disegno Karina Gentinetta

Mardi Gras in New Orleans: A Celebration of Life

2012-02-19T15:47:00.001-06:00

My father loved to read. He had a hunger for learning and loved to read books, mostly books about history, science, and poetry. From early on in my childhood, I recall that my father would go to bed and take with him one of his heavy volumes from his encyclopedia Britannica. He would start with the first page and go through the entire volume in a matter of days. When he finished the last of the 30 plus volumes, he would start all over again lest he forgot some fact. Reading and learning were his favorite pastimes, next to his passion for sailing. My father could be dropped from a plane in the middle of a desert with nothing around him. But as long as he had some bread and cheese (how he loved cheeses!) and a history book or encyclopedia with him, he would be just fine.

So it was his most tragic destiny that he lost his eyesight to macular degeneration in the last 5 years of his life. As a blind man, his most beloved passion was taken away from him. But he continued on, getting history books on tape from the National Library of Congress which has a program for the blind and he would sit there at home and listen to the recordings. When he was interested in a book or subject matter that wasn't available, we would get the book for him and my siblings and I would take turns during the week to visit him at home during our lunch hours to read to him from the books.

Still, there were hours of sheer silence for him. As my mother had no choice but to work (and still works) long hours running a small family-owned Montessori preschool, he would be alone in his darkness for 8 to 10 hours a day (except for the couple of hours one of us, especially my youngest sister, would visit daily).

One day I asked him what it was like, how he managed. He told me that it was undoubtedly one of the hardest things he had to endure. He told me that he would have rather lost a limb than his eyesight as it took away from him so many joys in his life -- reading, seeing his granchildren (whom he touched but never got to see) and seeing us. But he also said that in being blind, he learned to be alone in his thoughts. He travelled in his mind to all the places, both physically and emotionally, that he had been. Losing his sight forced him to rely not only on his mind but, most significantly, on the sounds around him. Now, more than ever, the sounds around him dictated his daily life. The sounds of the birds outside became his music, the rustling of the leaves became a dance, and the sound of his favorite concerto or tango became even more acutely beautiful as he heard every single note being played. And thus, in his own darkness, he could see and feel the beauty of the world around him.

Sometimes, I close my eyes just to feel the intensity of what he felt during those last few years.

In 2009, Mardi Gras just happened to fall on February 24, 2009 -- my father's birthday. Sadly, he was oblivious to this as he lay dying in a hospital room, surrounded by all of us. He had fought many near death battles throughout his life and had conquered them all. But this time it was different. This time, even he admitted to my sister, "I don't think I'm going to get out of this one this time."

The doctors had exhausted the possibilites and now, as his organs were shutting down one by one, there was nothing we could do but face and wait for the inevitable. He had been in the hospital for 2 long weeks and by the time his birthday (Mardi Gras) came along, he was basically unconscious, although the doctors told us he could hear us. Despite the obvious somber mood in his room, the nurses would come in, Mardi Gras beads hanging around their necks and exclaim, "Happy Birthday, Mr. Mario!" I wanted to slap them so much was my anger and grief at that time. Still, I didn't want my father, in his last hours of life to feel our grief and sadness. Knowing him, he felt worse that we were upset that he was dying than from the act of dying itself.

So at some point, while the rest of my siblings and mother were out of the room for a brief moment, I went up to him and held his hand. I bent down and said in the most cheerful voice I could muster, "Can you hear the crowd and music outside, Papá? Can you hear it?" There was no answer although I knew he could hear me. So I continued, "The entire city is outside celebrating your life, Papá. Listen to them celebrating!"

Perhaps I imagined it. Perhaps I willed it. But at that moment, I know I saw a slight smile crossed his face.

My father died that same night. He was 89 years young.

So for every Mardi Gras after his death, I tend to get sad and nostalgic and inevitably start dwelling on the loss I still feel. But then I stop myself, listen to the music and crowds outside and remember those words, "The entire city is celebrating your life, Papá." And then Mardi Gras becomes a celebration again.

Drew Brees, King of Bacchus

Happy Mardi Gras to everyone, from New Orleans, with love.

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stidbs.com

New York Fashion Week 2012

2012-02-16T10:37:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, I should be writing about interior design or showing you some gorgeous inspirational photos of antiques, or telling you about new inventory I'm restoring... But with all the events that are going on right now, how can I not write about them or spread the news? I mean, we have the Oscars, NY Fashion Week, the Westminster Dog Show (speaking of, did you see Martha Stewart's Chow, Genghis Kahn?). Here they are the day before the Show having tea at the Plaza Hotel where they stayed.

I wonder what he's having?

Did I mention Mardi Gras is also going on just outside my door?????? How can anyone concentrate around here????

So interior design stuff will just have to wait for another day. Today, I wanted to share with you the best dresses on the Fashion Week runway for all of you who, like me, did not make the travel team to NY. I saw some of them as I was on the elliptical machine this morning at 8 a.m. watching The Today Show. And I so loooooooooooooooove beautiful dresses and gowns! So grab your cup of coffee, kick your stilettos off and watch the show.

A gorgeous green gown is presented at the Tadashi Shoji Fall 2012

Models present creations by Tadashi Shoji

The Japanese designer was inspired by the glamour of 1930s Shanghai for the Tadashi Shoji Fall/Winter 2012 collection

Zac Posen (Wow!)

A beautiful, blush-colored gown from the Zac Posen

Cushnie et Ochs, a recent favorite of first lady Michelle Obama

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier feathery gown

Carolina Herrera

Altuzarra

Breathtaking Oscar de la Renta (predictably gorgeous!)

Oscar de la Renta

Jason Wu
The popular designer, loved by first lady Michelle Obama and Target shoppers, presented sultry, dark styles

Zang Toi (way to make an entrance!)

The ever popular and elegant Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham 2012 Collection

Nobody does preppy quite like Tory Burch

Denis Basso

Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, did not miss a beat.

And neither did you!

Hope you enjoyed the show.

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Oscars 2012: Great Perfomances

2012-02-15T19:52:00.001-06:00

To mark this year’s Hollywood awards season, Sebastian Kim photographed the actors behind some of this past year’s most impressive portrayals for TIME’s Great Performances gallery. Joel Stein was also on hand to interview those capable capturers of character about the topic at hand: great performances.

Here, those 12 men and women—well, 11 men and women plus one remarkably human dog—discuss the portrayals that have moved them, the thought process behind acting and, of course, their own performances.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

To read more, visit Time Lightbox.

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Heart to Heart Advice

2012-02-14T11:23:00.000-06:00

How I dreaded Valentine's Day when I was in high school! With my goal of graduating Valedictorian from an all girls' Catholic high school in New Orleans (so that I could perhaps get a scholarship to Tulane University which was my only ticket to college), I was quite the nerd -- studying most of the time with little time to do anything else. So when Valentine's Day rolled around, all of the popular girls in high school would be called to the office at some point during the day, to collect their floral or balloon bouquet that their high school "sweetheart" from a neighboring all boys' high school would have deliver. And I looked at them with envy and sadness to know that I had no such sweetheart and that Valentine's was just another day in the life.

But on a high note, I did become Valedictorian and I did get that full paid scholarship to Tulane.

Still, when Valentine's Day comes around (even though my husband spoils me rotten now), I always remember that dreaded sense of feeling totally unloved (even if it wasn't really true -- my mother reminded me that she loved me best of all -- but at 15, that doesn't really count, does it?) So to all you fabulous girls out there (whether in high school or elsewhere) who may not necessarily get that huge bouquet of flowers today, don't sweat it!!!!! You are LOVED. You are WONDERFUL and you are incredibly SPECIAL.

Your time will come....

Just love who you are (whether you get the flowers or not) and everything else will fall into place.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day wherever this post finds you.

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Be Your Own Decorator - Susanna Salk

2012-02-11T14:17:00.002-06:00

I first met Susanna Salk when she emailed me about a piece she was working on for 1stdibs. She was writing a piece entitled "1stdibs Loves New Orleans" and was featuring some of 1stdibs' favorite New Orleans' dealers. When she asked to interview me for the article as one of those favorite dealers to be featured, I felt like the soon to be crowned Miss America at the moment they announce "and the runner up is....." Here I was, fresh on Magazine Street with my recent career change from lawyer to antiques dealer still giving me moments to pause and hyperventilate, when none other than THE Susanna Salk, accomplished design author and television personality who has also spent time working at publications like Elle Decor and House and Garden and appears regularly on the Today Show to discuss style and design, wanted to interview ME for an article on 1stdibs! Needless to say, I ran out and bought a lottery ticket that same afternoon.

And so Susanna wrote the article ...

Almost two years have gone by since that article ran, and my style has evolved quite a bit from the early days of my shop on Magazine Street (I have since closed the shop on Magazine Street and opened a showroom on the 1stdibs floor at the New York Design Center a/k/a 1stdibs@NYDC). See for yourself the transformation:

Yes, I know, I can't stay away from white (except for in my wardrobe which, ironically, is mostly black), but now my New Orleans' antiques are infused with a touch of New York modernism.

But I digress .... as always.

Back to Susanna.

I finally got a chance to meet Susanna in person at the grand opening of 1stdibs@NYDC last February (2011). This tall, slender, gorgeous blonde came up to me and introduced herself, commenting on how beautiful she thought my gallery looked. Again, I was humbled. And from that day forward, Susanna was someone I looked up to from a professional and personal basis and someone whose opinion I have come to value.

The talented and gorgeous, Susanna Salk

I love this photo of Susanna and her son

Susanna has an immense knowledge of design and vast experience in the industry. Most of you may already be familiar with some of her design books which continue to get better and better as they go (not that the first one was anything but amazing). A Privileged Life: Celebrating Wasp Style started us wanting more from this style maven.

We were equally as excited when Susanna released her second book Weekend Retreats.

Then, came Room for Children, with a foreword by Kelly Wearstler.

Room for Children is both visually exciting and inspiring, showcasing the work of Kelly Wearstler, Charlotte Moss, Alessandra Branca, Amanda Nisbet, and Jamie Drake, among many others. Take a look at some of the images in this book:

I love this image. Reminds me so much of a little French Louis XV giltwood chair (below) that I reupholstered in Les Indiennes fabric and flew off to San Francisco the moment I listed it on my 1stdibs storefront.

Well, now Susanna has done it again with her new book, Be Your Own Decorator, to be released next month.

Selecting favorite rooms from more than fifty renowned designers such as Kelly Wearstler, Bunny Williams, Albert Hadley, Nate Berkus, and Mary McDonald—and shot by the world’s top shelter photographers—Susanna offers insightful advice on how to apply basic design principles to interiors.

Organized into chapters on balance, color, mixing, accessorizing, arrangements, rule breaking, and whimsy, Susanna walks through the process of great design, illustrating how the featured designers made the decisions they did to make these rooms…

And here is a sneak peek into this gorgeous book that will surely be Susanna's best one yet! Just click on the photo.

Susanna will be doing a book signing on April 10, 2012 on the 1stdibs floor at the New York Design Center (1stdibs@NYDC) located on the 10th floor, 200 Lexington Avenue, NYC. I have already made my JetBlue reservations to say hello to my amazingly talented friend who has been so kind to me through all my "growing pains" (and while I'm there, fluff up my showroom a bit!).

