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 Dolce & Gabbana’s New “From the Heart to the Hands” Exhibition, a Stanford White gem for sale, and Pratesi for Stubbs & Wootton. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Dolce & Gabbana’s New “From the Heart to the Hands” Exhibition

Italian fashion heavyweight Dolce & Gabbana has unveiled a mesmerizing exhibition extravaganza at the illustrious Palazzo Reale museum in Milan. From April 7 to July 31, this opulent showcase gives a glimpse into the haute couture arm of the brand, affectionately known as alta moda, dating back to its grand debut on the runways of Taormina, Sicily, in 2012. Channeling “la dolce vita,” the exhibition is not just about fashion but also a love letter to Italy and the essence of Italian artistry.

Step into a captivating journey through a succession of immersive chambers, where you’ll delve into the contrasting inspirations that fuel the legendary designs of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Highlighting pivotal masterpieces from their Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and Alta Gioielleria assortments, the exhibition will also showcase contemporary artworks crafted in response to the visionary creations of Dolce & Gabbana. This curated juxtaposition traces the evolution of innovation from inception to fruition and beyond, inviting reflection upon the enduring impact of their artistic vision. From commissioned paintings to glittering Murano and Venetian glass chandeliers, and the timeless elegance of Byzantine mosaics—every detail of the exhibition captures the deeply interconnected influences of Italian couture and culture.

If you find yourself in Milan, be sure to wander your way through the exhibition for an unforgettable experience. Tickets can be purchased here.

Images courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana.

A Stanford White Gem

It’s always a delightful experience when a home in your own neighborhood hits the market. Having walked by 127 East 73rd Street countless times and admired its classical facade, when it came onto the market this past week, I couldn’t wait to have a peek inside this historic home. In 1904, Charles Dana Gibson, creator of the Gibson Girl, enlisted Stanford White to craft a 22-foot-wide Neo Federal mansion, adorned with Doric columns and a majestic mansard roof, showcasing the epitome of Gilded Age opulence.

Renovated to contemporary standards, every inch of this abode exudes elegance. Overseen by interior designer AD 100 Ellie Cullman of Cullman & Kravis, the home spans over 10,000 square feet with six bedrooms and top-notch amenities, including a basketball court. The grand entry leads to a sprawling kitchen and a garden oasis complete with a waterfall and al fresco dining area, offering a picturesque retreat. From the soaring ceilings of the parlor floor to the luxurious primary suite on the third floor, every corner of this home is meticulously maintained, seamlessly blending historic architecture with modern comforts.

While I am a fan of historic homes that have hardly been touched and require an immense amount of work, this Stanford White gem is a rare case of preservation and tasteful modernization. Let’s take a look inside!

Pratesi for Stubbs & Wootton

Just as the weather begins to warm and our thoughts turn to dreamy Amalfi coast getaways, the esteemed Italian linen house Pratesi has joined forces with the cult classic loafer brand Stubbs & Wootton to unveil a bespoke collection of made-to-order women’s and men’s slippers, mules, and clutch bags perfect for summer.

Echoing the ethos of Dolce & Gabbana, both of these powerhouses prioritize impeccable craftsmanship. Crafted with meticulous care in Spain, each piece in this collection is handcrafted with the utmost of materials. Adorned in opulent jewel-toned velvets and Pratesi’s sumptuous terry cloth, these creations epitomize a harmonious blend of luxurious comfort and sophistication. A Stubbs & Wootton diehard myself, I cannot wait to get my hands on a pair of these chic loafers!

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Marian McEvoy’s Latest Venture Captures Her Rule-Breaking Ethos written by Mario López-Cordero for Frederic.

A Historic Philadelphia House Elegantly Refreshed by Chauncey Boothby written by Antonia Bentel for House & Garden UK.

Shop this week’s inspired finds!

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 upcoming Blackberry Farm Design Summit, Adam Lippes for OKA, and The Design Social Pop-Up. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Blackberry Farm Design Summit

From May 5th to 8th the highly anticipated Design Summit at Blackberry Farm will take place, where creativity and style converge in the breathtaking setting of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. The weekend will be immersive and brimming with industry titans, promising an intimate and stylish experience that will ignite creativity and celebrate design in all its splendor. Nestled within the timeless elegance of the famed hotel, known for its soulful style and unwavering commitment to quality, this event promises to be an extraordinary gathering of talent and inspiration.

 

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In homage to the artistry of design, luminaries such as Dara Caponigro, Jim Druckman, and Alexa Hampton will curate an experience that seamlessly blends style and innovation, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the design world. For both design enthusiasts and professionals alike, the weekend will have captivating panel discussions led by industry trailblazers, providing invaluable insights and inspiration. Moreover, exclusive access to private owner home tours, guided by the skilled team at Blackberry Farm Design, promises an insider’s perspective into their creative process.

