We first learned of Heidi Wynne's eponymous cashmere line four years ago via Heather Clawson's blog, Habitually Chic. We own Heidi's beautiful and timeless scarves and wraps in almost every color. More recently, her business has expanded beyond her original line of scarves to straw bags, hats and knits, with even more planned, including a chic line of tees inspired by those worn by Jackie Kennedy. Heidi is not only a stylish and savvy business woman, she also has become a friend and mentor who is always willing to share business insights and her love of fashion and design. Her Instagram is a must follow for our daily fashion inspiration.
What inspired you to launch Heidi Wynne?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and in some ways I was preparing for this for most of my adult life. A few years after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania I went back to campus and took a small business course at Wharton. I waited many years, however, before launching the brand and even now I feel like I have so much more to learn. The brand was inspired by white space in the market for accessible yet well made classic pieces. I created a collection that would remain relevant and wearable for years to come because as a consumer I had wasted so much money on fleeting trends and poorly made garments and accessories. Cashmere seemed to be either exorbitantly priced or of very poor quality and many straw bags would last just one season. I am still wearing and carrying pieces from my first year of business several years ago as they all have held up so well.
I hope that when somebody purchases an item from the collection that it will become a favorite and they can be assured that it will not be out of style in two years. If I had to summarize the brand in three words it would be well made classics.
We love Heidi's uptown style shown here with her own Elliott Satchel
We love your classic chic cashmere scarves and straw bags....they are timeless and the quality is excellent. You are now moving more into other knits such as your Aran knit sweaters and your new Jackie Tees. Would you like to see these lines expand further?
Thank you so much and yes- absolutely. I will offer cashmere sweaters for holiday, wool hats and dog sweaters from Ireland, and luxury cashmere travel sets. A limited collection for men is launching in a few weeks as well. There are so many more categories I would love to explore including loungewear, organic pajamas, beach cover-ups and shirtdresses. My NY factory and I have already discussed the shirtdresses and I hope to offer them this spring. I am also working on classic leather bags in addition to straw
Who have been your mentors and what have you learned from them?
My sweet, incredibly chic friend, celebrity stylist Ann Caruso has helped me immensely with my business. My image needed so much work when I first launched. I had beautiful, professional model friends to work with however I didn't yet understand how to properly plan or style a photo-shoot and the end result was an image that wasn’t in line with my vision or taste. Ann dedicated so much of her time and energy to helping me elevate my image and select the right shoe, skirt, pant, etc. to go with the collection as well as recommending a good assistant to help stay organized. I was overwhelmed with other details like production, shipping and managing my site. I'm eternally grateful for Ann’s support and she continues to offer honest feedback on my image to help me improve.
Easy Breezy....Ann Caruso with Heidi's Straw Tote
My best friend from high school Ingrid Crain, who is a VP with Kate Spade, is a financial wizard and has provided helpful business advice as well as emotional support. It is so important to have friends who will offer constructive criticism and who are truly supportive and invested in your success. Another longtime friend, Alexandra Golaszewska, has a marketing firm called Alexandra Go and she has helped me navigate the world of social media. I was initially using too many hash tags and not understanding how to reach the right audience. Alexandra taught me to relax with the hash tags and present a much cleaner, more sophisticated image and also taught me how to link accounts, target the right audience for sales and to schedule posts and emails. She’s also been a mentor in terms of self-improvement and will send inspiring motivational and business articles and podcasts.
Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic (I’ve been a fan of her blog since day one) has also been a mentor and supportive friend- she has impeccable taste and I always value her opinion. Preston Davis’s site Keep it Chic, another one of my all time favorites, always inspires me. She has posted my straw bags and having her stamp of approval was incredible. My sweet friend Permele Doyle is President of Billionaire's Boy's Club, an influencer-marketing agency, and has been amazing as well. She is such a smart woman with valuable advice and in depth knowledge of the ever-changing influencer marketing and social media world. Being a solo entrepreneur can be lonely and isolating at times however I feel so fortunate to have such smart, sophisticated women in my life who encourage and support me- and that of course includes you.
What are your favorite aspects of running your business? What are your least favorite aspects?
My favorite aspects of the business include the creative process- becoming inspired by icons such as Jackie O and places like Ravello and coming up with new designs. Interacting with customers and followers via social media and email is also a favorite aspect of running the business. I’ve met so many wonderful people and I love hearing from them. Another favorite aspect of my business is when I spot somebody wearing one of my cashmere wraps or carrying one of my straw bags months or even years after receiving it. Elizabeth Hurley continues to wear her leopard print wrap and other cashmere scarves and it always makes my day when I spot them in her stories. Grace Atwood of The Stripe, Ann Caruso and Permele do as well. My least favorite aspect is the stress of possible production errors as well as customer returns since I offer free shipping. Fortunately I have an abnormally low return rate however my business is self funded and returns are very costly however I do understand it is part of an online business. I’ve gotten much better at managing the stress and realizing that it is all part of entrepreneurship. The positive aspects of my business definitely outweigh any negatives and I’m so grateful for my customers and for being able to create these classic collections and have them be appreciated.
Inspiration.... the Jackie tee, coming soon from Heidi Wynne. We cannot wait.
Whom do you count among your favorite style icons?
Lee Radziwill, Jackie O and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy have had a tremendous influence on my style. I also think that Lauren Santo Domingo is as chic as it gets. More favorites include Lauren Hutton, Romy Schneider, Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Candice Bergen, Sophia Coppola, Carolina Herrera, Ines de la Fressange, Margaux Hemingway, and all of the nineties supermodels. For my men’s collection Alain Delon is a huge inspiration as well as JFK and my dapper attorney, Douglas Hand, who is the most stylish man I know.
Elizabeth Hurley in Heidi Wynne Cashmere
Four Favorites....what is your favorite:
Way to spend a Saturday?
Rittenhouse Square Farmer's Market in the morning with the dogs followed by coffee at La Colombe and then brunch with friends at Parc. The afternoon is spent at the Rodin Museum or The Barnes and then dinner at The Dandelion. I moved from the Upper East Side back to Philadelphia a year and a half ago so another favorite way to spend the day is to go back to NY. I would have lunch with Ann Caruso and our friend Claudia Mason, a walk through Central Park and perhaps pop into either the The Frick or Met Breur, then dinner in Chelsea or the West Village with my friend Michael and my friend Isabelle and a late train home. I love both cities and sometimes am tempted to move back however the pace in Philadelphia is so nice and I do love where I live in Rittenhouse Square.
The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia...a must visit for inspiration.
Room of all time?
Marella Agnelli's Marrakech bedroom. No contest. It is perfect.
Film?
The Talented Mr. Ripley. I love everything about this film. A few of my other favorites include I am Love, La Piscine, A Single Man, To Catch a Thief, Orlando and Love Story. Several films as well as Jackie O inspired my latest photo shoot. The theme was Italian Socialite/Jackie O plus Ali McGraw in Love Story for the cozy sweaters. I am Love was a powerful source of inspiration and I watched The Talented Mr. Ripley several times before the shoot to for the effortless, elegant Italian style of that film.
