Profile: Nicky Haslam

It is difficult to pigeonhole Nicky Haslam; both the man and the designer. And, having now met him, my guess is that he likes it that way.

Nicky's legacy, talent and influence as one of Britain’s ultimate interior designers is undeniable. Not to mention, in his spare time he is an actor, artist, cabaret singer, book reviewer, art editor, memoirist, literary editor and he features on both Vanity Fair and GQ’s best-dressed lists!

Possessing a conspicuous flair and an inherent aesthetic, Nicky has been casting a spell on the design cognoscenti since 1972, when he first started practicing as an interior designer. In the late 1980’s he founded his London-based architectural and design firm, NH Design.

Nicky, along with his Creative Director Colette van den Thillart, has designed projects all over the world including London, New York, Morocco, New Orleans, Denmark, Montreal, Barbados, St Jean Cap Ferrat, Monaco and Moscow, Klosters, Grasse, Mallorca, Los Angeles and Paris.

When last in New Orleans, thanks to our friends Michael and Quinn, I had the good fortune to see one of Nicky’s projects, owned by Soniat House proprietors Frances and Rodney Smith. In all honesty, the living room was one of the most magical rooms that I have ever witnessed.

Not only is Nicky a talented designer, he is a talented artist. While at school at Eton he excelled in art. Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as The Royal Institute of British Architects hold some of his interior watercolour renderings based on client projects.

Nicky Haslam divides his time between his London apartment and the Hunting Lodge in Hampshire that once belonged to John Fowler, a partner of Colefax and Fowler.

How would you describe your personal style?
Scintillating, Unlaborious, Unlaboured

What is your most prized possession?
A fan letter from Nancy Lancaster

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Keeping one's figure

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
White peaches

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Being able to sleep easily and listening to Lee Wiley

Past or present, who has most influenced your direction in life?
Simon Fleet, Diana Vreeland, Diana Cooper and Colette van den Thillart, my Creative Director at NH Design

What inspires your creativity and designs?
Travel and lying in bed thinking

Who are your style icons?
Madame du Barry, Emilio Terry and Jean-Charles Delafosse

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Cy Twombly and John Richardson, the art historian who wrote all the Picasso books.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
Wait for Me! by Deborah Devonshire
Honky Tonk Parade by John Lahr
What to Look for in Winter by Candia McWilliam
My own autobiography Redeeming Features

Profile by Ronda Carman

Debra Shriver: Stealing Magnolias

I love that I just never know who is reading my blog or from where the next email might arrive. Certainly it keeps me on my toes. Most recently I received a lovely email from Sue-Jean Chun telling me of her dear friend Debra Shriver’s new book Stealing Magnolias: Tales from a New Orleans Courtyard.

As one who loves the city of New Orleans, I could not wait to get my hands on a copy after seeing the images. As luck would have it, I was traveling to NYC where Debra is based and had a chance to see it in person.

In addition to authoring Stealing Magnolias, Debra is Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Hearst. I had the privilege of spending a wonderful morning with Deb in her stunning office at the Hearst Tower earlier in October.

Stealing Magnolias is a beautifully written, and illustrated, love letter to New Orleans, her newly adopted city. Immediately after Hurricane Katrina Deb bought a town house in the French Quarter and began renovating and restoring the house to its original state. During the process she became friends with many of the artisans, decorators and designers in the city.

Through Deb’s eyes readers are given a rare tour of this enigmatic city. The book is a cultural guidebook and historical reference of America's most European city, featuring the work of more than 20 photographers and artists. Chapters highlight food and entertaining, decorating, gardens, landscapes, local traditions, interiors, and architecture. Another one for the bookshelf!

Profile: Melissa Rufty

Like most talent in life, natural ability plays a leading role. Whether it’s drawing, dancing or designing. You've either got it or you don't. Well, New Orleans based interior designer Melissa Rufty has it, and with plenty to spare! I have been a big fan of Melissa’s colorful and sophisticated design aesthetic for the better part of two years. It was from Courtney Barnes that I first learned of Melissa. I think my heart actually skipped a beat the first time that I laid eyes on her work. Layer, texture, color, refinement and personality were all in attendance.

