A Window for Carleton V

Anyone lucky enough to have gazed this adoringly into Joan Crawford's eyes leaves me green with envy.

Or should I say pink?

I'm talking about Carleton Varney, author, jet-set designer and onetime protégé of the late, great Dorothy Draper. Here he is in 1962 with his first collection of fabrics in splashy colors and big, bold patterns. 

Now, with 15 showrooms in this country and London, Carleton V Ltd. produces some of the prettiest textiles in the business. Their wovens are especially good, like this modern herringbone, Alexandria in Guava. Juicy, isn't it?

One part Boho, two parts Domino. Now imagine a jewel-box window on 3rd Avenue swathed in it. That's the vision I had when Carleton's son Sebastian called just before Labor Day, charging us with the task of reinventing the company's image at the D & D Building in New York, where all the designers shop for fabric. "I want people to stop and look," he said, leaning in, eyes wide. "Just like they did at Bloomingdale's." He was talking, of course, about the Big Window Challenge we won for ELLE DECOR back in January, thanks to all of you! But unlike Bloomies, this window is barely 90 inches wide, 34 deep.

No room for a sofa with flanking end tables. No elaborate dining scenarios with china for days. LIke any good window, though, the product would have to shine, and in this case, it was that splashy herringbone, together with all the coordinating solids and a single painterly floral that pulled it all together. 

Good windows tell good stories. They stop people in their tracks, drawing them into a world that inspires and delights. I wanted for there to be this kind of fantasy in ours as well, together with doable ideas for how other designers might use these fabrics in their own work. To start, bold patterns like this herringbone can enliven and enlarge even the smallest space, so why not cover the walls of a den, front hall or foyer? 

You could splurge and upholster the walls with batting or simply back it and apply it like wallpaper. For the window, a temporary installation of two months, I used a staple gun, pulling the fabric taught to match the pattern on either side.

Fabric up, sisal down. The pattern is so bold, you can't help but stop and look!

It was nearly midnight now. Trim out the walls, and we'd be done for the day. To pick up the black in some of the furniture we planned to use, I finished the walls with grosgrain ribbon, just as you'd do in any upholstered room.  

But as pretty as the window looked with just a single pattern on the walls, there would need to be more, many more, layering one upon the other, all within the framework of a narrative. So after mulling it over in the days after our meeting, sketching and pinning up fabrics at home, I couldn't help but revel in the process I myself was experiencing. And there it was! A work space for a designer, a busy one, with well-heeled clients in far and distant places. Fantasy? Perhaps, but I prefer to think of it as a healthy optimism. So with day two upon us, we headed back up to the showroom, where my concept for the space was slowly beginning to take form. 

Three projects lay ahead, all of them easy and inexpensive that just about anyone can do. The first was a skirted table I made using painted plywood and metal tubing from Lowe's. Don't ask me how, but in one of those rare and beautiful moments, scouring the aisles in a nine o'clock panic, both just happened to be the precise dimensions I needed! Using one of my favorite linens from Carleton V, Siena in Coral, I stapled the fabric to the table, trimmed the edges, then hot-glued grosgrain ribbon to hide the seams. Plus, if this were real life, you'd gain more storage than you might know how to handle!  

This Chippendale style chair we found at a country antiques store upstate. I liked its lines, and I knew I could easily recover the seat myself. The wood, however, was badly damaged, so with a quick coat of spray paint, I turned it a chic, glossy black. 

The floral on the chair, Meadow in Anemone, I also used in a picture frame pillow our good friends Donna and David Feldman at Chelsea Workroom made, along with three others in coordinating solids. If you're in or around New York and need top-quality upholstery or soft goods, they're the best in the business.

For the third and final project, I covered a cork board in silk, Wales in Cranberry, then trimmed the edges in grosgrain ribbon. It's a fast, easy way of customizing any pin-up board to suit your space.  

After all the projects, placement and propping, it's the end of day two and the window's nearly done!

LIke everything we do, I wanted this project to have a rich sense of history with beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, as though collected over time. And for those, I turned, as I often do, to our good friends David Duncan and Deborah Buck, both skilled antique dealers whose talents are only matched by their generosity. From Deborah came an opaline box on the desk and the vintage brass swirl tray above the chair. And from David came the wall art above that, along with the 1980s brass and Lucite lamp on the desk. Together, I think these pieces add warmth and luster to the space.

On the Chippendale style chair sits a box pillow in the same herringbone linen as the walls but in green. Just back from a late afternoon meeting uptown, our stylish interior designer finds beside her desk a gift. 

Fantasy? Why yes.

Day three and we're done!

