Until recently, I was only mildly familiar with David Mlinaric. OK, actually, I only recognized the name and that was it. So when I heard that there was an upcoming book about the British design legend, I was intrigued. I just got through reading Mlinaric on Decorating (by Mirabel Cecil & David Mlinaric), and I must say that I got the same feeling that I did when I first read one of David Hicks' books. I can't really tell you why, but I suppose it might be because I kept wondering, "Where has this man been all of my life?"

Mlinaric is considered to be one of the top British decorators of the second half of the twentieth century. (And he still is today seeing that he's only 69.) He has had clients ranging from Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton to Lord Rothschild. I think what amazes me about his work is his range. He's done mod and hip, shabby traditional, and clean contemporary, and all of these looks are included in this book. And Mlinaric seems just as comfortable redecorating the great properties of the National Trust as he does designing the interiors of a London flat.

It's really a shame that Mlinaric does not have the name recognition here in the States that he does overseas, but I do hope that this book remedies that. With page after page of photos of exquisite interiors, this book just might have you too wondering why you're not familiar with this talented man. I think that after reading this book, you will be glad to make the acquaintance of this remarkable designer. I know I was.



Mlinaric's studio at No. 33 Tite Street, Chelsea, c. 1960s


The dining room at the Tite Street studio. To me, this room is reminiscent of David Hicks- maybe it's the banding on the walls.


After John Fowler's death, Mlinaric became adviser to the National Trust. Mlinaric was responsible for the redecoration of the Assembly Rooms in Bath. This is a shot of the ballroom, the principal room of the Assembly Rooms.


The guest bedroom of an 18th c. Loire chateau, decorated between 1986 and 1991. The walls were hand-painted to look like cloth hanging from brass rails.


Glebe House, Chelsea, c. 1981-83

It was one of those days in Marrakech, the kind where you really couldn't believe it was already November.  And so they set off for Moroccan adventures of the rustic kind.  There were 11 adults and 11 children and 1 dog. (They tried to round up another 10 dogs for a perfect math equation but, sadly, they ran out of time.) 

They picked a spot not far away but far enough away that it felt far away (do you follow?). 

Oh loveliness....

They hung their bags in the outdoor closet.

 And they set up a  very fancy grill.

They broke out picnic baskets....

And set plates on the blogging girl's vintage Berber blankets (those Berbers.........such excellent picnic-ers).

There were delicious things to eat.

And cooked surprises to share...

With bellies full, they then went in search of adventure, around the lake and into the thickets....

They were richly rewarded for their efforts.

They wrapped their treasures carefully....as one must with precious things.

 And only one little boy fell in the lake.  All in all, quite a success....

Then they packed up and drove off ...........

into the Moroccan sunset (well, of course....)

i’m always looking for cute desk accessories so when i saw these jump cork-backed wooden clips at susy jack’s etsy shop i was in heaven. great color, great price and a little bit whimsical. what else could you ask for? click here for more info and to buy ($10 each).

Oh dear, whatever had she done.......
Whatever was she thinking....?
She was really rather in a pickle....
Because instead of  355 winners to celebrate one million visitors to this little Moroccan blog.........

she only had one:-(

But mark these words.....
If ever, through some incredible occurrence, this blogging girl were to become...
ahem, rich and famous....
Say, a long lost uncle (after a remarkably healthy life filled with large quantities of laughter) were to depart this earth and leave all his worldly possessions to his niece in a Moroccan olive grove to whom he felt a strange and extraordinary connection, although he never quite managed to contact her (clearing of throat, you get the picture)   ........why then, each and every one of you would be getting a special little something. 

But for now........Graciel, please step up to the plate.....

A little beauty therapy for you.............

A vintage Moroccan incense burner, dated to approximately 1950.  14 inches tall, 8 inches wide.  Undoubtedly used during romantic liaisons behind tall walls somewhere deep, deep in the Marrakech medina............

Attached, an Egyptian scarab, word wishes and a small feather from Peacock Pavilions to bring extra barakah.  Meant for keeping on the coffee table or nightstand to call forth some romantic liaisons of your very own........

I haven’t had a chance to do one of these posts in awhile; I’m behind on my blog reading lately! Here’s a journey through my blog catch up:

I say Congratulations! One of my favorite bloggers, Erin of Elements of Style has a new website for her design company, Element Interiors. Check it out here. Also, I meant to link you over to her post Orange You Glad it’s Fall? awhile back, so I will now - it’s a great collection of orange in decor.

I obsess with all of the step-by-step printmaking eye candy over at Heart Fish.

I ogle surreal pieces available from the Tony Duquette Collection spotted over at The Peak of Chic.

I wonder how swissmiss manages to find so many clever things every day. For example, the mobile bench.

I ponder whether the person who designed this treehouse cafe I spied at Inhabitat was high and chowing down on Keebler cookies when he/she came up with this treehouse.

I say “Hooray; I love these guy!” as I read this post from Home Rejuvenation for the tenth time.

I realize I will NEVER have a garage that looks this neat as I read The Inspired Room.

I am reminded by Style Court that I really need to get a library card.

I get pumped up for Halloween reading this post from katiedid.

Well, I’m off to one of my favorite cities, Charlottesville, VA for the weekend. I’m not sure if I’ll have time for my 20,000th visit to Monticello, but I’ll get my TJ fix on the UVA campus. See you on Monday!

• image from elements of style
• image from heartfish
• image via The Peak of Chic
• image via Swiss Miss
• image via Inhabitat
• image via Style Court

Celia
Priya Sebastian is an awesome artist and illustrator who works mainly in charcoal and pastel.
Whenever I see her work I feel 'black' is the most beautiful colour. Congregation Self-Portrait
The most striking feature in most of her illustrations are the 'eyes' of her characters, they seem to express so many different emotions!Yama
She uses colours also beautifully just to give that extra punch.* Sigh*
Cats
Woman
I am still under the spell of the amazing works by these two extremely talented artists. Hope you enjoyed their work as much as I did showcasing them.:-)

(images of Kalyani's work from Jellicle Cat and Priya's from The Plum Tree)

P.S. A special thanks to Masala Chai, who introduced me to Kalyani's work.