Jan Showers Notebook

2010-06-16T13:20:00.001-07:00

SUMMER FOODS & WINES

Summer is my favorite time of the year to cook because of the fresh and wonderful vegetables and fruits. The wines that go with them are refreshing and light.

I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite recipes:

ALMA'S FRIED CHICKEN

Alma Wilson has worked with us and been like a member of our family for 35 years. Her chicken is famous---all of my friends know that coming to our house in the country means enjoying this delicious treat.

It wasn't easy to get this recipe, because Alma has no recipe. I pinned her down last week and this is what she told me---this will be enough chicken for 4-6 depending on appetites, etc:

Organic chicken, cut up and one dozen wings (my favorite piece)---cut into halves...forget the pointy piece.
2 cups sifted flour
Finely ground sea salt
Creole seasoning for wings---use your favorite---Alma used Konriko or Tony Chachere's.

Canola Oil---she has no exact measurement for this---just use enough that the chicken pieces are almost covered. Alma uses a deep large pot rather than a skillet.

Wash the chicken pieces and dry well with paper towels. Salt the chicken to taste with sea salt and season the wings with Creole seasoning. Let stand for at least 20 minutes.

Heat the oil in pan on medium high heat---be sure the oil is hot. While oil is heating, place flour in a small paper bag and place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in at a time. Shake the bag to coat the chicken. Have all of the chicken coated before beginning to fry.

Fry in batches so that chicken is not too crowded---it is best if the pieces are not touching. Brown on one side and then turn over (this takes approximately 5 minutes if heat is correct) and brown other side. Fry larger pieces first, then smaller ones.

Drain well on paper towels in single layer. Serve immediately. Alma's chicken is good cold as well because it never tastes greasy to begin with.

JAN'S DEVILED EGGS

These are so simple that I almost didn't include them. Since they are a family favorite, I decided I would share.

Boil a dozen eggs (be sure to set timer after they come to a rolling boil) for 10 minutes.

While eggs are boiling, mix 1/4 to 1/3 cup of Spectrum Mayonaise with 1 1/2 tablespoon of Durkee's Salad Dressing (this is not easy to find---it would be in a regular grocery store on the same aisle as mayonnaise).

As soon as eggs are done, drain water off and cover with cold water (I usually do this twice). Crack each egg at the large end for easier peeling. It is easier to peel them under running cold water.

After eggs are peeled and drained on paper towels (be sure they are dry), half each egg and place on serving platter. Sprinkle finely ground sea salt on the egg whites after removing the yolks and placing them in a glass bowl.

Mash the yolks with a fork or a pastry blender. Add more fine sea salt to yolks, then the mayo/Durkees mixture and mix well. I sometimes use a hand mixer to be sure there are no lumps.

Fill each white half with yolk mixture, then sprinkle with Hungarian Paprika. I like them at room temperature, but if doing ahead of time, refrigerate. They need to be eaten the same day they are made.

MARGARET ANNE AND JAN'S CREOLE GUMBO

I like this as a summer dish because fresh tomatoes, okra and corn are all readily available. My mother made a version of this. Then I found a recipe from a restaurant in New Orleans in Departures Magazine that sounded good, so I combined the two---thus the name of the recipe. This recipe will easily serve 4-6 depending on your group.

CREOLE SEASONING:
1 T. Kosher Salt
½ t. cayenne pepper
½ t. paprika (use Hungarian)
¼ t. garlic powder

Mix all of the above together to use after vegetables are beginning to get tender.

ROUX
A roux really improves this----my mother didn't do this, but I like it better with this added touch.
¼ cup Canola Oil
¼ cup flour

VEGETABLES/SHRIMP MIXTURE
2 T. canola or olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
5 Roma Tomatoes, chopped (you can use other varieties of tomatoes, but I find that Romas are good for cooking)
1 lb. fresh okra, sliced
2 ears of fresh corn (preferably small white corn) removed from cobb
Lawry's Seasoning Salt to taste
½ t. sugar (my mother always said tomatoes need a little sugar to take away the acidic taste and she was right).
2 slices thick sliced bacon cut into horizontal strips (about ¼" wide---I like to be specific!)
1 lb. fresh shrimp (I like to peel and devein my own, but you could buy fresh raw shrimp that has been peeled). Cut into smaller bite sized pieces.

In a heavy pot, heat 2 T. Canola Oil. Add bacon first, and cook until partially cooked. Then add all of the vegetables and reduce heat to medium. After they are beginning to cook start adding the Creole seasoning along with a little Lawry's Seasoning Salt to taste. Barely cover the mixture with boiling water. After vegetables are almost cooked (don't overcook them as they will simmer later), add the shrimp, then taste before adding further Creole seasoning. I like things salty and you may not, so add less rather than more, so small amounts at a time.

To make the roux, just heat the oil in a heavy skillet....once it is hot sprinkle in flour and stir constantly until brown, but do not burn. When brown, add it to the vegetable/shrimp mixture. Adjust seasonings and serve over white rice (I always cook 1 & ½ cups rice for this amount of shrimp/vegetables.).

This is great served with a Bibb Lettuce salad with a simple French Vinagrette dressing and a glass of white Burgundy or good Italian Piemontese....mentioned later in this post.

MARGARET ANNE'S LEMON SOUFFLE

This is a great dessert year round----it is best served right out of the oven in the cooler months, but also tasty at room temperature if served the same day.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees---this recipe serves 4 or 5---it's easy to double to serve 8-10 depending on size of ramekins.

1 cup sugar
3 T. flour
1 cup milk
juice of one large lemon (don't use Meyer Lemons as they are not lemony enough for this recipe)
2 eggs, separated
½ t. salt

Sift sugar, flour and salt. Stir milk in gradually, then add lemon juice and slightly beaten egg yolks.

Beat eggs whites until stiff and fold into the other mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes in small ramekins that have been oiled in a bain-marie (1" of hot water). When done, immediately remove from pan and place on cooling rack.

SUMMER CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

These directions are for one glass:
1 1/2 ounces of naturally sweetened chilled pineapple juice
1/2 ounce St. Germain Elderflower liqueur
Fill the rest of the glass with Champagne

WINES

I adore summer wines because they are light and simple. Here are a few of my favorites:

Sommariva Prosecco---you can buy this at Sigel's in Dallas---it is light and goes well with summer foods.

Domaine Ott---I mentioned this one last year---learned to enjoy it in the south of France and in St. Barths.

PINOT NOIR/BEAUJOLAIS

These reds are great year round, but I especially like the light ones in the summer. Also, the French chill their Beaujolais which is highly desirable during the warmer months. The best ones are Fleuries, Chiroubles and Moulin-A-Vents.

Favorite Pinot Noirs are Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve from the Willamette Valley in Oregon---this one is a bit heavier, and Chad from Santa Lucia Highlands in northern California, which is a much lighter style---great for summer.

Enjoy!

janshowers.com

2010-06-03T08:51:00.001-07:00

OUTDOOR LIVING

I absolutely love outdoor rooms----and I do mean rooms----rugs, lamps, accessories, plenty of magazines---the works. Of course, it helps if you have a roof or awning over the area. We don't have a covered terrace at our house in Dallas, so when we are having friends over, I place the lamps, flowers and accessories out that day and bring them in the next.

French vintage garden furniture

Everyone enjoys it---a great place for drinks before dinner.

At our house in the country, we have two large covered areas. Jim and I use the one closest to the house very frequently----to enjoy our morning coffee and read the papers, or to have lunch or dinner. There are lots of chairs so that when the entire family is there, we can all enjoy sitting outside. Because of the awning and the huge trees, the temperature is always comfortable.

Vintage garden furniture

This is a loggia we designed in Austin----it could be in Tuscany.

Sutherland Teak / vintage coffee table

My clients use this area for watching football games, having dinner and swimming since it is their pool cabana.

Sutherland Teak / vintage leather deck chair

This is a narrow loggia that is a perfect place for after dinner drinks in the summer---it has lamps and sconces which allow for great eye level lighting.

Custom furniture & lanterns by Jan Showers

Remember, there are no rules about outdoor living, other than to make sure you have all of the accoutrements you have inside. Enjoying nature would be my only rule!

janshowers.com

2010-05-25T08:52:00.001-07:00

ALL THE BEST

About a month ago, we completed a model residence in the new Ritz Tower in Dallas. Ronda Carmen, the fabulously talented creator of ALL THE BEST blog, was in Dallas the night of the opening party. Ronda was in town to do a SFEERA event and to spend time with all of us who admire what she creates on a regular basis.

Today she posted the photos she took that evening. Please check them out at allthebestblog.com and enter to win a copy of my book, Glamorous Rooms.

Tomorrow, Ronda is doing a profile of me, and another one next week about my daughter, Elizabeth Showers and her jewelry.

janshowers.com

2010-05-19T14:37:00.001-07:00

ACCESSORIZE!

Last week there were lots of people in my antiques showroom in the Dallas Design District. So many people commented about our accessories---or l'objet as the French would say---I realized that since accessories and accessorizing are two of my favorite things, it was time for me to write about them.