Thanks to our friends Michael and Quinn, Melissa and I finally had a chance to meet in person last summer. The Southern raised, Tulane educated Melissa is as affable and interesting as the interiors she fashions. Drawing inspiration from the bewitching city that is New Orleans, Melissa imbues the same alluring style in all that she creates.

How would you describe your style?
Ever changing but always rooted. I am easily and often inspired, but somehow all of my rooms end up with beautiful antique wood and an oil painting or two. Someone recently described my design style as - southern elegance with a modern edge. It really resonated with me, so I will hang my hat there for now!

What is your most prized possession?
The fabulous antique chandelier that hangs in my dining room. My parents purchased it fourteen years ago from Gerrie Bremermann's shop in New Orleans. It was a 30th birthday present.

My father suddenly passed away just three weeks before my birthday. My mom, who never lets a birthday go unnoticed, regardless the circumstance, surprised me with a tiny wrapped box. Inside was a miniature crystal chandelier and a note that read, “He would want you to sparkle always.” Bottom line, things are simply just that—things! It is the sentiment that accompanies most things that makes them priceless.

Who has most influenced your direction in life?
Without a doubt my parents. My mother is the epitome of southern style. She is old fashion in her values and ahead of her time in fashion and entertaining. And did I mention that she is always right (I mean ALWAYS). We have a funny expression in our office…”What would Beulah say?” My father was a creative genius. He is legendary for his elaborate parties, practical jokes and surprises. I’d like to think I got her taste and his imagination!

What virtue would you most like to possess?
Patience

Who are your style icons?
Sienna miller. You just never know what she’s going to put together, and yet it always works and seems effortless. And of course Aerin Lauder, she has so much of her famous grandmother’s timeless grace. She looks as wonderful in a ball gown as she does a pair of jeans.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
I really adore the design work of Amelia Handegan from Charleston. She is a color savant! Her low country, effortless approach to design is unmatched.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
The smell of salty seaside air, my children, belly laughs and my sweet husband pouring me a great glass of wine (while fanning me of course)!

Who do you most admire?
Kay Thompson’s Eloise. She lives at the Plaza, she has a never ending imagination, an unbreakable spirit and an unmonitored charge account—a girl after my own heart!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Raising three wonderful daughters. However, I’m not done, so I guess the verdict is still out.

Profile by Ronda Carman

Thank You CasaSugar!

Thank you CasaSugar for linking to All the Best and the post on the Soniat House.

Studio Tour: Amanda Talley

I love the way Gerrie Bremermann mixes fabulous contemporary art with traditional antiques. Three artists I discovered while visiting her shop were Ashley Longshore, Julie Silvers and Amanda Talley. I had the pleasure of seeing Amanda’s studio and meeting both Julie and Amanda on Saturday evening (I must meet Ashley on the next trip).

Upon arriving we were greeted by Amanda’s adorable dogs Phil and Don. A Louisiana native, Amanda graduated with a MFA in Painting from Savannah College of Art and Design. When Amanda first came to New Orleans she landed a job with Gerrie Bremermann. Her work has been widely featured on blogs, in shelter magazines and Gerrie’s many projects. You can also learn more about Amanda on Style Court. Enjoy the photos.

Frances and Rodney Smith

The charming Soniat House is one of the most acclaimed luxury boutique hotels in New Orleans. It has been named by Travel and Leisure as "one of the best hotels in the world" and it's been included in Michael Kors' New Orleans Address Book.

The hotel was created twenty years ago by combining three historic Creole town-houses in the quiet residential section of the French Quarter. Two of the houses were built in 1830 by Joseph Soniat, a plantation owner who needed a house in New Orleans when visiting with his large family. Just four years later his oldest son built an even larger house. The three have since become one.


While in New Orleans we were treated to a tour of the splendid Soniat House. However, before the hotel tour, owners Frances and Rodney Smith were gracious enough to give us a grand tour of their beautiful home decorated by Nicky Haslam. One of the worlds most distinguished interior designers, and renowned for his opulent interiors, Nicky's work had been published in Architectural Digest, World of Interiors, Vogue, House and Garden, Elle Décor and Traditional Home. Notice the jib door leading to the dining room.

The remarkable hotel renovation by Rodney and Frances Smith has won every local award imaginable, as well as national praise for its sensitive design and the striking guest rooms.

