Anniversary: DFID Dean Farris Interior Design 40th !

Some highlights: Working on the Fifth Avenue (NY) penthouse of Teddy Forstmann at 2 East 70th Street. Assisting Decorator George Clarkson with the completion of "Bella Vista" the Fairfield, CT estate of David and Shirley Johnston. Decorating for Mrs. Martha Hanes Womble, at her country house "Windy Hill" , Roaring Gap, North Carolina. Complete renovation and decoration for the Gant Residence, Number 6, Saint Michael's Alley, Charleston, SC. Furthering my formal education at The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath, Avon, United Kingdom. Assisting with the design of numerous palaces in Saudi Arabia with designer Carol Lascaris, Abu Dhabi. Spending time with the late eminence grise, Albert Hadley, in his Old Naples, Florida cottage. Decoration for "Westhaven" the old naples cottage of Tom Roberts and David McChesney, Naples, Florida. Designing my own New York pied a terre, at 11 East 66th Street, Manhattan. Work for the Breen Residence, River Oaks, Houston, Texas with Parish-Hadley decorator, Tice Alexander. Complete decoration for Dr. and Mrs. Shapiro, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ.

CLASSIC: Albert + Brooke

One of my favorite rooms, from the New York apartment of the late philanthropist, Brooke Astor...decorated by Albert Hadley, Mrs. Astor received guests here to award them with various charitable donations. A true inspiration and a great lady too! DF

GIFT : Pearls of Palm Beach, by Holly Holden

A book is always a nice gift, and so I thought how timely to post about this one, which I don't own yet... Enjoy! Happy Holidays ! Kudos to dear Holly Holden, a truly lovely lady! DF

SCALE: Proportion is Everything!

Often, in designing for myself, I tend to go with a strong preconceived notion, perhaps trying to adhere to a furniture plan I'd drawn...so recently, you can see here where I switched out the small American Empire console for this mirrored bachelor's chest... a vast improvement- and wanted to share it with you! Small collage by David Ferlito...lamp, RLH...mirror, vintage. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday ! DF

STYLE: Cabana Boy Deluxe

Having a great time re-decorating this cute pool cabana on Marco Island, Florida...Thibaut wallcoverings, chic stripes, and fun twig lamps from AERIN for Visual Comfort !

STYLE: Decorator Meg Braff

Loving this image from Meg Braff, Locust Valley and Palm Beach, where the decorator used the classic chintz, "Le Lac" by brunschwig and fils...inspiring for real life! Check out Meg's new collection for Wildwood too..!

FALL-ISH: Bettie Bearden Pardee, Newport

Inspiration from dear Bettie in Newport. Enjoy! DF

MISTY GATES: Little Compton

Loved this image from Bettie Bearden Pardee...(Sakonnet Gardens)

RALPH : Summer Interlude

SUMMER: Respite!

Once again, taking the Summer "off" to rest and relax, not to mention stay cool and dry...should be better than last, since we seem to be winding down from the dread COVID business.. at least in the States, that is... here's to Summer, may yours be relaxing, restful, stress free and FUN !!!

TRAVEL : Cottages at Gasparilla Inn

Loving this charming look at one of the Kemble Interiors designed cottages at Boca Grande, part of the historic Gasparilla Inn...

INSPIRED: Penny Bianchi in Montecito

They say one picture is worth a thousand words...interior design by Penelope Bianchi, Montecito, Ca. DF