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How to Use Leaf Green for a Fabulous Fresh Interior

Posted Dec 7 2010 by in Color, Color Flow, Uncategorized with 0 Comments

Yellow-green is wildly popular but can you live with it in large quantity? Take a look at this house all done up in a leaf green and white monochromatic scheme, and let me know what you think.

It’s a country house created by textile designer C.J. Dellatore, using some of his own fabrics. Most of the floors are painted a mossy green, and the stairs treads are painted a light yellow-celadon.

“Green is the dominant color, but contained in a neutral envelope.” All greens are used (mostly the yellow variety) but set against white walls and other white elements, the effect is clean and modern. All I can say is….wow!….very well done!



Ribbon stripes from the C.J. Dellatore collection.

Photos courtesy of ?House Beautiful

A Sleekly Polished Interior Can Be Warm and Inviting Too

Posted Jun 10 2010 by in Color Flow, Continuity, Core Idea with 0 Comments

The interior design of this home is the epitome of continuous flow (some readers know that this is my favorite subject!). Whether you like this style or not, It is an absolutely text book example of successful decorating from the point of view of establishing a theme and sticking to it. Neutral colors continue from room to room to room, with accents of bronze, gold, rusty red and blue. It is clean and uncluttered, but we are not bored. No….there is enough eye candy assembled on shelves and tabletops to keep us interested while still allowing us room to breathe. Luscious expensive fabrics and simple, classically designed furnishings. This is the home of Dallas designer George Cameron Nash and his partner Mark Williams.
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Asian Interior in Sophisticated Silver

Posted Dec 3 2009 by in Color Flow, Core Idea, Eclectic with 3 Comments

Often when we meet a “cool and clean” space we feel bored and uninspired.

But not always….and not this time. This minimal sleek space is filled…but not too filled…with character. WON-derful combinations of contemporary and ethnic! Just the right amount of color and contrast to give it a heartbeat, yet keeping it calm and peaceful at the same time. This is exactly what the owner wanted. ?The owner is Hollywood jewelry designer Loree Rodkin and she, her inciteful eye and her ability to travel, pulled this place together with truly a magic touch. Notice the polished limestone floors and macasser ebony bookcase displaying petrified wood pieces.

Neutrals can be so fascinating. How so? This is not simply gray, white and black. This room contains atleast twenty different grays and blacks. And white for contrast. In one glance our eye takes in gold at least four times…the Thai temple fragment leaning against the wall, the distinctly asian mudra hand on the coffee table, warm color elements in the framed photo images and the hanging basket lamps. A good designer will always plan a composition as if looking through a camera lens. ?The repetition of gold and the balance of black, white and gray give this room a tranquil sense of balance.

Isn’t this room beautiful? All pieces are good, but the combination is exquisite. And that’s the key. The carving of the 17th century Chinese daybed brings pattern to the space. The silver silk pillow reflects light. The woven rope stool and large teak Buddha are further reminders of an “artist’s hand.” All floating in a sea of neutral… as the Edward Lentsch contemporary artwork creates continuity by tying all of these colors together.

This is a simple master bedroom. A calm place to wind down. In keeping with the rest of the home, there is nothing too flashy here except for more luscious silver silk pillows set against a luxurious and tactile gray suede headboard. ?The walls are wrapped in striated raw silk. Another fabulous large scale Buddha sits against a pair of inlaid bone Indian mirrors. The huge variety of scale from e-NOR-mous to very very small brings drama to the space and that wow! factor that makes an indelible impression on our minds.

Photos from Elle Decor October 2007

Delightful Disorder

Posted Oct 9 2009 by in Antiques, Color Flow, Continuity, Loft Style with 2 Comments

Delightful? Yes! Disorderly? No! It only looks that way. This home is the creation of New York stylist Jacques Dehornois. As we can see, he is a gifted artist — one who is talented enough to understand the art of combining. Designers almost always do this intuitively without actually knowing how they know. It need not have taken much time to place objects in this space…but that doesn’t mean it isn’t drop dead gorgeous. And fascinating! How inspiring to live amongst these massive classical columns and architectural antiques. Note how the freestanding columns stretch toward, but do not reach, the 11 ft. ceilings. Feels dangerous….in a good way. Like a spy thriller with a good ending.

