Ms. Charlotte Moss, the dynamic interior designer, author, photographer, gardener, and philanthropist.
It amazes me to realize we are now entering our fourth year at the Skirted Roundtable. Wow. Time sure flies. It all started when Linda Merrill approached me about joining her in hosting an internet talk show. I then begged her to ask my virtual friend and blogger Megan Arquette to come on board, because Megan had a way of making me laugh myself silly late at now while we texted each other. And, that’s not really easy to do. Of course, this was before Megan married Nick and all that late night texting ended because she now had better things to do. Too bad I didn’t!!!
Our first recording was done while I was hiding out in the bathroom from my noisy family during a stay at a hotel in Ft. Worth. In the beginning, we recorded every week – and we picked two topics which we would discuss for just 15 minutes each. Things have really changed! Now, we don’t record nearly as often – because we try to book guests for a full hour. If memory serves me correctly, Charlotte Moss was out first “celebrity” guest. I remember being nervous as hell. We promised her the interview would last just 30 minutes, but instead we took the whole hour which unintentionally became our new format.
If you would have told me back then in 2009, that almost four years later we would be interviewing Miss Moss again, I wouldn’t have believed it. But, here it is, another hour with the multi-talented Charlotte. She has a new book out entitled “A Visual Life” that is filled with her own lush photographs taken on her travels, and her personal collages. The entire book is really like one big collage – there are so many images to take in, you need to go through the book several times just to see everything. As usual, Charlotte was engaging and interesting and the hour flew by. I think you will really enjoy this one – she was relaxed and talkative, the best combination.
Please join Linda, Megan and I as we welcome Charlotte Moss back to the Skirted Roundtable, HERE.
And, if you love Charlotte’s style as much as I do, you will be thrilled to know that Doyle New York, the auction house, will be auctioning furniture and accessories from Charlotte’s personal collection. The catalogue has so many fabulous items, I even registered to try my hand at a few pieces. In the catalogue, Charlotte says the auction came about because it was time to edit, plus she wanted to do some redecorating. It was fun for me to match up pieces up for auction with pictures from her NYC townhouse, and it’s obvious she is planning a new dining room!!
Charlotte’s dining room has DeGournay wallpaper and curtains. These two pagoda styled chandeliers are in the sale. The set of four French tole sconces seen hanging on the right are also in the sale.
Doyle will be auctioning four panels of these De Gournay curtains – notice the lime green silk lining! Two of these gorgeous George III styled pedestals are also in the sale.
The marble top console with mirror are up for bid at the Doyle auction.
The mirror has five pedestals that hold small flower pots – so charming! The pair of porcelain urns are also for sale.
Her gorgeous living room is getting an update too – a pair of these incredible Italian consoles are for sale. I’ve loved these for years and only wish I could afford them!!! The estimate is $10,000-15,000 – but I’m sure they will go for much, much more. Stunning!!! The chinoiserie urn underneath has a low estimate of $800. The large Oushak rug is also in the sale, along with the gilt pagoda and its nearby 16” lamp. In this photo, it looks like Charlotte has already made a few changes. There is a new mirror and the painting over the console is also a recent addition. I’m so anxious to see what she is going to do with her townhouse after the sale.
Here you can see the former mirror and the two paintings that are no longer there. Such a beautiful room!!! Just can’t understand why she is selling those consoles though – I can’t wait to see what she will replace them with!!
These large Chinese urns found in Charlotte’s entry hall are on the chopping block too – pictured in the catalogue with their white pedestals.
In the entry by the front door, this pair of walnut hall chairs are up for bid.
There are several guest rooms in the townhouse, including this one – with paisley wall coverings and fabrics. The painted tole lantern is an auction item.
Against the wall, on the table is a painted terra cotta bust of an African child – available for sale at the auction. And, the red chinoiserie two tiered table is also listed in the catalogue. It’s gorgeous.
Charlotte’s study is a beautiful room in blues and whites.
Against the back wall is her desk and beautiful console. Photographs and prints of influential women line the walls.
Her study really shows her personal aesthetic – there’s no room for minimalism in her décor. This is the room where she creates her collages.
Want to take home a piece of Charlotte Moss? The pair of iron sconces are listed in the auction.
In Charlotte’s master bedroom sitting room, the cream coffee table is in the auction catalogue. The top has a hand painted Oriental panel. Also listed is the small cane chair.
At Moss’ house in the Hamptons, she used her Digby fabric from Brunschwig and Fils. Two drapery panels in this fabric are listed in the catalogue.
Over the years, Charlotte has often participated in the famous Kips Bay Showhouse. Pictured above, her contribution in 2009 was this his and hers master suite. This photograph became the cover of her book: Charlotte Moss Decorates.
Some of the furniture and accessories found in these rooms are in the auction. The Michael Devine linen curtains are for sale – four panels.
This beautiful day bed with canopy is included in the auction.
The gilt lamp shown on the desk is listed in the auction catalogue. The black marble topped Regency styled metal side table – sold as a pair – is also in the auction catalogue.
Against the back wall is this vignette – the 19th century iron console is listed in the catalogue. So pretty!!!
There are two of these white consoles for sale. Love Michael Devine’s mauve fabric HERE.
The 2008 Kips Bay room by Charlotte was a pied de terre. Casual with wicker sofas and Pierre Frey fabrics, red was an accent color.
One red lacquered low table is up for bid at the auction.
Behind the sofa was this wonderful Louis XV black and gilt mounted bureau plat which is now available for sale!
The dressing room of the pied de terre featured even more Pierre Frey linen fabric. There are four drapery panels in this fabric in the catalogue.
Perhaps the prettiest and most well known Kips Bay room was this bedroom that Charlotte designed. The canopy bed sits in the middle of the room. The ottoman becomes the side table.
On the right is a green skirted table and on the left is a chaise and secretary. Love the old books used as an end table.
Flanking the door are two pink handpainted panels. The étagère in the corner is gorgeous!
View of the skirted table.
Such a beautiful room!
This room was created in 2008 – and this chair, blue velvet with fringe, is listed in the catalogue!! I think it’s the only item from the room in the sale, but I could be wrong. See if you can find an item from this room that I missed.
Another view of the blue chair.
For 2012 Kips Bay Showhouse, Charlotte turned the master suite into a conservatory. All furniture came from her line at Century. On the left side of the wall, the triptych of 9’ tall, extra large photographs of Le Vieux Logis - photographed by Charlotte Moss - are in the sale, along with both the big and small birdcages and the lamp.
The white tables, chairs and sofa all came from her Century Furniture line. On the left, the Regency styled library table is listed for sale in the catalogue. It’s a real beauty, too.
The enlarged triptych photograph is so beautiful. Stunning.
Here you can see the beautiful library table up close, in case you are interested in bidding on it!
Also for sale is this Delft polychrome lamp.
In the conservatory bathroom, Moss used prints on canvas from the Fables of Fontaine. Measuring 54”x41” – three are listed for sale in the auction.
For the 2012 Holiday House, Charlotte designed this room. Several items are now for sale, including the blue velvet French bench at the end of the bed. Layered over the sisal rug is an Oushak, which I believe is the one that was in her living room. It’s also for sale. The canopy bed comes from Ms. Moss’ furniture line for Century.
The barrel back club chair, designed by Moss, is for sale at Doyle’s auction. In the corner, the gilt fluted wood column is also listed in the catalogue.
For a previous Holiday House, Charlotte designed this large room with a hunting lodge theme in sunny golds and forest greens. Two gorgeous gilt framed mirrors set in niches anchored the room. Next to the white slipcovered chair, the Regency mahogany occasional table is listed in the catalogue. Also, on the green skirted table are a pair of 25” antler candlesticks up for bid.
On each side of the fireplace is this six-sided Bourne – which is available at the auction to be bid on. Additionally the cognac colored silk armchair is also for sale. Above the Bourne, the three light antler sconce is listed – as a pair.
And another view of the Bourne, the antler sconce and the arm chair – all in the auction catalogue.
On the skirted table, the smaller wood model is listed for sale.
Charlotte Moss designed a model apartment which was shown in Veranda. The two Italian paintings, 20th century, are listed in the catalogue. To die for!!! The pair of 19” Italian painted and gilt lamps are also up for bid.
Against this wall in the apartment are a set of framed dioramas. For sale, there are two similar sets.
And more of the dioramas for sale.
There is so much more for sale, but I couldn’t match the rest of the items up. You might want to see if you can match more items than I did. The Doyle New York catalogue is online or you can order one. Register to pre bid. I’m going to. I have my eye on a chinoiserie box. For more information on the auction, go HERE.
To order Charlotte Moss’ latest book, just click on the picture.
To order Charlotte Moss Decorates, click the picture below:
And to order my personal favorite, Winter House, all about her former Aspen home, click below:
And, don’t forget to listen to the latest interview with Charlotte Moss on the Skirted Roundtable. It’s a very interesting hour spent with a fascinating woman HERE.
And to listen to the original 2009 interview with Charlotte, go HERE.
Charlotte, Charlotte, Charlotte–Own a Piece of Her!
The Aidan Gray Catalogue Contest–Runner Up!!
I’ve been remiss in showing the rest of the houses from the Aidan Gray catalogue contest, so I thought I would try to get caught up. As you may remember, there were going to be only two winners – 1st and 2nd place, but Randal Weeks picked a 3rd place winner plus several runners up. I’ve already shown the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners – so today we’ll see one of the runners up. This French inspired house is located in Houston and it’s just beautiful. I know you will love it as much as I do!
The house was built in 1987 and was recently totally updated. Ginger Barber did the original design and much of the furniture came from her. Gary Hitchcock did the remodel – the lights, the kitchen, the floors, etc. and Wade Martin was the architect.
