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Book Review :: Windsor Smith HOMEFRONT

June 9, 2015 · Comments { 1 }

Her interiors are glamorous, yet practical; sophisticated, yet relaxed. She strikes the perfect balance. I’m talking about A-list interior designer, Windsor Smith. She is simply one of the best in the business and so it’s no surprise that her first book, HOMEFRONT (Rizzoli) is absolutely fantastic. Filled with over 200 inspiring images, Smith walks through her process for creating beautiful, functional spaces from design intuition to the home in balance. In the book’s introduction, she explains her goal is to “design beautiful rooms for the way people today actually use them, regardless of their intended purpose, breaking the rules as to how a room ‘should’ function.” Her approach of creating livable spaces in every corner of the home resonates with me. Take a look at just some of the gorgeous images that grace the pages of this book and I think you’ll agree too.

A home in balance is masculine and feminine, antique and modern, light and dark, austere and glam, rustic and sophisticated – all these things in perfect harmony. – Windsor Smith

I’m like an unruly child when it comes to design. There’s always a point where I say: “What if this weren’t the dining room?” – Windsor Smith

*photo credit: Windsor Smith HOMEFRONT

Read full story By Cristin on June 9, 2015 in book, book review, Features, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, kitchens, Living Room, living rooms

Book Review :: Decorating The Way I See It by Markham Roberts

September 30, 2014 · Comments { 7 }

New York-based interior designer, Markham Roberts is bringing a fresh and modern approach to traditional and contemporary styles alike. Known for his ability to work in any design vernacular, Roberts trained with legendary decorator Mark Hampton for six years before launching his own design firm in 1997. Since then his career has skyrocketed. His work has been described as “the very definition of chic” and published in Architectural Digest, Domino, House Beautiful, and House & Garden – just to name a few. Roberts was also named to the elite AD100 earlier this year. For these reasons you can imagine how eager I was to get me hands on his newly released book, Decorating: The Way I See It. Simply put, it’s extraordinary.

First, I love how the book is organized. Rather than dishing out decorating advice, Roberts takes us step-by-step as he would a design project – from the floor plan to the color and pattern scheme to the furnishings and accessories. The 250+ pages showcases his work ranging from New York City apartments to sprawling country homes. The diversity, sophistication and exceptional personable touch he delivers project after project is truly outstanding. With over 300 stunning images, selecting ones to share with you was the hardest part of of this review, however here are a few of my favorites:

Markham, with his unflinching ease, his assured eye, his natural understanding of how a house should function, and his total lack of pretense, creates rooms that age well and are timeless. – Senga Mortimer – Editor at Large at House Beautiful

This last image with cozy daybed in a rich velvet is perhaps my favorite. Roberts designed the colorful office for a mom with four children, three dogs and a husband that works from home. The inviting niche sits is directly across from her desk and provides a quiet place of her own. I long for such a space!

I know you will adore this book and fall in love with Roberts’ work like I have. It’s an absolute must have for any design library. Don’t pass on this one!

happy decorating,

cristin

*photo credit: Nelson Hancock and courtesy of Vendome Press

Read full story By Cristin on September 30, 2014 in Bedroom, bedrooms, book, book review, bookshelves, color, dining rooms, interior design, Interiors, Living Room, living rooms, patio furniture, upholstery, wallpaper, window treatments

Book Review: Beyond Chic

October 29, 2013 · Comments { 0 }

Recently I was sent a copy of another fantastic decor book that was recently released. Vendome Press’ Beyond Chic: Fashion Designers at Home by Ivan Terestchenko (author & photographer) takes us on private home tours of some of the most iconic people in fashion including Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Manolo Blahnik, Azzedine Alaïa, and yes, Coco Chanel.

What struck me most about these residences was the drastic range of styles – from minimal to wildly exotic, monochromatic to fearlessly vibrant, organized to utterly chaotic. In all cases and what I love the most about the book is how each interior reflects the personal style, muses and treasures of these legendary designers. Personally I gravitated to lovely homes of Kevin Carrigan (of Calvin Klein), Reed Krakoff (of Coach) and Coco Chanel (no need to clarify!).

Here’s a peek into some of the gorgeous images…

Manolo-Blahnik-home-living-room Franca-Sozzani-Marrakesh-home

This beautiful book would make a great gift and a must for those collecting interior design books!

Read full story By Cristin on October 29, 2013 in book, book review, bookshelves, fashion, Features, interior design, Interiors, Living Room

Book Review :: Suzanne Tucker Interiors – The Romance of Design

September 30, 2013 · Comments { 0 }

San Francisco’s award winning interior designer, Suzanne Tucker co-founder of Tucker & Marks Design is hailed for developing elegant, enchanting and always perfectly balanced spaces. Her timeless designs are inviting and draw us in with layered art and antiques transitioning between classic and contemporary, casual and formal.

Following the huge success of her first book, Rooms to Remember, I was thrilled to learn of Suzanne’s newest publication to be released October 15th. Suzanne Tucker Interiors: The Romance of Design by Monacelli Press is truly inspiring. Suzanne offers readers a view into her design process and intimate glimpses into her clients’ luxurious homes (including Tucker’s own home). With over 280 stunning images, selecting ones to share with you was the hardest part of of this review, however here are a few of my favorites:

kitchen - Suzanne Tucker Interiors Elegant Entry - Suzanne Tucker Interiors