As most of you know who have read my book, Glamorous Rooms, I consider all of the details we add to a room to be uber important. Without interesting, colorful and shimmery objects on tabletops in a room, you might as well look at a woman with no shoes, jewelry, sunglasses or a great handbag. Same for a man without the right belt, shoes, tie or watch---well, I see fewer and fewer men wearing ties even though all of the men's fashion magazines say that dressing up is in vogue. Sartorial savvy is key to great style.

Well, you get the idea. There IS an art to this. I consider each tabletop to be a wonderful artistic opportunity and create them as though I were painting. Sometimes, things just happen which is also fabulous---I'm sure the same thing happens regularly with a work of art.

Here are some of my favorite tableaux currently:

All of the above we carefully planned. Here are a few that just happened....

BOOKS

I never think of books as accessories----I simply love them and want to be surrounded by them. Look at my coffee table!!

GLASS GROUPINGS

Glass is such a passion of mine---nothing makes me happier than to see wonderful pieces of glass together.

One of my favorites is this chartreuse collection----as many years as I've searched for great glass, these are the only ones I've found that are this stunning color.

My husband, Jim, loves Dino Martens glass---here are a few pieces he loves----very manly.

A color that always makes me happy---

COLLECTIONS

It is such fun to see collections of things on tabletops. Even though no one smokes in our house, I love these old cigarette lighters---I appreciate them as works of art.

Kim and Justin Whitman, two of my favorite clients, love collections. Justin has a great collection of bulldogs.

And, Kim collects these obelisks....

Here's hoping you have lots of interesting/pretty objects around---no matter how little or how much they cost, as long as you are surrounded by things you love.

janshowers.com

2010-05-04T08:11:00.002-07:00

LUXURY

Last week, I was on a panel for Veranda at the Houston Decorative Center for their spring market. I was in delightful company with several other architects and designers. One of our general questions posed by Veranda Editor-at-Large, Carolyn Englefield, was "How is luxury being redefined?" Everyone's answers were similar and came back to two basic ideas---consumers are demanding higher quality, and, they want to know more about what they are buying.

We are seeing this not only in the design world, but also in REAL ESTATE purchases (McMansions are OUT and perfect smaller residences are in), the ART WORLD---the craziness of the mid 90's to mid '10's is gone, and now collectors are not buying works willy nilly. People are buying FINE VINTAGE AND ANTIQUES as well as high quality new pieces, rather than non-sustainable cheap copies.

So, what do I consider luxury? Here are a few of my favorite luxurious things:

TIME----I never seem to have enough of it!

A NAP AFTER LUNCH----this one goes along with time.

MY HOUSE----nothing is more pleasing than spending time in the surroundings that I have created for my family and myself.

ART----a great piece of art is a true luxury and a joy.

BENCH MADE FURNITURE----nothing can take the place of a truly well made, beautifully hand carved piece of furniture or the detail of well executed architectural bronze. As the old Chinese proverb says, "Buy the best and only cry once".

JSC Harrison Table

JSC Hudson Chair

HAVING AT LEAST ONE ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE PIECE IN EVERY ROOM----because each room in our houses needs character. There is no luxury without character.

Sycamore and rosewood Italian buffet attributed to Gio Ponti, c.1950

Jean Pascaud sofa

SERVICE----I find that if I can buy the same or similar product from two different sources, I will go with the one that provides the best service every time. Service is the ultimate luxury.

WHAT is your definition of luxury? Remember---you will be happier with anything you buy if it ages well, and, remember to enjoy the time you have with friends and family.

TOWER RESIDENCES AT THE RITZ

We just completed our residence there and will have photos on my next Notebook.

WEBSITE

The Old State is doing a terrific job with our newly designed website. It should première late May. You will be able to see every antique we have online with dimensions and prices. They are photographed professionally with detailed shots---very exciting!

www.janshowers.com

2010-04-07T08:53:00.002-07:00

MOVIES

I am a complete and hopeless movie fanatic. It started when I was growing up in a small town where my primary chance to experience glamour and drama was each Sunday afternoon when the movie changed (yes, they changed every Sunday afternoon----little did I know that we were getting them several months or even years after their initial release).

The first movie I remember seeing as a child was "Meet Me in St. Louis" with Judy Garland-----I was hooked and remain so until this day.

I have written before about Hitchcock movies and my fascination with most of them, so they won't be mentioned here as enough has been said. Here is a list of movies I recommend you buying or renting that you might not have seen or even heard of, depending on your age:

HOLIDAY----Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn in their prime and a great story, too.

MRS. MINIVER---a wonderful 1940's movie about war and the women who stayed behind at home. Greer Garson is a marvel in this movie.

GIANT---Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor at their best with James Dean as Jett Rink----he has a classic line you won't want to miss!

CHARADE----Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn in one of my all time favorites. You will want to get on the next plane to Paris......it reminds me of my first trip there at about the same time this movie was made. Ms. Hepburn's costumes were all designed by Hubert de Givenchy and they are chic and timeless. It also has some hilarious moments provided by Walter Matthau and James Coburn.

TWO FOR THE ROAD----a movie directed by the great Stanley Donen about marriage. Albert Finney and Audrey again in a very stylish film that I have probably watched too many times.

DR. ZHIVAGO----I know, I know, this is an epic but one of the most romantic ones. Julie Christie is a revelation and the only actress who could have been as memorable as Lara.

DARLING-----the movie that made Julie Christie a star....love the time period (mid 1960's).

NETWORK----you will not believe how prophetic this 1973 movie by Paddy Chayefsky is. Faye Dunaway won the Oscar for best actress and William Holden in one of his strongest roles is fantastic.

SEVEN DAYS IN MAY---another prophetic movie that stands the test of time. You will be on the edge of your seat.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW----I liked this movie when I saw it in the '80's but recently watched it again and truly loved it----with wonderful performances by Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Helena Bonham Carter and most especially, Daniel Day-Lewis in the most amusing role he has ever played. All filmed in Italy in and around Florence.

DINER----- a coming of age movie with many stars of today when they were just starting out---Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon and Ellen Barkin to name a few.

AGE OF INNOCENCE---my favorite Scorcese movie with Michelle Pheiffer and Daniel Day-Lewis with a wonderful voiceover by Joanne Woodward. A lovely interpretation of the Edith Wharton novel about the manners of the upper class in New York during the late 1800's. I love the score and the sets alone make the movie worth watching. There is a heart stopping scene with Michelle's character standing on a dock looking out at the ocean.

All of these movies are at least 20 years old.....how about a few newer ones that you might not have seen, but certainly should....

MATCH POINT----my favorite Woody Allen film. An interesting story about fate and luck.

AN EDUCATION----in my opinion, one of the very best movies of 2009. Carey Mulligan is a revelation. This movie will be a classic, and, if you like the 60's, you will love the time period.

BROKEN EMBRACES----how can I say enough about any Pedro Almodovar movie? The colors, the camera angles and the romance----he is a genius and knows how to tell a story. Penelope Cruz is one of the finest actresses today. Cruz and Almodovar love working together and it shows in every film they have made.

THE GHOST WRITER----I love Ewan McGregor and he is great in this movie directed by Roman Polanski. The best film I've seen this year.

I could go on and on, and this needs an edit job for sure, so that's all for now.

I will write about documentaries, which are another category of films I love sometime in the future.

Enjoy!!

2010-03-24T13:46:00.005-07:00

MARCH

March always brings renewal-----and new beginnings. We are so excited about our newest Lookbook for the JS Collection because of all of our new product. The Lookbooks are available through Jan Showers or at any of our 7 showrooms around the country. Just go to our website, janshowers.com, for contact information.

Each year, around the third week in March, there is a huge market in L.A. at the Pacific Design Center called Westweek. Editors, designers and architects from all over the country come to see the latest designs in furniture, fabrics, wallcoverings----you get the idea. Below are a few new Sandra Jordan fabrics I plan to use...

We are going out next week to unveil our new pieces, but you will get to see them FIRST right here.

LAMPS

Venetian Series #3 in Amber Regency Lamp Venetian Series #3 in Turquoise

CHANDELIERS

Elizabeth Chandelier in Amber

TABLES

Harrison Side Table Lombard Coffee Table

Lancaster Table Lombard Side Table

CHAIRS

Hudson Chair

CONSOLES

Carlyle Console

SOFAS

Caroline Settee

Palazzo Sofa

We started developing these pieces a year ago----in order to design and tweak them, make corrections and then photograph them, it takes that much time. We also make sure that none of our pieces ever resemble something else that is on the market by doing market research.

So much goes into every single piece from the Jan Showers Collection that it is difficult to explain----take my word for it, there are lots of things that don't make the cut!! You have just seen the ones that did.

THE TOWER RESIDENCES AT THE RITZ CARLETON

Jan Showers & Associates is decorating one of the larger units at the new Tower Residences. The second Ritz tower in Dallas is truly a wonderful building designed by Robert A. M. Stern. The lobby and common areas are handsome and understated with a fresh look.

Our project there will be installed on April 28, and we are truly excited about how it is going to look! Stay tuned for photos after installation.

