Monday, August 3, 2009

A white elephant

This past weekend I took a fast trip up to Baltimore and was able to stop by the Bookthing, the 'free' bookstore that Meg at Pigtown is always raving about! One of the many treasures I picked up was an October 1985 copy of House Beautiful magazine which a startling up-to-date project featured. I always love these vintage magazines! Mostly I like to look at how things have become 'dated' (to see what types of mistakes to avoid in the future) but once in awhile a project comes along that is truly timeless.The project was a 'white elephant' which had been turned into a duplex in New Orleans. The interiors were done by Ann Holden and Ann Dupuy, of antique store fame, while the remodel was masterminded by the architect Barry Fox. I love the high gl0ss finishes in the dining room above.Even though this project was completed 25 years ago, I could see this being totally liveable today, don't you? I normally like carpeting to soften a room, but in a hot climate I can imagine it's much cooler without. I love the dining and living rooms and the bedroom looks like a cozy beach retreat! Also, another thing I loved was that Martha Stewart made the cover! A star even in 1985....

9 comments:

Karena said...

Stephen you are right on this one, I would not change a thing except for more works of art ex: over the fireplace in dining, in the master, and could move right in!

Pigtown*Design said...

Totally bummed that I missed you!!! Next time!

Terry said...

These are great. No rugs at all?

ArchitectDesign™ said...

No rugs, Terry! Very beach-house-ish if you ask me.

Laura said...

Agreed...love the high gloss in the dining room especially! And Ms. Martha...oh how far she's come.

Things That Inspire said...

Very interesting idea to look at old magazines as a primer for 'what not to do' if they look dated!

This post was a treat to see (new pictures, not the same old thing going round and round). It does have a classic feel to it.

Abby said...

What free book store?!--why am I so behind lately! Is it a give one-take one deal?

I recently went through a bunch of clothes from my grandmother's generation to sort out donations pulled out the pieces that were timeless. I then went right over to my own closet and tired to donate out the pieces that I thought would make me cringe looking at photos 10 years from now.

cotedetexas said...

I love this! Did you know that Ann is Gerrie Bremermann's daughter. And don't ask me which Ann!!! I always forget!!!!!!

Topsy Turvy said...

I love the two "Anns" - Holden and Dupuy – not sure they are still working together but seems like their designs have become more glamorous over the years.

–Lana