{décor inspiration : dusky lavender and bits of gold}

. . . it always seems, about this time of year, am ready to throw open the windows to the bright sunlight, in wild anticipation for springtime, and so, it is not difficult to imagine one being hopelessly drawn this perfectly romantic home, with its dusky lavender walls and pooling drapes of the same hue, its tufted linen chairs and carved settees, scalloped and gilded and mirrored accents, its florals and lucite may bring on bouts of spring fever at any moment . . .

[more glimpses below] x

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{décor inspiration: the new traditional}

above, boxes, books and art from china and paris flea markets

. . . must confess, has been far too long since have stopped to pick up a magazine, but after happening upon this dramatic and stunning home featured in house beautiful on anna's blog last week, had immediately made a note to purchase the digital version for the ipad, but after stopping by the bookstore on the way home one night, and gazing upon this west hollywood home again, completely fell in love with the glossy pages and this breezy take on traditional . . .


above, a dramatic entrance




above, the 'very dramatic and sexy' black lacquered guest bath, complete with a regency ebony-and-bone mirror

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{favourite five: designer & author india hicks}

In fairy tales, humble and gallant princes defeat their adversaries, succeed to kingdoms and marry beautiful princesses -- and although India Hicks’ family legacy would suggest that to be her destiny, and even though she is very proud of her heritage -- her life hasn’t been based on Prince Charming sweeping her off her feet -- instead, she has created her own happily ever after as a a successful model, designer and author.





Born in London, India's father was famed interior decorator, David Hicks, and her mother, Pamela Hicks, the daughter to the Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma. As India's grandfather was the last Viceroy of India {and gave the country their independence in 1947}, she was appropriately given her name.



As the Goddaughter of The Prince of Wales {and also his second cousin}, India was one of the bridesmaids at his wedding to Lady Diana, above. Of the experience, she tells us that “riding in a horse drawn carriage in central London was rather magical . . .”



At 17, India traveled from England to Italy, meeting up with designer Emilio Pucci, and was asked to model his catsuits.



She then continued her studies in art and photography, and upon completion, moved to New York, where she was discovered by Ralph Lauren and began a successful career as a well-known fashion model of the 1980's and 1990's, modeling for the likes of J.Crew.



In 2007, India hosted the Bravo interior design competition TV series Top Design.





Now living in the Bahamas with her partner and four children, she has published an interiors book titled, 'Island Life', as well as a lifestyle/fitness/beauty book titled, ‘Island Beauty’ , and has also created a luxurious all-natural body and home fragrance line with Crabtree & Evelyn.



According to India, her “father's great design legacy has impacted me and remains a source of influence...”



And so, in addition to all of her designing achievements to date, India has also added a new fine jewelry line, influenced by her father [who once designed a line for the famed French jewelry house Chaumet], and her grandmother’s extensive and matchless jewelry collection, which included the Star Tiara of Queen Victoria [more about tiaras, here, if you like].



In light of all her many projects and accomplishments, for this week's Favourite Five, we had the chance to sit down with India to find out her:

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{five favourite tips for living a successfully balanced life:}

1. Not indulging in too much of a social life. Now-a-days I would prefer to be at home tucking my children into bed than attending a social dinner, especially as evening hours can be so productive in the home office, no phones ringing, no interruptions, no dogs needing to be exercised.

2. Keeping your body and soul in shape. I try to exercise 5 days a week.

3. Being born under the star sign Virgo. We are phenomenally organised -- we even organize piles of paper clips.

4. Not being ashamed to ask for help, for instance, having some one else cook the kids dinner.

5. Not spending too much time worrying about the little things.

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p r e v i o u s f a v o u r i t e f i v e s :

* food editor & author: donna hay
* photographer: debi treloar
* painter: janet hill
* jewelry designer: suzie gallehugh
* artist: michelle armas
* jewelry designers: megan & moira flynn
* actress & writer: shiva rose
* jeweler: camille eddera
* artist: kimia kline
* actress & fashion muse: chloë sevigny
* floral stylist, part 1: denise porcaro
* floral stylist, part 2: denise porcaro
* fashion photographer & illustrator: garance doré
* interior designer & architect: nina freudenberger
* entrepreneurs: rent the runway
* designer: rachel ashwell
* interior designer: tricia foley
* photographer: romina shama
* jewelry designer: cc skye
* designer & ceramicist: reiko kaneko
* perfumer: anne mcclain

~ laily


{images: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 - photography by patrick cline for lonny, interior design by david flint wood; 2 - domino via a previous post; 9 - via india hicks; 10 - from island life via minty; 11 - collage by this is glamorous; 12 - india hicks by british photographer jason bell for viyella autumn/winter collection ad campaigns via rdujour}