We look for inspiration everywhere. But it’s not always possible to bring our readers original photographs of our adventures–especially during the recent winter weeks. Spring is finally here, and Lauren and I are already planning our schedule for weekend excursions to our favorite antique and flea markets. But this week, I’ve been spending lots of time with my young son Jack in between meetings and such. We love to go to the library together, where he now goes downstairs to the “young adult” reading section on his own, and I bury myself in the stacks in the upstairs style section. I came across a beautiful new book that Lauren had read about recently called Sister Parish Design: On Decorating in which exquisite watercolors fill its pages.
Whether you’re just starting out, or moving on to your second or third home, this book promises to “help you to create an imaginative and welcoming refuge for you and your family.” Drawing from the work of legendary designer Sister Parish as well as her friends and colleagues, this book was compiled by her granddaughter, Susan Bartlett Crater, and Sister’s former employee, and fellow decorator, Libby Cameron. Susan and Libby interviewed many of the foremost decorators in both America and England for this book, making it one of the most comprehensive decorating books we’ve seen. We loved reading more about “madame” (aka Sister Parish) from designer insiders. Above, a vignette of a room done by Jeffrey Bilhuber. It combines a wonderful mixture of baskets and different types of furniture- a wicker chair combined with more important antiques and objects. He has a talent for “mixing things up” which we try to emulate. Below, Peter Dunham uses a variety of blues in this sitting room. Suzanne Rheinstein is quoted in the book regarding getting it right: “I always tell people to get the bones of your house right. You can buy furniture until the cows come home, but get the bones right–get the floor plan right, get it to flow.” We couldn’t agree with her more. This room has great bones.
We just adore the way this collection of reproduction bird prints, below, were assembled on this wall of a game room designed by Tom Scheerer.  We and you could do that. Right?
Below, the bookcases in Brook Astor’s library are framed in brass, and the walls are lacquered in a deep, dark red. Her late husband’s book collection filled the shelves. This was one of Mrs. Parish’s famous clients. I recognize the fabric on the chair and sofa as a famous Brunschwig and Fils printed chintz. Do you remember the name? It’s exquisite. If you enjoyed these watercolors, we’re sure you’ll love the book. Check it out. -S & L

All of the watercolors featured here were painted by Mita Corsini Bland.