I hope to see you all there -- Champagne and pens in hand!

To pre-order a copy of Be Your Own Decorator (coming out March 27, 2012), click here.

And don't forget to check often for my new inventory at www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Elegance and Decadence

2012-02-10T10:03:00.000-06:00

Don't you just hate it when you find out about something that you really would have loved to have seen but are about 3 years too late? I just learned of a gorgeous art/design/textile exhibition in Venice that took place at the Palazzo Fortuny (Textile god Mariano Fortuny's home and workshop) that I would have loved to have seen in person. Living in New Orleans where elegance and decadence (not to mention Masquerade Balls and Carnival) are events de rigueur, I have always had an affinity for Venice. So when I saw these gorgeous images of the Roberto Cappucci exhibition at the Palazzo Fortuny, I pinned them all over my studio for inspiration.

For those of you who, like me, missed the event that ran in 2009, here is a private cyber tour of the exhibition. Like all good tour guides, I am compelled to tell you the significance of this exhibit and give you a little bit of a background into the two great artists behind this event.

Mariano Fortuny was painter, stage designer, inventor of lights and costumes, a true “shaman” of the printed fabric; Roberto is also an artist – architect, creator of convoluted shapes for his exhibition designs, his creations are weaved as clothes but thought as sculptures. Two cultivated and sophisticated artists able to navigate the world of fashion leaving the permanent signature of genius. The Foundation “Musei Civici di Venezia” paid tribute a couple of years ago to Roberto Capucci with an extraordinary exhibition organized at Palazzo Fortuny, Mariano’s house and workshop. Thirty dresses/sculptures realized between 1978 and 2009, are able to describe this specific period of the Master’s development. From the famous Column dress, breaking point of his relationship with traditional tailoring, to the Fan dress a symbol for untamed creativity; we can also admire his creation from the Eighties, with decorations of all shapes and surfaces: flat, tubular, flower-shaped, squared or resembling capitals…- one of the most remarkable is Fuoco (Fire) with an explosion of volume and waves stretching aloft.

Without any further ado, let's start with the gowns....

This gown takes my breath with the drama of the colors and ruffles.

A side view.

The famous red fan wedding dress.

Side view

Imagine the stares you would get walking into a ball with this dress.

The perfect Purple, Gold and Green Mardi Gras gown.

The masked face on the waist would be topic of conversation at a cocktail party.

These two ladies seem very much made for each other.

The barrister in me loves this black gown with the dramatic green interior sleeves. The masked face on the waist is simply surreal.

This gown is absolutely stunning, almost angelic. The perfect way to end the tour.

Roberto Capucci at Palazzo Fortuny

Hope you enjoyed this mini-trip to Venice. And, as always, I hope you have a wonderful weekend, wherever this post finds you.

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

New Beginning

2012-02-05T09:46:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe that it's been already a year since that fabulous Elle Decor party launching the grand opening of the 1stdibs floor at the New York Design Center (200 Lexington Avenue, NYC) on February of 2011. Indeed, it has been a year of growing and learning for everyone involved (from 1stdibs to NYDC to us dealers). For me, especially, new into this whole amazing world of design, NY has been somewhat of a culture shock -- in a fantastic kind of way. Being the only one on the 1stdibs floor from New Orleans (actually, the only one south of the Mason-Dixon line for that matter!), it has proven to be quite the challenge. But I'm loving every single moment of it.

On Friday, I flew up to NYC for the day and with the enormous help of my friend, Sandy Foster, who unsolicitedly took the day off to drive to the city, pick me up from the airport and spend the entire day helping me do the work of at least 4 strong men (which we didn't have!), to redo my entire gallery at the NYDC.

Sandy managed to get us one of those industrial dollies from the loading dock downstairs and the two of us lifted and pulled and moved all the furniture into my new space. We worked until the lights went out and walked out with the sales team who wondered what kind of vitamins two skinny girls in 3 inch heels took to be able to do what we did that day.

We were so down to the wire that I did not have time to snap any photos of my new space, other than these two "action" photos that Sandy took with her cell phone (probably by accident) before we were done. But at least it's a bit of a sneak preview. I cannot wait for my White Feather Murano Glass Chandelier to arrive from Italy next week to complete the look.

Adding a sheepskin throw on the back of my gorgeous 19th c. Louis XV Serpentine Back Walnut Sofa.

Very chaotic at this point but you can get the jest of it.

Needless to say, I was near comatose yesterday and every one of my muscles (muscles which I did not even know I had) ached. But it felt so good!!!!!

So here is to another year at 1stdibs@NYDC. If you haven't already done so and you happen to be in Manhattan, stop by and visit. The 1stdibs floor (on the 10th floor) is open to both the trade and public Monday through Saturday and the sales team there (John, Nancy, Blair, and Stefania) as well as general manager Louise Tanis are ready to help you find that absolute perfect piece for you.

For any of the pieces you see in these photos, please visit my 1stdibs store at www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Have a wonderful day wherever this post finds you.

The Unexpected Beauty

2012-01-27T09:27:00.001-06:00

There is something so surprisingly beautiful about something so unexpected....

Let's face it, how many of us would have the courage and vision to upholster a 19th c. Os du Mouton settee in faux cheetah (at least I hope it's faux cheetah!)?

But that's what separates the weak from the strong, the meek from the bold, and the mere mortals from Boston based interior designer Charles Spada.

Have a wonderful weekend wherever this post finds you.

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Fairy Tale Interrupted

2012-01-24T09:57:00.004-06:00

When I first received my Kindle Fire a month ago as a Christmas gift from my husband a/k/a A.J., I was a little apprehensive. I mean, why would I need another electronic gadget when I already had a laptop and a 3G Droid phone? Wasn't that a waste of money and a duplicative internet access toy that would just complicate my over complicated life even more? This just meant finding yet another plug in my office in which to charge yet another little computer thingy and dealing with yet more ugly black cables to hide in my already ugly black cable filled office. But I embraced it, not so much for my sake, but for A.J.'s who I know really wanted to make me happy when he handed me the newspaper wrapped gift (because he claims he could not find where I kept the Christmas gift wrap in the house). Men. But that's a huge other topic for another day.

But my apprehension has diminished in the few weeks since Christmas. What started out as a stand off-ish relationship, has grown into friendship and, dare I say, love and admiration for that little black tablet that allows me to escape to a world of wonderful books, internet access, and netflix streaming, all in the comfort of my bed or kitchen or bench as I sit on the sidelines during multiple children's soccer practices or even plane seat (as I fly back and forth to New York to visit my showroom). Yes, I'll admit it!!!! I've become addicted to that thing. Hi, my name is Karina Gentinetta and I'm a Kindle Fire-a-holic. I love my Kindle Fire! I only wish it could also do the laundry and walk the dogs but I think that will be available in the 5G version next year.

So all this brings me to the title of this post (you were probably wondering when I would get around to that, right?) Yesterday, my sister emailed me that Fairy Tale Interrupted was released and available at all major bookstores and digitally on the Kindle.

This is the hot new book by Rosemarie Terenzio, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s personal assistant, his publicist, and one of his closest confidantes during the last five years of his life. In this, her first memoir, she bravely recounts her own Fairy Tale Interrupted, describing the unlikely friendship between a blue-collar girl from the Bronx and John F. Kennedy Jr. As the Washington Posts points out, "Cynics, don’t groan: The fairy tale was not John-John’s but hers, a working-class Bronx kid swept up in his glamorous world."

Funny, moving, and fresh, her memoir is a unique account by the woman who was with him through dating, politics, the paparazzi, and his marriage to Carolyn Bessette. Her street smarts, paired with her loyalty, candor, and relentless work ethic, made her the trusted insider to America’s most famous man.

After John and Carolyn’s tragic, untimely deaths on July 16, 1999, RoseMarie’s whole world came crashing down around her, along with her hopes for the future. Only now does she feel she can tell her story in a book that is at once a moving tribute and a very real picture of her friend and employer.

Fairy Tale Interrupted is a deeply loving story and a fascinating adventure, filled with warmth, humor, insight, and five years’ worth of unforgettable memories.

I read the prologue to the book and I can tell you, it is an easy to read, down to earth, interesting and absolutely fascinating memoir. A look into a world only few of us could ever imagine. Did you know that John F. Kennedy Jr. had asked the Material Girl to dress up as his mother for the cover of his magazine, "George," but that Madonna declined, insisting she would “never do [Jackie O] justice?" In fact, RoseMarie recalls that JFK, Jr. thought that the idea was brilliant: “I think we should dress Madonna up as my mother,” he said. “Wouldn’t that be a riot?” Like that would have gone over well with Jackie. Imagine this picture:

Fortunately for us, RoseMarie states that Madonna declined, writing a letter to "Johnny Boy" as follows:

But I won't ruin the book for you or divulge any more of the juicy revelations in this book. You'll just have to run to Barnes and Noble yourself or (ahem!) download it on your Kindle Fire.

Have a wonderful day wherever this post finds you.

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Classic

2012-01-18T20:34:00.000-06:00

AUDREY HEPBURN, JANUARY 1960

Cecil Beaton

MODERN SILVER GELATIN PRINT

STAMPED WITH SOTHEBY'S EDITION STAMP, INSCRIBED

Available on 1stdibs (Chris Beetles Fine Photographs)

So very beautiful.... So very classic....

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Paul Costello

2012-01-16T14:10:00.000-06:00

Paul Costello's gifts for wit and spontaneity enliven his photographs of the most beautiful homes in the world — and of the interesting people who inhabit them. Costello recently moved from New York to the Garden District of New Orleans (yes, he's now within a stone throw away from me!) where he is renovating one of those beautiful old New Orleans' homes with his wife Sara Ruffin Costello, the former creative director of Domino Magazine, who is now a contributor for WSJ Magazine.

Just this week, 1stdibs did a feature on Paul which is simply beautiful. Click here to see it. Although his work is extensive, I just wanted to share with you some of my very favorite shots.

The London home of Serena Rees, co-founder of Agent Provocateur, shot for Domino 2006. I love the Vivienne Westwood wallpaper!

Sometimes, a single chair can make a powerful statement, especially if you have an amazing eye behind the lens.

Doesn't this remind you of Rear Window?

Me, on an average day, coming home from work. :)

Love this! So New Orleans after a Mardi Gras ball.

This amazing sofa reminds me of one of mine, currently on 1stdibs (see below).

See?

You wouldn't think that a plaid antique chair could look this good.

So very Domino Magazine. How I miss it! Next time I run into Sara at Whole Foods, I'll have to take it up with her.

I always loved the contrast in this shot between the modern look of the entrance door (color and glass windows) with the antique patina of the mirror, console, and Persian rug.

This man has one insanely inspirational portfolio!!! Check it out here.

I think I'll just pop on over to my new neighbors and borrow a cup of sugar.

Hope you are having a wonderful day wherever this post finds you.

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Elegance

2012-01-13T11:59:00.003-06:00

Woman in Red Hat with Book, New York Public Library,

New York City, 2003

Rodney Smith

2003

Available on 1stdibs (Fahey/Klein Gallery)

Have a wonderful weekend wherever this post finds you.

