LENOX HILL HONORS ALBERT HADLEY

The design world descended upon Sotheby's last night for Lenox Hill's annual gala, honoring Albert Hadley, the Dean of American Decorators. The stunning tables were designed by 30 of New York's (and Arkansas's) most creative interior designers, who worked with flowers in gorgeous colors and varieties, taking advantage of the early warm spring weather. The theme, "Shall We Dance" materialized in unique ways. Guest gifts ranged from a Capri themed book, to a candle and a paperweight. I caught up with the newly appointed Editor in Chief of House Beautiful, who was just starting to process it all while well wishers shared in the excitement. Seeing Harry Heissmann, P. Allen Smith, Lindsey Harper, Ashley Whittaker, David Easton and Robert Rufino added to the fun--everyone acknowledged that things are looking up and they are becoming busy again. Overall, the tables were really strong, nary a bad one in the bunch.

"Hats off To Mr. Hadley" by Christopher Spitzmiller with a lustre Gourd centerpiece he designed and chargers with vases by Roy Hamilton.

Shots of legendary rooms were arranged in a collage under glass.

Pewter and signature red for Mr. Hadley with a nod to his office's Don't Forget memo's, used as place cards. Nice touch.


Patrik Lönn Design & L'Olivier created Capri, one of my favorite arrangements. A tree rose from the table with air plants nestled on the branches.

Guests took home a copy of Pamela Fiori's Capri book.

Todd Romano used simplicity as his guide. His tablecloth is made of a Bob Collins fabric that he carries in his showroom.

A mass of carnations. A single variety packs a punch.




Michael Zabriskie and Dawit Tibebe for Scott Salvator, Inc. with knockout orchids arranged by Plaza Flowers. Connie, you are so talented!

Hot pink and silver? Chic.

Table by day...

Table by night...Lindsey Coral Harper Interior Designs Let The Wild Rumpus Start! themed table complete with animal masks.

A tablecloth of Kathryn M. Ireland's new fabric and custom Julia B. embroidered napkins.


Guests got festive with animal masks, and got to take home a Lamshop candle in a Spring scent from Lindsay and Maggie Currey's line. It complements their custom table collection.

Scott Snyder created From Here to Shanghai. Guests took home colored wraps. Nifty gifty.

Each place setting had a bright charger and napkin tying the color scheme together with the elaborate Chinoiserie plate pattern.

Eye- catching reds, turquoise and hot pink look great together.


Gail Shields-Miller Shields & Company Interiors and their Baile Latino. Ooh la la, samba!

Orchids and fan-festooned centerpiece from Spanish Plates arranged by Sergey Stepanenko.

Multi- colored narrow stripes and an adorable ruffle make for a memorable perch.

Dancing Cheek to Cheek by Frances Palmer Pottery including fabrics from Rogers and Goffigon and flowers by GRDN.

Guests took home a bud vase filled with flowers.

Details details-- an embroidered edge makes a linen napkin even more beautiful.

Kleinreid and Johanna Burke used paper in fascinating artistic ways in Dance of The Hesperides.


Roric Tobin for Geoffrey Bradfield, Inc. had a happy 60's vibe.

Annalu Ponti's Under The Moon in shades of orange.

Peony blooms floating in bowls had a nice Bali touch.

Dennis Rolland, a Mark Hampton alum, worked with Christopher Norman's malachite print and a beautiful lantern and obelisks custom painted by the talented Two World Arts.

The bouquet at the top of the lantern is a sweet and unexpected accent.

Dinner at The Colony by Phillip Gorrivan with divine flowers by CMD Lewis Miller Design.

These flowers are perfection!

The Calvin Klein designed table for sponsor Elle Decor was where Mr. Hadley sat.

Etos Home Furnishings, the West Village shop run by interior designers, created Unapologetically Extravagant channeling Marie Antionette's Versailles fetes with a custom wooden obelisk.

Fleurs Bella added bright flowers in small arrangements.

Macarons were a sweet amuse bouche for guests to nibble on.

Edward Lobrano Interior Design's Begin The Beguine with a Birmingham and Co. Ikat.

Small yellow orchids work well with turquoise.

A votive hangs from a flowering branch.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design and fellow blogger created Pagoda Promenade. You know I love a good pagoda.

It was so nice to meet Tobi who came to the big apple for the festivities.

Tobi custom painted chair covers in a pagoda for extra impact.

Todd Gribben created Bubbles, with a Cowtan and Tout skirt.

