"Just Kick It"

The former Mellon townhouse drawing room

You know, when I was living in New York, learning from the masters~ I often heard very interesting stories... we used DeAngelis almost exclusively for our upholstery and curtains, and one day someone, it might have been Kenneth (DeAngelis), told us that when Mrs. Mellon had him make a sofa for her, she would leave it there for almost a year, with instructions to "just kick it" every time someone walked by...you see, it was age and patina she was after, not NEW ! How ghastly! Whether this is true or not, I have no idea, but I don't doubt it for a minute.

Former Mellon townhouse, salle a manger

 As evidenced by this highly textured cross hatching on her walls, and the distressed paint on the floor~ very wisely retained by the most recent owner.  I just read that this house, built in 1965, has just gone to contract for a reported $41 million. Given the provenance, the size, and the location, it seems quite reasonable!  Enjoy!  DF *****

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North See Vintage

North See Vintage

Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of meeting Kevin Calica, and his partner, Frank Cassata, when they came down to give a talk and book signing for Kevin's new book, "Strength and Simplicity - 100 Ways to Live Your Life as Art"

Check out North See Vintage on Facebook - Frank had been collecting thousands of vintage fabrics and wallpapers in his Southampton, NY studio for years, which led to North See Vintage.  We carry their pillows, place mats, art, and the book by Kevin Calica!  

North See Vintage at Andrew Martin, Estero, FL

Available at MP Interiors, Estero, FL (239) 498-9074
Miromar Design Center, Suite 101
dean@mp-interiors.net 
www.mp-interiors.net MP Interiors Enjoy!  DF *****

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Inspired by Bebe', C.Z., and The Duchess

DFID

I spent this weekend painting my entry doors~ including the idea of favorite images from Christian "Bebe'" Berard, and Monsieur Boudin for Mrs. Winston Guest and The Duchess of Windsor...

DFID

Is it a bit theatrical? Yes.  Is it chic as hell? Yes.  Did it cost a ton of $$$? No.  Did I have fun doing it? Yes~ My old Prof from FIT, Stanley Barrows, wanted me to pursue set design~ can you see why? !

Christian Berard

Cornelia Guest at Templeton, faux marbre mantel

Bois de Boulogne house of Duchess of Windsor, faux marbre pilasters

I had been thinking for some time that I wanted to do something to this tired looking door~ perhaps a chinoiserie wallpaper? A mirrored treatment? Applied moldings? This is what I ended up with, and if I get tired of it, it's easily changed.  I dragged the silver on the "moldings" and then I quickly executed a loose "veining" also in the silver on black. I then added a new pair of brushed nickel ring pulls to the closet doors.  Let me know what you think!  It was more black for Black Friday weekend!  Enjoy!  DF *****

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Black Friday

Now, THESE goodies would be worth fighting for!  Have a great weekend!  DF *****

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Entertaining at Home

The de Rothschilds at home

They say one picture is worth a thousand words~ and I think this one proves the point!  How divine to be entertained at the home of Baron and Baroness de Rothschild.  The thing that intrigues me about this iconic image is the beautiful look of happiness and contentment on the elegant face of Pauline, the Baroness.  The luxury of a fur throw on a sofa cannot be overstated either.  Enjoy!  DF *****  

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Eloise at The Plaza

Happy Thanksgiving week everybody!  Billy is off to New York~ and staying at The Plaza! Iconic, famous, and historic, and yet totally up to date, each room comes with its own i-pad for maximum convenience, including room service, and printing out boarding passes, etc.
Did you know that The Plaza was the first hotel in the world to have Sherle Wagner faucets and basins in every room? There is even a Gatsby Suite, inspired by the Baz Luhrman film!  F. Scott Fitzgerald was a big patron of the hotel in his day.  David Hicks, the famous London decorator kept a suite which he designed entirely!  The list is endless ~ click here
to discover more about this Fairmont managed property. Enjoy! DF *****

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Bill Earls Realtor

Bill Earls Realtor

111 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102 

More exciting news!  One of my favorite of the newer homes in Old Naples has just gone on the market~ the personal family residence of architect Eugene Martin, it commands attention with its Beaux Arts facade,  facing both Fifth Avenue South and Gulf Shore Boulevard.  Kudos to top real estate professional, Bill Earls, for listing yet another iconic and grand, yet family oriented property!  The most enticing thing about this house is that one can walk to the beach (across the boulevard) or just one block to the famed restaurants of Fifth Avenue, including Bice, Tulia, Hob Nob, La Bazenne, etcetera~or take the jitney to the Port Royal club !  Enjoy!  DF *****

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111 Fifth Avenue S. Naples, Florida 34102

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Diane Torrisi

Here I am with designer Diane Torrisi

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of making a presentation to the ladies group from Naples, known as "The Neapolitans" ~ along with my good friend and esteemed colleague, Diane Torrisi.  
As you can see, I was not exactly red carpet or camera ready, although I think Diane looks fabulous!  We gave a power-point talk to 36 lovely ladies, on the topic of decorating trends and holiday decor'....followed by a tour of our other five showrooms and a seated luncheon in the east atrium.  A good time was had by all! DF *****  

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Salvatore Ferragamo in Naples

Salvatore Ferragamo

Exciting news! One of the celebrity vintners this year, at the 2015 Naples Winter Wine Festival, will be Salvatore Ferragamo~ His Il B0rro vineyards wine in Tuscany will be offered in the bidding wars...check out il borro here
Enjoy! NWWF benefits children's charities~ DF *****

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Sip and Shop

Abalone and Sea Glass mirror by Judith Auclair, Chesterdales, Naples

Dear Mary and I had such a nice time last night browsing the wares at Chesterdales Antiques Market~ Naples.  This fabulous hand made mirror, by my dear friend Judith Auclair, caught my eye, isn't it a stunning piece?  I even found something for myself as I sipped my Chardonnay~

DFID

I'd been wanting one of these small copies of a bulls eye mirror with the eagle on top~ and voila! here it is!  Someone had painted over it in a nice stone color ~ with a little gold showing through. Very nice ! (for the price) Enjoy the weekend! DF *****

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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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Buttons Commode and Mirror

Le Clos de Fiorentina, St Jean Cap Ferrat

When I was very young, I had a nice friend from the south of France, her name was Marguerite.  Her grandmother used to make buttons- and Marguerite would show them to me.  I was amazed at how beautiful they were.  All hand made, exquisite.

Commode and mirror through MP Interiors

These charming painted pieces, decorated with old buttons, have been haunting me for quite a while~ and they reminded me of my childhood friend, Marguerite, a wonderful person she was!  Enjoy!  DF *****

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