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Island Interiors in the Bahamas

2012-01-09T11:42:00.000-06:00

I recently had the pleasure to work with Amanda Lindroth of Lindroth Design in Nassau, Bahamas. I always love to know where my most treasured and beloved antiques find a home and I could not be more happy that this gorgeous monumental Architectural Fragment that came out of a church in France and which I converted into a mirror (so that it would find a practical use in today's lifestyles) will become part of one of Amanda's interior designs.

Amanda is the creative genius behind Lindroth Design which has gained the attention of many Islanders and mainlanders and the press (including Veranda Magazine and Real Living Magazine, to name but a few). Her designs are extraordinary and fit seamlessly with the coastal beauty of the Bahamas. As Real Life Magazine described, "Her intuitive ‘cool-as-linen’ style graces design magazines worldwide with its casual blend of sophisticated comfort and colonial-Caribbean chic."

Perhaps my favorite of Amanda's projects is the one she did for her own home, Ca'liza, just outside of Nassau and named after her daughter, Eliza. Take a look at this breathtaking home.

Amanda with Eliza

A gorgeous Louis XVI gilded table.

Amanda's talent goes beyond her home to other projects, such as this adorable Cabana at Schooner Bay.

And the Balmoral Club which boasts eighteenth-century, carved wooden fireplaces, oak doors and colossal windows.

As well as romantic sweeping staircases that just beg for the dashing silhouette of a Rhett Butleresque leading man.

But even beyond land based architecture, give Amanda a yatch and she can turn it into a comfortable living space that you would never want to leave from. And what I like most about her designs, is that she makes it a casual family area that is both inviting, elegant and practical all at once.

I'm in love with the children's berths.

And then there is the Gumbo Limbo Barn -- is there any end to this woman's talent?????

Yes, we are still looking at a barn, believe it or not.

Amanda, it was truly a pleasure to meet you and get a chance to work with you.

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

2012-01-06T13:14:00.002-06:00

Simple elegance ....

(photo from Casas & Gente).

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:08:00.000-06:00

Don't just dream it.... Do it!

There is no better time than today .... the start of a new year.

With all my wishes for a fabulous 2012.

To New Beginnings and Endless Possibilities

2011-12-31T09:05:00.003-06:00

My all time favorite New Year's Eve scene....

Denys: "Happy New Year, Karen."

Yes!!!!!

Wishing you a memorable New Year's Eve, wherever this post finds you.

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

My Big Fat Giant Clam Shell

2011-12-30T14:24:00.002-06:00

The possibilities.....

are endless and beautiful....

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Believe

2011-12-27T09:44:00.000-06:00

I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink! I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing; kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything else seems to be going wrong. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.

— Audrey Hepburn

Hollywood legendary photographer Leo Fuch's vision of Audrey Hepburn as captured by his eyes and lense.

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

The Day After Christmas

2011-12-26T09:16:00.000-06:00

I hope you got everything you wanted.....

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

A Christmas Memory Forever

2011-12-24T11:02:00.000-06:00

Okay, so we had a little meltdown this morning. Well, it was more like a dilemma than an actual meltdown. And I'm sure you are dying to know why, so I'll tell you.

As preparations for Santa's arrival were underway this morning (by the way, in Europe as in my native country of Argentina, Santa Claus delivers his gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas morning). Frankly, if you stop and think about it, it makes sense that he would have to somehow space out the delivery of gifts during the night given all the stops he must make. I guess the U.S. is last on his journey and hence, the morning gifts.

But I digress (as always)...

So as we don't have a fireplace in our home (really, when I rebuilt this home after Hurricane Katrina, I planned on what were the basic needs of our house and a working fireplace in a city that doesn't see freezing temperatures, seemed like a huge and needless expense), we leave a huge antique gold key on the front door for Santa to be able to enter our home in a civilized manner. Roma and Liam took care of the preparations, making sure we made cookies for Santa, had milk for him to wash them down, left oatmeal on little bowls outside for the reindeer to eat, put a small wooden stake on the ground for Santa to tie them up while he delivers our presents, etc. You get the point.

Then came time for hanging the stockings. That's where the problem came in. For the life of me, I cannot figure out what happened to our stockings. I mean, I know that we lost the ones that grandma knitted for the kids as a result of the flooding in Hurricane Katrina, but I swore I bought some regular fuzzy red and white ones last year. Still, I could not find them anywhere. It's Christmas Eve and no stockings to be had in the house. Crisis!!!!

Liam suggested I go "buy" some stockings at our local convenience store, but I explained to them that in the old days, kids left their own socks for Santa and there was truly no need for me to spend money on Christmas stockings (okay, I realize that my kids will need major therapy as adults as a result of my need to impose certain values on them, but in such a highly capitalistic society, can you blame me?????). Although the sock idea did not seem to faze them at all (in fact, they were very agreeable to it), when they reached into their drawers and pulled out their respective socks, they realized that this idea presented a major fairness issue. Liam's socks are much larger that Roma's socks and, therefore, Liam would presumable get more candy and presents than Roma.

That's where the meltdown came in.

I assured them that this would not be the case and that Santa is a fair and just person and that certainly, he would not favor one over the other on the basis of their respective feet sizes. Still, that did little to assure them and, given that fairness and justice are values that we stress in this family, they were determined to find a solution.

Which they did. Or, maybe I should say, Roma did.

Is that hilarious or what????? Like I could ever go back to store-bought Red and White Fuzzy Stockings.....

I hope they never lose that innocence about them!

Have a very Merry Christmas wherever this post finds you.

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

New Orleans during Christmas

2011-12-20T09:09:00.000-06:00

I love New Orleans this time of year. Frankly, I think I love it any time of year except when it is a scorching, humid 100 degree day in August. But still, with a cold cocktail on the veranda, all is forgiven.

New Orleans is so nostalgic and whimsical during the Christmas holidays that I wanted to share some images with you. Enjoy the visit.

A reveillon dinner at Oak Alley Plantation. In France and some other French speaking places, réveillon is a long dinner, and possibly a party, held on the evenings preceding Christmas Day and New Year's day. It is still a very popular tradition in New Orleans.

An interior.

In the French Quarter.

Even Brad and Angelina can relax in their home in New Orleans and be like any other family in the world.

Preservation Hall where Jazz is celebrated and honored.

An ordinary (or perhaps extraordinary) view in Uptown New Orleans.

Sandra Bullock has not yet put up her Christmas decorations in her home on 4th and Coliseum in the Garden District.

Galatoires' Restaurant. One of my favorite places in the world (their crabmeat Maison and souffled potatoes dipped in powder sugar and bernaise sauce are to die for).

Reveillon dinner at Antoine's Restaurant.

St. Louis Cathedral.

Love those streetcars!

Shopping on Magazine Street.

The Roosevelt Hotel (formerly the Fairmont Hotel) becomes a Winter Wonderland.

The Omni Royal Orleans Hotel.

A home in the Garden District.

Uptown New Orleans.

On St. Charles Avenue in Uptown New Orleans.

My home this morning.

My prized Rosemary bushes -- the last of the season's blooms.

Hope you enjoyed your visit to New Orleans.

www.karinagentinetta.1stdibs.com

A Hidden Gem in Old World New Orleans

2011-12-16T16:30:00.006-06:00

This afternoon, while running some errands around town, I stopped by my favorite lighting shop in New Orleans where I take all my chandeliers, girandoles, and lamps to be wired, re-wired and/or repaired. It is one of those old time cozy New Orleans' shops that ring with the clicking of crystals as the warm, humid breeze blows in through the 10 ft. french doors as they open with clients coming in and out. It is one of those quintessential small specialty shops that hopefully will never be replaced by the larger conglomerates like Lowes' or Home Depot.

Life long partners, David and Barry, are wonderful at what they do, which is to painstakingly restore or convert otherwise antique and vintage pieces into modern, usable works of art. They are as much part of what Shades of Light is as the fixtures they repair and display in their shop.

But unless you are looking for Shades of Light (1123 Josephine Stree, New Orleans, LA 70130), you wouldn't know about it. Somewhat a hidden gem in the Garden District of New Orleans, their shop is almost a local well kept secret. And Barry and David like it that way! You will not find them on the internet or doing business online. And although Barry is computer savvy and you will find him infront of his computer behind the desk on a typical day, David is back in the workshop surrounded by chandeliers of all sizes, shapes and styles. I love losing myself under the lights.

And so as I was saying when I started this post, I stopped by this afternoon to take this beautiful original girandole to be rewired before it shipped off to its new home in Ontario, Canada.

While I was waiting for David to check the wiring, I did my usual walk around the shop with my head looking up at the beautiful creations/restorations. These are but a few of them.

This one was stunning but I was up against the wall, in a corner, on a stool, and could only snap a part of it.

I adore this one. Still needs to be electrified. Check out the original candle holders!

Of course, you can't truly appreciate the impressiveness of this 4 ft. long chandelier with its enormous prisms when you only have a cell phone with which to take photos!

I loved this gilded 1930s palm leaf chandelier! Both lit and unlit, it was so unique. So art deco! Absolutely perfect for a powder room.

The crystals almost look like raindrops dripping off the leaves.

A more traditional chandelier.

Let there be light!

And I've always had my eyes on these gigantic 1930's Empire sconces. Again, these photos leave much to be desired. Each of these sconces measure 54" in length and 36" in width. There are 2 lights on each of the arms and then 8 smaller lights inside the sconce. Formerly, these sisters flanked the entrance of an established New Orleans' hotel.

Behind these crystals and against the backplate of the sconces (which act as a reflecting mirror to the light), there are the french fleur de lis.

Here is the view inside the crystals.

Although many lights were burnt out at the time, you can imagine the glory of this pair of sconces when they are lit.

And that was my brief afternoon delight before picking up Liam and Roma from school (their last day before the christmas break). It was a nice, quiet moment among the crystals and the old world charm that I so love about my New Orleans.

For these and other treasures, visit my online store on 1stdibs. www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Upcycling - An Antique Bread Dough Trough

2011-12-14T10:09:00.009-06:00

What to do with an Antique French Kneading Dough Trough or Box? You know, that early 19th century bread dough trough which was a typical sight in the kitchens of large French homes or manors.

The dough would be kneaded on the counter top and then placed inside the trough or box to rise. Several batches of dough would be kept to rise while the cooks used the top to continue with their food preparations.

In this day and age, it seems like these things may not be of much use. But when I saw this piece with its original hardware and beautiful patina on the French oak wood base, I knew I had to have it for my collection. Personally, I see various modern uses for it, including a console, kitchen island, blanket chest, TV console, or even to place a vessel sink on top and use as a vanity. I even think that it would be great to line it in copper and use it as a big ice cooler to put beers or sodas and have it outside in a gorgeous patio for parties.

Take a look at what someone did with it for their home in New Orleans. Isn't this clever and beautiful and so very unique?

(photo from Big, Easy Style by Bryan Batt)

What other uses can you see for it?

For this and other interesting antiques, please visit me at www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Dare to Make a Statement

2011-12-12T16:50:00.004-06:00

"I really don't understand minimalism. It's so polite and boring.

If you don't want anyone to notice you,

you should stay home and grow your own vegetables."

