A Week in Umbria

My dearest husband and I have finally landed in the most wonderful Bed & Breakfast in Umbria. Well, it’s actually so much more than a B&B — it’s an amazing PALAZZO our friend from New York, Michael Laplaca, has restored. We just got here so we’ll tell you more. Right now we’re just blown away and need to get ready for a fabulous dinner Michael has promised us. Stay tuned.

Firoozeh
DesignSchematic

Room of the Week

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Michael Smith's new home away from home in New York City
as seen in Elle Magazine this month

Firoozeh Khorrami
DesignSchematic

Chinoiserie Wallcovering

Chinoiserie is the French term meaning Chinese-esque, a style that became popular in Europe from the mid 17th century and peaked in mid 18th century. Chinoiserie was only expressed in the decorative arts, and was used to decorate all forms of furniture, wall covering, porcelain, and even buildings. Since Chinoserie was the work of European artisans it depicted life as they had imagined and not just with the "Chinese taste", but also with influences from India, Japan, and Persia. In France Louis XV style gave a great opportunity to Chinoiseri as it blended well with the Rococo style. Whole rooms were painted with compositions in this style, no court residence was complete without a Chinoserie room.
With the rise of the neoclassic movement, Chinoiserie lost some of it's popularity. In the world of antique and collectibles, Chinoiserie has remained very popular, and Chinoserie wall covering has become somewhat of a craze.

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Kelly Wearstler has used this beautiful blue in BG (Bergdorf Goodman's restaurant)

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The Japanese influence of this paper works well in a contemporary room by designer Windsor Smith

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With so many colors to savor, there are dozens of schemes that are inspired by these wall coverings

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Another gorgeous room brought to life with this beautiful hand painted paper by Gracie

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de Gourney hand painted wall paper, I frequently visit their website for inspiration

Firoozeh Khorrami
DesignSchematic

April Showers bring May Flowers

Hard to believe we are already in April, my favorite month of the year. Here in Los Angeles, due to the heavy rain we had during the winter months I'm hoping to have lots of beautiful flowers in the garden and around the city. It's also a great time to start cleaning out and re-accessorizing outdoor rooms and patios.

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By adding drapery and a beautiful lantern a covered patio can be used as entertaining space to spend summer evenings enjoying the company of friends and family

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Even if you have a small backyard to work with a little creativity can transform any size garden into an outdoor oasis

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Container gardening is another way to bring beautiful flowers and even a small vegetable garden to a balcony or a side yard.

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Plan your outdoor room, it will expand the square footage of your home and enjoy the few short months of summer entertaining in your new found space.

Firoozeh Khorrami

DesignSchematic