QUEST MAGAZINE FEATURES EDITOR AT LARGE PICKS IN DESIGN ISSUE

If you are in New York, pick up a copy of Quest Magazine's April Design Issue. If you are on the internet, read their digital magazine at questmag. For the design-themed issue, they did a story with the contributing editors of Editor at Large. We were asked to select our favorite new products from the Gift Show. We had all walked the show and brought different perspectives, with varied things catching our eye. I instantly knew what my picks were going to be.

Two of my favorite companies--the newer Made Goods introduced exciting new mirrors and Chris Wilcox's Natural Curiosities revived floral studies from design history's past. Both companies always amaze me.

STYLISH SISTER ACT: THE FOSTER CLAN

Lizzie, Sallie and India, relaxing in the summertime

Three sisters, in three cities, designing in three distinctive styles. Leta Austin Foster raised her girls with an eye towards classic design and with an appreciation for the world around them. She started her full service design firm in Palm beach and New York City, and stays busy with her well- stocked shop of monogrammed goodies and beautiful china in Palm Beach at 64 Via Mizner. Raised in Palm Beach and New York, these designing women spend their time between those places as well as in Maine and LA. Phew! Lizzie is based in LA, Sallie here in NY, and India is in Florida. Their styles converge and diverge based on the style they grew up with, yet each follow their own path.

Starting off with Florida- based India Foster, we chat about her design favorites and growing up with style. As her mother taught her, it is all in the details when it comes to creating a beautiful a room.

HER WORK:

A light-filled living room in blue and cream has plenty of comfy upholstered chairs and a Florida feel.

Blue and white tiles complement the Spanish architecture.

For a home on the water, the view is the star. A Living Room with tray ceiling brings additional height to the room with an easy to live in neutral palette.

A sitting room mixing light and dark woods.

A calm sanctuary with Swedish furniture from Chelsea Textiles with blue, gray and white for a color palette.

An Alan Campbell Zig Zag paper in chocolate works well in a crisp all white bathroom.

A chocolate chinoiserie toile grounds the space in a rich color.

Photos Courtesy of India Foster

India Foster's house

Who did you work for/study to learn the trade?

I began my design studies at UC Berkeley and simultaneously started my design career working with Michael Tedrick at the firm, Tedrick & Bennett. After a few years working in California, I returned to Palm Beach to take a design position with my mother’s renowned interior design business, Leta Austin Foster & Associates, at its Palm Beach headquarters.

What is your signature look and how would you define it?

My personal style includes using organic, green resources to create a space in which the client feels comfortable and at home. I love traditional interiors and classic shapes but I like to keep the space uncluttered and add modern touches with vibrant fabrics and new materials.

What is it like working as a mother/daughter team and how do your
tastes influence one another? Who gets the veto power on joint projects?

Strangely enough, I have never worked with any of my sisters; we do go antiquing together and give each other advice on sources, styles etc. Nonetheless, as the youngest, I have certainly been extremely influenced by my sisters and my mother. Leta always gets the veto on my projects, but I don’t back down easily.

When did you know this was your calling in life?

I can’t remember any singular moment. I was always immersed in the history, techniques and designs of the decorative arts, but it took me a very long time to actually realize it was calling for me.

What other designer and or architect do you most admire (living or not) and why ?

John Stefanidis is one of my favorite designers. His projects are so balanced and serene. I most admire his ability to highlight so many forms of beautiful architecture – Japanese, French, American, Carribean, Greek and English, avant-garde and traditional – with a well- balanced interior scheme that fits perfectly to the building and the landscape.

What is your favorite go to fabric house/collection or singular fabric?

Raoul Textiles for fabrics and Niba for rugs: They have an array of hand made fabrics and rugs that are incredibly versatile for both modern and old-fashioned design schemes.

What material do you love?

Hemp and bamboo!

What is your favorite antique you own and reproduction collection you constantly use as a resource?

