Designs on Film. New Book!

Just in time and perfect for gifting. Author Cathy Whitlock shares the great Film Art Directors work in a book that talks about design in film. What a treat from a lady who should be in films herself. What a bundle of creative energy and talent. Good Luck Cathy with this marvelous design tome: Designs On Film.

Versailles First Snowfall.

The beauty that is France. Here is the first snowfall this year at the Palace of Versailles or the french would say a "premieres neiges."

The peace and serenity of these pictures only emphasizes the spectacular architecture and gardens as they remain to this day.

Thanks to Irene Turner for showing me these magnificent photos and to my french son-in-law, Philippe for sharing the beauty of France with us all.

Isamu Noguchi Design Icon.

I had the pleasure to see the studio and home of Isamu Noguchi in Japan. What a true design genius this man was with a marvelous eye for design.

Wyoming Wonderland at Thanksgiving.

My niece Lauren Venuto Davies took this picture during the Thanksgiving holiday. The photo is of the West Pass Ranch in Wyoming. Located at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains on the border of Wyoming and Montana.

What a beautiful bucolic image. It almost looks like a painting. Thank you for this beautiful image Lauren.

Sweet Memories of Thanksgiving Baking.

Thanks to the talents of my daughters: Meg and Beth we have sweet memories of Thanksgiving. From the Pumpkin Cream Pie, Apple tart to the home made breads of Rosemary and Cranberry Walnut that Beth created to the Flour Less Chocolate cake with Orange Zested Whipped Cream from Meg. Such a nice tradition to bring to the gathering.

I am thankful for their time, efforts and love.

King's Speech

This film, King's Speech has Oscar written all over it. Excellent performances by Colin Firth as King George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth as well as Geoffrey Rush as his powerful speech therapist I found the movie inspirational and motivating. Thank you, Director Tom Hooper for a beautifully thought out movie with superb art direction.

George VI and Queen Mum.

Photo left to right. The Queen Mum, Elizabeth II (current Queen),Queen Mary, Princess Margaret, and King George VI.

Flowers for Thanksgiving.

Flowers in the house for Thanksgiving. A beautiful cold, crisp sunny day in Southern California. Friends and family for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving To All!

This Thanksgiving as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Thanksgiving Thought.

This morning in Los Angeles...thank you!
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was "thank you" that would suffice.

The words of Meister Eckhart (above) a learned philosopher.

Jean Michel Frank Inspired

This new Hillsboro Club Chair for Miles Talbott was inspired by the clean, crisp lines of furniture designed famed French designer Jean Michel Frank. The low back makes it easy for designing in pairs and floating in a room. The chair is also built with superb comfort. You wouldn't think a chair this size is extremely comfortable for all sizes. The Hillsboro chair is covered in Sunbrella pattern ZigZag/Latte.

Flower Display at the Ritz, Dallas

I would not suggest you try this at home but these young men at the Ritz Carlton, Dallas worked hard to make this spectacular floral display. This "floral spectacular" probably takes elaborate prep but the results are quite impressive. It was so much fun to watch them build this display.

Judging The Arts Awards

What an honor to be asked to judge the 22nd Annual Arts Awards at the Dallas Market Center. I always find my associations with the Dallas Market Center, rewarding and extremely pleasant experiences.
Dr. Laura Prestwood, Professor of Interior Design, Texas Christian University and (right) Martha Griffin, Executive Editor Design Guide begin the judging process.

Sharon Davis, Executive Director Arts Awards left and Lindsey Villarreal, Director of Marketing/Retail Relations for the Dallas Market Center.

Luxe Interiors Austin Sunbrella Event.

What a delightful event at the Luxe Interiors in Austin, Texas. I was there to present my latest Sunbrella Fabric Collection and the new Upholstery for Miles Talbott. The Luxe designers, Kaycee Geer, Susan Rhodes, Lisa Shauger, and Sue Wright, as well as owner Jared Story and his wife Mary helped welcome area designers and press. I always enjoy the opportunity to present my products to designers looking for new ideas and the latest Sunbrella Collections. Thank You, Austin.

On The Road

I will be on the road to Austin, Texas for a presentation of my fabrics for Sunbrella and my furnishings for Miles Talbott and Gat Creek. I will then go to Dallas, Texas to judge the Arts Awards. I will be back with lots to report.

Pie Cut Table from Gat Creek

The Pie Cut table makes it so easy to place a drink or a book or whatever. This unique table designed by Joe Ruggiero goes anywhere and is easy to "pull up" to a chair or sofa arm.

Winner of the American Furniture Award, this table is available in Cherry, Oak or Walnut in about 20 different finishes. Made in America by Gat Creek with a top finish that can take hot or cold drinks without a worry.

November Color in the Garden

Yes, it is November in California and we are enjoying some exceptional weather: 80s and crystal clear skies and lots of sun. We have just planted winter impatiens and geraniums and the hydrangea love this kind of weather too. The ivy always thrives but what really adds the punch is the Sunbrella Trax/Persimmon fabric on the the drape table cloth and on the upholstery. Of course the mix of the rich green garden seats also make for a nice color accent. Ahh, it is lovely in November here.

House of Blues. Interior Design

The "Blues" have it! At our recent High Point/Miles Talbott Show we saw buyers gravitate to the Blue rooms and deep Indigo Fabrics for Sunbrella. This also was the subject for the French Vogue cover and Armani ended his show with outfit after outfit of , yes you guessed it, Indigo Blue. I think we're on to something...Blue perhaps?