valentine's day House Beautiful and the Tonic Home Deal

valentine's day

House Beautiful

Some of you may remember this image from House Beautiful and were thinking how cool the chandelier was. How it sort of made the room complete. I got another reminder when looking at emails this morning.

Tonic Home has been sending out their "Deal of the Week" newsletter lately with some pretty great stuff. And you know I am all about good stuff. This chandelier is from Curry and Company and normally retails for $1750. Tonic's deal price is $875. Not bad. So for those of you who just happen to be needing that Oyster Chandelier, high-tail it on over.

I am sure there will be more great new deals in coming weeks...so you might want to sign up for that Tonic Home Newsletter.

valentine's day Richard Mishaan and Tony Duquette

valentine's day

When the estate of Tony Duquette, fabled designer of Hollywood homes, came up for sale after his death in 1999, Richard Mishaan snapped up some amazing pieces for his own Hamptons retreat. Richard Mishaan, architect, fashion designer, now interior designer, is one of the top in the field. At first glance, the house seems to be very grand and formal. But then the fun comes in when one realizes that the Duquette console and mirror in the Dining Room had the glass appliqued on with a glue gun. And the "ivory" pagodas are made of resin. Tony Duquette was certainly known for his theatricality, and he certainly used his tricks of the trade when creating these pieces!

valentine's day

House and Garden, August 2004, Photos by Fernando Bengoechea

The "coral" in this chandelier, also by Duquette, was made using sticks and red paint. Some of you may be thinking about your next DIY project about now perhaps? I must say that this dining room has been in my inspiration file for a few years now, and I find it very fresh and current. I think Mr. Mishaan shows his genius at combining seemingly disparate elements in this elegant, yet approachable space. The more serious tradition of the the window, cupboard and flooring are suddenly transformed by the white lacquer table and contemporary chairs into a friendly, fun, space that is certainly more usable than your typical formal Dining Room.

Tony Duquette is one of the most fascinating designers that has ever graced a magazine page. Many have called him theatrical, over the top, and eccentric. His ideas have been an inspiration to many designers who have followed. I wanted to let you all know about the soon-to-be-released book that is a must have for anyone interested in Mr. Duquette and design history. I have preordered mine through Amazon:

valentine's day

"Book Description: American artist and design legend Tony Duquette (1914–1999) was known for his over-the-top style in interiors, jewelry, costumes, and set design. His clients included Elizabeth Arden, the Duchess of Windsor, and Herb Albert. The multi-talented Duquette designed sets for MGM musicals with Arthur Freed and Vincente Minnelli, and designed Tony Award–winning costumes for the original Broadway production of “Camelot.” Duquette was the first American to exhibit a one-man show at the Louvre in Paris. Tony Duquette is a lavishly illustrated book with many lost and never-before published photographs from the Duquette archives, including portraits and pictures taken by Man Ray, John Engstead, Fredrich Dapriche, Andre Ostier, George Platt Lynnes, as well as original sketches, designs, and texts by Duquette himself. With commentary, interviews, stories, and contributions from Liza Minnelli, Arlene Dahl, Steven Meisel, Bruce Weber, and others. " as quoted from Amazon

valentine's day Brilliant Ideas!

Lighting plays such an important role in any room, as we all can attest! You've got your ambient, your task, and your accent lighting, all important it is true. But what I can't get enough of are those light fixtures that make a room come alive, like the Harry Winston jewelry that completes a red carpet gown.

Here are some rooms that just wouldn't be the same without the brilliant light fixtures chosen and created by some very clever people:

valentine's day

A Circa 1920 boat shaped chandelier in the Living Room of fashion designer Jennifer Nicholson (daughter of Jack). Now she really understands the red carpet jewelry metaphor!

House and Garden August 2006

valentine's day

These fixtures were made by Jose Esteves from antique spoons, ladles, and forks, shown in his country home in Perche France. Available through Interieurs, NYC. Beautiful aren't they?

House and Garden February 2007

valentine's day

I think we all remember this beautiful creation by Alessandra Branca for the Hampton Showhouse. It commands attention.

House and Garden October 2005

valentine's day

And one of my design crushes, Michael Smith used a large scale chinoiserie lantern from Soane, a London shop making this room much more interesting.

House Beautiful October 2006

valentine's day

These fixtures were made from crab pots oufitted with lanterns by owner Larry Winn for his Seattle home. I am so impressed with this idea and the effect is fantastic.

Metropolitan Home November 2006

valentine's day

Marjorie Skouras created this one of a kind black coral chandelier for her own Master Bedroom. I have been seeing alot of her work lately and you can see why! Gorg!

Metropolitan Home June 2007

valentine's day

It's not so much the fixtures themselves in this room, (although they are indeed stunning) but the wonderful placement that made me look twice and keep looking. William T. Georgis is the designer. Lights are French opaline glass pendants from John Salibello Antiques, NYC

House and Garden July 2003

valentine's day

Designer Kim Alexandruik found this stunner at Bourgeois Boheme, L.A.

House and Garden 2007

valentine's day

A trio of vintage Bagues lanterns create a graceful ensemble in designer Lisa Jackson's dining room. Elle Decor May 2006

valentine's day

This amazing chandlier was created by Baccarat for it's Paris headquarters building. Interior design by Philippe Starck. House and Garden April 2004

valentine's day

Swarovski crystal chandelier by Tord Boontje in the Dining Room of Nadji Swarovski. Stunning.

Elle Decor September 2006

valentine's day
Jill Dupre designed this unique and wonderful chandelier for her New Orleans home. The scale is fabulous!

Metropolitan Home April 2006

These light fixtures add so much drama and really take center stage in these captivating rooms. I think a round of applause is in order.