Caroline Gidiere is well-known for her modern take on classic American design. Inspiration for the primary sitting room in this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach struck as she studied Casa Branca’s new Palampore fabric. The historic spirit of its tree-of-life motif is delightfully refreshed in playful shades of salmon, butter yellow, and olive. A perfect fit, Gidiere determined, for a well-heeled Palm Beach lady’s private retreat.
Interiors for a Life in Good Taste
“This is very feminine sitting room where she might have a cup of coffee after a luncheon, sit down and scroll through her phone and send off a note, or even have a cocktail before dinner,” says Gidiere. “It has a mid-century Palm Royale club-type atmosphere.”
Gidiere carefully extracted the best design elements of this period—she was most inspired by Lee Radziwill’s ultra-feminine Turville Grange bedroom and a sitting room designed by Frances Elkins—and mixed them with contemporary elements for a timeless escape. While a pink rotary phone, vintage rattan pieces, and pelmet-inspired draperies are a nod to Palm Beach’s yesteryear glamour, lighting by Vaughan, furnishings by Made Goods, and an oversize shell mirror by Wexler Robichaux ensure that women of all ages will be attracted to this space.
The room is anchored with a stunning antique yellow-and-white floral rug from Rug & Kilim, while two sets of wallpaper-lined bookshelves are equipped with coffee and cocktail service—depending on what the occasion calls for that day. And with sweeping views of the Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway outside, it would be easy to find yourself lingering in this convivial gathering space morning, noon, and night.
Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor who covers all things lifestyle and luxury, with an emphasis on interior design and travel. Lauren began her career in lifestyle journalism as a Dotdash Meredith digital editorial fellow with Cooking Light, then worked as a digital editor for EatingWell and VERANDA before venturing out on her own in 2022. She has been writing for nationally renowned lifestyle publications for six years and has also written for several U.K.-based travel and interior design brands. Lauren lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband and son and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family in her free time.
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