GIVE AWAY: The World of Muriel Brandolini

Photo by Eric Boman

 Muriel Brandolini is an adventurer. Her life reads like an epic novel, and her aesthetic illustrates her story with bold bright gestures capturing the romance and joie de vivre that any story worth reading would encompass.

I have been glued to my advance copy, gratis of the very kind folks at Rizzoli, ever since turning the first page. I am an admitted design addict....with the added addiction of bibliophilism vying for my attention daily. I am in no way seeking rehabilitation for my addictions, and it is books like this one that feed my cravings. 

Photo by Eric Boman

The World of Muriel Brandolini is my perfect read. It is filled with Brandolini's brilliantly exotic interiors which are so magical, telling a story all on their own. There are many design books which are filled with beautiful photos of beautiful interiors.....all unique and beguiling in their own way. The thing that sets this book apart is Muriel's personal story. She talks about her life from the beginning, starting off with her birth in Montpellier, France to a French-Venezuelan mother and a Vietnamese father. She takes us to Vietnam where her family moved when she was just a baby and then to Martinique when she was twelve, and then off to Paris where her education begins in earnest. 

Photo by Oberto Gili

Muriel travels the world thereafter meeting fascinating people, adding to her global aesthetic along the way. She takes us with her when she falls, accidentally, into a decorating career in New York, when the home she creates for her young family becomes famous after being published eleven times in one year. 

 We get to see her house in its many incarnations over the years, as well as her beach house on Long Island's Peconic Bay. All of her magical thinking is laid bare for us in Part I, the first third of the book.

Photo by Michael Mundy

In Part II, we are taken on a tour of client residences that take your breath away. Every piece in each room looks like a collected work, and worthy of attention. Many would say that this is not the formula for success in design.....that perhaps it is too much...and this is where Muriel proves them wrong. Muriel Brandolini  and her style have been described as everything from unconventional, exotic, bold, and magical, to "that newly minted American arbiter of haute bohemian chic"( New York Times). I would say she is all of those things, and more so if you consider America a melting pot of influences from around the world.

A single block of rock crystal....the side table by Martin Szekely. Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Brandolini's sophistication comes from her experiences, yes, but perhaps more so from her fearlessness. I think it is this quality that drives the creativity in the truly talented. She is unafraid of what the neighbors think. She teaches us that there are no rules in design. 

In the introduction by Wendy Goodman, design director of New York Magazine, says in the early days, she used to think Muriel's clients were "very brave and very lucky"....and now she thinks they are "just very lucky".

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

And oh how much I would agree.

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Rizzoli has again been very kind in offering you, my fearless readers, a chance to win this stunning book for your very own!

To enter this GIVE AWAY,

Follow these easy steps:

1) Hop on over to the Rizzoli and take a moment to look around. See the facebook link? Go ahead and "friend" them.

2) Become a follower on the katiedid blog by clicking the google friend connect button on the right.

3) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts about Muriel Brandolini and her exotic style!

4) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address, or make sure your username has a link to a contact email.
5) The Cut Off date to enter is October 9nd, this Sunday at 5:00PM PST. I will announce the winner the next day, October 10th!

AND.....as promised, 

the winner of the Michael S. Smith Kitchen and Bath book is...........

Barbara at Haus Design!

Congratulations Barbara!

Have a Fearless Day!

GIVE AWAY: Michael S. Smith Kitchens and Baths

Couldn't you just spend hours here?
Photo by Francois Halard

Michael S. Smith.....the name alone conjures thoughts of design mastery....top designer lists....high style and designer brands. Michael S. Smith has "It"! Mr. Smith is the subject of previous interior design books bearing his name: Michael S. Smith Elements of Style with Diane Dorrans Saeks and Michael S. Smith Houses with Christine Pittel, both for Rizzoli. Both are in my library.

Photo by Michael Mundy

I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of his latest book: Michael S. Smith Kitchens and Baths! One of the largest segments of my own design business is the remodeling of Kitchen and Baths. I am always on the lookout for inspiration. Michael provides it in spades with this new book! Page after page of beautiful photography, stylish and functional spaces, and lots of resource information.