The finishing touches are complete, including the upholstered board above her desk, where she gathers inspiration and ephemera.

Every swatch, bolt and pillow are meticulously labeled. As you can see, she's very busy.

She's also a risk-taker, mixing periods and patterns with supreme confidence. The 1960s faux bamboo highball on the desk holds a simple bouquet of flowers, while the antique swan toast rack keeps stationery in order.

And while vintage books and magazines provide endless inspiration for her work, she's equally up to date with all things new in design. 

At the moment, she's browsing a cherished copy of Vogue from March 1950, lingering over a palette she adores. 

After all, here was the page that inspired her world, a lush, opulent palette in pink, orange and black.

Huge thanks to Sebastian Varney at Carleton V for the opportunity to represent a brand we love, together with our longtime partners for their continued taste, talent and generosity. If you're in New York City this fall, stop by the D & D on 3rd Avenue and 58th to see the window in person! But don't wait too long. We're already dreaming up plans for the holiday window in November!

Comments

[Barbara]

This looks SO great! I think you have just helped me discover the perfect Alexandria in Guava fabric for some chairs! Thank you... the window looks fantastic!! ; )

[carol ann from camdesign]

one word, wow

[Rudy]

This is beautiful! I absolutely love it! Mr. Varney is amazing, my role model!

[Louise (Table Tonic)]

Amazing.
Inspiring.
Perfect.

xLouise

[Lakeitha Duncan]

And I can't believe that I missed this window while in New York in September..... And I think I missed you guys at the Rue Party too:-(

[Marcy {pinecreekcottage}]

I had to come back and tell you that I think this window is fabulous! You executed the space so well - it looks to be twice as big as it is. But it is the fabric, the color, the style that has made it so memorable to me. It is a stunning space!

[Ji Sun Park]

I love what Eddie Ross inc doing.
very detailed...creative,,,,organized...professional....thanks for the amazing window. :)

[Julie @ Chapman Interiors]

omgomgomg SOOO Good!! You are so inspiring!

[sara@augustfields]

delightfully glamourous! the layers of detail are stunning. beautiful window.

[Loretta Fontaine -APPLESandRUBIES]

Eddie and Jaithan - Wow. Orange herringbone walls with black grosgrain ribbon trim.

What a setting to spin a story. That's a window to linger at. Freemont, Vaneck, Trutt, Paley and Foster. Do those imaginary clients have a second and third fridge stocked with champagne? Love it.

Loretta

[Martha]

You always WOW me but this window is FABULOUS. - What is around the note board - ribbon or wood - Diana Vreeland would love it!

When are you coming to Boston?

[victoria]

This was the most amazing tour de force and I am drooling over every detail!!! It's a dream! Gorgeous! Greetings to you!
XX
Victoria

[Chic Provence]

Eddie

Fabulous colors and patterns: only you could pull this off!! Felicitations!!

bisous

Kit

[Kristin]

So fabulous. Your talent never ceases to amaze me!

[Blue Hydrangea]

Hey guys! Are you still reading comments? I just had to say wow!! You always amaze and impress me!! thanks for the inspiration.

[EBrown]

Gorgeous! Once again you ably demonstrate both your skill and your imagination.

[Natalie]

Eddie, I love this. You say "good windows tell good stories", but so do YOU! I'm so inspired, and now I'm itching to make a skirt for my desk at home. XO and thanks for the inspiration! Natalie

[Julie]

LOVE IT! Window dressing is so fun, because you can take all your wonderfully amazing ideas and focus them into one small area! Perfection!

Best,
Julie
Shelter

[Farris Huff]

Eddie, I love this! You have knocked it out of the park once again. I love all the gold/brass. Its so nice to see gold. I'm a little tired of all silver. You rock. Farris

[Ennis]

Incredible! Love all the details that make it seem realistic. You definitely achieved the objective!

[April~Living The Sweet Life]

I must admit when I first started to read this post I had flashbacks of horrible 80's watercolor prints and pastel rooms full or pink and light blue carpets accented with geese. And then I scrolled down and continued reading. Of course I knew I should NOT have doubted your amazing talent and ability to create a beautiful window. It's truly gorgeous. I wish I would have know you were doing it when I was in NYC last week and I would have stopped by to take a peek.

[Lisa McGee aka NenaghGal]

Just beautiful Eddie - I love the colour palette and all the touches throughout - you really got a lot into that small space. Love the swan toast rack and the colour of the stationary - the wall fabric is to die for. Congratulations on another successful project!

[Linda Merrill]

Fabulous! I wish I could see it in person!

[elz]

My favorite window yet. Perfection.

[Crystal]

Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for sharing the story, projects, and all of the painstaking details.

