Spring Cleaning

SPRING CLEANING:

MOVING HOMES…

The daunting task of spring cleaning has begun at DLD, and first on our list was the blog, Livingston’s Lab.  In order to give us more options and give you everything you deserve, we have separated ties with WordPress.com and have self-hosted Livingston’s Lab.

We will continue to give you exciting and adventurous design inspiration, ideas, and news – only from a new home, blog.dlivingstondesign.com!  Make sure that you update your RSS feed and email subscriptions (at the top right corner of the new blog) and continue to follow and let us know what YOU want to read about and see on Livingston’s Lab.

From all of us at DLD we’d like to give you our appreciation for your support and readership.  We continually love this journey called life and are thrilled to share it with all of you!

The Great Sphinxes!

My absolute favorite items to shop for are one-of-a-kind antiques.  I love fact that antique furniture and artifacts always have a beautiful story behind them, they are true “Statement Pieces.”  While there are so many amazing places in LA for antiques, J.Nelson Antiques has continually been a first stop when I’m on the hunt for something unique.

A few years ago I was in J. Nelson and was lucky enough to snatch up this beautiful pair of late 19th century sculptures.  The minute I saw them I knew that I had to have them, and I had the perfect pair of 1860′s marble top console tables, from Kentshire Galleries, to display them.

These show-stoppers are French, Louis XVI-style terra-cotta sphinxes.  The sphinxes are depicting caricatures of Madame du Barry and Madame de Pompadour.  These women were honored as the last two maitresse-en-titres (mistress’ to the king) of King Louis XV of France.

They each have an interesting story as head mistress.  Madame de Pompadour was very involved with the King and enjoyed accompanying him while hunting, playing cards, and touring properties – among other activities.  She was very active in politics as well, and the King allowed her considerable leeway in the determination of a range of issues from military matters to foreign affairs.

After Pompadour’s death Madame du Barry fell into the role of Louis XV’s mistress.  While Pompadour was very active with the king and politics, Madame du Barry would rather pass her time pampering herself with custom gowns and jewels.  It is even rumored that Madame Du Barry created a false birth certificate declaring herself three years younger than her true age!  That is a sure way of keeping yourself young!

The pair of sphinxes complete the glamour of this living space.

Portrait of Madame du Barry by Elisabeth Vigee le Brun.

Portrait of Madame de Pompadour by Francois Boucher.

The details show off the elegancy of these two pieces.

Impressive leaf-detail carved legs of the George II style gilt-wood tables.

Pair of 1860′s French sphinxes from J. Nelson Antiques.

A Week with Donna Livingston

Phew, I can honestly say that I now know what fashion stylist Rachel Zoe feels like at the end of Oscar week – exhausted!  This past week was a whirlwind of preparations, dinner parties, and design events revolving around WestWeek and Stars of Design.  What began with a little extra weight pumping and stomach butterflies, resulted in an indescribable feeling of accomplishment and honor.

To celebrate the week’s events, my former right-hand man, Dan, flew in from Florida and we hosted a dinner party on Tuesday to get the entire DLD group together.  I have always had such a close connection with my employees and it is a blast when we get everyone together, the old and the new.  Throughout the night I felt so proud looking around and seeing all the interns and talent that have come through my office and now have careers and accomplishments of their own.

As the party came to a close I had to sit down and prepare my acceptance speech and ensemble for the following night.  It was going to be a glamorous evening filled with icons of the design industry and I thought that a white Monique Lhuillier dress was the perfect choice.  As for all the preparation for my acceptance speech for the Star of Interior Design award, it all went out the window and ended up just coming from the heart.  It was so rewarding to be among the Stars honored for 2012 and in my own heart, I saw that to be a public affirmation of my work.

Speaking of Stars, I also went to WestWeek’s “Rise of the Rock Star Designer” keynote event at the Pacific Design Center.  The panel included Martyn Lawrence-Bullard and Kathryn Ireland (Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators) along with some of HGTV’s interior designers and hosts.  It was very uplifting to hear how fame has affected their lives and the world’s view of design.  The whole week left me thinking of what’s next in store for me, maybe you’ll see me on your television screen one day!

Some of the DLD gang enjoying dinner.

