Do you remember the window we did for Carleton V, the boutique fabric house from designer Dorothy Draper's protégé Carleton Varney? A jewel box studio, we called it, for the jet-set decorator.
Here's one last look, because it's going...
...going...
...gone!
From that modern herringbone in the fall, we turn now to a more wintry textile, a beautiful block printed linen dubbed Benaki in Mulberry Blue.
When Carleton's son Sebastian showed us a cutting at the D&D in New York, I thought immediately of some fantastic woman in fur, serving drinks by the fire in her gorgeous, old mansion in the mountains, Aspen maybe, with luxuriously upholstered walls, eccentric art and incredible taxidermy.
Diane's her name; friends call her DeDe. She's either your best friend or your worst enemy. Love her or hate her, she knows what she wants—and she gets it every time.
No fireplace, you say? To this, Dede replies defiantly: "Tear down that bitch of a bearing wall and put a fireplace where it ought to be!"
This little vignette you might recall from our Hell's Kitchen apartment after a simple redo of these side chairs from the New York City Flea Market. We're shopping it again on the 27th, by the way, and we'd love to see you! Email Jaithan (jaithan@eddieross.com) for a spot.
That old mantle in our apartment is one of my favorite finds from Elephant's Trunk, but to bring a more modern edge to the window, we decided to paint it a glossy blue, inspired by the fabric. Here's the talented Lindsey Lane—she once interned for Celerie Kemble!—working her magic.
Those side chairs got yet another new lease on life painted a pretty neutral and covered in a white velvet from Carleton V, Bordeaux in Snow.
For a hint of the country, I loved these antlers mounted to crests reminiscent of Benaki's playful pattern. To update them, Jaithan painted everything but the antlers the same pretty neutral as the chairs.
So while Lindsey and Jaithan tackled their projects, I decided to embellish the mirror over the fireplace with fabric. I've always loved the look of velvet-covered mirrors I used to see at Barneys Chelsea Passage and other high-end stores, but they were a little too rich for my blood. Here's a DIY version high on style for a fraction of the price.
Garages, attics and other such places have a curious way of hiding treasure. This mirror actually hung in the basement of Jaithan's parents house for years before I painted it white. It's not particularly valuable, but the deep frame would make for a great piece covered in Carleton V's velvet, Bordeaux in Red.
In a well-ventilated area nothing at all like this one, spray a single side of a wood frame with adhesive, cover and smooth with fabric, then trim with a razor blade to fit. As you progress, be sure to cover adjacent sides you've already done with craft paper to prevent any adhesive from soiling the fabric.
Check out the final result!
With our makeover projects complete, the team and I moved back downstairs to continue the installation. I loved how the painted mantle lent a modern edge to the fabric, but to give the window a more authentic feel, as though truly a vignette in DeDe's grand mansion in the country, I painted baseboards the same glossy blue as the mantle, sawed them to fit and installed them in place.
Three back-of-the-door mirrors from Lowe's, cut to size, does wonders to a non-working fireplace, though I was definitely feeling some Domino déjà vu.
Day one complete, a quick night's sleep and it was off to the flea market to prop! This Chinoiserie brass box for 20 bucks would be fantastic on the mantle.
It may not be good art, but I loved the colors and the traditional vibe paired nicely with...
...the more modern landscape we scored just ten minutes later—seriously.
DeDe's mink may not be PC, but neither is her penchant for gin martinis and cigarettes.
Friday night and she's just arrived from the city after another week on the battlefield. Toss the fur and the gloves are off.
Those boys might think they're getting the job, steamrolling her every chance they get, but she's not letting up.
She's worked hard—damn hard—for everything she has. Did it all herself, she thinks, uncapping the gin. Even this house.
No detail left undone.
That's how she works.
How she lives.
Perpetually in motion, always on display.
I love the windows for Carleton V - especially how it comes alive with the backstory of DeDe.
What is the name of the blue paint you used on that mantle and baseboards?
