Chairish Magazine - October 2023

A GREAT BIG EMPORIUM FOR EXPLORERS OF STYLE

Welcome to the autumn edition of Magazinish, the print companion to Chairish.com. After a globetrotting summer of vacation house visits, hotel hopping, and all the trains, planes, and automobiles in between, we’re celebrating the magical feeling of returning to the comfort of home.

We treasure that centering time spent in early fall reassembling our families and spaces as we lovingly prepare for the cozier days, sparkling holiday evenings, and parade of much-anticipated guests that lie ahead.

With that in mind, we’ve put together some how-to’s on hosting, including inspiration for visitor-ready guest rooms and smashing entry spaces sure to set the mood.

We’re also popping by one of our favorite dazzling autumnal-inspired projects in Connecticut by designer Billy Cotton, and tucking into Ken Fulk’s plush new library at The Battery, San Francisco’s members-only club. Finally, we’ve tapped comfy Southern cooking expert and entertaining inspiration Alex Hitz to share his tips for crafting an unforgettable party, no matter the season.

Join us on our journey home by using the QR code on each page to shop our favorite finds inspired by each space, with pieces hand selected by our talented tastemakers.

Whatever your plans for the months to come, I hope that Chairish’s Magazinish will help you create a vibe that’s chic, imaginative, and uniquely yours—perfect for coming home.

Viva la vintage!

ANNA BROCKWAY Co-Founder and President, Chairish

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Modern

Modern Classic

For a stately, centuries-old Connecticut home, designer Billy Cotton eschewed well-trodden traditional conventions for artfully created spaces that are nuanced, visually delightful, and—yes, really—even truly family friendly.

Photo credit: Stephen Kent Johnson/OTTO

Certain expectations come with the interiors of a 200-year-old Greek Revival house in Southport, Connecticut—most likely crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and a museum-level amount of statuary on perilously thin pedestals. For designer Billy Cotton and his longtime client, the goal was something altogether di erent: a family home full of spaces that embraced color and clarity of purpose, with thoughtful, deliberate choices at every turn.

“I had long admired this historic landmark of a home,” the New York-based Cotton says of the property. “It was a dream because it is rare in America to be able to work in houses that have good architectural bones.” Past the pillars and pediment outside—a true Greek Revival if ever there was one— the challenge was to create spaces that work for a young family. Gallery-style rooms of “look but don’t touch” artifacts were out; deftly selected furniture and performance fabrics were in.

And who was the inspirational force in mind for all these divine design choices? The legendary

Albert Hadley, of course. “Being in Southport, I felt he was our spiritual guide,” Cotton says. Having brought verve and vitality to the notably staid world of Connecticut design, Hadley was a perfect choice as a creative influence for the project. One look at the spaces he devised for clients like Brooke Astor and Babe Paley demonstrates the connection: an energetic use of color, an exacting sense of scale, and a curation of carefully selected antiques and vintage finds, perfect for the tastes of each homeowner.

When it comes to choosing a favorite amongst those special finds, Cotton has a memorable treasure that speaks to him. “I love the space we call the music room—those little green chairs on wheels were found in those coverings at a flea market in Paris,” he says. “They’re elegant, comfortable, and fun… all the things I strive for in an object and in an interior!” And it’s this sensibility—pairing elegance with a spirit of fun—that makes this reimagined classic such a modern success.

Art to Fall For

There’s nothing that makes a home more welcoming and personal than original art. Here are our editors’ favorite finds to add a new touch of creativity this season.

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WELCOMED GUEST

Bedside tables do double duty as desks with the addition of a petite chair or stool, creating the perfect perch for penning notes, makeup touch ups, or catching up on emails.

Guest room chic is a pair of beds with a shared bedside table. This confguration is symmetrical, stylish, and sensibly maximizes capacity for overnighters.

Table lamps and bedside reading lights marry ambiance and function, enabling visitors to feel at home—and well read.

If space allows, an ottoman, chaise lounge, or reading chair are excellent ideas for additional seating and a chance to fex your design muscles with a fresh furniture layout.

Photo credits counter clockwise from left: Björn Wallander/OTTO, Design by Markham Roberts(2); Frank Frances/OTTO, Design by Sheila Bridges; Brie Williams, Design by Ceara Donnelley

OUT ON THE TOWN with Ken Fulk

Ken Fulk channels chic gathering spaces—and showgirls—for the redesign of the library at The Battery, San Francisco’s sparkling social club.

The legendary designer Billy Baldwin once said, “The best decoration in the world is a roomful of books.”

Modern-day San Francisco legend Ken Fulk took this to heart and then upped the ante—with a brand-new bar, a colorful wallpapered ceiling, and plenty of Benjamin Moore’s “Moroccan Spice.” He recently overhauled the design of the library at The Battery, the much-lauded social club whose interiors he frst designed a decade ago (and where he serves as a creative director). With a vibrant blend of antique and custom furnishings and colors that thumb their nose at what a “library” is supposed to be, this room is designed to shake up expectations while your martini is stirred.

“Originally, we had envisioned the library as the study for an old sea captain of the Barbary Coast era,” Fulk says. “It was navy blue—a color called 'Moby Dick'—and had lots of wood, leather, brass, and nautical accessories.” However, Fulk and Battery founders Michael and Xochi Birch landed on a scheme that changed perspectives in a fabulous way. “As we shifted our narrative, we chose a new muse—a San Francisco showgirl—perhaps the siren awaiting our ship captain on shore.”