The opposite side of the room carries the blue theme through with its striped Indian dhurrie rug and painted Swedish antique (c. 1760) chairs. Blue is the punch color. The rest of the palette is strictly neutral, sepia toned etchings and warm parquet floors.

How genius to place these particular elements together! Notice they have a certain angularity that repeats. Whenever we can REPEAT a shape….that’s a good thing. A carved and painted gable, and empty antique picture frame, an antique metal step ladder, and a 1760 Thomas Frye mezzotint. There’s nothing functional here. This composition serves not a purpose in the world except to delight the eye and to remind us of the past.

A framed piece of an 1858 Arnold Bocklin fresco leans against a Cy Twombly lithograph, one of the few modern day references. All else is antiquity (though I suspect he must have a computer and a flushing toilet somewhere in this apartment, don’t you think?) More blue and more blue…. this time in the form of Chinese ginger jars. The designer has kept the color scheme clean and uncomplicated so that we can fully relish the texture of these ancient treasures.

Photos from House & Garden June 2003

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A Sexy Paris Apartment

Posted Sep 25 2009 by in Antiques, Art, Color Flow, Continuity, Core Idea, Ethnic, Photography with 0 Comments

What makes this apartment sexy, you ask? Well, everyone’s definition of “sexy” is different. For me, it’s anywhere I could be without any clothes on. Usually there’s velvet involved. I am hopelessly in love with velvet chairs. ?Whenever I encounter them, I always take a second look. In this case I found them in an exotic Parisian apartment owned by Melonie and Kilian Hennessy. Although Kilian is a member of the legendary Cognac family, he has chosen a new path in the fragrance industry launching his By Kilian line in 2007. Perched above the living room windows are oversized factice bottles of Guerlain’s Shalimar and L’Heure Bleue. The chairs are 19th century Turkish.

Here is the beautiful couple with their equally beautiful children. As a running theme throughout the apartment, the rich dark wood floors are played against brilliant jewel toned fabrics and extremely gutsy yellow walls. Fabrics are lavish. The couple very much admires the orientalist interiors of French decorator Jacques Garcia and so we see his influences in their choices of furnishings from India, Turkey and the Middle East. We also see a large black-and-white photography collection featuring works by Bert Stern, Mario Testino, Ellen von Unwerth and Thierry Le Goues in addition to Mel Hennessy’s own professional work.

This view of the living room features a Syrian game table in front of a clock which Atlas hoists on his shoulders. The fireplace and mirror are Indian. A pair of chairs by the windows are upholstered in tiger fabric which beautifully echoes the yellow walls and continues the theme of rich exoticism. I appreciate the naked floors. Though I am a big fan of beautiful area rugs, the expanse of “negative space” gives the eye a chance to rest.

More exotica in the dining room: Moroccan cabinets, antique Murano vases, Napoleon III candelabra, and a 19th century painting by Jules Tornai. This is more ornate than I could live with…but what I do very much appreciate is the continuity from room to room. Each space carries the theme into the next space. As we walk through we say “yes, this feels right.” Many people have difficulty making a consistent design statement within a home. Each room is different and the over all effect is hodge podge. The key to great interior design is continuity.

Here is a detail of the other side of the dining room. Did you know red walls are good for the appetite?

Now….here is a sexy bedroom. Wrapped in violet. The wall color is intense, but not much of it shows because of the enormously generous purple silk draperies and the oversized painting (by Gustav Wertheimer). A Chinese cabinet sits by the bed and a Murano chandelier hangs above. We are told this was a gift from Kilian Hennessy’s godmother, the legendary Barbara Hutton. An Indian textile lays across the bed.

