Island a rich territory with 29 billionaires in town

Island a rich territory with 29 billionaires in town

Sounds good to me!  DF *****

Old Naples Charm

Former Naples Cottage of Albert Hadley

I had a most enjoyable ride downtown this morning- adjusting for the extra hour- and knowing that today is Billy's birthday, I wanted to get back to my place in time to get ready for a later celebration in his honor.  I meandered down 11th Avenue South, which has some of the most concentrated cottages, one more charming than the next.  When AH lived here, I was a frequent guest, and had some fabulous times soaking up his amazing, mercurial, and magical atmosphere.  There was always a wonderful aroma of fresh oil paint, the floors had been painted, and that unique old house coolness.  The dormer window, at top left, contained a new shower he had Johnny Harris, the contractor put in, and I once had the pleasure of taking a shower there, right in front of the window!  It seemed perfectly natural at the time.  Recently, Billy and I attended a requiem mass for dear Johnny, at the elegant Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, in Port Royal, which is just south of Old Naples.  It wasn't long ago that Mr. Charles Faudree, the famous "french country" specialist had given a talk at this church, as part of the Naples Antiques show.  Mr. Faudree died in November of last year.  I had planned to attend his presentation, but ended up giving my tickets to a client, (the one who had hired Ruben de Saavedra and Michael Greer).  I do think that even Albert would be amazed at all of the new houses going up in Naples.

  
Here's a shot of a typical side street  in Old Naples, leading to the beach.  I love the classic "old south" look of these streets- and the real estate professionals really love them, as you can imagine.  It's triple A location, although these are not waterfront lots.

Here's a newer house, built on a private side street, across from my friend Art Canada's old house.  Art is a builder, and one of the most prolific of the Old Naples real estate investors.  I thought the siting of this one was very well done- and I like the longish driveway too.  I see so many interesting things, (and people) when riding downtown, and in the Moorings, this morning, I saw a beautiful young woman in a dress and heels, walking her two French bulldogs.  I also saw four Bentleys and two or three Maseratis... as the private jets came in for their landings.  Simply fabulous!  Cheers!  DF *****

A Cozy Dinner For Six

Dinner at home, chez Joe Rosen

Really, what could possibly be nicer than having some supper with old friends, in the intimate privacy of their home?  Not to mention the divine drinks and hors d'oeurves before!  Our wonderful New York pal, Joe had us over last night for a delicious and fun evening.  I loved his table setting so much I just had to post about it! Look at his creative placement.  I especially loved the peachy melon color he chose to use, and even suggested painting the tray ceiling the same rosy shade.  Oh, and lets not forget the dessert(s), and after dinner brandy and coffees!  Joe never lets his guests leave hungry!

Here's handsome Joe, relaxing in the living room, while Jimmy preps in the kitchen.  His decor' in Naples is very warm and eclectic. As I have mentioned in previous posts on JR, he once worked with starchitect, Phillip Johnson, and he MET Rose Cumming!  Not to mention a long list of other notable luminaries. What a great guy!  Below, a close-up of the console table arrangement in his living room.  

He played with seashells, palm tree lamps, faux aloe plants, and Asian pieces with an empire style mirror. He has stacks of books and current magazines everywhere, which create such a cozy, warm, and friendly atmosphere. Another thing I love about hanging out chez Joe, is the down filled cushions in his sofas and chairs!  Plus, his selection of cheeses and things to drink is totally gracious and fabulous- it's all so yummy and so good.  Coup de grace: TWO DESSERTS !!  An Italian New York Style cheesecake, and a layered ganache of chocolate, cream, and fruit!  DIVINE!  Thanks again Joe, for a wonderful, fun, relaxing, and elegant evening in your home away from home.  Cheers!  DF *****

 

When Miss Rose Inspired Oscar

The beautiful chinoiserie paper, "Jardinieres and Citrus Trees" by de Gournay of London, was used as end papers for one of my favorite new design books, Rose Cumming Design Inspiration.  Written by Jeffrey Simpson (Rizzoli) - it's a fabulous source for ideas and concepts as well as a most personal story of one iconic decorators life.

The fashion designer Oscar de la Renta (another favorite of mine) used to walk by Miss Roses' shop, and the following story amuses me greatly.  It's from the book, and is the most charming and inspiring tale!

But I must digress, and go back to another favorite of mine, the "Banana Leaves" fabric, which Dessin Fournir is now representing, and which Albert Hadley was using while at McMillen back in the 1950's.  The most interesting story of how this elegant and yet casual fabric was created is also revealed in Mr. Simpson's tome.  Below, my Teddie bear and my grandmothers quilt are resting on a Louis XV style chair, which I had covered in "Banana Leaves", by Rose Cumming.  (Miss Rose)

I think this layered look is fun, and it reminds me of say, Mrs. Henry "sister" Parish crossed with Gloria Vanderbilt... and my "Brandon Beige" by Benjamin Moore walls are the same shade of taupe as the leaves!  Anyway, back to Oscar (with apologies to Miles Redd).  Here is the recanted tale of when Oscar de la Renta was inspired by one of Miss Rose's pieces.  Long, long ago, in old New York.  

