The DB Files » Art

Bemelmans’ Bar

diane — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:07:57 +0000

Perusing artful heritage, a sense of timelessness so often present in our comforting environments we are warmed with nostalgic memories. One classic example is the cosy little hideaway Bemelmans’ Bar, in The Carlyle Hotel of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, It is a sophisticated and whimsical icon honoring New York Style with Art Deco flair.

The bar was named after Ludwig Bemelman, creator of the enormously popular and beautiful Madeline children’s book series. Bemelman was also a successful artist working for The New Yorker, Vogue and Town and Country.

Bemelman transformed the bar in 1947 with nostalgic and clever hand painted scenes of Central Park. In exchange, he was granted residency for one and a half years in the hotel. The artful wit and whimsicality of the bar oozes a sense of quiet comfort, a warm and gentle abode.

The heritage of the walls in this Upper East Side establishment evokes a sense of timeless grandeur, of an artistic adventure painted in living memory. In the fabulous words of Bemelman, “Tell them it was wonderful!”.

Photo’s of Bemelmans Bar courtesy of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel.

Architectural Digest

diane — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:11:14 +0000

We are so thrilled that today’s post delivered Architectural Digest’s February 2011 edition…ahh, what a feeling! I am so grateful to have made the cover of this extraordinary internationally recognised magazine, and wanted to share my work with you. Many thanks to everyone that has made this possible. Hope you enjoy!

Inspiration

My daughter's bedroom

My Kitchen

Love my Library!

Gold & White

diane — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:14:25 +0000

One of my favourite colour combinations is gold & white. Clean, crisp white and rich, opulent gold seem to work especially well together – creating a fresh and contemporary look whilst evoking some old school glamour. I had a look through some of the images in my inspiration library & here are a few of my favourites:

: Amanda Talley

: Beautiful mirror carpet and plush chairs sitting room, by Celerie Kemble Lonny

: Fine art lamps

: Golds peach and turquoise cushion

: J-Crew-Bridal-Boutique- Madison

Sabine coffee table

Amazing time for amazing design!

diane — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:20:15 +0000

Tonight we are very lucky to be invited to celebrate the publication of Thomas Hamels’ first book, Thomas Hamel Residence. I very much respect Thomas and his work and this book is one I have been eagerly awaiting.

In fact, over the coming months we are going to spoilt with some of America’s greatest interior designers releasing their own books. It is such an amazing time for so many designers, congratulations to Thomas and each of the below designers on their success. I cannot wait to look over your beautiful creations.

My must have design book list:

Thomas Hamel Residence…..tick!

AT HOME: A Style for Today with Things from the Past, by Suzanne Rheinstein.

The book features six distinctive homes that express Suzanne’s relaxed yet elegant style, including her own homes in Los Angeles and New York. If you have ever had the pleasure of dropping into Hollyhock, Suzanne’s magnificent antique filled store you will know what a treat you are in for (and if you haven’t, you must).

The world of Madeline Castaing, by Emily Evans Eerdmans
Emily has not only one book, not two, but three and a legendary shop on rue Jacob in Paris……where does she find the time! Her previous books include Classic English Design and Antiques and Regency Redux.

Emily offers something unique, she is renowned for French blend of neoclassicism, Proustian romanticism, and pure wit.

Interior Portraits, by Victoria Hagan
One of today’s most influential designers, Victoria Hagan exploded onto the scene in 1988 when New York magazine devoted the cover of its design issue to one of her rooms. Since then she has become renowned for her intelligent integration of architectural and interior design. Absolutely adore her fresh very clean look.

more to come……..

LULU DK’s – BLOG

diane — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:38:43 +0000

Another Day at The Office

Lulu de Kwiatkowski has been a source of inspiration for me through both her beautiful book of collages (LULU from Ammo Books), and my use of her fabrics in my decorating. Now it is possible to get a little dose of Lulu’s style everyday, through her blog: Trail of Inspiration.

Image from "Lulu" Book

Lost City Found

diane — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0000

My trip to New York was a huge success! I not only visited friends and family but I was also thrilled to source fabulous new lines for the showroom. I just have to share these amazing hand-embroidered fabrics from Lost City. Every pattern has a story, either inspired by medieval paintings, architectural details, or Persian poetry. They truly are stunning!

First Post!

diane — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Hi, Welcome to Jan Morrow

I am an Interior Designer from New York, presently living in Melbourne Australia.
I have been seriously obsessed with design blogs for some time now.

The decision to blog or not to blog was made at last!
I hope you enjoy my musings on all things chic and glamorous.
Interiors, travel, books, shoes, art, and design just to name a few.

Best,
Diane B

Here is a photo of my inspiration board I’m using on the front page of my new and improved website