Beautifully done kitchen...Pendant lights by Alison Berger, hood, La Cornue Range, and I love the large marble "cutting board" on the island!
Photo by Thomas Loof

The book is organized by house project into chapters based on location rather than style. Because, as Michael says, "....it turns out that most rooms are rather hard to define in a word or two...just like most people." And so it is. 

There is a section for the Beach, Town, and Country, as well as a section for Resources. It is a great way to see how different styles can take on a sense of place. How a modern kitchen or a traditional one feels "right" at the beach or in the city.

Michael gives really in depth descriptions of the spaces and information about all of the finishes, and why they were chosen. He describes how the layouts were changed and why. The Kitchen and Bath are functional spaces first and foremost, but Michael also believes that they should provide comfort.

Fun, casual kitchen in Hawaii for a young family. Love the turquoise concrete floors, and the glass embedded terrazzo counters. The cabinet hardware is green and right out of the 30's.
Photo by Grey Crawford

Not only are there scads of fabulously designed kitchens and baths in this book, but also breakfast and dining spaces that often times are part of what has become one of the most used entertaining spaces in the home. Kitchens have become a place where people congregate and share in the preparation of meals or share a glass of wine while the hosts set out nibbles for guests and get things ready. 

Michael S. Smith understands this and Kitchens have become one of his most favorite rooms in the house to design.

The combination of Carrara marble, Venetian Glass mirror, mirrored furniture, white flowers and fresh blue pale paint is restful and very glamorous. Lovely! I do wonder who might peek over the stair railing while one is dozing in the tub though!
Photo by Michele Arnaud

And what about Bathrooms? They are a place to relax and rejuvenate. A private space that should be a pleasure. This means it must function properly and also be easy on the eyes. There are loads of beautiful examples here, from stunning Master Bathrooms to jewelry box Powder Rooms.

A more masculine Guest Bath with "pinstripe" Turkish Marble, "Asher" from Ann Sacks. As Michael Smith describes it..." you feel as if you're in a Napoleonic campaign tent made of marble instead of cloth." I love that description!
Photo by Michael Mundy

There is huge variety in Michael S. Smith designs which is what I like to see in any design book. Many designers are masters in a particular style, but Michael S. Smith shows us here, he has mastered them all. What runs through his work is design excellence through his unique use of materials and details, and an adherence to timeless beauty rather than trends. I think his work will be just as appealing and fresh 20 years from now as they are today. 

This will be a book that I will be referencing for years to come.

GIVE AWAY ALERT!

AND....one of YOU will get to have

Michael S. Smith Kitchens and Baths

  for your very own!

The publisher, Rizzoli has generously offered a copy to one lucky winner.

Here is the scoop:

1) Hop on over to the Rizzoli and take a moment to look around. See the facebook link? Go ahead and "friend" them.

2) Become a follower on the katiedid blog by clicking the google friend connect button on the right.

3) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts about Kitchens and Baths, this book and what you would do if you could have any kitchen or bath you wanted!

4) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address, or make sure your username has a link to a contact email.
5) The Cut Off date to enter is October 2nd, this Sunday at 5:00PM PST. I will announce the winner the next day, October 3rd!

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Give Away: Charles Faudree Details

 Tablescape - "The sophistication of crystal lamps, silver frames and orchids is a pleasing contrast to the antique French farm table...."

 Do I ever turn down an opportunity to review a new design book? Absolutely NOT!  Especially when the book is the newest by one of America's top 100 designers, Charles Faudree. Mr. Faudree's work has been published in Veranda, House Beautiful, Southern Accents (how we miss you!), Traditional Home to name but a few. 

This is not Mr. Faudree's first time around the book publishing block. His other books include the most recent Charles Faudree Interiors, Charles Faudree's Country French Florals and Interiors, Charles Faudree's Country French Living, and Charles Faudree's French Country Signature. For any of you that are French Country design lovers and even those of you who just like great design, click on over. He is a master. 

Charles Faudree has been creating beautiful interiors for 4 decades throughout the United States and Europe. He is even now in the process of designing a residence in Abu Dhabi. He also has created a line of fabrics for Vervain (which you can find on the Vervain website HERE) and maintains a retail location for antiques and interior design in Tulsa Oklahoma.