Oscar de la Renta remembers that he used to walk home from his work at Elizabeth Arden past Rose's store every night, and that one night he saw this fantastic secretary desk, made of mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell, with an inside of marquetry and bone.  He was at a dinner party at Babe Paley's house the following evening, and Babe told him that she had seen the same piece in the store, had fallen in love with it, and inquired as to the price, but it turned out to be too expensive for her.  Oscar then said to himself that if it was too expensive for Babe Paley, it would be too expensive for him, as he was very early in his career at this point.  Two weeks later, however, after seeing the desk every night, he told himself that he was in love with it, and that he had to have it.  He went into the store and spoke to Rose Cumming's sister and asked how much the desk was.  He was told it was $25,000.  He told her that was impossible for him to pay that, asked what her best price was, and if he could pay over time.  He bought the desk for $22,000 and paid it off over three years.  Every month he gave what he could from his paycheck, sometimes more, sometimes less.  He was never harassed no matter how little he gave that month.  The secretary is in Oscar de la Renta's house in the Dominican Republic to this day.

Wow!  I just love this story...

     
 Above, a close up of the iconic Rose Cumming fabric.  It comes in other colorways, and the bright green is very classic, as well as the metallic gold.  There is an original "document" image of this fabric in the Simpson book, in a tomato and chocolate version, very hand blocked- Rose's sister Dorothy hand printed it down in Jamaica originally.  Funny, the first time I bought some, back in 1976, I was with my mother, Dorothy!  (She still has it btw)  So, as you can see, if you don't yet have this terrific book, you might want to get a copy.  Enjoy! Cheers!  DF ***** 

A Very Interesting Glittery Salon

Credit pending (unknown)

I recently saw this image on the blog, Slim Paley, and found it most interesting.  A European sensibility is evident- and, also inspired by another blog, The Peak Of Chic, by Jennifer Boles (In With The Old) I'd like to dedicate this blog post to Mr. Glenn Midnet- one of my friends and mentors, with whom I spent the last two years working.  Happy Birthday Glenn!  I just hope you like this room as much as I do.  Cheers!  DF ***** 

Shop: European Traditions, Naples

From European Traditions, Naples and Sarasota 

I finally made it into the new shop, European Traditions, where I met the very charming Noreen Myrin.  The owners, the Bolgan brothers, are Turkish, and related to Ahmet Ertegun.  They also have a shop in Sarasota.  The painted piece above, is about 9 to 10 feet high-

And I loved this tufted square shape chair in a very Chanel looking beige velvet- (a pair)

I also found this tall cabinet quite commanding, and it looks Turkish to me.  The Bolgans also import.  The interior was painted in a dry pale blue green finish which I loved.

I liked very much most of the stock - including the dining tables and chairs.  The chair below, has a very Restoration Hardware look-

This mirrored credenza, (below) we've seen a lot of lately, however, this particular one had a nice crusty finish, which contrasted nicely with the antiqued mirror inset panels.

All of the prices were very reasonable, and one can buy the pieces shown and have them delivered the same day.  Fantastic for a busy decorator!

Above, this is great for a powder room, and had a distressed metallic finish.  There was a good assortment of these in stock.

Very charming tufted ottoman, one of a pair...

There was also a range of tables, in this dry finish, contrasted with polished nickel bases, which I found totally smart, although I have seen similar elsewhere, these had a special look about them, more chic.  www.European-Traditions.com 
Cheers!  DF ***** 

A Key West Day Trip

This is the larger boat

This poster was in our chosen restaurant

Our old friends, Bob and David, from Melbourne, Fla. were recently in Naples for the Denison reunion, and had brought along some of their friends- George and Jerald, from Cocoa Beach.  They had the idea to visit Key West on the boat that leaves from Marco Island, and so, on Friday, that is what we did.  Yours truly had never actually been on this big old boat- and wasn't entirely knowledgeable about it- I was expecting a rustic old ferry trawler like the one I used to take from Sayville, NY to Fire Island Pines.

It was quite a bit nicer- called the Atlantia, and staffed by a crew of four sturdy and handsome young men.  We left early, around 8 or so- and arrived in Key West about three hours later...

Billy had the wonderful idea of renting this cute little electric car for our island tour- and I loved the faded lilac color- it was hysterical riding all over old town in this little bug.  Maximum speed - 25 mph ! We left the other guys at the marina as they wanted to do some other things, and went off on our own in this lavender Mercedes S 500 (key west version) :)  STRAIGHT TO LUNCH !!! as being on the water for over three hours makes one ravenous!

