MOUNT AIRY: Circa 1758

The John Tayloe Emery family at Mount Airy

I discovered this amazing family house, called Mount Airy , in Virginia- near Warsaw- it was the first Neo Palladian Villa to be built in the pre Civil War colonies- sitting on 1,600 acres- and amazingly still owned by the 10th generation of Tayloe descendants!

Dining Room, Mount Airy

 This view above, shows one of the Tayloe ancestors in the portrait above mantel-

Orangery ruins, Mount Airy

This Orangery- "in ruins", is what inspired me the most from looking at various images of Mount Airy- the romantic nature of an old orangery cannot be overstated.  I recall reading how (decorator) Billy Baldwin was entranced by one of these at Wye House- an old plantation owned by relatives of Pauline Potter - later the Baroness de Rothschild-.

Mount Airy facade (flanking wings not shown)

Tayloe Emery, who now lives in Mount Airy with his young family, has an interesting background working with non profits to direct celebrities towards helping impoverished Africans- an interesting note since these old farms were sustained by slaves prior to the War Between The States-. Similar to owners of Stately Homes in Britain and Europe, the family resides here while also making the house and grounds available for tours, events, and weddings- portending a most promising future for this important piece of our nations history.  DF

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VINTAGE LUXE: Revisiting The Pink Door!

The Pink Door, Inc. Greensboro, North Carolina

I'm excited to get to travel back to the Carolinas next month, and to make another visit to a favorite haunt, The Pink Door, in Greensboro. 

While enjoying the south Florida heat, I'll be planning my trip to North Carolina- always a treat, since my family is there.  Read more about The Pink Door here and enjoy! 

The proprietor, Glenn Blair Lavinder, has a flair for using vintage pieces amidst architectural backgrounds.  Brilliant!  Follow along on Instagram !  I love the glamour of this shop and design studio!

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Charm of the CAROLINAS

The Pink Door, Inc. GREENSBORO, NC 

Thanks to Hurricane Irma, I was forced to evacuate my south Florida condo, and head north - to the lovely Piedmont area of North Carolina....where I spent a fabulous ten days with my beautiful family, and visited some of my favorite haunts while there too.   Ms. Kay, of the uber charming Pink Door, introduced me to the proprietor, Mr. Glenn Blair Lavinder.  A native of Maryland, Glenn is simply  smothered in taste and style, and I really enjoyed chatting with him, and soaking up his aura of southern style and manners.  He had spent part of the summer overseeing a pop-up shop in Roaring Gap, where I once was most fortunate to assist the daughter of DeWitt Hanes with (her) bedroom in her ancestral home there- (picture Nantucket in the mountains)...no small feat, since DeWitt had used Sister Parish before I arrived on the scene!

The Pink Door, Inc. GREENSBORO, NC

I was charmed by the arrangement of items on this green bar tray...known as "libations".

The Pink Door, Inc. GREENSBORO, NC

Not to mention these exquisite taffeta curtains in ivory- reputedly purchased from a Palm Beach estate, and designed by Colefax and Fowler in London... (they are not for sale).  After I reluctantly left the Pink Door, I also paid a much overdue visit to fabulous, beyond chic, Caroline Faison antiques where, SURPRISE, Caroline was !  (she had not been there on my last visit, sadly) Can you say CHARM? Can you say BEAUTIFUL?  Her grandson, Ben, helped me with my purchase of two small Canton ware plates- on his i-pad thingy, since none of the old school Carolinian's would ever dream of using such a thing! LOL!

Reynolda Estate, Winston-Salem, NC

Back to lovely, old, Winston-Salem (have you seen "Light in the Piazza"?) - I always love to visit the house museum, Reynolda House and Gardens- the former country house of the Reynolds family.  They visited it often from their estate in Greenwich, CT., before donating it to Wake Forest University.