Lovely lilac with black and white details. What fun custom plates!

MAGAZINE MUSICAL CHAIRS AT HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, T & C AND VERANDA

Wow, changes are underway at Hearst---they have assessed their lifestyle and shelter magazines, making shifts at the top.

Stephen Drucker is the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief at Town&Country

Newell Turner has been tapped to carry on American tradition as the Editor in Chief of House Beautiful

Dara Caponigro is at the helm of luxurious and worldy Veranda as their Editor in Chief.

Here is the official scoop:

HEARST MAGAZINES NAMES THREE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: STEPHEN DRUCKER TO LEAD TOWN&COUNTRY; NEWELL TURNER BECOMES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; DARA CAPONIGRO NAMED EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF VERANDA
Pamela Fiori Appointed Editor-at-Large at Town&Country; VERANDA Founder Lisa Newsom to Become Editor-at-Large
NEW YORK, April 6, 2010 – Hearst Magazines, one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines, today named three new editors to its portfolio of titles. These include: Stephen Drucker as editor-in-chief of Town&Country; Newell Turner as editor-in-chief of House Beautiful; and Dara Caponigro as editor-in-chief of VERANDA. The announcement was made by Cathleen P. Black, president, Hearst Magazines, to whom all three editors will report.
Drucker joins Town&Country on April 20 from House Beautiful, where he had been editor-in-chief since October 2005. Concurrently, Turner is promoted to editor-in-chief from his position as style director of House Beautiful, and Caponigro rejoins the company on April 15 in her new role at VERANDA.
Drucker succeeds Pamela Fiori, Town&Country’s editor-in-chief since 1993, who will become editor-at-large and work on Town&Country-related books and editorial projects. Caponigro succeeds Lisa Newsom, VERANDA’s founder and editor-in-chief since 1987, who will also become an editor-at-large and oversee VERANDA-related books and editorial projects.
“Stephen, Newell and Dara are highly creative, talented and successful editors with extensive backgrounds across a wide and diverse group of magazines,” Black said. “They all bring exciting new ideas and energy to their positions. I am confident that they will build on the distinguished work of their predecessors and will lead Town&Country, House Beautiful and VERANDA, respectively, to many more years of continued success with readers and advertisers.”
“We thank Pamela and Lisa for shepherding two of Hearst’s most resplendent titles and representing Hearst and their devoted readers of their magazines with distinction,” said Frank A. Bennack, Jr., vice chairman and chief executive officer, Hearst Corporation. “We look forward to the continuation of the fine traditions each magazine embodies and the introduction of the fresh perspectives that new editors-in-chief will bring.”
Black continued: “Pamela’s focus on the ‘good life well lived’ really resonated with readers and elevated Town&Country to celebrated status. Twenty-three years ago, VERANDA began as Lisa’s vision and, by the careful curating of the most beautiful houses and interiors, she created an international brand of the highest level of sophistication, increasing circulation to nearly half a million in the years following its acquisition by Hearst. In Stephen's nearly five years at House Beautiful, he revitalized the magazine, bringing new design talent to its pages as well as major editorial platforms, specifically in the arenas of color and kitchens.”
Under Drucker’s leadership, House Beautiful enjoyed accelerating newsstand growth, up nearly 20 percent since he took over in October 2005, and was named to Advertising Age’s “A List” in 2008. Prior to joining Hearst Magazines, Drucker was a contributing writer for Architectural Digest from 2001 to 2005. Previously, he was executive vice president of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and editor-in-chief of Martha Stewart Living from 1996 to 2001. Before that, Drucker was executive editor of Travel + Leisure and features director of HG magazine. From 1988 to 1992, he worked at the New York Times, where he was editor of the “Home” section and created the Sunday “Styles” section.
“Town&Country has been an iconic brand for more than 160 years, evolving with the times but always recognizable as a symbol of quality and luxury,” Drucker said. “I plan to build on the T&C tradition of reflecting our readers’ lives, passions and pursuits, while adding exciting new contemporary voices and ideas to the already successful mix.”
“It's been a privilege and an honor to lead Town&Country for these past 17 years,” Fiori said. “I look forward to working with Stephen in this important transition and leading a variety of projects to extend the Town&Country brand. This new role allows me to continue to give our readers the best of what we have to offer.”
Turner, who has been style director of House Beautiful under Drucker since January 2006, was editor-in-chief of the Cottages & Gardens Publications—Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens and Connecticut Cottages & Gardens—from 2002 to 2006. Prior to that, he was style director for Gruner + Jahr’s HomeStyle and, before that, managing editor for Internet startup Room12.com. From 1997 to 2000, he was style editor of House & Garden and earlier in his career held several senior positions at Metropolitan Home.
“Working with Stephen Drucker these past four years has been such a privilege; it is so rewarding to be a part of the success of the magazine,” Turner said. “House Beautiful documents the trends in American design, inspiring readers with ideas, information and expert opinions. I’m ready to continue that conversation.”
Caponigro was a founding editor of Domino, where she was style director from 2004 to 2009. During that time, the magazine was nominated for two National Magazine Awards. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at House Beautiful in a variety of editorial positions, including southern editor within the design and decoration department. Caponigro also created and owned a business dealing in European antiques. She began her career at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum.
“VERANDA’s graciousness and refinement make it a truly unique shelter magazine,” Caponigro said. “It is a luxurious, glossy read for a global audience of design aficionados and I’m eager to excite them with new sources, new designers and amazing locations.”
VERANDA celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2007 and will continue to have offices in New York and Atlanta. It was acquired by Hearst Magazines in 2002 and is distributed throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.
"Growing VERANDA into the prestige brand it is today is a great source of pride, and I look forward to developing even more interesting ways to share it with design connoisseurs around the world,” Newsom said.
House Beautiful (www.housebeautiful.com) is a leading authority on American home design and decoration, reaching more than seven million readers every month. Founded in 1896, House Beautiful is the oldest continuously published shelter magazine in the United States. Readers can also interact with the brand on the digital front, with the House Beautiful mobile site (m.housebeautiful.com). In addition to its U.S. flagship, House Beautiful publishes two international editions.
Town&Country (www.townandcountrymag.com) is America’s longest continuously published general interest magazine. It was established in 1846 (before the Civil War). Today, it is the premier luxury lifestyle magazine in America, edited for the country’s most sophisticated, affluent and accomplished women. Town&Country Weddings, established in 2003, is published twice a year.
VERANDA (www.veranda.com) is one of the world's most exquisitely produced interior design magazines. Published eight times a year, it is distinguished by its artful representation of interiors and gardens, showcasing the country's leading designers. Authoritative articles on the decorative arts, books, collectibles, luxury goods, unusual travel destinations, must-see art exhibitions, renowned architects and the latest in outstanding furnishings round out each issue.