- Roberto Cavalli

Versace gown

Vintage Givenchy

Christian Dior

Vintage Norman Parkinson

Olivier Theyskens
for Nina Ricci - spring 2007

Oscar de la Renta

Chanel

Givenchy

Vivienne Westwood

Alexander McQueen

Unforgettable

Live boldly.

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Chez Pierre Herme: A home with taste

2011-12-11T08:37:00.005-06:00

Pierre Hermé is a French pastry chef most famous for his macarons, often with unusual flavor combinations. French Vogue magazine dubbed him "The Picasso of Pastry." Having begun his career at age 14 under the legendary Gaston Lendtre, he was only 24 when he became the pastry chef at Fauchon. He remained there for 11 years, until 1997, when he was asked to assist with the opening of Laduree, a prestigious French pastry shop. In 1998 Herme was called to branch out in his own name -- in Tokyo -- in the form of a bakery in a top hotel. That was followed in July 2000 by the opening of a tea salon. During that time he also was collaborating with some of the great restaurateurs and chefs in the United States. Yet it was not until August, 2001, that he conquered Paris in his own name with the opening of his own pastry boutique, Pierre Herme Paris.

Just this past issue, Elle Decor France featured the Maestro's home in Paris's 17th arrondissement, where his office and creative workshop are close by, just next to Monceau Park.

Walls of chocolate.
Pierre Hermé takes a pose on the landing decorated with a Murano glass sconce and with a bas-relief by Beatrice Arthus-Bertrand.

Pastry mouldings: A perfect mix of modern and classical achieve a perfect balance for the office shared by Pierre Hermé and his associate Charles Znaty.

White Meringue: In the mezzanine, a diving view to the dining room. The wooden and marble table was designed by Patrick Jouin. Chairs "Thalya" by Patrick Jouin (Kartell). Floor lamp "PO 98" (CAPPELLINI).

Floating islands: Light plays off the floors paved by slate! Under the glass roof, the table designed by Patrick Jouin is highlighted by suspension lights designed by the sculptor Daniel Dufois (Création Patrick Jouin-Sanjit Manku).

Rose macaroon: A touch of pink for the library stands in front of the kitchen (Bulthaup) where the team led by Mickaël Marsollier fullfils creations of the master chef.

I hope you enjoyed your house tour this morning and was inspired by this amazing pastry chef who has captured the world of baking at such a young age. Makes me feel so unaccomplished!

Of course, if you are ever in Tokyo or Paris or London, please stop by one of Chez Herme's boutiques and taste for yourself his marvelous creations.

(text and photos by Elle Decor France)

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Chanel - PARIS-BOMBAY MÉTIERS D’ART SHOW

2011-12-09T20:20:00.002-06:00

Displaying deeply extravagant textures and embellishments, Chanel held its Paris-Bombay Metier D’Art Show just this past week on December 6, 2011 in Paris at the Grand Palais.

As has been the past tradition, the show was held at the Grand Palais in Paris. This time, the stage was set to resemble an elaborate feast.

And in case you were not in attendance, no worries. Put on your high heels and Chanel No. 5 and sit back and relax. The show is about to begin...

Love the white on white and I love the chandelier in the background.

The purse is classic and perfect with the ensemble.

The Indian influence on this collection is fabulous.

Dressy but casual at the same time.

Gorgeous. And the chandeliers too.

Breathtaking.

Probably my favorite. Still can't get my eyes off of those chandeliers!

A pop of that Coco Chanel red we all love.

The tone on tone textures are incredible throughout this year's collection.

The Grand Finale.

The talented Karl Lagerfeld.

I'm glad you could join me for this fabulous fashion show.

www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

A Fashionable Parisian Version of the Christmas Tree

2011-12-09T08:41:00.006-06:00

Leave it to the French to come up with a gorgeous Christmas tree that you actually want to wear!

Galerie Librairie Artcurial in Paris' creative and fashionable take on the Christmas tree.

(Paris Tourism Office/Catherine Balet).

And for those who may not be familiar with The Librairie Artcurial, it is a bookshop housed in The Hôtel Marcel Dassault, situated at number 7 rond-point des Champs-Elysées. The Hotel was built in 1844, with some alterations made in 1952 after it was bought by Marcel Dassault. Today, the Hôtel Marcel Dassault is an art venue unique in Europe. The interior of the neo-classical edifice was remodeled by Jean-Michel Wilmotte to mark its launch as a temple of the arts.

What an elegant venue for such a haute couture Christmas tree!

Rolex commercial - Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

2011-12-08T13:55:00.007-06:00

I simply adore the new World of Rolex commercials, don't you? I swear, every time I watch this commercial, I get goosebumps. Such a timeless luxury jewel ....

And speaking of timeless luxury jewels ....

Now, as to the 19th c. Louis XVI Giltwood settee, I can definitely help you with that.

As to the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II Rolex Watch, you will have to talk to Santa.

For other luxury timeless beauties, visit my 1stdibs store at www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com.

The Miracle in Stockholm

2011-12-07T12:31:00.005-06:00

Take my breath away.....

Do not miss The Miracle (am I translating that right, all you Swedish readers?), Akitekturmuseet's fine exhibition of Stockholm's City Hall that opens tomorrow. Where other architecture exhibitions contents itself with drawings and models, the subject exhibition is literally inside the facade of one of Sweden's most famous buildings and highlights all parts that makes it a work of art -- architecture, crafts, design and artistic depiction. Many of the leading artists and designers were involved in the project. Gunnar Asplund designed the furniture. Textile artist Maja Sjöström made textiles. Among the other involved include Carl Malmsten and Prince Eugen. The exhibition, which launches the Museum's 50th anniversary is open 8 december 2011 through april 8, 2012.

For my Swedish readers....

Missa inte Under Verket, Akitekturmuseets fina utställning om Stockholms stadshus som öppnar imorgon. Där andra arkitekturutställningar nöjer sig med ritningar, skisser och modeller går Under Verket bokstavligen innanför fasaden på en av Sveriges mest kända byggnader och lyfter fram alla delar som gör den till ett allkonstverk – arkitektur, hantverk, formgivning och konstnärlig gestaltning i skön förening.

Många av dåtidens främsta kreatörer var engagerade i projektet. Gunnar Asplund, som hade varit arkitekten Ragnar Östbergs elev på Klara skola, ritade möbler. Textilkonstnären Maja Sjöström gjorde textilier. Bland övriga inblandade märks Carl Malmsten och Prins Eugen.

Utställningen, som också är startskottet på Arkitekturmuseets femtioårsjubileum, är öppen 8 december 2011 till 8 april 2012.

(photo and information from Elle Decor Sweden)

Another Christmas in New Orleans

2011-12-05T10:20:00.001-06:00

New Orleans has been said to be the second-best city to get in the holiday spirit, topped only by New York. In a city that loves to celebrate, Christmas is no exception and like everything else, New Orleans puts its own spin on decorating for the holiday.

(photo by Ryan Rivet)

(photo by Ryan Rivet)

One of the most beautiful places to visit during the holiday season in New Orleans is our very own City Park which dresses up in its holiday best with a spectacular display of lights. And if you think that our moss covered Oaks are beautiful on their own, wait until you see them covered in twinkling lights. Open nightly from December 2 through January 1. What a better way to experience New Orleans than through a walk or drive through one of the most majestic parks in the world. Here are some facts about our beloved City Park.

Once the site of Allard Plantation facing Bayou St. John, City Park's 1,300 acres offer visitors a sample of the city's riches both in fine art and natural splendor. City Park is home of the New Orleans Museum of Art and the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world. Trees in the oldest grove are over 600 years old! Talk about a living history -- if they could only talk!

Spanning the transition in art and architecture between Neo-Classical revival and Art Deco styles, the park's bridges, buildings and outdoor sculptures are a constant source of delight to visitors.

The first parcel of land was acquired in 1854, making it one of the country's oldest parks. A series of expansions over time have expanded the Park to its present size.

At 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country - larger than New York's Central Park.

But enough of the history lesson... take a look for yourself the magical place it is during Christmas.

The Carousel - Since 1906 little kids and kids at heart have enjoyed the "flying horses" of City Park's antique carousel, one of only 100 antique wooden carousels in the country and the last one in Louisiana. The carousel, featuring the masterwork of famed carousel carvers Looff and Carmel, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its renovation garnered national attention and praise from the National Historic Preservation Society.

My own Roma (far right) riding the "flying horses" at the Carousel with two of her friends. To think that 100 years ago, there was another child in her place riding the same horse.

Mr. Bingle welcomes visitors among the Oaks.

The New Orleans Botanical Garden has its roots in the Great Depression as a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Originally known as the City Park Rose Garden, the garden opened in 1936 as New Orleans' first public classical garden. Reborn as the New Orleans Botanical Garden in the early 1980s, the garden's collections contain over 2,000 varieties of plants from all over the world set among the nation's largest stand of mature live oaks.

The Peristyle is a Neo-Classical structure with majestic Ionic columns and is one of City Park's oldest structures. Built in 1907, the Peristyle was originally designed as a dancing pavilion.

Okay, so perhaps it does not get down to freezing temperatures in New Orleans but what child or adult does not dream of an ice skating rink? So every year, a synthetic ice rink is installed near Mr. Bingle.

And what would a Cajun Christmas be without an alligator. Lit up alligators appear throughout the park and in fact, instead of reindeer, Santa is pulled by a crew of eight alligators down the bayou. In Australia, I hear that Santa's sleigh is pulled by 8 white kangaroos!

So there you have it. Another reason to come to New Orleans for Christmas. In addition to the beautiful city that it is, you will be part of a Grand Christmas Celebration.

For more information on Celebration in the Oaks or to purchase tickets, click here.

And as always, I hope you have a wonderful day wherever this post finds you and don't forget to visit my 1stdibs store for beautiful antiques from New Orleans.

9 Hours in New York City

2011-12-02T16:50:00.006-06:00

On Wednesday, I made a cameo appearance in New York City to see my 1stdibs showroom at the New York Design Center (1stdibs@NYDC). Apparently, the Obamas had the same idea. Mind you, we were there for different purposes and different agendas, but who has to know, right? And if that was not cause enough for a major traffic jam in New York City, that evening was also the much anticipated and ever so popular ("popular" being the operative word here) lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center. So between the Obamas and the tree lighting, I could not have picked a more crowded day to be in NYC.

But, hey, it was New York and I was determined to make the most out of my 9 hour visit to NYC. By the way, JetBlue offers this amazing flight where you can leave New Orleans at 6:10 a.m. (getting into NYC at around 10 a.m.) and you can fly out at 8:30 p.m. that same evening. All for the exciting low price of $195 roundtrip!!!! So basically, for the same cost as a long lunch at Galatoire's with the girls, I spent the day in New York. Talk about an ideal shopping day trip.

So after visiting my showroom, replenishing some of my inventory, and then hopping on over to the 1stdibs digs on 5th Avenue to have a girls' lunch with 1stdibs' PR dreamgirl, Stacy McLaughlin, I decided that I would spend the remaining 2 hours of my trip window gazing up and down 5th Avenue.