The Talented Mr. Ripley.....iconic style for both fashion and interiors.
Vacation/Destination?
I enjoy Italy- Florence is beautiful and Milan is so chic. I also love Stockholm, Martha’s Vineyard, Palm Beach and the Hamptons. However my absolute favorite place to escape is the Hudson Valley. It centers me and brings me back to life when I’ve been stressed. Two of my close friends have bought country homes there and my dream is to join them soon. Rhinebeck, Millbrook, Hudson, Kingston and Olivebridge are a few of my favorite towns. Fresh air, Farmers Markets, lazy afternoons by the pool and cold nights by a fire- for me that’s the ideal way to live. I can’t wait to have a country house to fill with antiques from your shop-perhaps an old Victorian or Colonial.
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We love to look pulled together without trying too hard. Enter Olivia Joffrey.....the Santa Barbara,California based company known for their chic caftans and dresses. Founded by namesake Olivia Joffrey, her designs are, in her own eloquent words, "low key glamour." Her dresses instantly elevate your look, whether you are on a date night in town or running errands in the country. Read on to learn more about why we love Olivia, her self-described "visual storytelling," and her inspiring company.
We love your designs. They are so easy breezy chic. What inspired you to create Olivia Joffrey and how did you land on the designs?
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It is no secret that we love fresh flowers. In our book, they are a must for any room. Yet, while we love to garden and grow our own flowers, we do not possibly have the ability to grow all the varieties that we love. Our go to florist in town is Local Color Flowers, owned by Ellen and Eric Frost. Their shop, in Baltimore's Waverly neighborhood, is open every Saturday year round at their studio in the heart of the 32nd Street Farmers Market , where you will find us every Saturday morning. They also host a variety of open studios and classes throughout the year. While many dream of being a florist, the reality is that being a florist is HARD work. The best florists are driven by passion and love of flowers and the team at LoCoFlo has passion in spades. We love that all of their flowers are sourced locally-- within 100 miles of Baltimore. This means that their flowers are seasonal (no peonies in October, thank you) and they are supporting local farmers and sustainable small businesses. Read on for more about their inspiring business from owner and brain child Ellen Frost.
Spring bouquet we made at home with delphinium and mock orange from Ellen's shop
There are many florists creating beautiful arrangements these days but we love that your flowers are all sourced locally. And that you are a true part of the Baltimore community. What inspired you to get started?
Inspiration for LoCoFlo came from a few places all at once. I was in graduate school at Loyola getting my MBA and I took an entrepreneurship class that really opened my eyes to Social Entrepreneurship and the important role that social entrepreneurs can play in their communities. I was also seeing my friends and people my age getting married with few environmentally conscious choices for flowers available to them. Most of the flowers being offered at florist shops were sourced from countries in South America, many with lax environmental and employment laws. Around the same time, I was working part time on a Baltimore County farm and I was learning about farming and flowers and I started to envision a business that could connect wedding clients with local flowers. Finally, Amy Stewart's landmark book Flower Confidential came out in early 2007. It was the first look at the global flower industry and the problems that went along with it. Locally sourced flowers made a lot of sense to me for environmental, social and aesthetic reasons.
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Jessica Griffith at work in her Nantucket family home. Photo by Adrianna Glaviano
Our families love Backgammon. The board game of strategy and skill, which has been played for thousands of years, is a timeless favorite for players young and old on beaches, the slopes, poolside and in family dens and libraries. Chic players across the globe were most famously captured by Slim Aarons in the 1970s . And today Backgammon is having another major moment thanks to Instagram and entrepreneur and creative Jessica Griffith. The Nantucket resident founded Nine Fair Backgammon in 2015 after several years working in Manhattan in private equity. Her custom made boards, featuring hand painted designs of club crests, college and prep school crests, vacation destinations, monograms or your favorite motif, are the perfect gift for weddings, anniversaries and other important milestones. One of our clients recently ordered a board for her husband's Fiftieth Birthday with the crest of their Lake House. Read on to learn more about this inspiring small business....
We love your inventive hand painted images. Is your background in art? What inspired you to create custom backgammon boards?
Thank you! I studied History and Art History at Hamilton College and spent my summers interning at Christie’s. My first job out of college was at Sotheby’s in New York. My parents are collectors of Bucks County impressionist artists so I have always been surrounded and in love with the art world. It was during my career at private equity firm that I realized how much I missed my creative side. After seeing a one of a kind backgammon board in Harbor Island, I took a leap of faith and launched Nine Fair to bring hand painted backgammon boards to the market.
A Nantucket Basket themed board.
Who have been your mentors and what have you learned from them?
From a business perspective, my dad and fiancé are my greatest mentors. My dad started his own company when he and my mom were just starting our family. He faced a lot of difficulties, persevered and ended up being a huge success. My fiancé, John, works in leverage finance so he is constantly analyzing companies and figuring out their strengths and weaknesses. He has many suggestions for how I can improve and grow my business. Last, but certainly not least, my mom is maybe my greatest mentor. She is extremely discerning and has impeccable taste!
What are your favorite aspects of running Nine Fair? What are your least favorite aspects?
My favorite aspects are working with clients to create one of a kind pieces that will last a lifetime. I view Nine Fair as more than a company that creates attractive game boards - I believe they are timeless works of art and I love making a client’s vision come to life. Managing my expenses and taxes are definitely my least favorite aspect!
How would you like to see your business grow in the next three years?
Most of my clients come to Nine Fair for wedding presents or hostess gifts. In terms of expansion, I would love continue offering customizable products. I think there is something very special and thoughtful about our boards that says “I picked this out especially for you” not, “I was in a bind so here’s a nice candle” and I want to keep that going!
Whom do you count among your favorite style icons, whether it be in Interiors, textiles or fashion?
Interiors and textiles Carrie Griffith and Bunny Mellon. I love classic and traditional design! As for fashion, Lauren Santo Domingo cannot be beat.
The Board created for Gray Antiques inspired by the topiaries of the iconic Bunny Mellon. The board is available to purchase on our online shop.
Four Favorites....what is your favorite.......
Room of all time? The library of my family home on Nantucket
Place to play Backgammon? Our porch on Nantucket
Film? Something’s Gotta Give
Vacation/Destination? I would say Nantucket, but I don’t want to be that predictable! Recent favorites include Millbrook, NY and Dorset, VT.
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This week's Small Business that Inspires is Perrotine, a Massachusetts based handmade fabric lampshade company. The genesis of the company was founder's Lis Herbert love for vintage blockprints and textiles inspired by the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection of simple Indian calicos and elaborate, fanciful palampores. Each Perrotine shade is a work of art. And an instant room enhancer. Gray Antiques is thrilled to carry a selection of these lovely shades in our shop. See our current selection in our online shop or make an appointment to shop in person. Read on for more about Perrotine.....
Perrotine's founder and creative force, the chic Lis Herbert
What inspired you to create custom shades and when did you launch Perrotine?
