Biblio Style

What's in Their Library: John Stefanidis

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:09:00 +0000

For over three decades, John Stefanidis has been one of the world's leading designers. Comfortable working in both the traditional and the contemporary design idioms, the Egyptian born, London based designer creates interiors that are sophisticated, informed, and timeless. And while many of his interiors reflect the aesthetic of his adopted country, the Mediterranean never seems far away.

The erudite Stefanidis has compiled a varied and rich list of his favorite books, and you might be surprised to see that design related books comprise only a very small portion. Shakespeare, Thackeray, and contemporary writers all figure prominently here. But I think this brings up an interesting point: perhaps we should broaden our horizons and look beyond the confines of design for our inspiration. Literature, history, and music, for example, can be such rich fonts of ideas and should not be ignored.

Mr. Stefanidis was also kind enough to share with us a photo of his London library, painted in his signature shade of blue. As he explains, “When I moved to my current home in London I had to find space for my many books. The built-in bookcases were carefully designed to improve the proportions of the rooms and painted a bright Mediterranean blue so that the books become an intrinsic part of the decoration.” I think he accomplished this quite successfully, don't you?

As he could not limit his list to ten, we are including Stefanidis' top 13 books. I would say that John Stefanidis is a bibliophile in the truest sense of the word!

John Stefanidis' Top Thirteen Book List:

1. An Illustrated History of Furnishing by Mario Praz
An essential handbook to the past in design and decoration

2. The Odyssey by Homer
An inspiration that is dateless, ancient and eternal

3. Electa - Editrice series of Bernini, Borromini, Palladio, Bramante, etc.
Architecture on which to base a career not to say a life

4. C.P. Cavafy: Collected Poems
Alexandrine poet –matchless evocation of place and atmosphere; crosses parameters of history

5. The Collected Proseby Elizabeth Bishop
US poet of sublime sensitivity

6. One Last Look by Susanna Moore
US novelist – the most talented of writers who evokes moods and place in a way that is unrivalled

7. The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers
Wistful charm and sadness in wonderful prose

8. Splendeurs et miseres des courtisanes by Honore de Balzac
Parisian life in 19th Century; descriptive writing at its best with an understanding of human nature which is unparalleled – if you read in the original French!

9. If This is a Man by Primo Levi
The best book on the Holocaust because it is written in sparse and pertinent prose by a survivor

10. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Realism and high romance – pulls the heart strings and turns readers into passionate Russians.

11. Vanity Fair by Thackeray
A moral tale with Becky a force of life and a celebration of exuberance.

12. Eugene Onegin by Pushkin
Unrecquited love and heartbreaking revenge.

13. The Tempest by William Shakespeare
The epitomy of imaginative fantasy that grips the heart with sweetness and charm as opposed to the terror of the tragedies.

What's In Their Library: Christopher Spitzmiller

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:14:00 +0000

I've long been a fan of Christopher Spitzmiller, and the reasons are many. His lamps became design classics within no time (I'm still dreaming about owning a pair of Butternut Gourd lamps. Or would I rather own a pair of Pear Gourd lamps? Tough decision.) His gracious and well-edited apartment, featured in Elle Decor back in Dec. 06, is one of my all-time favorite homes. Spitzmiller is also a connoisseur of fine living, enjoying design, cooking, and gardening. And the icing on the cake is that he's got to be one of the most photogenic people in design.

If you'll recall from the Elle Decor article, Spitzmiller has an enviable library; in fact, it's a magnifying glass-worthy library. I've added a few tomes to my collection based on titles in Spitzmiller's shelves. I asked Chris to provide me with a list of his ten favorite books, and he generously provided me with not only the list, but with an explanation of why these books appealed to him.

So, here's what is in Spitzmiller's library:

"My Top Ten Book list includes six books on interiors, three cook books and one book on gardening. There is some overlap of interiors in many of the books. My list focuses on the well lived life. Not only should your rooms be beautiful, but there should be something good to eat on the table. And a garden should not only be pretty, but after spending an hour out there working, it should also make you a better person!"

Legendary Decorators of the Twentieth Century, Mark Hampton (1992). This book includes Mr. Hampton’s insightful short synopses of the careers and styles of every major decorator. It also incorporates his charming watercolors of their works. This book is hard to find and often expensive, but well worth the price.

Summer Cottages & Castles, Scenes from the Good Life,Patricia Corbin and Ted Hardin (1983). This work has some really charming pictures of ‘Rock Cliff’, the Newport mansion that was decorated by William Hodgins. It also has more photographs of Sister Parish’s ‘Summer House’ in Maine than I have seen anywhere else.

Where Muses Dwell: Homes of Great Artists and Writers,Massimo Listri (1996). This is an obscure book covering some very notable interiors, including the interior of Knund Lyne Rahbek’s home in Copenhagen, which is my favorite. Also included are John Soane’s house, now a museum in London, and lots of other continental and English interiors.

