The Bradshaw chair in front of the Sanderson screen 

 

Almost a year ago, I hired Mackenzie Schriber---she started out as my personal assistant, but I soon realized that she was a social media guru as well as a great idea person.  She thought it would be a good idea for me to share things I am interested in on my Facebook page. So we started “Jan’s Daily Digs” 

Since that time, Daily Digs has generated more interest that almost anything we post and Mack is now Showroom Manager at JSA on Slocum as well as my in-house p.r. person and works with me on a daily basis posting on Facebook and Twitter.   

 

I thought it would be fun to do a special Daily Digs for all of you who read my Notebook----believe me, these are all over the place, some will be fun for men and some are just for women….  

 

 

 

Brice Marden’s show at Matthew Marks in New York---the “Ru Ware Project---2007-2012”. Don’t miss it if you are in New York---better yet, make a point to see it!    

 

 

 

Midnight in Paris---worth watching again for opening scenes alone—I have it on my DVR and when I want to be inspired by Paris, I simply watch the first 3 or 4 minutes.  

 

 

 

 

 

Replenix Eye Cream---my favorite eye cream for small lines and puffiness----great for men and women----it really works because it contains retinol (for your lines) and green tea (for puffiness).  

 

 

 

 

 St. Germain French liqueur ---a tiny amount of this is great in a glass of champagne or in a Mojito style drink, and you should have it on your bar just because the bottle is so beautiful.  

 

 

 

 

Hyanciths---I love the fragrance---they always remind me of early spring. I like them in bunches, not mixed with other flowers.  

 

 

 

 

 

Nivea A Kiss of Shine lip gloss in a tube----it’s great over any color lipstick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maison Francis Kurkdijan Aqua Universalis---the best detergent for your linens and other washables…..wonderful scent and does the job! You can buy online or from Neiman’s website.  

 

 

 

 

 

 Elizabeth Showers Mariposa earrings---I wear them with everything! They are beautiful, flattering and I love the way they move because they are in 3 sections.  

 

 

 

 

Tom Ford’s Jasmine Rouge fragrance for summer nights.  

 

 

 

 

 Derek Blasberg’s book, Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady---all young girls and quite a few older ones should buy this book, read it and do what he says!!! Thanks, Derek----I couldn’t have said it better….I’m giving it to my granddaughter in a couple of years.  

 

 

 

 

Mad Men---I know, I know---you are thinking I should get over this, but with this season’s amazing scripts---hats off to Matthew Weiner---his writing talent and the acting talent of John Slattery, Jon Hamm, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks and Elizabeth Moss. I thought episode 5 was genius---both the writing and the directing (by John Slattery/Roger).  

 

 

 

 

Magic City—This is a new cable show on Starz---I love the time period---it’s not as good as Mad Men, but still fun to watch. Try it---you will at least see lots of sexy men and women and hear great late 50’s music---Sinatra, Dean Martin, etc. And, you will probably wish that Miami was more like it was in this time period.  

 

 

 

 

Carbone's---this new eatery is so close to my house----it’s owned by the Barsoti family (Nonna and Food Company). You can eat there or take out. The food is wonderful! Such an exciting addition to the restaurant scene in Dallas. They also have a small epicurean area with all Italian selections such as olive oils, tomatoes and their homemade pastas.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vintage chairs made new again with great details---These fauteuils were purchased on my most recent trip to Paris. We kept the original wood and French back. We added black patent upholstery and nailheads on the front and a Pierre Frey stripe on the back. They are fun and glamorous! They look fabulous in our showroom.

 

 

Your Daily Digs----you can go to janshowers.com, then to “Blog” and post your daily digs in the Comments section at the end of my post. I would love to get some great tips from all of you!

 

 

 

 

Front Entrance of FORTY FIVE TEN

 

About 12 or so years ago, I met Brian Bolke---he came to my house to do flowers for a photo shoot. While he was arranging, he told me about a store that he was opening. His concept was simple----offer clothes, jewelry, tabletop, cosmetics that are not available in other stores and that are of very high quality. His vision was nothing short of genius. Brian has a great eye and does most of the buying---when I pop in I always find something I can’t live without!  

 

Forty Five Ten has become a national legend---it is a on everyone’s must do list when they visit Dallas. I know because my clients from out of town always ask me about it---it’s always Forty Five Ten and Downtown Neiman’s as well as the DMA and The Nasher.   

 

 

 

 

Next Thursday evening, I will be co-hosting a fun event with Brian at Forty Five Ten honoring Lisa Vreeland.   She is the granddaughter-in-law of Diana Vreeland, the famous editor of both Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Lisa has written a book, The Eye Has to Travel, about Mrs. Vreeland and her influence on fashion and culture. The book has many, many images that have never been seen before from the family archives. 

 

Lisa has made a documentary film with the same name. Here is a link to a piece Vogue did last year on the book and the documentary:

http://www.vogue.it/en/people-are-talking-about/music-theatre-cinema/2011/09/lisa-immordino-vreeland

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Row, Fall 2012

 

There will also be a trunk show for The Row, one of my personal favorites---because it is such a timeless, classic line of clothing. It is extremely well constructed AND made in the USA!  

 

Please join us at Forty Five Ten, Thursday, April 19 for this exciting evening.  

 

 

 

P.S. You won’t believe how glamorous the new outdoor areas are!  

 

The Patio Lounge at FORTY FIVE TEN

 

 

 

 

The French Quarter

 

Jim and I have gone to New Orleans since we were in college for short and long weekends. We celebrated our anniversary there in April of 2005, just six months before Katrina. We had not returned since then. I think we simply couldn’t bear to see a beloved city, with such a rich history in turmoil. Even though there are still areas that have never come back, the New Orleans that we knew and loved is better than ever, and many people who left after Katrina have returned. 

 

Entrance to The Soniat House

 

Our very favorite place to stay in NOLA is The Soniat House, owned by two of the loveliest people you will ever meet, Frances and Rodney Smith. They opened Soniat in 1982---it seems impossible, but we have been staying there ever since. It is on Chartres Street in the French Quarter with only 24 rooms.

 

Entrance to our suite at The Soniat House

 

Entrance to our suite at The Soniat House

 

Our suite at The Soniat House

 

Breakfast on the Veranda

 

 I haven’t mentioned this yet----my entire family met in New Orleans two months before my actual birthday (yes, it’s a big one this year) to celebrate. Jim and I will be in Europe on a buying trip for my antiques business and to visit our factories in Murano on the real date, so the first weekend in March was selected for the early celebration.  

 

Front of Galatoire's

 

Friday is a big lunch day at Galatoire’s---many people think this is the best restaurant in New Orleans. We sat down to eat at 2 and didn’t leave until close to 5! There were multiple celebrations going on that day---it was quite a scene, but always more fun to sit downstairs----Galatoire's does not take reservations, so be prepared to wait or go early---It's well worth the wait. Food was great, but check out these two waiters after the lunch crowd was clearing…  

 

Waiters at Galatoire's

 

Not really sure how they do it! Good job! Can’t wait to go back for another Friday afternoon lunch.  

 

Gerrie Brimermann's shop on Magazine Street

 

It’s fun to shop on Magazine---it’s a long stretch, so you’ll need to hire a car, taxi or take your own car. I always love to stop at Gerrie Brimermann's shop---she has wonderful taste and interesting antiques in her shop. Gerrie is a lovely lady and a designer I admire very much—we had a nice visit.  

 

Lilette Restaurant on Magazine Street

 

All of the girls went to Magazine, which is Uptown New Orleans---the boys walked around the Quarter. We had lunch at Lilette which is on Magazine and it was wonderful---make a point to eat there for lunch or dinner.  

 

 

Napoleon House Bar

 

Palmer, Ben and Matthew

 

The guys all went to Napoleon House Bar for lunch—they have great sandwiches and po’boys (Matthew and Ben loved this place). We went there for after dinner drinks one night as well. They play wonderful opera music late night. It’s on a corner in the Quarter and quite romantic---the building is 200 years old and has been owned by

the same family since 1914. You must go there to really experience the French Quarter!  

 

Jan, Susanna, Elizabeth and Eliza

 

BIRTHDAY DINNER AT ANTOINE’S  

 

This was such a fun evening---my daughter, Susanna Moldawer, had it planned to a fare the well! The food is great at Antoine’s, but you need to ask for Charles Carter as your waiter---he is terrific and made sure that we had food that the locals eat.

 

Baked Alaska at Antoine's

 

One of their specialties is Baked Alaska----believe me, it’s worth every calorie and every gram of fat!   We ended the evening at Napoleon Bar---what a perfect evening.  

 

Jan, Matthew and Ben leaving The Soniat House

 

LAST DAY  

 

We had a great Sunday---went to Commander's Palace in the Garden District for brunch.   I have heard people say that it is not as good as in the past---I completely disagree! We had on of our best meals ever. The Brennan family still owns it and they do a terrific job. Our grandsons loved it.  

 

Jim and Me at Commander's Palace    

 

There are so many real "foodie" restaurants in New Orleans-----Clancy's, Bayona, Gautreau's----I could name at least five more. We decided that since none of our grandchildren had been to NOLA before, we would take them to the traditional, iconic restaurants. Jim and I did have lunch by ourselves the day before everyone else arrived at

Clancy's, and I thought the food was simply amazing. I highly recommend it---it's worth going way uptown.

Their menu changes daily and it's difficult to get a reservation there, so plan ahead.

