…..More on Tony Duquette
After finishing my blog on malachite, I went home to find my October issue of Harper’s Bazaar waiting for me and look what I found inside! Tony Duquette has a fine jewelry collection sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue and they did a feature story on him under Editor’s Obsession!
Designer’s choice: Malachite!
Yes, it is true, Malachite has found its way back into today’s design and is stronger than ever. Tony Duquette, an Interior Designer, Jeweler and Costume Designer, cornered the Malachite market in the mid-1900s. He was known for his “Natural Baroque” style because of his extensive use of malachite, shells, antlers, coral, bones and feathers. He mixed a countless array of styles and periods into his designs. As an Ode to Tony Duquette, Baker Furniture has teamed up with Duquette’s long time business partner, Hutton Wilkinson, to reproduce a few of Duquette’s original works. But Baker Furniture is not the only company to recently make headlines regarding the comeback of Duquette’s one-of-a-kind design. Jim Thompson, who was a personal friend to Duquette and his wife, Elizabeth, has also invited Hutton Wilkinson to create an exclusive collection of woven and printed textiles for both commercial and residential use. Among the selected prints pulled from the Duquette archives is a malachite print called Gemstone (shown below).
Trend Alert: Quatrefoil
Quatrefoil is an age-old term used to describe a four-lobed ornament, similar to a four leaf clover, that historically was used in window tracery, architectural detailing and furniture from the Gothic period. Today, however, we most commonly see it used in an updated, stylized manner. The most talented designers of the past and present have reinvented quatrefoil and freed it from the “Gothic” stereotype. This transformation with its somewhat mod twist has been a true success. My quatrefoil inspiration originated from an infatuation with the Alhambra Collection from Van Cleef and Arpels. The legendary French jewelry designer has recently joined forces with Chloe to create a limited edition collection of leather goods, jewelry and evening bags. You can see these one-of-a-kind creations by clicking here Van Cleef and Arpels. My personal goal is to one day own a piece from the Alhambra collection. Of course, there is a pretty hefty price tag that goes along with it so, unfortunately, it won’t be anytime soon.
The quatrefoil items I have chosen to showcase below can all be custom ordered through your favorite interior design firm, Collins & Dupont!
This Asilah Chandelier by Ironies features a lattice patterned shade available in shell (shown), bone or shagreen. The standard size is 28.5″ Diameter x 20″ High.
The Alexandra Chair is from the Suzanne Kasler Collection offered by Hickory Chair. This chair would be the perfect addition to any woman’s vanity.
The Opera Rug from the Tibeta Collection by Kravet is shown above in color Ruby. Available in a variety of colors and sizes.
The Rhodes mirror from Cyan Design is finished in a black ebony with red accents. Available in three different sizes: small, medium and large (shown). Size shown:20.5″ high x 20.5″ wide.
This Quatrefoil armoire with antique mirrored panels from Niermann Weeks is a true beauty and can be custom finished. Size: 61″ wide x 28″ deep x 92″ high.
This Gothick bench, by Hickory Chair adds dramatic seating to any room. Fanciful seat for two, featuring arch and quatrefoil motifs. Shaped arms end in a slight scroll; the slatted seat rests on stout Marlboro legs. Adapted from an antique found at the Winterthur Museum. A simple pad in your choice of fabric or leather is available along with your choice of finishes. Overall dimensions: 39″ high x 50″ wide x 22″ deep.
These white ceramic pierced cylinder lanterns by Two’s Company are perfect for creating a little candlelight ambiance. Sold as a set of three. Sizes: 5.5″ x 13″ h, 5.5 x 14.5″ h, 5.5 x 17″ h.
Take Home Fashion
Recently, I was flipping through my J.Crew (June 2009) clothing catalog. I found myself feeling very inspired by the fantastic casual elegance of their clothing. It seemed only natural to want this feeling translated into a design scheme for an interior. I began pulling fabrics together that represented the way the clothes looked. I quickly discovered how simple it is to translate a clothing ensemble into a home environment.
The catalog pages that inspired me are shown above, along with a photograph of the fabric scheme I created based on the colors, textures, and simple elegance I found in the clothing featured in J.Crew. This could easily be done on a multitude of levels and is a very fun way to think about interior design.
For some of our clients who have a difficult time communicating their personal style, they may find it helpful and easy to start with their preference of color and style in clothes. It can be overwhelming to start a color scheme for a room from scratch. Why not find inspiration in what you wear?
