"Holiday House" sitting room designed by Jennifer Duneier

This house was lived in for one year.

Following the completion of its construction in the mid-1920s, William Ziegler, Jr., owner of the unique mansion on the cusp of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, took up residence in his estate for merely an instant. Over the years, the house – a departure from the neighborhood’s brownstones and larger mansions – then cycled through a series of heir-apparents, until 2005 when it landed in the hands of a Russian-born financier. He purchased the home and infused it with a usual caveat: for five weeks of the year, spanning November to December, the mansion is to be, as its history relays, “reverted back to its former grandeur.”

This annual transformation – under the moniker “Holiday House” – turns a stunning piece of New York architecture into a breathtaking designer showhouse organized by Traditional Home, with ticket proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Last winter, an exclusive group of 32 decorators and designers was chosen to reimagine the mansion’s interior, with each designer appointed two to three rooms. The catch? Each room had to represent a different holiday theme.

Jennifer Duneier of Duneier Design

When Jennifer Duneier, creative tour de force of Duneier Design, asked for Easter, it was a selection made without hesitation.

“Easter is a fun holiday – one of the few happy holidays!” Duneier explained. “It’s about good things: family and kids.”

For a holiday typically associated with sugar-coated marshmallows, plastic eggs and cellophane grass, Duneier discarded any preconceived notions of the occasion, transforming the entire construct of the Easter aesthete into sublime elegance. Tasked with a lady’s sitting room and an ensuite bathroom, Duneier unfurled an elegant lightness into the spaces, flanked by complex explorations of color and pattern.

This focused use of color is no surprise to anyone familiar with Duneier’s work. For the past decade, Jennifer Duneier has seen great success as a highly-recognized member of the international interior design community. A New Yorker by residence, Duneier has lived in the city for more than 20 years, spanning multiple neighborhoods – from Chelsea to the Upper East Side – and always finding new perspectives. Trained at the New York School of Interior Design, and an Allied Member of the ASID, the residential designer works around the world, sporting a true commitment to high quality aesthetics and to fulfilling the visions of her clients.

"Holiday House" ensuite bathroom designed by Jennifer Duneier

As Duneier prepared to pursue her Holiday House commission, she knew one thing for certain. With a myriad of choices for textures and accessories, there was one uncompromising element for Duneier: her choice of fixtures for the ensuite bathroom.

“I knew that the collection had to come from THG,” said Duneier, who ultimately chose its immaculate series Passion. “THG was really the only option for the bathroom refined luxury, with an eye for detail.”

An ardent admirer of THG’s superior craftsmanship and aesthetics, Duneier has long-aspired to incorporate a collection from THG in a design application – a dream finally realized at Holiday House. And as an artist with an adroit sensitivity for the synergy of color and form – in this case, how the soft flower notes of Passion play within Duneier’s spring homage – it’s no surprise that THG was such a seamless match.

"Holiday House" ensuite bathroom designed by Jennifer Duneier

Brimming with hints of flora, THG’s refined Passion, made from Bernardaud porcelain in bright white with silver and bright with charm and grace, was the perfect choice for the Duneier’s Easter interior – so much so that Duneier focused the entirety of the bathroom’s décor on the faucet.

“Passion reminds me of a flower. Elegant, a little different,” Duneier noted. “I love floral patterns and incorporated them throughout the rooms.”

THG Passion faucet

Contrasting the vibrant turquoise and pastel hues of the sitting room, Duneier opted to keep the ensuite bathroom in shades of white and ivory. “I didn’t want to take away from the beauty of the faucet taps or the tub filler,” Duneier explained. “A color would have distracted from their embellishments. They should be the focal point.”

With Passion in place – the streamlined spout exuding motion and modernity, the clover-shaped china handles evoking the seasonal schematic – the detail-oriented Duneier took cues from the faucetry in art-directing the other elements of the bathroom.

“Passion by THG led to the mother-of-pearl tiles on the floor, and the crown molding band on the ceiling,” Duneier described. “The tub also has a floral pattern on the outside. Passion’s design is so clean and simple, it could have gone with anything.”

Creating an environment in a setting as unrestricted as the Holiday House showhouse was appealing to Duneier. The sitting room and ensuite bathroom were blank canvases. And with no client requirements or carryovers to navigate, Duneier had a rare opportunity to articulate and express her design: her way.

“If I could create a space where I didn’t have to worry about any parameters, this is what I would do,” Duneier said. “This is the type of room I would feel extremely comfortable and would opt to use as an opulent escape.”

"Holiday House" sitting room

The palliative nature of Duneier’s design – inspired by the pastels of Easter and the lush textures of the spring season – overwhelmed those who visited her rooms at Holiday House. “People walked in and I could immediately see their reactions,” said Duneier. “A woman came in and burst into tears – it’s so relaxing, she said. What surprised me most was how men responded to the room. They loved it. They came in, sat down and put their feet on the cushions. I think it was a departure from what people generally see – an inviting, calming space.”

From the soft sea-green fabrics to the stunning Lucite flower prints on the wall – connecting the sitting room and the lavatory with a subtle floral conceit – Duneier outfitted her Easter utopia with luxurious, unique materials. Stunning, textural glass-bead wallpaper outlines the sitting room, in a design reminiscent of 1940’s Hollywood. The custom-upholstered desk chair is among Duneier’s favorite pieces – “exquisitely perfect,” she describes.

"Holiday House" sitting room

Rounding out her selections is THG – a brand thoroughly at home in such a divine setting. “The faucets are unmatched. The level of quality, the materials, the applied finish – just the weight of the faucets alone shows you how well-crafted they are,” says Duneier. Duneier also benefited from Passion’s charming china accessories, soap dishes and trays, which were also incorporated into the room.

For a house that has rarely been a home, the mansion on East 63rd Street is now the recipient of a new “tenant.” While most rooms are returned to their pre-styled form after the end of the showhouse run, Holiday House asked Duneier to leave the ensuite bathroom as she designed it – a tremendous compliment to the designer and THG. And with what she left behind, Duneier created perhaps the truest expression of her chosen holiday, in a building worthy of much invigoration: a celebration of rebirth.

Photos courtesy of photographer Peter Dressel.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris

In Paris, if you’re looking for a hotel that radiates undisputed comfort and opulence along with old-world elegance, look no further than Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Having won over international clientele with decades of unmatched luxury and service, this is one grand dame hotel that will not disappoint. Notably, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s interior features THG luxury bath fittings: the refined Spirit collection. As artisans of ultra-luxury, custom-crafted faucetry and bath fixtures, THG is well suited as the fitting of choice for the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, given that the brand is found in the world’s finest hotels, residences, yachts and other high-end properties.

THG Spirit collection

THG Spirit Collection

Impressively situated between the Avenue des Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, in the heart of Paris’ fashion, entertainment and business center, Hôtel Plaza Athénée serves as urban oasis of luxury. Owned by the Dorchester Collection, built in 1911 and renovated in 2009, the 191-room hotel entices guests upon entrance with its warm terra cotta, gold and bronze lobby. The hotel’s sumptuous decor is destined to satisfy discerning guests; recently renovated and fragrantly infused with amber scents, the 146 spacious rooms and 45 suites showcase traditional-contemporary French style. Décor is either in Louis XVI style with decorative materials such as taffetas, and velvet and golden embroideries, offering the touch of a real Parisian home, or Art Déco style with prevailing macassar, ebony and mahogany woods. Bath environments are done in opulent marble or “faïence” – a fine tin-glaze on a delicate pale buff earthenware body. The baths benefit from THG’s Spirit collection designed by Pierre–Yves Rochon. THG has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the world-renowned contemporary interior designer; he is responsible for numerous THG collections including Faubourg, Frivole, and Froufrou. Rochon has also created numerous, award–winning luxury interiors, among them, the Four Seasons, Ritz–Carlton and Sofitel. In the case of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, it is the inherently streamlined 19th century classic design of Rocha’s Spirit fixtures that allow the interiors to shine.

Guest suite in Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Ultimately, THG’s Spirit luxury faucetry collection is an ideal choice for the Hôtel Plaza Athénée – a grand dame property that goes out of its way to lavish its guests with the finest in accommodations, services and amenities.

The Four Seasons Florence

If you take two Renaissance Palaces in the city center of Florence, which were previously under private ownership for centuries; spend seven years converting the grand buildings into a luxury hotel; and offer discerning guests the opportunity to relax in this new sanctuary featuring an art-filled Renaissance palazzo, a private park and airy garden vistas, you can only be referring to one place: Four Seasons Hotel Florence.

The Four Seasons Florence's living room with terrace and ceiling mural

Situated just a short stroll away from the wonders of the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, Four Seasons Hotel Florence offers 116 unique, sun-filled guest rooms and suites. The hotel is decorated in original Italian artworks that have been meticulously restored to original perfection. The ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Florence has been created from the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca; just past the hotel’s main entrance is a glass covered courtyard which is surrounded by bas-reliefs depicting vivid classical scenes. Even the hotel’s business center is covered in frescoes and a modern meeting room has been created from the palace’s original chapel. Ultimately, guests are afforded an original experience that blends Renaissance artistry with high-tech comforts. The welcomingly residential rooms and suites are bright, airy and drenched in a warm mélange of Tuscan autumn colors like brown and green. Stunning views include neighboring street life, surrounding palazzos and a plethora of well-groomed gardens. The most discerning guests can opt for the Royal Suite, located in the nobles’ quarters of the Palazzo della Gherardesca; the suite is said to capture “the very essence of living as a noble Florentine family in times gone by.” Each room of the Royal Suite displays stunning vaulted ceilings, frescoes and Capodimonte Maioliche-style ceramic floors. French windows overlook Palazzo Park and Borgo Pinti, a narrow and picturesque street. Naturally, dining at the Four Seasons Florence Hotel is an experience unto itself; on the ground floor of the Palazzo della Gherardesca is Il Palagio, where Head Chef Vito Mollica serves a seasonal menu with a contemporary twist. One of his specialties is homemade pasta, such as ricotta-and-mint ravioli in a lamb sauce. During clement weather, guests can dine alfresco on the restaurant’s terrace. A separate space in the center of Il Palagio is home to the Winery, which features a 400 bottle wine display and an intriguing menu of local dishes served in small assaggini portions. Additionally, the Four Seasons Hotel Florence is the only hotel in the heart of Florence with its own on-site spa. The spa offers luxurious treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, whirlpools and a range of pampering therapies including Iris Sensations, which utilizes locally harvested purple irises to exfoliate, soften and remove impurities from the skin. For a one-of-a-kind, enchanted city sanctuary experience in the heart of Florence, the Four Seasons Hotel Florence is the only choice.