 

It was a wonderful birthday trip to fabulous New Orleans---Made even more special by the company of my wonderful family! If you haven't taken a trip to New Orleans, you're in for a treat. It is better than ever.

 

Each new year comes with a new collection. I love the fact that unlike fashion, we only present one a year! We are designing all year long---right now, my mind is on next year’s new product, but all of last year, our design team was creating the pieces you are going to see here today. For every piece you see here, there were probably 2 or 3 other ideas, or even versions made. These are the stars that made the cut. 

 

   

 

The Tripod Table in Parchment  

 

The Tripod Table in parchment is one of my favorites. Of course, it is available in all of our wood finishes, but I do love this parchment finish. We were inspired by an antique table from France. I thought it would be perfect as a lamp table, something that could be added next to a sofa or chair---you know I always say every sofa and chair deserves a table. The details are what make it special. The custom bronze fittings, small drawer and shape of the legs are elements that make it look like an antique, even though it is a new piece of furniture. All of our pieces are custom, so it can be made larger or smaller. In this photo, it is sitting next to our Salon Sofa. The lamp is the Venetian Series #3 in Moonstone.  

 

The Bradshaw Chair in ebony with our Sanderson Screen

 

   The Bradshaw Chair in Walnut      

 

The Bradshaw Chair (named after one of our clients) is probably one of my favorite chairs in the JS Collection. It was inspired by a vintage find that we had refinished in ebony for the showroom. With the dark finish and a high contrast ivory mohair upholstery, the chair came to life. We had a huge response to it from our clients and customers so we decided to add it to the Collection. It is truly handsome and very comfortable. The ovals on the arms are hand carved and the legs have custom bronze sabots.     

 

 

The Caroline Settee  

 

The Violet Lamp    

 

The Caroline Settee is not new this year---but a wonderful piece that was adapted from the Caroline Chair. The Violet Lamp is new and the color is so neutral----there is really no color scheme it doesn’t work with. I decided to add this color to the Collection after seeing a fabulous piece of violet glass at one our factories in Murano. I couldn’t get the color out of my mind and I decided that it would be perfect in a lamp!  I think people often shy away from violet because they think it will overpower their room, but it can add an unexpected element, especially when mixed with amber, green, brown, yellow or gold.    

 

 

The Moonglow Lamp    

 

 

 

 

The Louis Mirror    

 

Our newest mirror is an oval soleil that is gold leafed---it is one of the largest I’ve seen at almost 5 ft tall, and makes such a stunning statement wherever you place it. I have considered adding a soleil mirror to the Collection for quite some time, but hesitated because there are so many already out there----There are none like this one! I love that this is not only oval, but overscaled. In this photograph, it is hanging in an entry above our Carlisle Console, which was inspired by an English Regency antique. The Marnie Chairs flank it and add another wonderful element with their white cowhide upholstery. HIGH GLAM!  

 

The Sofia Chandelier in White and Gold      

 

One of our new lighting pieces is the Sophia Chandelier in white with gold accents. This chandelier is more graphic and modern in white than any of the other colors (gold, clear and silver). Adding a white piece like the Sophia to a room instantly increases the glamour quotient. We think white is the freshest, sexiest look right now. 

 

 Bradshaw Chair, Portofino Coffee Table, Hadley Sofa and Capri Floor lamp      

 

 I had to include this shot----LOVE IT! Hope you have enjoyed looking at some of our new pieces…..here are a few other new product shots.  

 

Venetian Series # 3 Lamp in Lavender  

 

The Capri Floor Lamp in White

 

 The Carleton Settee    

 

If you would like to have one of our new Look books showing the entire JS Collection, please email trista@janshowers.com.      

 

 

David Hicks for Lord and Lady Londonderry

 

I was going to write a Notebook entry on BEST AND WORST of 2011, but it seemed redundant---too many of the same things going on that I am not fond of (politicians and reality tv), and many of the same things that always delight me (places, people). I also thought about TRENDS in design----as those of you who read my Notebook may realize---I really don’t like trends.  

So, what to write about?   I love rooms so much more than I love trends. Here are 10 of my favorites and why. They were created by designers whose work I admire and respect because they all have a unique point of view. 

 

They are listed in no particular order.    

 

AMANDA NISBET  

 

 I would love this room even if I didn’t know and love Amanda! It so expresses her bright and sunny outlook on life. You can’t be with Amanda and not be happy. Just look at the color of the walls. Is there any happier color than yellow?   I think the coral accents are wonderful, especially for a New York apartment. It is chic, yet warm, intimate and cozy. And, it looks like a room that is used and enjoyed by her family and friends.  

 

AERIN LAUDER  

 

Aerin Lauder's dressing room 

 

The custom Gracie wall covering is fabulous with the bronze dressing table. Ms. Lauder has great style and taste, and, it is always timeless, never trendy. And, I love the combination of the cool tones of the drapery and wall covering with the warmth of the dressing table and chair.   

 

CELERIE KEMBLE

 

Celerie Kemble living room at Kips Bay Showhouse

 

Celerie is another wonderful designer who is super talented and passionate about design. I was amazed at the detail and layering of this room at last year’s Kip’s Bay Showhouse. The ceiling was absolutely phenomenal -mirror with eglomise. It was unique without being over done. The room would not be as striking without the hot pink chaise.

 

ERIC PROKESH  

 

Eric Prokesh designed living room

 

 I remember when I turned to this page in Southern Accents several years ago---I loved the freshness of a very traditional look because of the combination of colors. Eric has a great eye and his sense of color is divine.  

 

MARY MCDONALD  

 

Mary is a master when it comes to dressmaking details. I have always been crazy for pleats, and this bed is so perfectly pleated! Her rooms are always very controlled yet whimsical at the same time. I love the pair of mirrors flanking the bed. The lines of the chaise are well defined and keep the room anchored.  

 

BUNNY WILLIAMS  

 

Bunny Williams designed dining room

 

The drama of this dining room is wonderful. It is full of truly good antiques. I especially love the Maison Jansen dining table base and the amazing convex eglomise mirror. There is an art to putting fine pieces together in this way. This is the difference between buying furniture and antiques and having the know-how to put them together---a great reason to hire a good designer!

 

 

 FRANCES ELKINS

Frances Elkins library in the Wheeler House

 

Mrs. Elkins has long been one of my favorite designers from the past. The library in the Wheeler House is one of the most timeless rooms I’ve ever seen. This is a room that always comes into my head when I think of timelessness.   

 

FRANCES BOWES  

 

 

Fraces and John Bowes' Hill House in St. Barth's

 

Frances and John Bowes designed and built one of my favorite houses ever. It’s in St. Barth’s with the most amazing views imaginable, and is wonderful daytime or nightime. These photos don’t do it justice, but I simply had to include it as one of my favorite rooms--- it’s magical.  

 

NANCY LANCASTER

  

Nancy Lancaster's Avery Row flat

 

I suppose this one is one of my favorites because it was a major inspiration for the living room in our country house.   It is a large, yet warm and elegant room. It took Mrs. Lancaster to teach the British about comfort, and how to mix English and continental furniture in a relaxed environment. You will rarely see "brown" furniture in rooms, and the patina of the finishes and fabrics are ever so slightly worn. When my clients worry about their new pieces becoming slightly soiled or worn, I remind them of Mrs. Lancaster.

          

 

        

 

  Gaultier Show at DMA  

 

 You don’t have to be a fashion fanatic to appreciate the Jean Paul Gaultier Show at the Dallas Museum of Art.   THE WORLD OF JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: FROM THE SIDEWALK TO THE CATWALK is not to be missed. Make plans to see it soon-----you will be blown away!  

 

I heard from several of my friends who saw the exhibit in Montreal last summer that it was wonderful. How great for Dallas to be one of the two museums in the U.S. (it goes to The Fine Art Museum of San Francisco, de Young next) to get this show. Dallas has never staged a fashion exhibition---this is a first. What a first!

 

 

Entrance to show at the DMA

 

 

  Galleries at the Gaultier Exhibit  

 

 From the moment I walked into the first gallery, I was enthralled. This is a big show---there are 130 garments from Gaultier’s ready-to-wear, haute couture, film and stage costumes. His designs are both artful and completely original. Mr. Gaultier is self taught, so you know when you see what he has created that he was destined to be a major force in the fashion world.  Since I don’t want to spoil anything here, I will just say that you should expect the unexpected!  

 

 

Graffitti in the Galleries at the Gaultier Exhibit

 

The DMA creative team, under the direction of Olivier Meslay, acting Director of the DMA and Kevin Tucker, Curator of Decorative Arts, added several elements to the Dallas  exhibition---THINK GRAFFITTI----that were not in the Montreal show.

 

Madonna in Gaultier during her Blonde Ambition Tour

 

Mark Bradford with Olivier Meslay and Jeffrey Grove at the DMA

 

 While you are at the DMA, please do not miss the Mark Bradford exhibit in the Barrel Vault. His paintings are a combination of paint and collage. This visually compelling show was coordinated by Jeffrey Grove, the DMA’s Hoffman Family Senior Curator of Contemporary Art.       

 

So, give yourself and your friends a wonderful gift this holiday season---go to see this show and then have lunch at the DMA or around the corner at Stephen Pyles’ restaurant. I can’t think of a lovelier or more exciting way to spend a morning or afternoon this holiday season! If you’re not from Dallas, make plans to come sometime before Feb. 12th.  

