The Cantoni House

Cantoni has brought Italian modern design to Dallas with the release of their latest venture at 5903 Lakehurst Avenue. The design team headed up by South African designer, Pogir, started at the blueprints to create an open, airy floorplan complete with minimalist finish out, including the gourmet kitchen created by Bontempi Cucine. The house is rounded out with abstract art and sculpture, and of course, Cantoni furnishings. With a price tag of a mere $3,895,000 a slice of Italian design can be yours to keep...

Robyn Wilkov with Cantoni was nice enough to email me verbiage on the Cantoni House...

"This project was born from Cantoni’s desire to achieve a marriage between modern architecture and the Cantoni Collection by utilizing the resources of the Cantoni Design Studio. Today many homes are built without taking into consideration a design plan for the interiors of the home. Cantoni strives to redefine that process with the Cantoni House by incorporating a design plan into the original architecture in an effort to create a cohesive space. The Cantoni House is designed on a series of axes creating dramatic focal points at every angle; therefore, it was fitting to name the home, Axis.

The House was designed from the ground up by Cantoni to showcase the resources of the Cantoni Design Studio which includes client profiling, furniture planning, project budgeting, selection of furnishings, custom Bontempi Cucine kitchen design, custom closet design as well as flooring, tiling, lighting, home theater and window treatment consulting. Cantoni design consultants can work with clients as much or as little as the client desires to achieve their ideal spaces from the ground up, depending on the scope of the project.

Cantoni will be introducing a new exclusive offering at its Design Studio - Bontempi Cucine custom kitchen design – in its Dallas and Houston showrooms this July. (This is the kitchen featured in the Cantoni House, Axis.) "

IBC Design Studio Grand Opening

Thursday, July 2, 2009
6 to 8 p.m.
2000 Greenville AvenueDallas, Texas 75206

Complimentary valet parking is available at DiTerra's Urban Italian (adjacent to the boutique).

Isabella Collection is pleased to announce the grand opening of the IBC Design Studio. Please join them to celebrate the arrival of this exclusive design center and store. Meet special guest and D Home editor Peggy Levinson.

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and Bacardi mojitos as well as fabulous and unique giveaways from Isabella Collection. RSVP to isabellacollection@room12concepts.com or 972.834.8988 and mention D Home.

Isabella Collection is proud to donate a percentage of all sales to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Special thanks to D Home, Room 12 Concepts, and InTown Mix Dallas.

Persistence

“Ambition is the path to success. PERSISTENCE is the vehicle you arrive in.”

-Bill Bradley

"NOTHING in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent WILL NOT, nothing is more common than unsuccessfull people with talent. GENIUS WILL NOT; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education WILL NOT; the world is full of educated derelicts. PERSISITENCE and DETERMINATION alone are onimPOTENT. The slogan "PRESS ON" has SOLVED and ALWAYS will solve the problems of the human race."

-Calvin Coolidge

"The FUTURE is certain, if YOU are certain of what you want" - Me!

Modern Luxury Dallas Celebrates 5 Years

Celebrate 5 years - has it been that already? - with Modern Luxury Dallas this Wednesday at GO FISH Ocean Club while benefitting the Star Children's Charity. MLD has been at the forefront of the design industry in markets like Miami and Manhattan and have brought their talents and trend setting content to the Big D to the chagrin of (me!) Dallas designers. Mix, mingle and enjoy sake and sushi while rubbing elbows with some of Dallas' best of the best in all departments...fashion, design, art and more

Dallas Designers: Part I - Jan Showers

One of the country's most sought after interior designers, Jan Showers chooses to call the Big D home. She has been featured in some of the most notable design publications, Veranda, Architectural Digest, ahem - the design bible, among others to name a few, making top designer lists year after year, designing homes for Ellen DeGeneres and Lance Armstrong. Her clean approach to design is reflected in her design district Slocum St. showroom, her own furnishings and lighting collections, and of course her famous interiors. It is evident throughout her designs that she is inspired by 1940's French decor. By using luminous materials such as antique and Venetian mirrors and glass, luxurious textiles, and elegant silhouettes she transcends you to a bygone era, while still making you feel right at home. "Decorating is never successful if it is not personal. We always strive to reflect our client's lifestyle and personality. I tell my clients that they need to look great and feel comfortable in their own rooms. It is our job to combine our expertise with their needs and desires," says Showers.

