Dior and his Decorators - a must have for any design library!

To this day Christian Dior's name is associated with all that is elegant despite his passing 61 years ago. The post-war period in which he was most active is personally one of my favorite times to study as the output of the western world's artists was at a creative peak (similarly the same could be said of the inter-war period).

Historian Maureen Footer has just released the book I have always wanted to read and it does not disappoint, Dior and his Decorators: Victor Grandpierre, Georges Geffroy, and the New Look.  While Dior may be a household name the artists working behind him, inspiring him, and sometimes providing him with his eponymous look aren't as well known.

 As a reader of this blog you are probably already familiar with Ms Footer's previous book, George Stacey and the Creation of American Chic (also a must have!), and this book picks up where that left off by delving into the most chic interiors of the 20th century.

On a side note, have you seen Ms. Footer's apartment recently published in Veranda Magazine September / October 2018 issue?  One of my favorite spaces to see published lately, Veranda is killing it; resubscribe one and all!

The book explores Dior's relationship with Victor Grandpierre and Georges Geffroy.  These two designers created a sophisticated Parisian style for the mid-century which was not modern but rather an updated neoclassical French style based on the 18th century. Roots in this work can be seen in the most sought-after designers today such as Michael Smith.

Dior had these gentleman design not only his own homes but also his shops, advertising, packaging, and even his logo!  We can credit Grandpierre with developing 'Dior grey' used with pale pink accents, white mouldings, and Louis XVI style furniture.

The book also explores the work of these designers elsewhere and in their own Paris apartments - not to be missed!

One will recognize the bold-faced names that float through the book and leave you wanting more- Yves Saint Laurent, Gloria Guinness, Daisy Fellowes, the Baron de Rede and even Maria Callas - perhaps a 2nd volume? I'm anxiously awaiting Footer's next work.

While this fascinating book is chock full of information it reads conversationally and not like a boring textbook. You'll definitely want to spend time pouring through this book and not just look at the pictures unlike some recent 'design books'. This one is a keeper, bravo Maureen Footer and the Vendome Press!

Images in this post are courtesy of Vendome Press, not my own, and are not to be used without permission.

Out East: Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons

Just in time for summer living Vendome Press is releasing Out East, the houses and gardens of the Hamptons, by noted author Jennifer Ash Rudick.  This beautiful book covers all the bases from modern beach shacks to more formal homes. If you don't find your dream Hampton's pad in this book you're not looking hard enough!

The relaxed vibe found in all 30 of the houses with open windows and cool breezes have me longing for a little away time myself.

The houses that appeal to me the most have a relaxed European casualness that embrace outdoor living without giving up any creature comforts.

Of course my preference is for the more traditional houses in the book with an eclectic 'real' mix of furnishings that highlight the personality of the owner (not designer).

And my favorite room in the entire book is this lovely screened porch found in a charming house designed by David Netto;  I could park myself here for days with a stack of books and pitcher of iced tea. Imagine riding out a rainstorm here too; perfection.

 And I can't forget the gorgeous gardens in the book;  Afterall that's what summer living is all about!

Thanks to Vendome Press for this book with lovely photographs by Tria Giovan, this is one not to miss!

A House in the Country: Peter Pennoyer & Katie Ridder

With so many book releases this fall in time for the gift giving season (doesn't everyone else fill their Christmas wishlist with design books?) there was only one I was eagerly awaiting. Husband and wife team Architect Peter Pennoyer and designer Katie Ridder just released a collaborative book on the design process of designing their own house in the country, simply entitled A House in the Country. 

Fans who love both the classical, almost intellectual, architecture of Pennoyer as well as the stylish comfort of Ridder's interiors will not be let down by this book. In addition to chapters on both Exterior and Interior, there is an extensive chapter on the Gardens including planting lists and plans. And what would this book be without drawings which help so much with the understanding of any house (realtors take note - FLOORPLANS!).

Peter starts the book with their quest to find the perfect property which rarely has the perfect house. This talented duo of course were looking for a 'fixer-upper' or in this case a 'tearer-downer' (is that a thing?) to make their mark.  They took this golden opportunity to create a truly personal (terribly over-used term but fits here) home for themselves and their family through the gardens, interior, and exterior all lovingly laid out in this tome.  I say personal here because there are elements here that aren't 'good for resale';  purple tile floors, small bedrooms, tons of wallpaper, and a formal dining room, but thats exactly what makes this house (and book) so special. Talk about getting ideas.....the book is full of them!

Pennoyer has been sharing the house all through development and construction through social media and it was a treat to see the final result all in one beautiful book. My favorite view, and one I hadn't seen before, was the rear elevation with the large back porch, particularly charming in winter. What is a country home without a covered porch!

One of the children's bedrooms features a built-in bed nook, modeled on Thomas Jefferson's at Monticello, which Katie decorated with striped fabric and red tape. This is everything for me.....

A surprise in the book is rather than decorative endpapers the COVER of the book (under the dust jacket) is the 'Scraffito' wallpaper Katie designed for the house's entry hall; now available on her website here. You may just want to place this book on your shelf without the dustcover and you will most DEFINITELY want a copy of this book for your design library. Order yours today!

Many thanks to Vendome Press for the opportunity to review the book and to photographer Eric Piasecki for his beautiful photography! All photos from 'A House in the Country' and all rights are reserved.