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!    

 

 

 

 

Venice  

 

 

London  

 

We go to Paris and Venice every fall and spring to shop for antiques for the showroom in the Dallas Design District (Paris) and to develop new glass lamps and chandeliers (Venice). We very often end our trip in London just for fun and a few days of relaxing after 2 weeks of work.  

 

Since I’ve written so often about Paris, I am focusing on Venice and London, although I will show you a few photos of pieces we found in Paris at the end of this post.  

 

 Arriving in Venice  

 

 It never seems to change---that feeling you get as your water taxi comes around the corner and you see the entrance to St. Mark’s Square---there is nothing more romantic. We love Venice!  

 

Entrance to the bar at the Gritti  

 

Our favorite place to stay is the Gritti Palace----you can’t beat the location because it’s close to everything, yet far enough away to be quiet. The service and the wonderful concierges who work there are fantastic. You can always count on them to get you a table in the best restaurants. 

 

Warning: The Gritti is closing for 14 months for renovations (NOTE TO STARWOOD--please, please don’t ruin it!!), so it will be January of 2013 before you can stay there….not sure where we will stay next year.   

 

 Hotel Cipriani

 

The Cipriani is also one of our favorite hotels anywhere, but I would only recommend staying there May-September because the pool there is one of the main attractions. Since it is on the island of Guidecca ,you must take their motor launch to St. Mark’s.  

 

Terrace at The Monaco Hotel  

 

After checking in, we walk to The Monaco Hotel, which is next to Harry’s Bar. They have the most marvelous food and it’s delightful to eat on their dining terrace (do not go there if the terrace isn’t open). I know you are wondering about hotel restaurants since they are not always the best, but this one is really good and you are right on the Grand Canal, so lots and lots of activity that is fun to watch.  

 

Prada

 

On the way back to the hotel, Gucci, Fendi and Prada are all calling---I don’t usually like to shop in stores that we have in the U.S. while I’m in Europe (and really don’t have much time to do so), but there is something about these 3 shops in Venice. They always have pieces you might not see otherwise. I understand that Ms. Prada loves her store in Venice. She also stays at The Gritti when she comes to Venice.  

 

 St. Mark’s Square

 

After a nice siesta, we love to walk around the city and through St. Mark’s, then across the Academia Bridge to Peggy Guggenheim's wonderful palazzo which is now a museum. The small streets with little shops and tiny places to eat are very special in Venice. It’s a great place to get lost! For Jim and me, this is one of the best things about this amazing place.  

 

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection

 

 St Mark’s Square

 

Dinner at Al Covo

 

 

Al Covo, Diane and Cesare Benelli    

 

Dinner at Al Covo is a special treat. We love the owners---Diane and Cesare Benelli. She is a Texan who has lived in Venice for 25 years. Her husband is the chef, but Diane makes most of the desserts. Jim’s favorite meal of our entire trip was here----tiny tiny soft shell crabs that were as light as a feather.  

 

Murano

 

The next day is all about visiting the factories that make the stunning glass lamp bases and chandeliers for my furniture/lighting collection on the island of Murano. Murano can be mysterious, touristy and very insular, but it is one of my favorite places.     

 

Factory visit in Murano  

 

We always send shop drawings several months ahead so that I can see the prototypes when I arrive at the factories. That is the best part of designing furniture and lighting----seeing your ideas become reality. We are particularly excited about our new collection which will debut at Westweek next March in L.A.! Stay tuned for the news on that in the coming weeks. Hint: THINK WHITE.

 

 Lunch at Lele’s  

 

A day on Murano without having lunch at Lele’s would be disastrous in my opinion. This is one of Philippe Starck’s favorite places---I know because he has been there several times when we have. I always ask Lele to send me his favorite appetizer of the day and his favorite pasta. He hasn’t failed me in the past 15 years!  

 

Violet Murano Glass  

 

After lunch, we visit another of the factories and decide on a new color for one of our most popular lamp shapes. It will be available next year, so if you like a soft purple (we are calling it Violet), you will be thrilled with these lamps!

 

Arrivederci Murano----be back next spring!        

 

Jim and I with Roberto at Toscana  

 

Our special table at Toscana  

 

Our absolute favorite spot in Venice for lunch is not as well known as the other places I’ve mentioned. Toscana is a treasure. One of the reasons it is so special to us is that we always have Roberto Moressa as our wait person. He has been there since he was 18 years old and is now head waiter. Go with his recommendations, they are always the best! We love this place and adore Roberto!  

 

Entrance to Harry’s Bar

 

Interior of Harry’s Bar 

 

A trip to Venice is never complete for us without dinner at Harry’s Bar. Sit downstairs where the locals sit---we always have such interesting conversations with people at Harry’s, and have a great time as well. I adore their famous baked pasta dish. And, of course, this is where the Bellini was created.  

 

Big Ben

 

After 2 weeks of shopping for antiques and working with the factories in Venice, we are ready for a few days of doing nothing---no plans!! London is a great place for that.      

 

 

Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s

 

We arrived just in time for tea at our hotel. Jim and I both love Claridge’s because the rooms are so spacious and the location is perfect. It is quiet and the staff is lovely. We particularly like, Miles Wakeling, our favorite concierge. All of his recommendations were perfect, and, he is such fun!  

 

Miles, Our concierge at Claridge’s

 

The Wolseley      

 

Jeremy King, owns this restaurant---we had dinner with Jeremy and our dear friend, Lauren Gurvich one night. The food was delicious and the atmosphere fantastic. The building was a originally the home of The Wolseley Automobile in the 1920’s, then a bank, then Jeremy and his partner, Chris Corbin bought it. They kept the integrity of the original building and it has been hugely successful. Don’t miss it when you are in London. We loved spending the evening with Lauren and Jeremy.  

 

The shops in Mayfair

 

 It’s always fun to walk in Mayfair---one street is strictly shops for men---Jermyn St. Just window shopping is fun.

 

  

 John Loeb 

 

Christie's

 

Stephen Friedman Gallery

 

Another good reason to stay in Mayfair are the art galleries. London is such a key player in the art world, and galleries are abundant in this area.      

 

The Princess Garden, London  

 

 If you are in the mood for really great Chinese food while in London, go to Princess Garden. It was our last night before the long flight back to Dallas and we enjoyed the service and the food. It is within walking distance of Claridge’s or The Connaught.  

 

 Orange trees in the Tuilleries, Paris  

 

As promised earlier----very unprofessional photos of a few items that will be arriving in Dallas in mid November….  

 

 Serge Roche style palm sconces

 

Willy Daro bronze lamp, c. 1970    

 

Paolo Venini Trilobi chandelier, c. 1960  

 

Pair of Jacques Adnet chairs in original leather, c. 1950

 

 

Glass, Lucite and bronze console, c. 1970  

 

Murano amber/clear chandelier  

 

Pair of Louis Phillipe style bergeres, c. 1940      

 

Have a great Thanksgiving!    

 

   

 

 

 I adore good films and am always inspired by them---to me, when they are truly good, they can be the highest of all art forms. One of the things that is absolutely necessary for a film to be great is the set design/art direction. Here are just a few of my favorites----rent them and see if you agree.

 

 Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant in Holiday  

 

HOLIDAY---This movie with Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant was made during the depression in the late 1930’s. So many films made during that time were about the upper class because people wanted an escape from their daily lives, which were pretty terrible at that time. The “nursery” in this film is so charming---you won’t forget it----and, that’s where everything important happens. 

 

  Colin Firth’s home in A Single Man

 

  Julianne Moore’s home in A Single Man  

 

A SINGLE MAN---Tom Ford’s first film had wonderful sets that were typical of California in the 1960’s. I love Colin Firth’s house, and Julianne Moore’s is so glamorous---just like her character.  

 

Gwenyth Paltrow, Matt Damon and Jude Law in Talented Mr. Ripley

 

TALENTED MR. RIPLEY—it certainly doesn’t hurt that this film takes place on location in Italy, but the set design is amazing---Both Gwyneth and Jude have wonderful, small Italian villas.  

 

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Matthew Goode and Scarlett Johansson in Match Point  

 

MATCH POINT---this movie is pretty flawless. I love the interiors in both the Mayfair house as well as the country house.  

 

Vertigo  

 

VERTIGO---Hitchcock was very particular about his sets---this movie is a perfect example. I particularly like Midge’s apartment, the bookstore, his re-creation of Ernie’s Restaurant. Jimmy Stewart’s apartment is perfect for the time period. Of course, the exterior shots of San Francisco add so much to this movie.  

 

 Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest  

 

NORTH BY NORTHWEST—who could resist the modernist house in South Dakota near Mt. Rushmore…..and what about his Mt. Rushmore set?!  

 

 Kitchen in The Help  

 

Living room in The Help  

 

 THE HELP---I thought these sets were simply perfect for the period (mid 1960’s). 

 

  Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in Out of Africa

 

Out of Africa  

 

OUT OF AFRICA—These sets inspired me ,as did the movie, and changed my life and style in so many ways. I love Meryl Streep’s veranda and living room (an actual re-creation of Issac Dennison’s house on a hill just above it).

 

   Passage to India  

 

PASSAGE TO INDIA---David Lean is another director I admire---he is more famous for Lawrence of Arabia, but I love the atmosphere of the set design in this movie.  

