Suzanne Rheinstein’s Historic Los Angeles Home
Designer Suzanne Rheinstein‘s signature style is often described as elegant civility with “fewer things but better things.” When she and her late-husband moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, they found a perfectly proportioned Georgian Revival house in the historic Windsor Square section of Hancock Park, which she furnished with a carefully edited selection of family heirloom antiques. Originally from New Orleans, Rheinstein’s Southern sense of style and hospitality combined with the visual sophistication she acquired living on the East Coast, and her appreciation for the relaxed lifestyle of southern California have made her a sought-after talent.
Rheinstein’s home is a favorite of mine, and I was delighted to see it extensively featured in City of Angels: Houses and Gardens of Los Angeles, the new book by Firooz Zahedi and Jennifer Ash Rudick, released this month by Vendome Press. “Some thirty years after she moved in, the Windsor Square house remains a prime example of her work and, as is the case with most of Rheinstein’s interiors, has stood the test of time. Indeed, its graciousness has only been enhanced by a steady addition of personal mementos collected on the Rheinsteins’ world travels,” writes Rudick.
Fun Fact: Rheinstein’s refined yet cozy home made an appearance for a Thanksgiving dinner scene in the 2007 movie Fracture featuring Ryan Gosling and Rosamund Pike (currently available on Netflix). Lindsay at iamnotastalker.com shares screen clips and describes the home as the perfect “Thanksgiving House – an idyllic and picturesque dwelling that makes one think of coming home for the holidays. I mean, the place could not look any more like it came out of a Folgers Coffee Christmas commercial if it tried!” You can see Rheinstein’s home beautifully decorated for Christmas here.
There are many more pictures of Suzanne Rheinsteins’ home featured in City of Angels: Houses and Gardens of Los Angeles, and I also highly recommend her books At Home: A Style for Today with Things from the Past (which includes extensive coverage of her homes) and Rooms for Living: A Style for Today with Things from the Past.
Rheinstein’s daughter Kate Rheinstein Brodsky is also an accomplished interior designer, and you can tour her pre-war Manhattan apartment here.
Other highlights from City of Angels include a tour of Mark D. Sikes’ Hollywood Hills home, Richard Schapiro’s Holmby Hills compound, and the Santa Monica Mountains ranch home of Ruth Wilkinson who worked 30 years with Tony Duquette. Jennifer Ash Rudick is also the author of Palm Beach Chic and Out East: Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons.
Carolina Elizabeth’s Romantic Roses
If you love roses, you will love the beautiful paintings of Carolina Elizabeth, a classical artist and antique restorer inspired by pretty things and the desire to have them live forever.
“I believe pretty things have power,” she says. “A small flower can carry deep and meaningful symbolism and can be even powerful enough to bring happiness in times of mourning. People have sacrificed freedom to acquire that which pleases their eye. Pretty things such as gold, precious stones or a even a tulip, have become the cause of wars or bankruptcy of a nation, as in the Dutch tulip mania. There is a lot of power in pretty things and my fascination with them is what keeps me putting brush to canvas.”
Originally from Honduras, Carolina began creating things by hand as a young girl, whether with paper, clay, or pieces of fabrics stitched together. She received a bachelor of fine arts from the University of Central Oklahoma, however, it wasn’t until her mid 30s that she decided to teach herself traditional oil painting. Inspired by old masters such as Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Henri Fantin-Latour, and John Singer Sargent, Carolina’s beautiful artwork has gained a loyal following on Instagram, and she has been featured in Victoria magazine and Romantic Homes. I am delighted to welcome Carolina today for a Q&A!
Q: When did you know that you wanted to be an artist, and how did you develop your style?
A: I’ve always known that I was going to be some sort of artist/creative. Since I was little I took apart things to make a new something or another. While the neighborhood kids my age played with Cabbage Patch kids, I was making clothes for the dolls to sell to them. Sometimes the kitchen table cloth or curtains became part of doll clothes or a new bag, but my parents were always supportive, as they also knew that I was meant to be an artist.
Although, I have a BFA, it wasn’t until my mid 30’s that I decided to teach myself traditional oil painting. However, I would not consider myself self-taught. Now there are so many videos and books available and we have the ability to ask almost any artist online questions about oil painting, it’s like I’ve been taught by multiple artists. I’ve had the privilege of learning contemporary artists online who have been so generous with their advice and from artists long gone like Fantin Latour , Élisabeth Vigée LeBrun, and John Singer Sargen (my absolutely favorites) who have left their paintings for us to learn from.
I’m not sure I’ve developed a style all of my own yet. But if I have, I sure do hope it’s a least a little of each of the artists who have inspired me.
Q: What are your favorite subjects to paint and why?
A: Roses. Definitely roses. All things with a history and those that appear in the garden have always fascinated me. I collect lots of pretties from antique shops and thrift stores, along with fashion books which also become subjects of paintings, especially my Chanel books, which offer fabulous graphics for my more traditional compositions.
Q: What else do you enjoy capturing?
A: I enjoy painting the reflection on silver or brass items, the translucency of glass and the way blue in blue and white porcelain seems to swim around on the surface of cups and pitchers, particularly in flow blue pieces.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: Sometimes, inspiration appears in the form of a color combination of a shirt, or picture in a magazine. Sometimes, it comes from the flowers I find at the market or local florist. Most days, I follow Picasso’s advice and wait for inspiration to come as I paint.
Q: Please tell me about your restoration services.
A: My parents own an upholstery shop. I worked with them for 10 years, upholstering and restoring painted antique pieces. This summer, I spent two months apprenticing with an antique restorer, who after 45 years of doing restoration wanted to teach someone so they could take over. I’m still pinching myself, as it’s a dream come true. He taught me how to restore porcelain and paintings along with wood and glass pieces. Recently, I have found my list of restoration customers growing. It’s so rewarding to help clients by bringing their loved objects back to life.
Q: Do you take custom orders for artwork?
A: I found that of all things, commissions give me the most anxiety, which results in artist’s block. Occasionally, I will get a request from a collector and I add it on my to-think-about list. No promises, but if the request becomes a painting, I present it to the collector to see if that is what they had in mind. That way, neither of us feels pressured. I’ve been fortunate, that most collectors have been happy to make the painting theirs.
Q: When you aren’t busy painting, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A: Aside from spending time with my family, I enjoy gardening. I have no gardening skills, just the desire to throw seeds in the garden in the hopes that they will result in blooms for me to paint and to decorate and for my bees to enjoy. I also have chickens that also keep me busy and make me laugh a lot.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: I’ve been so thankful to those who collect my work, those throughout the US and those from Europe and Australia who have found one of my little paintings online and decided they wanted it for their art collections. What an incredible honor that is!
Aside from my restoration dreams coming true, my dream to have my work appear in the pages of Romantic Homes and Victoria Magazine have also come true.
Carolina, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your beautiful art. I too am a firm believer in the “power of pretty” and looking at these beautiful pink roses makes me instantly happy! To learn more, please visit www.carolinaelizabeth.com and follow @carolina.elizabeth.art on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
Manners from the Manor: Dressing Etiquette
Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, is sharing her “dressing etiquette” today for the second installment of our six-week “Manners from the Manor” series. Myka is a dual American and British citizen who trained in London under a former member of The Royal Household of Her Majesty the Queen, and has worked with members of the British Royal family. One of her most popular etiquette courses is The Duchess Effect which follows a similar training that Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle went through when they joined the British Royal Family. One of the key elements of The Duchess Effect is dressing etiquette, and I was delighted to learn Myka’s tips!
Overall tips
Myka’s two favorite quotes to dress by are: “Dress the way you want to be addressed,” and “Dress for the position you want” – both socially and professionally. When considering your style, Myka advises to remember you are a brand at all times! We often think of a shoe or a lipstick or computer as a brand, but you are a brand too! What does your brand say about you?
Grooming: Fragrance and Manicures
If you wear a fragrance, make sure you keep it on your pulse points and not on your clothing where fragrance sticks and can be overpowering. Manicures do not necessarily mean painted nails.
While Myka usually does have her nails painted (she prefers Essie’s Ballet Slipper for a clean, polished and elegant look), the key is to never have chipped nail polish. Myka would rather no nail polish than chipped nail polish. If you don’t wear polish, make sure your nails are nicely manicured, your cuticles are in check, and your nails are not too long in order to maintain a more refined look. “I prefer my nails slightly squared at the top,” says Myka.
Decoding the dress-code for a polished look from casual to black-tie
- Casual – Relax! Comfortable and informal clothing, yet coordinated appearance
- Business Casual – Professional appearance still required – no T-shirts, shorts or flip-flops
- Cocktail / Semi-formal- Post 5pm – Little black dress, silky jumpsuit or cocktail dress that sparkles for ladies and a jacket with pocket square or jacket and tie for men pending the formality of event and venue
- Black Tie – Post 6pm and very formal – Floor length gowns for ladies and tuxedo for men
- Bonus – Resort/Island-elegant, beach chic, garden party, outdoor day wedding – Think cocktail party (usually during the day) with more casual materials – linen shirts and blazers for men and flowy dresses in florals in bright colors for ladies
Dressing for the gym
You don’t have to look sloppy just because you are working out! Tips: Buy stretch materials that are comfortable and breathable but thick enough so that it doesn’t show underwear lines.
Matchy-Matchy – Buy sets that can mix and match together; Work out gear can be a fun time to play with color – bright pink shoes to keep you motivated? Go for it! If you wear something to the gym that makes you feel confident, you will probably have an amazing work out as a bonus. Myka’s go to is Lulu Lemon. If you’re wearing what is considered “athleisure” you can easily run an errand before your yoga session and still look fabulous.
We’ve even seen The Duchess of Cambridge in “athleisure” running errands… royals, see they really are just like us 😉 One thing to avoid? If you’re wearing the “athleisure” look while running an errand, no matter how amazing your abs are, wear a top that doesn’t show your belly for a more refined look.
Casual dressing (from a shopping trip to a simple lunch with your friends)
Just because you are dressed casually, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look your best. You never know who you will run into, where and when! The moment you run to the drugstore in your sweatpants is the moment you see your boss, client, president of the social club you just applied to or even the crush you’ve had your eye on!
Myka’s go to: A pair of cigarette trousers (for a super polished look, go with a material other than denim), an amazing heel or elegant flat, a brightly-colored cashmere sweater with amazing statement earrings or a Jackie O style three strand pearl necklace and an oversized pair of Chanel “sunnies” as she calls them.
Dressing caution: Beware of logos – having too many logos or too large of a logo on your body can look showy.
Dressing for the work day
When in doubt, always dress more conservatively, and always dress for the industry you are in. If you work in marketing at a trendy makeup brand or ad agency, then you are more likely to dress in a variety of colors, creatively, and possibly more casually.
In formal business environments, try Myka’s “three jewel rule” — beside marital or religious jewelry, stick to three pieces of jewelry – a watch, earrings and bracelet. Having too much clutter in an outfit via jewelry often makes you look disorganized and less polished in conservative work environments. If you have to wear a suit to work, the darker the suit, the more formal. If you work in a corporate environment, remember to stick to closed-toe shoes. In formal business, Myka recommends having your shoulders covered.
Informal “business-casual” still means having a professional appearance. No T-shirts (always a collar), or flip flops or shorts; Try a cotton dress, pair of capri pants or jeans instead.
Myka’s fool-proof go to: A white button down starched and collared long sleeve shirt tucked into an amazing pencil skirt or pair of slacks with a killer heel or elegant flat shoe.