With a design that draws the eye and invites visitors in for a captivating closer look, this is one space that’s certainly calling to us.

Interiors by Douglas Friedman/Trunk Archive; Artwork by Erica Deeman, ‘Untitled

15,’

2014, Courtesy of the artist and Anthony Meier, Mill Valley; Portrait by Brendan Mainini

Make an ENTRANCE

First impressions are everything, and entryways set the tone for your home. Here are some styling ideas for every type of design lover.

THE DRAMATIST

Make a glamorous statement with an entryway by theatricizing the elegant sweep of a curved staircase. And yes: Animal prints can be a neutral that makes for a fab frst impression.

THE CLASSICIST

There’s a reason these pieces remain beloved classics. A stately chest provides storage and anchors the space while fanked by stylish chairs that create additional resting areas.

THE COLLECTOR

More is more: Bring on the layers, we say. Create an eclectic and highly personal display by mixing media, time periods, and styles. Share your unique, artistic self with your guests.

THE EDITOR

Remember Coco’s advice to take one thing of before leaving (or in this case, entering) the house. Keep things airy with lots of negative space, and focus on shape and texture over color.

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Photo credits from left: Douglas Friedman/Trunk Archive, Design by Redd Kaihoi; Trevor Tondro/OTTO; Trevor Tondro/OTTO, Design by Redd Kaihoi; Read McKendree/JBSA, Design by Chauncey Boothby

Greatest HITZ

Entertaining maestro and acclaimed chef Alex Hitz offers his ideas for playing the perfect host—and gracious guest—as dinner party season gets underway.

Entertaining guests can be a process that’s not always so, well… entertaining. Beyond the pre-party logistics and invitations, there’s everything that happens the day you play host or hostess. Delightful drinks, delicious dinners, and lively conversation aren’t always as easily made as a tray of simple canapés. And times have changed. How formal should you be with glassware? Is a caviar course overdoing it? And where would Emily Post stand on TikTok at the table? (We think we might have a hunch on that one).

Thankfully, there are experts of the art who make everything appear as seamless as silk—even if the eforts behind the scenes are Herculean. Enter Alex Hitz, the Southern entertaining guru, chef, and TV personality who was christened “the very best host in the world” by The Wall Street Journal. The author of two leading books on the subject, Alex has ideas for how to be a hospitable host as well as a thoughtful guest, which starts before you even cross the threshold at a party.

When it comes to hostess gifts, Hitz advises, “I actually like to send things earlier or later—I usually arrive empty-handed. The host or hostess has enough to deal with without trying to manage my ofering. Send some fowers, a book, or a case of wine… You get the picture.”

Speaking of which, Hitz has a refreshingly uncomplicated point of view on bar essentials that keeps things easy to manage. In an era of trendy drinks (we’re looking at you, Negroni Sbagliato), Hitz’s favorite must-have item is a classic, with

one simple rule. “Great red wine: Never run out!” he exclaims. As a matter of fact, Hitz puts it above all the bar cart accoutrements in terms of dinner party musthaves. “I know you were expecting me to choose cocktail shakers, bar knives, and water pitchers,” he says, “but I’m always happy with just a great red wine.”

And as for that question of caviar? It’s just a matter of needing the right moment… or a day of the week ending in the letter “y.” “Everything needs an occasion, right? Caviar is its own."

SHOP TALK

GONEGIRL HOME

At Chairish, we’re passionate about the small businesses that sell with us. Meet some of the frms that make our site so chic and unique.

THECREATIVEWE

With a penchant for imagination, self-expression, and, yes, creative naming, Jessica Burgos launched TheCreativeWe as an outlet for her love of vintage shopping. She believes in redecorating and repurposing, giving new life to incredible furnishings and accessories and fnding them new homes.

MARJORIE SKOURAS

Based in an Art Nouveau building in Merida, Mexico, Marjorie Skouras works with local artisans to produce her signature chandeliers, tables, chairs, agate trays, and geode-encrusted mirrors. Her vibrant work has been featured in Elle Decor, multiple international editions of AD, and many other design publications.

TROPICAL SUN RATTAN

Designers, vintage collectors, and set decorators alike all know Tropical Sun Rattan by Harvey’s on Beverly as the best place to source restored and original rattan furniture, as well as other eclectic vintage fnds. For decades, owner Harvey Schwartz has sourced these singular pieces for his devoted customers.

BUCKS COUNTY ESTATE TRADERS

THRIVE DECOR

Randy Esada started his career renovating homes in LA’s Hancock Park neighborhood. After running successful showrooms around the city and in Palm Springs, he founded Thrive Decor to showcase his passion for vintage and antique fnds, alongside his curated collection of must-see modern art.

DESIGN MIX FURNITURE

For over 25 years, Design MIX Furniture has imported and collected unique objects and furniture from across the globe while supplying the design community. Their three expansive showrooms in the heart of LA’s La Brea Design District supply a visual feast for design lovers, including indoor/outdoor furnishings, art, lighting, and garden pieces.

HOUSE OF ANDALOO

Born of a devotion to traditional design, Anda Ontiveros created House of Andaloo to make Old World fnds feel fresh, fun, and modern. She sources rare vintage and antique pieces at fairs and fea markets in Europe as well as across small towns in the U.S., particularly throughout the South.

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