STYLE: Bettie Bearden Pardee

via Bettie Bearden Pardee, Newport

I loved this image from the residence of Bettie Bearden Pardee, in Newport- inspiring for the Fall-Holiday season!
DF

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SUMMER ROSES: Bettie's Garden

Ah summer.... and the roses of Bettie Pardee's Newport garden- a true inspiration! Enjoy here 

Image via Bettie Bearden Pardee

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Fantasy in Decoration

Maison Auclair

Kelly Wearstler

Howard Slatkin

Ken Fulk

Alberto Pinto

Badminton

Veranda

Carlos de Beistegui

Cecil Beaton

Parish Hadley

Royal Pavilion at Brighton

Liberace

Angelo Donghia

Pavlovsk Palace

Doris Duke

Sao Schlumberger

Howard Slatkin

Ca' Rezzonico, Venice

Venice

Tony and Susan Victoria

This is my current "mood board" - and while I'm certain that all of these images have been on Pinterest, etc. - that just proves my theory that we're all starving for beauty, glamour, and a mad dash of opulent, decadent, fantasy in decoration. Albert Hadley had an exhibition with this same name- I've always found the concept most inspiring.  Enjoy! Cheers!  DF *****

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 ***** 

Elegant Palettes and Inspirations

Socialite Carolyne Roehm inspired me to add more blue and white bits to the small Parsons table I was given by famed New York society decorator Albert Hadley. Shown here. I also have been working on an elegant Naples villa for new clients and here is the color scheme I'll be presenting to them with William on Monday, yes, that's right, Memorial Day. Work! You better WORK! That's right!

I was so surprised that my dear Jessica Sanchez was not our new American Idol. I feel like she stole the show! There is no accounting for the taste of the American public I suppose. However, I think they all felt sorry for Phillip as he has had some health problems. Congrats Phillip! But seriously, Jessica was channeling Whitney! What's not to love?

Another inspiration today- my fave blogger designer in NYC posted about Caswell Massey soap! Why is this inspiring? Apparently the French believe that giving friends some lily of the valley in May is good luck. CM makes a lily of the valley soap! Who knew? Did you know that CM also is 250 years old, from Newport R.I. and carries Roger and Gallet? Fab! Enjoy! DF *****