New Shipment, Decoratives and More!

One of the things I'm most excited about, in my new partnership with MP Interiors, is our fabulous assortment of antique and vintage items- 

Bishops Chair, MP Interiors

I find the yellow in this original covering so interesting...

We also have this one MP Interiors

We love the idea of having simple, white slipcovers made for these chairs, which could then pass as a pair-

DFID

I wouldn't mind having them in my new flat, if I had the space!  

Pair Chinese chairs MP Interiors

Perhaps these child size chairs would be a better fit?  I love these for stacking books- or porcelain objects.

Fire screen MP Interiors

This hearth screen is just begging to go up to Cashiers or Linville Ridge... and very well priced too!

Gueridon MP Interiors

Notice the elegant inlaid woods on the top of this piece...

Shaped top gueridon MP Interiors

Pair cast brass lamps MP Interiors

This stunning (pair) of lamps makes a statement at 46" high

New Barroux chair FP Victoria

The lamps would marry beautifully with these "New Barroux" model chaises from famed F. P. Victoria, New York

Bas relief stag MP Interiors

We also have a pair of these very decorative framed pastorals

Jeffrey Bilhuber New York

This stunning showhouse room, by Jeffrey Bilhuber, is an excellent example of how antiques can be incorporated into a modern and up to date milieu...we particularly liked his use of Castaing blue on the Napoleon III chairs, and the (what appears to be) a teal horsehair on the small chaise placed ever so artfully by the fireplace.  The photographer caught a beautiful, ethereal quality of natural light here, image via AD.
Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF *****

Barroux Model, F.P. Victoria



From House Beautiful, March 2005

One of my all time favorite chairs, the Barroux model, from trade source F.P. Victoria, New York- is shown here.  As readers of Dean Farris Style may recall, I was fortunate to work with the late Tice Alexander, a good friend and classmate- from FIT days, who previously worked as a decorator at the famed Parish-Hadley Associates...without any digression, I could probably talk about this chair, and how it relates to a certain period of my life, for HOURS!  But I don't think I have the time right now!  If you want more info on the Barroux chair, go on the site www.fpvictoria.com and click on bespoke, then chairs, then scroll down... the above image is from a 2005 Stephen Henderson article called "Rising From The Ashes" - which was produced by Senga Mortimer, with stunning photography by Don Freeman.  (March 2005)
After this important estate was damaged in a fire, designers Albert Hadley and Harry Heissman accepted the challenge of re-designing the house- reconfiguring some major rooms, changing fenestration, and it was also decided to switch from wood frame construction to stone.  The re-built house is now built to commercial codes, and should last forever.  Sited on 300 acres in Litchfield- the fabulous grounds were also featured in the January 2005 House Beautiful!
When Tice and I designed another estate, in Houston, Texas, we again used the barroux model- flanking the fireplace in the grand living room- where I recall windows were bricked in to allow for furniture placement on that elevation.  We also took out a stone floor and replaced it with wood.  I wish I had a picture of that room-to share with you- it was all done in the classic Parish Hadley mode, with a Russian chandelier over a center table- and hundreds of yards of Cowtan Tout chintz.  The silk velvet sofas were from DeAngelis- with custom embroidered skirts.  The carpet was an Aubusson.  The Barroux model is very luxe comfort- it is 30.5 wide, 42.5 deep, and 34 high, and has down cushions.  Think of it as a sort of easy chair for moguls- and do visit the FPV site, it has a great modern look and feel- the essence of old New York!  ENJOY! DF ***** 

F.P. Victoria, 80 Years of Elegance

Many years ago, I was given a copy of this book, and now, F.P. Victoria is celebrating it's 80th anniversary.  With  forewords by Olivier Bernier, Mark Hampton, and Anthony Victoria- it's a fantastic reference for those interested in the art and history of the chair.
The late Tice Alexander and I often sourced this company for our projects- and I was very glad to hear that they are still going strong.  Enjoy!  DF *****

Sources For The Decorating Cognoscenti

Sources? For the cognoscenti? Yes, there are many, and two that come to mind, besides the most fabulous antiquarians in the world, are Scalamandre' and F.P. Victoria.

Here, I show you a vintage 1960's interpretation of a Louis XVI style bed, by FPV. Then, some lovely Empire style influenced curtain hardware, new from Scalamandre'.

Know this: buying what your decorator selects for you ALWAYS pays off in the long run, years after you've had it installed in your home or office. Quality is its own best advertisement, and there's no substitute for the "aura" one can achieve by way of living with things of inherent value and craftsmanship. You may pay more up front, but the returns on your investment will amaze and surprise you! Sure, you can go on Pottery barn.com and find a sort of slipper chair, but it will not last, and will not exude quality and luxury.

DeAngelis of New York on the other hand...that is another cognoscenti trade only workroom that does the most wonderful and well made pieces, which are such that they become family heirlooms, just like your grannys lovely old silver and china. Buy quality, you won't be sorry! DF *****

New Furnishings I'm Loving, Kreiss, Schumacher, Old Biscayne

New from F.P. Victoria, New York

New from F. Schumacher


New from Old Biscayne Designs

Kreiss Collection, San Diego

New from Kreiss, Kreiss Naples

I'm always, as a professional interior designer, looking for the latest and greatest in superb, high quality home furnishings, for my clients. Whether an office, a commercial installation, or a residential job - there is always a constant demand for high quality, high style pieces. Here are some companies I go to for the very best in superior design and value. Enjoy! DF *****

Cole Porter Table, F.P. Victoria

What a great, classic design. F.P. Victoria makes this model, originally designed by their client, Billy Baldwin, for his client, COLE PORTER. Price: $10,800.00 - a very nice place to put your Easter eggs or Passover treats! DF *****