A beautiful T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings cocktail table I just bought at Objects in the Loft. I love Therien Studio in San Francisco for gorgeous reproductions.

What is your favorite project and why?

Well, I just bought my first house: built in the Spanish style, circa 1924. I just finished designing it on a small budget and it looks so beautiful! I couldn’t be happier.

What trade or retail store inspires you most?

Moss, John Derian, and Merci in Paris.

What is your favorite new and old interior book?

New: Mlinaric on Decorating

Old: Jean-Michel Frank: The Strange and Subtle Luxury of the Parisian Haute-Monde in the Art Deco Period

What country house in England and America do you most love?

Knole House in Kent, England is, to me, by far the most inspirational English country house, and, of course, I love its illustrious inhabitant Vita Sackville West.

Are there charities you all support and work with that are design related?

Of course…Actually, at my most recent design related charity, Designers for Dogs, which sponsored the Miami-Dade Humane Society, I was quite surprised to find they were actually volunteers touting puppies for adoption around. A little brindle mutt caught my eye and now my little Bansky is sleeping by me in my office.

If you were not doing this what would you do?

I have always kept the Peace Corps on a back burner, as it’s a dream of mine to participate in such a great American institution.

What city besides NYC/LA/PB do you visit to inspire you?

I really did leave my heart in San Francisco, so that’s my number one destination in the States.

CLUTCH PLAY: ARTISAN BAGS FROM RONNIE KIRSCH

Carry a conversation piece. Ronnie Kirsch makes her dynamite clutches from Polymer Clay and the effects are amazing. The handmade bags of colorful layers of pattern and textures of clay are one-of-a-kind explosions of bright colors and designs. The bags look like a fireworks display captured on a surface filled with flowers and graphic shapes. They are available at Bergdorf Goodman and can be special ordered through Ronnie's website.

STYLISH TRAVELS: INTERIOR DESIGNER CHAD GRACI SHOPS NEW ORLEANS

The dapper Chad Graci, my friend that I met while working at David Easton, recently returned home to New Orleans. After working at David Easton, he went on to join Bill Sofield, and from there, returned to the civilized lifestyle he grew up in. I have not been to the amazing city, but knew Chad could report back with some insider NE finds. Alas, he reveals his trade secrets here:

Kevin Gillentine Gallery/Custom Framing

I love Kevin’s paintings. They are soft, surreal and intelligent. Always done with a masterful hand and eye for beauty. Kevin and his partner Vincent share the chic, simple straightforward gallery. Kevin displays his art, while Vincent provides New Orleans with the best selection and quality of hand-carved frames I’ve seen since the House of Hydenryck in New York City.

3917-3919 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504 891 0509
www.kevingillentine.com

A modern print with beautiful matting

Kevin Stone Antiques

Kevin Stone is my go to guy for the statement piece. Big, bold, eye catching pieces from the 17th-19th centuries make this shop a treasure trove of inspiration. So many diverse objects have found their way into Kevin’s lair.

3420 Magazine Street
New Orleans, la 70115
504 891 8282
www.kevinstoneantiques.com

My favorite thing right now is this 19TH C FRENCH LOUIS XVI EXTENTION DINING TABLE with a painted and parcel gilt base. The perfect dining table for any sized dinner party!

NOLA Rugs

When I first moved to New Orleans from New York City I was worried that I wouldn’t find a vendor for both custom and antique rugs that had a similar selection as those from New York. Luckily, Nola Rugs has just the select inventory that I needed to bring a little NYC style to NOLA. I’m crazy about their antiques. The selections are always the right on and the colors are just the ones you want-Think washed out orangey peaches, with hints of gray green and rust. The owner, Sharon, travels the world searching for these spectacular rugs. Luckily, they’re now just around the corner!