[Beth]

Pardon the lingo, but that is so effing sexy! Brilliant! Hats off.

[Nicole Cohen]

You never cease to amaze me. Love your style!

[Sara Jane]

Sheer heaven! I bet none of Rhoda Morgenstern's windows could come close to comparing to yours.

[Ragland Hill Social by Gwen Driscoll]

Eddie & Jaithan,

This is absolutely stunning & so charming!!!!! And, you have given me a fabulous idea. I have a brass container w/ hinged top just like the one on the desk w/ scissors, pens, pencils, etc. It was my Dad's & recently I was contemplating what to do with it & now I know! Thank you for the great idea. Hope you all are well.

Gwen

[Amy]

This is beautiful. Love that herringbone fabric. I first heard of Carleton Varney when I picked up "You and Your Apartment" at a Friends of the Library sale. It became one of my favorites. It was fun when I started reading design blogs and I realized who he was. Cheers!

[mb]

Well done! You work is so inspiring, beautiful and genuine. That's such a powerful combination of strengths. You should be incredibly proud of what you've accomplished. Thanks for all the lovely inspiration.

[Lana Austin]

To quote a fave fun song:
"I've got a feeling..."

Everything you do, but especially these KILLER windows, tells a story that evokes feeling.

Is it the playful visual polyphony of color and pattern overlapping and holding hands like new lovers, tentative and passionate at the same time?

Yes, that's part of the appeal, you color stud! (that's my new nickname for U & the ever delightful J.: COLOR STUDS!!! A better compliment I could not give!)

But there's also the Inception Mind Fu*k.
(again, I mean that as a compliment & I tried to "bleep" myself with the asterisk in the above profane word as I still try to be a lady on occasion!).

What is the Inception Mind Fu*k and what does that have to do with your window? Well, it's the multiple TIMES and CONCURRENT story lines converging at once.

Whether the stunning antiques or smashing pieces you picked up a la thrift or made via the do it yourself home store, there are MULTIPLE MOMENTS of time/history/periods/places/people/thoughts represented all at once and it is DELIRIOUSLY TITILLATING MY TINY BRAIN.

It's almost like my brain wants to explode from it all...but not quite...you've pushed me to the brink, like Inception did at the theater, and YET I INTUITIVELY GET IT & KNOW I NEEDED TO GO TO THE EXACT POINT OF NEAR IMPLOSION YOU BROUGHT ME!

YES! YES! YES! All those periods, textures, colors....they collide and coalesce into both the familiar and the unknown.

Startling and soothing.

Fun and fantastic.

Lush and lyrically succinct.

So, you are ever capable of these design paradoxes that we all love and CRAVE.

Design paradoxes that evoke myriad magical feelings ALL AT THE SAME TIME! (which brings us back to the opening song lyric!)

I appreciate that more than you can imagine and can't wait for more!

Thank you for always challenging me!!! I learn so much from you!!!

Hugs,
Lana

[Lara @ La Plates]

I want...need...must have this office! Love it all! xo

[Juliette Lee]

I fell in love with the woman who would sit at her pretty desk with all her treasures around her for inspiration. You have made her real darling Eddie.
You choices are bold and unforgettable.
Maybe like the woman herself.

Oh to be your muse.

[Therese Long]

I'm so sorry i am late to this post!
You are both so talented and continue to outdo yourselves and inspire so many in the process. I love your process in tackling a space and you are so generous in sharing all the thoughtful details. I'm always amazed at how brilliant you are with what I call the "jewelry of the room", the accessories!
I wish I could see it in person but your photos are always perfection!
Love you both.
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo

[a perfect gray]

nothing short of fantastic...

[Carol]

You are a detail master! Wow, that window is show stopping!Would love to see it in person, just amazing!
Carol in GA

[Evelyn Weiss]

Better and better! Love it!
Okay, I'll take the big pillow and the chair....

xoxo
Evy

[Debra]

Eddie,

Than is beautiful I love the way you showed us everything from the very beginning. That window is simply beautiful.

[cristin @ simplified bee]

The window is stunning! Love the modern herringbone, Alexandria in Guava! Yum.

Also loved meeting you two at the Rue Party. Such a delight.

xo,
cristin

ps- can't wait to see what you guys do at Terrain.

[the paris apartment]

Love the bold herringbone choice for the wall and great tiny details. Well done!

[Charlotta]

You have had me leaning in very very close to my computer screen for the last 10 minutes, literally soaking up every word and step along the way of this wonderful & inspired journey. What a great end result you guys!! I love the story line and how you made the space come alive with the idea of a working studio. So much personality in all the details and amazing impact of the colours and patterns!

