When it come to interiors, good design is rarely the result of single person's work. I may have had a vision for this window, but without the help of all the artists and artisans, friends and colleagues who lent their time, talent and passion to this project, it would have been little more than a passing dream. If there's one thing I learned over the years as a magazine editor, it's that helping people builds relationships and that together, anything is possible.
To start, a huge thank you to Margaret Russell and Matthew Talomie of ELLE DECOR for entrusting me with a brand I've loved for years. From the beginning of this project, they granted me full creative freedom and the means to turn my vision into reality.
But for that to happen, I needed a way to communicate my design. In this project, and so many others, Jaithan's talents complemented my own beautifully, picking up just where I left off. He's my second set of eyes and ears, and his patience should earn him medals.
Putting together a room like this, well before any furniture or accessories, was not easy. The wallpaper, the moldings, the faux bois floors and fireplace were all the work of the talented visuals team at Bloomingdale's, lead by Christine Maly and the visionary Harry Medina. Both went the extra mile every step of the way, and for that, I'm extremely grateful.
Among the staff at Bloomingdale's, creating fantasy windows all year long, are Michael, Adina, and Ed (not pictured) with the visuals team. Of course, we left Adina to do all the heavy lifting, while the rest of us dusted and arranged flowers (kidding). All of them were troopers to the end, helping turn a daunting pile of bins, boxes, furniture and props…
into a polished and pulled together room, worthy of a Bloomingdale's window.
Beyond the pieces from Furniture on 5, every design element here was the result of the great generosity of friends and colleagues in the industry. beginning with the splatter wallpaper from Harry Hinson and Trip March of Hinson & Company, together with their longtime publicist Linda Derefler. Linda I've known for years, ever since my days at House Beautiful. This classic print has been on my inspiration board for a very long time, and I'm thrilled for the chance to finally use it!
To give this space real authenticity and my own point of view as a designer representing ELLE DECOR, I chose to mix in antique furniture and accessories, along with pieces from Bloomingdale's. This pair of Italian brass chairs came from my good friend, artist and antiques dealer Deborah Buck. I love her style to no end; it's exuberant, unique and beautiful! These pretty chairs, with their elegant, feminine lines, would be a perfect addition by the fireplace.
Covered in hot pink velvet from Hinson, the color pops against the splattered walls. And beside it, an antique Delftware jar from another generous soul, David Duncan.
David I'd seen out and about in the city at charity events and cocktail parties for years, but it wasn't until recently that he and his partner Michael became friends (and neighbors!) of ours in the country. Back at Martha, I used to borrow things from his store all the time for fancy photo shoots. Hands down, David has one of the best eyes in New York for assembling an ever-changing and eclectic mix of beautiful antiques from around the world. When Jaithan and I dropped in to see David just after the window went up, he had just returned from the auction at Tavern on the Green. Check out this fantastic copper, brass, and mirror wall sconce, one of four he scored for the shop! That dazzling collection of Delftware jars, vases and urns in the window came from David as well, together with this 1920s Paris porcelain potpourri.
With a passion for finding new ways to use old things, our inhabitant indulged her rather public proclivity for sweets, opting instead for pretty gumballs over potpourri. The vintage porcelain lamp is a Buck House find with custom shades from our friend, lamp designer Susan Schneider of Shandell's, right here in Millerton.
Susan's my go-to girl when it comes to shades—remember this story?—so to bring even more glamour to the window, we opted for a stunning 24K gold leaf wallpaper, courtesy of our friends at Philip Jeffries. I've loved their wallpaper for years, using it every chance I get. And for another layer of light in the window, Susan had the bright idea of making shades out of the same paper for a pair of smaller Chinese export lamps in turquoise, perfect for the bookcase.
It's a true testament to Susan's artistry that these lamps actually began as vases. I also love how she trimmed the shades with a simple grosgrain ribbon for a cleaner, more modern look.