Posted by: Noel | March 29, 2011 at 03:37 PM
I love your designs!
Posted by: ElleX | March 06, 2011 at 10:54 AM
"Tear down that bitch of a bearing wall..."
::snicker::
Looks great! And I think that's indeed good art...but I'm special like that. ;-)
Posted by: laura @ the shorehouse | March 01, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Love everything, the upholstered layers are divine, but out of curiosity, why leave the floor bare?
Posted by: Jenny | February 20, 2011 at 08:48 PM
OMG your amazing! I love all the detail and work that went into your display.
Dee-Jersey Girl
Posted by: Dee | February 19, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Wonderful work as usual - I love that little bronzed table!
Posted by: beth | February 14, 2011 at 11:09 PM
I love the way this turned out. I'm a huge fan of painting trim something other than white. the antlers were brilliant but the story was the best part! XOXO
Posted by: Jenny @ Art, Wine and Design | February 14, 2011 at 05:21 PM
This is stunning!! The way you layered all of the amazingly diverse and beautiful elements is gorgeous...there's an almost English/gathered/collected over time vibe to the whole thing...genius! I absolutely love it...you and your brilliant helpers have truly outdone yourselves!
xo J~
Posted by: Jessica | February 14, 2011 at 12:18 PM
I love it all! I am seeing a pink velvet mirror in my near future.
Posted by: Kayce hughes | February 09, 2011 at 08:07 PM
DeDe is one lucky gal....I am afraid if I tried to cover a frame in velvet....I would have more of it glued to myself than the frame....you rocked it though....like you know you did :) Swoon.....
Posted by: sherry hart | February 09, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Omg! I love it. Dee Dee's personality totally made me laugh; especially the part where she took out the load bearing wall. The vignette is gorgeous. Thanks for telling the story.
Posted by: Upscale Downhome | February 09, 2011 at 01:35 PM
I think you should write a novel about Dede, with pictures of course ! You two really rocked that window out. Thanks so much for stopping by, made my day.
Posted by: Tammy@InStitches | February 09, 2011 at 09:03 AM
Genius! I absolutely love seeing you break down the processes of how you create such beautiful windows. I love the narratives you weave and the end results are nothing short of sensational! Beautiful job.
Posted by: Sarah | February 09, 2011 at 03:34 AM
This post is too much fun. Love DeDe. I think I know her! And those chairs are GREAT.
www.ajbarnesonline.blogspot.com
Posted by: AJ Barnes | February 08, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Wow, Eddie. Fabulous and that story - so Mommy Dearest!
Posted by: Shevon | February 08, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Love your style! And the story brings it to life! I can just picture that diva Dede, sipping a gin martini by the fire. Thank you, as always, for the inspriation!
xo
Julie
Posted by: Julie B. | February 08, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Hi Eddie , Happy february back, and thanks for stopping by my blog.Always love waht you do and this window is a real stunner.I wish I wish I could sit back and knock back a few martini's in your make-believe land with dede , hahaha.
Have a fabulous day you two.
Bea
Posted by: Modern Country Lady | February 08, 2011 at 02:18 AM
Looks like my coat and shoe size... when can I move in?
Posted by: Linda | February 07, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Just gorgeous ... I wish I could move right in. You two are so talented and never fail to impress me with your classic yet fresh ideas:)
xoxo
Posted by: Mary-Grace | February 07, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Oh, Eddie - you're so funny!
Posted by: Sharyn | February 07, 2011 at 05:16 PM
OMG another favorite post! LOVED DeDe, she's FABulous! Your window design posts are just so intriguing (like the others are NOT?) ... great, great, great, Eddie!
Posted by: sandy@oohlafroufrou | February 07, 2011 at 02:15 PM
Brilliant as always! LOVE how you covered the mirror...and the fireplace is beautiful. The story of the window is so great, I could see it all play out, and I think the fur makes it!
Posted by: Gretchen O | February 07, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Aaaahh! This is just fab! You have such an ability to make it all come to life. Her personality shines through so well and I LOVE all of what you did to the display!