The glorious details—spiral stairs, balconies and patios are all original. Courtyards explode with lush sweet olive, magnolia, guava and ginger.




Rodney and Frances travel the world selecting just the right antiques for their beautiful hotel and their antiques shop, Soniat Antiques.

Soniat Antiques has been featured in Architectural Digest, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and Town and Country. The collection is primarily 18th and early 19th century French furniture and decorative accessories, including a superb collection of Italian lighting, both sconces and chandeliers. Soniat Antiques and Soniat House are a MUST stop on your next trip to the Big Easy.

Profile: Julie Neill

I love the way blogging brings like minded individuals together each day. Through this remarkable medium I am offered a privileged glimpse into the hearts, minds, homes and work of those I admire. Over the past two and a half years I have had the honor of meeting countless people through this amazing phenomena, and yet there is still something wonderfully surreal about meeting in person.

During our tour of Magazine Street we stopped by the shop of Julie Neill. Expecting our arrival, Julie was waiting at the door with open arms and a hug. It was very much like reuniting with an old friend. Since discovering Julie’s blog last year, I have become a fan of her elegant hand created chandeliers and sconces. What a delight to see them with my own eyes, they are even more beautiful than I imagined.

After obtaining a Fine Arts degree from Agnes Scott College Julie pursued a career as a painter but found painting on canvas confining. She began painting other objects including walls, fabrics and furniture. Before long she began freelancing and selling her decorative creations. After several clients asked for her help in finding unique pieces for their homes, Julie began a second career as an interior decorator.

Frustrated with being unable to find the right chandeliers for clients, she found a few talented craftsmen to create lighting made to her specification. Julie followed by opening her shop on Magazine Street in 2000. “It is a dream come true. I get to be my creative self all day long and I have so many interesting clients who inspire me to come up with more and more fabulous ideas.” I can attest, Julie's designs are truly fabulous indeed!

We followed the tour of her showroom with a brief look at her design studio just down the street. It was fun and fascinating to see her chandeliers in various stages of development. She also shared with us some of the details of an exciting new collaboration that she will launch in the near future. Stay tuned for more details...

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
The love and inspiration of my beautiful family and amazing friends.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Gerrie Bremermann, the goddess of New Orleans interior design.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Sharing a meal, a relaxing afternoon or an adventure with my children.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Taking time to slow down and experience the small beautiful details of living on this earth. To truly look into someone's eyes while talking with them, to notice the intricate symmetry of a flower, to close your eyes and listen to a beautiful piece of music, to feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face or the embrace of someone you love.

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
At present, my new business partner, Shawn O'Brien is most influential in the direction of my life because we are in the process of collaborating on creating a series of new fabulous pieces of furniture and lighting which will be shown and available in our new store, N+O, on Magazine Street.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
Absolutely the city in which I live: New Orleans. I am inspired every day and in every way by the history which is still so very present in our city today. The architecture, the antique shops, the historic neighborhoods, the unbelievable cuisine, the redolent tropical ambiance, the cast of characters, the plethora of art and artists, the luxurious slow pace of life, the decorative fantasy of Mardi Gras, and the importance placed on the creation of a home are all things that stir my creativity and inspire my designs.

I'm so happy that you got to experience some of this first-hand while you were here.

What is your most prized possession?
My iconic New Orleans 130-year-old double shotgun camel-back house where I live with my two children surrounded by the most wonderful neighbors anywhere.

Who is your hero of fiction?
Athena, goddess of Wisdom, Reason and Purity, Patroness of the arts and Protector of Cities. She was both powerful and fashionable and inspired the construction of the Parthenon, the most perfect building ever built.

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
The love and inspiration of my beautiful family and amazing friends.

Profile: Nadine Blake

Sometimes I feel like the luckiest person alive. Since launching All the Best I have had the privilege of meeting some really amazing and wonderful people. Many I have 'known' through books, magazines or emails. However, on occasion, you meet a 'stranger' with whom you feel an instant attraction.

Such is the case with Nadine Blake. After arriving in New Orleans we made our way to the French Quarter for an afternoon of shopping, touring, cafe' au lait and beignets. One of our first stops, as highly recommended by Quinn and Michael, was the delightful shop owned by Nadine Blake. All of the accolades were true, her shop is a treasure trove and we clicked instantly.

