DHS DESIGNS...atmosphere

NEW CONTAINER OF ANDUZE POTS JUST ARRIVED!

2010-05-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

DHS is offering this beautiful pair of highly carved Gothic-style marble panels, w/Moorish influence, early 20th c... 34"L x 18"H.

2010-02-16T08:49:00.001-08:00

Dreaming Of Palm Trees - A few of our favorite pieces I have found scouring towns along the Cote d'Azur...

2010-02-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

On the road to Monte Carlo

2010-02-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

NEW ARRIVALS @ DHS Designs' Queenstown shop

2010-01-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.dhsdesigns.com/

All Things French

2010-01-25T20:25:00.001-08:00

Destinations (don't forget to smell the flowers along the way)

2010-01-23T09:23:00.001-08:00

snapshots of DHS Designs' designs

2010-01-22T12:02:00.001-08:00

going organic

2010-01-17T14:06:00.001-08:00

Photo of the Month

2010-01-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

2010-01-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

"THE MATTER IS NOT WHERE YOU TAKE THINGS FROM BUT WHERE YOU BRING THEM TO."...Jean-Luc Godard

HOT SHOTS OF HAUTE SHOPS

2010-01-16T15:08:00.001-08:00

Legendary Designers of the 20th Century

2010-01-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

EYE CANDY

2010-01-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

the new soon-to-be-open Mondrian/Soho

2010-01-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

I don't care if the sconces do follow you from side to side as you walk by, I still think this is a very cool hotel lobby! (designed by famed interior designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, for the Morgans group of hotels).

CHARLOTTE'S-VILLE

2010-01-14T04:56:00.000-08:00

From 'New York' Magazine: May 2008 Issue

Top NYC designer Charlotte Moss stands on the terrace of her Manhattan townhouse in front of her exquisite 18th c. French limestone mantel from DHS Designs.

..." Moss says about Savage, "He sees the interesting quirk."...
- (Architectural Digest, December 1999, page 44)

- see her wonderful blog @ Charlotte Moss

MANTELS GALORE

2010-01-14T04:52:00.001-08:00

FROM THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS

Deep in the heart of the Loire Valley lie some of France's most cherished antique treasures. Those who have traveled there know that there is something very special, very different about this region and its homes. It is as if one is transported to another dimension, unique in its charm and atmosphere with warmth and hospitality, a sense of continuity. The antique fireplace surrounds that DHS Designs is proud to offer represent the very centerpiece of the exquisite French chateaus and European country homes. They evoke scenes of forests and hunting, gardening and music, family gatherings and celebrations - all that we associate with the pleasures of country life. Royal grandeur and merchant wealth produced the Loire Valley chateaus and neo-classic mansions. The variety of riches and architecture throughout this region are seemingly inexhaustible, but to be able to share a part of this history is a rare opportunity.DHS Designs imports these exquisitely carved stone antique fireplace surrounds from historically significant homes in the Loire Valley, and has been featured in Architectural Digest, Town and Country, Departures, and Southern Accents. Dating from the 15th-19th centuries, these mantels range in style from Gothic to Romantic. These stone mantels are works of art, hand-carved from local limestone by the artisans of the courts. They are for a discerning few who won't settle for reproductions. With their great style and beauty, these treasures will bring lasting satisfaction to any home.We invite you to browse our inventory of antique French mantels online at http://www.dhsdesigns.com/ or to contact us directly, please call 410.827.8167.

MY FAVORITE PIECE OF THE WEEK

2010-01-12T22:08:00.000-08:00

This is truly fantastic and rare - a 13th c. Roman Marble Basin with a carved female caryatid, on a limestone base which was added in the 19th c. This amazing piece was found in the courtyard of a hotel particulier in Paris.

40"H x 46" diameter

...$38,500.

King of Hearths (article from Town & Country)

2010-01-12T20:25:00.001-08:00

"Because the mantelpiece embellishes the hearth - the visual focus of any room - it should be considered as important as a fine piece of furniture. Enter Darryl Savage of Annapolis, Maryland. His studio, DHS Designs, sells beautifully hand carved limestone mantelpieces dating back to the 16th century and salvaged intact from manor houses in the Loire Valley. DHS imports the mantels in numbered pieces that can be reconstructed easily by a good stonemason - ask Savage or your interior decorator for a recommendation. The average waiting time is two to three weeks; prices range from $10,000 to $75,000. DHS Designs, 410.827.8167."