Kate, Margaret, Janet, and me at the DLD party.

For 30 plus years, Dan was the best right-hand man a girl could ask for!

Merrick and me at the DLD dinner.

I absolutely loved this chair. It’s from a new showroom at the PDC, Witford!

Here I am at Kneedler|Fauchere with owner George Massar.

A collection of succulents from Kneedler|Fauchere. My favorite is the “string of pearls” on the right.

Taking a break!

Taking a snapshot of this gorgeous art-piece for a client of mine.

Can you spot me in the Stars of Design “Hall of Fame?”

Marc Appleton and me at the Stars of Design event.

Some of the up and coming “Stars on the Rise” at the awards dinner.

My daughter Tara and me at the Stars of Design dinner.

Some of the DLD gang at the Stars of Design dinner.

Enjoying dinner with the Stars of Design.

Margaret and James at the Stars of Design dinner.

Gary and me at the Stars of Design celebration.

My daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and assistant, Angela, at the Stars of Design dinner celebration.

Sean Yashar and me at the Stars of Design dinner.

I’ve never felt more honored than at this moment!

Please click on an image to view gallery and captions.

The Groundhog was Wrong…

WestWeek 2012 Proves Spring Is Here.

It’s hard to believe WestWeek is already here! For those of us in the design industry, it is the first marker of spring as well as a whirlwind of keynotes and conferences to attend, showrooms to preview, and design professionals to catch up with. All this takes place at the epicenter of design here in Los Angeles, the Pacific Design Center.

Each year a panel from the PDC selects outstanding professionals to be awarded as “Stars Of Design” in the fields of Architecture, Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, and Urban Design. This year I am excited to be given the award for Interior Design. I would like to thank all the contributors to the PDC, as well as the owner/operator himself, Charles Cohen for selecting me as the recipient of this prestigious award; I am truly honored.

All in all, I couldn’t be more excited about West Week 2012. Its going to be a great week, and better yet, the start of a great year for us in the design industry.

Zimmer + Rohde, carried by Thomas Lavin at the PDC

WITFORD, a new Showroom at the PDC with everything available off the floor.

Sneak Peek at the Sahco & Rubelli Spring Collection

Reveal: A Fabric from Jim Thompson’s New collection, Spotlight

Edge Chandelier from Holly Hunt

Please click on an image to view gallery and captions.

A Few WestWeek Programs

Wednesday March 21, 2012:

10-11 am, “In Focus: Trends in Interior Photography“, Silver Screen Theater

Margaret Russell, the Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest, will discuss the latest trends in architectural and interior-design photography— covering everything from how to prepare your projects for photo shoots to how to effectively promote your work both in print and online. Celebrated photographers Roger Davies and Grey Crawford, contributors to Architectural Digest, will join Ms. Russell for a brief Q+A, providing exclusive expert insight from the other side of the camera lens.

Reception to follow at Cowtan & Tout showroom.

12-1 pm, “Cultivating Creativity: Secrets of a Successful Showroom,“ Mimi London Showroom

Join Interiors Editorial Director, Michael Wollaeger for a lively dialogue with Mimi London President/Owner, Mark Boone about the growth, evolution and success of there own showroom and its’ inspired relationships with its’ showroom partners. The dialogue will include input from industry-leading furniture and textile designers Nick Berman/Gennaro Rosetti, Carolyn Ray and William Stuart.

2-3 pm, “On Display: The Secret to Artful Rooms,“ Janus et Cie showroom

Mitchell Owens, Special Projects Editor of Architectural Digest, examines top trends in art and how they are being used in the creation of striking spaces where drama meets comfort.

3:30-4:30 pm, “Rise of the Rock Star Designer,” Blue Conference Center

David Bromstad (HGTV’s Color Splash), Martyn Lawrence-Bullard (Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators), Antonio Ballatore (HGTV’s The Antonio Treatment), and Kathryn Ireland (Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators), discuss how fame has impacted their lives, helped them build their brand and changed the way the world looks at design.

Thursday, March 22, 2012:

12-1 pm, “Demystifying White,“ Thomas Lavin showroom

A debate on the stunning qualities and endless possibilities of white with author Linda O’Keeffe, Interiors magazine Editorial Director Michael Wollaeger, and interior designer Catherine Fellowes, a connoisseur and advocate of white.

