Before or After?

Albert Hadley, Naples, FL 1999

Of course, I absolutely loved the old Albert Hadley cottage, and spent many fun times there- sometime between 1997 and 1999...it was the BEST ! My clients, David and Tom - bought it from AH, after I had introduced them.  Below is the current MLS shot of his former living room, which perhaps has become a "Naples-ized" version...

2014

Billy and I are just back from a jaunt to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, so stay tuned for some shots I took while there!  XXOO DF *****

Garrow's New York Glamour

Room by Garrow Kedigian

We love this Garrow Kedigian apartment- on Park Avenue in New York.  The luxe, euro inspired lacquered walls, tufted banquette, and Louis XV mantel are all elements that resonate for us.  See more of New York designer Garrow Kedigian and his chic flat in New York Social Diary...here Enjoy!  DF ***** 

Inspiration: House Beautiful February 2014

Dashing Newell Turner

I greatly enjoyed devouring my newly received copy of "House Beautiful" today- from Miles Redd, to Sara Gilbane, and Steven Gambrel, the issue was a tour de force of eclectic, modern color!  I loved seeing old friend Carolina Irving's fabric called Andaluz on the outside backs of dining chairs from Hickory Chair too...MUST have samples of that "stat"! 

As well, I was drenched in color and pattern today,

when Ms. Holly Blalock, from the C.R. Laine company presented her ideas and inspirations to us in a seminar here in our Norris showroom.

I enjoyed her talk, and it was fun to see where her inspirations come from, sometimes in the form of FOOD!  We were in Miami last night for dinner, and Magnum lounge there has great cuisine and live music too.  Try it - you'll like it.  I was reminded of the time years ago when I had a clients dining room glazed in a delicious raspberry sorbet color!

We then varnished over the glaze and made it quite lacquered looking, which was delightful, fun, and fresh.  Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF ***** 

 

RL Home Collection, 30 Years of Fabulous!



Designer James Andrew

I enjoyed seeing the coverage of the 30 year anniversary of RL Home in the September issues of House Beautiful, and Architectural Digest...my New York pal, James Andrew, of the blog "What Is James Wearing? " once worked for Ralph, before his time with famous Albert Hadley- and the late AH had consulted on the Laurens' Fifth Avenue apartment after it was done by Angelo Donghia, many years ago. 
Stay tuned for some exciting news regarding our upcoming partnership with the world famous RL brand!  Cheers!  DF *****

What Is Dean Reading?



Dean Farris 2010

Summer!  A great time to grab a few books and magazines, and READ!  Here's what I'm into right now...1.  REVENGE WEARS PRADA, Lauren Weisbergers new sequel to her #1 bestselling DEVIL WEARS PRADA... I also saw the film and loved it too..
2.  BARE BLASS, by Cathy Horyn, Harper Collins 2002...my dear friend Mary gave this one to me, and I was thrilled, since Bill Blass was the commencement speaker at my graduation from famous F.I.T. (one of the top five fashion schools in the world).  The voice of BB in this book is heard as if he's in the room with you...and great photos too.  As Diana Vreeland said- "This is a big rich country, and Bill Blass looks it right in the face."
3.  BAG OF TOYS, by David France, Warner Books 1992...the titillating and scandal ridden tale of art dealer Andrew Crispo- the partner of the late Arthur Smith.  Hide this one from the children- for adults only!
4.  HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, July-August 2013...I'm in love with the Mimi McMakin project - in the Major Alley enclave of Palm Beach, a very charming place near Worth Avenue that I once discovered while visiting the island years ago.  Charm does not begin to describe the enchantment that Mimi has created here.  Her talent knows no bounds, she's a favorite decorator of mine, along with Leta Austin Foster, also of PB.  Enjoy!  DF***** 

Barroux Model, F.P. Victoria



From House Beautiful, March 2005

One of my all time favorite chairs, the Barroux model, from trade source F.P. Victoria, New York- is shown here.  As readers of Dean Farris Style may recall, I was fortunate to work with the late Tice Alexander, a good friend and classmate- from FIT days, who previously worked as a decorator at the famed Parish-Hadley Associates...without any digression, I could probably talk about this chair, and how it relates to a certain period of my life, for HOURS!  But I don't think I have the time right now!  If you want more info on the Barroux chair, go on the site www.fpvictoria.com and click on bespoke, then chairs, then scroll down... the above image is from a 2005 Stephen Henderson article called "Rising From The Ashes" - which was produced by Senga Mortimer, with stunning photography by Don Freeman.  (March 2005)
After this important estate was damaged in a fire, designers Albert Hadley and Harry Heissman accepted the challenge of re-designing the house- reconfiguring some major rooms, changing fenestration, and it was also decided to switch from wood frame construction to stone.  The re-built house is now built to commercial codes, and should last forever.  Sited on 300 acres in Litchfield- the fabulous grounds were also featured in the January 2005 House Beautiful!
When Tice and I designed another estate, in Houston, Texas, we again used the barroux model- flanking the fireplace in the grand living room- where I recall windows were bricked in to allow for furniture placement on that elevation.  We also took out a stone floor and replaced it with wood.  I wish I had a picture of that room-to share with you- it was all done in the classic Parish Hadley mode, with a Russian chandelier over a center table- and hundreds of yards of Cowtan Tout chintz.  The silk velvet sofas were from DeAngelis- with custom embroidered skirts.  The carpet was an Aubusson.  The Barroux model is very luxe comfort- it is 30.5 wide, 42.5 deep, and 34 high, and has down cushions.  Think of it as a sort of easy chair for moguls- and do visit the FPV site, it has a great modern look and feel- the essence of old New York!  ENJOY! DF ***** 