The bathroom is sexy too with it’s deep brown painted walls and indirect lighting. The collection of boxes inlaid with bone add so much to the room. Anytime a collection can be displayed it becomes a point of fascination for everyone. Collections are a delightful and entertaining way to accessorize.

Images courtesy of ?Elle Decor October 2008

Using A Tropical Color Palette With Chutzpah

Posted Sep 18 2009 by in Beach Homes, Color, Color Flow, Continuity, Core Idea with 0 Comments


If you are an upbeat, positive person then this is a color palette you might want to play around with. This is a tropical home on the Florida coast. But unlike many Palm Beach homes with their predictable light apricots and washed out aquas, this interior is a symphony of punchy reds, citrusy greens, blacks and tans. These colors can stand up to the bright sun. I’m not talking about fading fabric. I’m talking about how sunlight can seem to zap brightness out of paler colors. Designer Allison Paladino says “You can’t do this much color successfully without serious planning…I think you shouldn’t use too many colors when you’re working with bold shades.” And, indeed, no more than three colors were used in any one room. I have long been a fan of a limited color palette because it is easier to live with. I especially appreciate Paladino’s careful attention and discipline in order to achieve such a beautiful effect.

The dining room features red glazed walls. The paint is applied by hand in layers that allow the white undercoat to glow through. It makes a dramatic dinner setting with candlelight.

The livingroom is softer with a predominance of tan and black for grounding. A sophisticated mixture of Asian cabinets and tables, and a pair of French chairs were included in the room.

This sun room turns out to be everyone’s favorite. The effect of the bright walls is softened in two ways. 1) The extensive use of white. 2) It’s a monochromatic room with green being the only color.

I notice that these colors are not quite true on my computer screen. And ofcourse I don’t have a clue what it looks like on yours but hopefully you can see how delightful this bedroom is. Again, a monochromatic room of green and white that is grounded with the dark bed and nightstands. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore “Mesquite.” The loveseat and shams are Cowtan & Tout’s “Trailing Leaf.” The framed botanical prints are brighter than many that I have seen and for good reason. They have to stand up against this bold color scheme.

Skillfully used in every room, the white paint is a relief. It is used liberally around the house so that we can enjoy the colors rather than get agitated by them.

The raspberry walls in the daughter’s bedroom appear softer because they are glazed (in a cross hatched pattern) allowing the undercoat to show through. I adore the oversized ‘flumpy’ throw pillows. There is nothing like an oversized down and feather filled pillow that keeps a dent when you punch it (rather than bouncing back at you).

Here is the outdoor loggia with it’s sensational view out to the ocean. This gives us an idea of the quality of light in this home. It is a very brilliant light so close to the equator… and it could ever so easily wash away the palest of colors. But the bright reds, lush greens and strong blacks in this home stand up to the sun and seem to thrive in it.

Images courtesy of House Beautiful

Low Key Sophistication in a Greenwich Village Flat

Posted Sep 14 2009 by in Art, Color Flow, Continuity with 0 Comments

This is an optimistic setting, is it not? The splash of salmon color on the wall really caught my attention. It is a painting by James Nares and it really has personality. But whether this painting appeals to you is not the point. I hope that you will appreciate the interior designer’s ability to tell a “story.” It’s a style story of salmon-red-orange-carmel coexisting with dark wood floors and it carries gracefully through the space. Here’s more…

The other side of the room is dominated by a nicely chosen complement to the James Nares painting. This one is a diptych by Joe Gaffney using bold color and generous amounts of white space. Although the cowhide rug (from Rug Company) stays within the color palette, its geometric pattern is strong and takes some guts to work with. Is it too much? John Barrett, well known hair stylist and owner of this Greenwich Village apartment, asked designer Joan Schindler to help him make the statement he wanted to make.?”My furnishings and my haircuts actually have something in common – they never shout.” Yes indeed, the rug has a bold pattern but… it is balanced well by lots of “negative space” in the room. Negative space is a very important balancing element of design. Not to be underestimated. We all need a space where there is nothing. The eye needs a place to rest. In this case, the negative space takes the form of plain white walls, solid fabrics and sleek tables.