 

Marie Antoinette  

 

MARIE ANTOINETTE---this movie is nothing short of a feast for the eyes---the colors are simply luscious—that’s the word for the look of this film—luscious.  

 

The Age of Innocence  

 

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE---I think this is the best film Martin Scorsese ever directed.   It was as though you had stepped back into the late 19th century in old New York. His attention to detail in this film was quite simply perfect.  

 

Something’s Got to Give  

 

SOMETHINGS GOT TO GIVE---a lot of people loved these sets….it’s not at the top of my list, but because I do like this movie and think the sets are well done, I didn’t want to leave it out.  

 

 

The English Patient  

 

ENGLISH PATIENT---you may be wondering why I’m including this one since most of it take place in the desert. The sets in the hotel room in Alexandria, and other places in Egypt as well as the caves and tents, are brilliant. One of my favorite sets is the old church where the English patient is cared for by one of the loveliest characters in any movie, played by Juliette Binoche (she won the Oscar for Best Actress). I think Anthony Mingella was one of the best directors ever---he also directed The Talented Mr. Ripley.  

 

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button  

 

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON---I adored this movie---it spanned so many decades and each one is represented by the interiors so beautifully. From the 19th century New Orleans house where Benjamin (Brad Pitt) grew up to the ultra chic 60’s house he lives in with his wife, ­­­Daisy (Cate Blanchette) in the early days of their marriage.  

 

My Fair Lady  

 

A Room with a View  

 

Remains of the Day  

 

 Howard’s End

 

Gosford Park  

 

I won’t elaborate on these, but no list would be complete without naming MY FAIR LADY, A ROOM WITH A VIEW, REMAINS OF THE DAY, HOWARD’S END, GOSFORD PARK, and for that matter, almost any MERCHANT IVORY film.   

 

We are off to Europe on a buying trip---will have a report on Venice and London sometime in October. Meanwhile, enjoy these movies!  

 

 

 

Sometimes, there is just a little feeling in the back of my brain that I am over something---and then all of a sudden, I know—it’s over, or maybe in some instances—just give it a rest.  

 

Then, there are times that I simply cannot get enough, and I become completely obsessed. 

 

My Current List

 

Faux ivory lacquer 

 

Faux Ivory Lacquer---- I have loved true ivory lacquer for many years (I was using it in the 1960's), but it is becoming ubiquitous and over-used. It is beautiful when done correctly. However, I have seen many bad faux ivory lacquer jobs, particularly when someone tries to pass off high gloss white paint for ivory lacquer. It is not the panacea for every bad piece of furniture. People often use it as a way to cover up imperfections, which couldn’t be more wrong. My mother always said, “Don’t ever forget, dark colors cover a multitude of sins", and she was right!

 

By the way, that goes for parrot green paint as well.

 

Carla Commode

 

This is an example of appropriately done ivory lacquer from Jan Showers Collection.          

 

Parchment chair

 

I am loving a parchment finish that is simply perfect for a light finish in any room.

It was quite popular in the 1940’s and I think it’s time has come again.    

 

Lanvin Spring 2011

 

Lanvin Dresses----I always feel great in an Alber Elbaz fitted dress.

 

Over bubble skirts---I have never worn one and never will. Same goes for dirndls(even the name is horrible).  

 

JSC Venetian Series #2 lamp in Rouge 

 

Rouge---A color to use in design that I am obsessed with for Fall decorating! Also, love it for shoes, bags and fashion accessories.

 

Hermes in Rouge

 

Hermes box

 

Enough orange already (unless an Hermes box!). There are exceptions, of course, but I have seen way too much of it lately as a statement color. I particularly don't like orange drapery----talk about looking dated in a year!

 

 Montecito, CA  

 

We love Texas---just not in August, so Jim and I decided to escape to California this year. I must admit that we missed our month in Como and may go back there next summer but we had a great and very cool time in lovely CA.  

 

SAN FRANCISCO                      

 

Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill  

                    

 Huntington Park  

                    

Grace Cathedral  

                  

  Pacific Union Club  

 

We love to stay on Nob Hill when we go to San Francisco---it is so very Old San Francisco! The Huntington (specifically suite #801) is our favorite hotel on Nob Hill. There we have a wonderful view of the bay, Huntington Park just across the street—perfect for our dog, Sweetie---Grace Cathedral and the Pacific Union Club. The hotel has the best bar in San Francisco and a wonderful old school restaurant called the Big Four. Shay Bakstad is an excellent concierge, who will assist you with reservations at all the best restaurants.

 

 

   Tadich Grill  

 

We arrived on Jim’s birthday and immediately went to Tadich Grill in the Financial District—it is a tradition and the food may not be a gourmet’s delight, but it is still fresh and always fun. There are simply some restaurants that are iconic and represent a city so well---Tadisch is that one for us in San Francisco. You will find locals as well as tourists here.

 

  San Francisco Trolley  

 

It’s always fun to get on the trolley back up the hill to the hotel, too.  

 

 CHINATOWN      

Grant Avenue            

 

We hadn’t been to Chinatown in over 20 years---guess I wanted to be a tourist all over again. We loved walking down Grant Avenue, looking in shops and then eating at Oriental Pearl, which has excellent and very very fresh Chinese food. Their Peking duck is extraordinary.  

 

 Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse  

 

Many years ago, Jim and I dined at Alice Waters' iconic restaurant, Chez Panisse. Once again, we took a lovely ride over to Berkeley and had the most incredible dining experience. If you have never been (or if you have), make a point of going again. Ms. Waters is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Chez Panisse this month.  

 

Scene from Vertigo  

 

One of my all time favorite movies is Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, which was filmed in San Francisco (for all of the exterior shots). I heard from a friend who lives there about a Vertigo tour.   If you like the film, I recommend this tour. Our tour guide was very informative. 

 

               View of Mount Tam  

 

KENTFIELD, MARIN COUNTY  

 

We drove across the Golden Gate up to Kentfield to stay with friends for several days----it is peaceful, quiet and a welcome change from the city.  

 

NAPA  

 

Napa Valley, CA  

 

Next stop was Napa to visit our friends there---it was lovely. Never had better food and wine! We loved all of the people we met as well---the vintners there take such pride in making their wines.   And, if you want to experience the most amazing artisanal foods anywhere---go to Napa and Sonoma! I must say that the food we had in Napa was the best of all in any region of the state----hands down! Thomas Keller’s restaurants are probably the best in the country—his first was the French Laundry in Yountville. 

 

 Artisanal Cheese  

 

Bouchon catered one of the private dinners we attended and it was divine. We also ate lunch at the restaurant on our way out of town to Big Sur. Unbelievable food! Thomas Keller is a genius in the field of culinary arts.  

 

Bouchon in Yountville  

 

 BIG SUR

 

 Big Sur

 

  After several days of eating, drinking great wines and socializing, we headed down Highway 1 to Big Sur, which is an amazing drive! We made this drive about 25 years ago---it was well worth doing again.  

 

 Ventana Inn  

 

It was a tough choice to decide between Ventana and Post Ranch. We chose Ventana and were happy that we did. Our rooms were nestled in the forest behind the main lodge.   It was foggy in most of CA this summer. “June Gloom” extended into July and August…..we actually loved the cooler weather, but there were simply no views from Post Ranch (the reason we chose Ventana + it has been recently renovated).   I would recommend driving from San Francisco or Napa to Big Sur---it is about a 3 & ½ to 4 hour drive. It is a great place to spend 2 or 3 nights, and if you like hiking, there are many great hiking trails in the area.

 

   Montecito  

 

MONTECITO

 

Jim and I have been to Montecito many times---this time we were looking at it in a new way.   Would we like to stay there for a month or so next summer?  

 

The Biltmore, Montecito  

 

 We stayed in a cottage at The Biltmore---it was delightful and we loved both the property and the location. Ty Warner (owner of The Biltmore as well as lots of other properties) also bought the Coral Casino across the street. It’s an Art Deco structure from the 1930’s with a great pool and private club.

 

 The Coral Casino pool    

 

 The Peninsula  

 

L.A.  

 

Since we go to L.A. on business so much, we decided to spend some time with friends and just hang out. But we did eat at several of our favorite restaurants while there. Since the Bel Air closed 2 years ago, we love to stay at The Peninsula- great staff, good location and fabulous service.

 

  Grill on the Alley, Beverly Hills  

 

Lunch is always fun at The Grill on the Alley---fun movie crowd in Beverly Hills----their shrimp and crab Louis salad is so delicious.    

 

 Sunset Tower Bar  

 

 Giorgio Baldi  

 

Our last night in CA, we ate at one of my favorite restaurants anywhere in the world, Giorgio Baldi. It’s on the Pacific Coast Highway and is very very small, so reservations in advance are a must.    The food is wonderful Italian---if you go there, order the langoustines with penne, the Dover Sole or the lobster salad. Actually, order anything on the menu and you’ll be very happy! And please tell Elena that I said hello.  

 

 Au revoir cool, cool California!             

 

 

When the world saw Kate Middleton in her wedding dress, she became an instant style icon.

Like so many political and royal brides before her, her grace and style has begun to inspire women of all ages.

 

 

 

I have often found that interiors can be inspired by fashion. A stand-out piece of couture often gives me an idea for a fabulous room. Conversely, I also find that beautiful rooms can inspire personal style.

