MEUBLES: Les Touches

Dean Farris Interior Design
Brunschwig fabric on Maitland-Smith chair

As I've mentioned here before -the fabric from Brunschwig and fils called "les touches" has always been a favorite of mine. Recently my dear friend Louise over in Palm Beach sent me some yardage so that I could use it for my new apartment here in Naples.

Previously on this pair of armchairs I had used a satin in a coral pattern in a strange shade of chartreuse and gold- you may recall it if you follow me and as much as I liked it - twas time for a change!  My fabulous upholstery man, Jim Griffin recovered the seats for me gratis- so kind and so appreciated!

I was also given the large wool Wilton rug by my associate and colleague Mr Chris Smith, of Designers Rug Center- so, if the new travertine floor goes in this summer as planned, I will return the rug to DRC - since it is on loan -  stay tuned! DF

STYLE: Gep Durenberger

Gep Durenberger

Gep Durenberger  was a very prominent west coast antique dealer and taste maker- and when I attended FIT I would hear Professor Barrows talk about him and they knew each other quite well.  Many years later Billy and I were out in California and visited his shop -Which he had left behind and I remember how charming and beautiful it was -there was an old black Mercedes sitting in the back covered in a fine layer of dust- And in the below image you can see a small cottage where Gep once lived - charming!  DF

AT HOME: Martinis

DFID

After a long busy week I enjoy having a martini at home -these jalapeño stuffed olives are amazingly delicious and I use my favorite Tito's vodka with a minimal amount of vermouth and a touch of "Olive juice"from the jar -delicious!  DF

MIX: DFID At Home

Dean Farris Interior Design

I'm loving this old-school Park Avenue look right now -the mix of an 18th-century Mirror, unrestored with newer decorative brackets by Suzanne Kasler of Atlanta with some other beautiful things that I've collected over the years, including a small French lamp from Greenwich Village and some copies of tole cachepots bought here in Naples- DF

CHINOISERIE: Charm

Dean Farris Interior Design

I always enjoy looking at the light in the morning especially- this shot intrigues me with its Chinois magic and the colors from the Chinese pots which I adore-

The book in the center is "Palm Beach Splendor" with photography by Kim Sargent, the father of Nick Sargent, who shot Louise's loggia at the Kips Bay Palm Beach decorator show house recently-

Great book!  Have a great day!  DF

Charming Room, Chilly Day

Dean Farris Interior Design 

It's always refreshing when we get some cooler weather down here in South Florida and today it's 55° I thought this Sunny shot of my new living room had a toasty warm look to it and wanted to share it with you!  DF

INSPIRED: Billy Baldwin

Dean Farris, Dean Farris Interior Design

I've always been inspired by the late,great, decorator, Billy Baldwin too- and here Billy R caught me on my sofa - just like Billy B !  DF

DESIGNER SCRAPBOOK

DFID

SISTER PARISH: Wilbur Pippin

Dean at home inspired by Wilbur's portrait of Mrs. Parish

I've always loved this book from the 60s called The Finest Rooms by America's great decorators introduction by Russell Lyne, edited by Katherine Tweed- which has this beautiful portrait of the society decorator, Mrs. Henry Parish, II - known as Sister -

Today Billy and I had some fun and he took this snap of me in a similar pose- I love this quote from the book by Sister;

"My work has often been referred to as having the Undecorated Look.  If my undecorated look has meant rooms that are personal, comfortable, friendly, and gay, I feel I have accomplished a great deal. Rooms should be timeless. They should have as much imagination and warmth as possible. Each persons life differs from every other, just as people's needs are all different. If I can create for them a "living" room, I feel a true success has been achieved."  DF

TRUE BLUE: Louise W. Cronan

Louise Cronan Interior Decoration, photo Nick Sargent

My super talented friend Louise Cronan over in Palm Beach just finished up with her kips Bay decorator show house there- it was a smashing success and I'm so happy for her that she was able to do this and contribute to a very worthwhile cause-

Taste and style run in her family -her sister is a decorator in Boston - and her mother, the late Susan Wilcox, was a prominent Atlanta decorator who did the childhood home of  Miles Redd - And here's a quote from House Beautiful regarding  this topic:

I have been trying to revamp my childhood home since, well, childhood. My mother is one of the sweetest people on earth, but in 1987, when it came time to redo our house in Atlanta, she wasn't taking advice from her 14-year-old son, no matter how artfully I had arranged my personal quarters. Instead, she turned to Susan Wilcox, a notable Atlanta decorator who completely understood her requests for symmetry, unfussiness, and happy chintzes.  DF

EVENING: Manhattan Cocktail

Dean Farris Interior Design

After the workweek I enjoy having a cocktail on Friday evening -and often  it's a Manhattan -one of my favorites, and I took this shot while sitting on the Chesterfield and enjoying this nice libation-

The peaceful atmosphere that I was desiring is very enjoyable since I made the decision to not have a television in this room it was a great idea and I just enjoy the room for its beauty and calm feeling-

After cocktails, I can prepare dinner and enjoy having it in the small but serviceable dining area- which doubles as a library table and sometimes a desk- ( shown below). BON appetit!  DF

MARCH: Morning Meditation

Dean Farris Interior Design

March has quickly come and we have so much to look forward to this month -birthdays -especially lots of birthdays -going back to longer days and a continuation of the winter season activities which are too numerous to mention-

This cozy sitting area is right off of my bedroom so when I get up in the morning I come out and see this with the beautiful sun coming in from the east. As you may know my previous apartment was very dark and I did not get any morning sun at all so this is truly a luxury for me!

The pair of Meissen style bird candleholders were a gift from one of my favorite clients -a very nice lady from Indiana whom I have done five homes for over the years -she is a marvelous woman and a true inspiration to me.  I recently completed a re-decoration of her powder room in Naples and here's a little glimpse of it- the decorative painting was done by Audrey Jake.  Custom orchid floral by Sweetgrass Designs, Naples.  DF