Romancing the Plaid

The other day I purchased Tartan: Romancing the Plaid, and I've been planning to post a review. But then I saw Annie Kelly's coverage for 1stdibs, complete with superb images. There's not much more for me to add, except to say the book includes many fun pop-culture photos that offer an interesting balance. Irreverent contemporary fashion, Abercrombie and Fitch ads, and Tiffany windows are juxtaposed with centuries-old paintings to convey tartan's broad appeal.

If you are a serious textile enthusiast, flip through the book if you can. Apart from the rich images, the text is comprehensive. It's a great resource.


BTW: The Scottish Weaver sells blankets similar to decorator Barrie Benson's as seen in Domino's October issue.

Above top, Charlotte's wedding from Sex and the City as seen in Rizzoli's Tartan.

Book Mania

With all of the new book releases, I could really use substantial shelves like this. Kelly Wearstler and sons photographed by Douglas Friedman for Bazaar's special issue.



Yet another new design book, Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People,from Vogue Editor, Hamish Bowles, is scheduled to be released tomorrow. I think many of us will be racing to our local book store for a copy.



Personally I'm hoping to see more views of Carolina Irving's Long Island home (she's Vogue Living's globe-trotting Style Editor.) Above, Irving is photographed by Francois Halard for Vogue, October 2006; Below, the weekend residence with a hanging suzani from her friend, Christian Louboutin, and a Directoire sofa covered in Indian raw silk from decorator Peter Dunham, as seen in Vogue Living, fall 2006.



I expect the blogosphere to soon be buzzing about the book and can't wait to read everyone's take.

BTW: Lisa Fine and Carolina Irving are scheduled to have a big launch of their hand-embroidered blouse collection at Charlotte Moss the week after Thanksgiving.

For Anna

Last week Australian decorator Anna Spiro did some posts on small tablescapes with flowers and books. I thought she might appreciate Chloe Warner's bedside tables, as seen in Domino's November issue.


Chloe's lamps call to mind Megan's (aka Beach Bungalow 8's) fab flea market find, the lime-green bird.

Just a reminder, if you score a lovely creature like Chloe's or Megan's at an antique shop or on eBay, lighting centers, such as Atlanta's Sunlighting Lamp and Shade, can easily transform the figure into a chic lamp. For silver julep cups similar to the one above, try Madison. If you are on the hunt for sterling, try Shelton Gallery.

Sunlighting is located at 4990 Roswell Road, (404) 257-0043. A vast selection of ready-made lighting is also available. Photos above by Melanie Acevedo.

Chloe Warner

A new designer to love: Chloe Warner. Don't miss the lovely video of her flora-and-fauna filled home. (There's a beautiful feature in Domino's November issue too.)



You'll notice Warner mixes an Urban Outfitters headboard with an abundance of Clarence House's "Flowering Quince," used for curtains and pillows.

DBD 2007 Wrap-Up

This will sound like I'm fawning over Margaret Russell, but if I'm being honest I have to say her tent and tables were my favorite at Dining By Design 2007. It's a very subjective reaction -- I'm a big fan of those Isnik-inspired fabrics from Mehmet and Dimonah Iskel. And I think Paul Ludick's contemporary blue metal tables keep the vignette fresh. If I were throwing a big budget bash, Russell's Moroccan fantasy is something I would love to duplicate.

Below, I thought you might be interested in seeing the Iskel's Paris kitchen from Elle Decor, December 2006.



BTW: DBD heads to Chicago November 1-3.

Elle Decor photo by Simon Upton

Dining By Design II

Bold stripes and eclectic chairs from Carol Helms for Benjamin Moore.




The table below needs no explanation.





Above, modern Bacchanalia reference in a setting by Marc Blackwell for Rosemount Estate.




Bernat Creative was ultra-femme. Unfortunately my photos don't do justice to the ruffled tablecloth. Below, something a bit more masculine and Asian-inspired from Bob Brown for Delta Airlines.






Above, Steve Bales for Atlantan Bride Magazine.





Sorry the images above are so dim. Design by Laslie-Williams Interiors.




Lovely ottomans and wicker chairs used by Chris Casey and Douglas Weiss.



Smart Glass used a dramatic link-style chandelier.



Below, Novare Group went with sleek and elegant.







Susan B. Bozeman's natural charm.



Below, Expo Design Center drama.



Loren Audrey Taylor created glamour for Atlanta Classic Cars, below.




Chip Cheatham for Pierce Martin beautifully handled the challenge of designing the AIDS Memorial Table. Those of us who've lost a loved one to AIDS signed the placemats.




There were so many more amazing tables that I didn't capture with my camera, but I hope this gives you a sense of all the hard work that goes into this annual happening. To learn more, visit Dining By Design.

Appreciate the details by clicking pictures to enlarge.

Mongiardino Revival?

Renzo Mongiardino is not as widely known as icon David Hicks, but the Italian architect and interior designer also created some very swinging 60s pads; notably Lee Radziwill's exotic, heavily patterned London drawing room. Theatrical and classic are words commonly used to describe his work. As soon as I saw Margaret Russell's lush tables today at Dining By Design, I thought of Mongiardino.



Isnik-inspired fabrics by Mehmet and Dimonah Iskel were, to me, the stars of Russell's tented vignette. Other global-chic details included: napkins from Les Indiennes; Damasco collection plates through Pepa G Imports; lanterns by Imports from Marrakesh; and chargers from Centrum.



For more credits, click the image below to enlarge.



I'll be back with a better taste of the widely varied tables on view at DBD, Atlanta 2007. But in the meantime, here is one of the most lighthearted concepts. (Millie, notice the critters.)



Camping-chic by Sandy Thigpen and Design Within Reach for Edelman. Please click all photos for a better view.





BTW: Hats-off to Margaret Russell and DIFFA for organizing such a fabulous event. Guests were well treated and definitely not underwhelmed.