"Who is to say what is good taste and what is bad? I don't know what taste is. It's like a fog....you can see it and feel it, but you can never touch it."
Truer words were never spoken. Above, the lobby of the Beverly Hills Hilton hotel recently redone ala Haines by Michael Smith. The Haines designed 'hostess chairs' are seen here in an orange tufted fabric. I love the mural by Nancy Lorenz entitled "Studies of Water".
The living room of Betsy Bloomingdale in Bel Air, California, decorated by Haines, seen here in 1959. I love his mix of antiques with modern furnishings. Thats the way to live that never goes out of style!Images via R Home magazine
It is a mix, taste and style - always looking ahead and then glancing back at the great tastemakers.
ReplyDeleteI love the mix of old and new. I strive for this look in my own home.
ReplyDeletei love that desk !
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What is surprising is that so many do agree on what is good design - if not taste. I like the quote about freedom in the home. May we live up to it! Maybe it is less true when the home is a showcase.
ReplyDeletePve, thats the way to do it I think -always look ahead but learn fromthe past!
ReplyDeleteYSL -as do I! I love the modern as well as the antique.
Renee - I think the desk is made even greater by the addition of the sheradon chairs!
Style - I think good design spans all 'tastes' and styles. I think a large part of freedom in the home was especially important to billy because of his problems with his homosexuality and the hollywood 'system' which denied him the right to live as he chose.
The Beverly Hilton was almost my second home for about a year while I was working on a project out there. The lobby is quite glamorous and Mr. Smith did a great job creating the Haines look.
ReplyDeleteThe mix of old and new is charging, creates excitement and drama. People take more time to notice the details.
ReplyDeleteThe living room has the intimacy of a bedroom and the elegance of a classic salon. I adore it.
ReplyDeleteI don't normally comment on looks but he does cut a dashing figure.
He's almost as cute as you are.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, Billy Haines was a major talent, and we owe the way we decorate today to his legacy.
Thanks for posting this.
xo xo
ya -he is pretty cute!
ReplyDeleteV.V. -*blush* -i'll take a compliment where I can get it! haha
one of my favorites! love the mixing. great post.
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