I love the way the salmon color is carried in to this conversation and art nook.


The kitchen cabinets are plain and pale. The color approaches some of the carmel tones of the living room. I absolutely love this e-NOR-mous arrangement of greens. It’s huge and wild, with red berries. The assymetrical arrangement gives it a very casual feel.

The bedroom is simple and sleek. The Stafford bed from Crate & Barrel is the simplest possible design. Here’s another abstract painting by Joe Gaffney.

The seating area in the bedroom features a pod coffee table by Kelly Hoppen. Burlap pillows are thrown onto the sofa. A silkscreen by Eric Watson on the wall.

I am intrigued with this desk and assymetrical bookshelf. We are told that it was purchased at auction but I don’t know the manufacturer or even the era. My hunch is that it’s mid century modern. Any thoughts out there in reader land?

Here is John Barrett in his tiny but exquisitely designed patio.

Images courtesy of Elle Decor September 2007

Bold Energy Meets Quiet Luxury in New York

Posted Sep 9 2009 by in Accesssorizing Shelves, Art, Color Flow, Continuity with 0 Comments

Where do I start my interior design? I am often asked this question and this New York apartment gives one very good answer. If it were my apartment, I would have designed the entire space around this bold piece of art by Sean Scully. It’s possible designer Michelle Prentice had that in mind when she went about creating this place for herself. The painting has the components of a beautiful color palette. One very dark color. One very light color. Two medium colors. One bright color. If you can find that in a painting, or a patterned rug, or a piece of fabric….it’s a perfect jumping off place. The room practically designs itself.

This beautiful piece of custom designed cabinetry makes a classic statement. It’s cornice is inspired by Paladian styles, and the white paint keeps the room pale. I really appreciate the well edited choice of books and accessories displayed in the shelves. Clean and uncluttered. The exquisite barrel-back wing chairs are genuine antiques…..that is to say, one of them is. The designer found one and wanted a pair, so she had the other one made to match. Many people who are not professional designers don’t know that you can actually design your own furniture and have a skilled upholsterer make it up for you. First a frame is built out of wood, and the shapes and curves are created with webbing, foam, cotton, down and springs. This chair is graceful and sculptural with a slim profile that gives it a sort of contemporary feel. Notice how the edge of the sisal rug is cut to run around the cabinet.

I love how the corner ceramic lamp echoes the deep red of the Scully painting.

Silk draperies are used here with simple pleats that are sewn on to the rings. The classic chandelier was found in pieces in a London antiques shop, purchased and reassembled for this traditional space.

This apartment is 2,200 square feet. Not huge. Efficient use of space and storage is important. Here is the guest room with it’s built in canopy daybed. The drawers beneath the cushion hold a multitude of essentials, and a trundle bed hides behind the baseboard. The pale colors and bare floor gives this small room a very open look. ?As you will see, every room in this apartment continues the running theme of a neutral color palette and the highest quality finishes. Continuity is the key to successful interior design. While this traditional style may not be your particular cup of tea, I hope you can see how well the designer accomplished a flow of color and design from room to room.

The master bedroom is luxurious but not over done. Beiges and whites don’t have to be boring, do they? The fabrics are very high quality, but quiet. Monogrammed euro style shams on the bed are a nice touch. I don’t think I have ever seen a chair pulled up to the desk at the foot of the bed. It looks great in this photo. The walls appear to be grasscloth…a great way to incorporate texture into a neutral room.

A small sitting area occupies the other side of the bedroom. Again, we see beautiful fabrics. Neutral chenille upholstery on the sofa next to an “airy acrylic table that takes up almost no visual space.” Large contemporary painting by Sam Samone.