The detail is perfect and it's like stepping onto a stage set.
Fantastic work and thank you for always sharing so generously!
Hugs from Sydney
x Charlotta
Posted by: Charlotta | February 07, 2011 at 09:15 AM
f a n t a s t i c..... xx
Posted by: pam robinson | February 07, 2011 at 12:16 AM
Magic, pure and simple. You two are terrific - we love you in Kentucky. Come to Louisville soon for a visit to Joe Ley Antiques.
Posted by: Suzanne | February 06, 2011 at 03:57 PM
What a trasnformation! Love those blue gray chairs..wow and the setting was fabulous. I would love to be able to go to that flea market, so creative how you put it all together...very nice.
I hope you might visit me, started a newish blog (one month ago) about the buiding our new home and my love for design..doing my very first giveaway!
www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com
Its a gorgeous french chair! Hope you will come by.
Posted by: the enchanted home | February 06, 2011 at 06:44 AM
E+J- Lovely! The fireplace just expands that space.
But, I'm scared of DeDe. She would eat me for breakfast.
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES) | February 06, 2011 at 12:36 AM
I could eat that with a spoon. Love the block print, love the modern landscape, I even kinda love the pomegranate painting in a weird, special little way. A toast to furs, fabulous design, and foul-mouthed ladies...and wire hangers be damned.
Posted by: Alicia Griffin | February 06, 2011 at 12:16 AM
No one does it better than you... the room decor and the story telling!!!!! Bravo!
Posted by: Dianne | February 05, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Just fabulous! The story and the window. I love the colors and all the details you included, right down to the shoes. I'm doing a teen girl room in a Showhouse now and I have her photo, ripped from the Urban Outfitters catalog. I have her story in my head and every time I select something I go back to her personality and think, "What would she choose?" I haven't named her yet....great idea! You are an original, Eddie. Thanks for sharing all this!
Posted by: Carla@DesignintheWoods | February 05, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Absolute perfection! Your story telling made an already fantastic window come alive.
Posted by: Sara Jane | February 05, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Amazing! you guys are incredibly talented and a constant inspiration....
Posted by: julie fraser | February 04, 2011 at 11:25 PM
love it!
Posted by: Holly@posypocket.blogspot.com | February 04, 2011 at 11:10 PM
Very lovely, another great window. Of course DeDe's gonna get what she wants - with heels like that, who's gonna argue with her and expect to live...
Posted by: dcfan | February 04, 2011 at 10:21 PM
What a fabulously luxurious vignette! Those chairs are to die for...they looked awesome greige and now look incredible in the burnt butter yellow you chose! I have said it a thousand times before and will say a thousand more times more...it never ceases to amaze me how much paint can transform a piece! xx Danielle
Posted by: Danielle | February 04, 2011 at 06:27 PM
I
want
To say this was
Kick Ass Great
I will be one of a hundred this weekend trying to cover a frame in velvet
Janice
Posted by: Curtains In My Tree | February 04, 2011 at 04:33 PM
I think the velvet on the mirror over the fireplace is my favorite little detail. I love how everything came together!
Posted by: Oona | February 04, 2011 at 03:18 PM
I'm standing clapping bravo! There is a DeDe in us all and boy this room would be my stage. You did your magic again, this time with some snazzy inspiration. What is so darn sexy about a bar (tray, cart, you name it)?
Great fun Eddie!
Posted by: Deborah Milne | February 04, 2011 at 01:28 PM
Can I move into this display? Seriously...it is perfect, Eddie!
Posted by: trinity | February 04, 2011 at 01:12 PM
Great post....
Posted by: lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart | February 04, 2011 at 10:23 AM
You told such a great story with your decor! I think I may even know this woman... or wish I did.
Posted by: gretchen | February 03, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Eddie,
What can I say??? You made my day with your comment on my blog today! That was a great surprise! Thank you!