Additionally, the Four Seasons Hotel Florence features THG luxury faucetry and accessories within its bath environments. The Parisian manufacturer was a natural choice when designing a hotel of such striking beauty and sheer opulence.

The Wentworth Club House

The 18-hole course, designed by world-renowned golf course architect Steven Smyers in 1990, has the front nine meandering through the country’s finest woodlands – cypress, pine and oak – and the back nine laid out Scottish-style to deliver unique challenges to even the most seasoned shot-maker. Wentworth Golf Club offers a variety of private membership categories to suit all needs, and allows one to experience the game of golf in a civilized social setting worthy of the most sophisticated and noble golfing traditions. The club’s practice area features a driving range, putting green and a short-game area with a sand bunker. Visitors to Wentworth Golf Club are afforded the option of staying at the exclusive Wentworth Hotel, featuring eight lavishly appointed guest suites, as well as a palatial suite above the clubhouse. The culinary offerings at Wentworth Golf Club are on par with the finest dining in the world; the Wentworth Grill featuring a highly eclectic menu reminiscent of London’s gastronomic legends The Ivy and Le Caprice, is the ultimate indulgence after a day on the links. The Club Lounge offers an alternatively casual atmosphere with plush sofas and open fireplaces. Wentworth Golf Club hosts three prominent tournaments each year: the Cisco World Match Play Championship, the Volvo PGA Championship and the Energis Senior Masters. Golf professionals including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf all hold a place of honor on the clubhouse wall; pros who play the course at Wentworth routinely offer high praise for its design and challenges. With the club’s close proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as cultural landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Windsor Castle, it is the ideal luxury getaway for those who want to experience it all in one shot.

A bridge over glorious water

Furthermore, the bath environments at Wentworth Golf Club feature THG faucetry and accessories. The Parisian manufacturer was a natural choice for a world-class golf and hospitality environment that strives to bring its guests an experience of optimum luxury.

The La Tremoille Hotel in Paris

La Tremoille enjoys a fantastic location in the 8th district, only steps from the Champs-Elysées and the Avenue Montaigne in the heart of Paris. The restored Haussmannian facade contrasts exquisitely with the modern interior, creating a wholly inviting experience. The lobby boasts plum furniture and a translucent glass reception desk that sits beside the wrought iron balustrades of the lobby’s grand staircase. The Aubusson tapestry in the main stairwell is also a rather striking design embellishment. All of La Tremoille’s 93 rooms feature modern furnishings with period architectural flourishes: a series of 31 unique decorating schemes pit designer light fixtures and furniture against lush period fabrics. Baths offer dark marble and warm wood styling, as well as superb Molton Brown bath products meticulously crafted in England. Each room also features “The Hatch” – a low-tech, but highly useful butler closet that is accessible from within by the guest and from the corridor by key-carrying hotel staff. “The Hatch” enables guests to receive room service, among other things, without opening the door; the result is an enhanced level of privacy for the discerning guest. Fine dining at La Trémoille comes courtesy of Le Louis II, which serves an inventive array of contemporary French dishes in a stylish dining room and attached lounge. Soft lighting and individual recesses shaded from view by net curtains offer guests all of the intimacy they could ever desire. With such a discreet atmosphere, it comes as little surprise that Le Louis II has been the haunt of choice for public figures like Orson Welles, Louis Armstrong and part time resident of France, Johnny Depp. The daring cuisine is the work of Yann Frohn, who has a passion for top-quality fresh ingredients combined with culinary aesthetics. La Tremoille also features The Beauty Fitness Center with a plethora of spa massage treatments including: Shiatsu, a traditional relaxing and rejuvenating massage featuring the Japanese technique based on finger pressure; Thai, based on limb stretching, pressures and vibrations; and foot reflexology massage. La Tremoille offers guests the opportunity to travel back in time while still enjoying the sublime comforts of quality, modern amenities.

The lobby of the La Tremoille

Additionally, THG faucetry and accessories are proudly featured within the luxury bath environments of La Tremoille. For a hotel that lavishes such attention on quality and detail, the Parisian manufacturer was a natural choice.

The Louis Bar at the La Tremoille