For about 10 years I had a letterpress print shop, and while designing social stationery, I became fixated on designing patterns that would somehow imitate the feel of block-printed fabric, but on paper. I researched old textiles, studied interiors for pattern inspiration, and then one day it clicked that a love affair with these fabrics meant I should be working with them, not trying to reinvent them on paper. So I started buying silk and saris, not entirely sure what I would do with a growing collection, and then lampshades suddenly made perfect sense: good ones aren't easy to find, they can singularly transform a room, and I thought my eye for textiles might give me sure footing. I remember telling my dad I planned to do this in the members lounge at the Met, in a sea of white lampshades. Pay attention and you'll quickly realize that you are swimming in a sea of white lampshades.
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Photos Courtesy of Lilse McKenna, Inc.
In our new "Small Businesses that Inspire" series, today we highlight Lilse McKenna Inc, the eponymous interiors firm based in Manhattan recently launched by Baltimore native Lilse McKenna.
You recently launched your own firm. How have you pursued your path in interior design that ultimately has led to your own firm?
Aside from a few classes here and there at the New York School of Interior Design, I don’t have any formal schooling in the subject. I always had a passion for interior design, which stemmed from my close relationship with my grandmother, who loved all aspects of design. After graduating from college I realized that it was something I wanted to pursue as a career, and I cold called a few of my favorite designers to see if they needed an intern. I interned for Lindsey Coral Harper before landing a job with her, and then later took a position working for Markham Roberts. While I was working for Markham I was approached to do a couple of projects on my own, and eventually a project came along that was too large for me to do well while working full-time for Markham. It was a difficult decision, but I knew I could not do my best work for both Markham and the client simultaneously, so I decided it was a sign that it was time to take the leap and start my own firm!
We love your style. How would you describe it in five words or less?
This is the hardest question to answer for designers (I think because so much of our job is honing my clients’ various styles) but looking around my own home I’d say: collected and layered, but tailored.
Who has been your most important mentor or influence and what have they taught you?
I learned so much from both Markham and Lindsey, but I have to say that my late grandmother, Bobbie Rodgers, is my most important influence. When I was growing up she taught me so much about art, antiques, architecture, laying out a room, fabric, paint, linens. . . really everything that became the basis of my knowledge of interior design (and allowed me to jump into the profession!). She wasn’t a designer by trade but she designed her own homes and read every design book and magazine cover to cover. When I’m stuck on a design decision I often ask myself, “What would Bobbie do?”
You are a Baltimore native. How has Baltimore influenced your style?
I grew up in one of those great old houses in Roland Park, and was so lucky to be exposed to all of the beautiful architecture and landscape design in that neighborhood. I’ve always been inspired by the Victorian homes there, which are all so different from one another. Baltimore is notoriously preppy, and while I’m not always drawn to the preppy trends I see come and go, I do love the tried-and-true classics. That classic sensibility has definitely influenced the way I decorate.
Lilse's beautiful wedding on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Photo courtesy of The Knot.
How important are antiques and vintage in your work? Do you have to convince clients to use antiques and vintage?
I love nuanced rooms, and they require pieces of various styles from different time periods that can enhance one another when placed together. I am very lucky that most of my clients don’t have to be talked into buying antiques- they already love and collect them! My younger clients also have all been wise enough to see that they need to mix in some antiques in order to create a room that they will love long after the current season of catalogs is recycled.
Who are your style icons in fashion and/or interiors?
There are too many to name! I am constantly referring to Markham’s book and photos of his work for inspiration. His rooms are so smartly layered, with so many references to different styles, and yet at the same time incredibly livable. I could study Marella Agnelli’s homes by Renzo Mongiardino all day long. I look to photos of the de la Renta’s homes and Bill Blass’ apartment for timeless design, Furlow Gatewood for relaxed elegance, Gil Schafer for classic architectural details, Jacques Grange for haute bohemian. . . I really could keep you here all day listing my favorites!
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting your own firm? What has been most rewarding?
I learned so much about how to manage the frustrating aspects of this job from Markham and Lindsey, so really the most challenging aspect for me has been turning off work. Studying interior design started as a hobby for me. I used to read shelter magazines when I needed a break from studying, or I’d flip through design books while relaxing at my grandparents’ house. Now when I want to relax I still reach for those things, but I end up making to-do lists and sending emails at the same time!
The most rewarding aspect is definitely having the opportunity to enhance part of my client’s lives by designing living spaces that perfectly suit them. It probably sounds melodramatic, but I subscribe to the idea that our settings have a major impact on the quality of our lives, and nothing is more rewarding than knowing that a client is living well in a space that I designed.
We love your use of fabric and print! What is your launching point when selecting fabric? Do you have a favorite print? Favorite color?
Thank you! I am definitely a fabric addict and typically start collecting fabrics for a project from day one. There are so many beautiful prints and weaves, it is hard to choose one, but most of my favorites have a painterly, handblocked, or crosshatch effect.
As far as color I’m naturally drawn to anything in the blue, green, or blue-green family, but part of what I love about this job is being challenged by a client who says, “I’m dying for a (insert random color here) room!” It is always exciting to explore a shade or a style I might not have considered otherwise.
Where would you like to see your business in the next three years?
If the next three years are anything like this past year I will consider myself very lucky! I have the most gracious clients and engaging projects, and each day is different.
Four Favorites...what is your Favorite:
Room of all time?
I love so many rooms- this answer changes by the day! One that comes to mind today (while I’m packing for France!) is Hubert de Givenchy’s great sprawling study at Château du Jonchet with the octagonal Giacometti table in the center, vaulted ceilings, and wicker furniture with white upholstery.
Givenchy's study at Chateau du Jonchet
Room to design/decorate?
I love living rooms- especially in New York- because they often have to serve many functions. They are spaces for entertaining, reading, sometimes dining, and they end up with the most interesting furniture plans (and furniture for that matter!) as a result.
Film?
I have three (and all of them feature gorgeous homes!): Father of the Bride, You’ve Got Mail, and Sabrina.
Long Island elegance. Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart in "Sabrina", 1954
Vacation?
I can never decide between cities and islands. I love museums, restaurants, and antiquing, but I could sail around or sit by the ocean and read for weeks on end too! Our next trip will be a bit of both: Paris, Provence, and Saint-Tropez. Hopefully that is the perfect vacation!
]]>Gift suggestions abound this time of year......here we join the chorus with our suggestions for gifts that are a joy to shop for and a pleasure to give and to receive. In our minds, gift giving should be thoughtful, meaningful, and always a pleasure (never a chore....otherwise, why bother?) We prefer to gift antiques and vintage, where possible. Otherwise, we select gifts that are of the highest quality and craftsmanship. All of our suggestions reflect this standard. And, of course, beautiful gift wrapping is a must.
For special friends, mothers, sisters......
