Decor Arts Now

IT’S FINALLY HERE!!

Summer, that is.  On Saturday, the sun was shining, a light breeze kept things comfy and I was out on the East End of Long Island.  Finally, I could relax.

While my guys were out fishing ( if you follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, you know how that turned out–looks like I will be learning how to cook mako shark), I went on a fabulous garden tour in East Hampton.   I have more than enough pretties to make up for my time away!

There were plenty of gorgeous outdoor rooms.  In some cases the words porch, patio or terrace seemed so incongruous-like this next room for instance.

Hard to believe that one wall of this room is open to the outdoors

Many would like to bring this outdoor kitchen, indoors.

Love the shade of blue on the ceiling and the curved wooden door

Of course,  I saw beautiful spots to dine and relax alfresco.  I wish I snapped a close-up of this marble topped table.

Each outdoor space was divinely styled.

The driftwood looks fab, and I am sure the staff whisks it away when the fireplace is used–kindling it is not!

Vignette in the indoor/outdoor living room

Pretty grouping

Beautiful colors and patina

Loved this outdoor mirror

The pools were worthy of Slim Aarons.

Pools in East Hampton, NY

And,certainly , let’s not forget the actual gardens.

Gardens in East Hampton, NY

Gardens in East Hampton, NY

Obviously an amazing day.

Oh, and this little shack included on the tour?  Oceanfront, natch.

All photos by Lynn Byrne for Decor Arts Now.  The garden tour is held annually to benefit ARF,  the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons.  I plan to mark my calendar for next year!

“Her voice is full of money….that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals’ song of it.”

F. Scott Fitzegerald, The Great Gatsby

Dying to see The Great Gatsby?  Can a house be like Daisy?

Look at these images of the Designer Showhouse of  Westchester and see if you agree that it makes you feel like you could host Daisy and Jay there for drinks.

Yesterday I was fortunate to receive a private press preview of the the Designer Showhouse of Westchester and I left ready to shop vintage couture. The Showhouse, which benefits Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, is held in a gorgeous pile in the estate section of Scarsdale, just around the corner from where Beyonce has a place.  It is the sort of home that comes with  custom de Gournay wallpaper lining the foyer and stairhall, and gorgeous windows and moldings throughout.

Take the stunning space in the first photo.  It is right off the foyer, and you can catch another glimpse of the beautiful wallpaper.  Gideon Mendelson of the Mendelson Group envisoned the space as the perfect location to sip your evening cocktail or enjoy tea in the morning sunshine.   All of the built-in furniture, including the gorgeous bars are custom. Here are a few more views.

I even want the accessories.

French Art Deco Tea Service

I own a collection of decanters that I am ready to bring out.

Beautiful.

Naturally this is the type of home that has a conservatory.  I knew as soon as I walked up to the outside of the house that this room would be special, and Lillian August did not let me down.  Black, white and emerald?  Greek Key?  So classic. So perfect.

A Chanel lamp?  Yes please.

A better look at the art

There also is a paneled library.  Of course.  I love how the floral pillow fabric adds a hint of femininity to the room.  Plus the portrait of a lady above the sofa certainly has attitude.  I think Daisy would like what Karen Houghton Interiors has done with the space.

As you might expect, the living room here is so large that a grand piano is a mere trifle in the corner.  Designer Ken Gemes really warms up the cavernous space with multiple seating areas, making it gracious and somehow cozy.  Don’t miss the incredible moldings.

Designer Ken Gemes looking appropriately dapper for his room

And these are just a few of the rooms on the first floor (there are 3).  I will be back with more coverage of the Designer Show House of Westchester.  The Showhouse opens to the public on May 2 and is well worth a visit. Click here for details.

Front facade of the Showhouse

In addition, today I am attending the press preview for the Kips Bay Showhouse in Manhattan. You can expect extensive coverage of that showhouse as well.

So do visit again.  Things are always lively around here during showhouse season.

All photos my own, except for the last exterior shot of the house from cottages-gardens.com.