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Veranda, March 2011, Photo by Melanie Acevedo

Nancy Braithwaite cooks up an Alice in Wonderland moment with toads by Robert Kuo

Me....I feel a little vulnerable.

How are you feeling?

valentine's day It's Not All That Black and White

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Simple black and white slip covered parsons style chairs mix with colorful oil painting by James Brown, blue and white Chinese porcelains, and a "gold" fish sculpture by Francois-Xavier Lallanne, all atop a beautiful black and white marble top table. Photo by Joel Laiter

"Black and White". A reference to the lack of middle ground, or any shades of grey (or any other color of the rainbow) that might muddle things up....visually, the highest possible contrast. Black and white thinking is referred to as a "false dichotomy", a situation where only two options are offered, when in fact, many more choices are available.

Food for thought in the world of design. Some of the best interior spaces begin with the classic palette of black and white. I was particularly drawn to a few in the recent Veranda (March 2010) and Elle Decor (Jan., Feb. 2010). The Paris apartment of David Gieseman in Veranda is an example of what, at first glance, appears to be black and white. But if one studies this beautiful home, one finds not only splashes of color, but also a definite democracy of style. No black and white thinking here. Here you will find casual canvas slipcovers mixed with lacquer and gilt bombe Regence chests, Jean-Michel Frank stools and lamps, Louis XVI chairs, Hermes throws, African art and fabrics, and Chinese blue and white porcelain, with a few Picasso's thrown in for good measure.

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Black and white backdrop to warm wood tones, gilded frames, colorful art and books, and blue and white porcelain. I love the simple slip covered chairs next to the Regence chest and black linen chaise. And, that Jean-Michel Frank stool again! I am quite smitten. Photo by Joel Laiter.

This mixture of a classic backdrop for the collections of life's experiences appeals to me above any other kind of space. One might begin with preconceived notions about how the world should be. One might start a room with white walls, a black chest of drawers, some white chairs,a black and white rug. But what brings richness, interest, character, "personality" is the addition of meaningful color.....those moments that change one's view from simple black and white to an understanding that life is full of nuance.

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Black and white Hermes throw, gold vintage swing-arm lamps, Decanter by Van Day Truex for Baccarat, Kangxi porcelain. Photo by Joel Laiter.

Perhaps I am drawn to this particular apartment because it is clear the owner has a point of view, but it is also clear he is open to discussion. He has collected experiences that have led to a colorful life. He has not copied a particular style. He has made his own. And it is beautifully represented.

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The black and white kitchen broken is up with the rich woods and the exclamation points of red knobs on the Wolf range. French concrete floor tiles add a hint of Escher. Photo by Eric Piasecki.

By now, you have undoubtedly had the pleasure of seeing the January, February Elle Decor. (And if not, do!!) Elle Decor never disappoints, and this home by Steven Gambrel is no exception to that rule. I loved the basically black and white (with shades of grey) palette of the home, but Steven throws in emerald, malachite, high-gloss forest green, punches of lipstick red along with natural warm tones, livening up spaces with his masterful use of color.

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I like everything about this hall...the white bead board walls, the sisal carpet, the shiny black doors with their nickel doorknobs, the black picture lights, and, of course, the red frames! Photo by Eric Piasecki.

I am always on the lookout for really great ways to display family photos. It is not always easy. I have taken so many photos as my girls have grown, displaying them in nooks and crannies. But the "designer" in me had a hard time finding a good way to display the larger black and white portraits in an artful way. I have many young clients that are looking for places to display their children's photos, and it can definitely be a challenge. I think Steven Gambrel did a brilliant job here. The photos are united with simple red frames that demand your attention in the otherwise classic black and white hall.

Hallways are places where one gets from "here" to "there". And these photos chronicle our "here" to "there" lives. It is nice to be able to stop along the way and remember where we have been. This hallway might not have been quite so extraordinary without them. Another example of how color, and the personal, can punctuate.

In the same issue of Elle Decor is the home of Photo Stylist, Juan Carlos Garcia-Lavin. Self described as a die-hard minimalist, Juan Carlos has mellowed to a softer style that is not quite so strict....not quite so "black and white". This home is another example of a black and white base that has "lived" itself into not only additions of color, but also accumulated styles.

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Living Room of Juan Carlos Garcia-Lavin...modern black and white, but not sterile. It is fun, warm and diverse. Photo by Simon Upton.

