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Exquisite Partnership: Jean Schlumberger and Mrs. Rachel Lambert Mellon

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...

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Substance and Style: The Influentials Part Two

Two posts ago I wrote about those people and things that have influenced my design style and inspire me.  But the list became too long. As I believe in sharp editing, I decided to break the list into two (besides, having Bunny Mellon and Lee Radziwill in the same feature truly does not give them proper justice.)  But now, as I write, of course I have decided I need  a Part Three!  Herewith My Influentials, Part Two:  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. ...

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Kitchen Design

  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...

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Substance and Style: The Influentials Part One

Influential: One of considerable importance or influence.  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...

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Fresh Look: Antiques in Today's Interiors

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." ...

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