FUSTIC HOUSE, BARBADOS

Fustic House, via internet

We recently used these colors for an exterior color consultation on a significant residence here in Naples- (due to the privacy concerns of the client, no pictures may be used of the project.)  For the exterior stucco we selected a color called Oyster, by Benjamin Moore, and one called Seedling, also by Benjamin Moore, for the shutters...

Fustic House

Here, you can get more of an idea of the Oliver Messel charm that was executed - love the mellow patina of this property!  DF *****

A Designer's Life

great new book !

I just picked up a copy of this fascinating new book, by Nicky Haslam~it contains some of my favorite iconic images, including those related to Oliver Messel and John Fowler...plus Sir Cecil Beaton.  Nicky worked for Diana Vreeland, and currently there is a show of photographs in Palm Beach, by her grandson Nicholas, who has been a Tibetan monk for the last 30 years...I was struck by the similarity between Nicky's new flat in London, and the stunning piano nobile salon I had been exposed to, in Bath, when I was introduced to Lord Fry, and experienced the elegance of his Royal Crescent townhouse...and how fortunate is Nicky, to call the Hunting Lodge his country place?  This book is worth buying, for many reasons, but if only for the images that would be reason enough!  A fascinating look at one man's journey into the endless world of interiors...one man who has counted none other than Minn Hogg as a friend! (The World of Interiors)  Enjoy!  DF *****

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"for nearly fifty years my lifeblood has been houses, buildings, rooms, gardens; what and who they contain; where and why people go into them, and how and when they are used; whether they are uplifting, surprising, calming, newly built or a ruin, modern or classic, charming muddles or staggering statements of style or power, or whispered, exemplary refinement."  NH

Classic Coraux

Brunschwig and Fils

I've always loved and admired the classic "coraux" pattern - and recently have been trying out some of the wallpaper from Thibaut , which is from 2003...

and you might say, oh that's so ten years ago, but not me!

This one, above, has a white background with tan coral branches... I was thinking of it for my kitchen.

And this one, above, is in the reverse- white on beige- which one do you like better? I like both although am leaning towards this one...

And I still like this coral sateen I put on a pair of chairs several years ago- I've forgotten whose fabric this is- anyone?

You can also check out Cowtan and Tout, and Brunschwig and Fils for these patterns, in wallpaper and fabric...

Perhaps it all goes back to my love of nature, and certain romantic places like the Oliver Messel estate on Barbados- with its coral stone walls.  

Our talented friend, Judith Auclair makes these fabulous coral encrusted brackets- I think this is exactly what my living room needs!  If you love coral as much as I do, pay a visit to Palm Beach- or MP Interiors here  it's all over Worth Avenue- Enjoy!  DF *****