Showers much anticipated new book, Glamorous Rooms, due out this year. I am sure there is bound to be a Dallas locale book signing so stay tuned...




Shouldn't every girl have a splash of pink in her home? It absolutely pops on the backdrop of ink black walls.

I don't know what to appreciate first, the beautiful walls, exquisite Venetian mirrored console, the Murano glass inspired chandelier or the French side chairs. You just have to succumb to be entranced upon entrance of this home!

The use of luminous plaster faux work and marquetry inlaid wood (or painted?) floors makes this small space a gem.




One of my absolute favorite shots...love the graphic black and white zebra rug mixed with a shot of the unexpected celedon green accent pillows. Her custom designed Daphne chair seems to float in the room.



This room reminds me of the beach...blue cool tones of the ocean, next to the warm golden sun. Very West Palm Beach...


Here, Showers shows her strong suite is mixing periods, finishes and materials to create a one-of-a-kind space for even such menials tasks as opening the mail.


I love the tailored valance paired with the shirred drapery grounding the bed and also simple bed linens - yes, just 3 Euros will do people!


3 words... Elegant. Sophisticated. Timeless.

Clean, fresh, and bright...impossible to wake up on the wrong side of bed!

Princess in the Pea, Showers personal boudoir inspired by David Hicks sumptuous tented beds.

The items below are custom designed by Showers for her personal showroom and are also shown throughout design centers in the US. In Dallas, at David Sutherland.

I know everyone may be tiring of the over use of acrylics, but I think the pieces, if well designed such as the above Mercer bench, are becoming classic staples...it reminds me of Cinderella's glass slipper, wouldn't every girl want to pay tribute the ostracized maiden?!

I am a self proclaimed X freak...so I immediately gravitated to the Claudette Bench. I also noticed the use of the X motif iron work in the windows at her Slocum St. showroom. Smitten!

Another favorite piece, the Sabine table has a graphic and modern edge to it, but with the aged gold finish adds understated elegance. A great place for before mentioned, Glamorous Rooms book...!

What looks to be like an onyx-type stone base lamp mounted on an acrylic block in such a striking color would add instant design impact to a monochromatic room.

Design runs thicker than blood - wait, is that right? - Showers own daughter, Elizabeth Showers, has a design eye in her own right as a jewelry designer...future blog post...but here is a sample to wet your palette...even though the medium is different, there are close resemblances in the design aesthetic between mother and daughter.

Happy Weekend! Beach House Envy...

Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic designed by world renowned fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta pictured above...ah, heaven!

Above is the personal home of de la Renta himself. I love how the home is not too "beach-themed" and plays homage to the maritime location by the use of materials throughout the home, including the fossil stone walls.

Imagine opening up the French doors to hear the sound of crashing waves, dim the lights to see the candlelight dancing on the faces of smiling friends and family while enjoying a cocktail and of course a little salsa music - you are in the Caribbean now...happy weekend!

Lazy Days of Summer...What to do this week

Stoneleigh Under The Stars

June 25th, July 23rd, August 27th
Join Dallas musical sensation Shock of Pleasure for the first of three monthly summer happy hour and live music events at The Stoneleigh. The first Stoneleigh Under The Stars evening will be held in Bolla Bar on June 25th from 6:30-10:30.

Enjoy half priced martinis, drink specials and half priced appetizers all evening. For more information please call 214.871.7111.


Dallas Musuem of Art Happenings

June 19, July 17, and August 21, 2009
Summer nights shine as the Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Collection of Asian Art, and Nasher Sculpture Center celebrate the stars of their collections! Enjoy outdoor films, concerts, strolling musicians, parades, artist demonstrations, Arts District tours, and family activities. Stay late for movie trivia, DJs in the galleries, and Soundtrack Karaoke!