So on with the new book's "Details"........

This newest book by Mr. Faudree is all about those details:

  Charles Faudree Details , by Charles Faudree with Francesanne Tucker

As he says, " Details may seem like a small subject, but these finishing accessories are by far the most important part of decorating. People's lives are expressed by the little details. They give a room its soul." Amen! The rooms I see in magazines that are the most successful in my opinion, are the rooms that above all else, show the character, interests and loves of the inhabitant. 

".....the details of a room create its identity. The accessories we display, their color and texture, abundance or restraint, similarity or variety, combine to establish a unique personality for each room. The way we put them together is art. It's what it's all about." Hitting the nail on the head, I say.

Wall Decorations - "A wonderful collection of green majolica complements the antique Black Forest mirror..."

Charles Faudree Details is not only a beautifully turned out book with gorgeous full bleed photos by Jenifer Jordan, it is organized in a way that makes it a wonderful reference. Each chapter takes on another area where details can be arranged to make a room sing: Tablescapes, Wall Decorations, Mantels, Fabrics and Lighting.

Wall Decorations - I think this wall shelving display of white everyday dishes is just beautiful...charming and useful. And I did notice the very small depth of the base cabinet...perfect for a small space!

In each section, Mr. Faudreee takes us by the hand and shows us why each item is chosen and placed the way it is. For Tablescapes scale, contrast, color and balance all play a part. But even then there is no particular formula. Experimentation is the key. Mr Faidree does place an emphasis on adding flowers to any tablescape. Even one bud will add a bit of life to a room. Wall Decorations include not only art and mirrors, but shelving and accessory display on the shelves. The one thing Mr. Faudree emphasizes is that pedigree is not important, but "the emotional response it creates". 

Fabrics - The serene blues of the color palette and the cheerful animals on the pillows.... and on the sofa, ahem..... are the perfect reflection of this lakeside cabin

 Fabrics are as important as furniture for Mr. Faudree. "You can buy fabulous antiques, but without the magic of the right fabrics to compliment them, you've compromised their impact." Whether it is a mix of patterns or a cleaner look like the one above, Mr. Faudree creates magic. 

Mr. Faudree also gives us hints about how to light any room. From candle and firelight to the proper use of can lighting....he expresses his thoughts. Sconces, Chandeliers, table lamps and task lighting can all be functional as well as an enhancement to the decoration of a room. It is always a pleasure to learn why a designer makes the choices they do.

Mantels are also a place where character can show itself. The fireplace is always a focal point, and what's above can make or break a room. Mr. Faudree leads us through an array of beautiful rooms and explains why each mantel has been successfully composed.

Lighting - A wonderful Lantern paired with crystal candelabras are perfect for this entry table

I think you will enjoy this newest in the Charles Faudree collection of books as much as I do. To make sure you have a chance to own it for yourselves, the publisher, Gibbs Smith has kindly offered a copy for one lucky winner!

To enter this 

GIVE AWAY

of

 Charles Faudree Details

Simply follow directions:

1) Hop on over to the Gibbs Smith website and take a moment to look around. See the facebook link? Go ahead and "friend" them.

2) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts about the the snippet you have seen so far!

3) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address, or make sure your username has a link to a contact email.
4) The Cut Off date to enter is September 25th at 5:00PM PST. I will announce the winner the next day, September 26th!

Good Luck and Happy reading!

Kelly Hoppen Interiors - A Give Away !

 I must admit, I have an addiction. I am easily led astray from other duties when a new design book crosses my path. I have no will power. I have to sit and open the book. And that is not all. I am moody and uncommunicative until I have had a chance to flip every page. Even then, it takes a huge effort not to flip through again and again.

Any of you out there have this same addiction? I am sorry to say, I am not the one who can help you overcome it. In fact, you may consider me an enabler. I am even going to take it one step further ..... I have a new fix for you right here....and trust me when I say, it is really good.

Rizzoli is just about to release the newest of designer Kelly Hoppen's books:

Kelly Hoppen Interiors, Inspiration and Design Solutions for Stylish, Comfortable Interiors.

The best part?....