We love Cire Trudon Taper candles, from the oldest candle maker in the world (photo above). Made in France, dripless, and in an array of gorgeous colors, these are truly special. We prefer Taupe because they are the perfect gray/pumice color that we adore. The Kaki green is also perfect for a Holiday table. And they arrive beautifully boxed and beribboned. Shop in New York or at www.trudon.com
D. Porthault embroidered cocktail napkins or hand towels. Exquisite hand embroidery. No explanation needed. Photo by Erik Kvalsik for the book "D. Porthault The Art of Luxury Linens,' by Brian D. Coleman. P.S. The book itself is also a lovely gift. Shop in New York or at www.dporthault.com
We love the Aerin decorative home collection and are pleased to carry a selection in our shop...her brass match strikers in either the cone or sphere shape are chic gifts. We also love her picture frames, which are unique and of heirloom quality. Available in our shop. Email us with inquiries or shop Saturdays in December, 11 am to 3 pm.
Cashmere wraps by Heidi Wynne are a perennially elegant gift. I have them in multiple colors and they are a year round staple for travel, chilly afternoons, or breezy beach days. Photo by Heather Clawson, Habitually Chic blog. www.heidiwynne.com
For the Gardener....
We love antique and vintage garden pieces. Our pair of cast iron garden urns can be used either indoors in a garden room or outdoors. Such a handsome gift. Available in our shop. Email us with inquiries or shop Saturdays in December, 11 am to 3 pm.
For the Book Lover...
There are many great books to choose from each season but why not give vintage books that are of interest to the recipient, whether it be art, design, fashion, gardening or cooking. We carry a great selection of vintage books in our shop. Email us with inquiries or shop Saturdays in December, 11 am to 3 pm.
For the Entertainer ......
As any entertainer knows,one can never have too much vintage china, silver, decorative tabletop pieces and bar ware. We have a great and ever changing selection in our shop, including this set of vintage Wedgwood Queensware. Email us with inquiries or shop Saturdays in December, 11 am to 3 pm.
For the men in your life....
We only need shop at one place...Sid Mashburn. Sid and his wife Ann's shops are a delight to visit.....always beautifully curated, the clothing and accessories always unique and high quality, and the staff are the best. Last year I gave our boys each a leather belt with a unique brass buckle. So much nicer than electronics! And of course we are quite partial to their gray gift boxes which look smashing under any tree. Shops in DC, Atlanta, LA, Houston and Dallas or www.sidandannmashburn.com.
For the Food Lover.....
For those who love food and do not necessarily need one more material good, give a fine dining experience. Gift certificates to a favorite restaurant are a wonderful gift. We love giving gift certificates from of one our favorite places in Baltimore, Petit Louis Bistro. 4800 Roland Avenue, Baltimore. www.petitlouis.com
Delicious macarons from Laduree are an elegant and chic gift for anyone. There are now Laduree shops in Union Station or Georgetown in Washington,DC. You can also shop at their chic UES shop in New York (get in line!) or at www. laduree.com.
For the Jewelry Lover....
Estate Jewelry is always preferred for that unique and one of a kind piece. One year I received from my husband my treasured estate gold charm bracelet found at auction. And, while I may never be able to have the budget for it, I will always covet a Schlumberger for Tiffany and Co bangle (a girl can dream).
And, remember, do not forget to gift wrap with care (preferably while enjoying a glass of champagne). The beautiful gift wrap is by Pierre Frey. Cheers to a restful, meaningful and joyful Holiday.
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While visiting the campus of Duke University we were able to explore just a small portion of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. The Gardens were established by Mary Duke Biddle in honor of her mother Sarah in 1938 after her mother's original gardens were flooded. Today the gardens cover 55 acres and are free to the public. In addition to interesting plants and flowers, the gardens are filled with unique fountains, statues and sculpture. Above is the Perennial Allee. A cool respite on a very hot and steamy North Carolina day.
"Melludere" Mother of Pearl Rose, Grandiflora, 2007 in the Rose Garden.
My favorite spot, the Garden's Tool House, designed by the esteemed American landscape designer Ellen Biddle Shipman in 1937. Shipman also designed one of my favorite gardens, the English Garden at Stan Hywet Hall in Akron, Ohio, established in the same time period.
A fountain behind the Garden Shed.
Busy bee in a "MEIkanoro" Sunshine Daydream Rose, Grandiflora Richardier, 2001.
A new pergola built in honor of Gardens Board Chair Cynthia Brodhead, 2017.
Details......
A fantastic new stickwork sculpture, "The Big Easy," by Patrick Dougherty, a North Carolina artist, built with sticks collected from the Duke Forest earlier this year.
Fabulous Lilium Regale...antidote to so many store bought varieties.
"God Almighty First Planted a Garden and Indeed It Is the Rarest of Human Pleasures" Francis Bacon.
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Dumbarton Oaks, located on the highest point of the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC, is a 27 acre oasis of gardens and a Federal style Mansion. The property was the home of Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred Barnes Bliss in the1920s and 30s. Bliss worked with famed landscape architect Beatrix Farrand to transform what was once farmland into a series of terraced gardens, including an ellipse, a rose garden, a pool, an orangery and a cutting garden. In 1940, the property was given to Harvard University, Bliss's alma mater, and today serves as a Research Institute in the studies of garden design, landscape architecture, Byzantine Art, and Pre-Columbian art. The Gardens will be closed July 10, 2017 through March 15, 2018 to undergo an extensive upgrade of their original irrigation systems. A visit before then if you are in the DC area is highly worth it for the properties' breathtaking views and glorious gardens. We enjoyed an evening of cocktails in the Garden as part of the European Month of Culture....follow our journey below.
The approach to the Federal style Mansion, which now houses a Museum.
Urn envy....there are numerous breathtaking urns and statuary throughout the gardens.
The Orangery served as a lovely gathering place for cocktails.
The Urn Terrace with an urn modelled after an 18th century French original in terra cotta that was too fragile for Washington winters.
The Rose Garden, the Bliss' favorite part of the gardens, was in all of its glory this May evening.
The cutting garden has two of these stone buildings.
Another lovely architectural moment.
The Pebble Garden Fountain, based on Villa I Tatti outside of Florence, Italy.
A double ring of hornbeams encircles an 18th century Provencal fountain in the Ellipse.
A pretty little path alongside the cutting garden....there are as many such casual moments as there are formal throughout the property.
A final glimpse at another such casual moment...perhaps my favorite among so many beautiful moments.
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Those who have followed us for some time know that we love sculpture and that Henry Moore (1898-1986) is one of our favorite sculptors. He also has a trove of drawings that served as a basis for his sculptures, as well as stand alone work. Interestingly, Cezanne's nudes were an early influence on his work. His sculptures are iconic and grace the best museums in the world but recently he has had renewed attention given that the British stalwart Burberry chose to feature a retrospective of his work as part of their Fall 2017 exhibit. This has led to a collaboration with design publication Cabana, whose latest issue features three different covers of Moore's drawings. The above photo is of a signed Moore lithograph in our personal collection, "Man and Woman", 1973-74, found at auction, of course. And we can continue to dream about owning a sculpture.......
Henry Moore in his studio.
At the Baltimore Museum of Art
At the Burberry Fall 2017 Show.
At the Cleveland Museum of Art
A cover of the newest Issue of Cabana.
At the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh
At the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC
Another great cover of the new Cabana. This one is my favorite.
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Marella Agnelli was the master in using wicker in the most elegant of interiors. Here her home in Marrakech.
Jane Birkin forever sealed the wicker basket as a fashion accessory.
