Extension Post

My computer caught a little bit of a bug - so I'm able to do some things and not others - like uploading camera images. So, I'm taking the pc to work with me tomorrow and hopefully the tech can fix me up - so you can see posts of how the living room, dining room, foyer, and sunroom are progressing.

But since I wanted to post something, I decided to post a little extension post - something I had lined up to be word free on my inspiration library blog : INSPIRING SPACES, the wonderful world of Dan Marty via House Beautiful, May 2010.

His living room, spread over 2-pages immediately caught my eye as I flipped through the magazine. It looked familiar, oh so familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I browsed through the 10-page interview/feature without even reading the text - soaking up the gorgeous interiors of this very familiar apartment. Days later, I picked up the magazine again, and there it was - Interior design by Dan Marty. I KNEW IT!

A side note: that tiny leopard covered footstool - LOVE! I will have one by the end of the week!

Just look at these lampshades for crying out loud! Have you ever seen a more exquisitely crafted shade? And that fabric is perfection with the temple jars - turned lamps. If anyone has any idea where this fabric comes from, please email me.

I'm not going to share the whole article with you here, as I think this is actually an issue worth picking up and keeping for a while. So run out and get one - you won't regret it. It's called: The Advice Issue. And there is advice to be had on every page, including in Dan's feature. His first bit of knowledge: Who says a living room has to have a sofa? I tend to agree, as you might remember for my own living room, photographed for the Buffalo News last year:

Now, like most noted designers/shop keepers - Dan's house is filled with store transplants for photo shoots, and old inventory that never sold, new inventory that's yet to make it's way to the new location, and heirloom pieces that will never be for sale. Also, like most noted designers - this isn't the first time that his home has been featured in widely circulated print. Let's peak at some before and afters, shall we?

I apologize for the gap for fold. Now, what I find most interesting about the images is the apparent lack of architectural significance to the room in this (above) photo. In the HB feature (below) you can see the wonderful plaster arches above the fireplace (obviously the same) but in the CMagazine feature (above) none. Above, you'll find a more collected, almost English feeling. It's dark, intimate - cozy. Below - it's new, fresh, a mix of the new popular light Swedish palette mixed with Dan's unwavering ability to display collections.

The tortoise shell has moved to hang above a beautiful vintage inspired dresser, of course, layered with Dan's treasures. One of the original chairs stayed, but new showroom chairs took center stage. The Moroccan tables left in favor of a light antique trunk, and an antique star burst mirror looks fabulous over the fireplace.

Of course, when you're the king of collections - you can't allow one piece to stand alone. So Dan set gorgeous linen backed books, owl statuary, and vintage cross bottles atop the already glorious mantle. I'm still clueless about the apparent lack of these arches from the first feature. I wonder if they were photo shopped by the photographer?

The dining room before: we see the architectural shapes playing now with the barrel vault ceiling. Again, and English feeling here with the rich red upholstery, Persian rugs, and heavily layered art. My idea of heaven on earth.

Looking into the new space, the Persian rug has been replaced by wide braid jute, and the layered art and bamboo cabinet are replaced by vintage wicker trunks atop a giant armoire.

In fact, the only thing that remains remotely intact is the French lamp post lantern above the now round table, which is surrounded by chairs you can purchase at Dan's new shop: Maison Au Naturel. (showroom photo below)

Ah, back in business, and so meant for print. Hope to fill you in on the goings on around CdlV by Sunday! Cheers!