My dining room is currently a work in progress. It's not quite pulled together yet. There is the Madeleine Castaing fabric that I just purchased for my dining room chairs; it's currently rolled around a tube, propped up in the corner of the room. Then there's the unresolved issue of where to display my collection of porcelain and ceramicware. I was standing in the room the other night, peppering myself with questions. "Is it going to look too traditional?" "What's the 'Wow' moment going to be in the room?" "What can I include that will be hip and cool?"
But then I got honest with myself. Cool and wow are not only not me, they've become tired and trite. I'm over hip. I want to see pretty interiors. Rooms that look cohesive. Rooms where you don't see one crazy, show-off piece that screams "OMG! Look at me!" After having this conservation with myself, I started to think about designer Paolo Moschino's London home. I first saw photos of it in the October 2004 issue of House & Garden, and two rooms really struck me. First, that dining room. It's such a lovely and elegant room, one that must look so romantic when awash in candlelight. And then there's the rich, rather dramatic looking bedroom with those Chinese Red walls. I couldn't find my tear sheets of the home, so I visited Moschino's website where I found the photos seen here.
After looking at the photos of Moschino's dining room again, I think that I've made the decision to stick with my original plans for my dining room. Nothing trendy, only lovely and elegant.
The two photos above show one end of Moschino's double drawing room.
The other end of the drawing room feels very different. This side is light and airy, while the paneled side feels more cozy and warm. The 1940s era pieces seen here provide an interesting contrast to the more traditional and formal furniture of the paneled side.
Two views of the dining room. To me, it feels more French than English.
A vignette in Moschino's kitchen.
Two views of the master bedroom.
The gorgeous guest bedroom.
All photos from House & Garden, October 2004 and Architectural Digest Russia, February 2009. Simon Upton, photographer.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Paolo Moschino At Home
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Talented Mr. Adams
About a year ago, I first read about designer Richard Adams' chic London flat in the New York Times. I remember thinking how cosmopolitan and urbane it was! I believe his home resonated with me because it was quite similar to my supremely stylish Manhattan apartment- you know, the one in my head. (Some people long for a house by the sea or a chateau in France. Not me. I've dreamed of an apartment at The Carlyle since I was ten. I didn't realize it at the time that my dream would require so much hard work and so much cash!)
Though the flat, located in Chelsea, is really quite small, it's loaded with style. What makes this space so alluring to me is the fact that the apartment is richly colored and richly appointed. Though I was not such a fan of green, Richard's living room made me a convert. How can you not find pea-green colored silk beautiful when it's used on walls, sofas, and lamp shades? And how gorgeous is that red bedroom? I think red is a difficult color for bedrooms, but it works here- so decadent!
The other thing that makes this home so striking is the abundance of gleaming surfaces. Mirror is used in the living room and bedroom (but tastefully!). There is a Venini crystal chandelier, a wonderful crystal sunburst clock, and highly polished floors. Let's face it- this is that type of nighttime apartment in which you long to be a guest. The place where you want to wear your best and where you know the conversation will be lively and hopefully just a bit naughty.
(Richard is truly a fascinating person. An American by birth, Richard's background is in the New York fashion and advertising industries. While in New York, he soaked in the glamour that surrounded him- and when you've met and worked with the likes of Diana Vreeland, Billy Baldwin, Andy Warhol, and Truman Capote, it's understandable.
Not one to let the grass grow beneath his feet, Richard moved to London a few years ago to establish an interior design practice. He now divides his time between London, Budapest, and Qatar! I think it's encouraging to know that there are still cosmopolitan aesthetes who jet around the world experiencing all kinds of fabulous things. Visit his website for the entire story.)
The divine red bedroom. How fabulous is that crystal sunburst clock!
These glass bookshelves are so clever and perfect for a small space. Don't you love the books that are facing out: "Shocking!", "Snobs", and "Unsuitable Company".
A view of the gorgeous green silk living room with the red bedroom beyond.
The hall with its shimmery bronze papered walls.
The bathroom that was inspired by those at The Carlyle (perhaps it's the shared love of the Carlyle that explains why Richard and I are on the same wavelength.)
Image at top: The living room that captivated me. Need I say anymore?
(All images except that of the bath from English Eccentric Interiors
Friday, March 13, 2009
Bedded Bliss
The discussion will be led by editors at the magazine, and style and design authorities who will be participating include designer Suzanne Kasler, style maven Marcia Sherrill, and Southeastern Designer of the Year Suze Surdyk Jones. Talk about an all-star line up!
The event takes place at Atlanta's Americas Mart tomorrow, Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm (Building 1, Floor 1, Room 101A). For more information, please visit Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles' website.