There are so many really interesting things in this house that I know you will get tons of ideas from it. I did!
Enjoy!
The outside is painted brick, white, with gray French inspired shutters. You can’t see the top of the dormers, but they are arched and are so cute!! I love the shutters – these types of shutters are a great way to update the façade of your house.
The front porch opens to a large entry hall with a winding staircase.
The front door opens up to the large entry hall where the winding staircase is. To the immediate left is the dining room. The man’s study is to the right, and straight ahead is the living room. The master bedroom is located towards the right of the living room, and the kitchen/family room is located to the left.
Next to the dining room is an antique painted chest.
The dining room has a long table that seats ten people. An antique enfilade is against the wall along with a trumeau. Love the pretty chairs with the nailheads.
Looking from the dining room back towards the entry hall. The curtains are a muted pattern in soft yellow.
What a great table! Perfect for big family dinners. I love the way the curtains are hung – simply, from a ting rod.
On to the living room.
The living room is divided into two seating areas. An Italian styled chandelier hangs in the middle of the room.
On one end of the living room is a beautiful antique mantel with a trumeau that reflects the chandelier and the framed prints. Flanking it are two arched niches with large sconces. White slipcovered sofas are mixed with two French chairs in aqua linen.
A large arched window overlooks a water fountain and the swimming pool.
Two striped chairs in aqua stripes flank the second white slipcovered sofa. Skirted tables are on either side. I love the set of prints – instead of using only 4 or 6, the homeowner used 9 which really fills out the space.
Leaving the living room – to the left of the center hall is the master bedroom and guest bath. To the right is the kitchen, seen here with the two lanterns at the end of the hall.
The powder room has a marble console holding a marble sink. Notice the beautiful brass hardware with patina. Above is a really pretty antique mirror.
And turning to the right to go to the kitchen and family room.
Across from the dining room is the wine cellar. Notice the door! And I love the lavabo – where the corks are put! What a cute idea.
The walls are stacked stone and there is a wood antique shutter at the window. Notice the brick lined ceiling. On the very left – do you see that tiny wood door in the wall? It leads to the wet bar!
Here is the window with the shutter open. The window has a grill on it for added charm. Notice the lighted niches flanking the window. Such a pretty room!!
Further down the hall is the wet bar. See, the tiny wood door – it leads back into the wine cellar! The wet bar fits under the back stair case – and the arched wood door leads to storage underneath them. So clever!
The wet bar opens to the kitchen and is closed off with a sliding antique barn door. The floor in the kitchen and family room changes from the stone slabs to wood planks.
The kitchen has a large wood island and connects to the breakfast room and the family room. On the left past the kitchen counter is the butler’s pantry with antique shutters.
Two lanterns hang over the wood island. Here you can see how the island opens up on one side. This piece was probably originally a store counter – which make great kitchen islands! Another great idea.
And a view of the island from the other side that faces the entry. Isn’t this pretty???? Notice the columns on it. The counters and back splash are beautiful white marble slabs. Not beautiful – gorgeous!!!!
Looking towards the window in the kitchen – which faces the front of the house. Notice the built in refrigerator on the left and the dishwasher on the right, hidden behind a cabinet door.
I like the mix of open and closed shelving. The marble is so gorgeous. I love the veining!! And I love the way the drawers look – inset like that.
And here is the refrigerator. Fabulous!!! There is also a farm sink.
View from the breakfast table. To the right is the butler’s pantry.
I love the wide wood planks. And I love the kooboo wicker chairs.
To the left of the breakfast table is the butler’s pantry with the antique wood shutters and the painted cabinet. Love those doors!!!
My favorite room is the family room with slipcovered furniture in checks, linen, and handprinted fabrics. Love the mantel. Behind the sofa is the swimming pool, and past the fireplace is the covered porch and outdoor kitchen.
The second powder room with the skirt covered cabinet and trumeau.
Off the family room is this large porch with a flatscreen and outdoor kitchen.
There is also a fireplace. What a great space!
Here you can see the porch, the family room window and the fountain outside the living room. The wine cellar window is visible here too – where the iron grille is.
The large window in the living room that is seen from the front door. Love the landscaping!
A view of the fountain and swimming pool The master bedroom is to the very left.
Off the main hall, to the right of the living room is the master bedroom with wood plank floors. There is a painted armoire and chest, along with a romantic iron bed.
Across from the bed is a fireplace and sitting area and two antique painted doors. I love all the old doors that were used in this house! They really add so much charm!!! One major lesson I took away from this house is how much these antique doors and shutters add to the décor. They just add so, so much and it makes me want to emulate this look wherever I can.
The master bathroom has the same stone as the rest of the house, but smaller slabs. Towels are kept in a Swedish cabinet.
Beautiful tub and shower!
Congratulations to these Houston homeowners for being winners in the Aidan Gray catalogue contest!!
Look for more houses in the near future. There are still so many, many, many gorgeous and interesting houses to show!!!