The DB Files » America

House Beautiful May 2011

diane — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:31:29 +0000

I love Stan Topol’s Atlanta office.
The black patent wallpaper makes such a statement.

Estate Sales

diane — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:58:38 +0000

People always ask me if I get home sick and what I miss most. The obvious of course… Friends & family, The D&D building, Ruben sandwiches.But something I really miss is rummaging around a good Estate sale. My friend Sarah and I would study the Friday New York Times Estate Sale/ Yard Sale listings and strategically outline our plan of attack. It’s very important to arrive early to the sale that you think will be a winner, and proceed to the next one on your list. Some of my most treasured finds are from these sales, and somehow the hunt is part of what makes them special.

Mood Indigo

diane — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:24:22 +0000

When it comes to interior décor, blue can be a colour that many people shy away from. It has a bit of a bad rep for being cold and uninviting, but when it’s used in the right shades, in the right light, AND in the right proportions (relative to other elements in the room), it can look exceptionally chic.

We love the look of these blue interiors… what do you think?

Aman & Carson Elle decor

Ashley Putnam Lonny

Christopher Maya HB

David Lawrence HB

Ellie Somerville Lonny

Gary McBournie HB

Jonathan Adler HB

Miles Redd HB

Milly de Cabrol HB

Toby Fairly HouseBeautiful

Tom Scheerer HB

Winter wonderland

diane — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:00:45 +0000

I’m in complete denial about how cold it is in Melbourne at the moment. So I thought I should get into the spirit of winter by sharing some inspiring winter retreats. Who could complain about the weather if you lived in this cozy hideaway designed by Ralph Lauren?!

Images courtesy of Habitually Chic

Fourth of July

diane — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:00:47 +0000

To all my American readers, happy fourth of July! I hope you’re all enjoying your holiday weekend.

This image of photographer Matt Albiani’s Nantucket hideaway brings back wonderful memories of going away over the holiday weekend with friends and family. It’s making me miss summer in the US (it is absolutely freezing here in Melbourne!).

Dog’s Holiday

diane — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:11:37 +0000

This week, I found an article in Coastal Living about glamorous choices for travelling with pets. The family never seems complete without the company of Fergus, our Maltese X. One of my favourite hotels is included in the list: the Ritz Carlton Naples, in Florida. Here’s hoping Australian hotels follow suit.

Photo - Inn by the Sea

Have a Happy Weekend.

The English Muse

diane — Mon, 25 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000

A huge thank you to Tina, LA’s very own English Muse for mentioning us in her blog! Tina is very busy blogging, twittering, face booking and working as a celebrity columnist for the LA Times! She’s one busy girl . Thank you so much for taking the time to visit!

MARVELOUS MAXIMILLION!

diane — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000

When you think of a dorm room or ‘student digs’ as we call them here in Australia they are usually very unlikely to be fashionable or desirable, in fact they are generally the very opposite! That is why when we saw these pictures of Maximilian Sinsteden’s student accommodation in New York magazine, our jaws literally fell through the floor! Drool over these pictures below and note all the touches he has added to give his room its very preppy and beautifully ‘undecorated’ look. Note the touches of Ralph Lauren and Ikea, along with family rugs, and the designer curtains and paisley pillows all from Charlotte Moss. (his boss ….) We love the green wall and the collection of pictures perfectly assembled. Studying in this environment deserves a high distinction for pulling it all together! Top of the class for you Maximilian.
Oh, and what about that chest of drawers? $80 from an opp. shop and note the beautiful way in which he folds all his ‘smalls’……..

All photographs by Dean Kaufman

Have a fun weekend!

diane — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Coco -- Cape Cod photo via The DB Files

Thanksgiving In The Spring!

diane — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:00:00 +0000

One of the things I miss since leaving America is Thanksgiving.
It was a new tradition to my French Canadian parents when they moved to Massachusetts in the 60’s from Quebec. It’s not a holiday you can avoid if you live in close proximity to Plymouth! It soon became my favourite holiday. I love the masses of relatives and friends gathered for traditional turkey dinner, complete with pumpkin pie, the Macy’s day parade and a four-day weekend.
It all works so well in the autumn with the leaves turning vibrant orange and golds and a chill in the air.

Since living in Australia, we haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving yet.
There is something about it being springtime. The weather and colours are not quite right… And of course it’s always on a Thursday.
So maybe the new tradition for us will be a turkey dinner with a springtime table setting shared with Australian friends and family.

Happy Thanksgiving.