Our favorite modern day wicker inspiration is Atelier Vime, of France, which specializes in vintage wicker. Their Instagram account @ateliervime is one of our favorites.
Vintage wicker mirror from Atelier Vime at the Aerin shop in Southhampton.
One of our favorite wicker baskets in our personal collection acquired at auction from the estate of CZ Guest's Templeton.
Classic. Wicker in Palm Beach. Designer and eponymous shop owner Amanda Lindroth's apartment in Palm Beach. Photo by Jonny Valiant.
Hermes wicker Kelly bag...le sigh.
Another master of wicker is Hubert de Givenchy. Here the pool house at Le Clos Fiorentina in the South of France.
More Atelier Vime chic.
Bring the outdoors in.....wicker chairs by Restoration Hardware in our sun room.
And no discussion of wicker is complete without Bunny Mellon's love of baskets. Here her back hall leading out to her garden in Manhattan, proving wicker is always beautiful in Town and Country.
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"Some people like to look at gardens, I like to live them." Marella Agnelli.
Conservatories, garden rooms, sun porches.....these are our favorite rooms to design and admire. Plants and flowers thrive among open windows, plenty of light, wicker, floors of tile, painted wood and sisal, along with beautiful planters and garden objets. We call it Gardening Chic! As we prepare for our booth at the Ladew Garden Festival on May 6, here are the garden rooms and their contents that inspire us. (Photo credits when found are noted.) Above, Marella Agnelli's Villa Frescot in Turin, Italy. Photo by Oberto Gilli.
A modern chic take at Lasata, Delphine and Reed Krakoff's estate on Long Island. Photo by Ivan Terestchenko.
CZ Guest's Templeton on Long Island. We will have several finds from Templeton acquired at auction available at the Ladew Festival! Photo by Michael Mundy.
Hubert de Givenchy's Le Jonchet. This room has inspired all others.
Carolyn Roehm's Weatherstone in Connecticut. Photo by Lesley Unruh.
Daniel Roumaldez for Tory Burch's home in the Hamptons. Photo by Norman Jean Roy.
Pure elegance. Bruce Budd for clients' Houston home. Photo by Bjorn Wallander.
Old world grandeur at Lorenzo Castillo's Madrid home. Photo by Simon Upton.
The visionary Furlow Gatewood in Americus, Georgia. Photo by Max Kim Bee.
The great Bunny Williams and John Rosselli's home in Connecticut. Photo by Tony Vu.
And of course, the ultimate in Gardening Chic, Bunny Mellon's Oak Spring Farm Library in Middleburg, Virginia where rare volumes about gardening live among Rothkos.
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Spring has arrived and it is opening weekend at Ladew Gardens! The Gardens, located in Monkton,Maryland, were established by New Yorker Harvey Ladew in 1929 and originally served as his fox hunting retreat. He transformed the property to become one of the most outstanding Topiary Gardens in America. Later in life he established the gardens as a public garden for all to enjoy. The 22 distinct gardens, topiaries and buildings are a mecca for garden lovers. (Above is the Croquet Lawn.)
On Saturday, May 6 Ladew will hold its 9th Annual Garden Festival, with over 45 vendors from throughout the Northeast selling unique plants and garden antiques. We are thrilled to be a vendor for the first time this year with our friend Oriet's Fine Art. We have been acquiring great antique and vintage garden and conservatory pieces for this show and cannot wait to share them! Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. Monkton is approximately 30 miles from Baltimore in Baltimore's beautiful horse farm country. Ladew Gardens is a destination in and of itself but why not a make a weekend of it and visit many of the beautiful places Baltimore has to offer? We would be happy to make suggestions for places to stay, shops and museums to visit, and restaurants to enjoy! Below are images from last year's Garden Festival. It was a rainy and chilly day but, as all good gardeners know, a little rain is not a deterrent from getting out there! Visit www.ladewgardens.com for tickets.
Beautiful moment on the property.
A favorite booth. Pennoyer Newman from NYC. They will be at the Show again this year. Their planters are show stoppers!
The topiares the Gardens are known for.
My favorite garden furniture booth, Darrell Dean Antiques. They will be at the show this year as well. Want these tables!
More Darrell Dean.
Stone Faux Bois in the Azalea Garden. Yes please.
Not be missed. Atlock Farms famous myrtle Topiaries.
A planter arrangement of my own at my house made with ivy and geraniums I purchased at the Festival from Peace Tree Farms, a beautiful plant vendor with unique plants. Cannot wait to see them again this year!
Booths are also inside the Barn, which served as Harvey Ladew's art studio. This is the booth of Orient's Fine Art. Oriet represents many fine artists and she has a wonderful and fresh eye. Gray Antiques will be sharing this space this year and we are planning a great display!
Harvey Ladew in his Art Studio in the Barn.
The amazing chandelier in his studio depicted above is still hanging in the Barn today. Not to be missed! Please join us May 6 or become a Friend of the Festival and join us for the opening night cocktail party under the chandelier and preview shopping Friday, May 5! We would love to see you!
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I spent a wonderful afternoon last week visiting the Smithsonian's National Gallery of Art East Wing, which houses it's Modern and Contemporary collection. The East Wing was built in 1978 under the patronage of Paul Mellon, among others, and was designed by I.M. Pei. The building underwent a major renovation last year and it is now much more open and the galleries are more light filled. The musuem also has integrated many American works from the Corcoran Museum, which sadly closed in 2014. One is greeted by a soaring entrance with a large Calder (above). The perfect space for such an important collection. A must visit when in Washington, DC (not all of DC is about politics, thank goodness). I hope you enjoy my favorites.
Jean Dubuffet, "Site a l'homme assis", 1969-1984.
Love this large scale piece by Robert Motherwell, "Reconciliation Elegy", 1978.
There is an entire gallery dedicated to the works Mark Rothko (a favorite of the Mellons) "Untitled",1949.
A collection of sculptures by Constantin Brancusi.
A favorite Henri Matisse, "Palm Leaf, Tangier", 1912.
A massive Henry Moore at the entrance. "Knife Edge Mirror Two Piece",1976-1978.
The patrons and designers of the East Wing.
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Our 2016 renovation included a Master Bath addition. Baths can be boring if you approach the project as simply about hardware, tile, and fixtures. But now, there are many options to personalize and pretty up the space. Below are our tips and ideas for Bath Design.
Architectural plans for the second floor addition that includes a dressing room and bath. The original bath in our 1924 home was a closet size space that barely housed a single pedestal sink, toilet, and built in tub/shower. That space,along with adjacent closet space, became the dressing room, with a new addition housing the new master bath.
Exterior view of the construction. The addition is seamless to the original 1924 colonial revival.
Selecting tiles and fixtures......it is hard for me to get excited about these pieces but if you find great sources it makes it a pleasure. Our tile was sourced at Hunt Valley Tile here in Baltimore, where we went with classic white subway tile and marble flooring and accents.
