Dreaming in Cream...

Today, summer came early to New York. On 90° days, I dream of lounging about in cool, pale rooms - lights out, curtains drawn, cream sofas and cool breezes blowing through. I blame The Great Gatsby. One of the first scenes in the book, where Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker are languishing on a giant sofa weathering the heat, has always left a lasting impression for me of stately summer elegance. Fitzgerald's portrayals of the gleaming, dreaming 20's and 30's always paid attention to furnishings - describing objects and atmosphere with remarkable clarity. Perhaps I can blame him too for my fascination with period pieces from the early 20th century - inlaid tables, tufted sofas, long lounging chaises, and dramatic brass and crystal lamps....