The Pink Elephant, Boca Grande

Exciting news! DFS is celebrating its third year of existence - tomorrow -! It's my blog, and I built it!  Labor Day weekend is just in time to tie in with this celebration, as well as a Saturday wedding on Marco Island...( a dear designer friend from Rumson, NJ)
Didn't you just LOVE seeing Beau Davidson tonight, on C-SPAN ?!?!?! What a great talent!  
Perhaps this weekend we'll take a trip up to the charming island of Gasparilla, aka Boca Grande.  I love the hotel, and its outpost, called "The Pink" (The Pink Elephant) casual dining restaurant, perfect for lunch.  Order the grouper sandwich and a bloody mary - or just some nice, cold iced tea.  Our wonderful client on BG loves to take us there, and she bought Carleton Varney's apartment in New York.  She also knows Dorrance "DoDo" Hamilton, the Campbell's Soup heiress- who owns many properties on the island.  
I have also had the pleasure of working with JoAnn Barwick, another celebrated BG winter resident, who was the fabulous editor of "House Beautiful" from 1978-1991.  She was then followed by Mr. Louis Gropp, and today, Mr. Newell Turner is the editor. 

I so look forward to our upcoming Winter Season, here in sunny Naples, it's time to rev up the old wardrobe, pull up our socks, and pick up those Gucci loafers!  (from the repair shop)  ENJOY! DF ***** 

The Chic of Small Rooms, Albert Hadley

I found this room shot on the House Beautiful site, and was reminded of my late friend, Mr. Albert Hadley.  Let me share a wonderful story with you.  When Albert would hire a young designer, he would often help them out with making their first apartment in the city into a chic space, with very little financial resources.  Tice Alexander, my late Parish-Hadley mentor, was one such lucky fellow, and Albert helped him to make a 10 x 10 studio in Manhattan on East 69th Street into one very tiny, very stylish jewel box.  It was lacquered by Weidl Brothers in Billy Baldwin Brown, and had one Metropolitan Wire bookcase showing off Tices's amazing decorative arts library, built-ins for his clothes, a full size bed in brown linen, and two white painted and parcel gilt side chairs with lemon yellow Thai silk seats!  There was an old faded gilt mirror hanging above a Parish-Hadley chest, which Tice lacquered black himself, while smoking a Marlboro and sipping a diet Coke.  Lighting was kept very low - and it was a sensational glitter box at night, the only time he was ever in it.  There was also an alcove where the one window was, with a pedestal holding a classical bust.  It was fab, and I thought this room shown reminded me of the old TA flat- so here it is.  ENJOY!  DF *****  ( a good example of less is sometimes more)

Room of the Week, Pamela Pierce

I was on another one of my favorite designer blogs, COTE DE TEXAS - and Joni featured this room - by Pamela Pierce - which I fell in love with. I was also tickled pink to see the Windsor Smith "Mandella" sunbrella in the new House Beautiful, since I had recently specified it for a project here in Naples. It's a medium scale geometric print. Love it! DF *****

How To Decorate a Loft - Loft Apartment Design - House Beautiful

How To Decorate a Loft - Loft Apartment Design - House Beautiful

Here's the vintage KREISS headboard by designer Steven Sclaroff I had mentioned in an earlier post... ENJOY! DF ******

Room of the Week, Joe Nye

photo courtesy House Beautiful

I very much like this bedroom, which belongs to designer Joe Nye, in Los Angeles, and was featured in House Beautiful...also I got a mild kick out of seeing my old friend from New York, Arthur Dunnam, on the show "Selling New York" on HGTV last night. Arthur is the head designer at Jed Johnson, and was always very kind to me when I lived in the city. I also as you know have seen another old friend from New York, Peter Dunham, on the new show called "Million Dollar Decorator" on Bravo. Peter lives in Los Angeles and is a decorator with his own line of fabrics. It seems that every magazine I open and every show I see on television is now featuring people I know from my New York days...very exciting! Have a great day dear readers. DF *****

Restoration Hardware

DEAN FARRIS INTERIOR DESIGN

I was again thrilled to see in the May issue of House Beautiful another item I had recently used in the Edelman project here in Naples. HB featured the Restoration Hardware double vanity I specified for the master bath remodel for Mary Edelman, of Edelman Leather fame.

Here's a shot of the installation... Enjoy! DF *****

Albert's Cottage

Our wonderful Albert Hadley owned this small cottage in Old Naples, and I spent a lot of time there when he wintered in Naples. When Albert had this house, it was painted a dark green, and did not have a swimming pool. I introduced Albert to my clients David and Tom, who later bought his house! (They downsized from a larger historic property on the same street, known as West Haven) David and Tom then sold it to Rick, a fashion executive, who did extensive remodeling as well, and the house recently sold again to buyers I don't know, for around 2 million...During Albert's tenure, the house was published in House Beautiful...it also has a small guest house as well. Some of my most vivid memories of fun with AH are from this time. I also met James Andrew there for the first time, as well as Mark Sciarillo, another associate of the famed Mr Hadley. One night we all went to dinner at Tommy Bahamas, which is contained in a building adjacent to Mrs Tobin's building, which has stucco painted in colors selected by the late Mark Hampton. Naples is full of such tidbits of decorating trivia! Have a great day, XXOO Dean