Dallas City Arts Festival

We know you're curious about the arts in Dallas. We've heard you ask, "What's the Nasher like?" and ponder, "what's it like inside the Meyerson?" We chalked it up to you being a hick. Well, wonder no more. The CityArts Festival is free, and they open up all of the arts venues downtown for your perusing pleasure. Take a docent-led Arts District Stroll. Peek in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Catch a movie outside at the Nasher Sculpture Center on Friday night. Listen to local bands and watch local dance groups perform on one of several stages erected downtown, or visit the Culinary Showcase taste food from local chefs. As a bonus, admission to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Collection of Asian Art is free. By the time this is finished, you'll be an arts district expert, we're certain. Though June 14. Fri, 6–10 pm; Sat, 11 am–10 pm; Sun, 11 am–6 pm. Downtown Dallas Arts District. http://www.dallascityarts.com/.

Dane Cook 'ISolated INcident - Global Thermo Comedy Tour'
Friday, June 19 8:00p at American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

Fresh off his recent announcement of his Comedy Central special and comedy album, ‘ISolated INcident,’ Cook plans to take his material worldwide with the “ISolated INcident - Global Thermo Comedy Tour.” Touted as the largest comedy tour in history, Cook will travel within the United States, Canada, Africa, Brazil, Australia, UK, and Germany. Check him out at his stop here in Dallas - I've got my tickets and am ready for my full on ab workout from falling down laughing so hard!

Kimbell Art Musuem - Art & Love in Renaissance Italy
On View through June 14

Celebrating Betrothal, Marriage, and Childbirth exhibition showcasing some of the finest pieces of historical relevance to this period. The section Profane Love will focus on erotic, at times salacious, imagery in drawings, prints, and other objects created by some of the most celebrated artists of the time, including Parmigianino and Giulio Romano. Many of these works exhibit a witty, burlesque sensibility that satirizes more intellectually elevated modes of art and literature. Classical mythology, especially the loves of the gods recounted by Ovid and other ancient poets, provided a convenient pretext for the portrayal of erotic imagery. The world of the courtesan and the luxury items associated with it will also be explored in the exhibition. Famed for their beauty, cultural accomplishments, and wit, courtesans were especially prevalent in Rome and Venice.


Snider Plaza Sidewalk Sale

The outdoor shopping center is throwing their first annual Sidewalk Sale, and stores like Melanie Gayle, The Blues Jean Bar, Uptown Country Home, and Betty Cupcake will be putting items outside and marking them way down (up to 75% off). Many stores are doing extra discounts too, so be sure to stop inside just to check. Who knows? You might even see us there. Through June 13. 10 am–6 pm. Snider Plaza. http://www.sniderplaza.net/.


A couple things for the family to do on a summer night....

Get Reel Summer Movie Series at Victory Park

Head to Victory Park for their Get Reel Summer Movie Series. Bring a blanket and set yourself up in Victory Plaza (right in front of the AAC) and see a movie on the giant outdoor screens. This week's flick: Ironman. Free. 7:30pm. 3090 Olive Street. This week is Ironman...I am IN LOVE with the Audi R8 - one day I'll be trading my A4 up for that sweet ride...or do I want the Maserati Grantourismo....ah, I'll just get both!

SummerFest Events at the Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine

Thursdays-Sundays from May 21-September 6, 2009

Discover strolling entertainment, including musicians, caricature artists, stilt walkers and face painters in addition to a Texas art tour, a train exhibit, and musical performances. Culinary events will include junior chef camps, a restaurant dine-around, dessert tastings, wine & cheese pairings, murder-mystery dinners, a winemaker dinner series, and "Kids Eat Free" Thursday nights. Outside, the hotel will host spectacular firework shows every Friday night @ 9:30 (admission is free), poolside movies, and a lakeside brunch.