The weekend will also include meticulously curated group meals, personally hosted by esteemed guest design leaders, promising delightful moments of connection and camaraderie. It’s an opportunity not just to immerse yourself in the vibrant design community, but to emerge renewed and inspired. For more information on the Design Summit, hop over to Blackberry Farm’s website here.

You can also read our interview with Mary Celeste Beall, Proprieter of Blackberry Farm, here.

 

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Adam Lippes for OKA

Fashion designer Adam Lippes has once again collaborated with OKA Co-Founder Sue Jones to create a captivating collection of furniture and decor. This collaboration beautifully merges their mutual passion for patterns and colors. Building upon the success of the 2021 Famille Rose china dinnerware set, the two partners have embarked on a journey to create three distinctive collections. Among these, one particularly stands out, curated for the refined ambiance of a study.

Introducing the Avery Collection, this debut in furniture design showcases a meticulous blend of sophistication and functionality. Featuring elements such as nesting tables and an elegant desk, each piece is thoughtfully crafted to elevate your workspace. The collection also boasts a table lamp and a wastebasket, distinguished by luxurious walnut wood surfaces, exquisite leather detailing, and intricate beech wood embellishments reminiscent of bamboo trim. Clean lines and subtle brass accents add a touch of understated elegance to each item.

Avery is envisioned to seamlessly complement both classic and contemporary interiors, offering a timeless aesthetic that enhances any space with its refined charm. The collection is truly impressive, and we are excited to share it with you. Shop the collaboration here now!

The Design Social Pop-Up

Founded by Brooks Morrison in 2020, The Design Social Pop-Up is a traveling, curated boutique pop-up concept which invites regional designers to meet with makers behind independent brands and boutiques. The 2024 schedule kicked off in Palm Beach in March, and included a conversation with renowned interior designer Alessandra Branca on “The Thrill of the Hunt”.

Alessandra stated that all lovers of art and design are hunters, constantly in the process of discovering their own taste, of new product, sources and references, and the strongest inspiration is often their own origin story. Alessandra grew up surrounded by antiques in a 16th century building and neighborhood in Rome, surrounded by the works of great artists such as Michaelangelo and Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino. Her grandfather was an art historian for the Vatican, and an appreciation for the art and objects in museums and churches came early.

An excellent source of inspiration, she said, is through travel and visiting the local historic homes and museums. These experiences inform and prep us to go off in search of our own perfect finds. And every antique shop, auction house and estate sale is a potential gold mine. Being online is nothing like standing in front of an actual piece of furniture and talking to the person who has the same design bug as you, she shared. Research is an important part of the process, but at some point one has to put the book away. Go see your dealers in person— real life conversations and visuals are irreplaceable. There’s no substitute for in-person experience, which is why the Design Social Pop-Up is so valuable to the industry. To learn more about 2024 scheduled events in Denver, East Hampton, Darien, and Charlotte, please click here and follow @thedesignsocialpopup on Instagram.

Read our favorite articles of the week!

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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 Katie Ridder for Weezie Towels, Maine’s famous “Wedding Cake House”, and The 2024 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Southeastern Designer Showhouse. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Katie Ridder for Weezie Towels

For the past year, the illustrious interior designer Katie Ridder has been sprinkling her magic as a design partner with the esteemed purveyors of plushness, Weezie Towels. The luxurious linens company, based in Atlanta, has joined forces with Katie for an exciting collaboration, marking the dawn of an eagerly anticipated partnership.

Scheduled for launch on April 2nd, the collection will brim with the classic Katie Ridder style, featuring block-printed motifs, intriguing color combinations, and just the right touch of femininity. Get ready to indulge in Weezie’s most coveted creations yet.

 

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Maine’s famous “Wedding Cake House”

The Wedding Cake House, a whimsical wonder of Kennebunk, Maine, was just listed, and The Glam Pad couldn’t wait to take a peek inside. The Wedding Cake House was erected in 1825 for the son of George Washington Bourne, a fourth-generation shipbuilder on the Kennebunk River directly behind the home. The area surrounding the house was dubbed Kennebunk Landing, where large sailing ships were constructed from October to April. When April arrived and the ice thawed, these ships were floated down the river and out to sea, laden with raw materials.

Originally constructed in a simplistic Federal-style brick, the house served as a wedding gift for the son and his new bride, Jane, in 1825. The “icing” on this architectural masterpiece was added 26 years later, beginning in 1852, after a fire ravaged the barn, offering the perfect opportunity for rebuilding and enhancing the existing property structures. Crafted in a Gothic style, the wood trim adorns the façade, bestowing upon it the irresistible allure of a tiered confection befitting nuptial celebrations.