So in my 3 1/2" super adorable black and grey spectator mary jane pumps, I decided to walk the 40 some blocks from the 1stdibs' offices to the Plaza Hotel. At some point, at or around 5th Avenue and 40th-something or other Street, when I was at the point of crying from the excruciating pain in my feet on the shoulder of a total unknown pretzel vendor, I admitted that this had been a bad idea. Who did I think I was trying to walk some 40 blocks in high heels?????? By that point, the idea of taking off my shoes crossed my mind but I thought that if I did, I may never be able to get them back on and what could be worse than walking on stockinged feet on 5th Avenue????? I can see the headlines now.

So I wiped my tears, straightened my back and continued on, thinking that if I could just make it to the Plaza, then all would be well.

Of course, taking photos of the fantastic Holiday windows on 5th Avenue was first and foremost part of my original plan. But with the crowds and the nail driving pain on my feet, I kept thinking of one goal -- The Plaza. Scarlett may have had her Tara -- I had my Plaza.

And on I marched.

By far, this was the closest to finding out how binding one's feet must feel like. And I still don't understand how they do it! Or, most significantly, WHY???^$%$%#$@#$%$$%

Note to self: Do not ever bind feet.

Not even the windows of Henri Bendel, or Bergdorf Goodman's or even Tiffany's could draw me in. Had I seen the paramedics on 5th Avenue, I would have hailed them and have them push me on a stretcher, after having them amputate my feet.

But then I saw it, like a vision in the desert.......

There she was, standing tall and elegant (unlike me by this point, I may add).

I walked in like a homeless woman ...... with bound feet.

Aaaahhh.............

Even Eloise was delighted to see me atop of her Betsey Johnson decorated Christmas tree.

And when I saw the glitter and dancing lights of the gigantic Baccarat chandeliers up above, I knew I had arrived to all that was familiar to me, tired feet and all.

A glass or two of champagne later, I was in a cab to JFK for my trip back home to my sweet home New Orleans.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend wherever this post finds you and don't forget to check out my new inventory on 1stdibs.

Deck the Walls with Books

2011-11-28T13:21:00.008-06:00

There is just something so beautiful about being surrounded by books -- lots and lots of them. Don't get me wrong. While I don't own one yet, I do appreciate the Nook and the Kindle and I've been told it has made everyone's life simpler and cleaner. But there is just something about books -- real, leather or paper bound, paper filled, colorful books. The more, the better.

What do you think?

I'm loving that chandelier amidst the library!

Ooooh, I could live here. That little alcove behind the drapes is perfect for curling up with a good book.

How neat would this be for a kids' study?

Hanging artwork on shelves adds drama and dimension to a bookshelf full of books.

Books add a vintage feel to this otherwise modern decor.

My next house must have a library like this with a courtyard in the middle!

How high can you go????

So very English....

So very New Orleans...but then again, this is my very own home (photos by New York Times).

We lost all our wonderful books as a result of the flooding in Hurricane Katrina, but we are slowly but surely rebuilding our library again.

Hope you are having a wonderful Monday.

My Newest Abstract

2011-11-26T16:45:00.003-06:00

Mixes easy.... just add antiques or modern furniture ... or both....

Roma, my 6 year old, has her mother's insatiable creative gene.

Get Away -- Read a Book

2011-11-26T08:33:00.003-06:00

Has reading a good book gone out of style in this hectic world we live in? I hope not.

I love this guy.....

When was the last time you sat and read a good, long book?

Alone at Last

2011-11-25T19:47:00.004-06:00

It's been a long, busy, hectic week.

I just need to sit alone for a while and catch my breath....

Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend.

Get Mad!

2011-11-24T11:20:00.003-06:00

Today we will all eat more than our share of food. I'm having a soon to become reality vision of my mother's turkey, and the Italian sausage stuffing, and potatoes (both sweet and not sweet), and the spinach souffle, and shrimp stuffed mirliton, and the french chocolate silk pie, and pecan pie .... The list goes on and on. We will all sit back and unbutton our pants and sigh....And then maybe go for a walk, wait an hour and go back for seconds. And I'm glad for this day. I so look forward to it!!! We all do.

But realize that not everyone is as lucky as you and I are. 1 billion people, both young and old, will go hungry this very day.

Please join me and actor Jeremy Irons in signing the Petition to End Hunger. Watch the video and sing the Petition. Do it today!

SIGN THE PETITION TO END WORLD HUNGER: http://www.1billionhungry.org/

Happy Thanksgiving to All

2011-11-23T18:30:00.000-06:00

However you celebrate Thanksgiving...

Wherever you are...

Whomever you are with...

I hope you have a good one and give thanks for everything you have.

Happy Thanksgiving to all wherever this post finds you.

A Home for Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T17:10:00.003-06:00

So there I was, minding my own business, running errands to and from my restorer, thinking about all the things I need to do in preparation for Thanksgiving, when a little something crossed my path and totally turned my plans upside down. I was on Tchoupitoulas Street (the street that runs alongside the Mississippi River in Uptown New Orleans) traveling westbound when I see traffic on the eastbound lane stop and back up. I see this little dog trying to make its way across the busy street with his tail in between his legs and obviously confused and scared about which way to go. I held my breath as I didn't think he'd make it.

I immediately pulled over, parked my car somewhat illegally on the street, and jumped out of my car and waved traffic down. Yes, impulsivity took over. The little dog managed to cross the street and I ran after it. By the time I made it across Tchoupitoulas, he was nowhere to be found. Mind you, it was probably not the best or safest neighborhood to be wondering around alone, but I just couldn't leave this little creature on his own. I saw an elderly man working on a car and I asked him if he had seen the little dog. "Yeah, he is in there somewhere. I've seen him for a while looking in garbage. I think he is on the alley." Sure enough, I turn on a little alley between two buildings and I spotted him again. It was then I realized it was a Chihuahua. A very thin Chihuahua who seemed like he has not eaten in days. He was shaking from fear and when I tried to come near him, he growled from fear. I stood there for a while and talked to him. Slowly but surely, he started to approach me. He finally let me pet him and pick him up.

My first stop was to the nearest veterinary hospital to have him check for a chip. Sadly, he has none, but the vet confirmed that it looked like he had not eaten in days. I tried to feed him but he is still too nervous to eat. I asked the vet what my choices were. Many veterinary hospitals in New Orleans are no longer accepting stray animals for adoption as they are overcrowded. So they suggested I call the Louisiana SPCA which I did. I was informed that they have them for 5 days at which point they either try to adopt them out or euthanize them. There is no guarantee that they will put them on the adoption list. That was not good enough for me. I could not bear the thought of this dog or any other dog being put to sleep for being abandoned. I called the St. Tammany Humane Society (a no kill shelter across the Lake) and was told that they were no longer accepting animals as they were over their limit. I called ARNO (Animal Rescue of New Orleans) and got a recording to call the SPCA.

So, long story short, I felt like I had no choice but to bring "Tchoupitoulas" home. Unfortunately, as much as I would like to keep him as he seems like a wonderful, loving and very obedient dog, I can't as I have 3 dogs too many (one of which, as many of you know, is a 95 lbs. labrador named Satchmo whom I also rescued from the streets right after Katrina). The other two are wire-haired dashchunds who simply do not get along with any other animal, especially those who are smaller than they are and I'm afraid they will hurt Tchoupitoulas.

So I am trying to find a home for him. For this, I'm going to need everyone's help here. Please pass along this post to anyone you may know who may want a sweet, trained little dog from New Orleans. I will have him checked out tomorrow by a veterinarian to confirm that he is well and I will take care of whatever shots he may need.

Here are some photos of him riding on the back of my car this afternoon. He is a most loving, sweet little dog who loves to be pampered. He looks to be young as his teeth are clean with little plaque (can you tell I've been a dog lover and caregiver all my life?)

Let's find him a home for the holidays.

My Newest Obsession: Poldark

2011-11-20T10:25:00.012-06:00

How many of you ladies out there are hopeless romantics and love a good love story? Come on, raise your hands! I know who you are.

I for one absolutely adore a good love story with a handsome, strong leading man and a feisty, beautiful leading lady. Story of my life! Did you read my post on my infatuation with Gone With the Wind and how I came to marry my husband? If not, click here. Perhaps it was that in my own life, I had my parents' own love story to live by which seemed to span countries, continents and a lifetime of struggle.

As a young girl, I loved to watch classic movies. Maybe it was an escape from the reality that was happening outside my own door, living in Buenos Aires during the terrible dirty war where young so called "subversives" (those who may oppose the military dictatorship) were kidnapped, tortured, and never heard from again. Movies offered me a way to escape to another world when my own seemed so fragile and terrifying.

I cannot tell you how many times during my girlhood I fell head over heels in love with such dashing and memorable actors as Clark Gable, Rock Hudson, Errol Flynn and even some of those handsome Argentine actors of my youth such as Claudio Levrino ("Un Mundo de Veinte Asientos") and Rodolfo Beban ("El Gato").

My passion for a good love story followed me into adulthood. Now that my husband works nights as a Sommelier at a restaurant in the French Quarter, I find myself watching some wonderful English classics after I put the kids to bed. Call me nostalgic, I'm guilty.

My most recent love affair has been with the newly re-released "Poldark," a BBC television series based on the novels written by Winston Graham which was first transmitted in the UK between 1975 and 1977.

Hailed as a British Gone with the Wind, Poldark created a sensation on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre with its dashing, romantic hero and his infamous exploits. This classic miniseries demonstrates the enduring appeal of a gripping storyline and unforgettable characters.

Returning to Cornwall after the American Revolution, Capt. Ross Poldark (Robin Ellis) finds his life at home has fallen apart. His estate is in disarray. His former flame, Elizabeth (Jill Townsend), is engaged to his cousin. And his family's copper mines have become targets for the Poldarks' bitter rivals. Duels, smuggling, and attempted murders unfold as Ross strives to resurrect his fortunes and find true love, which he does in the feisty but beautiful, head strong Delmeza (Angharad Rees). This spellbinding saga dramatizes the deep rifts in British society on the brink of industrialization, played out against the rocky, ruggedly beautiful Cornish coast.

At first, I had to adjust to the whole 1970s Masterpiece Theatre style. I'll admit, as movies and filming have become more and more sophisticated and filled with special effects, you watch the first few episodes and feel that you are watching a home video of a live English play. But then you fall in love with all of it -- the filming, the sets, the costumes, the story, the characters, the actors, especially Robin Ellis -- the dashingly handsome Ross Poldark.

Trust me on this one, you will fall in love with Robin Ellis aka Ross Poldark.

And, as the episodes have rolled on (there are 29 episodes in this saga and I'm on 25!), I have become attached to them. Curious as a cat, I googled to see what happened to some of the actors. I'm sad to say that coincidentally, Richard Morant who played Dr. Dwight Enys in the first series of Poldark died suddenly in London on November 9, 2011 (just over a week ago). Angharad Rees lives in London and has a successful and beautiful jewelry collection that has been widely featured in movies and the press.

And my beloved Robin Ellis, well, he is well and every bit as handsome and fit and living in the South of France with his American wife, Meredith Wheeler (some women get all the luck, I tell you).

His life-long passion for cooking plus a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes led to writing his first cook book, Delicious Dishes for Diabetics: A Mediterranean Way of Eating, recently published by Constable & Robinson on 4th August 2011 in the UK and by Skyhorse in the United States just this month (November 2011). It is available at local bookstores or online at www.amazon.co.uk or www.amazon.com.

