That Wallpaper

Sometimes I just assume that my readers have already read about something so I don't mention it. But apparently not everyone does know about the zebra wallpaper that was featured in one of Kate and Andy Spade's bathroom above because I've had quite a few people email me about it. The Zebra wallpaper is available from Scalamandre and has a fun back story.

Gino Circiello, who although born in Buenes Aires had an Italian father who worked as a chef so after he immigrated to the United States, Gino decided to open an Italian restaurant at 780 Lexington Avenue in New York with two of his friends. According to The New York Times, "Mr. Circiello was a hunter without the means to pay for an African safari, but he reasoned that he could at least afford zebras on his wallpaper." He commissioned his friend Franco Scalamandre to design wallpaper depicting leaping zebras pursued by arrows. The wallpaper is now synonymous with Gino's and made the place a New York institution. I often walk by it but have yet to eat there so I think I might have to make a reservation soon!

I have also read that Wes Anderson was a huge fan of the zebra wallpaper which is why he used it for Margot Tanenbaum's bedroom and bathroom in the movie The Royal Tanenbaums.

The zebra wallpaper was recently seen in the December issue of ELLE DECOR in a powder room designed by Miles Redd.

Interior designer Lindsey Coral Harper also used the iconic zebra wallpaper in her bathroom.

In addition to the original Masai Red color and the Serengeti Green in the Spades bathroom, it also comes in Zanzibar Gold and Safari Brown. I've never seen anyone use these colors though so if you have, please let me know. The best part of the story of Gino's is that Mr. Circiello's restaurant was a huge success and he was finally able to afford that trip to Africa! I love a story with a happy ending!

The Eva Fit Convertible Victoria Secret Pant

Cute Victoria Secret Fashion 2010 pant in grey: Specially treated for a softer, worn-in look. The lowdown on high style. Can be worn full length or crop. Front slant pockets, back flap pockets and cargo pockets. Adjustable cinch hem.

Ace of Spades

I've mentioned before that I've been going through my old tear sheets and one of the folders contained numerous magazine articles that featured Kate and Andy Spade's apartment. In my opinion, it's one of those timeless homes that will probably look as good in 30 years as it does after three which is a testament to the chic taste of it's owners as well as their interior designer, Steven Sclaroff. Maybe also because they retained the beautiful pre-war details that a lot of other people might have ripped out. The fabulous art collection doesn't hurt either! It would be interesting to see if they've made any changes since it was last photographed. If you are curious as to what this creative couple has been up to since they left Kate Spade the company, they were just profiled in New York magazine. I hope the next interview is accompanied by more photos! Enjoy!

Photos by Tina Barney, Jason Frank Rothenberg, Noe DeWitt and Eric Morin

Make Mine a Double: Part Deux

One of my readers once pointed out that you can't know everything about everything. Sometimes I post photos that inspire me without knowing the whole story or that there is even more to the story, so I love it when my readers email me with more information. A few days ago, furniture designer Paul Benson contacted me to let me know that he had designed the piece that was turned into the bar in the room designed by Steven Gambrel that I posted in Make Mine a Double back in December.

The orange sideboard is part of a collection he designed for Distant Origin in New York. Steven Gambrel had the sink installed in the center for his client. The bar below is part of a new collection that will be shown at the De Sousa Hughes showroom in San Francisco starting later this month. I am so happy that Paul emailed me and that I could share more of his amazing work with you. It's also nice to know that even if you can't afford Steven Gambrel to design your house, you can at least buy the same furniture!

Photos from Steven Gambrel and Paul Benson

Petrol

Many years ago, I bought a fabulous pair of Anya Hindmarch shoes in London and the color was called Petrol. The color is a blue/green/turquoise and the name comes from the word for gasoline in the UK. It seems rather fitting then that the British couple, Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, who own The Rug Company should have petrol coloured walls in their London home. To see more, pick up the March 2010 issue of Vogue or check it out online at Vogue.com. Cheers!

Photo by François Halard

La Plage

All I can think about is spring and warmer weather so I was very excited when I walked onto the fourth floor at the Ralph Lauren Mansion Saturday and saw a sea of blue and white. Actually, it looked they skipped spring and went straight to summer on the French Riviera! The collection is called La Plage (The Beach) and it made me want to don a sailor shirt and some espadrilles. If you can't make it to the Mansion, then I suggest you visit the Ralph Lauren Home website for more inspiration or better yet, book a trip to Nice! Bon Voyage!

Photos from Ralph Lauren Home

10 Things That Make Me Happy

I was very flattered to be asked by Caitlin Goebel of the Sacramento Street blog to share 10 Things That Make Me Happy. There are so many things that make me happy that it was hard to choose just 10 but I was able to narrow it down. One thing that makes me very happy are art and design books as seen in just one of my bookshelves above. I've since reorganized them so I'll have to take another photo soon. To check out what else I chose, head over to Sacramento Street! Happy Monday!