The first floor living room at Maison de Luxe designed by Jamie Drake
I just returned from LA where I was invited by Luxe Interiors + Design to attend the opening of the Maison de Luxe show house at the storied Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Luxe editor-in-chief Pamela Jaccarino tapped 26 of the country’s top interior designers to re-imagine the living spaces of this 46,000 square foot landmark and each room was completely captivating! It was truly one of the best lineups of design talent and one of the most stunning show houses I’ve ever seen. I took a ton of pictures…so many in fact that I’m going to split them up into three posts highlighting my favorite rooms and I’m so excited to share them with you. Let’s take a peek inside Maison de Luxe starting with the exquisite first floor living room designed by Jamie Drake!
First Floor Living Room – Jamie Drake
This is the spectacular entry to the room. The house itself was beautifully architected with intricate moldings, ceiling beams and many stunning details.
Jamie’s room is one of the crowning jewels of Maison de Luxe. Known for his bold use of color, Jamie created a vibrant space with stunning visual details.
Jamie’s room showcased a sick assemblage of artwork including the insane, oversized painting by Lana Gomez above the sofa and the Peter Gronquist scupltures in the window which feature taxidermied deer with 24K gold plated machine guns as antlers.
Card Room & Grand Hall – Michelle Nussbaumer
Dallas interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer designed the grand hall/card room which is front and center when you walk through the doors of Greystone so she pulled out all the stops to create a truly captivating space.
Michelle’s room featured furniture from her must-visit shop Celyon et Cie as well as fabrics from Duralee and her own collection. The textiles are what really makes this room standout. The wall covering is from Gracie Studio.
Mr. Doheny’s Bedroom & Massage Room – Martyn Lawrence Bullard
If you’re as much of a fan of Martyn Lawrence Bullard as I am you’ll know there’s only one phrase that seems appropriate to describe this space: “totally delicious!”
The star of Martyn’s bedroom for Maison de Luxe was most certainly the textiles which are from his recently launched collection for Schumacher. I love the way he mixed so many interesting patterns which all work well together thanks to a unified palette of neutral tones. I also loved the faux ivory “Jaipur” bed from Martyn’s furniture collection which is covered in a canopy made from his Schumacher fabrics.
One of the things I love so much about Martyn’s signature style is how he infuses a sense of global style into his rooms. Here, there are many exotic accents such as intricate inlaid mirror and chair and perfectly chosen desk and accessories which lend an eclectic feeling to this bedroom. This was definitely one of my favorite rooms in the showhouse.
I’m sure you know that Martyn stars in the hit Bravo series Million Dollar Decorators and at the opening gala for Maison de Luxe Martyn and the rest of the cast were being followed around by camera crews filming season two of the series which was quite fun to watch.
And of course no decadent master suite is complete without a personal massage room…draped in Hermes no less! (They don’t call Martyn a Million Dollar Decorator for nothing – ha!) Stay tuned for upcoming posts highlighting more of the Maison de Luxe showhouse including rooms by Nathan Turner, Woodson & Rummerfield, Kathryn Ireland, Phillip Gorrivan and more. And if you’re in LA be sure to check out the showhouse which is on view December 2nd-22nd. Admission is $35 and proceeds benefit the Friends of Greystone which manage the preservation of this historic mansion. For more details on the show house including the full list of participating designers and link to purchase tickets click here.
All photos by Nicole Gibbons for So Haute
Louis XVI chairs from Elizabeth Pash Antiques via 1stDibs @ NYDC
Back in February, 1st Dibs, the online emporium for fine antiques and 20th century modern furniture from dealers around the globe went brick & mortar when it opened its first physical showroom at the New York Design Center. 1st Dibs @ NYDC spans the entire 10th floor of the NYDC. Although the NYDC is typically only open to the design trade, the 33,000, gallery-like 1st Dibs floor is completely open to the public. Below is a peek at the beauty you’ll find inside. For information about hours of operation visit the NYDC website. And if you can’t get there in person, you can shop the 1st Dibs @ NYDC offerings online! Kudos to the NYDC and 1stDibs for making great design accessible to everyone!