Robin maintains a blog where he writes about his travels and cooking and can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter. How is it I know all this? Well, I'm his newest groupie! :)

And I'm certain you'll be too once you watch him in "Poldark" (now available for instant streaming on Netflix).

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend wherever this post finds you.

Hollywood Regency Glamour

2011-11-17T09:23:00.015-06:00

When designers from Hollywood's Golden Age, like William Haines, Dorothy Draper and Syrie Maugham started decorating the homes of the silver screen stars and other West Coast socialites with overtones of glitz and glamour, a new design style emerged. The 1930s Hollywood Regency style was a favorite of celebrities ranging from actresses Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard, Jean Harlow to the future First Lady, Nancy Reagan.

Hollywood Regency design, however, is not a relic of the past. The over-the-top style is not just for the rich and famous; a modern version is surging in popularity, fueled by designers like Kelly Wearstler.

In honor of this beautiful style, I unveil my gorgeous, newly restored Hollywood Regency Secretary (c. 1930s) soon to be featured on my 1stdibs storefront.

A gorgeous marriage between the art deco and Louis XV styles, this secretary is reminiscent of the glamour of the golden age of Hollywood.

Made of solid french walnut with burled walnut doors and inlay marquetry on the drawers. Heavily hand carved cabriole legs...

And take a look at the inside!

The inside is made of bird's eye maple with a diamond patterned back mirror.

A flat wooden surface with black glass slides out to convert this piece into a glamorous writing desk.

Can't you just see Coco Chanel writing a thank you note while sitting at this desk?

Stay tuned for more pieces soon to be finished.

To view my complete inventory, please visit www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Timeless Beauty

2011-11-11T13:31:00.005-06:00

Rare 19th c. Serpentine Back Louis XV Walnut Sofa

France
c. 1850

This sofa or settee has a bench style seat that is solid and sturdy and a rare serpentine back that follows the soft curves of the wooden walnut frame. Completely restored down to the 8 way hand tied springs and newly upholstered in a simple white cotton canvas fabric. Handcarved walnut frame with shell carvings on cabriole legs and front. Exquisite detail and patina. Deep, comfortable sofa that can easily accommodate 3 adults.

Sigh....

To view this piece and others in my inventory, please visit my 1stdibs storefront.

Old Meets New

2011-11-08T18:13:00.004-06:00

(from pinterest.com)

To get this look:

Molded Chair by Verner Panton (1967)

Eiffel Chair by Eames for Herman Miller

Italian Chandelier with Vintage Murano Glass Crystals by

disegno Karina Gentinetta

You provide the crumbling walls.

Poland

2011-11-07T16:49:00.008-06:00

Have you discovered the beauty of Poland lately?

Mierzecin Palace Hotel in Miercezin, Poland

Hotel Royal Baltic in Ustka

Gdynia

To my friend, Ewa, who follows my blog from her seaside city of Gdynia, Poland, this post is for you and for your beautiful country and people.

Powinniście być dumni z tego dziedzictwa piękne i kraju.

Milanesas de Pollo

2011-11-06T19:26:00.012-06:00

Did you ever noticed that people who are creative or who have a passion for homes, interiors, and design tend to be foodies? My dear friend, Frances Russell and I were talking about that not too long ago as she and I have discovered that we are both food aficionados and in addition to our love for design, we exchange recipes (have you checked out her post on Austin Leslie's Southern Fried Chicken which recipe I sent to her and which she, so lovingly, made in her home in Australia?) Frances, you gave "Southern" Fried Chicken a whole new meaning!

Both my husband and I love to eat and to cook and we wake up thinking about what we will do for dinner. But then again, we also live in New Orleans where amazing food surrounds us every which way we go. I think New Orleanians find any reason to eat and eat well. And the amount of garlic and seasoning we use in this city should be a crime. Although after Hurricane Katrina many contemplated moving away to other cities, their love of good food kept them here.

Being from Argentina, I have grown up eating Argentine food which is basically Italian food. I think I seduced my husband into marrying me with my osso bucco and homemade gnocchis. He, on the other hand, tends to cook more eclectic foods, having worked under some of the best chefs in New Orleans, including John Harris of Lilette Restaurant and Emeril Lagasse.

AJ and I hardly ever go out to dinner and choose instead to cook at home with the kids and have family dinners which may range from something very easy and simple to something quite sophisticated. This is the thing that has kept us together especially through the difficult times after Hurricane Katrina.

So I thought that from time to time, I may share some of my favorite, family recipes with you. There will be no formal ingredients or quantities as I tend to improvise with "a dash of this and a dash of that." But just email me if you have any questions.

On Saturday, AJ and I took the kids to an afternoon matinee of Puss In Boots. If you haven't seen it, it is so cute and that Antonio Banderas still makes my heart skip a beat, I tell you.

We got home close to dinner and we had not really planned on much since the kids and AJ (and me) have had a horrible cold for the past week which makes us all just want to take long naps and pass the tissue box around.

But it was Saturday night and I was determined to have a nice family dinner - cold or no cold. And comfort food was the name of the game.

So I made one of my all time favorite Argentine dinners which I grew up with -- Milanesas. "Milanesas" gets its name from "Milan" and are essentially Italian (or Argentine) wiener schnitzel, or panned veal cutlet. In Argentina, we make Milanesas with very thin beef instead of veal (Argentines use beef in everything!) but sometimes, if you are fancy, you will make them with chicken which I love.

Soooooo, I decided to make Milanesas de Pollo (or Chicken Milanesas).

And here is the recipe:

Take boneless and skinless chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise so that you get 2 thin chicken cutlets from one breast. You can also cut this step by buying thin chicken cutlets.

Setting aside the chicken, finely chop some Italian parsley and a couple of cloves of garlic together.

Add this mix of garlic and parsley to a bowl with two eggs and beat the mixture together. Add the chicken cutlets and let marinade for an hour or so in the refrigerator.

Anything for me??????

Take one chicken cutlet at a time from the bowl(making sure that not too much egg mixture drips off when you take them out) and bread them with seasoned Italian bread crumbs.

Take the breaded cutlet and fry it one at a time in about 1/4 inch of olive oil until they are golden brown on both sides.

I love mine a dark golden brown.

Once they are fried, place them on a plate with some paper towels so that any remaining olive oil drains off.

At this point, I squeeze some lemon juice on them and keep them warm in a low oven while I fry the other cutlets.

Once they are all fried, you serve them up with a side dish. In Argentina, it is customary to serve them with mash potatoes (Milanesas con Pure), but on Saturday, I served them with Angel Hair Pasta that I tossed with some fresh basil pesto sauce and with some whole garlic cloves which I had roasted in olive oil (did I mention we live in New Orleans????)

The garlic not only does wonders for a cold but it also wards off vampires. So we killed two birds with one stone. No vampires were flying by our house on Saturday with all the garlic we ate, I tell you!

Sprinkle a little Parmesan on the pasta and here you go!

Milanesas de Pollo with Basil Pesto Pasta and Roasted Garlic

Unfortunately, we still have our colds, but at least we ate well and went to bed happy.

Where in This World Does This Post Find You?

2011-11-05T08:26:00.005-05:00

My father had a passion for cultures and origins. Invariably, when he met someone (whether he or she be the newspaper boy, or nurse, or cab driver, etc.), he would always ask them their name. Last names fascinated him and so when a person would give him his or her last name, he would ponder for a while and say, "You must be English" or "That is a very German name!" or "Your ancestors must have been Italian." From there, he would go on about the virtues of that culture. He never passed judgment or brought up politics when he inquired about your ancestry.

This went on all of my childhood and adult years. Even during his last 2 weeks in the hospital until he passed away, my father asked everyone their last name and then proceed to tell them about their origins.

My mother, Dora Hada Zazzetta, as a young child (second from the left, front row) was the youngest child of Italian immigrants, Atilio and Aida Zazzetta. They moved to Argentina during Mussolini's reign.

My father's passion was passed onto me in a way in that I love to find out where people come from. When I hear someone with an accent, I immediately ask them where they are from. In doing so, I have found that some people are very proud of where they are from and gladly share their origin or birthplace with me. But, sadly, other people hesitate even when they have a heavy accent that inescapably gives them away. I say sadly because for the most part, I have found that those people are from countries such as Mexico (who may fear being thought of as "illegal immigrants" just by virtue of being from there) or Russia or one of the Middle East countries. These people, I find, are scared or embarrassed to acknowledge their birthplace for fear that they may be associated with or thought of as embodying all the negative aspects of their countries.

Well I for one know what it is like to be an immigrant and all the hardships and personal sacrifices that go with that choice and for me, if you have moved to this country in search of a better life and are working an honest job and are a good person, then you should not carry the political baggage associated with where it is you happened to be born. Afterall, we do not choose our birthplace. I always tell my kids, if you happen to be born in a country that is free and rich in resources and opportunities such as the U.S. or one of the European countries, then you have already won the lottery in life.

But I digress (as I'm always fond of doing!).

All of this monologue on my fascination and respect for cultures and ethnicity is just a background for what I'm about to ask....

I have recently discovered by way of Google analytics that although I'm not one of those super popular blogs that have thousands of followers (I'm so envious!!!), I do have a widespread and diverse following. And that fascinates me!!!!

Today, I saw the following countries represented in my readership:

United States

Argentina
Australia

Brazil
Germany
Romania
Canada
United Kingdom
Italy
Poland
Russia
France

Wow!!!! Romania! Germany! Poland! Russia! I cannot tell you how excited this is for me!

So I want to hear from all of you, please. I want whoever happens to read this post and is from a place outside of New Orleans (yes, I want to know how many people in Iowa are reading my blog) to leave me a comment or email me as to where you are from. It would certainly make my day and I know, it would have made my father's.

Come on, I want to know where this post finds you!!

I'll start:

"Hi, my name is Karina, and I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and am writing from my home in New Orleans, Louisiana."

Now, it's your turn.....

Miguel Flores-Vianna

2011-11-03T11:38:00.008-05:00

As we are on day 3 of my home's magazine shoot for Southern Living, I'm appreciating the talent and hard work that goes into creating that perfect interior shot. What looks casual or unstaged may actually have taken hours to prepare and achieve. Perhaps that is why we all love looking at magazines such as Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, Veranda.... we all want that look in our own homes. You can get it!!! Just make sure that in addition to your interior designer, you also hire a stylist, a photo editor, a photographer and a prop person (all of whom are in my kitchen as I type!).

One of my all time favorite interior shots come from Miguel Flores-Vianna who does a lot of interior shots for Elle Decor, The World of Interiors, Domino, Architectural Digest, 1stdibs, House & Garden and Veranda. And what do you know???? Miguel grew up in Argentina (perhaps we were childhood neighbors). A former editor-turned-photographer (not to mention artist/global nomad/bon viveur), Miguel embraces life with an ardor that spills over into every corner of his existence.

Here are some of my favorite shots that he has captured. Pay close attention to the small details in the photos that may go unnoticed but were so carefully placed there.

Miguel at work.

You can view more of Miguel Flores-Vianna's work and interior shots here. And stay tuned for my Southern Living Magazine debut this Summer!