As you might recall, with this space—and the story behind it—our inhabitant fashioned a space for herself and her family just as she lives-—boldly, joyously and full of panache! The exuberant mix of pillows on the sofa I had custom made using lush, vibrant fabrics from my friends Kristen Edson and Karen Kreitsek at Claremont, along with John Knot and Paul Romano at Quadrille. And thanks to a last-minute favor from David and Donna Feldman at Chelsea Workroom, everything was finished on time!
The 18th century toile pillows with the ruched silk borders, along with the leopard velvet one in the center, are from David Duncan. On the Bernhardt sofa from Bloomingdale's, the mix of pillows adds personality and flair!
Speaking of, here's the Laird print in production from Artaissance, along with talented framers Nelson and Laurie with Larson-Juhl, joinining four moldings into one for an art piece with impact.
Of course, no room I do would be complete without gorgeous candles from our favorite Kansas City candlemakers Pam Fleischer, Ken Weiner and, here, Harry McDaniel, dipping tapers by hand. Creative Candles are smokeless and dripless with the longest burning times around. Plus, I just love the pop of color they add to any room!
As a stylist and magazine editor, I know that it's the details that bring a space to life. So as soon as we finished the window, I called my good friend Addie Juell and her husband Eric to take pictures of all the moments that give this room character. What I love about Addie is that she knows how to look through a lens and get a great shot. A picture in a magazine is rarely the same as real life. It requires cheating things in, out, moving things here and there. Interiors photography is an art in itself, and Addie is one of the best in the business.
With this year's Big Window Challenge finally coming to an end, I wanted to thank publicly all the artists and artisans, friends and colleagues who helped turn my vision into reality. On behalf of the editors of ELLE DECOR, thank you!
I want to live in that room… do you think Bloomies would mind? What a beautiful combination of style and comfort, antique and modern, color and pattern… you are so very talented, Eddie, and it was wonderful to read about all the many talented people who helped bring your vision to life!
Eddie and Jaithan, your window looks ah-maz-ing!! So exciting-I’ve been voting for you-best of luck, xx
Thanks for this behind the scenes look. So many talented, generous people were behind this one gorgeous room, it’s exhausting just to read about it! Beautiful post.
Eddie and Jaithan, how fun to see all the wonderful people that helped you fulfill this amazing window project. You really had to be organized to keep this wheel in motion, Great Job and you must have a wonderful reputation in New York for all of these people to be there for you. Proof again, it all comes out in the wash!! xoxo kathysue
Thank you for the lovely tour behind the scenes.In my opinion you have already won! Tons of congratulations to you and all the creative people you have surrounded yourselves with. You all rockididoodaa! Cyber hug, Monika
Eddie,
You did such a great job and hands down deserve to win! What an extraordinary process, and it all came together beautifully!
Blessings and big HUGS!
xx
Bravo Eddie and the whole creative team. Thank you for taking us readers through the whole process that resulted in your remarkably chic window. I voted and voted for the Eddie team and was thrilled to do so. Each design choice was incredibly creative and never boring, equating to a huge success.
Cheers my dears,
Deborah
I wish I could be in NYC to see the results, up close and personal!
Fantastic post! Wow, that was alot of work but, worth it because that window is drop dead gorgeous! Maria
You did a great job very proud of you. Your living your dream!
The story behind the scenes is something I always enjoy hearing. It really makes your appreciation of the hard work and talent that goes into a project that much greater. And, yes, the collabative talents of many will often yield the most spectacular results of your vision! Congratulations to all!!!
comgtatz on all points.
you are so very talented with a gorgeous smile. 🙂
This was such great opportunity for you all and such fun! Thanks so much for including your readers in the process. I feel like I was there!
Very well said Eddie! Loved hearing how it all came together. Your gumballs have inspired me for a valentines project I’m working on, thanks to you for that!
Ruthie
Great post – thanks so much for taking us through the behind the scene choices and bravo to you and Jaithan for crediting the talent of all the people you collaborated with. Here’s my thought – the muse of your room was a hard working person – you guys mirror that. Hard Work + Graciousness = Excellence.
You guys are fabulous! Congratulations!