Photos courtesy of Decor Magazine Late Summer 2009

How to Stay Cool Using Hot Color

Posted Aug 12 2009 by in Color, Color Flow, Continuity with 0 Comments

In New Mexico, bright colors are the air you breathe, the water you drink and the clothes you wear. Close to the Mexican border and other Latin American countries, the culture is oozing with bright pinks, brilliant oranges, golds and reds. This Albuquerque home is filled with hot color. Can you take the heat?


Here is the secret to keeping bright colors livable. Remember that a little goes a very very long way. So what do we do when we have a screaming passion for intense saturated melt-in-your-mouth bright colors? And, what’s more, we want to use ALL of them…in EVERY room. The answer is, we play them off against a big big neutral background. The walls in this home are treated with a hand ground mineral plaster finish and feel very adobe-like. It is difficult to say from the photos whether they are warm beige or pale yellow but the effect is earthy. The color enters the rooms in paintings, upholstered chairs and rugs. The same rule applies even if your interior design is traditional, or even contemporary. Use bright colors in small amounts against a much larger background of neutral. Can we break that rule and get away with it??Well….sure we can. Someone with a great eye can use large amounts a intense color and make it work. I say it’s too?crazy living with all bright colors and no neutrals to cool things off. On the other hand, I love the look in restaurants, hotel lobbies and other public spaces that we pass through for a short time.

This covered outdoor dining area features a ceramic tile mosaic in the home’s color palette by Albuquerque artist Paz. The glowing green pendant lights and the distant adobe fireplace create a romantic atmosphere.

The wall color continues throughout the home, tying it together beautifully as it provides that all important canvas against which to splash brilliant reds and purples. The painting is Rio Grande and Sandia Mountain by Jeff Otis. Large ceiling beams (called vigas) are a traditional element of southwest architecture.


Brown glass tiles cover the lower wall of the master bath, and the upper portion is finished with 1″ iridescent copper colored tiles. Purple and pinks are brought into the room through the textiles. Below you see the curved front portal or entrance. Notice the giant strand of purpe beads draped over the cottonwood tree and the glazed magenta planter. The echo of color between interior and exterior is a great way to hold a design together. It can even flow into the garden. Growing flowers to match the interior color palette look beautiful through the window or arranged in vases on the table.

Design was a collaboration of the homeowner and interior designer, Bree Lovelady.

Photos from Phoenix Home & Garden August 2009

Uruguay Mountain Retreat

Posted Jul 27 2009 by in Color Flow, Mountain Retreat with 0 Comments

We can learn something from the design of this cabin in the rocky mountains of Uruguay. It is a small space created as a retreat to poetry books, birds, trees and starry nights. And the layout is a beautiful example of simplicity and flow. There is nothing “fancy ” here… not even electricity. The space is simple, functional, tasteful and so inviting. I love a limited color palette like this one because it is effortless to be around. One might say it is easy for the subconscious to understand it. Clear blues and greens are used against white walls…. and this continues throughout.

Owner and creator of this sanctuary is Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann. The beautiful antique Chinese rug collection formerly graced the floors of his own restaurant. Because each and every rug is blue and white, they make a stronger statement ?than if they had been a variety of colors.

This central shelving unit was designed as a combination dining table and display unit for the owner’s Astier de Villatte faience collection.

Lots of books! The beautiful images seem to arise out of them, bringing a spiritual energy to the room. The fireplace, framed by unembellished granite slabs, is the only source of heat in this unelectrified wood dwelling.

A lower level bedroom is carved into the rocky mountainside and becomes the coolest sanctuary on the hottest days. Says the owner “I have no electricity, internet or telephone, but I enjoy the silence. When night falls, I simply get into bed under the covers, wrapped up in my thoughts, next to the many families of woodpeckers that have made perfectly round holes in my walls for their nests.”

Photos from The World of Interiors January 2009

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