As usual I am in awe of your brilliance, and exquisite execution!

Lots of love to both of you, all the way from Sweden!

x Charlotta

[Amanda]

It's fantastic! I love it.

[Belly]

Eddie, this window is amazing. As always, I'm at awe at your immaculate storyline, so rich in detail.
Also, I think I just got the inspiration I needed for what to do with my gloomy, dark dining chairs. Thank you!

[beth]

This might be one of my absolute favorites! That fabric is stunning and the way you tied in the black is perfection.

And absolutely nothing - and I mean nothing beats a beautiful Hermes box!

I cannot wait to work with you and Jaithan on our deck - your talent never ceases to amaze me.

[The Antiques Diva]

I loved seeing how you upholstered the walls! I'm so using this technique for my antiques booth later this month!

[Janet]

The client idea board and the stationary are absolutely inspired! But my most coveted item is the floral pillow with coral banding. Well done!

[diane]

So many comments you probably wont even see this one but you guys are geniuses!! I love the idea of upholstering a wall and that floral chair is to die for.

[Lauren Quick Strother]

I just ADORE everything about this tiny little space of fabulousness. How could one not stop in their tracks when passing this window? Well done!

[Teresa]

Almost fell off my chair...blown away. I absolutely love every intricate detail. You two are such creative geniuses!!!! I will be there next week for a client and will probably stand in front of your window for an hour or so. Great work once again!

Ps. Any chance you two might ever come to my neighborhood in Stamford CT for a little antiquing????? Pleeeeeeeeaase???? If so, I'd love a chance to meet. I'm sure you've been to the many great antique stores off Canal St.

[Paul]

That is GORGEOUS! I usually run with intimidation from bold patterns, but this is really inspiring.

[Patti]

This window is fabulous and even better in person! But word to the wise: to see the window, you must go IN to the D&D building. I went on my lunch hour yesterday and was looking for a window on the street. When I didn't find it, I gave up. But I was determined so went back today and figured out it's in the lobby! Bravo dudes!

[David De Decker-Thissen]

wonderful and inspiring eddie like always :-)

greetings from brussels

[ruth t.]

I love seeing the 'birth' of your talents come to fruition. The window is amazing, you are amazing.......

[Barbara Nieder]

You cute, naughty guys. I was thinking that it was Joan Crawford's eyes. I gotta read more now. Love the humor. Barb

[kayce hughes]

That might be my favorite work of yours. You guys are amazing. I am ready to move in.

[Sandra Jonas]

That window is just sensational!! I find your blog so inspirational, every other interior design blog is obsessed with NEUTRALS,how boring is that! LOVE the colour palette and all the magic you create. Bravo!!

[alison@semi-fab lane]

genius-you are! this is great, from the mixture of fabric patterns to the story you have created behind the design, it is flawless like everything else you do. you rocked this window!!

[alison@semi-fab lane]

genius-your are! this is great, from the mixture of fabric patterns to the story you have created behind the design, it is flawless like everything else you do. you rocked this window!!

[Betty]

Beyond F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S. I've been following your blog for two years, but could not sit quietly and just read this post without sending my "oohs and aahs" and exclamations!!! WOW. Thank you for always expounding on the inception of your designing vision, amidst sharing the technical details, as this window is a story worth rereading (or walking by) over and over. And mission accomplished, as I would now walk into Carleton V to purchase products.

[suzanne hill]

You, sir, are a design genius! That window is just the bee's knees!! One of the most fabulous postings anywhere on any blog - EVER!

You continue to grow and grow as a designer.

Socko, boffo as they used to say in Variety

Suzanne on St. Simons

[Carla Aston]

Fabulous! That herringbone is such an inspiration, kudos for using it on the wall. You are amazing!

[Jill Wistrand Marino]

Eddie, it looks great! I just chose their marrakesh ikat fabric in graphite to recover two living room chairs. I think you had it pinned to the board!

[Sarah (Matters of Style)]

Fantastic!! You really did a great job! Cute pics of the 4 of y'all!

[Kate Dickerson]

FABULOUS! Everything about it is just FABULOUS!!

[Paula]

What a challange this window was. Once again you did a amazing decor! I want to move in immediately.

[Michele@michelebeattyinteriors]

Brilliant...simply brilliant and love getting to walk through the process that you took to create that gorgeous window!

[Jessica @ 24 Corners]

I think Dorothy Draper herself would have been very happy to work her magic from this space and Joan would have been in awe of it! Your work is truly spectacular and you should really be proud of yourself...the creative gift you have is very special...congratulations on such a beautiful and honorable job.

btw- I loved the Chippendale transformation...so perfect & pretty!
xoxo J~

[Karyn]

Fabulous window. Peace and joy!