Above, the menu of the day at charming, tres' local, El Siboney - (the Pirate?) a little Cuban eatery on Catherine Street, just past the old cemetery.  Billy and I ordered the pollo con arroz, and I had a Budweiser Light with my simple - but delicious meal.  The last time we were on the island, we went here for dinner, and had fabulous roast chicken, which had a shredded texture- and black beans and rice, also with fried plantains- which were also served with our rice dish at lunch yesterday.  There was every kind of person there, from designer bagged girls, to laborers - and many languages were being spoken.  It's off the beaten path, and quite good, and cheap too.

After our simple lunch, we hopped back into la lavender, and headed over to the Casa Marina area, to see the old dock and the water on the Atlantic side.  I stuck my toes in and felt the slightly cool water- and saw this pretty girl snorkeling- something I had done around the coral reef, years ago, which at 160 miles, is the eighth largest in the world!  I did envy her the utter freedom and indulgence- like a fish she was, and no doubt as blissfully ignorant of any harm that may come her way ! :(

We got back in, and rode off, and I suggested getting an apres' lunch ice cream, which we did- and then wandered somewhat crazily back over to the Fleming Street area where I saw this adorable bicycle!  This is so artistic, and KW seems to have become a little haven for artists, old hippies, and eccentrics.  We also did a "drive by" of my fave antiques shop on the island, The Duck and The Dolphin.  The sun kept going in and out, and there were wonderful breezes...

Here, Billy strikes a very "Prada" pose- looking so cute in his stripe polo.  I took this shot of him on the dock where I had seen the girl snorkeling.  We both miss the old days (1970's) in KW, when there was a wild vibe of wanton sexuality to the place.  But, we also relished the idea of going back to civilization, i.e Naples- and nice clean condos!

How funny is this little plate on the front of la lavender?  It says Conch Electric Cars.  A wave of the future?
Or- the KW version of a Tesla?

Ah, alas, dear sailors, all good things must (quickly, and too soon) come to an end.  From the bow of the good ship Lollipop, I took this shot- we had a wonderful, leisurely day on the island- and we left with no heaviness in our hearts.  Farewell dear little key- we will see you again soon!  Cheers!  DF ***** 

Encore American Red Cross Designers’ Show House

Encore American Red Cross Designers’ Show House

We were invited to attend a viewing of this divine decorator show house today, by Naples associates- Jay Jerauld and Susan Gardner,but were unfortunately previously booked!  Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design participated this year, and I was impressed since he has formed a partnership with our blogging friend, and leading Palm Beach-New York decorator, LETA AUSTIN FOSTER- who also maintains a very charming boutique in the Via Mizner off Worth Avenue...
Stay tuned for more east coast design updates to follow!  Cheers!  Enjoy!  DF *****

Candice Olson for Highland House

Designer Candice Olson

News Flash!  Canadian design guru and HGTV star, Candice Olson is here in Naples- sources tell us she had 1,000 rsvps for her talk here, and had to be dropped in by helicopter...onto the roof- we also heard that her handsome speaking engagement fee runs $75,000.00-  We do carry her line for Highland House Furniture, which is quite well done, and would love to show it to you at our Naples showroom- Norris Home Furnishings, 5015 Tamiami Trail North-  Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF ***** 

Foodie Alert: Lamoraga Malaga Coming To Naples

Bradley wants to go to Lamoraga

Great News!  Naples is getting a new authentic Spanish bistro, called Lamoraga... TripAdvisor gives it four stars.  Even better, it's going up in a beautiful modern building adjacent to the shop of my good friend, Mark Felix - called J. Mark Designs- which offers great examples of modern furnishings and decorative objects.  Just across from Park Shore Drive, check it out!  Cheers! DF *****

Lantana Villas at Olde Cypress

Model Home by Stock Development

One of our new projects is working with long time clients on a new villa in Lantana at Olde Cypress- a new development by Naples area builders Stock Development.  Pizazz Interiors designed this model, called the San Remo -which is the same floor plan I am working on.  Below, the dining area-

Model Home, Stock Development

We especially like the use of a banquette seat with the square dining table- this floor plan is one of the smaller ones- but perfectly suitable for empty nester's looking for low maintenance.  Our clients also have homes in Texas, Colorado, Panama, and North Carolina - as well as several others in Naples!
Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF *****

Saint Valentine's Teddie by Ralph

Teddie Bear by Ralph Lauren

Happy Saint Valentines Day!  This cute little bear, by Ralph Lauren, slept with me last night- and he asked me to send his best wishes and warmest regards to all of our worldwide readers, friends, and followers...Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF *****