Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at the up coming Paris Déco Off, The Dexter-Cummings Estate, and Sarah Bray Bermuda Pop-Ups. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Paris Déco Off 2024
Paris Déco Off, often referred to as the “fashion week for the interiors industry,” is set to commence on January 17th. Annually, a convergence of interior designers, decorative arts media, industry craftsmen, vendors, and design enthusiasts takes place in Paris for a five-day spectacular, attracting over 40,000 global visitors to this esteemed event.
Approximately 120 thoughtfully curated showrooms and artisans will unveil their latest collections, presenting exquisite fabrics, wallpapers, trimmings, wall coverings, and more. Anticipated as an unparalleled extravaganza, this year is poised to deliver over-the-top presentations and soirées fueled by pent-up excitement and a longing for travel.
To illuminate the way, the iconic Déco Off lanterns will once again grace the main promenades on both the left and right banks, casting an enchanting glow throughout the event. Each lantern features a unique print from a participating fabric house, serving as both a guiding light and a testament to the event’s artistic essence. Save the date for this year’s Déco Off, happening from January 17th to the 21st.
The Dexter Cummings Estate
Nestled in the historic Lake Forest, IL, The Dexter-Cummings Estate, a masterpiece designed by the often overlooked but brilliant Harrie T. Lindeberg in 1929, has captured our hearts. This stately and richly storied home was originally commissioned for Dexter Cummings, a distinguished attorney and accomplished golfer, winning the intercollegiate championship twice in the 1920s. Dexter shared this grand residence with his wife, Edith Cummings Munson, fondly known as The Fairway Flapper. Edith not only held a prominent role as an American socialite but also as a leading amateur golfer during the Jazz Age.
Recognized as one of the Big Four debutantes in Chicago during World War I, Edith gained national acclaim in 1923 after triumphing in the U.S. Women’s Amateur. In a historic moment on August 25, 1924, she became the first golfer and female athlete to grace the cover of Time magazine. Beyond her sporting prowess, Edith’s life and character inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s creation of Jordan Baker in the classic novel, The Great Gatsby.
This iconic Lake Forest estate embodies the charm of a French Manor home, nestled on two private acres along the sought-after Lake Road. Meticulously restored with the otmost attention to detail, this exceptional and historic property exudes timeless elegance of a bygone era.
The commanding brick wall enveloping the main house gracefully unveils a rectangular courtyard, while the towering hipped roof—a distinctive hallmark of the esteemed architect who, in 1927, also designed the Onwentsia Club—bestows a profound sense of architectural grandeur. Positioned at the southwest corner of the 11-acre estate known as Ioka, originally owned by Dexter Cummings’ father, D. Mark Cummings, this residence is slice of fascinating American history. And while its original decor does not remain, its splendor certainly does. Let’s have a look!
Sarah Bray Bermuda Pop-Ups
Founded by the ever chic writer and stylist, Sarah Bray-West, in the midst of the pandemic, Sarah Bray Bermuda came to life offering the most darling of sun hats. Crafted from sea grass and palm leaf, these hats boast vintage floral and made-in-USA grosgrain ribbons, adding a perfect touch of charm to each hat. 
These sun hats have quickly become a beloved accessory for sunny days. To mark the special occasion of Lee Jofa’s 200th Anniversary, Sarah Bray Bermuda partnered with the esteemed fabric house for an exclusive collection featuring ribbons crafted from their iconic textiles. Although warm weather might feel like a distant dream, it’s never too early to plan for that upcoming vacation. In line with this, Sarah Bray-West is gearing up for her grand tour this winter, with pop-up events scheduled around Florida and Georgia. Check the dates and location below!
January 4th from 10am-6pm
The Colony Hotel (solarium by the pool)
Atlanta, Georgia
Spotlight on Arts
January 29th-February 3rd
Trinity School
Naples, Florida
La Bonne Vie
February 1st-8th
Third Street South
Vero Beach, Florida
2024 Windsor Charity Polo Cup
February 17th from 10am-5pm
Windsor Polo Club
Thomasville, Georgia
Thomasville Antiques Show
February 22nd- February 25th
219 Oak Street
Read our Favorite Articles of the Week!
Redd Kaihoi’s Redo of Bunny Mellon’s Private Gallery Is an Anglophile’s Fantasy written by William Norwich for Veranda.
These Are the Bedroom Design Trends You’ll Be Seeing Everywhere in 2024 written by Medgina Saint-Elien for House Beautiful.
Shop this week’s inspired finds!
Hi. I was interested in your story about the Dexter-Cummings estate. After reading about Edith Cummings in Wikipedia I learned that she wasn’t the wife of Dexter Cummings but his sister. Edith Cummings married a Detroit businessman named Curtis B. Munson. They traveled many places and lived in Washington, D.C. I believe. Just thought you might be interested to know. I couldn’t find any info about her brother in Wikipedia.
I can imagine how gorgeous this Mansion was furnished!
LOVE the Lake Forest house but I really don’t understand the back”yard”.