THANK YOU ELLE DECOR!

With a newly revamped website, Elle Decor is taking their vision from the printed pages to the Internet, breaking away from the multi- shelter magazine hub, Point Click Home. A fresh redesign means the eponymous site can satisfy design aficionados wanting more than their monthly fix. Thank you Margaret, for including Stylebeat as one of the Elle Decor Blogs We Love, Our favorite voices in the design community!

UPCOMING NYC LECTURE WITH ICA: ADVENTURES IN RESTORATION

Used with permission, G. P. Schafer Architects

Adventures in Restoration: The Rebirth of A Classic Charleston House

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7; Reception at 6:30 pm; Discussion at 7:00 pm

Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America presents Adventures in Restoration: The Rebirth of A Classic Charleston House on Wednesday, April 7th at 6:30 pm. Join architect and ICA&CA member Gil Schafer, client Sarah Horton, builder/restoration expert Richard Marks, and journalist Eve M. Kahn as they discuss the challenges and ultimate success experienced in the restoration of the 1843 William C. Gatewood House in Charleston, South Carolina.

The discussion will take place at New York School of Interior Design, 170 East 70th Street (between Lexington and 3rd Avenues)

6:30 pm reception and; panel discussion to follow at 7:00 pm.

Paid reservations required (212) 730-9646, ext. 109. Cost/Learning Unit

$40 for ICA&CA members and employees of professional member firms, $55 for the general public

1.5 HSW AIA/CES LUs (Practice and Theory)
Call (212) 730-9646 for reservations or register online at the Classicist website

MORE ON THE ICA:
Join now, you will be glad you did. Their lectures, trips and historical topics are always au courant and done with the best designers,architects, and historians today.
The Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America (ICA&CA) is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts. ICA&CA fulfills its mission through four program areas: education, publications, awards, and advocacy. You’ll find a community of design, architect, and fine art enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate the classical tradition. A variety of categories with correlated benefits are available from $60 to enjoy complimentary or discounted admission to chapter or national programs; reduced subscription rates to select art, architecture, and design magazines; and more.