Rizzoli and I are partnering again for another

Give Away

to one of you lucky design addicts!

There is a section on kitchens, and Kelly's approach is practical and beautiful....and perfect for entertaining.

 Just a few comments to get those hearts racing.....

Kelly Hoppen is a designer who's aesthetic is luxurious, yet comfortable, simple, and very uniquely beautiful. Kelly has a modern vibe, that seems to work in any environment, rustic country to New York penthouse.

This book is beautifully done....text written by Sarah Stewart-Smith and lots of gorgeous photos by the estimable Mel Yates just to start. The book begins with how to plan your space, then on to advice for all of the finishes for the floors, walls and ceilings and on to lighting.  The organization of the book takes one through a section for each room of a home....Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom.... offering ideas and tips for the design of each space, from lighting and drapes to bedding and tile. The photos illuminate all of the concepts brilliantly. It is, after all, the photos that I look for in a design book, and really.... they do not disappoint.

I love the comfort of this Dining Room, cozy but still airy with a view out the gracious windows.

One of the things I really like about this book is that it speaks to the end user with very practical advise. Here is a little excerpt that, as a designer, I have great appreciation to Kelly for including:

CHECK OFF THOSE BOXES:

• You are your own designer, and a "little black book of ideas" will be your safety net for ensuring that you create an environment that best suited your style of living.
• Study you list of needs against your budget, and accept that you will have to compromise. Each and every one of us has to do so.
• You cannot run away from the cost. The cost is the cost.
• Make informed decisions on the basis of your priorities, to find less expensive options and solutions

Perhaps my favorite part of the book is all of the delicious photos. I know that showing just a few of the images from the book is just about the cruelest thing I could do to a true design addict. But one lucky winner will get their hands on a copy soon enough. 

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the beauty!

All of the details work so well together here. The window sheers are unexpected with the rustic wood paneling, but the taupe color makes them blend perfectly. The touch of orange on the velvet chair and a half perks up the otherwise tonal color palette.

 So here's the scoop for the Give Away:

1) Hop on over to the Rizzoli website and take a look at all of the design book treasures.

2) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment.

3) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address, or make sure your username has a link to a contact email.
4) The Cut Off date to enter is April 11th at 5:00PM PST. I will announce the winner the next day, April 12th!

Light, bright and fun. I love the green stripe on the bedspread. I would have to wait til kids and dogs are long gone before I could consider the floor draping length of the spread however. But it is dramatic, no?

 And that is it. Easy.

A cozy cocoon of a bedroom. Having the paneled ceiling adds so much to what might have been an otherwise plain room.

 OH! And for the rest of you looking for that design fix, this luscious book will be available in April, so do not worry....you do not have to wait for your very own copy!

I like this idea of having different floor finishes here with both the stone and wood. The dark shutters beautifully punctuate the white walls. I could relax in this tub with a glass of wine and a good book for a very long time.

Have a beautiful day and Good Luck!

Great Walls....A Give Away

This photo is in the front of the book and captured me immediately. Designer Tim Wheaton took a simplified version of flowering vines borrowed  from Chinoiserie wallpaper in Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm and made it modern by  repeating pattern in this Park Avenue apartment.
Photo by Tim Street-Porter



I was recently asked by the gracious souls at Rizzoli if a new book by Florence de Dampierre would be something I might like to review. Would I !?! You may all know Florence de Dampierre from her books, Chairs: A History or French Chic: The Art of Decorating Houses. Not only would I absolutely want to include her newest gorgeous book in my resource library to reference for future design projects, I would just like to flip through page after page for general inspiration. The title you may be asking?

Walls: the Best of Decorative Treatments

Mural . Wood Panel . Stencil . Wallpaper

Book Cover Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Florence de Dampierre treats us to a journey around the world from the past to the present to show us how we human beings have decorated the walls in our homes. The book is broken down into sections each describing the various types of wall ornamentation used throughout the centuries. She begins with a section on Tapestries, and then continues with the four main parts titled: Mural, Wood Panel, Stencil, and Wallpaper.   