 

I have been following the new duchess’ journey in her first few months as Prince William’s wife. I am not only struck by her inherent style and beauty, but also by the example that she is setting for young women everywhere. In a world full of Hiltons and Kardashians, who take reality television to a whole new level of bad taste, Kate is a beacon of propriety and glamour. On a personal note, I am thrilled that Eliza, my 10 year old granddaughter admires this young woman.  

 

In each house I decorate, I strive to create a timeless yet glamorous aesthetic. Kate achieves the same tone with her wardrobe. I thought it would be fun to compare her glamorous looks to some of our projects.  

 

 

I was struck by how comfortable Kate seemed on her wedding day with the entire world watching. Rooms should feel this way too, glamorous yet comfortable.  

 

 

 

Purple, Whether it’s used in decorating or fashion, always creates a bit of drama.

 

 

 

You know you’re in for something fun when red is added to a neutral palette.

 

 

 

I love decorating and dressing in neutrals. They are always smart and chic.

 

 

 

This blush pink bedroom is one of my favorites. It’s light and soft, but the different shades make a big impact. I felt the same way about Kate’s shimmery Jenny Packham gown. She looks like a princess.

 

 

 

This is one of my favorite rooms. It’s a library that was featured in Traditional Home a few years ago. The deep navy is glamorous and drastically increases the drama quotient. I like the look of the navy lace dress on Kate. Almost any accent color looks great with navy.  

 

 

Kate’s yellow dress is classic. I feel the same way about this yellow accented room. Timeless!

 

 

 

I love using black or navy to contrast with ivory or white. It is striking. Kate looks smart in this dress by Alexander McQueen.  

 

 

A few of my other favorite Kate Middleton looks….  

 

 

Love her nude heels!

 

 

The secret to Kate’s great style is that she owns it! Your rooms should also be a reflection of who you are.

 

All photos courtesy of thedailybeast.com, girlsguidetohomelife.blogspot.com, formaldresses.name, sheknows.com, celebswedding.com, thursiwestli.blogspot.com        

 

 

 

We just returned from this wonderful little island in the Bahamas to celebrate our anniversary with our family. Jim and I had been to the Bahamas before, but this was our first time to HARBOUR ISLAND. I now see why it is the best kept secret in that chain of islands. Our daughter, Susanna, has been going there for 10 years with her family, and they all love it. That’s why we were there. And, to celebrate our anniversary with the entire family.  

 

All the guys went spear fishing and snorkeling.  

 

 

 

Islands, by definition, are low key---I would say that Harbour Island is the MOST low key of any. As many of you know who read my Notebook regularly, I adore St. Barth’s. These two islands are very different.   

 

 

ST. BARTH’S is volcanic rock with beach coves—the terrain is very hilly. Harbour Island is very flat and not nearly as large---the entire island is only 3 miles long. The beach is extremely long—great for walking---and the sands are a pale beige with a hint of pink.  

 

 

There are many more historic buildings on Harbour Island---it has the feeling of an old fishing port. While St. Barth’s is French, Harbour Island was a British colony. The Duke of Windsor served as the Governor of the Bahamas for several years during WWII.   

 

 

Some friends from Dallas have completely renovated the DUNMORE BEACH CLUB---a great place to stay with cottages available on the beach. They also have a lovely restaurant as do the PINK SANDS and the CORAL SANDS.  

 

 

Another one of the best hotels on the island is the PINK SANDS.  

 

 

THE ROCK HOUSE---We ate here the first night---excellent food and overlooking the water.  

 

 

THE LANDING---This is my favorite place to eat on the island. They have the best breakfast ever and dinner on the terrace or veranda is simply divine!  

 

 

The bar at THE LANDING reminds me of Ernest Hemingway---love all of the old photographs on the wall. Great bartender….great drinks.

 

 

SIP SIP is everyone’s favorite place for lunch----the food is delicious and the menu changes daily. It is always crowded and they don’t take reservations, so go for a long walk on the beach and eat a little later. Lots of fun!  

 

 

Just had to take a picture of the PIGLY WIGLY sign----largest grocery store on the island.  

 

 

INDIA HICKS has a wonderful shop on Bay Street called THE SUGAR MILL TRADING COMPANY. Her partner Linda Griffin was there and we had a great time shopping with her. They have fun things that you can wear on the island or at home.    

 

 

BLUE ROOSTER---Another great place to shop on the island---they had a wonderful selection of jewelry, clothes (mostly island style) and some really stunning pearl necklaces and bracelets.  

 

 

This is what we saw every night from the veranda at the house---great way to end the day!  

 

 

More later this summer from California!            

 

 

 

 

 

A quick note to all of you who read my Notebook-----don’t miss our fantastic WAREHOUSE SAMPLE SALE in our brand new warehouse at 135 PARKHOUSE (off of Riverfront/Old Industrial). 

It is chock full of great samples from JS Collection as well as a few antiques. Everything is marked down 30 -75%.  

 

 

JSC #108 Marnie Dining Chair

Most of these samples were featured in The RITZ SHOWHOUSE last year.  

 

The dates of the sale are June 13, 14 & 15 from 9-5.  

 

Don’t miss this one---there won’t be another one for at least a couple of years, if that soon!  

 

 

 

 

Be sure to look at the new SALE section on our website if you want to shop the sale online! ---www.janshowers.com    

 

READ THESE BOOKS    

 

The Man in the Rockefeller Suit by Mark Seal----I was lucky to get an advance copy---you will not put it down. Mark is a terrific writer and this is a compelling read. Don’t miss it!    

 

 

The Greater Journey Americans in Paris by David McCollough---Cannot wait to read this! McCollough is a gifted historian and brings special insights to each of his subjects. His books on John Adams and Harry Truman are remarkable. This book focuses on the influence France had on the cultural history of the U.S. As McCollough says, history is not just about politics—it is also about art, music, poetry, theater, etc.  

 

 

Twenty Thirty by Albert Brooks---Can’t wait to read what Brooks thinks we will all be doing and how we’ll be living 20 years from now. This is not science fiction---it’s Albert Brooks!    

 

 

The Churchills by Mary S. Lovell---I loved THE SISTERS which was written by this author. Truth is really stranger than fiction. No one could make up the story of the Mitford sisters and no one could make up Winston Churchill.   

 

PLAN A ROAD TRIP  

 

 

My daughter, Elizabeth, says that when she is flying, she feels like she’s working. I know the feeling! I love to be near water, so we are going to Harbour Island to celebrate our anniversary with our entire family in June (this is a big anniversary so we are celebrating all year!), to Malibu for a couple of weeks late June and early July, then on a California road trip in August--had to talk Jim into this one---we are flying to CA and leasing a car, then driving from San Francisco to Napa to Big Sur to Montecito and then to L.A. We’ve done it before, but it’s been a long time.  

 

Colorado Mountains  

 

There are so many great road trips from Dallas. Santa Fe or almost anywhere in Colorado will get you out of the Texas heat and allow you to stay out of airports with all of the summer travelers. Enjoy the OPEN ROAD---audio books are so nice for these kinds of trips.  

 

I’m sure no matter where you live, there is a good road trip. To me, a road trip is any trip that requires at least one night on the road, usually two.  

 

CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY  

 

Things usually slow down in the summers----catch up with friends by calling or visiting them. I find that summer is a great time to do this.  

 

VISIT ART MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES  

 

 

 

 

Your children (and you) will love ART OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS: THE THAW COLLECTION at the DMA this summer.  

 

There are always wonderful museum shows during the summer months---what better way to spend a day off than in the INSPIRING and COOL surroundings of an art museum? Or an art gallery?  

 

SEE SUMMER MOVIES  

 

 

 

Fall is really my favorite movie period---that’s when all of the Oscar contenders are released, but summer blockbusters can be fun as well. This summer, I’m particularly excited about MIDNIGHT IN PARIS. Woody Allen takes us back in time to Paris of the 1920’s.  

 

 

    

I’ve wanted to eat at Lucia since it opened, but with all of the travel we do on business, have never gotten around to it. From what I hear it is booked 60 days in advance. We will try it this summer along with several other restaurants.  

 

 

This is something I forget to do----my daughters are much better about it than I am. This is my summer to be the photographer!  

 

VISIT YOUR LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET  

 

 

 

I always love doing this, but the summer fruits and vegetables are so superior to other times of the year, especially in Texas. There is nothing better than a sliced vine ripened TOMATOES, unless it’s a bowl of fresh PEACHES. And, who can forget freshly picked corn on the cob, okra…..I could go on and on.  

 

TRY NEW COOKBOOKS  

 

 

 

Just bought this one and it looks interesting and personal. Apparently, Gwyneth loves to cook and eat!    

 

 

 

 

When I have time to think and reflect, I love to make future PLANS. This fall we need to do some minor redecorating at our country house, so will work on ideas and get them finalized so I can schedule painters and order a couple of things. It’s always best to place orders in the summer as orders can get quite backed up in the fall.  

 

We are already planning our fall look for the Dallas showroom with all of the new pieces from PARIS and NEW YORK. They are being refurbished now and will begin coming into the showroom in June---please stop by if you are in Dallas. We will have the complete showing of them in mid September, and will announce that in a Notebook entry, so watch for it!  

 

 

 

 

Pair of coral Murano lamps, c. 1950  

 

We are having our first ever WAREHOUSE SAMPLE SALE. Each year we bring back samples from our showrooms all over the U.S. and they end up in our warehouse. They are wonderful pieces, but do not need to sit in a warehouse! Many of them were in our Showhouse at The Ritz in Dallas last year.   

