Archive | August, 2010
vintage oriental rug with chaise lounge and screen from Frank Faulkner

Vintage Carpets, Comfy Chaises

Aged colors in antique Persian rugs are a calming influence There’s something special about lounging on a chaise.  It’s “just-for-one” seating that practically commands you to cater in a few moments of self-indulgent relaxation.  In the conservatory of this home, a wide expanse of windows and a sunny corner provide a welcoming location for a [...]

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Delft tile detail from Czar's palace in St. Petersburg

Delft Tile Ceiling Kitchen

This elaborate Russian-inspired kitchen has historical sources and a shocking “before” When NY designer Howard Slatkin renovated his Fifth Avenue apartment, his extreme European decorating style was not excluded from the kitchen. Describing the iconic blue-and-white Delft tiles on the ceiling and walls as a “wild mix,” he was hardly exaggerating. While the kitchen’s footprint [...]

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bradley stephens billard room Hamptons showhouse

Hamptons Game Room

The latest from Bradley Stephens: a super-sophisticated game room I met designer Bradley Stephens last year, when I toured a NYC showhouse where he created a sensational bedroom inspired by Annie Lennox. I was making a video of his room when my camera battery died (every blogger’s nightmare). Bradley graciously let me return to and [...]

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Colorful Kilim in bedroom designer Bunny Williams

Multi-Purpose Kilim Rugs

Kilim rugs can be used in many decorative ways The most versatile rug in terms of decor adaptability has to be the kilim.  This flat-woven textile is reversible, making it a great floor covering and pliable enough to use as upholstery.  A fairly lightweight rug, especially in smaller sizes, kilims are tribal (geometric) in design [...]

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before photo of Howard Slatkin's dining room

Extreme Decorating

Designer Howard Slatkin’s New York apartment (this is the guest room!) merits a full-scale gawker alert. Elaborate interiors never feel modern to me. Too much furniture, fabric, texture, color, or too many accessories – anything that impedes ease of use or requires abundant maintenance feels out of step with today, at least until someone creates [...]

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