Knox Martin Paintings from StellarUnion
A vignette from Lisa Laserow Antiques
1930s French Armchair from Objectiques at 1stDibs @ NYDC
I loved this pair of faux malachite chairs
Agate & bronze waterfall coffee table
A 1970s Victor Roman polished brass console
A Milo Baughman Sofa
All photos by me.
People always ask me who my favorite interior designers are and one person that’s always on my list is British born, LA based designer Peter Dunham. I just love the global influences he brings into his work, the way he mixes patterns and texture, and the fact that his spaces exude refinement yet feel totally un-stuffy. I’m also a big fan of his textile line which is heavily influenced by Islamic and Indian culture. Peter has an amazing shop called Hollywood at Home, located in the heart of LA’s design district, where he sells his own fabrics and furniture lines along with antiques, art, accessories and textiles from several other amazing brands that share his worldly point of view. Hollywood at Home is a must-visit LA design destination so I always make time to stop by and see what’s new when I’m in town. Earlier this spring I popped into the shop unannounced, just before it was closing for the day and found Peter barefoot, wearing a white tee and jeans, huddled around a giant table working with his team on details for a client project. His presence was a true personification of the way he approaches his designs – casually elegant, relaxed and completely approachable. Peter was kind enough give me a tour of what’s new and let me snap a few photos of his impeccably decorated shop. Have a look at the photos along with a few tips for how you can incorporate some of his styling ideas into your own home!
Hollywood at Home actually occupies two storefronts at 724 and 750 N. La Cienega Blvd. This is his 750 space which is newer and mainly houses his furniture offerings.
I love this sitting area. One way to add a punch to a neutral space is to bring in accessories, like these brightly colored throw pillows for a pop of color.
In the foreground of this photo you can see a peek of Peter’s new Lexington Ottoman and on the right is the NYAC armchair, a reproduction of a rush chair once found at the Downtown New York Athletic Club.
Here are a pair of Dunham’s Cole chair upholstered in his Samarkand fabric.
This is the space located at 724 N. La Cienega which houses mostly textiles and accessories. I absolutely loved this bedroom vignette. A common decorating myth is that you can’t mix up too many patterns and here this myth is completely dispelled as an array of mismatched John Robshaw fabrics patched together somehow all works together quite nicely. It evokes the feeling of a handmade patchwork quilt. The key is to mixing and matching such detailed pattern is using fabrics in the same color palettes like Peter has done here.
I also love the look of a well-dressed bed full of cozy throw pillows. It makes a bed look so much more inviting.
I often say that good design is in the details. Here a vase of daises brightens up a rustic bedside table.
Accessorizing with books is another great styling tip. Here vintage hardcover books add a pop of color and pattern, and added detail to this tablescape…
R.P. Miller is one of the newest fabric lines offered at Hollywood at Home. The line incorporates Japanese inspired patterns hand printed on Belgian linen.
I was also drawn to these vibrant ikats from Danielle & Sachrijara…
Browsing the wall of Peter’s gorgeous fabric designs is like taking a walk through textile heaven!
For more info on Hollywood at Home visit the website here.
All photos are by Nicole Gibbons
During a recent trip to LA one of the top items on my agenda was to get to Brentwood to check out interior designer Hilary Thomas‘ newly opened Chic Shop. Hilary says she always wanted to open up a shop to showcase the wonderful treasures she’s collected over the years along with her some of her own designs so once her best friend Clara Hendon joined her as a business partner a year and a half ago, the idea for Chic Shop was born. Located in a fabulous 1950s courtyard complex, Chic Shop opened its doors for business this February. I’ve been a long time fan of Hilary’s colorful, “vintage chic” interiors so I knew her shop would be chock full of eye candy and I was excited to check it out and catch up with Hilary to learn more. Read on as Hilary shares the scoop on Chic Shop plus see a tour of the shop and her design studio!
The front window of Chic Shop
How did you first get your start in design?
I’ve been one of those closeted designers my entire life – starting in a safe place as a young girl by redecorating my room, my friend’s rooms, my mom’s room. In 2000 I starting taking clients here and there, but I didn’t fully jump into it until 2008. I’ve been on this journey ever since, following my muse, bringing on a business partner, trying to introduce a different design aesthetic along the way. I really do feel like I’ve found the ideal path – I can’t really distinguish work from play (nor do I want to!)
What made you decide to open a shop?
