Hollywood Regency Glamour

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

Hello, Goodbye!

Summer is nearly over and my children went back to school this week (first and second grades). Where did the summer go???? It seems just yesterday everyone was excited about school letting out, summer vacations, and lazy days by the swimming pool.

This summer was a busy one for me. In addition to spending the days with my 6 and 7 year olds, I worked hard at finding beautiful pieces and restoring them. I also parted with many pieces which found gorgeous homes not only in the U.S. but also abroad (to such places as Toronto and even Jakarta).

Say hello to a few of my most recent additions.

Louis XVI Painted Chaise in Belgian Linen (c. 1920)

Don't you just love this Louis XVI chaise? Original vintage frame painted in my signature swedish grey with blue accents and reupholstered in a belgian linen with a soft, plump down cushion. This piece is truly comfortable and would look gorgeous in any room, especially in a sitting area off the master bedroom.

Empire Style Rosewood Abbatant or Secretary (c. 1920s)

This early 1920s Lacquered Rosewood Empire style abattant/secretary with inlaid marquetry is to die for. The piece was converted into a dry bar with a mirrored interior and a gallery shelf on the bottom section for glasses and mixers.

Pair of Aubusson Style Handmade Tapestry Pillows

I simply adore the colors and modern print on these handmade aubusson style pillows. The asian dragon in tones of gold and the contrasting oranges and deep mauve make these pillows a beautiful addition to any modern sofa or chair.

19th Century Italian Handcarved Giltwood Lamp

This lamp was originally a candle holder. Beautiful carved details and original patina (left untouched the nicks and chips) and converted it to a lamp for practical use. A nice accent to any modern or traditional or even eclectic decor.

A Rare 19th c. Empire Settee or Sofa

c. 1860 (France) Very unique, this small sofa or settee is hand-carved with an interesting "lip back" that comes to a soft point in the back rest. Hand carved tassel legs in the front with acanthus leaves on the front arms. The chocolate velvet cut upholstery is like new (appears to be a recent addition) and finished with a soft, thick down cushion. The antique frame is painted in a swedish grey, with an aged finish that gives this piece an authentic patina. A spectacular piece.

And with each new addition, it seems I always say goodbye to many of my treasures. Gone, but certainly not forgotten are some of my most beloved pieces, all of which have found gorgeous homes in some of the most interesting places (and with some of the most interesting people, including some well known Hollywood celebrities).

Here are some of the pieces that have recently sold. You may remember them from prior postings.

Like my children when they go off to school every morning, I will miss each of these treasures but I am grateful that at least I was their keeper for a short time in their long history. Most importantly, I am glad I had the honor and pleasure of restoring them to their former glory and beyond.

For any of these pieces or to see more of my inventory, please visit my 1stdibs store at www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com or simply click here.

Hope you are having a wonderful end of summer days wherever this post finds you.