The serious modernism is tempered by the warm, organic wood tones and touches of green....not to mention the plethora of colorful art throughout the spaces (check out the full article!!)

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Simple and modern does not have to mean cold and boring. The addition of the wood tones of the floors and the organic sculpture, the softer "black" Benjamin Moore Twilight Zone wall, art and books "warmify" the space. Photo by Simon Upton.

Texture and color combine here to add life to this apartment. But it is not just any color and texture. It is not color from your local design chain store. It is added through collection of things that have meaning for the owner. The objects are interesting because they tell a story of a life. They are not generic. They are quite thoughtful, from a simple glass vessel filled with driftwood and found river rocks, to the large collection of diverse art.

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The Master Bedroom is a masterful mix of black and white with art adding color. Such a great mix of objects and textures. Photo by Simon Upton.

The point remains, life is not black and white. It is an accumulation of experiences, different for everyone. The best interior spaces reflect that. They should evolve, grow and change, as we do. They should reveal who we are and what we care about. That means a diversity of styles, punctuations of color, and collections of memories.

So bring in the artful branch from your front yard and the souvenirs of your travels. Keep the books and the photos and the art collected through the years. Say "yes" when a family member passes down a beautiful antique. But don't be afraid to shed "things" that have lost their meaning for you or are simply not a good fit. You get to decide. That's the beauty of it.

The options are endless.

valentine's day Veranda! You Have Outdone Yourself!

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All Show House Photos by Peter Vitale

I think most of you have heard about the recent demise of our beloved Domino Magazine this week. The cries were heard far and wide throughout the design blog universe. A good cry and a box of tissues later...my spirits were raised when the latest Veranda Magazine made it's appearance through my mail slot yesterday.

And what an issue it is! Veranda has really stepped up the Designer Show House game with it's third Show House at the Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills. Those involved in making this event happen read like the Who's Who of the Design World: Ann Getty acted as Honorary Chairperson with Nathan Turner and Mary McDonald as Co-Chairs. So for those of you who were not fortunate enough to get to see the Show House in person (like moi), Veranda has provided a stunning feature here with pictures of every room.

Designers include such greats as Waldo Fernandez, Richard Shapiro, David Phoenix and Rose Tarlow, Suzanne Rheinstein, Peter Dunham, Windsor Smith and Kathryn Ireland. These are just a few of the many fabulously prolific designers featured in this Show House.

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Those of you who subscribe to Veranda will want to hold on to this issue for years to come. and for those of you who do not subscribe, I highly recommend picking up this issue.

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I don't want to spoil all of the delicious surprises in store for you in room after room, but I had to show a few to whet your appetite! One of my favorite spaces was the courtyard outside Greystone where the opening Gala was held. Mary McDonald and Nathan Turner orchestrated the transformation using a palette of green and white, and utilizing mid century Barcelona chairs and ottomans as a foil for the English Gothic Revival Manor.

Completed in 1928, Greystone has been seen often in movies like The Witches of Eastwick, The Holiday, and There Will Be Blood. Designed by Gordon Kaufmann for oil tycoon Edward L. Doheney the mansion is the largest family estate ever built in Beverly Hills. For much more information about Greystone and visitation of the grounds, click here.

Here are just a few of the rooms by some of our favorites:

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Family Room by Nathan Turner

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Gentleman's Study by Peter Dunham

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Lady's Bedroom by Mary McDonald

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Master Bedroom by Windsor Smith

This Show House feature is enough in and of itself the buy the issue.

But wait.... Veranda gives us MORE! One of my Design Crushes graces the pages with yet another beautiful design project. Eric Cohler transforms a stately Charleston home with his magic. Just one photo teaser for you! This article is very long and comprehensive with many a gorgeous photo. Thanks Veranda!

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Late 19th-c. console. Painting by Larry Charles. John Saladino Lamps. Photo by Jeff McNamara.

Veranda....you are just too kind. We are also treated to another home, that of Houston based designer Michael Dale. Just another little tease for you:

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The beautiful hall showing Dale's collection of Burmese figures on Mexican pedestals. Photo by Peter Vitale.

I can tell I am going to be spending at least few hours this weekend sitting on my porch in the sun enjoying this issue of Veranda.

What are you going to be doing?

valentine's day My Dining Table.