There are two wonderful designers doing other units in the building----Laura Hunt and Carleton Varney. Plan on coming by to see all of them in May.

NEW YORK ANTIQUES SHOW

We just returned from a long weekend in New York----this time to buy antiques. I am so thrilled with what we found. Hopefully, all will be restored and in the showroom in mid to late April. We found incredible lamps, chandeliers, chairs, buffets and the most incredible vintage frames from Asprey and Gucci.

While in New York, we met with all of my favorite people at Abrams Books and heard that Glamorous Rooms is in its FOURTH printing!! It makes me so happy that people love the book. I was told that it is selling well all over the world---England, Japan and Germany!

D HOME

Please check out the new D Home---a really fun and pretty project we did at the W for Kari and Kirby Schlegel. Love the yellow accents on Kari's side and the wonderful woods and menswear fabrics on Kirby's side.

WEBSITE UPDATE

We are working very hard on our new website----it is going to be fabulous. The Old State has been great to work with and we are looking forward to the unveiling in May!

janshowers.com

2010-02-03T07:10:00.001-08:00

FEBRUARY

What can I say about February? It used to be my least favorite month of the year, but now I see it differently. The deadliest part of winter does mean that spring is on the way, doesn't it? All of those bulbs are so going to be so fragrant and fresh--- and we know it won't be long.

We usually go to St. Barth's in January, but there wasn't time this year with book tour dates and installations for clients. Jim and I decided to go to Santa Fe to the new Auberge resort, Encantado. For those of you familiar with Santa Fe, it is on the property where Rancho Encantado was for many years.

It was a magical place---Robert Redford lived there when he was shooting "Milagro Beanfield War" and Grace Kelly loved bringing her children there when they were small. She wanted to expose them to places in the U.S. that she loved.

Princess Grace and Prince Rainier with their children.

The owner of Rancho Encantado was a woman named Betty Egan. She held court every evening in the bar, along with her dogs and her sons. Going to Rancho was always magical for me and the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is truly a spiritual experience.

Rancho fell into disrepair after Betty died in the early 90's and deteriorated. So when it was purchased by The Canyon Group, they had to scrape the buildings and start over. One of my favorite hospitality firms was responsible for the interiors---Wilson and Associates. It is absolutely stunning and still charming in a much more modern way.

Here are some views of the new Encantado Resort:

When Jim and I arrived, this is what it looked like. I have never seen such beautiful snow!

Their spa is fabulous and one of the reasons we wanted to stay there.

A great way to start February!!

ANNOUNCEMENT

Jan Showers has started the process of developing a new website-we are very excited to be working with The Old State. They are so creative and are wonderful collaborators. The new site will be up and running by May 1. You will be able to see every antique we have at Jan Showers & Associates on Slocum Street in the Dallas Design District along with several other new features. Stay tuned.

2010-01-25T15:10:00.008-08:00

SALE!

The Jan Showers Collection is in 7 showrooms around the U.S. Each year, we change our displays in these showrooms. That means that lots of beautiful samples end up in our Dallas warehouse. We usually sell these samples to our clients privately and by appointment. This year, we are bringing all of them into our showroom on Slocum Street and we are having a huge sale. Many of the samples will be marked down 50% . Here are a few of my favorite pieces included in the sale.

Caroline Chair Oliver Dining Table Coco Bar Stool

At the same time, we are marking our antiques inventory down 30-75%. Our showroom with be filled with the most incredible values. Here are a few of my favorite antiques on the sale.

As most of you know, we NEVER put our lamps on sale, but we are this time. We have a great assortment of ceramic, bronze and glass vintage lamps with our trademark custom shades, Lucite bases and French silk cord.

I know lots of you have been waiting to buy because we are all trying to save these days. This is your opportunity to buy some wonderful pieces and save at the same time.

ENJOY!!

2010-01-18T08:37:00.003-08:00

HAITI

As most of you know, an earthquake devastated the island of Haiti last week. Over half of the population of Haiti is under 18 years of age. This is a time for all of us to show the generosity that America is famous for.

Please go to following link to make your donation---it doesn't matter how little you can give----every penny counts!!

http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org

Thanks for your time and efforts to help this poor nation.

Jan

2010-01-09T09:44:00.004-08:00

TOP TRENDS IN DESIGN FOR 2010

2010 has arrived so I thought it might be fun to talk about new/old inspirations (everything old is always new again).

As most of you know, I'm not crazy about trends....I'm more into style than fashion although I'm the first to admit that I adore fashion and, at its best, it is an art form just as good interior design can be. However, thought I would let you know what's in my head these days on the subject of interiors.

1. AMBER as an accent color---I know, it' been around forever, but looks fresh and has such a warm glow. It is wonderful with almost any hue.

JSC Venetian Series #3 in Amber Elizabeth Chandelier in Amber

2. I am looking for THE PERFECT CHINTZ...I have yet to find "the one." I do like these patterns and plan to use them on projects this year.

3. REINTERPRETATION OF CLASSIC PIECES----I dreamed of a glamorous Regency console reinterpreted to suit my style and the result is our new JS Collection piece, The Carlyle Console.

4. SWEDISH PAINTED GUSTAVE III FURNITURE because it enhances and lightens interiors and always looks fresh.

5. A return to a demand for QUALITY IN FURNISHINGS AS WELL AS TEXTILES---at this point, people have come to realize that sustainability is important. It's time to stop wasting $$$ that could go toward a fine piece of furniture on one that will be in a dumpster in a few years.

Photo courtesty of David Sutherland

6. A demand for ART..... I always advise my clients to hire an art consultant. Good art can be found at reasonable price points.

7. OUTDOOR ROOMS----I have long been a big fan of recreating the indoors outside. This will become more prevalent as we now have climate control for outdoor areas and most of us want to enjoy nature year round.

8. SKIRTED TABLES done in crisp taffeta---wouldn't a really wide stripe be chic?

9. More PLACES TO STORE BOOKS---I designed the Lancaster Table for the JS Collection specifically for this purpose....it can be a wonderful, masculine piece in dark wood as shown here, or more feminine in ivory lacquer or a pale wood.

10. I am dying to use GRACIE'S HAND PAINTED WALLCOVERING in a bedroom.

11. Also, would love to upholster WALLS IN VELVET again. Upholstered walls can be so lush if there is not too much padding.

12. CORNICES used with drapery---they look fresh to me because they can be clean and simple and never prissy.

These are my thoughts going into the new year---it is my hope that this inspires you to create wonderful interiors in 2010! Happy New Year.

2010-01-09T09:35:00.002-08:00

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Well, here we are again....how fast did 2009 go by? It's time to think about all of the people we love and care about and what to give them at this special time of the year. Since I've been traveling so much this fall as well as being in lots of stores, I've had the opportunity to get a few ideas along the way with a little help from some friends.

Here are a few great ideas for you this holiday season:

Shelle Bagot, VP and General Manager of the flagship Neiman-Marcus store in downtown Dallas suggests.....

L'Objet Jewelled and Gilded Pine Cone Salt and Pepper Grant Dawson Mangrove Gold Salad Serving Set

Adrienne Landau Beige Rex Rosette Throw Lalique "Blackberry" Crystal Wine Stopper

Jan Paul Geiger, the manager of the spectacular Home Décor floor at Bergdorf-Goodman loves these ideas this year.......

Galerneau gold plated bronze candlesticks by Galant Sarl - exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman

Edwardo Garza Lucite Trinket Box Adorned with Pink Agates - exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman

Monica Rich Kosann Image Case John Derian Tray Monica Rich Kosann Image Case

Brian Bolke, co-owner of Forty Five Ten, one of the top specialty stores anywhere (how lucky are we to have this store in Dallas?!) thinks anyone would love these suggestions....I know I do!

Vogue book, People, Parties, Places Gold leaf ceramic box or tray by Waylande Gregory

Ann Sutherland had a great idea for the holidays this year---when interior designers came in to David Sutherland to shop for clients' houses this year, they could find these elegant gifts to give......I bought several of the charming little silver jiggers for gifts and then realized what great miniature vases they would make for my dining table---note the chic packaging!

And, at Jan Showers, we try to always have one of a kinds (because any antique is that by definition).......here are my faves......

Crystal & Silver Plate Cavier Server with Spoon Mirrored Frame with Beveled Edge---holds 9 x 11 photo

Murano Bowl with Green Striping

DONATIONS

Making a donation to your favorite charity at this time is probably the best gift of all---we love to give to the North Texas Food Bank here in Dallas because we know that the money will go directly to families who don't have enough money to buy food---or, to the Salvation Army. Especially this year, all charities can use our help, so give some of these lovely gifts to your friends along with donations made in their names.....they will be thrilled----I know I always am. And, never forget the true spirit of this season of giving.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!! And, here's to a prosperous, healthy 2010.......from my house to yours.

Palmer, Susanna, Matthew, Eliza, Ben, Elizabeth, Jim & Jan

aprilphotography.com

2009-12-07T09:41:00.004-08:00

THE HOLIDAY SEASON

This is a wonderful time of the year. Yes, I know---some dread it and never see it through the eyes of a child as they once did, but for those of us who do, it is magical.

