We love mirrors at MarigoldGray. Above mantels, in entryways, in dining rooms, and in hallways, mirrors are a relatively simple way to make a classic, chic and timeless style statement. They also add height and drama to a space (and who does not need a little extra height and drama in one's life?) We are particularly fond of large gilt wood mirrors for their chic elegance. Chippendale style, Chinoiserie.......no one does this look better than the French. This influence is also seen in all the grand homes in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I visited New Orleans earlier this year and their antique shops are unsurpassed for chic gilt mirrors. The above mirror is from Bremermann Designs on...
Fall auction season is upon us and there are many “blockbuster" auctions planned for Fall 2015. Last year at this time the design world was abuzz with the Sotheby's auction of the Estate of Mrs. Paul "Bunny" Mellon. The photo here was taken when I previewed that auction collection. This season's most prominent event is Sotheby's auction of the art collection of Alfred Taubman, the businessman and philanthropist. The collection contains more than 500 works, including paintings by deKooning, Rothko, Pollock, Degas, and Picasso, and is estimated to be worth in excess of $500 million. The auction will be held over four days in November and January. I will be watching (alas, not bidding) the Modern and Contemporary Art...
Fall has arrived and it is our favorite season here at MarigoldGray. Cooler weather brings cozy fires and gorgeous branches, berries and foliage from the garden to bring indoors. It is also time to break out the sweaters, boots and coats. A great suede trench in navy, a cashmere knit cape, a chic Hermes scarf, lots of denim and black tall Chloe boots are what we are wearing around town. We also are obsessed with the classics of camel and leopard print, both in fashion and decor, like the fabulous pair of vintage stools pictured here we found at a flea market for a song. We have many new events in store for Fall, kicking off with a host of...
I recently acquired a copy of Sotheby's catalog of its celebrated 1996 auction of the estate of Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. While Jackie Kennedy Onassis' style and fashion are renowned and images of her abound, the catalog is a treasure trove of photos of her New York City apartment that I had not seen, as well as contains a wealth of information about her vast collection of art and antiquities. The catalog serves as a Master Class for her timeless and elegant decorative eye. The photo here of her New York City entrance way combines all the elements of her worldly and sophisticated style: fine European antiques and decorative objects, such as the French porcelain jardiniere, circa 1810; Asian...
I just finished bringing in the last of the peonies from my garden. Peonies are one of my favorite flowers but, alas, they have a very short bloom season. Perhaps that is why I so look forward to their arrival each spring and gather as many as I can from the garden to bring indoors. There are peonies everywhere in my house right now (as well as the ants!) and I am enjoying them immensely. They are a reminder that we must live seasonally and enjoy and appreciate truly beautiful things when we can, whether it is a lovingly grown peony, a seasonal strawberry, or a finely crafted antique. This ensures their true value will not be diminished...