What is one item Myka keeps in her office? A power blazer to slip over anything in case a client drops in unexpectedly. Myka also loves Urban Decay’s Alpha lipstick and a pair of statement earrings such as oversized pearls.
Dressing for day time networking and social events
The goal is elegance and sophistication, mixed in with a bit of fun and personality. “When you arrive at a social event, it should look like you had a ball getting ready!”
Myka recommends a conservative neckline for social day dressing to keep the look sophisticated. Find a style that makes you feel confident, and don’t wear something just because it’s trendy. “It’s always better to go timeless than trendy.”
Use caution with hemlines and slits during day events. Slits are for function with day wear and the hemline check Myka recommends is to stand up straight and drop your hands to the side – if your longest finger comes above your hemline, it may be a sign it’s too short. Remember your clothing should be tailored, not tight.
Caution: In formal etiquette, wearing diamonds during the day can sometimes look showy, so in addition to marital or religious jewelry, try metallic jewelry like silver, platinum or gold, gem stones like sapphires or emeralds or pearls. Post 6pm: dazzle away in your diamonds! This is even a rule that the Duchess of Cambridge follows!
Jewelry Tips
Myka loves mixing real pieces with costume jewelry. “I love going to estate sales, auctions and vintage shops looking for treasures! One of my favorite pair of gold doorknocker earrings I found for $10 at a vintage shop. It’s not what you wear but how you wear it! I recently went to a black-tie gala and had on a stunning diamond necklace with big emerald stones and everyone kept stopping me saying how lucky a lady I was, when really it was an old costume piece my grandmother bought in the ‘80s that my daughter sometimes plays dress up with!”
Remember if someone compliments you on a piece that is not real, you don’t have to feel obligated to say “Oh this? It’s not real!” Simply say, “Thank you! That’s so kind.” There’s no need to draw attention to price or value. If someone liked it before, that’s all that matters and they should like it no matter where you got it or what it cost.
Etiquette Tip: Never deflect a compliment and always say thank you!
Dressing for night time networking and social events
Check the dress code of the event and stick to it. There are few more socially embarrassing things than showing up to an event dressed incorrectly.
Typically, for evening events you will be asked to wear cocktail, formal or black-tie, depending the formality of the event.
Cocktail / formal – A cocktail length, tea length or long dress is absolutely perfect for this category. Try my “follow one” rule, which is if you have open shoulders, go longer on the length of your dress. If your dress is longer, then play with an open shoulder.
Don’t wear wedge shoes. Wedges are for day wear only. Open toe is great for formal or cocktail parties, just be careful the platform on the shoe is not too high.
Black tie – This means floor-length gowns for ladies and tuxedos for men. Black tie is a time to play with sparkle, slits, a dip of the neckline is absolutely appropriate, and a bit of glamour is perfect for this style of event!
Myka’s final parting quote is from one of her favorite writers, known for style: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” – Oscar Wilde.
To learn more, you can check out Beaumont Etiquette’s 2019 Duchess Effect Intensive Course at the Plaza Hotel. A discounted rate at The Plaza for the weekend of the course is available. And stay tuned to The Glam Pad! Below is the timeline for our six-week “Manners from the Manor” series!
- Introduction: Meet Myka (09.26.18)
- Week 1: The Duchess Effect (10.03.18)
- Week 2: Dressing Etiquette (10.10.18)
- Week 3: Dining Etiquette (10.17.18)
- Week 4: Afternoon Tea (10.24.18)
- Week 5: Etiquette for Children (10.31.18)
- Week 6: Holiday Etiquette (11.07.18)
To learn more about Myka Meier and her upcoming courses please visit Beaumont Etiquette, and click here for details on her online courses. Below I have selected a few items that I think Myka or a duchess would wear… Please follow @mykameier on Instagram for additional fashion inspiration she will be posting all week!