I must say that I'm loving this post so much that I'm a little bit jealous (not in a bad way:-) ) of your team. I'd love to be there, working with you. Wow! It would be amazing! Call me next time, eh?:-)
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Posted by: Luciane at HomeBunch.com | February 03, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Dede sure gets what she wants. And she so deserves it! Very metropolitan & creative!
Always fun seeing the two of you in action. And how adorable is Jaithan's "bumblebee?" socks!
ox, Mon
Posted by: Splendid Willow | February 03, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Eddie..I was so excited to get a comment on my blog from you today. xoxo I love everything about this. I had a winner on my blog giveaway from Elephants Trunk..wonder if same girl. That color on the fireplace is the same as what Im using in my nursery redesign. The whole Joan Crawford pic got me all excited and you all did an amazing job. Im so hoping to make the trip on 27th..J already emailed me. Hope to see you soon, if not def next one.
Posted by: Melanie J | February 03, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Eddie, it is just gorgeous. you have one amazing team.
Posted by: paula | February 03, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Good heavens, my anxiety level rose just reading this post. She'd scare me to death! I love the colors. Thank goodness you don't shy away from color! And a big, big thanks for stopping by my blog.
Posted by: Heather | February 03, 2011 at 03:38 PM
I always love the stories to go with the vignettes! Dede sounds like a real dame, in the best sense. And I'm seriously coveting that velvet mirror!
Posted by: Amber | February 03, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Eddie,
You are so creative -- love the winter window and the entire story you've created. I adore the mantel. The red velvet framed mirror is genius. Question: I see the window trimmed in red (24th photo), is that paint or velvet fabric?
Let's hope DeDe was as pleased with the design as I am. I wouldn't want you or Jaithan beaten with a wire hanger!
Posted by: Fairfield House | February 03, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Love seeing the progress! soo talented you are!come over to my blog for first give away! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | February 03, 2011 at 01:35 PM
i am loving the mantle so much! the mirror inside is pure genius! thank you coming by so nice of you!! have a super day! susan
Posted by: susan | February 03, 2011 at 11:44 AM
You had me at white velvet!
Seriously, these stories you tell with the decor you set just blow me away. I'd LOVE to be DeDe's friend and I probably may be able to forgive her the fur if it's a treasured hand me down from her mother. DeDe actually has my father's personality! Especially when she says to hell with the bearing wall, put a fireplace where it needs to go!
Posted by: robyn | February 03, 2011 at 11:10 AM
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!
Posted by: Susan Phillips | February 03, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Beautiful! I wish you would do a more indepth tutorial about how to wrap that mirror! It turned out beautifully! Hope you guys are doing great.
Posted by: Amanda | February 03, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Fabulous. I'd love an invitation to Dede's. Love every single detail. Those cranberry hurricane's really tie it all together!
Posted by: quintessence | February 03, 2011 at 11:02 AM
I'm thinking of Dede in the boardroom at the head of the table full of suits and she yells "Don't F* with ME Fellas!" You're an absolute ARTIST!
Posted by: Patti | February 03, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Love it. Dede would be proud. The mirror is especially inventive.
Posted by: elz | February 03, 2011 at 09:59 AM
I want to have cocktails with Dede Darrrling. I'll bring my own extendable cigarette holder.
Posted by: stella starlite | February 03, 2011 at 09:45 AM
I have so many comments about this post, I'll keep it to a minimum though :)
I just went to the hell's kitchen flea market in DC. I saw the (not pc) vintage leopard coat I've been searching for for years but was scolded by the vendor when I started petting it. Turns out, the coat was NOT for sale.
I LOVE the elephant's trunk flea --I go there whenever I'm up in CT visiting family (I'll call you next time :) ha ha!
How clever to cover a a frame in velvet! I never would have thought of it. The little drink table is adorable (I just did a post about drinks tables) so much more to say....