Written by Kristen Carr; Edited by Philip Herrera; Photograph by Celia Pearson for Town & Country, December 1998, page 89

DHS Designer Spotlight: Christian Liaigre

2010-01-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

Christian Liaigre has been an architect & interior designer to Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Rupert Murdoch. He has built and designed houses from France to Bora Bora. Christian Liaigre combines French tradition with eastern feng shui and has been called one of the most influential designers alive today. In his spaces, you won't see clashing colors and patterns, or 60s and 70s influences that have recently become so popular. You surely won't spot the lamps, tables and accessories that seem to be ubiquitous from one magazine feature spread to another.Another custom fireplace in a room that artfully mixes CL's low-slung, clean lined furniture with a smattering of antiques.
What you will see are furnishings made of the highest quality materials and fabrics, many custom-created for each project. Embossed leathers. Velours, silks and linens. Exquisite woods and surfaces. Doorknobs so beautiful they rival works of art. His rooms at first overwhelm with the strength of a singular, consistent vision - then the details slowly reveal themselves, like good, aged wine.Just enough decorative flourishes are thrown in to provide a thrilling surprise around every corner. That surprise could be a jewel-tone accent that glows against the mostly neutral palette. Or a singular swath of exquisite velvet. Perhaps a sparkling, curvy chandelier that plays off the dominant masculine shapes. Color is used sparingly, but to great effect. Everything comes together in perfect harmony in Liaigre's world. And it's a world that we would love to inhabit. (Credit: Topsyturvystyle.com)Liaigre came to the attention of the design world in the late 80s. His 2004 book, Maison - Christian Liaigre, covered eight design projects, but didn't include a bio or photo of the designer himself. "CL has been called one of the most influential designers alive today."Ornamentation, sparkle, and curves are used deftly. They play off of the restraint of clean lines, color, and pattern. The result is a rich, singular statement.

(Credit: Topsyturvystyle.com)

INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTIAN LIAIGRE

Architect & Interior designer to Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Rupert Murdoch, Christian Liaigre combines French tradition with eastern Feng Shui.CL:I am more an interior designer in the tradition of the last century. For example when I design a house I design also the furniture.I started as an artistic painter and after a number of years I was very upset to work alone; it is like a writer or a musician we work alone. At this time I was in the countryside near Bordeaux and I was very attracted by the interiors.Q: Which are the great designers that inspire you?I am inspired not by other designers but by nature, reflection and deep thinking about a project.CL: The world outside is so aggressive that I try to create calm in a house. When the client arrives in the evening they enter in another space completely different from the street. With every project, I try to keep the roots. For example I just finished a house in Spain for Adolpho Domingez who is a fashion designer. When I designed this house I tried to keep some details of this area of Spain. It is really easy to design for people like Rupert Murdoch, Karl Largerfeld, and Mark Jacob because they have a strong personality and a strong idea of what they want. They know my work and we work to combine my philosophy with their space. I met Calvin Klein once or twice and we work mainly by fax. He writes me a letter, asking questions and I reply "o.k. This Yes, this no etc". They know, they understand.CL: I prefer to know first the personality of the client. it is more important than the space and sometimes I refuse work because I am not compatible to their personality.Q: So when the Chemistry works what happens next?CL: I visit the site and give some rough ideas, have a discussion with the client and quite some time later, we present the plan.The first impression is the vibration of the space and sometime it is a wrong place because sometimes there is bad vibrations. I studied a long time feng shui, and many things can influence a space. Maybe the light can be bad or something violent may have happened in the space.CL: Today we are working on a house on a private island near Bora Bora. We are also the architects on this project, and we do more than a normal architect because we have to find water, create electricity-because there is nothing there!Q: so you have to develop the technology as well yes?
CL: It is an island in the middle of an ocean.Q: This must be very interesting.CL: Yes, it is. We need space for personal harmony and to keep the mind free for thinking. For example for this industrialist family, they are very relaxed for when they arrive in this area and he can concentrate on his work.Q: Is this the same for people like Karl Largerfeld?
CL: Yes, this is rightQ:they need somewhere to recharge themselves?
CL: ExactlyQ: A sense, a place where they can just close out the world, and come back and find their center?CL: Yes. If you have too many things in your house your spirit is disturbed. That is why I prefer to my client to buy just 2 or 3 beautiful pieces and choose them with their heart than to have 10 pictures on the wall. Because when you sit in an armchair and you smoke your cigar you see many, many things which are not your real choice and your mind is not free for thinking.