The Power of Pattern: Tips from Susanna Salk
Selecting patterns for your home – whether for wallpaper or fabric – can be an intimidating process. With an endless array of options, how do you choose one that you and your family will love for years? A wonderful place to start is with The Power of Pattern by best-selling author Susanna Salk. Both a beautiful interiors book and a resource guide, The Power of Pattern features a diversity of interiors and styles, showcasing the patterns themselves in full-page splendor. Chapters are organized by motif such as Nature, Animal, Floral, Ikat, Chinoiserie, Stripes, and Toile. Susanna presents myriad versions of each, with inspiring examples of how to decorate with them. She also provides tips on how to use pattern in a particular space—for example, stripes create the illusion of a bigger room.
As you know, I have an aversion towards trends, and I always want to make choices that will stand the test of time. Wallpaper and fabrics are an investment… how can you do it once and do it right? I am delighted to welcome Susanna to The Glam Pad today for guidance!
Q: With an endless array of patterns available at our fingertips, how do you commit to choosing ones you will enjoy for many years to come?
A: You pick the pattern that moves you emotionally not the one you think you ought to pick. Get a large swatch of it. Drape/tack it where you want it and then live with it for at least a week. See how you feel about it in different times of day, light and your moods!
Don’t play it too safe. Make sure it delights you. Otherwise you’ll be tired of it ironically sooner than you would a bolder one.
Q: What are five patterns that have withstood the test of time without looking dated?
A: Any one of the patterns in my Iconic chapter.
Q: I have always been intrigued as to how an iconic pattern becomes “trendy”… For example, Scalamandre’s Zebras, The Vase by David Hicks, and Brazilliance have been around for decades, yet they catapulted into mass popularity in the 2010s. Chintz and toile are other fascinating examples of classics that ebb and flow in popularity. How does a classic become “trendy” and once it is trendy, does the public become oversaturated and move on to the next thing? Does social media play a role in creating these “trends”?
A: Sometimes a classic gets “It Girl” status by being seen in a movie (a la Zebras in “The Royal Tenenbaums” ) and it triggers a reconnection and nostalgia for people reminding them of its chic, quirky power. Sometimes an old favorite will be unearthed by a designer and used in a show house or client project room that then gets a lot of press, shared on Instagram and suddenly that old chestnut looks fresh and exciting and powerful again. The great designers never let “trends” or that sixth grade playground popularity play into their decisions nor should you the homeowner.
Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to create a classic, timeless home?
A: Always only decorate with ONLY the things you love and use. Edit, edit, edit. Don’t have something out because you don’t know where else to put it. Classic is in the eye of the beholder so if everything in your rooms speak to you and holds your personal stories then your rooms will never not endure the passage of time. The rooms will reflect your journey within time and grow with it. Your rooms should almost feel wall-less.
Q: How can “The Power of Pattern” be used by consumers and designers?
A: My goal was to showcase patterns via BIG- full pages and sometimes even in spreads- so people could really feel intimate with their nature. So often swatches are regulated to eeeensy bitsy little squares: they deserve to be shown in full glory.
Often I placed the patterns themselves opposite rooms they were used so you can really see the moods they bring to different spaces in situ. SO: whether you are a designer or doing it yourself you get a real sense of the depth and breadth that is out there to inspire, no matter what the category. Maybe you were thinking stripes but didn’t realize at heart you loved toile! Hopefully this book will give you enough helpful contextual information to guide you to actually executing it.
Key phrase is: be fearless! If you love the pattern it will WORK. SO flip through the book and stickie any of your favorite images without judgement and once you’re done, see if there is any pattern (pun intended!) to your choices.
I promise you, you may be surprised.
Thank you so much Susanna for these wonderful tips and to Rizzoli for providing the beautiful images! The Power of Pattern can be purchased through Amazon, and additional books by Susanna Salk can be found here. I am a huge fan of her work!