 

Plan on getting great deals on June 13, 14 & 15 at our WAREHOUSE on Parkhouse…just off Riverfront (Old Industrial).  

 

Here is a map:

 

   

 

HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE!  

 

 

I will have fewer posts this summer, but there will be at least a couple, so watch for them. For sure I will be doing one on Harbour Island and our Pacific Coast Highway trip.  

 

It would be great to hear about what you are doing this summer---take and minute and let me know in the comment section on my website.

 

 

I just returned a week ago from a fun trip to NEW YORK---I always go in the spring in order to time my trip around seeing the Kip’s Bay Showhouse, which benefits the KIPS BAY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.  

 

This year I was particularly interested in seeing the showhouse since some of my favorite designers were participating. The house originally belonged to Jock Whitney.  

 

Here are my FAVORITE rooms this year:  

 

MARY MCDONALD -- ENTRY HALL    

 

 

This is a very small space and I think she was clever to paint it red and MAKE A STATEMENT---that is always a good idea with a small entry. It is dramatic, and darker walls make a space look larger because the walls recede.  

 

 

I loved this room---the overall effect was wonderful and the DETAILS were very impressive. The RUG and the CEILING were two of my favorite elements in this room. Celerie was there when Jim and I did the tour and she told me about the challenges of doing this room----Bravo, Celerie! Great job!        

 

 

Amanda is a friend of mine---we share the same birthday, so we have another connection! Her work is always wonderful and COLORFUL as well as UNEXPECTED. This room has the original paneling from Surrey, England and it is wonderful. Amanda covered the available walls in a hand painted fabric she designed for Holland and Sherry. Stunning, very feminine and lots of fun…just like Amanda!    

 

 

 

This was one of Jim’s favorite rooms---very MASCULINE and an ode to Jock Whitney according to Mr. Platt.    

 

RICHARD MICHAAN -- LIVING ROOM  

 

There were some wonderful ANTIQUES in this room----it had a great mix of pieces.    

 

 

 

This room was very well done, especially since Mr. Smyth had to work around the hand painted wall covering that had been given to Jock Whitney by the sister of Madame Mao! He did a masterful job and I loved the DRAPERY.      

 

This was one of the most talked about rooms this year----very cleverly executed on the top floor---the round objects on the wall are all SPEAKERS that look like art. We wanted to sit down and stay for a while!    

 

If you are in New York before MAY 26, be sure to go by and see these wonderful rooms!

 

 

 

Jim and I have been going to St. Barth’s for years----we never tire of it, and always hate to leave. There are so many wonderful FRIENDS, RESTAURANTS, BEACHES. No place like it in the world!  

 

I have had lots of friends ask about where to go, where to stay, which beaches are the best, which restaurants and, of course, shopping. When they ask, I usually write a 2 page document for them to take so that they don’t miss anything. Since we have just spent almost 2 weeks there, I thought I would simply do a Notebook post on this subject.  

 

WHY do I love it so? Let me count the ways……  

 

 

There are 12+ beaches on the island---here are some descriptions of a few of my favorites…..  

 

 

SALINE is very long beach with no hotels or restaurants on the beach----it is the most unspoiled. There has been a big discussion (that is putting it mildly) about a W style hotel that was proposed to build above this beach. Since Saline is the absolute favorite of St. Barth locals---they protested loudly and it looks as though they will be able to prevent this from happening. I certainly hope so.  

 

 

ST. JEAN is a lovely beach and great for walking because it is very flat and long. This is one of the most commercial beaches on the island, but not in a bad way. There are catamaran rentals, bars on the beach as well as restaurants and hotels---all very island style.  

 

 

FLAMANDS is my personal favorite. It is quite beautiful and even though there are 2 hotels, it is the least crowded of all the beaches (that are easy to access---Columbier is incredible, but you need to be a goat or a major jock to get to it---I am neither). We stay just above Flamands beach and like to walk on it every day we are in St. Barth’s. There are two of my favorite restaurants on this beach, but we’ll get to that later.  

 

 

GOUVENEUR’S BEACH is stunning! It is on the Atlantic side of the island, with larger waves and rougher seas. There are no restaurants on the beach or even near it. The largest estate on the island is on this beach, owned by the Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich. Gouveneurs’ is a great place to take your umbrella, beach chairs, read a book and people watch. It is the only nude beach on the island---this doesn’t mean that everyone is nude---I am certainly not, but need to warn you in case you are not comfortable with this. Other beaches on St. Barth’s are topless---very few French women wear tops with their bikinis when on the beaches---doesn’t bother me a bit and I don’t even think about it, but I am too American to do it myself.    

 

WHERE TO STAY  

 

If you are going for the first time, I would recommend staying in a HOTEL. This is what we did many years ago. On that trip, we realized that there were so many impossibly wonderful VILLAS to lease that we have been doing that ever since. We love SIBARTH for leasing villas. Everyone who works there is dedicated and will show you around the island to assist you in finding exactly what you are looking for. They have villas with one bedroom or 8+. Or, you may enjoy staying in a hotel and keeping it simple---I think it depends on how long you are staying. If I were staying under a week, I would probably stay in a hotel.   

 

Here are a few I recommend:  

 

 

 

This hotel is one of the oldest on the island and on St. Jean Beach. It was purchased 10 or so years ago by a British couple, Jane and David Matthews. They have done an incredible job restoring one of the oldest hotels on the island. This one is a 5 star with prices to match, but well worth it.  

 

 

 

Located on GRAND CUL DE SAC BEACH. This is where we stayed the first time we went to St. Barth’s. This hotel is lovely and has been well maintained. It is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. They have a spa if you are interested in massages, facials, etc. while in St. Barth’s. Of course, there are great manicurists and masseuses who will come to your hotel or villa.    

 

ISLE DE FRANCE  

 

 

This hotel has been very popular for the past ten years---located on FLAMANDS BEACH (my favorite) with a lovely restaurant. They have added a new building with large suites. When we were there the first of last month, Courtney Cox and her darling daughter, Coco, were staying there. It is very private and many celebrities stay on Flamands for this reason.  

 

 

 

 

When Jim and I went to St. Barth’s for the first time 20 years ago, the food was either French Classique (lots of sauces and lots of courses) or Island Creole. I remember going into the Hermes shop, which is still right next to the best grocery store on the island in Gustavia. At that time, a striking couple, the Ferics, owned the Hermes shop---it was so wonderful then----there were always lots of Birkin bags (they were not so expensive in those days), plus things I never saw in any other Hermes shop. This was due to the great taste of Catherine Feric. One day, I asked her daughter, Rebecca, where we could eat that was not Classique French or Island Creole. She said “Oh, for sure, go to Maya’s”.   

 

We did and it is still our FAVORITE restaurant on the island.  

 

MAYA GURLEY is an amazing woman in so many ways---she is one of the most passionate people I know about what she does. Her husband, RANDY, is fun, and one of the most interesting people on the island. We love to visit with him because he is so intelligent, articulate, and knows everyone and everything going on in St. Barth’s. If you go, please tell them I sent you! And, don’t forget to order the Thai Salad if it’s on the menu (menu changes every night). You MUST have a reservation here.  

 

MAYA’S is not a restaurant---it’s a club, and anyone can join.  

 

 

 

Be sure to ask for a beach table when you call for a reservation (you need a reservation here, too). You can eat lobster or the best tuna tartar on the island in the shade of a lovely tent with your feet in the sand. Be sure to order DOMAINE OTT BLANC DE BLANC (a delightful wine from Provence) if you are drinking wine for lunch----I highly recommend it and having it for lunch---what is better than a great nap after lunch when on vacation?

 

 

TAIWANA ON SUNDAYS  

 

 

TAIWANA is also on Flamands and is a small hotel with amazing views. Everyone loves to eat lunch there on Sundays. The food is simple, delicious and expensive, actually the most expensive on the island. Be sure to order the lentil salad with the spicy sauce on the side, the barbequed chicken and the lemon tart. Again, reservations are a must.  

 

SANTA FE  

 

 

For years, this restaurant, which is at the turn to go to Gouveneurs Beach, was a joint---a pool hall and bar. We always loved that it was called the Santa Fe, but never went there. It is now a really good restaurant with simple, very well prepared food. They have a lobster tank and I think the best LOBSTER on the island (most restaurants have lobster). This is a funky place that Hemingway would have loved had he ever gone to St. Barth’s.  

 

 

 

This restaurant is open for lunch only---lunch in St. Barth’s is really the most important meal of the day, as you may have determined by now. The DOVER SOLE here is the best on the island, and, I might add, as good as it is in restaurants in Paris and New York. They know how to prepare it simply and beautifully.  

 

 

LE SERENO---We had a delicious lunch there on this trip. I definitely recommend it. It is in GRAND CUL DE SAC. Christian Liagre designed the rooms in the hotel as well as the restaurant.  

 

 

 

 

GUSTAVIA is the main town in St. Barth’s, and where most of the best shopping is because it is where all of the yachts are docked. Large cruise ships are not allowed in St. Barths (smaller ones are), so you won’t see hoards of people in Gustavia. You will find lovely local shops as well as a few brand names such as Vuitton and Hermes. I love to shop in the offbeat ones---places who have things I can’t find at home. Here are some of my favorites:  

 

CALYPSO---this is not the Calypso chain, but the original---the Calypso chain bought the name several years ago. This one has wonderful clothes, shoes and jewelry. It is right behind the Hermes shop.  