Thrilled for you! I love how you rocked it!
Next time, let me add a “PVE” – just a wee little sketch or something too. My Dad always told me that the “squeaky wheel” gets the oil.
Squeak.
pve
Love the behind the scenes blow by blow! You guys are the BEST!!! GREAT WORK! So bummed to have missed you in Atlanta!!
YAYY!!! CONGRATS ON THE BIG WIN!
Congratulations on being chosen by the voters as the favourite window in the Big Window Challenge!!! The window has its own personality, and I think that has something to do with all of the people who contributed to the project. It’s a beautiful blend of creative ideas and skilled execution!! Well done, Eddie, Jaithan & Team.
Congratulations Eddie!! I’ve voted for you and now I’m so happy you won!
xoxo from Spain,
leticia
Vintage&Chic
Eddie & Jaithan,
Thank you so much for including me in this project. The joy I got walking down Lexington Avenue last night seeing my shades and lamps in the window of Bloomingdale’s is something I will never forget.
XOXOXOXO
CONGRATS on the win – you guys deserved it, as your room was by far my fave – and the most fun!
Eddie — beautiful work as always! Other than Shandell’s do you have any good suggestions for online sources of lampshades? I have a pair of old school swing arm lamps that need a more updated and inspired look.
Congratulations! I just went on line to vote again and saw that the competition is OVER. And it appears – YOU WON. WAHOO for you!!!
We are thrilled! Yeah! Great work, you all!
XX
V.
Eddie and Jaithan-even if the numbers on the Big Window Challenge did not show you as winners, this last post proves that you did finish first. We are so excited to be in NYC to celebrate your victory this evening because you did receive the most votes. Congratulations!
Your KC Candle friends, Pam, Ken and the entire Creative Candle Family
Congratulations Eddie & Jaithan!
What a great win for you all! No one is more deserving. The windows are beautiful and I know you worked so hard on this. I hope you have a great weekend. Enjoy!
Congratulations Eddie! The room looks lovely on display.
What an accomplishment , from the beginning I could see that your window / room setting would be fantastic ! You managed to create a vibrant , colorful environment that is sure to influence other designers . Your vignette is even more beautiful in person than in photographs though it’s great that it has been so well documented on your colleagues blogs . Thanks for sourcing out pieces from our inventory , they look outstanding in your beautiful room . Congrats Eddie & Jaithan !
Fantastic as usual! Love the touch of playfulness from the Gumballs:) You’ve helped me discover the missing element that I clearly need to complete my workspace. Sugar & Style, an irrestible combination!
Congrats on the win!
Congratulations on your well deserved win…it looks absolutely amazing! Tracey xx
Hi Eddie,
I passed The Sunshine Award on to you…Happy Blogging!
-Typhanie
http://shoeboxdecor.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshine-award.html
Absolutely stunning! You have such a gift Eddie! You just have a natural sense about color and design that most people do not have! I love reading your blog. You are SO inspiring! I think the world needs an Eddie Ross book chock full of your beautiful rooms!
Hi Eddie and Jaithan, Congratulations, how very exciting!!! You did a fabulous job and it was wonderful to read all about the talented people involved in helping create your vision for the window. It was a wonderful coming together of such passionate and inspiring people, including your marvelous selves. xoxoTrina
Congratulations on your landslide victory! Well deserved. And, thank you for sharing the limelight with those who helped execute your vision. Kudos all around!!
congrats! It looks great!
Congrats guys!
I love the way the wall paper looks like fabric to me. The splashes of color, pink & orange make the room feel.
Beautifully done!
Congratulations on your win! We all knew you would receive the most votes. How wonderful of you to provide such a kind and extensive thank you to each of the people who provided materials and assisted with the project. Much joy to you both. Here’s looking forward to much more Eddie Ross in our lives. Cheers!
How sweet of you Eddie to share your sources and way of work. Thank you
Eddie Ross! I love you! I love your windows! Many thanks for coming our house!
Really some thing that is really cheerable, all designs are great , some fantastic work.
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