This room by designer Peter Dunham is in his own sitting room....and in my "favorite rooms" file. The use of a tapestry on the wall has been made fresh when put together with the red painted desk and blue glass lamp. The colors draw out the faded colors in the tapestry.
Photo by Tim Street-Porter 

In the section on Murals, we are brought through the Middle Ages and Renaissance... the Fresco Technique is described, as well as Tempura. Oil painting on walls is introduced in the 15th century, and we are treated to wall murals of the Baroque period. Rococo, Neoclassic, Romantic periods are all discussed and illustrated with gorgeous full page photos.

Seventeenth century frescoes adorn the loggia of the Villa Torrigiani outside Lucca. One could wile away the hours here sipping wine and gazing up at the glory.
Photo by Pieter Estersohn 

While we are on the topic of photos, Tim Street-Porter and Pieter Estersohn were instrumental in providing the principal photography. Need I say more? Just in case .... these photographers are regular contributors to numerous shelter magazines such as Elle Decor and AD. Tim Street-Porter has authored and provided the photos for multiple design and architecture books including the Rooms to Inspire series from Rizzoli. 

Le Corbusier painted this modern mural in a friend's Long Island farmhouse.The value of this house must have shot through the roof.
Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Back to the murals....not only are we shown the gorgeous classics from antiquity, but there is modern artistry as well. Twentieth century murals became popular not only in homes but in public spaces as well. Many are represented in Walls.

The next section is titled "Wood Panels". And again we travel though history seeing how paneled walls have evolved through time. In this section you find elaborate paneled libraries, simple American Colonial wood paneling, brilliantly painted fireplace mantels, and subtle wall moldings.

Painted landscapes on wood paneling at Sandemar Manor in Sweden. c. 1680. The colors! Pearl grey and that blue with a touch of green...wonderful.
Photo by Ingalill Snitt

Florence covers faux marble painting, Boiseries and the specific Blanc de Roi: white painted Boiseries. She takes us through rooms of lacquer panels from Chinoiserie to Art Deco. There are gilt leather panels first introduced in the 17th century Islamic world. There is Fretwork, Cutwork and Lattice. There is Wainscoting, Tongue-and-Groove, and Beadboard. But perhaps one of my favorite examples of paneling is this mirrored room with bamboo molding by Howard Brodsky:

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

I had to show you a bit of whimsical faux paneling as well:

This "room" is actually a backdrop for Suzanne Rheinstein's  store Hollyhock and was painted by French painter Paulin Paris.
Photo byTim Street-Porter

The next section of the book is all about stencils. We are not talking about the stencils from the eighties, all flowers and bunnies. We are talking about Egyptian stencils, stencils in La Villa Kerylos in France, stencils by Robert Adams at Osterley Park, from Neoclassic to American Colonial, stencils by Tiffany and Frederic Edwin Church in the Persian style....the list goes on. Her are but a few examples:

The design shop, Mitu, has taken advantage of the existing 1800's mural in this residence in San Miguel, Mexico. I am always captivated when I see such a successful contrast of old and new.
Photo by Tim Street-Porter

Mary McFadden's NYC apartment....gorgeous stenciling by Joseph Shoskovitch.
Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Perhaps my favorite photo in the book....although how can I really pin it down? Martyn Lawrence-Bullard decorated this room with a Moroccan stencil pattern inspired by a fabric.
Photo by Tim Street-Porter

The last section is all about wallpaper. Apparently, wallpaper dates back to the times of the Egyptians, papyrus lining the tombs as far back as 2500 B.C.  But the Chinese are to be credited with what we typically know as wallpaper (200 B.C.). Florence takes us through the ages and through the geography of different papers, from floral to flocked, from Chinese to European, botanicals and geometrics...it is  here in all it's glory.

Botanical Illustrations make an early form of wallpaper at the Carolus Linnacus's Swedish estate. We have seen this imitated often over the years for good reason.
Photo by Ingalill Snitt 

Lat but not least, I want to mention that at the end of each section in the book, there is a page (pages) of helpful hints and tips for the application of all of these wall treatments. A big thank you to Florence for that. I think many of us like to experiment ourselves or at least know a thing or two when discussing a desired application with craftspeople

I am in the process of having a dining room mural painted for a client, and I can tall you this book is an immeasurably helpful source of ideas. If you are interested in the decorative arts, history, or just need a little inspiration, I can say this book will keep you intrigued for ages.