I did not want built-ins, as I wanted a feel of a room with pieces of furniture. After visiting a few local show rooms, we decided to go with Restoration Hardware. Their pieces are well made, beautiful and excellently displayed on their website. When there were a few issues with orders, their customer service was impeccable. (Many may not realize that RH has acquired the bath fixture temple that is known as Waterworks.) I love our gray modular double sink with carrara marble top.
Bathtub and hardware from RH.
The double mirrors were sourced at One King's Lane. I spent a lot of time looking for antique mirrors but had a hard time finding an exact fit in a pair that did not break the bank. I remain on the hunt however! But these do have a vintage feel.
English majolica in a seaweed and shell pattern......there are many ways to use antique and vintage decorative accessories, even in a bath. This little dish makes me smile each morning.
The shower....
Shower wall alcove. I laughed recently when I saw a post about making these alcoves large enough for extra large shampoo bottles to please a client. My husband and the builder made the same suggestion. This was met by my silence. No words needed. Men. Pretty products are necessary in my book.
The stand alone tub from RH. The French cane chair was found at auction from the estate of CZ Guest's Templeton. This is where I am found on many evenings.
Pretty accessories and flowers are a must.When one has to get out the door each day, it is a pleasure to prepare here.
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In 1955, Tiffany and Company hired Van Day Truex, the former head of the Parsons School of Design, to revive its collection and bring a fresh approach to the brand. Seeking to introduce more inventive and modern pieces,Truex recruited French designer Jean Schlumberger in 1956 . After meeting in 1954, Schlumberger developed an iconic relationship with Mrs. Rachel "Bunny" Lambert Mellon and she became his most valuable patron and inspiration. Her exquisite taste and love of gardening and botanicals particularly inspired his works. The Virginia Museum of Fine Art in Richmond has a wonderful exhibit of Mrs. Mellon's collection of Schlumberger pieces. For lovers of beauty and creativity, the exhibit, which runs through June 18, is a must. Below are my favorite pieces from this exquisite partnership.
Jean Schlumberger. Photo courtesy Of Tiffany and Co.
So many exquisite pieces but this is my favorite: Dahlia Hidden Watch, 1958. Citrines, diamonds, and 18 karat gold. Gold branches connect seven dahlia blooms, citrines cover the the center of six of the flowers, while the watch face is covered by a cluster of diamonds. This bracelet like watch is only one of three known examples of this design.
Clam Shell Compact, 1958.Sapphires, emeralds,turquoise, and 18kt gold.
Iconic Schlumberger enamel bangle with turquoise.
Inspired by a Paris flea market find, Schlumberger developed his own line of woven metal basketry, this one in 18 karat gold with garnets.
Woven bombe ring with sapphires, 1956.
Flower Pot, 1960. Made with a rare 94 carat Kashmir sapphire. When presented with the stone Bunny Mellon suggested its use not in a piece of jewelry, but in a flower pot objet. It is in a real terra cotta pot from her greenhouse!
Concept sketches for the Flower Pot displayed next to the piece.
The VMFA has done a wonderful job with this exhibit...here a table with examples of Schlumberger's drawings alongside materials for patrons to sketch on their own.
A lovely tribute at the exhibit to Mrs.Mellon. Photo by Henri Cartier-Bresson, in her garden at Oak Spring Farm, 1962.
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Lee Radziwill. Of Course. More so than her sister in my humble opinion because she had and continues to have more freedom to live life as she sees fit. Her fashion and design sense is everything. Here in her iconic Paris apartment, 2003. Photo by Mario Testino for Vogue.
Billy Baldwin. Legend. Baltimore Boy. Decorator to Jackie Kennedy, Diana Vreeland, and Bunny Mellon. His sophisticated and elegant style looms large.
Miranda Brooks. Genius designer for some of the most naturally elegant gardens in the world. Seen here in the garden she designed for Anna Wintour. So fresh and inviting. Photo by Ricardo Labougle for T Magazine.
Art Museums. I do not get my design inspiration from completed rooms on Houzz or Pinterest or perfect shelter magazine spreads. It is much more organic, starting with art and architecture. Here the beautiful Baltimore Museum of Art, designed by John Russell Pope. It is one mile from my house and it is free! I visit often, even if for only an hour, to refresh my eyes.
Heather Clawson and her Habitually Chic Blog. THE original blog that combined design, fashion, art and culture, Heather Clawson has inspired many, including me, to blog. I still look forward to her smart posts each and every day, which, in our saturated social media culture, speaks volumes about her eye and ability to keep it fresh.
Carolina Herrera. The epitome of chic elegance at any age and a strong business woman. Her runway shows at the Frick Museum are hands down always the most beautiful of the American shows.
Albert Hadley. The original. Often referred to as the "Dean of American Decorators," he has influenced so many great designers and creatives who inspire me today, including Bunny Williams and Christopher Spitzmiller. Deserving of an entire other post. Photo by Patrick Cline here in his NYC apartment.
Auction Catalogs. A tremendous resource for art and antique lovers...full of the best pieces, often beautifully photographed, along with educational information on an item's history and provenance. And the best catalogs today have gorgeous lay outs and styling, the most recent example of which is Christie's Paris catalog of their March 6 auction of Hubert de Givenchy's Giacometti collection. Which brings me to......
Hubert de Givenchy. Renaissance Man. Clothing designer to the most elegant women of the 20th Century.....Audrey Hepburn, Babe Paley, Bunny Mellon among others....and the interiors and gardens of his homes in France are perhaps the most influential in design in the world. I get a little breathless when I study his work......divine elegance, seriously chic...call it what you will. The Ultimate.
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In 2016, after fourteen years in our circa 1924 Baltimore home, we undertook a major two story renovation/extension of our kitchen and master bath. Any time I post a photo of the results on Instagram, I receive an enthusiastic response so it is time for a fuller blog post.
I knew when we first purchased the home what needed to be done...the original footprint was very small. Homes built in 1924 had very utilitarian kitchens, as all that work was behind the scenes. Today, of course, we live very different lives. The good news about our home was that it had not been touched since 1924 except for new cabinets and appliances installed in the 1980s, so we did not have to deal with any of the poorly done renovations one so often sees today. Working with our wonderful architect Melville-Thomas the addition is seamless and fitting with the original architecture of the home. Utilizing an architect, while an added expense, is essential to avoid "basic box" additions. Working with a high quality builder is also key and Smithouse Builders were a dream team. The design process took several months. The construction process took six months start to finish, and was on time on and on budget. How many projects can say that? The key was that I knew what I wanted, knew where to source what I wanted and made decisions with the architect and builder quickly. Did I make a few mistakes along the way? Yes. But overall, they were minor and I have learned from them. Our family so enjoys the results. I hope you do as well. And if you are contemplating a new kitchen design, please contact us. We would love to assist you in making a warm, welcoming and functional space in your home.
It all begins with an Inspiration Board to share with the architect and builder. I also generated a prioritized wish list. My top wish was a kitchen fireplace. My husband's was a LaCanche range. He cooks while I sit in front of the fire blogging and perusing auctions online! Win Win.
The architectural drawings. A good architect will collaborate with you. It should be a true give and take. And they should provide you with 2 to 3 options to choose from at different budget points.