I love Thanksgiving because it is such a low key, family time---it doesn't bother me if it's raining, because what is better than a beautifully set table with wonderful food....who needs to go outside?

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa....there are some easy and simple things you can do to get your house ready for the holidays.

A few of my favorite things to do are:

Fresh pillows---nothing changes a room faster than this quick and easy element.

Throws---first, I love to take a nap anywhere---a true luxury--- but especially on a sofa. I have throws year round, but want them to be warm and cozy for the fall/winter months.

Accessories---it is so easy and such fun to move accessories around or pick up some new ones to change the look of a room from summer to fall/winter.

I recently brought out some wonderful green glass because the color adds a touch of holiday spirit to the room.

Benches---this is a great way to make a room look more cozy...what is more inviting than a bench in front of a fireplace or in a seating group. To me, a bench always says "sit down, even if for a few minutes".

Rugs---this is a great time of the year to move rugs around or buy something new. A simple way to warm any room is to use a white cowhide rug......warm, yet very glam!

Drinks Carts---one of my favorite decorating tools! You can add so much to these. I love to have a lamp on the top shelf along with liqueurs and mixers that are right for winter along with a vase of flowers that say fall/winter. The other shelves may have books and interesting pieces of glass.

Now, after you've done a few of these things, you'll be ready to shop for interesting gifts for your family and friends-----that's what I'll be talking about next time....great ideas for holiday gifts!

NEIMAN'S JAN SHOWERS ROOM

I had a book signing at Neiman's downtown Dallas store and wanted to share a few pictures of the room I created on the 2nd floor. It was a great event and I want to thank everyone who came by and bought books---also, a very special thanks to Kyle Bunting for his fabulous rug made especially for this room at Neiman's. For information on upcoming book signings, visit my Facebook and Twitter pages...

SALE!

Make sure your home is ready for the holidays by taking advantage of our Collection Holiday Sale! Select tables and mirrors are 10% off and can be delivered to you by December 18. Please call Jan Showers Collection at 214-747-5252 for more details.

2009-11-02T19:52:00.006-08:00

TWO WEEKS IN DALLAS

Wow!! What an amazing fortnight in Dallas starting on October 12 with the official opening of the Dallas/ATT Center for the Performing Arts on through my favorite event in any city anywhere, Two by Two for Aids and Art.

THE COUNTDOWN:
After the grand opening of the Performing Arts Center on October 12, there was a great U2 concert in the fabulous new Cowboys Stadium. It was a fantastic show in a venue unlike any other, especially viewed from John and Jennifer Eagles' great suite.

Then, the opening nights of the Wyly Theater and the Winspear Opera House which were both spectacular!

Following on the heels of that week, Two by Two for Aids and Art week kicked off with the Sotheby's Preview Night--everyone's first peek at the top tier art that was donated by noted artists and gallery owners from L.A. to London to Germany. This year's art was considered the best ever in Two by Two history.

Two nights later, First Look party which is a fun night with lots of fashion/music people and a wonderful fashion show featuring Christian Siriano, winner of last year's Project Runway and sponsored by Dallas' boutique, 4510. Guests also enjoyed a special music perfomance by Gavin Rossdale courtesy of Kirtland Records.

Next, the Two by Two Gala night which is the most glamorous night of the year in Dallas with lots of star power. Artists and art dealers from all over the world come to this event, along with celebrities---this year, Stanley Tucci and Harry Belafonte, honorary chairs, Kenneth Cole, president of amfAR, and featured artist, Peter Doig. Alan Cumming's performance brought the house down---it wowed everyone there!

Harry Belafonte Alan Cumming

Then Jamie Niven of Sotheby's---yes, he is the son of David Niven, and the funniest man on the planet---took the stage for the live auction.

Two by Two went on to make a record breaking $4 million!

Two x Two tent My daughter Elizabeth & I co-chaired the event

Once again, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky opened the doors of their Richard Meier house for every one of these events. Their major art collection is removed each year so that all of the art donated for the event may be displayed. What a show!

2009-10-15T08:08:00.004-07:00

CHAIRS, CHAIRS, CHAIRS

If I had to chose one design element that I have a weakness for, it would be chairs. They are simply irresistible to me. I guess there is a very good reason for this passion of mine....a room has little character with simple upholstered pieces...yes, they make a room inviting and comfortable and every room needs them, but for the most part, they add little personality to the setting. One can completely change the look of a room, simply by changing the chairs. Just ask my husband!! We have a room that I love to redecorate----I have done this most frequently by changing one pair of chairs with another (over and over and over!).

You get the idea. The next time you look at what I like to call a "character chair" i.e. one that is not fully upholstered, think about how it might change the entire look of a room. I like to add chairs to my furniture collection that will work in many different interiors.

Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about:

JSC Syrie chair JSC Gigi chair

JSC Clark chair JSC Carleton chair

Keep in mind that these are not always the most comfortable chairs in the room...they need to be reasonably comfortable, but you will have plenty of other seating in the room for that purpose. These chairs are all about making a statement----although I would never make a statement with a chair that is also an instrument of torture!

HERE IS MY CHAIR HALL OF FAME:

the iconic Frances Elkins Loop chair late 18th c. Italian Klismos style chair

JSC Loop dining chair JSC Daphne chair

SOME SPECIAL CHAIRS WE HAVE IN MY ANTIQUES SHOWROOM RIGHT NOW:

So, remember, when putting together a room, don't forget the character chair. It will be the element that makes your room memorable {other than a wonderful piece of art!}.

This is a good time to mention buying sustainable furniture. As you can see, some of my favorite chairs are over 200 years old. I continue to be appalled at the number of people who should know better but continue to buy furniture that will be disposed of within the next 5-10 years if not less!

I love the old Chinese saying "BUY THE BEST AND ONLY CRY ONCE." What an amazingly true statement. I might add, buy second or third rate, and cry every time you try to sell it or have to rid yourself of it.

Remember---quality does matter---it always has and always will.

I have a few other things on my mind this month....

CRUSHES

MAD MEN---ok, ok, I know I'm obsessed but it just gets better and smarter every season. The clothes, the sets, the acting and most especially the writing!! I was recently asked which current movies were inspiring to me and I simply could not think of anything that is more inspiring to me on every level than this show. If you aren't watching, rent the first and second season which is a great way to see it with no commercials to fast forward through. You can also download it from iTunes on your laptop---fun to watch when you're on a plane.

I love Burt Cooper's office with the Rothko, Japanese screen and Hollywood regency furnishings with Asian influences. Betty and Don Draper have just redecorated their living room---it is 1963 when Hollywood regency was all the rage.

FASHION---love the great dresses this fall that have been inspired by MM!!

ART---can't wait to see the Kandinsky show at the Guggenheim and Georgia O'Keefe's abstract show at The Whitney along with two interesting and creative new shows at the Dallas Museum of Art called All the World's a Stage and the Performance/Art show.

Kandinsky's Several Circles - The Guggenheim O'Keeffe's Series I-No. 1 - The Whitney

Pietro Paolini's Bacchi Concert - DMA All the World's a Stage

Yinks's Shonibare's Un Ballo in Maschera - DMA Performance/Art

DALLAS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS---it's finally here!! Dallas has an arts district that is simply stunning with the Winspear Opera House designed by Norman Foster and the Wyly Theater by Rem Koolhass to add to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Meyerson Symphony Hall and the Nasher Sculpture Garden. If you don't live in Dallas, there has never been a better time to come.

TWO BY TWO BENEFITING AIDS AND ART----The art this year is better than ever and, I am happy to say the event is sold out. Dallas continues to support the arts. My daughter, Elizabeth Showers, and I are co-chairing it this year. It will again be in the amazing Rachofsky House hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky who are two of the most dedicated people I know---they are truly remarkable and give so much of themselves to both the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR.

To see all the art that will be up for auction, go to http://2x2online.org/. You will find works from Brice Marden, Francesco Clemente, Marlene Dumas, Olafur Eliasson along with over 100 other works. You may place a bid online, so enjoy!!

Francesco Clemente's Allegory

a pair of Norman Cherner armchairs, c. 1958

The Rachofsky House

DESIGN

In addition to my book, Glamorous Rooms, I am so excited about several other books by designers that will be out this fall. Nancy Corzine, Kelly Wearstler, Suzanne Kasler and several others will be available later this month. I plan to buy copies of all of the above to add to my library.

I just returned from a book signing party in New York that was held in the beautiful A. Rudin showroom at the D & D building. It was a lovely party and lots of people attended. My furniture collection is now represented by this showroom. By the way, if you live in New York or you are going to be there on October 29, be sure to go by and see Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of Elle Décor. She will be signing her new book, Style and Substance at 11 a.m. that day. While you are there, be sure to check out all of the wonderful furniture lines that are represented!

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE---I know most people went to see this movie to see how much Anna Wintour is like the Meryl Streep character in Devil Wears Prada, but they came away amazed at what it takes to put a magazine issue together. Grace Coddington is a revelation and creative genius (as Anna admits at the end of the movie). If you love art, how can you not love what Grace does on a monthly basis?