This renowned abode holds the distinction of being Maine’s most photographed home and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nestled along the picturesque Summer Street, its grandeur encompasses 6,263 square feet of architectural splendor, complemented by a rustic barn and carriage house. Within its walls, one discovers treasures aplenty—a magnificent two-story mural depicting the scenic views of Kennebunk, an enchanting spiral staircase, and an antique Chickering piano.

Throughout its illustrious history, this residence has only changed hands a handful of times. The current owners sought to transform the property into a quaint inn, hosting weddings and soirées, yet their plans were unfortunately denied amidst the challenges of zoning regulations and community resistance. Now, this confectionery delight of a home has hit the real estate market with a price tag of $2.7 million.

The 2024 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Southeastern Designer Showhouse

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles will unveil the 9th annual Southeastern Designer Showhouse, benefiting local nonprofit organization Camp Twin Lakes, in April. The monthlong event will take place at a newly constructed private residence in Buckhead, which will be open to the public for tours from April 18th through May 12th.

The Southeastern Showhouse will take place at a 10,250-square-foot estate built and developed by Benecki Homes, landscape architect Land Plus Associates and interior specifications designer SOURCE. The honorary chairs of the Southeastern Designer Showhouse are Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos of Williams Papadopoulos Design.

The stunning home features modern interpretations of classic styles and will come to life with the work of 18 interior design firms and teams from across the Southeast. Located in Atlanta’s tony Tuxedo Park, the outside of the custom-built residence will feature a cedar-shake roof, painted brick exterior, steel windows, sculpted steel doors, and an oval pool.

Inside, guests will find six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and three half-baths. A party-ready dining room greets guests in the front of the home, while a wood-paneled study serves as a cozy retreat. Located just off the family room, the primary suite stretches the entire depth of the home and takes advantage of backyard views. On the terrace level, a recreation room opens onto the backyard, while a bar area, covered porch, and pool table room provide plenty of space for hosting guests. The house also boasts a second floor lounge and an exercise room equipped with a sauna, full bath, and steam shower.

The Showhouse, located at 44 Putnam Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30342, will be open to the public for tours Thursday – Saturday from 10AM – 4PM and Sundays from 1PM – 4PM. Tickets will be available for $45 starting March 1st. An early bird discount of $5 is available by using code “EarlyBird” at checkout through April 1st. General admission tickets will be available at the door for $45 and groups of ten or more can purchase for a discount of $35 per ticket using code “Group” at checkout.

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Summer Thornton Infuses a Historic Michigan Farmhouse With Exuberant Flavor written by Suzanne Davis for Frederic.

A Joyful Garden in Gloucestershire Filled With Lovingly Cultivated Flowers written by Non Morris for House & Garden UK.

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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 Casa Branca for Nine Fair Backgammon, a Devon Thatched Cottage, and Entryways New Collections for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Casa Branca for Nine Fair Backgammon

There is nothing quite like a good game of backgammon. But one can simply not play backgammon without the proper board. Prepare to be enchanted by the exquisite backgammon boards created in collaboration between Casa Branca and Nine Fair Backgammon. Each a canvas of Casa Branca’s distinctive motifs: from the allure of malachite to the whimsy of mushrooms, and a bold reinterpretation of wicker. Crafted by the skilled hands of Nine Fair and brought to life by the artistic prowess of Margot Larkin, renowned for her enchanting work with Casa Branca, these boards are not mere game sets but veritable works of art. May the best player win!

A Devon Thatched Cottage

I have been known to say, “If it’s not thatched, I don’t want it!” This little cottage in Dolton, Devon, brings that phrase a whole new meaning, and it just so happens to be for sale. Nestled amidst a meandering lane in Dolton, Devon, lies this charming cottage. With its enchanting long barrow design and picturesque thatched roof, this home whispers tales of yesteryears the moment you lay eyes on it. From its exposed timber beams, elegant wood paneling, and the original lime plaster, each part of the house tells a story of its own. And as if the main cottage wasn’t enough, outside lies an extensive garden where an annex, cocooned by ancient apple trees, offers a hidden and almost magical oasis.

Dolton, a quiet hamlet of North Devon, first graced the pages of the Domesday Book in 1086 as “Duueltone,” a name evoking pastoral tranquility frequented by gentle doves. Throughout the centuries, this village has retained its quaint allure, its beating heart centered around the picturesque St. Edmund’s Church. Dating back to the 1600s, this abode stands as a stalwart sentinel near the church, a testament to its enduring legacy as one of the village’s oldest dwellings. This home is truly like something out of “The Holiday.” What a dream!