Prior to moving to New Orleans, Nadine and her husband Simon lived in New York (a friend and neighbor of Amanda Nisbet - small world). After taking a few interior design classes in New York, Nadine's work caught the eye of Alexa Hampton. After an interview with Mark Hampton LLC, Nadine joined the firm. "Working with Alexa was wonderful, I immediately felt as if I were home. We are still friends to this day," says Nadine.

It's easy to see why they are still friends. Nadine is not only a genial host, she is a great storyteller with an infectious smile. I especially loved hearing her reminisce about the pink 'office' phone that once belonged to her grandmother.

On Sunday Nadine and her husband Simon invited me, Chris, Quinn and Michael for Pimms on the balcony of their beautiful French Quarter home, before heading off to Galatoire's for dinner. During cocktails the conversation turned to the amazing apartment belonging to Thomas Jayne. I lamented the fact that I was to email Thomas when I traveled to New Orleans for a tour of his apartment, but sadly I forgot. During my last conversation with Thomas he mentioned that a friend held his key. As it turned out, Nadine is that friend!!

After a quick phone call to Thomas, arrangements were made to stop by the apartment after dinner. The apartment was purchased two months before Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully, being eight feet above sea level there was no flooding. The wall paper in the dining room is beyond fabulous! And we were lucky to have Nadine as a tour guide.

I hope you enjoy the photos of Nadine's home and her answers as much as I enjoyed writing this post.


What inspires your creativity and designs?
Art; travel; fashion; movies; nature ... I could go on and on.

Which talent would you most like to possess?
It would be awfully fun to deliver witty ripostes `a la Winston (Churchill), Dorothy (Parker), and Oscar (Wilde) but I'd settle for better short-term memory.

What is your most prized possession?
I'm extremely fickle. Today it's a Polaroid SX-70 camera and a few remaining boxes of film.

Who is your hero of fiction?
When I was young I was obsessed with the glamorous, girl sleuth Nancy Drew. Presently, I'm in admiration of the level-headed Mma Ramotswe of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. And no doubt I'll find the dithering Miss Marple positively charming in my later years.

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
To paraphrase John Lennon, all I need is love.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
It's a toss-up between Desmond Guinness and Daphne Guinness.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
The Bolter by Frances Osborne; The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Diana Cooper; Sacred Monsters, Sacred Masters by John Richardson.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Subscriptions to foreign magazines and the time to pore over them.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I have managed to surround myself with a coterie of very good people (both friends and family). They inspire me, challenge me, cheer me up and calm me down - they're cheaper than therapy.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Brits and grits.

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
My husband, Simon. Every day I aspire toward his creativity and his kindness.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
Elvis Costello, at home, with pots of tea followed by bottles of red wine.

Nadine Blake
1036 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70116-2704
(504) 529-4913

*So many have asked about the pet pillows, just give Nadine a call for more details, she is a doll!

Profile by Ronda Carman/Photos by Christopher Carman

Gerrie Bremermann

It all started with a little book. Accents on Accessories: Ideas and Inspirations from Southern Accents, published in the fall of October 1995, to be exact. It was then I fell madly in love with the work of New Orleans designer Gerrie Bremermann.

I have followed Gerrie's career for years, collecting every possible image of her work. So, you can only imagine my delight when we were invited to her shop on Saturday. Gerrie, a friend of Quinn and Michael, welcomed us with open arms. Despite suffering a cold, she was completely delightful and gracious. It was a true gift to hear Gerrie talk about her latest project and be given the chance to photograph her shop.

Still whirling from all of the weekend excitement, my joy was only elevated today after a long morning phone call with Gerrie and promises to meet again.

Often referred to as the Grande Dame of the "new" New Orleans, Gerrie masterfully mixes warm fruitwoods, airy antiques, contemporary art and stunning chandeliers. Whites, creams and ivories, with a punch of color from artwork, are hallmarks of her inimitable style. "Some people ask why I choose the same colors over and over again. The answer is simple, because they are timeless and they work." I absolutely agree. If you are in New Orleans, Bremermann Design on Magazine Street is not to be missed. It's one of the very best.

Bremermann Designs

3943 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
USA

Phone: 504-891-7763
Fax: 504-891-7765

Photos by Christopher Carman