Palm Beach Chic -the Villa Artemis

Just in time for the winter season is a new book that is sure to bring a breath of warm weather to everyone's Christmas List: Palm Beach Chic from Vendome Press.

Chronicling the houses of the storied resort town, the large coffee table book features a huge number of houses ranging from the historic to the very modern.

 I hate those book reviews which ruin the whole book for you so I'll feature a number of images on one of my favorite houses in Palm Beach featured in the book, Villa Artemis.

Built in 1916 by architect F. Burrall Hoffman (who also designed Vizcaya) for Mr & Mrs. Frederick Guest, the house is most known for a number of images by society photographer Slim Aarons of daughter CZ Guest at the home (one seen above).

Although the house has been greatly modified since the Guest's time as owners, architects Ferguson & Shamamian recently worked on restoring and adding to the house with the present owners and it was decorated by designer David Kleinberg. This storied house has become even MORE fabulous thanks to this duo!

Notice the charming watercolor of the front door by talented artist John S. Coles in one of the bedrooms.

The white stucco house with Mediterranean blue accents is my ideal palette for a tropical climate such as this; classic but interesting.

While the grounds have been heavily redesigned, they still feature the same vistas made famous by Slim Aarons. The work in the gardens even won the prestigious Palm Beach Preservation Foundation's award.

The renovated pool house is where the family spends most of their time. I love the black and white palette.  

 The formal rose garden matches the neoclassical tone set by the house; formal but not fussy.

Two last images from the book I have to share are from the home of designer Lars Bolander and his wife. The open storage in the kitchen was designed to display their collection of cookbooks and china -why not be surrounded by all of your beautiful things?!

 This may very well be my favorite kitchen I've ever seen!

For more on these houses as well as plenty of others check out your own copy of Palm Beach Chic from the Vendome Press by Jennifer Ash Rudick!
All images unless noted are from the book by talented photographer Jessica Kewicki Glynn. 

Carrier and Company, Positively Chic Interiors

It seems shelves are inundated lately with Interior Designer monographs (the new calling card of many) and occasionally you'll come across one which is actually inspiring.  Or at least that's how I felt when I was sent a copy of 'Carrier and Company, Positively Chic Interiors'.

The work of husband and wife duo Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller is inspirational because it is NOT a calling card of monotonous work like we see from so many decorators, but rather appears to reflect the tastes of the homeowner. No 2 projects look alike. Don't believe me? Check out their awesome website HERE.

Jesse and Mara are setting the backdrop for their clients, spaces to grow into. The factor tying together all of their work are clean lines and good taste. Good taste may be a dirty word to some decorators and 'tastemakers' but is something that is actually valuable to clients; that's what they hire us for afterall: our taste! That's basically what we're selling these days with the growth of online shopping and big box stores offering a range of services. Competition is fierce!

I love that the book features tons of different baths and kitchens covering many styles.  This versatility is much like most magazines, perhaps why so many in the industry have turned to them to work on their own homes such as Anna Wintour who wrote the forward to the monograph and Jay Fielden.

 Frequently published I think you'll find a lot of new work to ogle in this book -seen with fresh eyes.

The work is tailored to the client, to the location, and is thoughtfully appropriate. These aren't statement interiors but rather spaces to be lived in. As Anna Wintour writes in the forward "Each and every interior here embodies a real sense of personal charm; these are homes whose high style comes from a very human-scaled sense of warmth and joy".

From spare and modern to richly traditional there is a project here for everyone.

Pardon the photograph above scanned from the book but it so exemplifies my own taste that I had to include here.  Be sure to get your own copy of one of this seasons best design books; Carrier and Company Positively Chic Interiors from the Vendome Press!
Many thanks to the Vendome Press for my copy of this book -views expressed are my own.

Fifth Avenue Style: Book review

If God is in the details Howard Slatkin, interior designer and author of Fifth Avenue Style, is surely a saint. Reading his book is a glimpse into a wonderful fantasy achieved in only 3 years in his New York Pied-a-terre. At first glance I assumed the renovation took place over 20 years.

Approach-ably written the interior photography by Tria Giovan is also breathtaking beautiful. In each scene the room is set as if for a party to which you were lucky enough to be invited. While this over the top maximalism isn't for everyone granted, even the most ardent minimalist can learn something from Slatkin's approach to detail.

No detail is overlooked, both in the apartment and in his daily life it would seem. My favorite image is a lunch for two at a small table set up overlooking the park, similar to the lunch HabituallyChic was lucky enough to have in this same spot! Don't miss her post on her visit. Also don't miss the video tour of Slatkin's apartment at Quintessence.

Slatkin charmingly walks you through the process of finding the apartment and the entire gut renovation and planning stage. I always appreciate a floorplan and the book includes them at different stages of work.

Notice above the wallpaper wrapping the door and even the interesting but different door knobs on each side. Nothing was left to chance. Really, isn't that how the best interiors succeed?

The most talked about space in the whole apartment, oddly enough, is Slatkin's closet. I suppose one might call it a dressing room given its grandness. Custom designed door pulls,  marquetry paneling, antiques - would you even want to leave after getting dressed?
Don't miss Fifth Avenue Style printed by Vendome Press no matter your stylistic leanings. And be sure to remove the dust jacket to see the beautiful cover (first image).
All images courtesy of Vendome Press and Tria Giovan