A Charlotte Moss Christmas!

These images are of Charlotte's private brownstone townhouse in New York.  There's no big tree in view, but it could be there out of view, or perhaps no tree at all, as the family spends Christmas at their winter home in Aspen.

Looks perfect!

Enjoy!

Charlotte's front door decorated

with fresh and fragrant citrus fruit and evergreens

Library

Library

Sitting room - love this blue!

Living room - 3 mantels so far!

Dining room  - another mantel!

Dining room

Dining room

Charlotte's bedroom

View of bedroom from opposite angle -

we're up to 5 mantels now!

All photos via Veranda



Swedish Design in Florida Cottage

Some time ago, we perused designs originating from different countries.....today, I would like to feature Swedish design - American style.

This Florida vacation home is owned by Joanne Barwick, author of Scandinavian Country, interior designer, furniture designer and former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful.  

You will note throughout the cottage almost all of her wooden furniture is painted white or some shade of blue.  The blue and white palette is very Swedish and so is painted furniture.  She also uses comfortable and easy care textiles, such as linens and ticking, and textures from seagrass to wicker.  And finally, the Swedish look is topped off by the constant flood of light thoughout the open concept main floor.

Her accessories of art, hydrangeas, seashells, pillows and plants complete the look.

She and her husband were successful in achieving the look they desired when they built this cottage, as the "views, natural light and easy elegance" are perfectly defined.

What a lovely, relaxed, cool and charming summer home!

Living room

Living room

Seashell collection

Painted chest

Dining room with seashell

encrusted bust in background

Bedroom corner vignette

Bedroom

Bedroom corner vignette

Bednook the grandchildren

fought over - no wonder!

Gazebo dining

Gazebo relaxation

All images via Traditional Home



A Southampton Home by Meg Braff

This is a pretty house with interior designs by Meg Braff.

Since the house is located in East Hampton, New York, I immediately thought the color scheme was based on the surrounding scene of sky and ocean (blue), sand (sisal, toile and stripes in master bedroom) and the natural third accent color would have been yellow to represent the sun.  But, I was wrong.

As I perused the images, I saw the third accent color was green.  Aha!  Never assume anything!

As I read the interview with the designer, I realized it was the living room painting over the fireplace from which she drew her colors.  It's one of her favorite 1960's Swedish artists, Gustav Bolin, whose works she collects.  Although the clients were at first hesitant about the painting, Meg convinced them to try it for a month and they were thrilled with the final results.

And therein lies the secret of easy color combinations by designers.  I've heard it over and over again......if you are not sure where to start with a room color scheme, use a favorite piece of art, fabric or colorful carpet.....after all, the artists and designers of all of these items are master colorists.    

We all know that the artist, Matisse, is famous as a master colorist, so I was intrigued to read some time ago, that he used fabrics of the time to gather his color schemes.  Interesting!!

Enjoy!

All images via House Beautiful



Diamond Baratta Design

Diamond Baratta Design is one of a kind!  Two friends, William Diamond and Anthony Baratta, head this design firm in New York City.

Their rooms stand alone in the world of design, as they are able to envision and incorporate ideas that would stop most people in their tracks.  No detail is too small, and if they are unable to find what they need for an interior, they have it custom made.

After many years in the business, they now have a field of experts at their behest - quilters, rugmakers, artists, cabinetmakers, embroiderers and large manufacturers of textiles, such as Lee Jofa, and carpet maker, Stark Carpets, to produce their personal designs. 

And therein lies their not so secret 'secret'!  What they produce is one-of-a-kind!

Today, I am posting one of their nautically designed interiors.......and you will see what I mean.

Enjoy!

Cape Cod Summer Home

Tugboat S.S. Lollipop

Entry with built in benches

Hand hewn lighthouse newel post

Hand painted floors

Rug by Diamond

Ticking fabric on walls

Custom made gingham carpet

Tole vases converted to lamps

DB designed fabric on sofa

Antique quilted cushions and ottoman

Homeowner's collection sailor's valentines in LR

Custom designed quilt pattern on walls, chairs

DR Wedgewood shell plates

Family room has custom designed Lee Jofa fabric on furniture

with antique quilted and hooked pillows

Vintage windmill refurbished

DB coffee tables and Orkney chairs

DB rag rug

Sun porch

DB latticework and porthole table

Master bedroom

DB bed and nightstand

Antique quilted pillows and linen on walls

DB rug

Boy's room

DB bed and pier tables

Hand painted floors

Beach house family room in red to match tugboat

DB fabric and antique quilt ottoman

Hand painted ceiling border and floor

Antique portholes and sconces

All photos via Veranda

Wouldn't you say they have a penchant for detail?  What do you think?

Comments welcome!!

Oprah's Hawaiian House

As promised last week, here is the followup on Oprah's homes - her Hawaiian retreat.

What began as an old gray farmhouse Oprah purchased to tear down, ended up being restored and perfected to Oprah's requirements.  The property was purchased for it's location and magnificent ocean views.  With the help of an architect and designer Ellie Cullman and her team,  the house was brought back to life. 

After the floorplan was completely redone and the house taken back to its basic structure, the master bedroom ceiling was raised to give the room an airier feel, french doors were installed throughout the house and a wrap around verandah was added.

Since this property is meant for a very relaxed lifestyle, the interiors were designed with comfort in mind.  The folk art weathervane in the shape of a galloping horse became the focal point in the living room as a reflection of the horses in the field.  The rooms are painted in beautiful summery colors of yellows, greens and soft whites.  Oprah's master bedroom is done in her favorite shade, green, which is also very serene.  Along with her colorful bouquets of fresh flowers and her beloved African American art, it has become her home away from home.

All in all, an absolutely wonderful getaway.

Enjoy!

Oprah's Hawaiian Home

Veranda ocean view

Living Room

Dining Room

Dining Room

Master Bedroom

Bedroom Balcony

Kitchen

All photos via Oprah.com