REPOST: "Carnations" looking back...

Just love this image of my old living room in Naples looking sort of Billy Baldwin-ish...!

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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PARIS: Feelin' Fall-ish

Stéphane Chapelle – 29 rue de Richelieu 75001 Paris – 10am till 8pm

September has me thinking of Paris...DF

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Floral Inspirations, LILIES/PALM: Naples/Charleston

Dean Farris Interior Design 2019

I always love receiving fresh flowers, and to me, they're a great luxury ... it's also a lot of fun to source greenery from local gardens, such as the owners of this house in Charleston did, (32 Legare)... enjoy!  DF

32 Legare, Charleston, SC

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HURRICANE SEASON, Carolyne and Ralph

via Carolyne Roehm

I couldn't resist this image featuring Carolyne Roehm's use of the "Classic" hurricanes by Ralph Lauren Home... Inspiring!

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The Michael Taylor Flower

Hydrangea, also known as Hortensia (Fr)

Did you know that Michael Taylor, the iconic San Francisco designer, loved hydrangeas?  Did you know that in French they are called Hortensia? 

I still recall seeing some dried (French) hydrangea arranged massively in the reception room of the late Robert Metzger's design office, when I worked there after having left Tice Alexander.  They looked great, even though they were dried.  They added a nice softness to the somewhat heavily Biedermeier look of that space. 

Michael would get these Chinese wood baskets and put the big hydrangeas, which he always called "hydraneas" in them, for a maximum floral impact, which was great for the magazine stylists and editors.   All in a days work!  Enjoy!  DF *****

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Fall 2015 INSPIRATION: Atlanta Style

Book by Danielle Rollins

Miles Redd for Schumacher

Miles Redd for Danielle Rollins via Veranda

Miles Redd for Schumacher

This chair epitomizes gracious Atlanta Style

DFID, my recent floral arrangement inspired by Atlanta Style

These blackamoor busts from Christie's are Atlanta Style

Miles Redd, via AD

When two talented people meet, both from Atlanta, a fabulous thing happens! A synthesis of well bred, informed, fun, classical and up- to- date, gracious, and elegant elements converge...creating my inspiration for Fall 2015 !  Enjoy!  DF *****

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The Garden District, Naples

Ready for another gala event

Seen at Garden District, Naples

Rufino Hernandez, The Garden District

Garden behind Rufino's shop

Vignette in window, Garden District

It's always fun to visit the Naples shop, The Garden District, which belongs to old friend, Rufino Hernandez.  Rufino does many of the hundreds of charity events here in town, and is very talented.  He also has a very talented staff.  Enjoy these random shots I took yesterday, while shopping for my new New York-Mediterra clients...DF ***** 

Rufino Hernandez

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Godetia Redux

DFID 2010

I created these very charming small bouquets about 4 years ago~ for a send-off to Barcelona dinner I hosted for some old friends.  I had forgotten all about them, (the flowers) and when I found them again, I thought how beautiful, and timely for the holiday season!  They are called Godetia, and come from Ecuador.  Table, Spencer Ott, selenite holders, Stewart Galleries, flowers, Fresh Market.  Enjoy!  DF *****

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You have power over your mind -- not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. -- Marcus Aurelius

The Charm of Cashiers

Image via James Farmer, Southern  Living

This is one of my favorite times of the year, and also one of my favorite images~ the decorative cabbages remind me of my walks up and down Madison Avenue, when I was living in New York.  Inspiring!  Enjoy!  DF *****

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Seasonal Arrangements - Magnolia

DEAN FARRIS INTERIOR DESIGN

I had found these very decorative copies of tole "planters" at Box Woods in Naples recently, and had a lot of fun deciding what to do with them~you can find Box Woods in the Chesterdales Antiques Market in Naples.

DEAN FARRIS INTERIOR DESIGN

Well, as you can see here, I was inspired to dress up my small foyer with some fresh magnolia, and dried palm, plus artificial (but oh so real looking) pears !

