News
Silver is this year’s color of the season
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News With December upon us, it’s likely to be a silvery Christmas, I think, for those who celebrate the holiday — judging by what I’ve seen so far on the decorations scene. Some of that “silver” isn’t silver at all, of course. The...
Skillet cooking never goes out of style
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Black cast-iron skillets have gone chic, very much in style for today’s party planners and gourmet cooks. To prove this point, Charlotte Druckman has written one of the best skillet cookbooks I’ve ever seen. The book — Stir, Sizzle, Bake: Recipes...
Tassels trendy and fun for home fashion
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Have you noticed that tassels are among the stars of today’s decorating and apparel world? If you are keeping up with fashion, you’ll see tassels making big-time appearances on the runways of New York, Milan and Paris. A little farther down the...
Will Donald Trump bring over-the-top, gilt design to White House?
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Now that my Palm Beach neighbor Donald Trump has won the presidency, we might try to forecast what may become the Trump style in Washington. Each of us has a style of our very own, and as I have always told my...
Cookie jars offer taste of nostalgia
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Milk and cookies — what a treat for afternoon or evening. This classic duo seems to evoke of-the-moment pleasure and happy memories in almost everyone. Some of the airlines even serve the specialty on planes, much to the delight of travelers. There...
Jack-o’-lanterns star in artful Halloween decor
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News With Halloween flying in on its broomstick on Monday, is it any wonder I’m in the mood for pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns? I’ve been so intrigued over the past decade with the amazing art that appears each October in the form of carved...
Vintage signs don’t go out of style
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News I love a good road trip. On a recent trek to Millbrook, N.Y., I encountered on the highway something that’s truly a sign of the times: Everyone knows what a rest stop is, but now we have the text stop. That’s a...
Embrace autumn colors in design
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News October is the time to celebrate the harvest and borrow a few decorating colors. Take a cue from pumpkins, falling leaves, apples of all colors and flavors, cranberries, sunflowers and the rich hues of the chrysanthemum. I’ve been lucky enough to provide...
Hanging pictures correctly lets your walls do the talking
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News As a decorator, it seems I am always pounding picture nails into walls Picture hanging is an art in itself, to say nothing about the art of framing and the selection of mats, frames and fillers. Palm Beachers are lucky indeed...
Pine hutch provides a touch of Ireland
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News As many of you may know, I often spend a bit of the summer in Ireland, as I did recently during the waning of the tourist season. Of all the places in the world that offer impossibly green fields, meandering cows and...
Salad days for design: Think celery, carrot and beet colors for rooms
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Everywhere I look – in village after town after city, and even in airport terminals — I see salad eateries. One’s called “Chop’t,” another is “Fresh and Co.” and even across the bridge in West Palm Beach we have “Field of Greens.”...
Carleton Varney: In fashion and interior design, seersucker celebrates summer
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News The hallmarks of summer are all around us — flowers, sailing boats, beaches, dripping ice-cream cones. And in decorating, the season turns the spotlight on a special fabric, one of my favorites: seersucker. Travel about the country’s seaside spots, and you’ll find...
How to give the right gifts, like Eleanor Roosevelt
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Among her many notable characteristics, Eleanor Roosevelt was an around-the-year buyer of birthday and Christmas gifts, although she didn’t necessarily shop for any one person in particular. The late first lady had in her home a cupboard divided by a panel of...
White just right for Palm Beach seaside decor, but add some color
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News The white house is calling, and I’m not talking about the one on Pennsylvania Avenue. I’m talking about all these houses — and apartments — in Palm Beach, Jupiter, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Miami that have gone with white in their...
Solving the case of an outdated object
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Going through my closet last week, I discovered — on a shelf way in the back — a collection of briefcases, all covered in rich leather with handsome buckles and brasses. I must own at least six of them, one or two...
Decorating scheme is very cherry
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News This summer has seen a terrific cherry season, with street vendors and supermarkets selling those delicious gourmet delights in a choice of colors, from the rich, deep red nearly bordering on deep burgundy to the the soft white/pink variety. Whatever cherry variety...
Carleton Varney: Towels can be funtional, fun
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Recently, while visiting a Palm Beach home for a quick swim, I noticed that the host and hostess had a straw basket of beautiful towels awaiting poolside for guests to use as chaise covers or for drying off. The towels sported two...