1-2 pm, “Jim Thompson for Kneedler|Fauchére: Passion for Fabrics Under the Thai Sky,” Blue Conference Center

Jim Thompson masterfully creates each of its fabrics under the Thai sky and blends its modern masterpieces with the beauty, people and hand-woven traditions of Thailand. Chad Holman, Managing Director – USA, and Tim Johnson, Director of Sales, invite you to journey with them to the land they call home. Take in the peppery sweetness of the air and marvel at the remarkable process of creating a Jim Thompson fabric — from raising silkworms to design through weaving and production.

Experience tastes and libations of Thailand at a private reception in the Kneedler|Fauchére showroom immediately following this presentation.

3-4 pm, “What Makes the “A” Team.  Successful Partnering in Luxury Estates,” Blue Conference Center

Learn how the city’s leading estate professionals, including the distinguished architect William Hefner, AIA; noted estate designer Monique Lafia, ASID; one of the country’s best known landscape designers, Mark David Levine; and noted construction manager, Bart Mendel – have developed an impressive system for superb communication, on-the-job reporting, and seamless estate choreography so that everyone on the team shines, especially the homeowner. 

WestWeek 2012  will be the design industry event of the year.  Don’t miss it!

Luck O’ the Irish

GREEN IN DESIGN

I recently predicted Chartreuse green as one of the top colors for this year, and it has proven to be true.  There has been green popping up all over in the design world lately, it is everywhere you look in the workshops and showrooms!  In honor of the Irish holiday at the end of the week, I wanted to share some of this lucky color with you.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and don’t forget your green – or you might get a little pinch!

 

And it’s green, green, green, all the happy night and day:

Green of leaf and green of sod — green of ivy on the wall,

And the blessed Irish shamrock with the fairest green of all.

-Mary Elizabeth Blake

Celerie Kemble’s Cumulus fabric in Grass. Schumacher.

Lucky four leaf clover pin. Craig Evan Small.

Palladio bedding collection. E. Braun & Co.

Dark green dyed parchment chest. J.F. Chen.

Green Bloom print. J. Pocker.

Antique Irish rug by Voysey. Mansour Rugs.

Caviuna chair with green leather. Thomas Hayes Gallery.

Tempo collection of glass tiles in Jade. Waterworks.

Sarona fabric in Kiwi, by Romo. Thomas Lavin.

Please click on an image to view gallery and captions.

Product Sources: Schumacher, Craig Evan Small, E. Braun & Co, J.F. Chen, J. Pocker, Mansour Rugs, Thomas Hayes Gallery, Waterworks, Thomas Lavin.

Peacocks, Zebras, and Snakes, OH MY!

ANIMALS IN DESIGN

It’s no secret that animals and nature are an abundant source of inspiration for interior design products and materials.  What began in the Victorian era as a new interest in the natural world, through displaying stag’s heads and stuffed pheasants, has transformed into the influence of animals that we see in design today.

When I think about animal influence in interiors, I don’t think so much about animal “motifs” as I do the impact on furniture design, textures, and materials.  If you take a look at the fabrics, wallpapers, rugs, and antique furniture in the homes of both past and present you can see the prevalence of animals in the finite details.  For example, chair and table legs from various periods were often carved in the likeness of animal feet or tusks.

Not only is the influence seen in antique pieces, but modern ones as well.  Modern furniture designer Hans Wegner is known for a unique interpretations of animals in the design of some of his chairs, such as the Papa Bear Chair or the Ox Chair.

Animals have also largely influenced fabrics and textures.  In one of my earlier posts I mentioned the gorgeous Peacock Cloth by Donghia.  It is carefully crafted from fallen peacock feathers that are hand-woven onto the fabric itself, creating an item truly inspired by the beauty of an animal.

Do you see animals and nature intertwined into the design world?  I encourage you to find you own examples and post links and images of them in the comments section, for additional inspiration!

Here I am with a pair of neoclassical benches, circa 1835, with carved swan head arms that I purchased from Newel, in NYC.

Borghesi Mirrored Console with ball and claw feet. Available through Jean de Merry.