I’ve always wanted a little retail store where I could show off all of the treasure that I come across. I also wanted an outlet to sell the products I’ve been dreaming up for the past few years. Ultimately, our inventory was completely taking over my garage (and house!) I woke up one day and had this realization that I just couldn’t continue collecting all of this great stuff…it was time to share it with my friends and clients.
Vintage Asian finger pots at Chic Shop
What made you choose this location?
I’ve always loved the Barry Building at Brentwood Town Green. It’s a fantastic example of 1950s architecture that’s all over LA. It has a lovely courtyard in the center and Caffe Luxxe right next door. I also have a couple of friends with offices in the building, so being at work is a little bit like being on the set of a sit-com. There’s always some (gorgeous) friend popping their head in our store to chit chat or go grab a coffee with….
Finally – what are a few of of your favorite pieces in the shop?
I’m absolutely crazy about our finials!!! I’ve wanted to launch a line of finials for so long, but it took me awhile to muster the courage to do it. Once we had a few prototypes, I knew right then that we were on to something big. I never imagined what a transformative effect they’d have – not just on each lamp but really on the entire room. They are so unexpected. It’s hard to describe, but they have this bizarre way of being subtle and bold at the same time. I’m also really excited about our new vintage barware. The funny thing about all our vintage pieces is I only buy things that I’m definitely in love with and would want for myself, so it’s always bitter sweet when they sell. Right now I’m obsessing over 3 brass horses holding up a crystal ball. Very retro chic!
And now for the tour…
“Here are some pieces from our new Vintage Barware collection, inspired by our favorite saying, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” The collection includes glassware, trays, ice buckets, ashtrays and bar carts.”
“This is the Rock n’ Rolla collection from The Finial Touch, our lamp finial brand.”
“A striking photograph by Doris Mitsch co-mingles effortlessly with some ‘Palm Beach Chic’ items.”
“Hillary Thomas Designs pillows made with Bob Collins and Sons fabric.”
“Our line of custom lampshades has really taken off, especially our WASPy-chic caning ones.”
“Foo dogs, asian antiquities and planted cache pots are a few of our favorite items at Chic Shop!”
“A peek behind the curtain at Hillary Thomas Designs!”
“The fabric here on my bulletin board is from Calico Corners.”
“The monogrammed LL Bean bag holds Meg Braff’s wallpapers. Decorative Carpets are in the foreground.”
“This is a design scheme for a living room in the Pacific Palisades. The flame stitch pattern fabric is for the curtains.”
“These are Duralee Fabrics used for the Good Shepherd Charity Design Project.”
“Accolades offer inspiration for me. Most loved is the drawing of new pillows by our young friend, Makayla.”
I second the note on the bulletin board. Hillary – Your space is awesome! Thanks for giving us a tour!
All photos except the top portrait of Hilary Thomas are by Nicole Gibbons
Living room by Carrier & Company (Photo: Courtesy of Elle Decor)
On Thursday evening I had the pleasure of attending the opening of ELLE DECOR’s Modern Life Concept House at the new +Art condo development in Chelsea. The showhouse was comprised of two neighboring apartments with rooms designed by 10 of Elle Decor’s A-List Designers to Watch. Each designer offered their own unique take on modern living and I especially loved the living room, shown above, designed by Carrier & Company and the adjacent kitchen/dining area designed by Katie Lydon. The well appointed spaces flowed seamlessly together and felt fresh, effortless and totally livable. The ELLE DECOR Modern Life Concept House is open to the public over the next three weekends so you can have the opportunity to check it out for yourself! If you’re not able to make it to the Concept House in person, below are a few photos of my favorite spaces to watch a video tour of the entire showhouse by Elle Decor editor-in-chief Michael Boodro click here.
Here are the details on dates and hours and for more information or a link to purchase tickets, visit www.elledecor.com/showhouse.
Elle Decor Presents: The Modern Life Concept House
May 20 – 22; May 27 – 30; and June 3 – 5
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
540 W. 28th Street
Admission is $30 and all ticket sales benefit Housing Works.
Living Room by Carrier & Company. (Photo: +Art)
Living Room by Carrier & Company. (Photo: +Art)
Dining area by Katie Lydon (Photo: Courtesy of Elle Decor)
Dining area by Katie Lydon (Photo: +Art)