Reynolda Estate, Winston-Salem, NC

Above, the long view of the "front yard" acres- which were created by Thomas Warren Sears, and influenced by Frederick Law Olmsted.  Way off in this direction, is the distinguished subdivision, created by Katherine Reynolds, called Reynolda Park, where I was fortunate to create an English "County" style (think Country Life magazine) foyer at 1040 Arbor Road, for the Shakespeare Festival Decorator Show House many years ago, sponsored by Selwyn and Leigh Rose, the homeowners at that time.  I used a stunning Brunschwig chintz in bright pinks and greens on a white ground for the central skirted table.

Dean Farris Interior Design circa 1986

While in town, I also visited the Gazebo (Reynolda Village) -met Agnes Butler, proprietor of All Through The House (Reynolda Village)  - J.McLaughlin, (Reynolda Village), as well as, Darren Waggoner, proprietor of Idlewild Interiors, and Larry Laster, proprietor of Laster's Fine Art and Antiques, a wonderful establishment my family has patronized for many years- and where I purchased a lovely old Mintons plate, in old blue and crackled white.  This gave me great pleasure.  His son told me he was dead when I inquired as to his whereabouts. (not true)-. This is part of the charm of the Carolina's- a "deadpan" sense of humor!  Visit and enjoy!  The High Point "market" is coming up, and I urge you to visit these fine establishments while in the Piedmont "triad" region.  DF *****

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DFID On My Own...2008

Dean Farris Interior Design 2008

Some of my most fulfilling times, career-wise, have been when I was totally on my own, and just working with private clients- those that I chose to work with.  Every morning, I would wake up and walk from my bedroom across the living room, to the guest room, which I used as an office.  My Porsche Cayman was a short elevator ride down to the garage.  What a life!  A life I designed for myself.

Dean Farris Interior Design 2008

Billy really did a great job of capturing my serene state of mind- and no wonder I looked so good, since I had hair by a former stylist for YSL, skin by Dr. Elizabeth Fox and Dr. Obagi - and wore custom made Holland and Sherry suits with custom shirtings, a Cartier diver's watch and Gucci loafers!  Ha!  You see, I was determined to have the best, and to be the best, and to live the best possible life I could, given what I had to work with.  I worked hard, and I still do.

I do know that my clients were happy with the service I provided, and they still are.   Am I proud? Yes!  And very grateful too!  I'm currently accepting new clients, please call to make an appointment.  (239) 498-9074

(faux rock crystal chandelier by Wilshire Lighting)

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Trending on Instagram: William Rankin McLure, IV

Artist William McLure, via Instagram 

We're all about this young Southern artist, William R. McLure...check out some of his paintings below...

William McLure, via Facebook

William McLure, via Facebook

via Facebook

The hot designer-blogger Mark D. Sikes also recently posted about William...see "Change is Good" so titled since William, like so many young designers and artists loves to constantly re-arrange his furnishings and art.  DF *****

Casa Real III, Renovations !

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

As the personal home of Bobby Brown and Todd Richesin, Casa Real was created as a backdrop for a growing collection of 18th and 19th century European and American antiques. The concept of a French house to hold them has been executed down to the smallest detail, both inside and throughout the gardens.

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Finally, DFS couldn't resist sharing a few more images from the super elegant Knoxville home of interior designer 
Todd Richesin, and his partner, Robert "Bobby" Brown~

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Should you take the time to peruse the TR Interiors site, you can read on the blog section, called "On The Fringe" about the extensive renovations and remodeling Casa Real has undergone recently~such as this masculine Ralph Lauren inspired Master bath remodel! (shown above)

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

I certainly hope that you've enjoyed this three part series on the work of some of my favorite Southern designers~and do stay tuned for more exciting news from the world of interior design!  DF *****

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all photographs via Todd Richesin

Casa Real II, Todd Richesin

Todd Richesin and Robert Brown

You may recognize this image, since I had posted about fabulous Todd and Bobby previously~a designing duo from Knoxville, TN, I can't get enough of their exuberant and elegant Southern Style!

