Classics are Forever



Foyer, Hopedene, Newport, R.I.

This foyer and staircase, at Hopedene, a famous colonial revival house in Newport, Rhode Island, inspires me with its elegant simplicity, and grand proportions.  Classic!  The royal red carpet, black banisters, and brightly gilded table look stunning and so correct.






Mandarin Console by J. Alexander, Brian Austin Collection

If the gilding is too much for you, and maybe not so suitable for your lifestyle or your budget, then I'd suggest this interesting piece- which comes in a variety of finishes- we could still hang a very ornamental mirror or painting above it.  Classic!

 






Exterior entrance, Mary McDonald,  Los Angeles, CA

 Again, I find the work of decorator Mary McDonald, so inspiring.  One walks through a shuttered gate-like door - into an outdoor garden, and then is faced with the front door entrance into the house.  I love the mystery of this, and the charm, it's CLASSIC!  Also classic is the deep taupe colour Mary used on the stucco.  Enjoy!  DF ***** 

Decorator Scrapbook

Dean Farris at home, 2010

I was most interested to see that decorator Mary McDonald has launched a new line of decorative fabrics for Schumacher.  Congratulations Mary!





Mary McDonald for Schumacher

Hmmm... what else is rocking my little world right now?  I would have to say, it's a little of everything, and I enjoy my work so much, that it's hard to not become just a total workaholic!



Room by Dean Farris

I still love this moody, almost Parisian feeling, shot I took of my former Positano Place living room, from a few years ago.  The teal and gilt painted Louis XV style chair was obtained from the late Albert Hadley- it wears a Jack Lenor Larsen linen, backed in softly shimmering gold lame'.  I still love this chair, and my friend Stephen has suggested I have copies made of it, a la Ann Getty, to use as dining chairs...love that concept!




Albert Hadley

My decorator friend in Los Angeles, Peggy Braswell, recently posted a comment on  my piece about the new Chesterfield sofa, and I find her inspiring too.  Here's a beautiful portrait of beautiful Peggy...



Peggy Braswell

Even though I decided not to move out to Los Angeles, it seems I keep going in that direction- and I think we all have the ability to change directions, when we feel so compelled.  Enjoy the day!  DF *****

Room of the Week, Mary McDonald

I like this room very much, by the California designer, Mary McDonald, and so, I thought I'd give her a gift, since she's one of my favorite stars of the new reality show, called Million Dollar Decorators- I feel as if I know Mary, and I love her look, and her personality too. 




From Mary McDonald Interiors, The Allure of Style, courtesy of Rizzoli

  I never knew that Mary went to Parsons, and had a career as a milliner! I'd love to see her in a hat, with a big brim, and a long satin ribbon...I'm sure she could pull that look off with aplomb!  There was a profile of Mary on first dibs, and it sparked my interest in this talented and very charming lady decorator.  Perhaps when I'm in L.A. I'll seek her out!  Stay tuned for more on darling Mary McDonald.  DF *****

Mary McDonald in Naples!

Very exciting news! Mary McDonald, top LA decorator, is headed this way! Beautiful, smart, chic, and fun, Mary will be here in Naples, Thursday April 19th at our design center in Estero (just north of Naples) to give a talk called "The Allure of Style" and then have a book signing and wine reception. Admission proceeds will benefit the Naples Philharmonic League. I've posted about Mary before, and she really is someone I am inspired by, ever since I saw her book, and saw her on "Million Dollar Decorator". I love her wry sense of humour, and her facial expressions, and of course, her fashion sense. Enjoy! DF *****

Room of the Week, Napa Valley

You've gotta love this image, from the Swanson Vineyard - designer Tom Britt created his magic there at the Sip and Salon... another brilliant Alexis idea.... got a kick out of seeing old friend Konstantine Konkanias on the BRAVO show "Million Dollar Decorator" last night...and Mary McDonald has been emailing me on Facebook, so of course I have to watch this amusing show. Have a great weekend! DF *****