The construction. We lived in our home while construction occurred. Not for the the faint of heart with two kids and a dog but it can be done. Our builder created a temporary kitchen in our dining room. A hot plate and a microwave were very useful...we did not eat take out every night! Sharing a bathroom with two boys however was not fun. I have blocked those memories, sort of like childbirth.
Sourcing cabinets, counter tops, appliances, tile and fixtures can be overwhelming but if you have a design plan ahead of time it goes much more smoothly.
The highlight of our sourcing was a visit to the lovely LaCanche Showroom in Manhattan. It is a small and intimate space and the team there from France is such a delight to work with.
And six months later.....Once the basics were installed, the real fun for me began...decorating with antique and vintage furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Everything in the new space, except for the counter stools found at Williams Sonoma Home, is vintage or antique.
Using the island sink and counter for flower arranging is one of my joys.
Cabinets to display china, table top pieces, and vases was my second design must have, behind the fireplace.
A small butler's pantry in the breakfast room. Cheers!
The seating area is anchored by a 1930s painted stick wicker sofa I found on Ebay.
The kitchen fireplace mantel is vintage found at a salvage shop. It was stripped of five layers of paint and refinished. Using vintage elements when possible is key to avoiding a cookie cutter look in a new build kitchen design.
The breakfast room. Now my favorite spot in our home. The round table is vintage McGuire found on 1stDibs. It was not high enough to comfortably seat dining chairs so I had a base extension made. Easy fix! The antique French two tier gilt chandelier was an auction find. It had to be rewired but, again, an easy fix to an otherwise incredibly beautiful piece.
The mud room with custom cabinetry and a vintage star lantern found at a consignment shop with John Robshaw runner.
French doors at the back entrance. And Sophie, our long haired Weimeraner. The wicker planters are from Terrain. I adore wicker for its casual chic quality.
The view of the two story addition from our our backyard. The second story is a master bath, which will be the subject of a future blog post, The highest compliment is that the addition looks original to the 1924 house.
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I have been thinking quite a bit of the people and things that have influenced me in my design aesthetic. Some new, some I have admired forever. Some I know personally, some I simply admire from afar. They all possess or embody similar qualities.... substantive, visionary, hard working, valuing of family and friends, knowing their craft, striving to be the best at what they do. Herewith, a Part One list of my influentials. Stay tuned for Part Two:
Rachel "Bunny" Lambert Mellon. Of course. The best in everything -- gardens, art, antiques, clothing, jewels, and philanthropy -- always with casual elegance.Photo by Horst.
Bruce Budd. Know your craft. Be authentic. All done quietly. Epitome of sophistication. Photo by Bjorn Wallander for AD.
Town and Country Magazine. My forever bible on all things fashion, design, and culture.
Sofia Coppola. Renaissance Woman. Creative and style genius.
Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer. Businesswoman, mother and wife, beyond chic. Modern Day Icon.
Jacques Grange. Chicest in Design. Period.
Gerrie Bremermann. Bremermann Designs. When (not if) I open a brick and mortar shop, I want it to be as beautiful as her eponymous New Orleans shop.
Heidi Wynne, founder of Heidi Wynne Cashmere. I was a loyal fan of her eponymous cashmere line and then I met her personally through Instagram. My successful small business inspiration who has been so kind and generous with her advice and support.
Sid and Ann Mashburn. Creative, stylish, generous, retail geniuses. When they placed a large order with me I knew I could actually do this! A moment I will never forget.
World of Interiors. Best in Design. Not a trend in sight. Amen.
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The rooms that I am drawn to are individual, personal and layered. Often they are a mix of new pieces, such as a custom sofa, with several great statement antique and vintage pieces from multiple periods, whether it be art, an inherited sideboard, a one of a kind lamp, or a fabulous vintage cocktail table. However, for the last decade it seems using antiques fell out of fashion. Much was written about the demise of antiques and "brown furniture." Yet, the pendulum seems to be swinging back toward this layered aesthetic, as people are craving rooms with character and individuality filled with wallpaper, upholstery, and, yes, antiques. The Wall Street Journal recently ran a feature on this revival of "maximalism." Whatever one calls it and setting trends aside, great antiques and vintage pieces are the secret to beautiful and timeless rooms. The key is to integrate them with more modern pieces for a fresh look.
Estate sales, flea markets and auctions offer the best selection of antiques and vintage often at much more affordable prices than new furniture or accessories sold today in showrooms or design centers. Indeed, I founded Gray Antiques to bring such finds to clients. Here in Baltimore we are fortunate to have a well established auction house, Alex Cooper, which has the best pieces in the area. Baltimore and its surroundings have a history of well-traveled and wealthy residents so there is always a something beautiful to be found at auction. The above photo of my living room includes several Alex Cooper finds over the years, such as an antique hand painted Italian screen and a midcentury modern campaign chest by Widdicomb. Along with my beloved Milo Baughman cane chairs, these pieces elevate the entire room for a fresh and individual look.
Below are more photos of antique and vintage pieces that I have found at auction over the years and incorporated into my home. And at Gray Antiques, we love helping clients find these great pieces for their own homes.
This gorgeous early 20th century landscape by Paul Jardine found at Alex Cooper served as the design inspiration for our newly renovated kitchen.
The painting now rests on the mantel of our kitchen fireplace. The mantelpiece itself is vintage found at a salvage shop and the leopard upholstered bench and garden lanterns also are auction finds.
I acquired this stunning early 20th century gilt tiered French chandelier at Alex Cooper for our new breakfast room. It had to be rewired but even then it was one-third the price one would pay for a reproduction manufactured today.
I also found a set of six of these vintage chairs. While I did not like the upholstery, I loved their shape, they were well made, and I knew I could readily have them slipcovered. I acquired all six chairs for only $150 dollars, which left plenty in my budget to have custom slip covers made.
The chairs and chandelier today in our breakfast room, my new favorite space in our home. The round table is vintage McGuire, found online. The blue and white Chinese ginger jars were one of my first auction purchases from Alex Cooper many years ago. The hand colored German fruit drawings are circa 1800s and are another find that I had custom framed.
And finally, even if you are not redesigning an entire room, one key piece, like this sculpture found at Alex Cooper, can bring a fresh perspective. I adore this sculpture and not a day goes by that I do not pass it in my living room and smile.
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We were thrilled to be invited by AERIN Home to preview their new Fall accessories line at Market Week. We love and are inspired by the company's chic aesthetic under the amazing eye of founder Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer. Her decorative accessories and lighting are remarkably beautiful as well as incredibly well made. Each piece is so lovely to hold in your hand. We look forward to using them alongside our antique and vintage pieces to create the truly timeless yet fresh and modern rooms we love.
New for Fall, this seriously chic velvet jewelry box with a display of vintage jewelry.
The art of display. Blue ceramics on a gold etager and vintage Vogues in a rattan basket.
Exquisite Austrian handmade flower sculptures from Aerin Lauder's personal collection alongside a new print for beauty bags for Fall and an AERIN lamp for Visual Comfort.
Stunning antique mirror in the main seating area with art work from her boys when they were little. I did the same with my boys' artwork. So warm and genuine. Family is everything.