PEEVES

Not too many this month....already mentioned furniture that is not sustainable and that is disposable. Most of you already know how I feel about wenge wood and cheap finishes that require no craftsmanship as I have written about this several times in the past.

REALITY TV SHOWS---sorry, I simply cannot get excited about watching these shows with manufactured dramas. Why watch them when you can watch shows that are well written with great production values? We as a society need people to admire. Who wants to watch a train wreck? By the way, don't Hollywood producers have any new and creative ideas----how many shows and magazine articles can they do on the Dallas stereotype (big hair, bad accents, shopaholics, ect.) which is totally unrepresentative of that city?

DOOM AND GLOOM ATTITUDES---we will never have a good recovery from the current recession if we cannot get away from listening to talking heads 24/7 with this kind of attitude. Yes, we all need to save and that is a good thing, but to not spend at all will keep our economy stagnant. I cannot even talk about the negative radio/tv commentators that irresponsibly stir up hatred and fear with no regard for the consequences of their actions.

More next month on getting ready for the holidays with some new and interesting ideas for gifts, decorating for the holidays and much more.

And, please, enjoy fall---look around and appreciate all that this season has to offer.

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2009-09-24T11:12:00.007-07:00

FABULOUS FALL

I don't know about you, but I absolutely love fall---cooler weather, leaves turning, birds flying south, fires in the fire place, grown up movies returning to the screen, fall clothes - always my favorites - and, most especially, doing a little redecorating. Something about the cool air and fall colors simply makes me want to change things indoors.

Flowers are the first thing that I think about changing in the fall. I love white flowers in the summer and as long as it's warm outside, but with the cooler temperatures, other colors and flowers come to mind. Oak Leaf Hydrangeas with branches from oak trees come to mind as do branches with berries.

Pillows that looked perfect in summer may suddenly look too light and there is nothing like new pillows to freshen a room.

Displays of glass are another great way to change things this time of the year. Ambers and aubergines as they remind me of fall. Greens are wonderful anytime of the year as are blues, but the deeper they are, the better.

If you are thinking of replacing lamps anyway, consider certain colors to freshen your room. Of course, I think white ceramic or glass are great year round, but you might consider other colors to work with a fall scheme that will still look right when spring/summer roll around next year.

And, if you are thinking of reupholstering a chair or sofa, there are some stunning fabrics that you will love for fall and all year. Silk velvets---so luxurious and great visually. A few of my favorites......

Paint is one of the least expensive ways to change a room....we have just painted a room a wonderful carmel color in the showroom. In the aubergine family there is a very subtle color that looks great in the fall/winter or in spring/summer.

Click on each color chip for more information.

CELEBRATING FABULOUS FALL AT JAN SHOWERS

We have been redesigning our showroom in the Dallas Design District for the past couple of months in order to get ready for fall. If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, please come by and take a look at new paint colors as well as lots of wonderful new antiques----chairs, lamps, rugs, mirrors and chandeliers.

GLAMOROUS ROOMS

Another great way to get ready for fall----pick up your copy of Glamorous Rooms. Lots of great ideas for any time of the year!!

Please visit my Facebook & Twitter pages to see where book signings will be held across the US...

2009-08-24T11:32:00.024-07:00

GLAMOROUS ROOMS

Glamorous Rooms has been released!! After working on this project for almost 2 years, it's finally here. Of course, I have really been working on it for the past 25 years as you will see when you look at all of the images in the book.

Here are three of my favorite images from GR......

For the rest of the 170+ images taken over the past 20 years including more than 75 new ones, you'll need to buy the book! There were over 100 images that were not included---maybe some of them will be in the next one.....

The name of the book is what it's all about......ROOMS......most design books over the past few years have been formatted project by project. One of my favorite books from the past was a book Conde Nast published about living rooms that had appeared in House and Garden over 25 years ago. The entire book was just living rooms and I loved it.

So, if you are designing or redecorating a bedroom, then turn to that chapter in Glamorous Rooms and read what I have to say about how to start - what to do and what not to do, etc. Then take a look at the images that show examples.

I got an advance copy at the end of May and I was so happy to see my daughter, Elizabeth, looking at it and getting ideas for her guest room. The book is very accessible and I hope, inspiring.

Here are a couple of examples:

"Beds should envelop, feel warm and cozy, and have the best linens one can afford."
"Make the living room into a place where people want to spend time. Imagine ways to seduce and lure family and friends into using these typically neglected spaces, such as books stacked high on tabletops along with filled magazine racks, which never fail to make rooms appear more layered and welcoming."

There are 208 pages of rooms and detail shots----it is my wish that readers will look at these images and use the ideas, colors, mix of fabrics and woods in their own interiors.

BOOK SIGNINGS

There will be book signings in Dallas, Houston, New York, L.A., Miami, Palm Beach, San Francisco and Atlanta. For specific dates on these signings, we will post them on my website www.janshowers.com as well as on www.twitter.com and www.facebook.com.

Hope to see you soon and sign your copy of Glamorous Rooms!!

*Glamorous Rooms is available wherever books are sold or online.

2009-08-14T09:35:00.007-07:00

ITALIA

If you've never seen "The Talented Mr. Ripley" or even if you have, buy it or rent it if you want to see almost every city or locale in Italy. The sets, costumes (it is set in the 50's) and music are masterful and the movie reminds me so of a great Alfred Hitchcock movie though much better in many ways. Anthony Minghella adapted the screenplay from Patricia Highsmith's book and created a masterpiece in my opinion. An earlier version was made in the 1960 with Alain Delon called "Plein Soliel"---check it out as well, but for costumes, sets and mood, Mingella's version is mesmerizing.

This is one of Gwyneth Paltrow's best performances along with outstanding ones from Matt Damon and Jude Law. Watch for her costume when she meets with Dickie's (Jude Law) father and Ripley (Damon) in Piazza San Marco. I also love the gardens that are like interior rooms as well as the interiors.

This movie in on my mind this month because we are in Italy and everything around us is like a film. Take a look!!

View from Al Valuu restaurant in Tremezzo on Lake Como

Bellagio

Verenna on Lake Como

Entrance to our garden Lunch on the terrace

Matthew looking cool in Ray Bans Our Villa

More to come with a big announcement on September 1!!

CIAO!!

2009-06-23T08:46:00.008-07:00

SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS........

What is it about the beginning of summer? Does it go back to school being out as a kid? I don't know about you, but it is the most relaxing time of the year for me no matter what is going on with business. There are three glorious months to look forward to no matter what you are doing or where you are going. I am equally happy in my own backyard or on a beach in the south of France or hanging out on Lake Como as long as I have all of my favorite things around----namely, my family and my dog!

SOME OTHER THINGS THAT MAKE ME GRATEFUL THAT THIS TIME OF YEAR HAS ARRIVED:

Robins and cardinals in our garden----they arrive much earlier, but become amazingly plentiful at this time of the year.

Fish----from Copper River Salmon to really fresh red snapper from the gulf----it all tastes great this time of the year.

Domaine Ott Blanc---a refreshingly light wine from the south of France that reminds me of St. Barth's...the French like the rose version, but I prefer blanc.

Deviled eggs----only the ones I make----they are so perfect as hors d'oeurves before a lovely supper on the terrace. The reason that they are so delicious is that they are simple---a little great mayo (either homemade or Spectrum) and a dollop of Durkee's Famous Sauce and a little salt. Yummy!!

Fireflies just before dark---as a child, I used to love catching them and putting them in a bottle with holes in the top. Now when my grandchildren want to do the same thing, I tell them not to.

Lamps outside to be turned on as soon as dusk falls. Just be sure they are under an overhang or awning or loggia.

Outdoor drinks carts for lemonade or martinis.

A stack of books to read for the summer----or for travel, a Kindle since I can't carry all of them with me.

Wildflower---this book by Mark Seal gets 4 stars from me. He writes a compelling story about Joan Root and Africa from 1960 until her murder in 2006. Truly well written and researched. A must read.

A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert----the story of a family focusing on the women past and present....great reviews.

The Bolter---by Frances Osborne, the wife of George Osborne who may be England's next Prime Minister about her great grandmother's adventures from pre "Great War" through her escapades in Kenya's "Happy Valley" in the 1930's.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See---a story of sisters from Shanghai in the 1930's immigrating to L.A. This one will certainly be a movie from what I am reading.

Fourth of July weekend with my family at our house in the country---this year all of the children want to ride in the parade which consists of horses, bicycles and fire trucks along with a few motorcycles.

Lake Como----we'll be there in late July until early September.

A complete vacation from watching the news on tv....just checking out The Daily Beast every other day to keep up---love this website. It's like reading the news in Vanity Fair on a daily basis. From hard news to fashion to art....Tina Brown knows how to report on all things that interest me. You can read in depth (or not) on her "Cheat Sheet".

Movies----I think the best ones come out in the fall, but there are always blockbusters in the summer. However, I'm looking forward to seeing Meryl Streep as Julia Child in Julie & Julia.

So, kick back, read books, enjoy being outdoors and RELAX......