3944 Magazine Street
New Orleans, La 70115
504.891.3304
www.nolarugs.com

Leonel’s Fine upholstery

Ah Leonel’s…what can I say? Finally, there is a place in New Orleans that can satisfy my obsession with upholstery details. I love working with Leonel Jr. and his father. They can help you out of a time crunch and turn around a well done custom sofa in a week’s time if need be. A good upholsterer listens and is always open to trying something new. These guys fit the bill.

2843 Piedmont St. Kenner, LA 70062
Phone: (504) 469-0889
www.leonels.com

Chad out shopping, looking ever so dapper, natch.

MAC Maison

Mac Maison (Michael Carbine’s chic enclave) is the one stop shop on Magazine Street for the most unique continental furniture and accessories with that special rich patina that everyone wants. Interesting, important paintings mixed with one of a kind finds and rare architectural elements make Mac Maison my favorite shop. I can always find something here.

3963 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
www.macmaisonltd.1stdibs.com/
504.891.2863

Antique sconces

Stone Urns that would look good in a small city garden.

Thank you for your picks Chad!

Do you live in a town with great design shopping? From amazing finds, fashion and home shops to cafes email me and let me know!

LA ANTIQUE SHOW: ARE YOU GOING TO GO?

If you are in LA this April 21-25th, head over to the Barker Hanger at the Santa Monica Airport for the LA Antique Show. The design committee involves a cross section of the design community from Venice to West Hollywood, including Kerry Joyce, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Madeline Stuart. Since this is their big show, everyone comes out to support PS Arts, the children's arts education charity. The booths are stunning, don't miss Inner Gardens for their garden ornaments and furniture or Downtown LA for their well eclectic well- displayed divine selections.

As usual, the events include fascinating talent from both coasts

(click on the images for a larger version):


RSVP to rsvp@dolphinfairs.com and get on the list-- these events are not to be missed!

CIRCA WHO? WEST PALM BEACH DESIGN FINDS

Tracy DeRamus, a design aficionado, has a fondness for Old Florida furniture and accessories. Six years ago she opened a shop Circa Who in West Palm Beach to sell all her great vintage finds she was hording in her warehouse. Little did she know what she loved would soon be taking the design world by storm. From Regency to Chinese Chippendale, she has a ton of great stuff. Follow the striped awnings on the yellow building! Her amazing collection of pieces is ever changing, depending on what she comes across in her estate sale travels. The South Dixie shopping area in West Palm Beach has become the destination for vintage treasures, you can spend the day visiting a host of shops and come out with a whole house worth of goodies.

Some of Tracy's covetable finds:

Bamboo Table and Chairs just need a fresh coat of paint and a new cushion and voila, an adorable garden seating area is born.

The Tole Pineapple Chandelier is the ultimate welcome sign for a guest bedroom.

The Vintage Drop Front Desk would look great in turquoise lacquer....

The Chippendale Headboard in a shiny red would look fantastic.

A Starburst Mirror with a wonderful patina.

Tracy shared how she became involved in the vintage resale business:

"I started this as a hobby--I have always had a passion for the hunt --I get so excited when I spot that fabulous piece amongst a room full of ordinary things. My hobby began to take over my husbands warehouse so he encouraged me to open a shop. I came up with the name Circa Who for two reasons. First, because when I would go out buying dealers would say something like, "that is circa 1970 Karl Springer" and I would say, "Circa Who?!" Second, because I don't buy a piece because of when it is made or who made--I buy it because I LOVE IT!! I look for things other then ordinary. Fabulous things that can be used as found or can be refurbished to perfection. If I don't love it though, I won't buy it--There are so many fabulous things out there with so much life left! I find the pieces in my shop all over South Florida-- I shop everywhere one would shop to find a fabulous pieces from the past-- From yard sales to estate sales, from second hand stores to consignment shops, you name it, I am there.

I found when I would go out buying and would find things that were marked sold with Dawn DeCeasere's name on it. So, one day I left a note on a great set of brown faux bamboo chairs to call me if she wanted to sell them. Well, she called and I purchased the chairs and many other items over the next few months, and we decided to join forces."