I am in love with this fabulous floor lamp for Visual Comfort and the ceramic pieces in gold and cream. Supremely elegant.
My favorite moment is this vintage gold vitrine filled with vintage pieces from Estee Lauder as well as tabletop, beauty and accessories from AERIN over the years. Adored her sunglasses with Oliver Peoples and chic evening clutches. Truly breathtaking.
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The 90 plus works in the show are culled from museums and private collections around the country, with many of Matisse's works from the BMA's permanent collection established by Baltimore's Cone sisters, who began collecting his work in 1906. Many of Diebenkorn's works are on loan from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, where the show travels next after it closes at the BMA on January 29. The show is absolutely worth a visit to Baltimore these last two weeks if you are on the East Coast (Amtrak makes it easy!). For those of you on the West Coast this Spring, I highly recommend a visit to SFMOMA when the show runs March 11 through May 29. (Note: there is a strict no photography rule at the exhibit given there are so many works from private collections so the photos below are from other sources but represent my selection of favorites from the show.)
Matisse in studio with portrait of Etta Cone, 1934. Photo Matisse Archives.
Diebenkorn in his Berkley, CA studio, 1959. Photo by Fred Lyon.
Matisse, "Quai Saint-Michel", 1916.
Diebenkorn, "Urbana #4", 1953.
Matisse, "Reclining Model with a Flowered Robe", 1924.
Diebenkorn, "Untitled (Woman Seated in a Chair)", 1963. A favorite!
Matisse, "Yellow Pottery from Provence," 1906.
Diebenkorn, "Seated Figure with a Hat", 1967.
Matisse, "View of Notre Dame", 1914.
Diebenkorn, "Ocean Park #79", 1975.
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I find Winter gardens just as beautiful as when they are at their peak in Spring and Summer. For it is a well-maintained garden that has been lovingly put to bed for the winter that ensures the beauty of the next season. Over the holidays I visited one of my favorite gardens at Stan Hywet, the 1920s Tudor Estate built by the Seiberling family, founders of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, in Akron, Ohio. The grounds and the greenhouse were simple, elegant and fresh to my eyes after the hustle and bustle of the Holidays.
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Happy New Year. Gray Antiques and Interiors is embracing 2016 with enthusiasm. Starting with our recently announced name change, we are focusing on bringing you the best mix of elegant and timeless antique and vintage pieces we can find. We will continue to scour auctions and estate sales up and down the East Coast for these great finds and a buying trip to France is in the works. Also, Brimfield here we come.
Another big and exciting change is the two story renovation underway at Somerset Road in Baltimore. We will blog and post on Instagram so you can track the progress of this two story kitchen and master bath renovation of our existing 1924 center hall colonial. The building is in high gear now, with planned completion in April, so follow up along as we source and select our decorative details. From the breakfast room, to the seating area in front of a fireplace, to the mudroom, to the dressing room, walk in closets and the soaking tub, there will be plenty of action to watch and weigh in on!
We look forward to having you follow us in 2016! Cheers to the New Year!
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The New Design Bible:
The Ultimate Icon of Style:
The Chicest Gardener:
A Master Class:
The Genius:
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Carved Wood Food Dogs, $495 a pair
French Tole Cache Pots, $135 a pair
Country Scene Oil Painting, $435
Blue and White Large Temple Jars, $750 a pair
Christofle Etched Crystal Vase, $125
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French Hand Painted Glasses, Set of 12. These glasses are so beautiful for a luncheon or holding votives on a candlelit outdoor table.
For the Gardener
How thrilling to receive a first edition of CZ Guest's "First Garden," with a forward by Truman Capote and drawings by Cecil Beaton.
For the Blue and White Lover
Vintage Mottahedeh "Canton" Trumpet Vase. A beautiful vase, especially when filled with fresh flowers.
For the Classicist
Classical female head statuette. So pretty on a desk or dressing table.
For the Gentleman's Library
Wooden Samurai Figures. Handsome additions to a book shelf or desk.
For the Fashion Obsessed
Vintage edition of "Carolina Herrera" by Alexandra Kotur because we have so much to learn from this style icon.
For the Decorator
Vintage edition of the classic "Tuscany Interiors," for endless inspiration.
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When we launched MarigoldGray in January our vision was to bring the unique and high quality antique and vintage pieces that we love to a large audience and assist people in integrating these pieces into their homes. Since January, through a lot of hard work, networking one-on-one, and via social media, we have made some wonderful connections, benefited from lots of sage advice, and found many kindred spirits (thank you Instagram!)
Today we are thrilled that we are taking another great step in our journey by being selected to become a member business in The Scout Guide Baltimore and Annapolis. The Scout Guide is a national network that highlights and cross promotes independent businesses online and in print, with publications in over 30 cities from San Francisco to Greenwich. MarigoldGray will appear in the 2016,Volume II, BaltimoreAnnapolis print edition and, in the meantime, we will be highlighted in their ongoing social media marketing.
To kick off the partnership, we are excited to announce that we are taking over their Instagram account @tsgbaltimoreannapolis this weekend as we visit Hudson, New York for the auction of property of style icons CZ and Winston Guest from their Templeton estate recently sold by their daughter Cornelia Guest. Follow us as we road trip to the beautiful Hudson Valley to preview the auction Friday and bid on pieces Saturday. We look forward to this great event this weekend and this exciting new partnership with TSGBaltimoreAnnapolis.
]]>November is here and the first flourishes of Fall are now in full bloom, so to speak. While it is tempting to jump straight to Christmas, I will spend the weeks leading up to the ultimate Fall holiday -- Thanksgiving -- continuing to revel in Fall. This month is a busy one for MarigoldGray-- next week we will attend a book signing for Michael S. Smith's new book at John Rosselli"s New York show room AND we will visit Hudson, New York for the auction of property from CZ Guest's Templeton estate at Stair Galleries. Almost too much to be thankful for this month! Alas, while I Iove prepping for and hosting Thanksgiving Dinner at Somerset Road, this year we will likely be at a restaurant as our kitchen is under construction. On the bright side, no dishes to wash! There will be much to write about this month so please continue to follow us on the blog and on Instagram as well as shopping our great finds.
]]>We are thrilled to be holding a Pop Up Shop this week in Georgetown with our fantastic hosts, Littlebirdies Boutique, owned by the lovely Shanlee Johnson. It is a dream of ours to have a little shop, of course. But running a shop is a huge commitment with plenty of risk. We are in awe of the men and women like Shanlee who work 24 to 7 to do what they love and make it a successful and thriving business. Until we can get there, we are so fortunate to have Shanlee sharing her beautiful children's wear shop with us. We will have our best selection of mirrors, lighting, art, decorative accessories and vintage books on design, fashion, and gardening. We also will have a handful of great new pieces just arriving this week from auction in New York. Trust us, you will not want to miss these unique finds, whether for your own home or as the perfect one-of-a-kind gift. And of course, at the same time you will find Littlebirdies' beautiful clothing and gifts for your children or grandchildren and great monogrammed gifts from their partner, Whytehouse Monograms. We look forward to seeing you Sunday.
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