2009-06-12T09:13:00.032-07:00

JEWELRY!!!!

Jewelry by Elizabeth Showers

I love to compare design objects to other things in life...chairs often look like people because a great character chair has such personality. A Klismos chair reminds me of a really laid back guy, a Louis XV chair reminds me of a great looking lady with pretty legs. You get the idea. The next time you look at a chair, think about it!

There is only one way that I describe wonderful lamps---JEWELRY---as they are the true jewelry in any room. They come in all shapes and sizes just like chairs. Changing lamps in a room can do more in a minute that almost anything else.

A great example of this is the sparkle of glass lamps. There is nothing else that adds this element to an interior. Glass lamps can be masculine or feminine depending on coloration and shape.

The one on the left has very straight lines and would look great in a man's study or library. The one on the right would be appropriate for a lady's dressing room or a formal living room with light colors.

I often use bronze lamps----they are oh so of the moment in Paris right now----as they add weight and a sculptural quality to any décor. We are working on a handsome house in Phoenix with stone walls. The house will look totally appropriate in the desert. Colors throughout are an extension of what's outside----sand, sage and pale blues. We are using bronze and nickel lamps in most of the spaces and also mixing in colorful vintage ceramics.

When there are lots of beautiful glass accessories in a room, I love to use ceramic lamps. They add color and form---no sparkle, but that isn't necessary if there are glass pieces present.

Just remember, there is nothing you can do to change your décor faster than to change your lamps or dated lamp shades! There is nothing that can spoil an interior faster than bad lamp shades, and conversely, nothing that can glamorize an interior faster than good ones.

Here are some of my all time favorite lamps.....

So, if you're not redecorating an entire room, remember these jewels...instant gratification for achieving a fresh look!

More to come soon...

2009-05-19T10:39:00.008-07:00

SMALL BUT IMPORTANT

The cigarette table -- no, I don't smoke and hope you who are reading this don't, but this is what they were called originally and I still prefer this to "accessory table" -- is certainly small, but one of the most important pieces of furniture in a room.

I agree with Sister Parish and did before I ever knew what she thought-- one must have a chair by every table! It makes me crazy to see a room with a chair floating across from the main seating area all by itself with no table to place a cup of coffee, glass of wine or a book. Even when two chairs are flanking a sofa and there is a coffee table and lamp tables, if the expanse is wide, I use small tables beside the chairs. It's such a thoughtful thing to do for your guests.

Sometimes, they come in nests which are great when you entertain and serve buffet. The French invented these little treasures for this very reason! Move them around in front of any chair or bench and you have a place to rest your plate and a glass. Very often, I will recommend that a client buy a nest and separate it in the same room as 3 tables in a nest -- the French love this idea -- are too unwieldy together.

They come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes are pieces of art that can be used as a table. Here are some of my favorites that we have in our showroom right now...

I also created several of these tables for my furniture collection because I simply couldn't find many that I liked other than antiques or vintage pieces. One of my favorites is the Ava Magazine Table.

This little jewel has it all! You can rest a drink while you have your newspaper or magazine handy. It also is so narrow that it can fit nicely between 2 chairs when you don't have much space for a table. It is the height of glamour, too, don't you think? It is made of forged iron with a gold leaf (not faux) finish--a piece to keep forever. This is what sustainability is all about.

Here are a few others from the Jan Showers Collection...

Eliza Table Como Table

Amalfi Nest of Tables Edie Table

Enjoy your summer relaxing with a good book, and by all means, a little table for your mint julep or glass of champagne and a good summer read.

ON MY SUMMER READING LIST

Christopher Buckley's "Losing Mum and Pup: a Memoir"-- this promises to be a look inside Bill and Pat Buckley's world as well as the effect that those two powerhouse personalities had on their son. I love Chris Buckley's sense of humor, anyway, so it should be bittersweet and funny.

Jay McInerney's "How it Ended: New and Collected Stories." McInerney's writing is reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald and John O'Hara in that he writes about society in the way they wrote in their time. This collection of short stories should be fun to read and put down, then come back when you're in the mood.

FACEBOOK

We have finally created a company page on Facebook and intend to post great new ideas and photos from the world of design.

www.facebook.com

2009-04-13T10:18:00.019-07:00

EASTER

We celebrated Easter at our house with my entire family which is a tradition of many years. The cookies were made by my niece, Allison Sykes, who has started a business making the most incredible cakes, cookies and cupcakes. They are not just works of art....they are delicious. She will have a website soon, and I will post it when it's up and running along with some photos of her cakes. Allison has my mother's perfectionist gene regarding cooking and entertaining!

The picture below was the centerpiece that Ron Schulz and I did for the main table. We wanted it to be whimsical, simple and fun. The little chicks are my favorite. My daughter, Susanna Moldawer, found them several years ago at Target in Houston. I love them because they look like antiques....they have bobble heads and bodies. I love the lilacs, too.

WESTWEEK IN L.A.

Westweek has become the one of the (if not THE) biggest markets in the U.S. in the past decade. It is always the last week in March and designers, editors and manufacturers from all over the world come to the Pacific Design Center on Melrose to see what's new and wonderful in the interior design world. With the economic situation as it is, we expected attendance to be off this year. However, it was very well attended and surpassed everyone's expectations. JS Collection is in the front window of David Sutherland's showroom which is situated in one of the most prime locations in the PDC on ground level.

Our space in the David Sutherland Showroom

While in L.A., Jim and I enjoyed visiting with other manufacturers who were there and loved seeing their new pieces. Jonathan Browning, Kyle Bunting and Ann and David Sutherland were all in attendance. Perennials has the most exciting new outdoor fabrics that I intend to use indoors as well. My favorite is Plushy which is like a cross between a velvet and a mohair. LOVE this new opportunity to use a fabric that is both beautiful and durable and WASHABLE.

L.A. RESTAURANTS

We never go to L.A. without driving out the Pacific Coast Highway to have dinner at Giorgio Baldi. They have the most incredible Italian food I've ever tasted outside of Italy. It is owned, operated and run by the Baldis. Giorgio is the chef/owner and his daughter Helena runs the front and is the ultimate pro. It is worth a trip to L.A. to eat here and is in my top 5 favorite restaurants in the world....can you tell I like to eat?! Even though I wouldn't classify it as a see and be seen place, I always seem to see someone like Nicole Kidman or Benecio del Toro or Ridley Scott having dinner in their neighborhood.

The bar at the Bel Air is one of my favorites. We've been staying there since the 70's. We enjoyed having dinner there one night with David Phoenix, a wonderful designer from L.A.

INTERESTING BLOGS AND WEBSITES

It's fun to get links to these. Hope you'll enjoy them....not all are just design.

GOOP---Gweneth Paltrow's website. I like the format and most of the time, the content.

THE SARTORIALIST----this one is primarily fashion, with great photos taken around the world when there are fashion weeks and events. This blog has won all kinds of awards.

PIGTOWN DESIGN----I like this blog as she has such a love for really good architecture. The site's author, Meg Fairfax, also has great book recommendations that are primarily design related.

REBECCA SHERMAN'S "HOUSES, GARDENS, PEOPLE"----former editor of Dallas Papercity and D Home is now on her own writing pieces for national and local magazines. I love her writing and her blog.

THE DEVINE LIFE----a blog about design events and happenings in New York.

ON MY MIND THIS MONTH......

CRUSHES

A COLOR THAT HAS NO NAME----I started to call it lavender, but that will bring the color of the lavender flower to mind and it's not that color. It is really a mixture between lavender and lilac.

I was inspired by this photo of Carla Bruni in the one of the rooms of the Ellysee Palace. A few days later, I found these lamps (click below to see them on 1st Dibs) and we did a room in my showroom with this color, gold and ivory. Yummy!

IVORY---Love all shades of it and especially combined with white. Donald Kaufman #3 is a great ivory and so it Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash.

EMILY BLUNT---She stole every scene in Devil Wears Prada and is one of the 3 best young actresses working today----Anne Hathaway and Amy Adams are the other two....in the mold of Cate Blanchette and Meryl Streep....all chameleons.

WHITE COWHIDES---they freshen any room in the house and add a sensual element. Use several in one grouping for impact.

GRACIE WALLCOVERING---always incredibly pretty---it is shown here installed on a project in Dallas.

TOMMI PARZINGER----I always love lamps and chandeliers designed by him. Found these 3 pieces when in L.A.. He also did small, interesting tabletop pieces. They have such presence no matter how small.

BEL-AIR----Probably the prettiest neighborhood anywhere---it's magical.

MARCH ISSUE OF ELLE DECOR----great projects!

PEEVES

CABLE NEWS----I am a news junkie but the repetition and negativity are not helping the economy, rather, hindering it. There should be more creative programming on these channels. There are exceptions, of course. For instance Fereed Zakaria's GPS on CNN Sundays at noon. He and his guests discuss foreign affairs and policies that shape the world.

ROOMS THAT HAVE NOTHING BUT FULLY UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE----so boring!

BIG SHOULDER PADS---oh no---not again! Just take a look at any photo from the mid 80's----not a great look then and certainly not now.