Todd Richesin in his Studio

While I don't yet personally know him, Todd and I have briefly chatted on Facebook, and our paths have (almost) crossed, at the Duck and Dolphin Antiques, in Key West, FL~where Todd has done work for clients...(see Traditional Home)...
I found this very interesting bit of bio on Todd on his site~

Todd grew up in Sweetwater, Tennessee. The arts and significance of home were important to his parents and still are. With their encouragement, Todd began painting and playing the violin at an early age. His first “project” happened by accident. On a trip with his parents to see their interior designer when Todd was seven years old, he found an Oriental rug in the designer’s showroom. After much insistence, he persuaded his parents and the designer to come see it, and it was deemed perfect for their library. The rug is still in his parents’ library today and has survived the re-decoration of that room three times.

Precocious? Yes, and I was the exact same way with my parents, and their interior designers!  But not at age 7 !

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

The foyer, shown above, reminds me of one in Charlotte, NC, that I'd seen when I was very young, and it made such a strong impression on me with it's magnificent sense of scale. It was the home of James Essary and Bill Ross.

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

The house of Todd and Bobby, known as Casa Real, has recently gone through some major renovations, including new windows, read all about it on their blog called "On The Fringe"... 

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

There's a great love of European style elegance evident in Todd's work, and yet his repertoire is quite varied.  Here are some of the bedrooms at Casa Real, so inviting!

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

Love the look of a flat screen above a classic commode! Notice the stunning collections displayed throughout Casa Real...and here's the charming and inviting breakfast room~

Todd Richesin, Casa Real

You can see the rest of the kitchen on yesterday's post...

Casa Real

I saved the best for last...

Casa Real

Everybody into the pool!  Doesn't this look so beautiful and inviting?  The garden and grounds at Casa Real are just as elegant as the interiors~ one can see all the love and hard work that's been poured into this project over the years. Kudos to Todd and Bobby on the creation of a masterpiece of Southern Elegance! Enjoy!  DF *****

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A Fun Day Along The Shore



Former Winter Home of the late Albert Hadley, Naples

I started today with a wonderful relaxing swim in the pool- highly recommended if you have a bad back- or just need to let go of some stress- my clients bought the former Hadley cottage- after I introduced them to each other- and they added the pool and small addition that AH never had- the house including a guest cottage, has since been resold twice. 


Looking north up the bay, towards Venetian Village

After breakfast by the pool, and catching up with my new neighbor Andrew, who lives in Ft Lauderdale, and weekends in Naples, Billy stopped by, and we went up to the Village for a beautiful lunch- facing south down the bay, shown above.



Danieli boutique, Venetian Village, Naples

After our long luxurious lunch at Bayside, upstairs and outdoors- facing the long bay view- we shopped the Village.  If you visit Bayside - do ask for Kelly, she was at Campiello's for ten years!  I had a trio salad, Billy had a grilled chicken on focaccia, and we shared a split of Prosecco, followed by a luscious chocolate mousse cake and cafe' americain.  I did pick up a couple of end of season sale items at Danieli, a small reverse painted plate with a yellow bird- and a small baroque style photo frame in a pretty Florentine finish.  We also saw old friend, Doug, at the provencal shop-always nice to see dear Doug, who lives in the neighborhood with his French wife.  



Tinsley Mortimer

Later, but not too, I met up with my friend and neighbor, Sherree, who is one of the most attractive and nice women I know.  She is like a cross between a young Catherine Deneuve and the New York socialite, Tinsley Mortimer- very Palm Beach-Naples, and a southerner too, from Knoxville, TN.  We shared Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, tapenade, crab bites, and baked brie- and I saw some old clients from the Lausanne, which is near my building.  M Waterfront Grille is elegant and casual at the same time, and while I was waiting for dear Sherree, an older lady pulled up to the valet parking in her Mercedes 500 convertible- it was interesting because she was a ringer for Vivien Leigh in the film version of the Tennessee Williams play The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone! And the valet was like an Italian gigolo hunk type!- I love these observations of mine- crazy but profound at the same time.  She has the money, he has the youth- and there you have it, the ageless struggle of man to rise above his or her quotidian existence.