 

CARAT---a lovely jewelry store just down the street from Hermes on the same side of the street.   

 

POUPETTE---there are several locations---the one in Gustavia has the most inventory, but I always like to shop at the one located at TAMARIN restaurant.  

 

100 PERCENT CAPRI---in Gustavia upstairs at the Carre d’Or for crisp white linen clothing and great Panama hats. A very pretty boutique.  

 

 

LA CAVE du PORT FRANC---this is Jim’s favorite wine shop on the island. It is on the way into Gustavia. Guillaume and Proust are the owners. They are knowledgeable and friendly and supply most of the yachts in Gustavia Harbor.  

 

 

CHRISTIANE CELLE--- this shop is in ST. JEAN which is the second largest shopping area. It is on the road from St. Jean to Saline. They have lovely caftans as well as dresses that are great for summer.  

 

 

MAYA’S TO GO----near the airport in St. Jean. This is the same Maya who owns the restaurant---a delightful take out and gourmet shop. However, you need to get there around 11 in the morning before they sell out of the most delicious items.  

 

 

DRIVING IN ST. BARTH’S---A WORD OF WARNING  

 

Jim and I think driving in SB is an adventure, but he is a good driver---I, on the other hand, NEVER drive there. The roads are narrow although they are all nicely paved in concrete, and very steep with lots of curves, some hairpin. You need to know this before you go. We always lease a car with plenty of power, not one of the Mini Mokes. Just be careful if you’ve not driven there before. You will enjoy the island so much more if you have a car.  

I could clearly go on and on, but this post is already way too long. For those of you who dislike islands and beaches, no worries, I’ll be writing one on NEW YORK and PARIS later this year.

 

 

 

 

I have long been influenced by fashion---or should I say STYLE?  My mother subscribed to VOGUE, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL and HOUSE AND GARDEN when I was growing up. I never liked the teen magazines---I was only interested in what I could wear when I grew up! I was also obsessed with movie magazines that were months out of date when they were published---PHOTOPLAY and MODERN SCREEN were everywhere. They were written by p.r. people rather than reporters, but you could see what movie stars were wearing and sometimes see their houses.   

MARGARET ANNE (my mother) taught me about great fabrics and textiles---she was a perfectionist and to this day I will not buy something whether in clothes or for upholstery that does not have “a good hand.” Fabrics with a good hand are lovely to wear and to sit on. Nor would she buy anything that didn’t have bound buttonholes. This is something that has almost disappeared other that at the haute couture level.  

 

I grew up being aware of these things, both in FASHION and INTERIORS. My mother had great style, but I wanted my own. She wore navy a lot, so I refused to do that (I certainly wear it now)! My father, NELLINS, also had a great, relaxed style all his own. It came naturally to him.

 

 

Anything GRACE CODDINGTON styles is always an inspiration to me---I am still influenced by fashion magazines to this day.  

 

 

Just as in interior design, I dislike TRENDS. There are exceptions---for example, I think going green is great and much more than a trend. For instance, I love stripes, but not horizontal ones for clothes unless they are small. I am a big fan of Miuccia Prada, but I think her wide stripes for this spring can only be worn by someone who is 5’10” or taller and probably a runway model. If you must latch on to this trend, buy one of the bags with stripes----they won’t look dated.  

 

 

 

On the other hand, THE ROW continues to design and produce classic yet edgy clothes that are made of wonderful fabrics and the fit is perfect.  

 

 

 

I started wearing their clothes a couple of years ago---I always feel great in them. The same goes for the rooms we design. I need to feel good when I sit in one of them because I know if I FEEL good, I LOOK good. This is something I always recommend to my clients. You would be surprised at how astonished some of them are when I mention this. They think about colors that compliment them when it comes to CLOTHES, but not their HOUSES. Here is a room that feels that way to me…..  

 

 

I was just asked who my STYLE ICONS are for an upcoming piece in a magazine. These are the ones I listed going back to my youth:  

 

MARGARET ANNE SMITH---She was always appropriate and looked perfect at all times. She loved Chanel and wore her Chanel suits from the 50’s and 60’s for years. They always looked right and never dated.  

 

 

CAROLE LOMBARD—have only seen her in old movies, but she had great style and humor. There can be no style without humor. This photo of her from a wonderful book called The Power of Glamour stopped me in my tracks.  

 

 

GRACE KELLY in the 50’s---Not only was she impossibly beautiful, but the clothes she wore were classic. The costumes in Rear Window, To Catch a Thief and High Society---all by the late, great Edith Head---are some of the most memorable in film.    

 

 

CARY GRANT---my all time favorite style icon---he had the most amazingly simple wardrobe in both movies and in his personal life. He was always perfection and moved with such grace and ease. He was endlessly charming!  

 

 

BABE PALEY---Not only was she a great beauty, but there was something ethereal and incredibly chic about her. She had great personal style and wonderful taste when it came to decorating/designing her houses. She never had to make the grand statement, rather understatement---always the best statement of all.  

 

 

JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS---I admired her as First Lady, but she truly came into her own style in the ‘70’s. She was almost everyone’s style icon of that period.  

 

 

FAYE DUNAWAY---I know….this one will probably surprise you, but if you rent Network or the original Thomas Crown Affair, I think you will see what I’m talking about.    

 

Faye Dunaway

CHARLOTTE RAMPLING---she is a Brit I admire for both her style and her acting. She has a specific look on screen that isn’t like anyone else.  

 

 

GWENYETH PALTROW---she does not use a stylist as most celebrities do today, so we are seeing her personal style.    

 

Gwenyth Paltrow

MICHAEL KORS---Talk about classic---not only does he dress in his own simple style---no tie, usually t-shirt and khakis maybe with a sport coat, but he just gets classic style for women, and, he has the best sense of humor. His take on almost any subject is right on and hilarious.  

 

 

KATE MOSS---I am eager to get the new fashion book about her. Her style is so effortless---she is the one everyone talks about after a big event. I’ve never seen her when I didn’t love what she was wearing. She starts trends without ever being trendy.    

 

 

 

There have been many, many style icons for me throughout my life---people you might not know so they are not named here. They always have four qualities:   

 

1.      They dress and behave APPROPRIATELY for all occasions.

2.      They move through this world with GRACE and EASE.

3.      No one is quite like them EVER!

4.      Their style is truly EFFORTLESS---never overdone or over thought.  

 

When tempted by trends, remember these style icons----they may start a trend, but they never follow them. I like this rule for both fashion and interiors---will it stand the TEST OF TIME, or will you look back in 5 to 10 years and be appalled at what you wore or designed?

 

 

SCALE OF FURNITURE  

 

This can mean that the SCALE is way too LARGE for the size of the room, or it can mean that the scale is too SMALL. In extremely large rooms with high ceilings, if the furniture is not large enough, it will look like doll house furniture in the space. 

 

I have a wonderful client who came to me as they were getting ready to build their house (by the way, it’s always better to hire the designer when you hire the architect---the project will always benefit by having a TEAM collaborating from the beginning). The only piece of furniture that they had already purchased was for their library/study. It was a lovely room with a high ceiling, but relatively small. Her husband bought a huge sofa that literally took up one third of the room---a brand new sofa. We worked around it, but the room looked much smaller than it needed to look. Thankfully, the ceilings were tall and that helped.  

 

A good designer will create an ELEVATION when deciding on scale. Designers should ALWAYS do furniture layouts on a plan. Frequently when scale is in question, an elevation should also be drawn. This is why it pays to hire a professional. No one who is working in a store really knows what your rooms look like or how to handle scale unless they have a professional interior design department.   

 

 

ALL UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE      

 

 

I’ve mentioned this before---BORING!! Yes, you need to have wonderfully comfortable seating in a room, but you MUST have chairs that add character to any room. This is what I mean by character chairs:    

 

JSC Caroline Chair

 

BAD LAMPS  

 

 

As I’ve often said, lamps, sconces and chandeliers are to rooms what SHOES AND HANDBAGS are to clothes-----and, I do mean that for both men and women. I have seen rooms that would have looked great had it not been for the lamps. ALWAYS budget for lamps in the beginning of your project or when re-designing a room. They are truly more important than almost any other element.

                         

 

 

FURNITURE PLACEMENT IN MIDDLE OF ROOM  

 

I wish I had a photo to show you this situation---there have been many times that I have seen this---a rather large room with a sofa and chairs as well as all of the rest of the furniture sitting in the center of the room with an enormous amount of wasted space around the perimeter. The room looks as though it is half the size it truly is. Here is an example of a room with an incorrect layout followed by a layout I did in order to create MULTIPLE SEATING AREAS. Just look at the difference! 

 

Before

 

 

CHAIRS FLOATING WITH NO TABLE OR LAMP  

 

Pity the person who has to sit in this chair.  Where does their coffee cup go, their glass of water or wine go, and HOW can they possibly read in a chair with no light?  This always amazes me! There is a quote in my new Lookbook, “EVERY CHAIR DESERVES A TABLE.”

 

 

 

People tend to hang art so that it looks to be the right height when standing.  Art should be hung so that it also is the correct height when SITTING, which is what most of us do in our rooms.  

  

 

    

This trend went out of style in 1982, but MOST UNFORTURNATELY, it is still around----if you are karate chopping your pillows, please STOP now. This is just as dated as huge shoulders, and bad 80’s hair. I can look back at photos of myself and the only ones that are unbearable are those from that time period. Movies from the 80’s have the same extremely dated look for the most part.  