BAD ARCHITECTURE---I know, I say this a lot, but it bears repeating because I just keep seeing it in every city when I travel.

That's it for this month!

2009-03-12T11:30:00.015-08:00

SPRING

This is the time of the year when I love the fragrance of hyacinths.....they always say "Spring is just around the corner". This year, the weather has been perfect for my camellia tree as well. I think they are the most perfect flower I have ever seen and they are so rare where we live.

WHAT'S NEW AT JAN SHOWERS

When we were In Paris last fall, we found so many exceptional lamps. Finding great antiques has as much to do with luck as it does with having a good eye. Lamps are such an easy way to change a room instantly AND one of the least expensive ways as well. I have seen rooms completely transformed by simply adding new lamps. One of my favorites is the pair by Bagues pictured below. They are gold plated with white opalescent glass from the 1940's. The other lamp shown is also opalescent and is the most delicious green. It is Venini from the 1930's.

NEW YORK

We have lots of news from New York since we've been there to install the window display at the D & D and to do final edits on "Glamorous Rooms". The window looks fresh and crisp with a definite hint that spring is around the corner. With the walls covered in John Hutton's Spice of Life in Cumin, which is a wonderful golden yellow, and four of our favorite pieces from my furniture collection, the window is a standout in the main entry of the D & D. The pieces are from left: The Leland Drinks Cart with a Venetian Series # 2 Moonstone Lamp and other fun bar accessories and glass; the large Claudette Bench in warm silver leaf upholstered in white cowhide sits in front of the Helen Mirror which is my favorite mirror in the Collection with its gold eglomise Greek key border; and the Daphne Chair which has a great modernist vibe but mixes in any interior. I have one in our living room in Dallas.

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While in New York, we had enough free time to go to several special shows at the Guggenheim, The Met as well as The Winter Antiques Show. We also had a truly memorable evening when amfAR honored our friends, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky for their tireless work and dedication to the Two X Two event in Dallas
for the past 10 years.

The Guggenheim show "The Third Mind" is interesting and often stunning. We were blown away by the James Lee Byars installation piece. It is the size of a two car garage lined in gold leaf. Absolutely mesmerizing!

We love to have lunch every Friday when we are in New York at La Grenouille. Jim and I enjoy the food, the people who work there and most of all, the amazing flowers all done by the owner, Charles Masson. He brings many of the huge branches in from his estate in Maine. There is not one time of the year that they are not breathtaking. I would love to see Charles actually putting them together. They are so beautiful that at book has been published, The Flowers of La Grenouille. I am a big fan of their cheese soufflé and Little Neck Clams Corsini. Jim always orders their Dover Sole. If you don't have time for a two hour lunch, then step inside to the small bar so that you can see the flowers. It is the last of the old school great French restaurants in New York with La Caravelle, La Cote Basque,Lutece all gone. Of course, Daniele Boulud's restaurants are wonderful so there are good new French restaurants, but Grenouille is a treasure not to be missed!

The Carlyle is our favorite hotel in New York. It is so typically New York and when we arrive, it is as though we were only away for a few days. The staff is incredible and they love our dog, Sweetie. It is managed by Rosewood and they do a superb job. Bemelman's Bar is the best bar in the city with murals painted by Ludwig Bemelmans who is famous for his illustrations in the Madeline children's books.

GLAMOROUS ROOMS

We are in the final editing stage of my book. It will be available in mid October. I think the cover is dynamite thanks to the talented people at Abrams. The readers of my Notebook are the very first to see the cover image---Michael Kors, my talented friend, is writing the foreword.

BOOKS

Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thompson---if you love art and are interested in the art world, you will enjoy this book. It covers every aspect of that world from auction houses to art fairs to the Venice Biennale, and is very well written.

Netherland---this book of fiction by Joseph O'Neil has been compared to Scott Fitzgerald's Gatsby and there is some truth in that assessment. This story is about a Gatsbyesque character placed in New York after 9/11. It was on almost every critics Top 10 list in 2008. --- A great read by a great writer.

DOMINO CLOSES

We are all saddened by the closing of Domino by Conde Nast. All of the girls in my office have been in mourning since we heard the news as have both of my daughters. I know several of the young, bright editors and thought they were doing a terrific job filling a niche that wasn't there before Domino. I know that all of them will be successful in whatever they chose to do.

The dean of decorating, Albert Hadley, called it "the new decor bible for how we live today" and I completely agree. This morning I read the last issue (March) with my cup of tea, and was inspired by so many things ---- "Great Style at Any Age" is wonderful, a 1972 Vogue picture of a model preparing to board a plane at Charles de Gaulle back in the days when one dressed for air travel (p. 53) was a smart lead into a modern travel story. Buy the last issue and weep.

COMING UP... WESTWEEK

We will be in L.A. at the David Sutherland Showroom for Westweek. It starts on March 24 but we will be there preparing our new display the week before. Westweek has become THE market in the interior design world. Editors, buyers and manufacturers from all over the world come to see what's new and fresh. We all need inspiration and Westweek is a great place to do just that. My next entry will have photos of our new space in the front window with all of our new JS Collection pieces... as well as lots of new design ideas from other manufacturers and showrooms.

FINAL NOTE

Many thanks for all of the lovely emails I received from people who enjoyed the Notebook. It's fun to write, and, as promised, we will have new entries each month!

2009-02-17T07:43:00.016-08:00

JAN SHOWERS COLLECTION

Two of my favorite new pieces are the Harrison Coffee Table and the Elizabeth Chandelier (named after my daughter, Elizabeth Showers, who designs the most exquisite jewelry... this chandelier reminded me of her). I never thought I would replace the French 40's gilded metal coffee table in my living room in Dallas, but I could not resist this chic and incredibly glamorous table. The genesis of the design came from a table I found in Paris over 2 years ago on a buying trip. As you can see, it has four components.....cast architectural bronze (it is also possible to nickel plate it), Lucite, mirror and glass. The truly fine bronze pieces from the 1960's and 70's are tres tres chic in Paris right now. The reason for this is that high quality French 40's furniture has become more difficult to find, and the fact that a good antiques dealer is always looking for fine quality from every decade. A room full of furniture from this period would be cold and uncomfortable, but a piece or two mixed with wonderful woods creates such a fresh new look. I am constantly looking for ways to freshen a room and add more polish. As always, my standard for designing any piece of furniture is that it has the ability to mix with classic fine design.

NEW PARIS SHIPMENT

Our new shipment from Paris that we bought in late October arrived in Dallas a few days before Christmas. We are in the process of refurbishing everything and will have our Preview in late Spring. There are some exceptional pieces on this shipment. Two of my favorites both happen to be coffee tables...one with a gilded iron base and onyx top, the other an Empire style ebonized table with mirrored top... very glam!

Jim and I stay in the area around Place Vendome and have loved this area for years, having stayed at the Hotel Costes, The Ritz, The Park Hyatt and the Intercontinental. We have tried hotels on the Left Bank, and though they are charming, we gravitate geographically back to "the old neighborhood." One can so quickly get almost anywhere from this area by walking, whether it be the Tuilleries, the Palais Royale (probably my favorite spot in Paris!), the Left Bank, the Opera area as well as great shopping on Rue Faubourg St. Honore. This time we stayed at the newly refurbished Meurice facing the Tuilleries and it was wonderful. Phillip Starck recently did a makeover of the lobby and restaurant in a very unusual way that works. It is inviting and has an old school quality while at the same time looking fresh and modern. We love to eat at Le Voltaire and Hotel Costes is still great for simple food and a fun crowd. A small, very out of the way place that I learned about from one of my French friends is Petrelle near the Gare du Nord. It is quite informal and the chef, Jean Luc Andre, is the owner. His father was a chef for the Cunard Line. He is charming and so inventive. Lots of Parisian fashion people love this place!

SHOWROOM

If you are a customer of our antiques showroom in the Dallas Design District, you know that we create new vignettes at least three times a year. Redesigning the showroom is such fun and one of my favorite projects. Every time we receive a new shipment, we completely change the look and layout of the showroom, so be sure to check with us on a regular basis to see what's new and exciting at Jan Showers. Seasonally, we present new color schemes, and play with new textures. Ever-changing rugs and hides, graphic silk and suede pillow designs along with wonderful lamps help to create an entirely new feel on a regular basis. Luscious rugs from Tajzoy, Matt Camron, Stark and Odegard are used throughout the showroom and are available through Jan Showers.

DESIGN PROJECTS

Last year, we completed 6 large projects at Jan Showers & Associates. Each project was unique...that is what makes residential work so exciting and challenging. I am including a few photos from these projects to share with you.

