October 2011, New Beginnings, Bright Futures

Gosh, I'm beyond excited and pleased to be headed into my favorite month of all, OCTOBER! The weather has changed, the light went from a hot gold to a cool blue, which actually vibrates when you stare at the sky...the hot gold light melts into a blur, the winter light is super crisp and clean, reminding me of Autumn in New York, and the wonderful tingle in the air, mixed with the smell of roasting chestnuts and turning leaves, geraniums in pots... As I look back on my last fifty years of being on this planet, I realize how very fortunate I've been. The people in my life have been so incredibly interesting and really, charming and sweet in all ways possible. As Auntie Mame said, "Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!" Dear Mame meant no harm - she was just expressing her natural zest and love for all that life has to offer. The message seems to be that if we extend ourselves to others, most of the time they will meet us half way, and often we are surprised at where these relationships take us. Enjoy the day, enjoy your life, enjoy your family and friends, for in the end, that is all we really have. I wish you love, luck and much happiness! DF *****

Matthew Patrick Smyth

Designer Matthew Patrick Smyth will be in Atlanta October 6th for a seminar and book signing. While I cannot attend, I would like to, as I haven't visited Atlanta in quite a few years. Atlanta has its own style, they love french antiques, color, and eclecticism. Look for the new MPS book in your local shop or online at Amazon. Enjoy! DF *****

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

I found it interesting that Nate Berkus once worked for Leslie Hindman, who now has an office in Naples... here's a preview of their upcoming Fall auction. Enjoy and happy bidding!

DF *****

More East Coast Fun!

Entrance gates at the Bonnet House, Ft Lauderdale, Florida

We had a great time this weekend over in Ft Lauderdale and Miami - lunch at Rotellis in Pompano, Dinners at Luigis (Las Olas) and Tropics (Wilton Manors) and just an overall relaxing and easygoing getaway to the "wild side" of Florida. Back to work tomorrow! DF*****

Decorator Scrapbook XV

Vintage eighties on the beach style...

Great aubergine wall color was used

My latest tablescape

Dining area using what I had...

18th Century Louis XV bergere

It's always great fun to meet a new potential client, and this morning I drove myself up the street to The Terraces, a luxury condominium on Gulf Shore Boulevard North, to visit the seasonal residence of one such lovely and charming person, who hails from Ohio... This condo was purchased when new by the owner, and she had worked with Holland Salley and Robb & Stucky on it over the last twenty years. We will be submitting a bid to remodel and decorate the apartment beginning work next Summer. I was struck by the use of an aubergine wall color in the living room, which was custom mixed by the owner with the painter. Here too, I share a shot of my latest "tablescape" - after living for several months with a totally nude table top. Am enjoying this melange of blue and white bits. I was doing some morning stretching exercises under the table, and caught this low angle shot of my fun dining area, which I couldn't resist sharing with you again. Finally, a favorite Louis XV style chair, since this is my 15th "Decorator Scrapbook"! ENJOY! PS, some friends are on their way to Chicago for a holiday, and I suggested they visit Branca, on East Pearson Street, I know they'll enjoy seeing this high style emporium of decorative delights, in all price ranges.

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The Better It Gets, The Better It Gets!

Waiting for the tops and the appliances...

Gotta love those tiles!

I've just been having such a good time since July, when I joined Glenn Midnet and his talented team at Design West. Working on two projects for the firm here in Naples, and have some nice progress shots for you, made possible by the uber talented Naples contractor, Scott Kish. And Harry Trachtenberg, rep for Vanguard furniture of Hickory, NC, hosted a wonderful wine tasting for us recently, where we sampled and learned about Segura Viuda Brut Reserva, a Torrontes, a young Chenin Blanc (2010) and then on to the reds with Sangiovese, Rioja, 2005 Bordeaux, and a 2005 Porto... so good! Bill and I shared a delicious Pizza Marguerita tonight, and we had fun visiting some models near my place by Collins and Dupont, and Betsey Godfrey. Tomorrow after lunch at Capri, we'll visit a friend who is suffering from terminal cancer. Hopefully, we can bring a little light into his life. Tuesday, back to the office. Stay tuned! DF *****

Decorator Scrapbook XIV

My favorite classic Mercedes convertible

My former North Naples condo sitting room

A favorite room from the past, in France

A recent paint job for an old naples condo

This belongs to a favorite client, it was from her childhood

Here are some shots from my image file, randomly selected for your reading pleasure. ENJOY! DF *****

Grey Oaks: Progress Shots

We recovered and refinished these chairs and this settee in Kravet

Looking from Living Room into new Breakfast Room/Solarium


Looking from Family Room into new Breakfast Room/Solarium



Looking from the new addition into the existing Living Room

We've been working away, getting this chic Isla Vista Villa ready for the upcoming Winter Season, here in Naples, where each winter over 135 charity balls and parties are held for various worthy causes. Here, you can see where our contractor, Glen Jenkins, has opened up the former covered lanai area and made it part of the house to be "under air" as we say here in South Florida. Enjoy the weekend, and let's all pray for our lost friends and fellow citizens, my client who owns this villa is flying back to Washington on Sunday, September 11th. I like to think she is helping to make a statement about our freedom, which is something she would do. Be well, and pray for peace! DF *****

Zoran, Addison and Me

Sited on a double lot, direct beachfront

Original Addison Mizner detailing


Sensitively remodeled kitchen



New 75 foot pool

Years ago, I had the pleasure of knowing the famous fashion designer, Zoran, when he kept a place here in Naples. He owned several properties here, and was often seen riding his bicycle around town...and had a beautiful old property from 1926, called Casita de la Playa, attributed to the Palm Beach architect, Addison Mizner. I was invited to a party at this house once, and enjoyed seeing the property. Subsequent owners have restored and added on to the house, and it's now on the market. (asking $28 million). Here are some images from the marketing agent.

Re: 670 Gulf Shore Boulevard, Naples. Agent: James Bates, Coldwell Banker Previews International

Charming Sister- in- Maine Style Cottage For Sale

This adorable 1930 property is on the market. A steal at $1,199,000, and located in the heart of Naples' Historic District, it would be like having one of Mrs. Parish's cottages in Maine moved down to Naples. Each room is painted a different bold color, and patterns and prints are everywhere. The rose pink kitchen is so pretty, and the garden with pool is a visual delight. Here are a few pictures to tease you...ENJOY! DF *****

RE: 859 8th Avenue South, agent: Connie Meek, Downing-Frye

Worth Avenue sees uptick in sales of luxury goods, jewelry

Worth Avenue sees uptick in sales of luxury goods, jewelry
Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel! DF

Dining in Provence

Interior by Dean Farris, Naples

www.loccitane.com

Yesterday, I was on the east coast, and visited one of my favorite shops, called L'Occitane en Provence. I purchased a wonderful foot creme, containing shea butter, arnica, and lavender. Here's a snap of my Naples dining area, where I switched out the chairs to the Maitland Smith Chippendale armchairs and added some pillows from dear friend Mary. Enjoy the day! DF *****