TAKE ME TO RIO

Domino 2007

House Beautiful April 2009

China Seas Rio | The Pursuit of Style

Earlier this week Kathryn and I headed over to the Design Center with a laundry list of projects in need of the perfect fabric. The novelty of visiting the showrooms of my favorite manufacturers hasn’t worn off yet (and I hope it never does!) so I could easily spend an entire day ogling fabrics I’ve only before seen in the pages of magazines.

One of my favorite fabric lines to ogle is Quadrille. I think it would be virtually impossible to be unhappy in a room that featured their colorful, graphic prints. I have more than a few favorites among their various lines, but on this most recent trip I picked up a new one: Rio by China Seas.

It’s similar to another of my other favorites, Les Touches by Brunschwig & Fils , but the spots are less brushstroke-y and more animal print. We’re considering the beige on white colorway (top left) for a project and I’m keeping my fingers crossed the client loves it as much as I do!

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QUOTED

The Pursuit of Style | Quoted

Would you believe that there is over a 40 year difference between these two rooms? The first is from Tory Burch’s Spring 2010 ad campaign which was shot in her home by Tina Barney (check out the behind the scenes video). The second is circa 1965 by legendary interior designer Billy Baldwin for Woodson Taulbee.

Both rooms feature Quadrille’s Arbre de Matisse which was originally developed by Baldwin and inspired by the Matisse drawing which you can see hanging above the sofa.

The rooms reminded me of the Dowager Countess’ amazing one liner on this week’s episode of Downton Abbey: “Nothing succeeds like excess.” I think I’ll be adopting that as a new life motto.

Have a great weekend!

BAHAMA MAMA

Motivated by yesterday’s George Reid quote, I spent much of last night organizing my tear sheets. I’m happy I did so, because it meant reacquainting myself with long lost loves like Marcie Bond’s Lyford Cay cottage featured in Coastal Living a few years back.

Marcie’s home is one of those rare gems that I feel like I could move right into and not change a thing. The Quadrille fabrics, vibrant colors, and relaxed vibe of coastal elegance are completely in line with my aesthetic. Marcie calls her style “retro island glam”. I call it ahh-mazing!

WORKING FROM HOME

If I had a home office nearly as fabulous as this one designed by Betsy Burnham you would have to tear me away from my desk. I love every last detail. The ruby red de Gournay wallpaper and chocolate brown Quadrille desk chair make quite the combination. Throw in the zebra rug and chinoiserie garden stool and I’m a goner! A perfect mix of classic, colorful and exotic elements. I’m taking notes..