Back to Work (and a little Sneak Peak)

2011-11-01T11:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, in between hanging out with celebrities :) and raising children and dogs, vacuuming the house, making dinners and school lunches, and beds and travelling back and forth to my showroom on the 1stdibs floor at the New York Design Center, I've actually been working on some fabulous new old pieces that I hope you all will love. As many of you know, it is a slow and painful process to bring back an antique to its original beauty but nothing can be more rewarding seeing it once it is complete. My upholsterer, Clarence, so succinctly put it upon finishing up that little Louis XV Giltwood Chair everyone has fallen in love with (click here to see it), "When you brought this old, chippy chair to me, it was like you had brought me a homeless person. Then you brought me this beautiful fabric and it was like taking that homeless person, giving it a bath and dressing it up in beautiful clothes. All of its complexion came alive and now, it is beautiful and dignified again."

When I hear comments like that, it makes my work worthwhile. So just because you don't hear about my work in a while, don't think I'm not laboring behind the scenes.

So here is a sneak peak at several pieces that I have finally finished and will be unveiled this Wednesday on 1stdibs when it releases its "New Listings." They are already loaded on my 1stdibs storefront in case you want to get all the details on them. But I'd thought I've give you all a quick and private peak.

Louis XVI Giltwood Settee (c. 1860, France) in Silk Taffeta.

Pair of Magnificent Empire Walnut Chairs with Cast Bronze Ormolu (c. mid-1800s)

19th c. Italian Walnut Coffee or Cocktail Table with Inlaid Marquetry.

19th c. Louis XV Giltwood Chair (c. 1860s)

19th c. Louis XV Walnut and Mahogany Game or Card Table.

Set of Six (6) Fully Restored Queen Anne Chairs with White Cotton Sateen Upholstery and French Brass Tacks.

All of these pieces will be released tomorrow on 1stdibs. Now, I'm back to vacuuming the dog hair in my house for the Southern Living photoshoot this week!

Hope you have a fabulous week!

Can we talk????

2011-10-30T21:15:00.013-05:00

So I was having just an ordinary day here in my home in New Orleans when I get an email from a friend, who got an email from a friend, who got an email from a friend of Joan Rivers that they were both coming to New Orleans for just 24 hours for a wedding and had a couple of hours to spare and could I recommend a couple of good restaurants, museums, etc. I love it when people from other places come to visit our lovely city and so I'm always happy to oblige. So one thing led to another and what do you know????

No, seriously, that's Joan Rivers and me. Look closer.

She came down with the handsome and talented, Scott Currie, Elie Tahari's Global Communications VP. Joan wanted to see some New Orleans sights and visit some real New Orleans' homes. So I made a couple of phone calls....

I met them at Commander's Palace where they had a lovely Sunday brunch outside in the courtyard.

As I spotted the all too familiar red carpet hostess who has made a career out of telling it how it is, I didn't know what to expect -- Was she going to be an intolerable diva???? Would she be rude, self-absorbed and Mommy Dearish-like???? Was she going to ask me "who I was wearing" in a way that made me want to run and hide and get therapy for the rest of my life? I mean, we've heard all the stories, right?

Well, I tell you, she was one of the sweetest, most gracious, most approachable and most appreciative people I've ever met and the same, of course, goes to Scott. She obligingly posed with countless of tourists who immediately recognized her and then, like a child in a candy store, ran across the street after brunch to peer through the gates of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, which is the cemetery directly across from Commander's Palace and most often used in films made in New Orleans. Side note: I never really understood tourists' fascination with New Orleans' cemeteries as I see them on a daily basis driving around, until I stop and realize that ours are the only ones above grounds due to the necessity of burying our dead above the water level of this city. In the photo above, Joan and I are standing infront of Lafayette Cemetery -- see the tombs behind us? Some are 250 years old! But I digress...

Moving on --

From there, I promised Joan that she could see the insides of some gorgeous New Orleans homes, rich in interior design and history. So one of the places I thought of immediately was New Orleans developer Sean Cummings' mansion on Esplanade Avenue. Sean has been a dear friend of mine for many years and when I called him to tell him I was bringing Joan over, he graciously opened his doors (and considering he had had a wild Halloween party the night before in his home, I felt doubly honored that he would do so).

Sean's house is absolutely magnificent. Take a look for yourselves:

The waterfall Swarovski crystal chandelier in the entrance hall was flown in from Austria and I'm always mesmerized to see its magnificence. I think Joan wanted to bring it home with her.

The music room, with an ancient fertility bed on the forefront (don't ask).

The Audrey Hepburn room. Sean is good friends with Sean Ferrer, Audrey's son with Will Ferrer.

A touch of modern antique (as I like to call it).

The bar room, one of the only rooms that Sean left untouched during his entire renovation of the house.

The chandelier in the master bath above was originally hanging in the entrance hall when Sean bought the place from Nicholas Cage. I think the waterfall chandelier makes a greater impact, don't you think? But Sean kept it and moved it to the corner of his bathroom.

Media room above and conference/office below (all in the same room).

End of tour.

Stunning, right? Joan and Scott were truly blown away.

From there, we were supposed to visit Julia Reed and John Pearce's gorgeous 1847 Greek Revival house on First Street in the Garden District. John was a former law partner of mine and mentor and he and Julia most graciously agreed to share their home with Joan. Unfortunately, a snow storm in NY delayed Joan and Scott's arrival in the Big Easy and so all our plans had to be cut short and we were not able to make that part of the visit. Maybe on your next trip, Joan?

So that was how I spent my Sunday afternoon today. I'm now home in my pajamas and fuzzy slippers blogging away on my laptop while Liam and Roma are sound asleep and ready for their big Halloween trick or treating tomorrow. I better get some sleep.

Are you Game?

2011-10-29T09:05:00.010-05:00

Game or card tables of all shapes, styles, and periods are making a real comeback, especially those that are unique and can serve multi purposes. Perhaps it has to do with people wanting to connect on a personal level by enjoying a game of poker or chess or a family board game (and get away from the electronics for a change).

I, for one, am infatuated with the beautiful french and swedish ones and have enjoyed the brief company of a couple of really beautiful ones in my inventory.

Here are some that I find charming.

I adore this swedish painted card table and it reminds me of one that I had restored and refinished in my own collection and which has since found a lovely home in the Hamptons (see below).

But the modern ones appeal to me as well.

This gold card table adds a pop of color to the clean and white interior.

The simple lines of this neoclassical card table give a sense of understated elegance to this cozy corner.

This is perfect for having the girls over for champagne and cards.

Most recently, I found this spectacular 19th c. Louis XV game/card table that I've painstakingly had restored down to the bare wood, walnut in this case. This little card table is gorgeous with its curved legs and table top. Made of solid walnut, the table is beautiful on its own and can be a cozy place to gossip and have a glass or two of champagne with the girls or guys.

But flip the table top over and you have a beautiful poker or card game setting!

Want to play a game with dice???? No problem. Just lift and remove the top altogether and there you go. Love that mahogany top.

And for your cards or poker chips and all your cash, take a look at these little drawers on each of the sides. Ingenious! Do the French think of everything?????

Of course, you provide the cocktails.

This 19th c. Louis XV walnut game or card table will soon be uploaded onto my 1stdibs storefront.

Ghoulish Walls

2011-10-28T09:22:00.007-05:00

With two young children, it seems that Halloween is all we can talk about lately. And by the time Monday actually rolls around, Liam and Roma will need major root canals with all the pre-Halloween candy they've been eating this past week. Is there any end in sight to the sugar intake?????

So in the spirit of this dark and spooky holiday, I decided to showcase some dark and ghoulish interior decors which are actually gorgeous in all their darkness. Have you ever thought of painting your walls black? Yep, you heard me right. Black! Now you know me -- my style is all about white, white and more white, but take a look at these fabulous and elegant black interiors.

The much written about bedroom of J.Crew's creative director, Jenna Lyons.

Love the ghost table/writing desk!

The chartreuse tufted back chair adds such a spark of color to this bathroom. Love it!

And if you are still unmoved by the black walls and insist on staying white, well, you can still bring in that dark, elegant and dramatic color into your home. Take a look at this beauty below!

Talk about drama! (all photos courtesy of Pinterest.com)

Hope you have a safe and festive Halloween weekend.

From Palermo to Recoleta - Places to Stay in Buenos Aires

2011-10-26T09:43:00.009-05:00

It's amazing how many responses I received about my recent nostalgic trip to my birthplace of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It seems a lot of you have either been there and loved it or, if not, have placed B.A. on your bucket list. I loved reading your stories!!

If you do end up going there, one of the things I would highly recommend is to actually savor the city and stay for a while (at least a week). In doing so, I would also recommend renting an apartment which are so plentiful in Buenos Aires. There is nothing better than to live the way Argentines live even if for a little while. I found that some of my best trips were the ones where I stayed and cooked in a place, visited the markets, sat leisurely on a balcony while sipping coffee and reading the paper, etc.

There are lots of websites offering vacation rentals all over the world, but one of my favorites, particularly if you are traveling to Argentina is Buenos Aires Habitat.

Here are some of my favorite apartments. Of course, take note of the furnishings. How gorgeous are they! I picked two opposite extremes for you to see. One is a traditional, french style apartment, while the other is a modern one. Yes, us Argentines have quite a versatile range of tastes. Perhaps that is what has shaped my own taste in design and furnishings.

The first apartment is in the swanky neighborhood of Recoleta, named so after the famous cemetery located in this exclusive neighborhood. This is a two bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 2 patio apartment.

This next apartment is in Palermo, the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires which encompasses some old, french-style mansions. Still, this 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath penthouse loft is anything but old and french.

This is perhaps a more traditional Palermo house, also for rent through Buenos Aires Habitat.

So what are you waiting for????? Pack your bags and head to the southern hemisphere and stay at one of these gorgeous places to experience Buenos Aires the Argentine way.

Well, even if you don't get the chance to do so, at least I hope these photos with gorgeous decors inspired you in some way.

Words to Live By

2011-10-25T13:46:00.003-05:00

Inspiration: A mix of styles and colors

2011-10-24T10:54:00.000-05:00

It's Monday morning and time to get our creative juices flowing!

From Elle Decor Sweden comes a wonderful inspiration. Ann-Christine and her partner Ulrik are not afraid to mix different styles in his house in Nykoping. small hints of gold and brass heat up the white, bring interior.

The 1960s teacart was a flea market find as were many of the vases.

I adore the mixing of the classic Empire desk and cabinet with the clean and modern lines of the Eiffel chair, designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Even the antique chandelier looks right at home next to the industrial desk lamp. The vases on the desk, Christine made herself by stacking several glass bowls together.

Again, lovely mixing of old and new. The panton S chair and the bombe antique chest, while periods and generations apart, give a refreshing and crisp look to this bedroom.

Absolutely lovely!

Don't Cry For Me Argentina

2011-10-21T14:04:00.019-05:00

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But New Orleans has been my home since the age of 12. Still, there are moments when I feel Buenos Aires in my soul. And I miss all there is to miss about that beautiful place that nurtured my early years.

