Beyond Chic: Truth in advertising

Of the many exciting design books out this fall one of the most highly anticipated must surely be that of photographer Ivan Terestchenko.  His book Beyond Chic has just been released by Vendome Press and I have to say the book lives up to its title.

For the past few decades Ivan has been capturing the world's most stylish interiors, people, and events for the most influential magazines. In doing so he has had privileged access to the inner sanctums of some of the most creative individuals of our day which he now shares with us in Beyond Chic. Not surprisingly these are not overly-decorated nor predictable abodes but truly personal, stylish, and creative homes; One almost feels as if they were trespassing.

If a picture is worth a thousand words this book has a billion while still short on terms. The short introductions are soulful and descriptive while letting the work, the photographs, speak for themselves.

Definitely add this book to your fall book order and you won't be disappointed.

Photographs courtesy of Vendome Press by Ivan Terestchenko.

You too can live artfully with Marjorie Merriweather Post!

You may remember I posted about the latest exhibit, Living Artfully, hosted by my neighbor Hillwood, Marjorie Merriweather Post's house. This Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 you can join a host of distinguished curators to learn both how Marjorie lived so well and how to incorporate this into your daily life. Details below.

Classic Chic:  Interior Design for Living Artfully, will explore French-inspired interior design and the 20th century’s great designers September 21 from 10:30 am - 4:00 pm at the renowned DC treasure, the Hillwood Estate, Musuem and Gardens.
The day will be led by Hillwood curators Liana Paredes and Estella Chung who will discuss Marjorie Post’s Hillwood and the antique and design firms French & Co. and McMillen Inc., whose opulent French interiors combined with modern amenities made it one of Washington’s most memorable homes when Marjorie Merriweather Post lived and entertained there in the 1950s and 60s.

Next James Archer Abbott of Evergreen Museum and Library will highlight the work of global design house Maison Jansen, about whom he has written. 

Following a lunch break and opportunity to look closely at the Hillwood Mansion interiors with the design experts, New York interior designer Michael Simon will discuss the importance of incorporating history and a knowledge of the past into contemporary design, much as Post did at Hillwood.

Lastly, the curator Estella Chung will moderate a round table discussion with the speakers about mid-century design classics and contemporary applications. Hope you can make it!