JAN’S NOTEBOOK

EACH MONTH JAN WILL PUT HER NOTEBOOK ON THE WEBSITE----CHECK IN TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE DESIGN WORLD.

THIS MONTH I AM THINKING ABOUT SOME GREAT NEW THINGS IN SEVERAL CATEGORIES:

WALLCOVERINGS:

Fromental is the new, hip way to use old school chinoisserie-----love “Funky Bamboo” which will be in our entry for fall and “Willow” (below) for its modern take on nature.

PAINT COLORS:

Farrow and Ball’s Lichen---just painted one of our rooms at the showroom this color…a mid tone dirty green that is very neutral and very warm.

Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue---one of their Historic Colors which I almost always use from this company. It is a great Robin’s egg…I have used it in many rooms wonderful for bedrooms and also have it in my conference room.

Donald Kaufman #12---what can I say about the perfect French gray…it is simply amazing! I have had it in my dining room in the country with wonderful painted Louis XVI dining chairs upholstered in yellow/gold leather and it is simply yummy. Recently replaced the sisal in there with a low contrast Persian rug that is even a warmer yellow gold and with the walls in DK #12, the room is breathtaking. I don’t think it would have this effect if not for the color of the walls.

NEW JAN SHOWERS COLLECTION ITEMS

• There are 14 new items in the Jan Showers Collection for fall---here are some of my favorites:

• The Daniele Tete a Tete --- a pair of chairs…one with a left arm and the other with a right arm…looks great with a Como Table in between.

• Daphne Chair --- I think it is the chicest piece we've added to the Collection in a long time and it works with so many different styles...simply sexy.

• The Leland Drinks Cart---this is a part of our gold leafed metal series which consists of 5 pieces…they are all wonderful…this one is the most fun.

PEEVES

• I am shocked when I see fake flowers in high end stores (which I have seen in at least 3 or 4).

• Excessive collecting which always creates clutter…I am a collector of certain things, but hope I know when to stop or store.

• Painting rooms in acidic, overly bright colors for shock value…who can live in these rooms for long?

• Trends --- I have never believed in following trends…decorating is too expensive…keep it timeless is my credo.

• Turrets---what more can I say?

CRUSHES

• Anything Shagreen---boxes, table tops, handbags…this is something I have collected for years and never tire of.

• “In the Pink”---Dorothy Draper’s designs look so fresh and modern even today.

• Magnolias

• Fall Fashions---any combination of black and white because it is crisp and classic and oh so timeless.

• Vintage Chanel jewelry

• A fabulous Jansen lacquered commode that just arrived from Paris in my showroom…I keep seeing it in my entry hall at home.

WHAT’S HOT IN THE WORLD OF ANTIQUES

• Anything by a noteworthy designer such as Adnet, Maison Jansen, Dominique or a signed Venini are always hot.

• Aldo Tura parchment drinks carts and accessories are the hottest things going in Paris and New York right now.

• Always, always a great piece from the Directoire period.