GLAMOROUS ROOMS

Much of my time in '08 was spent on the book that Harry N. Abrams is publishing on my design work. It is called GLAMOROUS ROOMS and will be released in October of this year. Rather than write a book that describes specific design projects, we decided it was time for a book about ROOMS. So, we have chapters with wonderful photography of entry halls, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and private spaces with an introduction about my background and how I came to be a designer. A side note: Recently, I found a "book" I made when I was probably 8 or 9 called ROOMS. In it were pictures and drawings that I cut out of my mother's Shelter magazines and arranged in chapters of rooms. My mother saved it and I found it in a box of things that I guess she thought were important or noteworthy. It has been such a pleasure to work on this book with my editor, Eva Prinz. Eva edited the Tony Duquette book for Abrams last year. Prior to joining Abrams, she edited Tom Ford's book at Rizzoli as well as the newly edited Elsie de Wolfe book. The art editor for my book, Michelle Ishay edited Kelly Wearsler's first book, MODERN GLAMOUR. I am so fortunate to be working with these extraordinarily gifted editors. There will be multiple book signings in 7 cities across the U.S. They will be posted on this website as soon as we know the dates (all will be after October 15, 2009). In fact, we will have a calendar of the appearances posted in March. Also will have a photo of the cover in early spring on the website.

TRAVEL

This week we head to New York both to work on GLAMOROUS ROOMS and to style our new window at the D & D. We have one of the front hall (main entrance) windows for the months of February, March and April, so be sure to stop by and see it when you are in New York. The D & D is on Third Avenue between 58th and 59th. We are upholstering the walls of the window in John Hutton's Spice of Life/Cumin which is a warm golden yellow. Everything that is going in the window is white/gold/silver. We will post a photo of the window on the website after I install it next week.

INSTANT GRATIFICATION

Our INSTANT GRATIFICATION program has been very well received. This program consists of our top selling pieces that are available NOW!! We are offering a 20% discount from January 2-February 28 (all orders placed with deposit by February 28) on all of these pieces. They are shown on my website and, of course, all of our showrooms have Instant Gratification brochures available.

PEEVES

5" AND 6" HEELS---no one looks great walking in them.

WENGE WOOD---it's high time that the consumer realize the difference between this and truly fine woods such as rosewood, mahogany, merisier and sycamore, as well as the amount of time that goes into a truly fine French polish or bench made piece of furniture. Besides, who wants their house to look like a million hotel rooms?

RETRO GONE WRONG---Revisiting the bad aspects of the sixties and seventies when it comes to furniture and most especially, lamps.

BIG HAIR HOUSES---and bad architecture in general

CRUSHES

MAD MEN---watch it!! So great for art direction and costume design AND a great story line. I am addicted! Michael Kors says that his entire fall collection was inspired by this show.

NONNA---a wonderful new restaurant in Dallas where chef Jules Barsoti prepares pasta dishes that rock!

MY MAC AIR

OLAFUR ELIASOON EXHIBIT AT THE DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART---captivating and enveloping.

MICHAEL KORS FALL COLLECTION---as already mentioned, inspired by Mad Men. It was so chic and classic. I bought pieces that will look smart years from now. I think Michael and I have a similar design aesthetic. We are both old school with a twist. I have a fabulous wood bead skirt of his from the 80's that I wear every summer, along with camel coats, and jackets. I NEVER eliminate his sweaters and skirts from my closet.

THE IVY---in London. Jim and I have been going there since the late 60's and it is such fun. We go whether going to the theater or not. They now have The Club at the Ivy upstairs, but I still prefer downstairs. Their roast chicken is as good as L'ami Louis' in Paris!

RICHARD AVEDON PERFORMANCE---Such a handsome book. His photography is art.

MARILYN CHANDELIERS--- Robin's egg blue turquoise and diamonds set in 18k gold. These are the newest earrings from my daughter's jewelry line, Elizabeth Showers. Elizabeth made these with me in mind for her collection, so Jim gave them to me for Christmas

TWO X TWO---Benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR. This is my favorite social/charity event of the year. It raised $4 million in one evening for both organizations in 2008. And, since it was the 10th anniversary, it was spectacular! My daughter, Elizabeth Showers and I are delighted to be chairing it in October this year and we and looking forward to another amazing evening.

KYLE BUNTING RUGS---truly works of art! Go to his website www.kylebunting.com. My favorite is "Surrender" in cream, which is shown below with our new Baxter Coffee Table, Stella Sofa and Chiseled Lamp.

KING TUT EXHIBIT--- at the Dallas Museum of Art

T HE DAILY BEAST---Tina Brown's new website. It looks great, has real news along with Vanity Fair style pieces. I check it out first thing in the morning.

STAY TUNED FOR OTHER NEWS, SOON TO BE POSTED ON JAN'S NOTEBOOK AT

WWW.JANSHOWERS.COM

2006-12-07T21:31:00.003-08:00

FALL EUROPEAN BUYING TRIP

Jim and I just returned from two weeks in Europe. We were in Paris, Rome and Venice on this trip. What a wonderful time of the year to be there....so many wonderful expositions and exhibits in Paris. Be sure to check out the restored Musee de l’Orangerie in the Tuileries which just reopened after a 6 year renovation. The Musee des Arts Decoratifs (a part of the Louvre) also reopened in September after a 10 year restoration. Other favorite spots that we never miss in Paris are the Palais Royale.....it is so serene and filled with such history.....amazing shops and good restaurants as well. A visit to one of the Laduree’s is also so Parisienne....I love the one on Rue Bonaparte across from some of the best antique shops in the city. Laduree’s macaroons are the best...but the packaging is the prettiest of any with maybe the exception of Hermes. I think I prefer Ladureé’s because the colors and shapes are so varied....fun gift items to bring home.

The energy in Rome is so contagious....with fabulous shopping, sightseeing and strolling. We loved the Hotel de Russie. It certainly lived up to its reputation.....I was so inspired by the colors of paint used in the hallways and guest rooms.....very Italian, yet modern. The garden at the de Russie was our favorite dining spot as well. The famous Via Veneto has been revived and restored and it was fun to stroll and imagine Simone Signoret, Frederico Fellini, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton having drinks on the legendary street. Fellini’s film, La Dolce Vita was inspired by the Veneto. October is my favorite time to visit Venice....not too many tourists and cool weather....if you love to walk, Venice is THE city. There is no other way to get to many places and it is an intriguing, mysterious place. I love the area around the Guggenheim across the Accademia Bridge. It’s fun to stroll on that side of the Grand Canal...not as crowded and so many lovely palazzos. We spent a lot of time in our factories on Murano and will have several new lamps as well as a new chandelier after working with the maestros while we were there. Our shipment will arrive in mid December and has lots of exciting pieces....we focused on large coffee tables, buffets, bergeres and fauteuils on this trip. Many of the pieces will not require restoration and will be in the showroom upon arrival in early December.

FALL IN DALLAS

We arrived in Dallas just in time for Second Act benefiting the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts.....with Elton John....then Two X Two had a hugely successful evening at the Rachofskys......raising a record $2.77 million. The quality of the art was extremely good this year with two of the most incredible Robert Mappelthorpes! There were some lovely design items as well. This is an event that simply gets better and better each year and sells out within two weeks of the invitations being mailed. The event benefits The Dallas Museum of Art and Amfar. Kim Schlegel Whitman then hosted “Breakfast With Tiffany” featuring Stephen Burlingham of the Tiffany family and his new scent “Truly, Madly, Deeply” which has a such smart packaging and is so subtle that I will definitely wear it.....it has hyacinth notes but is not overpowering. Mr. Burlingham worked 10 years to achieve the right balance and the perfect container and presentation box.

WHAT’S NEW AT JAN SHOWERS

There are several new pieces in my furniture collection that we are so excited about.....the Palazzo Banquette is the winner with all the people who attended the Preview in September. The new Cole and Coco Barstools and a very chic dining chair, the Nina Chair are all special favorites, too.

And, in the antiques showroom in the Dallas Design District, we are so fortunate to have a really amazing buffet from Dominique.....it is truly a rare and wonderful piece that would work well in so many areas......it references the 18th century and I would mix it with many different periods.

On one of our new projects, we are using custom colored Patterson Flynn & Martin Kelly Wearsler rugs as well as the a custom Fromental wall covering for the dining room....all very modern classics.

FASHION

On the fashion front, Cameron Silver of Decades in Los Angeles continues to have wonderful vintage pieces from croc bags to evening gowns, furs and jewelry. And, what a lovely man to work with.....he is in Dallas a couple of times a year at 4510 and it is always fun to see him here as well as in L.A. Whether you live in Dallas or can visit......you should see the Downtown Neiman’s store this holiday season. It is so festive and truly stunning this year. And, I might add, with wonderful gift ideas for the season. We shall be decorating the Jan Showers Showroom for the holidays the week after Thanksgiving.....if you are in Dallas or in town, take a moment to come by. And lastly, my daughter Elizabeth has created a very chic pin called the “Hope Star” pin to pay tribute to those fighting anorexia, other eating disorders and to promote healthy body image. We are both involved in The Elisa Project which is honoring Tracey Gold this year as guest speaker at their luncheon at Brookhollow Country Club on November 8. It is possible to purchase the Hope Star pin on Elizabeth’s website www.elizabethshowers.com and it comes in both silver and gold finishes. In the next update, we’ll have a report from New York......theater, art exhibits, The Modernism Show at the Park Avenue Armory and of course, much about interior design and what’s new and exciting in our world.