And the best part?

I am so happy to be partnering once again with Rizzoli to let one of you lucky readers in on the adventure of 

Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments

by

Florence de Dampierre 

Rizzoli will be giving away this beautiful book to one lucky winner. Here are the rules:

1) If you are not already, become a follower of katiedid 

2) Hop on over to the Rizzoli website and let me know what other design books are catching your eye...I always like to hear about a new design book!!

3) Provide your email. That means an email where we can correspond so I can get your mailing address. Without this, we don't know where to send the book...and that would be a complete shame.

The give away will run until Monday, March 21st at 5:00 PM California time. I will pick a winner at random

and announce on the next day.  

GOOD LUCK ALL!

Stealing Away to New Orleans: Stealing Magnolias....A Give Away!

Now that the Holiday Season is over, I am asking myself, what is the next excuse for a huge dose of outrageous fun? It occurred to me that Marde Gras in New Orleans was what we all looked forward to all year when I was living in Louisiana studying interior design at LSU. It was the yearly celebration all of my design student friends looked forward to. Whether it was the colors, the originality, the creativity, the music, or just the great excuse to forget about studying and party all day and night, it didn't matter. New Orleans was calling....and calling loudly....with a big trombone leading the band.

You can imagine my delight when it all of the Southern pageantry, a juxtaposition of beautifully elegant propriety and campy costumes in drag came tumbling back into my mind when I received a copy of a stunning new book .....Stealing Magnolias. Author Debra Shriver, chief communications officer of Hearst Corporation, debuts her first book with passion and obvious love for this one-of-a-kind pearl of a city. It is written in a way that is approachable and extremely informative, especially about the things that matter most in this graceful and bewitching town. All that visit cannot escape without losing a part of themselves. 

Stealing Magnolias is made up of the best bits of Debra's New Orleans experiences....there are beautiful photos of the home she and her husband renovated and decorated not long after Katrina..there are delicious Southern recipes with photos that simply make one's mouth water in anticipation....there are gardens and architectural treasures, all shown through that filter of light that can only be found in this place. That light that sweeps in from the side, bouncing off courtyard walls and underneath iron balconies and finally through gauzy sheer covered windows. 

New Orleans is decidedly French, but oh-so American....home of jazz and the mint julep, world famous Cafe du Monde, and voodoo shops..the cultural diversity buzzes with energy and mystery.

Debra captures it all and gives you a brilliant glimpse of the heart and soul of New Orleans. With it's fabulous photography, snippets from taste makers who have been touched by it's gorgeous decadence (Anne Rice, Dave Matthews, Mark Twain, Alexa Pulitzer, Tennessee Williams, Patrick Dunne and Cole Porter are just a few who's impressions are quoted throughout) and all of the extras of what and how to enjoy this city, Stealing Magnolias will take you away on a fabulous adventure. 

Did I mention the Preface by Blue Dog artist, George Rodrigue, the Forward by best-selling author Mary Randolph Carter, and Introduction by the one and only Roald Dahl? Icing on the cake my dears.

This book is unforgettable and perfect for those who have been and want to rekindle fond memories.....for those who have yet to go, it will get you out of that easy chair booking tickets in time for Marde Gras...for those who love jazz...or find that all things French make them smile inside and out.....and what a gift for those you love!

So.......I am so very excited to be partnering with Glitterati Incorporated in a

GIVE AWAY

of Stealing Magnolias!!!

Here are the rules:

1) Head on over to the Glitterati Website HERE and take a look around. You might just find another book you must have!

2) Become a katiedid Follower by clicking on the Google Follow button in my sidebar.

3) Leave a comment here in the comment box about your favorite memory about New Orleans....real or imagined.

4) You must include your contact information to win! And that means an email address so I can email you with the great news and thereby retrieve a mailing address. 

I will announce the winner January 26th, two weeks from today!!

 GOOD LUCK

and

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!!!

(all photos from Stealing Magnolias by Debra Shriver, copyright 2010, published by Glitterati Incorporated. http://www.glitteratiincorporated.com/)