Chicago business man Fred Krebhiel has restored an Irish Country Manor house. Located 90 minutes from Dublin this spectacular restoration cost a reported 30 million dollars and is now a charming country Hotel called Ballyfin. A new design book documents the restoration with spectacular photographs. What a treasure this house is and a wonderful showcase for Irish interior design. Thanks to Mr. Krebhiel.
The January issue of Town & Country Magazine takes the reader on a delightful tour of the new and old pastry shops of Paris. This is a great trip for anyone who loves these Parisian confections. Count me in!
Preparing events to present new collections the last week of May. I will be doing luncheons for designers in Beverly Hills, Laguna Beach and Scottsdale Arizona.
David & Greg Klopp had a wonderful party at their Sofa & Chairs Store in Minneapolis to welcome me, Sunbrella and Miles Talbott to town. A great evening of delicious Italian food and music. Here I am with (l to r) Margie Mumbleau, Nadine Yang and local design celebrity Eriko Grill who is the owner of Mode Esty, the socially conscious clothing company.
As I travel the country I visit some hotels that are unique and get my attention. When in Nashville I stayed at the Hutton. This was a delightful spot. Great service, interesting decor and delicious food. When I am away from home, this is what I look for...thought I would share.
One of my favorite California state parks is Los Encinos right here in the valley. Originally settled by a French family the Garniers, this is a charming spot to visit. It was saved by the citizens of Encino after severe damage from the Northridge earthquake. We all hope this beautiful refuge will remain an oasis in the middle of questionable development.
Nothing is more fun than a ride up the coast to visit Santa Barbara and the Biltmore Hotel. Beautiful California architecture. If you have seen the movie "It's Complicated" you'll appreciate this beautiful part of the world. One of my favorite haunts!
Mexico City architect Claudio Gantous is one of Mexico's most talented visionaries. I met him at Javier Marin's house which he designed. What an impressive space.
These "Queen Anne" inspired tables in violet resin, take on a different twist in the mind of Mexico City Designer Javier Marin. His take on design is certainly refreshing and gives the old world a new attitude!
I am a big fan of a Swedish Christmas. The Simplicity of fresh greens, clean, crisp surroundings and candle light fill the rooms with joy! Ann Milang of Swedish Blonde company produces products for Swedish country decorating. I visited her home in Sweden and was totally charmed. Ann, an American is married to a Swede and spends time here in California and Sweden. When decorating this year think Swedish! I especially like the over-sized napkins...smart idea.
Thought you would enjoy this view of the Villa Lechi in the beautiful countryside of Erbresco, about an hour outside Milan. What a delightful house, thought to be designed by Palladio but not confirmed. Looking out my window here in LA, I am getting the same feeling of that beautiful day in Northern Italy! Interior view of the loggia.
Memories of time spent on the Cote D'Azur literally meaning "The Blue Coast." Here at the Villa Ephurssi known for its incredible interiors filled with French period furniture (just about every Louie represented). The gardens at the water's edge are magical.
Fond memories during travels to Mexico City I enjoyed meeting Ezequiel Farca who has a delightful design shop. Here we are in "old town": me, my daughter Beth and Ezequiel.