Best
Posted by: Julie LoRusso | February 03, 2011 at 09:06 AM
This is fabulous, conveys such a mood, rich and layered! Janell
Posted by: Janell Beals | February 03, 2011 at 08:46 AM
Love it! That danged Dede! lol
Posted by: Patti Davis | February 03, 2011 at 08:42 AM
I love that vignette!!! And the story you told, I love how you think. I am so going to try your velvet covered frame this weekend, fabulous idea! Way to go everyone who worked with you on the window, it's stunning!
Posted by: Acquired Objects | February 03, 2011 at 08:20 AM
Thatlinen ( Benaki ) is gorgeous, and loev the idea of the velvet mirror frame.This looks the business,gin and tonic all around :-)
Posted by: Modern Country Lady | February 03, 2011 at 08:12 AM
How I would love to light a fire, take off my mink and collapse on one of those chairs with a drink in my hand and stay in your lovely, sophisticated space until spring blooms again in NYC! Beautiful!
Posted by: The Buzz Blog - Diane James Home | February 03, 2011 at 06:34 AM
OMG...that is one fab window.
And you got me thinking of doing a little velvet covered mirror myself.
Posted by: Ann | February 03, 2011 at 03:28 AM
The picture you had in mind is great and the film-still from the movie is excellent. I enjoy the look behind the scenes very much.
Posted by: Paula | February 03, 2011 at 03:11 AM
This is just a FABULOUS post! What a great re-do. And I noticed that Jaithan's socks match the color of the paint you used :)
Posted by: Tamara | February 03, 2011 at 02:20 AM
Utterley brilliant! Love the wallpaper/fabric and the mirrored fireplace is sooo clever! Well done to you all! KG
Posted by: KG | February 03, 2011 at 01:17 AM
How absolutely fabulous! I love how a room can tell a story. Congrats on such a creative outcome.
Posted by: julie | February 03, 2011 at 12:15 AM
Love the chair on which the mirror leans. The wall fabric is to die for.
Posted by: Carole | February 02, 2011 at 11:56 PM
ANOTHER STUNNER!!! Just amazing!!! Nice work, Eddie and team!!!
Posted by: Vickie H. | February 02, 2011 at 11:37 PM
WOW!!! Incredible narative. Thank you for the fantasy.....
Beautiful room... I could move in.
Posted by: Sandra Jonas | February 02, 2011 at 11:36 PM
great post, great project! Covering the mirror frame is an interesting DIY project, but I know something would go wrong for me as soon as I got my hands on the spray adhesive :/
Posted by: Sean | February 02, 2011 at 11:30 PM
I'm cracking up over the commentary and drooling over the results. Great job guys! You never cease to amaze me.
Posted by: Mona Thompson | February 02, 2011 at 11:27 PM
Just perfect! I adore that fabric and it's so nice to see it used this way. And the velvet mirror? Amazing!
Posted by: Brandi | February 02, 2011 at 10:16 PM
You all did a great job! Oh, and I think Dede was my first boss! ;-)
Kat :)
Posted by: Kat | February 02, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Love the window, love the story, love the velvet mirror. Wow! It kills me that you just pop over to the flea market and the perfect room comes together. You guys are too much for words. Love watching you :)
Posted by: Carol@SofasandSage | February 02, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Gorgeous! When can I move in?
Posted by: Lulu | February 02, 2011 at 09:28 PM
As with all your work--I love the window!! But, I also love the story behind the window!
Posted by: Shannon Berrey Designs | February 02, 2011 at 08:53 PM
Love it!
xo
Caroline
Posted by: Caroline Simas | February 02, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Decorating theater! You really told a big, and completely convincing story in that little space. So inventive and fresh!! Can't wait to see what you do next!!
Posted by: Donna Atkinson | February 02, 2011 at 08:46 PM
This post had
me smiling,
oohing,
ahhing,
nodding,
laughing
and
applauding!
Yay for Dede!
{WHAT a gal}
Yay for Eddie
and Jaithan
and intern Lindsay!
You all really
and truly scored
a home run with
this one...
Love it!!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Privet and Holly | February 02, 2011 at 08:33 PM
I was completely swept away with Dede's story. Love how you reinvented those chairs and antlers.