Dean Farris Interior Design

I came back to the cabana I call home early- and found this moody and romantic looking room waiting for me- a lovely retreat after a pleasurable day of fresh air and relaxation along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, in the town known as Naples- lucky moi!  Enjoy! DF *****     
  



Inspiration, Greek Revival

I've always loved Greek Revival buildings, ever since I was just a small boy and would be driven by The Pink House, in Georgia. How could one not like this beautiful building? When I was in high school, I designed a house like this for my home economics class (I was one of maybe two boys in the class) - and the teacher liked what I did so much with the interior design that she posted it in a vitrine in the hall for all to see...all 2,000 students, as I attended the largest public high school in the state...I remember I used pale yellow walls, light blue cotton damask and lots of Chippendale style furniture. It was a study in understated, southern elegance. If I only had the scheme now, what fun to re-visit my design from 35 years ago! Enjoy! DF *****

A Sublime Sunday Night Dinner

Last night, we enjoyed a wonderful home cooked dinner at the home of our friends Dickie and Troy. We dined in the gorgeous kitchen/breakfast room after pre-prandial wines and cheeses in the living room...they always serve Toasted Head chardonnay, very creamy and smooth. Our first course was a cheese ravioli with fresh frisse' greens and a tomato reduction. Yum! Main course was a divine grilled "Hanover" tomato served with a panko type encrusted chop of pork, again, so good! A side of baby Brussels Sprouts too. Dessert was wonderful macaroons and sambucca, amaretto or limoncello. What a nice dinner! Here's a pic of the kitchen, not including the beautiful breakfast area facing the terrace and the pool. DF*****

Cocktail du Jour: Sazerac

I look forward to finally tasting my very first Sazerac. A mixture of rye whiskey, bitters, simple syrup, and absinthe, with the essence of a lemon twist, served in a well chilled old fashioned glass. (google Sazerac for the exact recipe) I think I'm falling in love, being SEDUCED by this drink, and it will probably become my new Negroni, which I started drinking because some of the characters in Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City favored them... (DeDe Halcyon's husband). Absinthe has now been legalized! The Sazerac was made the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008. Make one or two today and enjoy... DF *****

Imari Style Porcelain - Room Scheme Inspiration

I was irresistibly drawn to this copy of an Imari porcelain covered temple jar. When I was about seventeen, I was taken to one of the most beautiful houses in Charlotte, North Carolina. To give you an idea of how elegant the ladies of Charlotte are, they hired Parish Hadley to decorate the clubhouse at Myers Park Country Club... but I digress, as usual. A friend took me to this house, belonging to Bill Ross, which he had built and had decorated by his partner, one of the then top designers of Charlotte ( this was about 1976). the living room had been designed around a collection of old Imari porcelain, and the colors were used so beautifully in the walls, rug, fabrics... this house had an absolute air of aristocracy about it. The foyer was two stories, with a double staircase, a huge black and white diamond floor, and a huge 19th c portrait hung over a console with a portrait light... they had gone to New York and bought antiques at Christies... it just smelled like money and taste in that house ! It was divine. DF *****

Designer Profile: Todd Richesin

Designer Todd Richesin

Todd's Key West project, as seen in TRADITIONAL HOME

I was searching The Duck and the Dolphin Antiques, and very serendipitously came across this AMAZING young southern designer, TODD RICHESIN. Todd had also posted about the Duck and the Dolphin in Key West, and has done a conch house there - as seen in TRADITIONAL HOME... Also, he and Bobby just came back from Venice, where they toured the Fortuny factory, and I was thrilled to learn of him since William and I had recently made some new friends also from Knoxville (TR's town) Mr Barton and Mr James... a really fun and interesting couple. ENJOY ! DF *****