Dining tables......there are so many options. There are round ones, rectangular, racetrack. There are wood tables, and glass topped and stone topped tables, and lacquered tables. There those that seat two, four, ten...and way beyond. There is the pedestal table and the four legged table. And don't get me started on the styles or periods.

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Veranda, September, October 2006, Photo by Laura Resen

It can be quite a daunting task to find just the right thing for oneself. One must consider the size and shape of the room, and how many guests are typically around the table. Is one's lifestyle casual? Formal? And, very importantly, what can one afford? These are all of the practical considerations. But then there are the preferential considerations. What does one "like"?

I have been on the hunt for a Dining Room table for my family for a few years now. My criteria: it has to be round, or nearly so; it must seat up to 10; it can't be too formal; I prefer wood because it is more forgiving and I like the warmth; and I would love to have something unique. I can go contemporary with an antique chair or antique with a more contemporary chair.

Well...to cut the the chase, I saw this table in Veranda magazine and thought "this is it!" It's perfect! It seats eight, it's wood, it's beautiful and unique. Any sort of chair would look wonderful with it. And one thing that really matters to me: one can comfortably fit crossed legs under the "skirt" of the table. It has these wonderful Palladian arched openings. There are no sharp edges to bump a leg on. Even better: it was designed by Robsjohn-Gibbings.

The down side: it was designed by Robsjohn-Gibbings and is VERY unique. In fact I can't find another to even look at, much less purchase. ( A little help 1st dibs?)This particular table is owned by Dara Caponigro, decorating editor of Domino Magazine. You may have caught it in this new book:

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Photo from Amazon Website

So Dara, if you ever want to talk. If you are planning to move into, say, a bigger place where this table just won't work anymore, could you please......just shoot me an email? I would really appreciate it. I have started a fund. Perhaps by the time I have enough in "the fund", you may have moved on to something new? Just a thought. Call me.

valentine's day In the Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Day

In an effort to raise awareness, I have posted some of my favorite magazines who decided that PINK was the perfect color for the cover. I hope you all enjoy, and don't forget to schedule that mammogram appointment or give a gentle reminder to those you love!

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A big thanks to Mrs. Blandings for organizing a PINK PARTY for this October 1st, Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Check with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the National Cancer Foundation for more information about breast cancer. And spread the word!

valentine's day Design Crush: Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz

I promise I am not stalking you. But when I see another of your projects, I fall in love all over again. And you thought you could hide from me in the latest Veranda. Who would have thought to find you here? When I saw the cover, I thought: this is no ordinary Veranda. This is not the tailored and refined Country French I have been accustomed to. This is something altogether different.

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I went to see who it was that could be gracing this beautiful and edgy cover. The white upholstered sofas and daybeds (Room and Board), the ebonized floors, the black tiled fireplace surround...I thought I had found a new crush.

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But then..... I knew it was you as soon as I saw the white sheers and your custom designed light fixture (ABYU Lighting) in the foyer. Yes...you had me at "Hello". Only you could have piqued my interest with the Country Swedish chair with the seat in Sacco Carpet goat hair!

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One of the things I love about you is the way you mix up the high and the low. Like in this Dining Room: putting a Larsen Velvet on a Crate and Barrel chair. It makes my heart smile, like wildflowers in a silver vase. Zimmer + Rohde fabric used as wall art, it's wonderful.

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They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Well men aren't the only ones who love the culinary arts. And to find a kitchen at the other end of the Living Room, well that's just magic. And then you go and make it look like this! That curtain of beads by BallChain around the stovehood, the Plexi-Craft barstools.... sigh.

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I could lounge here for hours on this banquette by the window. Long relaxing dinners with family and friends. Maybe a little Jamie Cullum playing in the back round. You did this on purpose, I know it. (Chairs through Room and Board).

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Then you got really glamorous, but I could expect no less. In the Master Bedroom, you went for the Swarovski crystals on the custom shade and Ostrich Pillow on the bed, both by ABYU. Jean Harlow would be right at home. So could I.

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And there it was.... just what I'd hoped for. One of your iconic feather lampshades (ABYU) hiding in the guest room, perfectly juxtaposed with the Man Ray photographs.

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What I love about you is that you inspire me. I can watch you make magic using sources available to everyone, like this bed by Room and Board, the Restoration Hardware Lamps, and the mirrors by Crate and Barrel.

I promise, I am not stalking you........yet......

All photos by Antoine Bootz for Veranda, May-June 2008