Entryways New Collections

The Glam Pad is utterly smitten with history! And to further fuel this passion, Entryways has released an exciting collaboration with the esteemed Williamsburg Foundation. Inspired by the traditional motifs found in Colonial Williamsburg, the collection features an array of hand-stenciled doormats that are a true salute to architectural and pattern heritage.

Entryways has also proudly joined forces with the the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Revered as the globe’s foremost museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, with a permanent collection of a staggering 2.27 million objects, it reigns supreme as a beacon of culture and artisanship. Established in 1852, this prestigious establishment bears the esteemed namesake of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, a tribute to their enduring influence on the realms of creativity and innovation. This collaborative collection draws inspiration from the museum’s vast array of artifacts and textiles, intertwining heritage with contemporary design in a harmonious fashion.

Read our favorite articles of the week!

These Black-Grounded Prints Are Instant Mood-Makers written by Emma Bazilian for Frederic.

A Colourful Notting Hill Townhouse That is a Dexterous Blend of English Maximalism and Eastern Influences written by Arabella Bowes for House & Garden UK.

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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 Pretty Pink Tulips for Bespoke Designs, Decorate Like a Decorator, and the Child’s Garden by House of Hackney. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Pretty Pink Tulips for Bespoke Designs

In a collaboration that seems destined by fate, Elizabeth Moyer of Pretty Pink Tulips and Shari Lebowitz of Bespoke Designs have joined forces to bring forth a collection that celebrates the beauty of nature and the art of fine stationery. With Moyer’s penchant for pink tulips and Lebowitz’s eye for extraordinary stationery, their partnership blooms into a luxurious line of boxed notecards, adorned with hand-drawn tulips straight from Moyer’s signature garden. It’s a fusion of floral elegance and creative imagination, resulting in a truly wonderful collection for paper enthusiasts.

Both Moyer and Lebowitz share a passion for flowers, the color pink, and the finer things in life, tracing their beginnings back to high school jobs at local stationery stores. While Lebowitz pursued degrees in History of Art and Interior Design, eventually founding Bespoke Designs, Moyer ventured into the corporate world before launching Pretty Pink Tulips after her home gained attention for its stunning garden. We have covered Moyer’s incredible tulips on numerous occasions. If you missed it, you can view her wonderful garden tour here.

Their paths converged into this collaboration, where tulips become not just a motif, but a metaphor for personal style and expression. Found exclusively at Bespoke Designs, this collection is a veritable ode to sophistication and everlasting allure, beckoning all to revel in the beauty of fine stationery. With every stroke of pen upon these divine cards, you’re not just sending a note—you’re dispersing fragments of Moyer’s vibrant tulip garden and Lebowitz’s imaginative spark.

Decorate like a Decorator

Introducing “Decorate Like a Decorator: All You Need to Know to Design Like a Pro,” the latest gem from Frederic magazine’s Dara Caponigro, Melina Page, and their treasure trove of design wisdom. Following the footsteps of the company’s successful publications through Schumacher, this book is not just another decorating guide—it’s a delightful journey through the ins and outs of interior design.

With chapters like “Pelmets & Valances” and “Wallpaper on Ceilings,” this book promises to turn even the most mundane room into a canvas of creativity. Bursting with over 100 insider tips, from using stripes with flair to crafting bespoke lampshades, it’s a playground for both the seasoned decorator and the daring novice. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Illustrated with over 200 captivating images, featuring interiors by luminaries like Billy Cotton and Sara Ruffin Costello, this book is not just informative—it’s a visual feast. Let’s have a peek inside!

The Child’s Garden by House of Hackney

Favorite British brand House of Hackney has released an enchanting collection of kid-friendly wallpapers crafted from eco-conscious, PVC-free materials! Dubbed “The Child’s Garden,” this lineup has nine whimsical designs destined to transform any space into a playground of imagination. Picture the dreamy allure of “Stratus,” where clouds dance across the walls, or the playful elegance of “Flamboyance,” adorned with flamboyant flamingos. And let’s not forget “Trematonia,” a botanical wonderland brimming with fanciful flora and fauna, the collection is truly of a childhood dream.

Staying faithful to the timeless elegance and quintessentially English charm that defines the brand, every print in this collection offers a departure from the ordinary array of child-centric designs. We’re absolutely smitten with this exquisite collection. Have a look!

Read our favorite articles of the week!

The 15 Best Candle Brands, According to House Beautiful Editors written by Jessica Cherner for House Beautiful.

Tour Elizabeth Lawrence’s Refined Upper East Side Home written by Emma Bazilian for Frederic.

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