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy hoppy Easter chickadees!

PUTTING TOGETHER THE EASTER TABLE

Easter is upon us! In planning your Easter table, fresh flowers, pretty china and colorful mats and a tablecloth make the occasion festive.

The Easter bunny is on the run! You can catch him at John Derian.

Plaza Florists on Lexington Avenue in the 60's has been one of my longtime favorite sources. Connie Plaissay opened the the shop in 1995, as a city oasis. The transporting space carries hundreds of hand selected blooms that fill the air with a gorgeous green aroma. Walking by their stunningly beautiful windows, they showcase high style yet soft arrangements, blooming branches, tropical rarities and unique vignettes with natural materials. From a rustic container of long stemmed tulips to a monochromatic melange of seasonal blooms, they can do it all. Their tell tale green ribbon and Plaza tag announce the arrival of a breathtaking flora package.

Hydrangeas in a purple and green arrangement.

Creams and greens.

Pale yellows are soft and sweet.

When thinking about the Easter table for brunch, try adding some china with blooms:

French designer Alberto Pinto recently launched Jardins D'Orchidees hand painted Limoges porcelain, available at Michael C. Fina.

Meissen's Persian Rose porcelain in fabulous red and turquoise. They are the creme de la creme.

If you have not yet added bamboo flatware to your repertoire, I highly recommend it. It works from season to season, acts as a neutral and matches everything. This set has more of an aged look and comes from Horchow.

If you are inspired by the classic Easter jelly bean brights, these Dransfield & Ross Moorish shaped mats work well.

These D. Porthault cocktail napkins are great to have on hand when 5 pm comes around. They add a bright punch to the bar and canapes are tastier when using these. Get all one pattern or mix them up. They get softer with age, and I am ready to snag my mom's after coveting them for forever!

D. Porthault's Dahlia pattern is embroidered on a white linen. The bold blooms seem to blow in the wind, suspended.

D. Porthault has been bringing flowers into the home for generations. The Lilas in blue hand embroidered linen mats and napkins have a realistic look.

The Fougeres pattern of ferns has a delicate air and sweet charm.

For something more casual D and R's Holiday Tropical cotton napkin. It reminds me of a vivid 1960's Scandinavian Josef Frank print.

I will be setting the table with these classic and last-forever Kim Seybert silk organza napkins. They are cut on the bias so they have this adorable lettuce edging. With so many lush colors to choose from, you can get a set for each china pattern's color palette.

Deal Alert! World Market does it again-- these floral Sakira mats with a striped border are a steal. The way to get the look for less.

Sakira Spring Floral napkins will become your everyday faves. Also from WM.

The Tree of Life placemats also from World Market combines an age old motif, reminiscent of a classic Brunschwig and Fils chintz's.

Buy some bunches and begin arranging!

Since you want the flowers to be the star players, a white vase is a good idea as it will not overwhelm. Handmade and unique pottery pieces from Connecticut- based artist Frances Palmer add an artisan element. Her Dahlia vase with small flowers in relief applied to a fluted body has just enough detail.

Tulips are a real harbinger of spring-- the more the better!

STYLISH WINDOWS: PREPPY CLASSICS AT TODD ROMANO

The buds are coming out on the branches, and flowers are pushing up through the soil: spring is finally coming to New York! In a celebration to all things bright and beautiful, here are some shots of Todd Romano's latest windows for his shop, Todd Romano Home on 59th Street.

With walls covered in Bob Collins & Sons Chinese Lattice Cotton Chintz Emerald fabric, a traditional stalwart looks fresh when combined with more traditional antiques. His trad bright fabric and papers, a staple of 1960's and 70's California, is being used by a new crop of design talent today.

The table, an Italian 18th C. Regency Style Painted & Gilt Console, and a Christopher Spitzmiller “Alexander” Lamp in Platinum with a Mahogany Base sits next to decorative objects. When you go upstairs into the showroom, there is a rainbow palette of his lamps to choose from. A set of Six Graduated Triangular Stands hold a pair of Jean Roger Green Glazed Frog Cachepots. The stands have become a signature TR element, they often appear in his rooms.

A Pair of Kelly, Littell and Katavolos “T” Chairs with a Black Leather Sling Seat (which have been sold) add some clean lines to the mix. Small spaces and store windows are so much fun because they add constraints, much like a real interior. Seeing how they can be transformed is inspiring.