DFID

The little mahogany console ~ which is shown above in the foyer, was replaced (in the small living room) with this fabulous, one- of- a- kind, very Angelo Donghia-John Dickinson metal table, made by David Edelman, the brother of my wonderful client Mary Edelman Wilson.  I like the way it virtually disappears in the space!  We have these in stock if anyone would like to purchase ~ also in a coffee table size!

Naples

Yesterday was a gorgeous beach day~ and I made a very nice Sunday dinner for the two of us~ the recipe I discovered last week on James Farmers blog ! Pork with rosemary, red onion, and apples~ DELICIOUS!  Served with fresh organic baby kale sauteed in bacon, and a sauvignon blanc from California....thanks James!

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The Flowers of La Grenouille

One of my favourite books Clarkson potter 1994

It was only in March, that, after 40 years of devoted work, Charles Masson has finally left his family owned establishment.  I met Charles back in 1994 when he was promoting this small and very charming book of his. He was kind enough to autograph it too.  The book's full of useful information on the art of flowers- and living.  Click here  for a visit to this fabulous site for Grenouille.

Autograph

There has been some media drama surrounding his departure- read here - but, Mr Masson, being the gentleman that he is, has avoided it mostly.  As his late father had said so well "Bois de la vie" (drink life)  !

Anemones, my favourite flower

It seems that one day, after the paying guests had left, the Massons sat down in the dining room to have their own lunch, and Mr Masson, pere  noticed a ray of sun coming in and shining right in his face.  This is how he got the idea to make a huge arrangement for that window, thus solving the problem, and furthering the tradition of many lavish bouquets in the restaurant.

La Grenouille New York

The arrangement shown above has huge branches of quince that extend out over six or seven feet!

La Grenouille New York

According to Charles, the big secret about Grenouille, is that it's not this grand, haughty (his word) French salle a manger - but the most friendly and affable place in town!  That is one reason why he decided to translate the menu, and open the upstairs room to patrons with smaller purses.  He now plans to open a new place, what he calls the pret a porter to the couture of La Grenouille.  Bon chance Charles!  All the best to you in your new venture! ***** DF

Definition: The word Grenouille is the French word for frog, and in the culinary arts, the term Grenouilles refers to frog legs. The classic French preparation of frog ... 

Book: Manhattan Classic, Dean's Roses

Manhattan Classic, Geoffrey Lynch, Princeton Architectural Press

We're always thrilled to receive a review copy of a new design publication, and so, dear readers, here is the latest out on the very distinguished and highly desirable real estate, known as Manhattan Prewar Apartments....whether a classic six on Park or a classic eight on West End, these flats aim to please!  The book does a fabulous job of exposing an insider's view of Manhattan residential dwellings.  Kudos to Mr. Lynch and his editorial team!

Floral creation by DFID

And, while we're on the topic of reading, lest I digress- I was reading the design blog of my California friend, Peggy Braswell (According to Braswell)  and saw a most attractive floral she had written about...which inspired my very own creation, shown above- which incorporates fresh ivory-peach roses, shiny green begonia leaves, and the tips of green palm fronds...what do you think?  See Peggy's post here

'Tumblr, via According to Braswell

At first, you see, dear readers, I was so happy to just have the roses- but then when I saw what Peggy had posted about this morning, I just had to change it up a bit...James T. Farmer and Martha would be so proud!  Perhaps I had what is known as a Martha Moment !!!  Or was it a Peggy Posy? :)

Dean's bouquet shown with Ralph Lauren accessories

Don't you agree, these peachy roses look sensational with the waxed begonia leaves?  The roses have a lovely, subtle fragrance too.  I had a lovely morning arranging this petite bouquet, which I created especially for my desk at work.  I also was inspired by Bronson Van Wyck on the Tory Burch blog...which is another favorite read of mine - check it out!  Cheers!  DF *****