 

TOO MUCH CLUTTER  

 

Collections are wonderful and I’m all for PERSONAL touches, but editing is important as well as how they are displayed. To show you a lovely example of a way to display them, look at any room David Hicks designed---he understood how to work with clutter.   

 

 

NOT WAITING FOR THE RIGHT PIECE  

 

SETTLING for anything that doesn’t really work is never a good idea. And, this leads to the last of my top 10……  

WORKING WITH A MISTAKE  

 

You’ve made a big mistake in buying a too large sofa, a piece that just doesn’t fit, or an antique that is difficult to work with----whatever the mistake is, always remember---it only becomes a larger mistake when you try to make it work by buying other pieces to make THE MISTAKE work. Remember the old saying “Putting good money after bad”. That says it all.   If it is a mistake, all of the money you might spend is a waste if there is a decorating mistake in the beginning.  

 

Please don’t feel badly if you have made one or more of these mistakes---as I said in the beginning---we all make them. It is my hope that this little list will help prevent them in the future.  

 

Happy decorating!

 

Jan              

 

 

I love BIRTHDAYS! Everyone in my family knows this about me—and, I love the birthdays of all my family and friends. So, it’s not surprising that I am excited about an important one that is happening this year.   

 

This year marks the TWELFTH birthday of the JAN SHOWERS COLLECTION.  Memories of how it all began are swirling around in my head.  In the summer of 1999, we were staying in Santa Fe for the month of August, and as I usually do when away from phones, meetings, etc., I begin to get DANGEROUS IDEAS.  The realization hit me-- we had incredible workrooms and artisans who were capable of making almost any piece of furniture. AND, we were already making about 12-15 pieces on a regular basis for our clients. Also, I was not able to find some of the fabulous antiques that I had found in the past or, pairs of vintage Murano lamps. There was nothing in the marketplace that looked like what I was searching for either. That’s how it all began.   

 

Here are a few of the ORIGINAL PIECES:

 

       

 

      

 

THE STUDIO LUXE COLLECTION    

 

 

This was the name I chose in the beginning. I cannot remember why---it was quickly changed to the Jan Showers Collection at the suggestion of my p.r. person because it should be more personal. As a matter of fact, it is VERY PERSONAL since I only create pieces that I would like to own myself.    

 

 

At that time, my showroom in the DALLAS DESIGN DISTRICT had only around 2500-3000 square feet. I had a showroom full of antiques from Paris and not much room for my new furniture collection. It was very confusing to customers to have everything in one showroom. What is antique and what is new (even though they were in separate rooms)?

 

 

DAVID SUTHERLAND  

 

 

In 2002, DAVID SUTHERLAND came to see me and suggested that it might be difficult for me to market my line in my antiques showroom---two different animals. He wanted me to come and be a part of his showroom in The Dallas Design Center (which is right next door to my antiques showroom). David and his uber talented wife, ANN, gave a wonderful party to celebrate and showcase the new collection that September.

 

    

In very short order, we were in 7 showrooms around the country.  We opened in HOUSTON and L.A. (both Sutherland showrooms) and then in NEW YORK, DANIA, ATLANTA, SAN FRANCISCO by the end of 2004.  I had no idea what I was getting into---I knew about the creative component, but the rest of it was completely unknown to me at the time.  Little did I know about all of the pieces having to be professionally photographed, catalogs and tear sheets printed, countless samples made to go on the floors of showrooms around the U.S., transporting and installing them there as well as the arduous task of QUALITY CONTROL!  Oh, and don’t forget national advertising! Had I known all of this, I probably would never have gone forward with it. But, WOW, am I ever thrilled that I did.  It is a wonderful business and a natural connection to my other two businesses---RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN AND ANTIQUES---but lots and lots of work for both my staff and for me.  

 

WESTWEEK/LOOKBOOKS  

 

Every year there is a big market in Los Angeles called WESTWEEK. It is probably the largest market for high end furniture in the U.S. Editors and publishers from all over attend this market along with many of the manufacturers.    We introduce all of our new pieces at Westweek---the number of pieces varies from year to year. One year, I introduced 30+ pieces and that was way too many--- they were too wonderful not to include! This year we are introducing 9 new pieces.  

 

Here they are……                               

 

 

 

  

 

Big Edie Table

Elizabeth Chandelier in gold

 

 

  

Along with the new pieces, we publish our yearly LOOKBOOK just in time for Westweek. Here is the cover of the NEW ONE---you are the first to see!

 

    

And here are the new pieces in lifestyle shots:

 

 

                                                                                              

I would LOVE to know what your favorites are!  

 

NEXT YEAR  

 

We are already busy working on NEW PRODUCT for 2012. There were several pieces that needed tweaking and didn’t make it into this year’s collection, but they will next year. It has taken us up to 5 years to be able to get certain pieces of JS Collection to the point of actually becoming a reality. There are times that an item becomes too expensive to produce, and can’t be added for that reason, or there may be a manufacturing issue that is uncertain. For every ONE piece that goes into the JS Collection, there are four or five that don’t make it.   Each piece that is included is always something that I want for myself---if it doesn’t meet that criteria, then it simply doesn’t qualify for the JAN SHOWERS COLLECTION.  

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JSC!!    

 

 

 

 

 

 

I started my design career in 1977--- it was very part time. I had two young daughters. Susanna was 11 and Elizabeth was 6. They were my first priority, along with their dad.    

 

 

I was influenced by the work I studied of many designers. There are so many more than the ones listed below, but if I had to select 10, these come to mind first. In one way or another, the rooms they created are always in my head.  

 

 

 

Billy Baldwin was a master of chic, glamorous understatement. I will always remember the wonderful main salon of the VILLA FIORENTINA in the south of France as well as the chic apartment he did for LINDA AND COLE PORTER in the WALDORF TOWERS. 

 

While most of the villas in the south of France were much more formal, he created a fabulous, appropriate room for Mary Wells and Harding Lawrence. Billy believed that the most important thing an interior DECORATOR (yes, he did not like to be called an interior designer) could do is to make sure that each project represented a PERSONAL expression of the client. His quote is one of my favorites... "DECORATING IS NEVER SUCCESSFUL IF IT IS NOT PERSONAL.”  

 

 

 

David Hicks had impeccable taste----he was a British aristo who loved interior design. His rooms were works of modern art. I am still influenced by his prints (I am not a fan of prints, but love geometrics and stripes), especially his carpets. He made sure that each room he designed expressed something PERSONAL about his clients as well. You never see a David Hicks room without wonderful COLLECTIONS on a table displayed beautifully. His beds were always luxurious and dramatic as were his bathrooms.  

 

 

FRANCES ELKINS  

 

When I began buying antiques in Europe for my showroom in the Dallas Design District many years ago, I discovered Frances Elkins. I was buying every possible book on the designers of the 1930’s and 40’s because I was so attracted to this period when I began buying. Frances became great friends with JEAN MICHEL FRANK and other French designers of those periods. She was probably one of the FIRST AMERICAN DESIGNERS to use their piece. Her rooms looked modern and fresh, but still retained a classic, traditional style. I could move into one of her rooms today and feel that it had just been completed.  

 

 

SYRIE MAUGHAM  

 

Her rooms were unlike anyone else’s at the time---she used WHITE liberally, which was unusual at the time, and her use of DRAPERY and MIRROR was dramatic. Very GLAMOROUS and LUXURIOUS. I will never forget a photograph I saw in a book or magazine of an entry hall she did in a Mayfair townhouse in London. There was an incredibly stunning mirrored commode with a lamp and mirror above. The walls were chinoiserie. When I saw that photograph, I knew that a room with all “brown” furniture would never work for me again!

 

 

ELSIE DE WOLFE  

 

Elsie is considered by many people to be the FIRST real interior decorator. Her book, The House in Good Taste, is still relevant today. I urge you to read it----her words about SUITABILITY are always in my head. There is nothing worse than unsuitability! My mother always used the word INAPPROPRIATE, whether in dress, design or behavior. 

 

 

ALBERT HADLEY  

 

His rooms are elegant, HANDSOME and comfortable. He was a great partner to Sister Parish, but the rooms he designed were always my favorites. Sister, as she was called by those who knew her, certainly had her own style and she did create comfortable rooms, but she is not one of my influences.  

 

Formal living room  

 

JACQUES GRANGE  

 

His work is never formulaic----every project is completely unique. The way he MIXES periods and styles is simply genius! He cares about comfort and livability in the rooms he designs. I have always found his work to be inspiring. 

  

 

MARK HAMPTON  

 

I love his common sense approach to design---his rooms are always COMFORTABLE and INVITING. He must have been a lovely man. I own all of his books….if you don’t have them and you are interested in interior design, they are a must! There will be a LIST OF BOOKS to buy at the end of this post.  

 

 

JOHN SALADINO  

 

He understands LIGHT and COLOR and how to use them to best advantage. His sense of SCALE and PROPORTION in architecture is exceptional.  

 

 

NANCY LANCASTER  

 

An American who truly created the ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE LOOK and started Colefax and Fowler. She made very large scale rooms look inviting by using several seating groups with comfortable sofas and chairs in addition to wonderful chairs from the Continent.   

 

 

 

FRANCES ELKINS: INTERIOR DESIGN BY STEPHEN M. SALNY AND ALBERT HADLEY