Virginian Charlotte Moss

While flipping through an old issue of House & Garden magazine, which I terribly miss, I was thrilled to come across an article about designer Charlotte Moss. The article was published in October of 1991, just around the time when her book Passion for Details was about to be released.

As most of you are very well aware, Moss has exquisite taste in designing interiors. Moss opened her own design firm and shop in New York City in 1985 after having a career on Wall Street. She’s famous for her English signature designs, her elegant style, and love for color. She’s a lecturer, a philanthropist, and an astute businesswoman who has her own line of furniture, fabrics, carpets, linens and design accessories.

Here is the tour of her apartment, courtesy of House & Garden.

Above : Moss in her office

Moss's living room, the sofa was covered with Lee Jofa green velvet, and the armchairs in Brunschwig &Fils chintz

A Russian chandelier, circa 1780 in the formal dining room
The English tole chandelier in the eating area
Moss's bedroom

I had the pleasure of viewing her work during my last visit to Kips Bay Decorator Show House in 2009. Her room was simply breathtaking- no detail was spared. It felt so comfortable and luxurious; I certainly didn’t want to leave her space!

Spring in Washington DC

While heading down to the historic Eastern Market, I managed to take a couple of photos!

The dome and the circular colonnade of the beautiful Jefferson Memorial
on the tidal basin

The Japanese cherry blossoms
 

Photography by Amal for Picture of Elegance Blog

Exotic Fabrics

When it comes to defining interiors, fabrics play a large role in highlighting the character and accent of the space. With today’s advanced technology, there is a wealth of striking and durable fabrics available in the market, from classic to exotic to contemporary. You may able to view samples online, in magazines, and in books, but nothing can replace a close-up look at a fabric, when you can best view the look and feel of textural details.

If you’re looking for exotic fabrics, Harlequin fabrics has a diverse fabric collection, which is reflective of the unique heritage of different cultural groups. It’s well known for its quality and eclectic fabric collection that is inspired by Indian, Persian, and Japanese influences.

The Tamika Collection which is inspired by the Geisha's kimono and Japanese gardens.The Japanese style reflects the contrast of the quiet next to the loud

The Lalika Collection which includes exotic fabrics inspired by Indian and Persian cultures

The Iznik Collection, inspired by Moorish textiles and ceramics
 

Photos courtesy of Harlequin's site

A Touch of Mauve

Hotel Costes in Paris

Mauve is the color in the purple family- it is softer, and greyer. The color mauve was discovered by accident by the English chemist Sir William Perkin in 1856. Because of Perkin’s work, thousands of artificial colors were created, such as violet, blue, green and crimson. In 1858, it was considered a frivolous color; and what helped popularize this color was the fact that Queen Victoria wore mauve to her daughter’s wedding. In addition, Empress Eugénie who was the wife of Napoleon the third loved wearing mauve since the color matched her eyes.

Some people consider the use of bold colors in interiors to be intimidating, but I think the use of mauve against a backdrop of neutral backgrounds can add richness and some drama to the space.

Designer Suzanne Kasler, Photography by William Waldron, courtesy of Southern Accents

Designer Jane Churchill , photography by Andreas Von Einsiedel, courtesy of Southern Accents

Designer Nicholas Haslam, photography by David Montgomery

AD Home Design Show

I just came back from attending the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York City.The show was dynamic and filled with about 300 exhibitors who were displaying and showcasing their products. To me, it’s always wonderful to learn about new products and interact with other designers in the industry- it can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. I would like to share with you some of the highlights of the show.

Vicente Wolf (1st Dibs)'s booth had a wonderful collection of exotic and unique antiques

This dining table was created by designer Vicente Wolf as part of the fundraising event for DIFFA Dining By DesignDavid Rockwell who designed this years Oscar's set also designed a dining table for DIFFA that was inspired by the love of movies. A Swarovski crystal curtain was used to capture the glamour of Hollywood. The table was made of reclaimed white oak.

I was also introduced to the work of the architect Eren Yorulmazer which reminded me of Kelly Wearstler's style

Photo 1 dining tables designed for DIFFA by Poggen Pohl with Harry J. Daniell Design,
 Photography by  Amal for Picture of Elegance Blog

Small Gardens above the Ground

Photography by B.W. Hoffman/Envision

Since we’re starting to bid farewell to winter, gardening comes to mind. Choosing to live in the city and having a big garden can be a challenge. That is why I find window boxes to be a great, charming alternative.