(credit: exero.com)

A Boat Named Wally

2010-01-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

Living in what's been called the Sailing Capital of the World, I see some pretty sharp looking boats...

from junkets to yachts. However, nothing compares to the modernist vessels that some top international designers are dreaming up, and I can only hope to see one passing by my window sometime soon...

Wally Yachts Wallypower 118 - Power & Motoryacht - Something Wild
wally 118 power yacht
#watch-main-area
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/8447/foster-partners-panthalassa-yacht.html
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/7134/superyacht-designs-by-kevin-schopfer.html

Lord Norman Foster’s YachtPlus Launches September : Fractional Ownership Free Magazine With Fractional Property Articles, R.

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/7082/callender-designs-soliloquy-yacht.html

http://www.starck.com/new/encontentframe.html

Ornamentation...or, In the wake of Modernism

2010-01-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

Who would have ever expected to have seen dentil molding (or ornate French marble mantels, for that matter!) in a sleek Shelton/Mindel interior?...(see above photo from the latest Architectural Digest)....and what's that - a chair rail?

Not everyone these days want to live in a John Pawson-type environment, it seems. Even die-hard modernists are incorporating some warmth and ornamentation into their pristine, clean interiors. Gurus of the 'clean' mantra, such as Christian Liaigre or Philippe Starck, are now incorporating a crystal chandelier, or a damask pillow or two. And, as always, the art is in the mix....knowing when to start and where to stop.
On the other hand, the mid-century phenomena has worked its way into the hearts and interiors of many diehard traditionalists. Again, a stellar piece in just the right location makes for a much more interesting dialogue in any well thought out room...

Nothing says warmth + opulence like luxurious antique Tapestries

2010-01-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

French and Flemish tapestries are among the most luxurious works of art. From Renaissance to Regency, nothing can create warmth in a room like a tapestry. At the zenith of their popularity, these sumptuous decorative panels graced palaces and chateaus, and were in great demand from royals and the elite for whom these works of art represented great opulence and prestige. It was the economic factors of the 18th c. that inhibited production and brought the tapestry industry to a decline...also ushering in a shift in fashion for interior decoration, with more intimately arranged interiors, and smaller rooms with less space for these magnificent large wall hangings. What we see today most often are sections from tapestries that originally spanned some forty feet or more, and have been reduced in size to acommodate more modern interiors.
(See DHS Designs' offerings of these spectacular and rare works of art.)

DHS Designs...The Shop

2010-01-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

(photo by Anne Gummerson for Architectural Digest)

My shop, located just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is a treasure trove of antiques - from fine to funky. I specialize in Continental, but go off in many directions such as mid century, religious, tramp art - you name it...if it is quirky and has eye appeal, I like it. I feature 15th - 19th c. French limestone mantels, and also wonderful garden appointments - fountains, faux bois, urns, wellheads, statuary, etc., etc.
Check out my website at http://www.dhsdesigns.com/

read articles here at http://www.dhsdesigns.com/in-the-media/index.php

Duchess of Devonshire

2010-01-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

My 23 year old daughter Julie recently took a space in my (very neutral) shop and gave it a jolt of hot pink and lots of bling, transforming it into a female Francophile fantasy...
http://www.duchessofdevonshire.com/

You can also check out her blog at http://www.prettylittlethings.blog.com/

about D H S (or, I had these initials first!)

2010-01-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

Please don't confuse me with the Department of Homeland Security. I do get some of their mail. And with our close proximity to Washington, we have had the likes of the Cheneys, the Rumsfelds, and the Bush's in the shop. Yikes!

At Home with DHS

2010-01-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

Le Cirque Blanc: DHS Designs' Owner Darryl Savage’s Home Featured in Washington Post

The 2009 Washington Post Magazine's Spring Home & Design Issue features DHS Designs' owner Darryl Savage's Annapolis MD riverfront home showcasing many signature DHS items.

2010-01-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

I have decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. After all, it IS the 21st century...and 2010, no less...and so, here I go. A DHS blog. Another spot to land for all things beautiful, in the realm of home + design! I hope you enjoy!