Entries by Donna Paul

A 1940’s Mexico City home, (now a B&B) has design influences from Los Angeles & Europe

March 14, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by

When I travel I often feel as though I’m a character in a play. A play that’s been going on for decades. It’s a kind of theater. What do I mean by this? When I go into a new city, a new hotel, it’s like entering a story that’s always being told— and now I get to be a character in it. I believe it plays a part in why those of us who love travel become addicted to it. It’s liberating to feel someone else’s life; see the objects and collections others have lived with; even if it’s only fantasy. I want to immerse myself in someone’s history. Living, even for a few days In the houses of others, and to let our own story mesh with one that already exists— and is constantly evolving- is exciting.

The Dean Hotel. Providence gets it’s own (Williamsburg) chic.

April 2, 2016 in /by

A Designer Previews tip: If you want to be where it’s happening, on Thursday night, this week, head to official opening of The Dean Hotel in Providence RI. (tell them I gave you my invitation)! It felt like the coldest day of the year when, last month, I paid a visit to Providence’s newest hotel. […]

“I AM big. it’s the pictures that got small.” Norma Desmond, (played by Gloria Swanson) in Sunset Boulevard.

February 22, 2015 in /by

With the 2015 Oscar’s upon us, it’s the moment to share the photos of fan-mail envelopes from 1951-59  that I got to see last summer.  It  was a perfect day when I visited, as I do every year, the eternally chic and expertly curated shop, Andrew Spindler Antiques, in Essex Massachusetts.  Long before 1stdibs.com had Andrew on […]

Looking for Quirky, Creative, Unexpected Gifts? Something simply Fun…

December 21, 2014 in /by

The work known as ‘needle felting’ seen seen here, as far as we’re concerned, screams CHRISTMAS GIFT!  Meaning, for someone who has everything, what could be better than opening a box containing a cool, eccentric, and totally unexpected object? I say: Look no further. Dive into the sculptural work of Heidi Bleacher. It’s not only that […]

Buon Natale Promemoria –looking forward to more beautiful furniture in 2015

December 18, 2014 in /by

This year the Christmas parties have been beautiful, yet one is especially memorable: At the Promemoria showroom, a few days ago, I felt— for a moment— transported to Italy.  I was suddenly in Milan. The crowd was chic, the Proseco was flowing; the pasta abundant. I was actually attending their celebration, “the traveling pasta party,” […]

Recalling a visit to a special hotel in Spetses Greece

November 26, 2014 in /by

It’s so cold on the east coast that I’m focusing on being in Greece. I’m remembering driving through miles upon miles of olive groves, the unreal color of the water of the Aegean Sea, where we would swim until 8PM at night. I’m imagining sitting on my balcony on the island of Spetses. Yes, holding […]

Expressions Of Thanks From Selected Design World Luminaries

November 25, 2014 in /by

I decided to ask several people in the design/architecture world what they were most thankful for this year, on this most American of holidays. Ironically, most of them weren’t even born in the USA, but all had taken to Thanksgiving. Their responses were personal, thoughtful, and of course, made reference to their work. In each, […]

What does Halloween have to do with art, design & lithography? Everything! Don’t miss this exhibition at Woodmere in Philly

October 29, 2014 in /by

I unexpectedly discovered the exhibition Things That Creak in the Night: Selections from the Halloween Collection of Peter Paone at Philadelphia’s Woodmere Art Museum, last week and haven’t been able to stop thinking about how whimsical yet thought provoking it is.  Not only because Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, but because what’s on view […]

Head Butler encourages us to think in a new direction

June 24, 2014 in /by

Jesse Kornbluth is DP’s guest blogger today. His ever-brilliant Head Butler post focuses on Ross Chapin’s book about Pocket Neighborhoods, and the ideas Jesse shares on the subject are resonant and vital.  Especially now. Anyone who drives the roads of the Hampton’s sees the Joe Farrell signs growing more prevalent.  I see on a daily basis, […]

Beauty is on my mind: Roberto Capucci gives us a lot to look at. Happy Holidays.

December 24, 2013 in /by

Roberto Capucci is one of the most important fashion designers of our time. His work has always been groundbreaking: It is architectural, a study in shape and form, color and texture, sculptural and sensual, and always about astonishing beauty. Capucci’s artistic nature is deep.That is palpable when in his presence and in seeing his creations. […]

Barbra Streisand, the play ‘Buyer and Cellar,’ linked by an insightful blog post

December 17, 2013 in /by

When Barbra Streisand’s 2010 design book, My Passion for Design https://www.barbrastreisand.com/news/my-passion-design-pre-order-links/ was published, I was among those who rolled their eyes and thought, “Oh now she’s an expert in this field too.”  Thankfully, playwright, Jonathan Tolins had another — more thoughtful – and humorous interpretation. His play, Buyer and Cellar, showing at the Barrow Street Theater, […]