There was an afternoon tea in honor of the extraordinary Barbara Barry at Gumps in San Francisco last Thursday, and I was lucky enough to attend. It is quite an experience to meet a design icon that turns out to be as lovely and gracious in person as you imagine her to be. Ms. Barry gave a brief presentation where she discussed the importance of gratitude, and living in the moment....and simply "being". It was a refreshing and inspirational to hear her speak of appreciating every day.
Barbara Barry and right hand, Saana Baker
Barbara Barry and Gumps have teamed together to offer a wonderful mix of Barbara Barry signature designs in the form of fine furniture, lighting, china, flatware, stemware, and home fragrances. Her Wedgwood china collections are outstanding. This is my favorite I think:
Curtain Call China by Wedgwood
You can see the whole collection on the Gumps website here.
The Furniture is produced by Henredon and every detail is so well thought out. Scale and quality are perfection. The fabrics are beautiful and luxurious. You can see Ms. Barry's complete furniture line on her website here.
It was so much fun to see all Ms. Barry's creations and get to hear about how she finds inspiration for the design process. And there were many friends to see at the event as well! :
Barbara Barry and Marta Benson, CEO of Gumps
Chic designer Cheryl Holbein, the dashing designer and blogger Scot Meacham Wood, and the talented designer Lise Stubbs
Shannon K. Fisher and Mike Kazmierczak, sales representative team for Henredon and Maitland Smith
If you are curious to see more pictures of the event, you can go the Drew Altizer Photography website here and view many many more!
Over the weekend, I was so happy to get both my Elle Decor and Metropolitan Home magazines! I was ready for a great double header magazine-fest. And lo and behold, there was a beautiful editorial in Metropolitan Home featuring a home designed by none other than Barbara Barry. She was able to complete a top to bottom renovation in just nine months! This total transformation embodies Ms. Barry's mantra of "luxury, tranquility and pleasure."
Living Room, Metropolitan Home June 2009, Photo by Jeremy Samuelson
The amazing French 1950'2 coffee table is arranged with Barbara Barry furniture pieces as well as a Robert Kuo drum stool and the Bibendum chair by Eileen Grey in the Living Room.
Metropolitan Home June 2009, Photo by Jeremy Samuelson
The Breakfast Room features a vintage Gino Sarfatti chandelier over a custom Barbara Barry table. Charles Eames chairs from Modernica.
Metropolitan Home June 2009, Photo by Jeremy Samuelson
I love this photo of the study with shelves designed by Barbara Barry, and the chair by Phillip Agee:clean, classic and serene.
Metropolitan Home June 2009, Photo by Jeremy Samuelson
This corner of the Master Bedroom Bedroom is luxury in a nutshell. The chair is a Barbara Barry design for Henredon with a Kravet fabric, also by Ms. Barry. The cabinet is from the owner's collection. What a beautiful combination!
Metropolitan Home June 2009, Photo by Jeremy Samuelson
The outdoor patio space just looks so cool and comfortable. And for a young family who spends alot of time outdoors what could be more perfect than this classic redwood picnic table refinished with a high-gloss paint?
Well....I have had a wonderful few days enjoying the brilliance of Barbara Barry. I hope you all have a chance to take a look at the Metropolitan Home article...there is much more to see!
And you can find Henredon Furniture, Wedgwood China, Flatware, and Stemware all designed by Barbara Barry at Gumps.
White Peonies....the perfect embellishment to this Barbara Barry vignette
