A Splash of Color

I am known for my white interiors. Perhaps it's the year-round hot weather in New Orleans that makes me crave an all white palette in my home. It's the only way to refresh oneself mentally. But although whites are soothing and relaxing, it can also be bland and boring and say nothing at all. Unless.....Unless, of course, you throw in a bit of a splash. A surprise element to awaken the senses and make that white become a beautiful canvas that celebrates the color inside.

Take a look at these interiors (images from pinterest.com).

The softness of the room is amplified by the dark ladder.

The boldness of the yellow cushions showcase the otherwise simple yet elegant sofas and chairs.

The dark pedestals and artwork in the background play up and add contrast to this beautiful palette of whites and creams.

Notice how your eye focuses to the painting, making it the focal point of this room.

Even a small touch of purple makes this otherwise non-color room go "wow!"

So don't be afraid of adding a splash of color here and there to liven up your senses. These can change with the seasons (imagine this same room above with copper or chocolate brown silk pillows in the fall). It is a simple way of changing a room and making it feel new again.

I found these gorgeous turquoise, handmade tapestry pillows when my home was shot for the recent New York Times feature. Together with a pair of persimmon colored fortuny-like pillows, these cushions added the "wow" factor that was missing in my sitting room.

These heavy, handmade tapestry pillows are in the most beautiful hues of turquoise, gold, cream with a hint of peach. The scene depicts two music jesters. Raw silk back and zipper closure with silk gold and turquoise tassels. Down insert included. For additional information or to puchase, click here or simply visit my 1stdibs store at www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Go ahead, have fun with color!

And have a wonderful weekend, wherever this post finds you.

The Long Hot Summer

First, my apologies for not writing in such a long, long time. It seems like summer is busier than the work year. For me, at least, I find myself busier than ever trying to manage my work, my New York showroom, new pieces, wonderful opportunities that are coming my way (and which I can't wait to tell you all about) and my children, both of whom seem to have more energy in the summer than during the entire year combined! At least for now, while they are 6 and 7, I have opted for keeping them at home doing crafts and activities, playing board games, riding bikes, fighting, bickering, making up, playing together some more, and just being bored from time to time.

We also just got back from two weeks of visiting my inlaws in South Haven, Michigan, a stunning beachfront town.


A century old lighthouse is still a striking site guiding the sailboats in and out of the town.

Liam and Roma on a mission for something apparently very important.

For those of you not familiar with this beautiful part of the country, it is absolutely gorgeous! The Pure Michigan campaign is really true and worth looking into. Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula is one of our favorite stops and the Grand Hotel, where one of my all time favorite movies "Somewhere in Time" was filmed, still draws visitors there.

The Grand Hotel at night. It is truly spectacular to sit on that veranda looking out into the water. During the day, guests can lounge around in resort wear but come 6 p.m., a bell tolls and everyone runs to their room to change as is required. Men are required to wear jackets and ties and ladies must dress in their finest. AJ and I had a wonderful time there when we were first dating and I felt like I was on the Titanic itself. Very old world.

Other hotels on Mackinac Island include the Inn at Stonecliffe.

And Mission Point Resort.

If you haven't yet discovered this part of the country, do yourself the favor. We are truly blessed in this country with such diverse scenery and cultures. The U.S. is definitely worth exploring from coast to coast and everywhere in between.

Of course, before leaving for two weeks of cooler weather up north, I was busy, busy, busy getting all my ducks in a row down here in New Orleans where the days are scorching and humid and the nights are, well, scorching and humid too. But I digress....

So here are some of the pieces that I managed to finish before my hiatus up north.

This gorgeous Louis XV writing desk turned out beautiful and soft in a swedish gustavian finish.

So did this rather rare 19th c. French Empire Sofa or Settee, upholstered in a rich chocolate brown velvet damask.

And one of my favorite pieces is this decadent Louis XVI Wingback Bergere in an iridescent silk taffeta.
An almost matching giltwood settee is being upholstered in the same fabric as we speak. The two would be a handsome pair in any living room.

And right before I left, I had to say goodbye to these beautiful pieces of mine.

This sweet Louis XV painted chair with silk velvet upholstery is on its way to Jakarta, Indonesia to a gorgeous home.

And this bed which I designed, had made, and finished personally, found a most fitting home right here in New Orleans' own Garden District, linens and all.

And now, back to work, to find and restore more beautiful pieces that may find their way to other remote and beautiful places in the world.

Have a beautiful weekend wherever this post finds you.

New Listings on 1stdibs!

"I'm late, I'm late, For a very important date. No time to say 'Hello.' Goodbye. I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!"

Who can forget the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland? Captured here in plaster with detailed carvings on the face and hands. Gorgeous, silk taffeta dress with amazing attention to detail from the wire whiskers down to the lace in the puffed sleeves, neck and pantaloons. Silk white stockings and black shoes and the King of Hearts hand painted on a wooden playing card. Hand made by an artist for the children's ward of a New Orleans' hospital, White Rabbit was found with his side kick, "Humpty Dumpty," which has already been sold.

Isn't it absolutely magnificent? Look at the exquisite details of this piece!

This and other beautiful new pieces just loaded on my 1stdibs storefront.

Have a wonderful weekend wherever this post finds you.

Swedish Interior in Texas

I was paging through a recent issue of Veranda while lounging this rainy Sunday afternoon when one of the features caught my eye. It was the Swedish inspired interior of Texan designer Shannon Bowers. As many of you know from both my inventory and own home, I adore the calm hues and painted woods of Swedish interiors, so it was no surprise that Bowers' home would cause me to pause.

Taking a cue from subtle natural colors, Shannon Bowers has transformed her once-dark, two-story Georgian house into a haven of pale European furnishings bathed in sunlight. "I'm a purist," she says. "For me, colors found in nature—like robin's egg blue, light sand and the lavender of hydrangeas—are soothing. Because this house feels so open, the indoors and outdoors are married." Veranda.

Let's take a tour of her house.....

Love the pinstriped pillows reminiscent of the old mattress tickings.

Some people wonder why I leave the muslin uncovered with the nailheads showing on some of my pieces. Doesn't it look fabulous?

Although all in hues of greys, the flowers on the mantle add a "pop" to this calming decor.

The blue/green cabinetry is amazing. Nothing like a bit of primitive here and there.

Blues and greens bring nature inside.

The theme is carried through to the kitchen. I love the way she used a table as an island.

Again, the hues of blue and green throughout the house brings the outdoors in.

The gilded chairs are covered in my favorite fabric, Fortuny.

Grainsack pillows add comfort and casualness to this sitting area while the Louis XV wingback in muslin adds just the right touch of sophistication.

How adorable is this child's room??????

To add Bower's touch to your home, consider these pieces from my own 1stdibs collection of one of a kind antiques and vintage pieces. All of these pieces were carefully restored and can be viewed in either my New York showroom at 1stdibs@NYDC (200 Lexington Avenue) or by appointment in my New Orleans shop.

Have a fabulous week!