Bronze Snake Chair. Available through Blackman Cruz.

1860′s English bench with legs terminating in feathered serpent heads. Available through Lee Stanton Antiques.

A gilded table I purchased from Newel, in NYC. Interiors by DLD.

Hans Wegner’s Papa Bear Chair. Available through Danish Design Store.

Hans Wegner’s Ox Chair. Available through Danish Design Store.

Hand-Woven Peacock Cloth. Available through Donghia.

Genuine Zebra Hide, perfect for an accent piece. Available through Keleen Leathers.

The Olympia Chair from Rose Tarlow is upholstered in Stark’s tiger silk velvet in this master bathroom. Interiors by DLD.

A bronze directoire-style lamp is another example of using the influence of a swan in decor. Lamp purchased at John Nelson Antiques. Interiors by DLD.

An Italian fountain frog adorns a quaint pond at a Beverly Hills Estate.

Please click on an image to view gallery and captions.

Product Sources: Newel, Jean de Merry, Blackman Cruz, Lee Stanton, Danish Design Store, Donghia, Keleen Leather, Rose Tarlow, Stark, and John Nelson Antiques.

Did you know? Kalef Alaton…

KALEF ALATON IS MY BIGGEST DESIGN INFLUENCE.

Timeless – that is the most fitting word to describe Kalef Alaton’s work.  Born in the Middle East, Alaton was a well-traveled man.  His knowledge of antiquities and cultural experience had a large influence on his designs.  His taste toward an eclectic mixture of elements created timeless spaces that have survived, elegantly, for decades.  In studying his work, I learned to not be afraid of color and wild textures, how to stylize coffee tables, and how to tastefully adorn clean walls with worldly treasures – but mostly, I learned that design should be timeless.

Photographer unknown, from Architectural Digest, February 1987. Design by Kalef Alaton.

Last year I read a beautiful quote by Mr. Alaton in San Francisco Design Center’s Spring issue of their magazine, 3D, on his use of antiques: “I might combine an old piece with something very modern, but I won’t know how it will look until the pieces are placed together. The concept of combining styles is similar to acquiring friends. It’s nice to have young friends and old friends, each unique.”  What a perfect analogy!

Inspiration of Mr. Alaton’s aesthetics on mixing the old with the new can be seen in this Bel-Air Estate I completed in 1987. Design by Donna Livingston Design.

Alaton’s spacious, light-filled home in West Hollywood was the perfect slate for a magnificent collection of fine arts and luxurious materials.  His consistency of using a clean background to display treasures and antiques allowed each piece to shine individually as well as collaboratively.

Kalef Alaton’s Master bedroom, with two tester beds and a mahogany Regency table with a gilded winged-seahorse base.

Alaton’s Master bath featured a Russian armchair and carved marble mirror.

Above photos by John Vaughn from Architectural Digest, May 1988. Design by Kalef Alaton.

Published in Architectural Digest in 1984, this Kalef Alaton designed home, below, seamlessly combined the old with the new.  The home’s views of Lake Washington are a breathtaking backdrop for the mix of the contemporary textiles and flooring with antique tapestries and gilded pieces.

Above Photos by Russel MacMasters from Architectural Digest, June 1984. Design by Kalef Alaton.

I recently came across the blog of photographer Aaron Leitz, who had the pleasure of photographing the same Kalef Alaton designed Lake Washington home in 2010.  As you can see in Leitz’s photographs, the interiors have gone almost untouched and remain as contemporary today as they were three decades ago!

Above photos by Aaron Leitz, design by Kalef Alaton.

Just months before his death in 1989, Kalef was selected as the Pacific Design Center’s Interior Designer of the Year – an award that I am now honored to be receiving this year at the “Stars of Design” ceremony in March.  It is an unbelievable feeling to be receiving the same honor that my biggest inspiration was awarded during his most influential time in my life!

Although he passed away at the young age of 49, he left a body of work that is a strong reference for scale, balance, and artful restraint.  Without ever having the pleasure to meet him personally, Kalef Alaton has had a profound impact on my work.  His ability to create rich and luxurious interiors that stand the test of time is a quality that I strive for in each of my projects.