The picturesque walls of La Boca and San Telmo...

http://notesfromabroadblog.tumblr.com/

The cobblestone streets where I used to walk hand in hand with my mother...

http://notesfromabroadblog.tumblr.com/

Its cafes with their delicious "sanguches de miga."

The famous "Alfajores Havanna" de chocolate that I used to devour at tea when my father brought them home.

My English school from kindergarten to third grade, Barker College.

The Parisian inspired Theatre Colon (Teatro Colon) where President Peron first heard my beautiful 18 year old mother sing Opera.

The majestic snow covered mountains of Bariloche where we took family vacations as kids.

The infamous "Dedo de Dios" (God's Finger) which was an interesting rock formation that appeared as a hand or finger pointing up to the heavens and, which as a young child, upon seeing it left me mesmerized.

The beautiful hotels and impeccable style of Buenos Aires....

Faena Hotel with its striking modern twist.

And the legendary Alvear Palace Hotel.

The argentine soccer which became a religious event especially during the 1978 World Cup.

But most of all, I miss those carefree days of childhood in a place that for me was magical and where the days seemed to last for a thousand years.

My younger sister, Vanesa, and I dressed up in our mothers' clothes in our backyard in Buenos Aires.

Now our own daughters, Roma (my 6 year old daughter) and Gabriela (Vanesa's 2 year old little girl).

Time sure does fly by....

Who would have thought?

Have a wonderful weekend wherever in this world this post may find you.

Apartment in Buenos Aires

2011-10-19T20:54:00.002-05:00

By Argentine photographer, Gustavo Sosa Pinilla, a Buenos Aires based photographer specializing in architectural, interior and fine art photography. To see more of his work, click here.

Divinity

2011-10-08T12:41:00.004-05:00

Remember this little french chair I found a few weeks ago? If not click here.

My vision transformed.

Kept the original, gilded and chippy but beautiful frame and gave it a modern twist with gorgeous organic block-printed Indian fabric from Les Indiennes in Helene.

Absolutely divine.

To look at this or other parts of my collection, please visit my 1stdibs store at www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com.

Happy Coincidences

2011-10-02T18:18:00.001-05:00

There have been moments in my life where unexplained events or coincidences have happened that have launched me into an amazing world. I have touched and been touched by wonderful people. And it is those connections after all (or perhaps those strings of connections) that make an amazing lifetime.

Things like this have happened since I was a child. Well, perhaps even before then, really.

Case in point -- one of my all time favorite books/novels/movies is "Gone With the Wind." I was first introduced to the book when I was 12 (not sure how I found the book as I had just moved here from Argentina), but the entire story moved me. Yes, there are a lot of things to avoid and not admire about the Old South, Scarlett O'Hara, etc. But to a young girl from another world, it seemed to me that the entire story of the Old South was as romantic as you could get. Throw in that mix a brave, strong willed heroine like Scarlett, and what 12 year old would not want to aspire to be like her. I so wanted to be Scarlett O'Hara and there were so many qualities about me that reminded me of her. Her determination in life, her perseverance, her courage in the face of adversity, her passion.... And I thought (or perhaps wished) in my innocence of 12 years of age, "wow, I must be Scarlett reincarnated!" So I read the book a million times, watched the movie over and over again and memorized every line in it. I wanted to be an actress and play Scarlett O'Hara like Vivien Leigh did and even better! I practiced infront of the mirror raising one eyebrow and saying, "Fiddle dee dee."

So years passed and I always carried that feeling with me (that I was a modern day Scarlett O'Hara and that one day I'd be the heroine of such a story). In fact, when the writer for the New York Times interviewed me for the article that appeared this past April and heard all about my life, my rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and getting my family back on its feet, she exclaimed unsolicitedly, "You know, there are so many parallels between you and Scarlett O'Hara!" Little did she know.....

So to make a long story short (it's already so long!), I spent my life always trying to find my Tara (my place in this world). I struggled along with my immigrant family and always was the one to venture to new places and pursue new dreams in the hopes of making a better life for all of us. I always faced challenges and rose above them. As God is my witness.... :)

So fast forward 20 years later and I found myself engaged to marry a German brewmaster who lived here in New Orleans. I realized after being engaged for a few months and with a wedding date of March 10, 2001 already set that it was just not going to work out between us. So, after much soul searching, I called the wedding off. I knew it was the right thing to do for both of us, but still, when March 10th rolled along and it was a gorgeous day in New Orleans for a wedding, I was a little down in the dumps and called a friend to meet me for coffee at CC's, a coffee shop Uptown near my apartment.

CC's Coffee House on the corner of Jefferson Ave. and Magazine (photo courtesy of Flickr)

She got there first and so I walked in and went directly to order my tall, skinny soy mocha with one Equal. As I stood by the bar waiting for my mocha and feeling somewhat sorry for myself, I heard this guy next to me asking for some ice for his hot chocolate. Because I can't seem to keep my thoughts to myself and because I was in such a blah mood, I said, looking up, "now why would you order a hot chocolate if you are going to put ice in it????????" All 6 feet, 3 inches of him looked down at all 5 feet 3 inches of me and smiled, pointing to his 4 year old daughter drawing at a nearby table (he was recently divorced). It was then, as I looked back up at him that I saw the most beautiful man ever.

The bluest eyes, great wavy hair ... Adonis you say?????.....

Well, (and finally the clincher you were waiting for!!!) we married a year later on March 30, 2002.

So on what was supposed to be my wedding day, I met my true husband.

AJ and I at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, MI

And it gets even better!!! The second time we met again at that same coffee shop (a week after the initial meeting), we talked and talked for hours (like you do on those first dates when it seems you can't run out of things to talk about). In one of those moments, I tell him all about my Gone With the Wind obsession (you know, the one I started this long winded post with????). I admitted, "I know it may sound silly to you, but one of my biggest heroines in life is Scarlett O'Hara. I LOOOOOOOVE Gone with the Wind and I always wanted to be Scarlett." Okay, like that was going to go over well for first impressions. Bipolar you say?????

There was a long silence and look of total disbelief on his face as he stared at me speechless (uh, oh, should have kept my big mouth shut!). He then broke the silence, grinned and said, "You are not going to believe this...... My great-uncle directed that movie in 1936."

Gasp! Oh.......My......God!!! Can you believe it?????? Did you just get goose bumps too?????? What are the chances of that happening, right?

My husband's great uncle was none other than George Cukor (one of hollywood's greatest directors during the silver screen era) who launched the search for Scarlett O'Hara and casted Vivien Leigh to play her!!!!!

George Cukor

In June of 1936, just one month after the publication of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind, David O. Selznick of Selznick International Pictures spent a record-breaking $50,000 to purchase the film rights to the historical epic that every other major studio in Hollywood had turned down. Even before he bought the rights to make the novel into what would later become the highest-grossing film of all time, Selznick had hired director George Cukor to be the man in charge of bringing Mitchell’s vision to the screen. Cukor was well-equipped for the job of helming such an enormous picture, having previously established himself with such hits as Little Women (1933), Dinner at Eight (1933), and Camille (1936). He spent the next two years deeply immersed in the daily chores of pre-production on Wind, including supervising the rigorous screen tests of actresses vying for the role of perhaps cinema’s most influential character, Scarlett O’Hara. In the final weeks of 1938, Cukor dedicated hours of his time to coaching lead actresses Vivien Leigh and Olivia de Havilland in preparation for their roles. Filming finally began on January 26, 1939 – and three weeks later, George Cukor was unceremoniously dropped from the film, and replaced with Victor Fleming. (http://garbolaughs.wordpress.com/2011/06/25/gwtw-cukor-gable/).

Still, Cukor has been credited with directing some of the most memorable scenes in Gone With The Wind.

In this rare behind the scenes still we see George Cukor (above, far right) in action during this brief stint directing Vivien Leigh in a scene.

Clark Gable (Rhett Butler), Vivient Leigh (Scarlett) and my husband's great uncle (George Cukor).

David O. Selznick, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard (Ashley Wilkes),Olivia de Havilland (Melanie), and George Cukor.

So there you go!!!! Is that amazing or what??? Not only did I meet my husband on the day I was supposed to marry someone else, but my children now are direct descendants of the man who directed my all time favorite classic movie and found the Scarlett O'Hara that would inspire me my whole life.

I tell you, life is full of amazingly wonderful coincidences. I embrace and celebrate all of them and know that no matter how events play out in life, they always play out the way they are supposed to.

Have a wonderful Sunday wherever this post finds you.

The Understated Elegance of a Louis Philippe Mirror

2011-09-30T16:06:00.006-05:00

An antique gilded Louis Philippe Mirror is like a navy blazer -- a classic piece that goes with just about anything.

It is simple, elegant and timeless...

In my own home, this Louis Philippe antique mirror hangs elegantly in my kitchen (photograph courtesy of New York Times and Sarah Essex Bradley).

Below, a Louis Philippe mirror fits seamlessly in a masculine decor (House & Gardens UK).

A closer look...

Louis Philippe Mirrors can come with or without a beautiful cartouche (the carved detailing on the top of the mirror) which gives it a more majestic presence.

It can be long and thin...

Or the classic rectangular shape which so beautifully adorns the back wall of my showroom at the 1stdibs floor of the New York Design Center.

disegno Karina Gentinetta at 1stdibs.

My Fetish with Chairs Continues

2011-09-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

My fetish with chairs continue. Here is a sneak peak of some of my newly restored pieces being added to 1stdibs this week.

Pair 19th c. Gilded Louis XVI Chairs with Venetian fabric

France
c. 1870
This pair of original giltwood salon or parlor chairs are absolutely breathtaking. The water or mercury gilded frames are in amazing condition and almost look like they have been "dipped in gold." Solid and sturdy, these chairs received a makeover with fortuny style fabric. The venetian style cotton fabric used to reupholster these chairs was hand printed and hand dyed using traditional Venetian printing methods. The pattern is a faithful reproduction of a 16th c. french document pattern. It was hand colored in a beautiful pale shade of orange with bronze metallic flowered details. A true work of art.

Rare 19th c. Louis Philippe Chest of Drawers or Commode

France

c. 1840

A very unique and rare period piece -- a Louis Philippe chest of drawers in beautiful French oak. Unlike most Louis Philippe chests, this one has softly curved, slightly serpentine shaped drawers with turned beaded details on all four corners. Although reminiscent of Swedish pieces of this time, the simple, softly rounded lines with very little ornamentation is classic Louis Philippe style. Original working key. Stunning patina.

Pair 19th c. Louis XVI French Walnut Fauteuils with Down Cushion

France

c. 1880
Absolutely stunning and timeless, this classic pair of period Louis XVI armchairs have been painstakingly restored down to the 8 way hand tied springs. Reupholstered in white organic cotton fabric sateen which has a beautiful sheen. Gorgeous and intact hand-carved details throughout. The beauty of the walnut frames was restored through french polishing.

And last but not least, is this pair (although I only took a photo of one) of stunning Second Empire (Napoleon III) Walnut Chairs with cast ormolu (c. 1780). These chairs are from the Second Empire (i.e. Napoleon III). Upholstered in a sumptuous ivory silk taffeta, these chairs are simply divine.

As with all of my collection, all of these pieces have been fully restored and are ready to be used in practical, daily life. And these have all been kid tested. :)

Have a wonderful week.