Window boxes add a wonderful, soft, and colorful facade to the architecture of the house. Besides, it looks great from both outside and inside the house. Imagine opening the window and the breeze will bring in the inviting fragrances of the flowers. Don’t you just love it? I hope these photos will inspire you! Enjoy.

For Your Garden: Window Boxes

Photography by Robert E. Lyons

For Your Garden: Window Boxes

Photography by Eleanor S. Morris

Photography by Lynn Karlin

Well Suited

Photography by Eric Roth

When I look at this living room designed by Frank Roop, I see a well-tailored room that is classic and clean contemporary. Roop, who has worked in fashion, explains his approach in design as “I look at a room like it’s an outfit or a wardrobe.” He often uses different materials that are inspired by clothing.
The living room has a chic appeal; it feels uncluttered, crisp, and clean. Even though things don’t match one hundred percent, it looks great.

Let’s analyze the contemporary look, shall we…
• The room mixes a tailored, velvet-covered sofa and different colored pillows against a wallpaper that looks like blocks of limestone- all of which work together to give a textural interest
• Geometric contemporary armchairs
• Vintage 1960’s tables
• An antique foot stool that feels like a piece of jewelry in the room, adding a touch of glitter
• The shimmering inlaid Syrian tables
• Contemporary art that makes a statement with its size and subject matter
• A geometric planter with tall flowering branches for drama
• Sleek lamps
• Simple, well dressed windows

Roop's vision certainly gives the room a polished look. His work speaks for itself.

Photos courtesy of Elle Decor and Roop's site

Drawing Toward Home

National Building Museum

If you are in the Washington DC area and love architectural drawings, check out the new exhibit Drawing Toward Home at the National Building Museum.

The exhibit showcases one hundred drawings, plans, and elevations of home architecture found throughout New England. The collection includes drawings of family houses, cottages, and estate houses.

I visited the museum today and saw that some of the hand-drawn architectural drawings displayed date back to 1790’s. The sketches and final drawings were incredibly detailed and showed artistic sophistication.

Photography by Amal for Picture of Elegance Blog

The New Rules

Yesterday I attended a lecture that was sponsored by House Beautiful magazine at the Washington Design Center titled Interior Design Today: The New Rules.

Stephen Drucker, the Editor in Chief of House Beautiful, and famous designers Jamie Drake and Celerie Kemble delivered the lecture.

A glamorous living room designed by Jamie Drake. Photography by William Waldron

This beautiful, and fresh living room designed by Celerie Kemble. Photo courtesy of Kemble's site.

It was definitely an insightful lecture. Many topics were touched on in terms of how the design world is changing. The importance of social media, such as blogging, was stressed. The panel indicated how the direction in design is heading toward value, and how people are talking humbly and putting their money on quality and uniqueness.

According to Drucker, Drake and Kemble: Florals, stripes, velvet, linen are in. Chenille is out. Of course “blue is in the air.”

It was certainly exciting to listen to the expert’s point of view- from Drucker, who is creating a new era for House Beautiful; from Drake, who is known for his dynamic interiors and use of bold colors with great flair; and from Kemble, who has launched many product designs, among them the collection of recycled commercial fabrics called Fresh for Valley Forge textiles.

Dogs in Art

Growing up with a pet dog named Rex (Collie), who lived to be fourteen years old, brought my brother and I a tremendous joy in our lives. Having dogs around enhances the way we feel and act. It’s a nurturing experience that gives a wonderful feeling for the heart and soul.

Since I’m a dog lover, I’m always drawn to images of the faithful friend. I tend to collect art, and little accessories that are dog related. Dogs have always been the human’s best companion, which can be traced back to thousands of years, and artists have repeatedly captivated the images of dogs in their art. Dog pictures can be found in oil, prints or watercolor.

Briton Riviere: Sympathy

The British in general loved portraying their dogs in art. Some devote a whole room for the canine art.

Many famous designers including Charles Faudree, Mario Buatta, and Bunny Williams have been known for incorporating canine art in their spaces.

Charles Faudree Charles FaudreeBunny Williams Dog portraits filled the sitting room designed by Mario Buatta at the 34th Kips Bay Show House

I personally love Lucy Dawson’s beautiful dog sketches. Are you a dog lover?

Photo 1 courtesy of William Secord gallery’s website
Photo 2 via Flickr
Photo 3 photography Ivan Terestchenko
Photo 4 photography Jennifer Jordan
Photo 5 courtesy of Veranda, photography Mick Hales
Photo 6 photography Fritz Von Der Shulenburg
Photo 7 courtesy of NYSD’s site