I'm thinking i need to put mirrors in my fireplace for the summer!
xoxo Elizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | February 02, 2011 at 08:25 PM
Great story! Makes the room come alive!
xo Cathy
Posted by: Stitchfork | February 02, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Amazing job! You are so delightfully twisted.
Posted by: barbara heady | February 02, 2011 at 08:24 PM
I was so excited to see your new display for the Carleton V window, reading each image with anticipation of what was to come. Of course, you did not disappoint...it is fabulous!!
Posted by: designchic | February 02, 2011 at 08:15 PM
"Tear down that bitch of a bearing wall and put a fireplace where a fireplace ought to be!" HAHAHAI have a feeling I would love Dede...
This is so gorgeous and feminine and retro-feeling!!
Posted by: Sara | February 02, 2011 at 07:55 PM
WOW, I LOVE THIS FABRIC ON THE WALL AND THE SCONCES...
YOU HAVE TO BE ONE OF THE BEST AT FINDING FURNITURE AND REDOING IT AND THEN MAKING A ROOM FROM IT....
YOU AND YOUR PARTNER ARE SO HANDS ON AND A LOT OF DECORATORS ARE NOT...
YOU HAVE A GIFT FOR COLOR.....
DO YOU LIKE TO COOK? CHECK OUT ISSAC MITZRAHI (SP?) BLOG AND WATCH HIM COOK WITH CHEFS.. I LOVE BOTH YOUR BLOGS..
XXOO
MELISSA
Posted by: MELISSA LEE | February 02, 2011 at 07:51 PM
O.K....This may be the best da____ little vignette I've seen from you! If I could wrap you guys in bubble wrap and throw a stamp on your foreheads I'd send you first class to my place. I'd like to think I'm pretty good with "using what you have".....and making do with a little creativity and a can of paint, but somehow I can't do it in my own home. You are the kings! Great post..very witty...k
Posted by: Kathy | February 02, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Wow! This window is amazing. Fantastic work! I was so enthralled with Dede's story - what fun.
Posted by: Kate Collins | February 02, 2011 at 07:37 PM
OMG looks amazing. Love everything. I felt like I could kick off my heels and join her for a martini - mine xtra dirty vodka martini. How I miss East Coast Flea markets love the paintings.
Posted by: Ann | February 02, 2011 at 07:22 PM
I love all of the colors and details you incorporated. And the velvet mirror is incredible - it looks so classy. Beautiful work, as always.
Posted by: paige renee | February 02, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Love it - especially the idea of how well it goes with a gin martini!
Posted by: Alan Karlin | February 02, 2011 at 07:12 PM
I do remember this display. As always your work is splendid.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Posted by: Mr. Goodwill Hunting | February 02, 2011 at 07:11 PM
I love the shoes! The whole room looks amazing but the shoes finish the story!
Fantastic!
Posted by: Beth | February 02, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Fabulous the window is gorgeous!! Eddie where did the brass bamboo table come from....if you ever want to sell it... Graet job team!
Fabulous giveaway on my site by Splenderosa!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | February 02, 2011 at 06:35 PM
Love it! You are brilliant! I absolutely love this window and am amazed at how you came about all of this after looking at the fabric. You have done "Dede" justice!
Posted by: Kathy | February 02, 2011 at 06:30 PM
You are are totally AMAZING! What an incredible transformation.
xo
Posted by: pigtown*design | February 02, 2011 at 06:11 PM
That is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. I can't believe all of the detail that is involved.
Posted by: rachael | February 02, 2011 at 06:07 PM
You've done it again! No surprise -- beautiful! So creative and I love Dede's story! I love this space you created -- bravo!!
Posted by: Anne | February 02, 2011 at 05:49 PM
I love the fireplace painted blue and the baseboards. The baseboards are what make it. Loving the velvet covered mirror too. Dede's room in divine!
Posted by: Nita@ModVintageLife | February 02, 2011 at 05:49 PM