Have a cocktail with Barry Dixon

If you're in NYC on Oct. 1, head on over to Rizzoli Bookstore to meet interior designer, Barry Dixon.

RIZZOLI BOOKSTORE AND GIBBS SMITH, PUBLISHER

ARE PLEASED TO CELEBRATE THE PUBLICATION OF

BARRY DIXON INTERIORS
By Brian D. Coleman
Photographs by Edward Addeo

Cocktail Reception and Book Signing

Wednesday, Oct 1, 2008
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Rizzoli Bookstore
31 West 57th St, New York City (Between 5th & 6th Ave)

I won't be able to make it for the event, but perhaps Barry could be talked into coming to Tampa for a signing?

Here are a few of his projects that we are partial to ...

The pièce de resistánce of this cozy fireside seating area (and the reason we chose this image) is that wonderful stool. It's also interesting how the designer used an old gate for a firescreen, and extended the curtain rod across the wall above the fireplace. These rustic iron elements add a little edge to the soft furnishings and gilt finishes.

This curvy little settee is quite a beauty in its striped, skirted slip. The height of the back is what makes it special. Plus, those casters make it look like it's dancing en pointe. Notice this room is packed with many other curvy elements: the pattern on the throw pillows, the chair legs, the table legs, the wall sconces, the detail on the back of the side chair, and even the swag of the curtains. Those wide stripes on the slipcover help tone down all that sweetness.

A moroccan-inspired screen creates a unique focal point for this dining room and appears to be hiding a door. I think most of us are afraid to cover up structural elements of a room (like windows and doors) but sometimes using screens or curtains can eliminate visual clutter and help create a more dramatic space.

Dixon's rooms lean more toward the traditional, but he chooses furnishings with interesting shapes and sculptural qualities - which lend a more modern feel.


This room is a feast for the eyes, and I spy some beautiful chairs.

Some of my favorite design elements are here: tall windows and french doors, a large mirror propped on the floor, a banquette and a great chandelier.

Any respectable library must have a ladder and some big comfy chairs. This is a room I could live in.

An unusually beefy round table is a dramatic centerpiece in this old-world kitchen, and the oversized lantern is the perfect accessory.

Those headboards with mounted lanterns for reading lamps are so clever and striking. And the overhead smoke bell lantern provides a brilliant splash of color.


Barry Dixon, photographed at Elway Hall, for The Washington Post.

"The important things in a room are the essence of what you hold valuable," says Dixon. "Things that define who you are. A room should start a conversation before people actually start exchanging words."*

From Karen Carroll, editor in chief of Southern Accents magazine, "He is enormously talented, and he is one of the most gentlemanly people I have ever met."*

Barry Dixon sounds like someone I'd like to meet. How about you?
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"Barry Dixon Interiors" showcases 11 homes, including the designer's own, Elway Hall in Warrenton, Virginia. Buy it here.
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Photos from Southern Accents and The Washington Post.
*The Washington Post. Read & see more about Barry Dixon here.