Ralph Lauren Roomsets

While browsing the net recently, I happened upon the site of mcowenandbanks.co.uk...........an interior design company based in East Sussex, UK.

Turns out Peter Banks does 'roomsets' for Ralph Lauren and it didn't take me long to fall in love with his warm, cosy, inviting English interiors.

The first two images below are among the first of many unforgettable images I saw in New York city on my last visit.  Yes, it was a 'roomset' at Ralph Lauren's Madison Avenue store and by the time I got to the top floor and walked into this room, I felt like I had been transported to the south of France.......and I was in love! How could I not be?  Can you imagine walking into a room like this and not 'feeling' the ambience...........oh yes, I felt it all right......like a bolt of lightning!  It certainly perked me up and really gave me a whole new awareness of 'interior design'.........it was an impeccably designed room......that is, I could have moved right in and felt at home immediately!

Hope you enjoy and as always, I appreciate your visits and look forward to your feedback!

Have a great day!

Above images Ralph Lauren, Madison Avenue, New York 2010

Ralph Lauren - Watch Hill 

I absolutely love this summery, coastal look!

A Ralph Lauren cottage bedroom.........love it!

Isn't this English interior dreamy?

Above 3 images, Peter Banks of McOwen and Banks for Ralph Lauren

English Mansion Roomsets

Peter Banks for Ralph Lauren

Country House Roomsets

Peter Banks for Ralph Lauren

North Atlantic Roomsets

Romantic Bedrooms of Mario Buatta

Before leaving Mario (at least for a little while), I thought I would share some of his romantic bedrooms.

As you will see, Mario's trademark details are canopy beds, coronas, benches at the foot of the bed and of course, his beloved chintz!

There's no doubt, he is the master of color, design and detail, and his ability to come up with original schemes seems limitless.  In an interview with New York Social Diary, Buatta mentioned that he never does a room plan - he simply produces these rooms outright - which means he is also a master of visualization!

I know I've shown some of these rooms before, but some comprise his lastest work and all are beautiful and always a pleasure to peruse........and perhaps even allow a woman to dream a little!

Enjoy!

The first Mario Buatta room I saw in a House Beautiful magazine.

Kips Bay Showhouse 1984

One of Buatta's hand painted canopy beds.

This room is beyond dreamy!

Chintz and gingham love!

This is such a cosy, inviting room!

Mariah Carey's New York bedroom.

TV cabinet at foot of bed and venetian mirrors above chests.

Love the animal art.

Hilary Geary's New York bedroom.

Windsong Too guest room.

Windsong Too guest room.

Architectural Digest

Keeping up with Hilary and Wilbur

Keeping up with Hilary and Wilbur Ross' real estate transactions is not easy and researching the details has kept me busy this week!  Of course, their affiliation with Mario Buatta is what got me started on all this in the first place.

I heard through the grapevine recently that Architectural Digest would be featuring a Mario Buatta layout on the redecoration of the Ross' home in their July issue.  For some reason, I thought it must be their New York apartment that was decorated by Buatta ten years ago and which I featured in Tuesday's post.  Little did I know that they had sold that apartment years ago and bought another, and much larger, apartment also decorated by Buatta.  Or that they have collaborated with Buatta on at least 9 homes between them - before and since they married one another!

Although I had seen the home featured below many times before, I did not realize it was the Ross' New York city home.

As for the feature in the current issue of Architectural Digest, it is stunning!!!  I only picked this magazine up yesterday after I posted my item on the Palm Beach guest house.  I wish I could share the new pics with you, but I can't yet..........however, if you want to see the latest Buatta/Geary/Ross collaboration, pick up the magazine and see for yourself what magic Buatta performs on homes.  The Ross' Southampton home is featured and it is truly spectacular.....it took my breath away......seriously!!  Also, the Palm Beach guest house (which I featured yesterday from the Palm Beach Daily News) is also featured with some extra pictures.

So, today we'll look at the Ross' current New York city home.

Before photo of Ross' living room as owned by Earl Blackwell - known as one of the most famous apartments in New York city.  Notice the barrel vaulted ceiling.

After - 30 ft. high barrel vaulted ceiling and notice the architectural detail added by Buatta -

not to mention the English country feel Buatta is noted for.

Notice fireplaces at each end of living room!

View into the dining room

Corner banquette outside of living room - very similar corner to banquette in first living room featured on Tuesday     

By joining these two tables, the Ross' can seat 22 people.

Dining room with wall to wall fabric

Canopy bed designed by Buatta inspired by Brighton Pavilion.

Hand painted floor and Pratesi linens.

The tv is tucked behind the Chinese screen over the fireplace.

The pine library similar to their former library.

New York Social Diary

Master bedroom photo - Architectural Digest

Windsong Too

Yesterday, I shared the New York City home of Wilbur and Hilary Ross which was decorated by Mario Buatta.

Today, we're touring the Palm Beach guest house of the Ross'.  After buying their John Volk designed Palm Beach getaway, Windsong, on Lake Worth about ten years ago, the Ross' had the guest house built in the same Georgian style as their new home.  Within the 3,500 sq. ft. space the architect, Thomas Kirchhoff, came up with a symmetrical design that included two bedrooms (each with their own separate bath) and a large oval ballroom that the Ross' can use anytime during the season for large cocktail and dinner parties.

In consultation with the architect and the Ross' in the house design, Mario then waved his magic wand and turned it into what he called "a real pleasure palace".  As Mario says, "Who wouldn't want to have their own ballroom?"  Yes, indeed!!

Enjoy!

P.S.

I've added the latest updates available on this home........check out the foyer, the completed ballroom look and dining al fresco in Palm Beach.

Enjoy!

The foyer leading into the ballroom.

Thomas Kirchhoff and Mario Buatta in the furnished ballroom.

Furnished ball room.

The unfurnished ballroom gives you an idea of the size and scope overlooking Lake Worth.

Another beautiful Buatta bedroom!

Guest bath.

Guest bath.

And one more beautiful Buatta bedroom!

Dining al fresco at Windsong Too.

Palm Beach Daily News