[Kathysue]

E&J I love all of the details, You never miss a beat, you always finish every detail to perfection. The covered table is my favorite. I know how hard it is to get fabric that straight, tight and matching you do what ever it takes to bring it all together to tell the perfect story. I can not wait to see a Holiday window. xoxo Kathysue

[Jeffery McCullough]

ER...this is FABULOUS!!!!!!
xo
JM

[Carrie Waller]

Absolutely Amazing work! Love all of the details!

[pretty pink tulips]

Devine. The results are magnificent, but to watch it all unfold...that's a gift in and of itself. Now, if those walks could only talk!!
xoxo Elizabeth

[Tracey of TG Designs]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the window. It is perfect in every way! Those fabrics are gorgeous, and you made all the right choices! Pretty please come to the Detroit area soon.

[robyn]

WOW. When you gave the dimensions of the space I was momentarily alarmed. But then I remembered that YOU were in charge and any unsettled thoughts floated out the window! It's ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! There are so many details I love but I most adore the "fantasy" you've achieved. BRAVO! ...oh and that Hermes box was brilliant!

[Privet and Holly]

THAT would stop
ME in my TRACKS!!!
I love how you
told a story with
every detail; as
a writer, that is
what always intrigues
me the most in
design magazines:
the life lived in
each room!
xx Suzanne

[Brandi]

Beautiful and so meticulously designed as always! You have the best people in the industry to work with!

[Vickie H.]

OMG!!! So incredible, words fail me!!! I love every single inch of it! But my favorite touch is that faux bamboo highball as a vase with the most perfect flower EVER!
Wish I could fly to NYC just to stand outside and look at it, up close and personal. Simply amazing! Never a fan of orange, I have grown to adore the color and realize it is all in the mix. You are so marvelously gifted! Thank you for the step by step! WOW!!!

[Carol Beck]

The pink and orange -- to die for. Your writing enabled me to completely envision this designer in her office. I could see what she looked like! You should be so proud of your talent. Truly a beautiful, inspiring window into the world of your design.

[Sharon in Chicago]

Eddie!!! This is simply spectacular. I can't imagine anyone walking by it without stopping. Plus I think I spy some Paper Source envelopes in strawberry & poppy (you may have bought them elsewhere but they would have gotten them from our wholesale division, WasteNot Paper)

[Sally@DivineDistractions]

I keep going back to look at the details again! I guess you have accomplished what you started out to do...grab attention! Just wish my desk could look that neat and pulled together!!

[Kim Gordon]

Eddie and Jaithan,

Loved It! After a crazy day, it was refreshing to read your post and see your talent at work. Can't wait for you to come to Charlotte! It will be great fun!

Kim

[drey]

so inspiring :) so masterfully created too, love the vintage accessories :)

[jen fitch]

fantastic

[Laura Casey Interiors]

I absolutely LOVE it!! Carleton V makes some of my favorite fabrics, and what you chose is perfect. Fabulous!!

[Donna Atkinson]

Stunning! Strong, yet so approachable. Love the step by step account. You guys have done it again!

[Vava]

I'd take a makeover by Eddie over an Hermes gift! There's a study awaiting you in Texas...

[Judy]

That window has got to be one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen. I doubt you ever sleep at night with all these fabulous ideas running around inside your head!!! The touches of black are soooo elegant.

Hugs & kisses to you and Jaithan,
Judy

[Diane]

Kudos to you - wonderful job! Completely gorgeous! And I truly do adore that bold bright herringbone. You have such creative ingenuity.

[mhc]

sublime!

[Pat Smith]

Oops...a little multitasking going on here. I mean "When do you sleep?"

[Pat Smith]

Fab material to work with, but it's your inspiration that makes the window. You guys do so much, when to you sleep?

[Fifi Flowers]

FABuLOUS window... oooh la la... LOVE it!

[onestorybuilding]

It's beautiful, Eddie. You are inspiring me to step out of my comfort zone when it comes to color palettes. This is absolutely gorgeous.

[Rachael @ Mrs-Adventure]

Wow you are so talented!!! That you so much for not only showing the photos but the process... You are the best!

[Kate]

that herringbone is so glamorous, love the huge scale!

[kerry M. Howard]

OMG!! Love the color selections! Just beautiful! I miss your faces.

[ashlina]

PERFECTION!!!!!

[TSL]

I didn't quite know where you were going with this, but my jaw dropped when I saw the end result. (PS - you looked so cute in your shorts ;-)

[Tonia]

I love it! I gives me some ideas to do with an old desk I have. Fabulous work, way to go.