Recalling James Nederlander, 'an illustrious gentleman'
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News My friend Jimmy Nederlander left us July 25 at age 94. He was an illustrious gentleman with whom I worked, partied and enjoyed delightful conversations for many years. Not only was I his decorator, for eight of his residences, but I considered...
Summer means Newport’s on my mind
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Newport is on my mind, just as it is, I’m sure, on the minds of lots of Palm Beachers during these warm days. Now, we all know that Palm Beach folk travel to summer destinations all around the world. Some like Nantucket,...
Carleton Varney: High tech is still on the design scene
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Remember “high-tech”? A few decades years ago, a picture book with those words as its title was a popular read, focusing attention on the sleek, industrial look that was then all the rage in interior design. Metal lockers that once had homes...
Books always deserve a place in today’s home
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News It’s a decorator truism: The type of books one has at home reveals the interests of those who live there. I can always tell a client’s likes and interests simply by scanning the titles found on his or her book jackets. The...
Summer means all things bright, beautiful and cerise
Posted on December 02 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Summertime brings out the brights in all directions. Cool-as-a-cucumber salads are served garnished with edible nasturtiums, which provide visual pops of both color (orange) and shape (round, plus the leaf). Fashionistas are bringing out of their closets oranges, too, mixed with limes,...
Pale pink, blue are red hot
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News One of the hottest annual news stories about the decorating market is Pantone’s announcement of its Color of the Year. Last season Pantone, owned by Washington D.C.’s Danaher Corp., told us we would all be dressed or decorating with 2015’s top color,...
Recalling a true gentleman of style: David Bowie
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News “Some people got it,” goes the song from the Broadway musical Gypsy. Those lyrics came to my mind this week, when I learned that the world had lost one of the legends in the music, style and fashion. A gentleman of the...
Drapery issues? Simple is better
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Oscar Wilde’s reported last words stir empathy among decorators all over the world. I’m sure you will understand why: “Either those curtains go or I do.” That remark is often quoted, although I’ve seen another version involving a different decorating issue: “The...
Carleton Varney: Is your head in the clouds?
Posted on November 30 2016
This Sky Umbrella, with its lining of clouds, is one of Carleton Varney’s favorite items in the gift store at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Designed by Tibor Kalman and Emanuela Frattini Magnusson, it’s available for $40 at the museum’s website, MOMA.org. Photo courtesy of MOMA.org. By Carleton...
Carleton Varney: Red can add dazzle to your rooms
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News For those who observe Christmas, December always offers a chance to paint the town red. It’s the traditional color of Santa’s suit, of course, and the red poinsettia has always been the flower of the season. Yes, I know there poinsettias in...
Think vintage when holiday shopping
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News When I was a child, my sister, Vivian, and I looked forward to writing out our Christmas lists, with the gifts we hoped Santa would bring us. Those items, in retrospect, seem simple, compared with the wishes of many young children today....
Carleton Varney: Don’t make light of details
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News When you think of table lamps, standing lamps and even chandeliers, you no doubt also think of shades, shades and more shades. Lampshades with stripes, with dots, with pleats and in an array of colors — Alan Salomon has them all in...
Soft lavender is neutral that goes with just about every color
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News I’ve written before in this space about luscious lavender. It’s among my decorating favorites but has, until lately, lagged behind in popularity in the broader design marketplace. That’s not been the case, however, in the beauty industry. Did you ever notice how...
Carleton Varney: Thanksgiving table takes planning, too.
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News In November, “T” is for turkey — be it Tom Turkey or Tina Turkey – but “T” also is for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Everyone I know loves Thanksgiving Day. The day conjures up so many memories and scenes — I always...
The Magic of Color
Posted on November 30 2016
It is so important for children to enjoy the magic of color, to make it a lifelong friendship. This children's bedroom in Michigan is ideal for a sleepover and the next day's adventures!
I Love Contrast!
Posted on November 30 2016
I love the contrast of light furniture against a dark wall color. The étagère is custom made, I found it in a department store in Washington D.C. It holds a few of my special treasures: a white Staffordshire dog, a favorite throughout many of my projects; a photograph of me...