EVERYTHING LOOKS BETTER BY CANDLELIGHT: FARROW & BALL COLLABORATES WITH JO MALONE

Photos from Jo Malone

Collaborations between companies often result in exciting outcomes. The world of fragrance and interior design merge with the debut of a limited edition Jo Malone candle packaged in a glass container tinted in Farrow & Ball’s paint shades. The teaming up of two British luxury lifestyle brands makes sense. It introduces those that spritz on Vintage Gardenia perfume to colors they will want to tell their decorator about. With descriptive and distinctly British paint color names like Mouse's Back and Refrectory Red, the historically-based color palette caught on in the US for being pigment rich and sophisticated. Jo Malone started out giving the best facial in London, and grew to do fragrance, becoming known for her advice to wear a few scents at once, "layering" for a more textured effect. This collab. brings color and scent home in an entirely new way.


Lime Basil & Mandarin in Breakfast Room Green (No. 81) is a signature best- selling scent combination and paint color.


Pomegranate Noir in Eating Room Red (No. 43). The color is a deep, rich red and the scent is a great combination with the color.


Grapefruit in Farrow's Cream (No. 67) is light and frothy.



Blue Agava & Cacao in Oval Room Blue (No. 85) is vacation in pale, watery blue.



Wild Fig & Cassis in Pelt (No. 254) is deep, dark and mysterious. Get yours at Bergdorf Goodman, Farrow and Ball showrooms and retailers, Saks, and Jo Malone in May.

BIRTHDAYS

I love birthdays! Today is mine, and I am so happy I got a sunny and gorgeous New York day to appreciate the blooming tulips and hyacinth, and all the important little things in life. Today I celebrate all the wonderful stuff in my life. To great friends, fantastic family, and what is to come in this new year!

Cupcake Cafe is a classic cake experience, the go-to for gorgeous buttercream flower- embellished cakes. I love the cluster of blooms against the solid color of the cake. They are delicious and breathtaking.

HIGH POINT HARBINGER

Bungalow 5 provided me with a sneak peak of some new pieces they are debuting at High Point.

Finally! A Chinese Chippendale Chair to love! They have been difficult to find at a good price, so here you go. Solid oak in a limed finish provides a fresh new take to a classic.
Fretwork fans everywhere, rejoice! Their fun colorful Claire Mirror is going to be a big success. Reminiscent of Palm Beach interiors past, bamboo in lime green adds happiness to a room.

A STYLE COMEBACK: VERA TEXTILES

Whats old is new again. Vera Neumann, the legendary textile designer of the 1950's and 60's is having a small revival. With the strong resurgence of classic 60's and 70's prints from Lilly and Marimekko, it was just a matter of time. Her mantra, "art should be available to everyone" is a terrific one, and has inspired textile designers and magazine editors alike. Common themes were flowers, bright abstractions, and living things. Anthropologie, with their We Love Vera line, has gotten hold of some great scarf designs and created home items and clothing with charisma and charm. Then Macy's did some table linens. She went by Vera, just Vera, and she certainly had a sense of humor in her designs.

Little blue and white china teacups all in a row. The cups sit en masse in Teacup Alley. An Anthro exclusive.

Vera, The Art and Life of an Icon is coming out soon from Susan Seid and Jen Renzi.

The Louisa Settee has a multi blue and white linear watercolor effect. The fabrics are sewn together, seams showing.


A hand tufted silk and wool Ladybug rug with a single large bug. The bug is boss.


A Freckled Fish pillow in hot pink


Photos Courtesy of Anthropology
An easy breezy skirt reminiscent of 1950's Rome looks like a costume change from The Talented Mr. Ripley. The watercolor pattern of boats captures the essence of the good life.


An outdoor tablecloth for Macys can be wiped off lickety split.