Your Family Decorator: Color fall with autumn blankets, Honey Crisp apples, candlesticks, Montauk daisies
Posted on November 30 2016
Fall is officially here and Halloween is approaching. It is trick-or-treat candy time. Many children can't wait to dip into the candy jar, and have surely eyed out there favorite wish list of candies. Meanwhile, I’m turning my attention to Thanksgiving, a time for joyous family gatherings to welcome in...
Join Us on Instagram for Decorating Fun!
Posted on November 30 2016
We love what we do, and we see a lot of the world. A lovely world to share . . . . .
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After The Oscars
Posted on November 30 2016
The Oscars come but once a year – as does Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and my birthday – thank you Lord! Oscar Day says a lots of things to me and brings back memories of my association with Hollywood stars – Grace Kelly, Joan Crawford, Van Johnson, Judy Garland...
Hooray For Hollywood!
Posted on November 30 2016
Once upon a time, there were movies stars like swimmer Ester Williams, the skater, Sonya Heine, Brazilian Carmen Miranda – all originals – and then there was the original Shirley Temple, a star no one will ever forget. This week the passing of Shirley Temple Black has saddened me and...
Look For The Silver Lining
Posted on November 30 2016
We can't change yesterday but we can change today and tomorrow. Our environment has a real effect on how we feel. Like all decisions, big or small, the hardest part is thinking about it, the easier part is doing it. I remember as a child being in my Grandmother's home on the top floor...
Decorate with red and blue, like Mary Higgins Clark
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News You know that As Time Goes By is name of a song, but did you realize it’s also the title of Mary Higgins Clark’s newest novel, her 53rd work? She and I spent a charming evening together recently in Palm Beach. I...
Carleton Varney: Blue and white are always in style
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Blue and white, blue and white: I see that color combination everywhere — on porcelain, on wallpapers, on fabric, on wastepaper baskets. If you think I am wrong — and sometimes I can be — simply stroll the shops of Worth Avenue...
Better safer than sorry with red-wine stains
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News These are the four words I often hear these days at cocktail parties, as well as at museum galas or other large social events: “Sorry, no red wine.” What is offered, instead, is white wine, champagne or sparkling water. Why? Hosts and...
Gathering in kitchen always in style
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News I know you know this one: “Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah, someone’s in the kitchen I know….” I remember singing that with my friends around the campfire during my summer-camp days, and someone might even have a banjo to play as...
Green isn’t just for the Irish
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Thursday was St. Patrick’s Day. And that means that I’ve been thinking about green, as I bet you have been, too, whether you’re of Irish descent or not. So what’s been on my mind? Let’s see — maybe green leather for the...
Obelisks make pointed decorating statements
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Obelisks can be found all over the world, their roots dating to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. You can view monumental obelisks that were raised to honor great leaders, while others were installed to convey a sense of majesty as a...
Carleton Varney: Pillows add a soft touch to your design
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News It’s pillow-talk time, and I’m not referring to the 1960s movie with Doris Day and Rock Hudson — although I do recommend watching the film on TCM. Talk about something young and fun! No, the pillow talk under discussion here, at least...
Put a little Florida in your design: Try flamingos
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News If you know the name Arthur Murray, you might recall that he and his wife, Kathryn, were famous for their dance studio and for their television show, long before Dancing with the Stars became a national viewing pastime. What I liked most...
Show your home some love for Valentine’s Day
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News Be my Valentine! It is said that the more love is given in the world, the warmer and nicer place the planet will be — and I believe that wholeheartedly. I somehow can’t think of love without also thinking of smiles. I...
Take your decor over the rainbow, as Judy Garland did
Posted on November 30 2016
By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News When it comes to colorful decorating, you might say that I am always chasing rainbows. I keep all the colors in the rainbow in my design arsenal and I’m not afraid to use any of them. Nor should you be. Back in...
June is the month for wedding gowns and window sheers
Posted on November 30 2016
Special to the Palm Beach Daily News By Carleton Varney June is here — and that means it’s bridal month all across the country, in all its white-laced and joyous moments. Last Saturday I spent a few hours at Kleinfeld, the bridal emporium on West 20th Street in New York...
Spring is in the air at Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, Michigan!
Posted on November 30 2016
Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan has just re-opened for the 2015 Summer Season. For the past 35 years we have been continuously decorating the hotel to make it a special space to share memories. This year we completed new Cupola Suites on the fourth floor of the hotel that...