An Affair with a House,Bunny Williams (2005). This book presents Bunny’s well thought out plan for restoring her country home spanning a period of many years. In the book she writes about taking on one major project each year. Having recently found myself the owner of a very old home, with at least five or six major projects to take on, I asked her if this was really true. “Oh, yes,” was her reply, “for the first five years I had no furniture in my living room!”

CZ Guest's Five Seasons of Gardening,CZ Guest (1992). Every good house needs a garden. In this book, CZ presents her refreshing, matter of fact and no nonsense approach to gardening, both indoors and out. There are also tons of pictures of the inside of ‘Templeton,’ her house in Old Westbury, Long Island

Consider the Oyster, M.F.K. Fisher (1941). “An Oyster leads a dreadful but exciting life.” With this sentence, Mary Frances begins her cookbook which reads more like a good novel than anything else I’ve ever read. It is one of the most delightful books you can put your hands on.

Glorious Food, Christopher Idone (1982). Filled with visually stunning pictures of delicious meals presented in wonderful New York interiors, this is a book I try to buy whenever I see it. I can never have too many copies -- it makes a great gift!

Lost Desserts, Gail Monaghan (2007). Gail’s book will show you, step by step, how to create some of the most over-the-top, eye popping, mouth watering desserts you have ever seen or tasted.

Private New York, Chippy Irvine and Alex Mclean (1990). This book has some really stunning pictures of a wide range of uptown and downtown New York interiors. Wade McCann’s small, concise kitchen provided the inspiration for my own, proving that a humble kitchen can be an elegant one too!

Manhattan Style, Esten, Gilbert and Chinsee (1990). Similar to Mark Hampton’s book, this one contains some really beautiful pictures of New York interiors representing all the best decorators.

What's in Their Library: Joe Nye

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:54:00 +0000

Last week's post on bookshelves confirmed my suspicion that I was not alone in my curiosity about other people's libraries. It was quite comforting to know that I was not the only one whose magnifying glass gets a workout! So, I thought it would be interesting to poll various designers and tastemakers to find out which books inspired them and which tomes they felt were the building blocks of a serious design library.

First up is Joe Nye: designer extraordinaire, man about town, and all around nice guy. Nye's look is one that is rooted in tradition but with a veneer of the modern. Many of his rooms are characterized by a fresh, tasteful use of color. And if you want to learn how to accessorize a room, then look through his portfolio. I swear, this man is a master at it! (He can also style a bar like nobody's business!).

Curious about Nye's list??? Drumroll please.... here it is. Joe Nye's Top Ten Book List:

Parish-Hadley: Sixty Years of American Design by Christopher Petkanas

Rooms by John Stefanidis

Colefax & Fowler: The Best in English Interior Decoration by Chester Jones

Frances Elkins: Interior Design by Stephen Salny

Interiors by Min Hogg and Wendy Harrop

Billy Baldwin Decorates by Billy Baldwin

Horst: Interiors by Barbara Plumb

House & Garden's Best in Decoration

Domesticities: At Home with the New York Times Magazine by Pilar Viladas

Jean-Michel Frank by Leopold Diego Sanchez

John Fowler: Prince of Decorators

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:02:00 +0000

I just got through reading the upcoming release, John Fowler: Prince of Decorators. If you're a student of interior design or design history, a lover of the English country look, or someone who is inspired by photos of beautiful interiors, then you truly must read this book. Written by author Martin Wood, this work is also the perfect companion piece to his previous book, Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style.

Of course, Fowler is best known for creating the English country house look around the time of World War II (with some help from Lancaster, of course). This look, which has often been imitated to varying degrees of success, is one that is adored by some, admired by many, and dismissed by a few. What's important to remember, though, is that when Fowler developed this style, it was actually rather revolutionary. It was certainly in stark contrast to the modern look that was prevalent prior to WWII. It was also a novel way in which to decorate a stately British home, which tended to be the type of home on which Fowler worked.

The foundation of the English country look was beauty and comfort- two very noble design goals. Fowler achieved both by using comfortable and sometimes humble fabrics, charming prints, and painted furniture. This was truly a far cry from the stiff fabrics and mahogany furniture that had been the standard for these great homes. It was "good" design, not historical accuracy, that Fowler strove for.

I think that what makes this book a success is that Wood provides the reader with a thorough yet interesting account of Fowler's career. There is certainly enough information to satisfy those of us who love design history. For those who are more entertained by the photos- well, there are plenty of those too.

The drawing room of the Bruces at the Albany, London, designed by Fowler. Christopher Spitzmiller cites this home as the inspiration for his New York apartment.

Another celebrated Fowler room- the saloon at Daylesford, designed in the 1950s.

The drawing room at Hambleden. According to the author, this room has remained the same color for 40 years, proving how timeless Fowler's designs were.

Breaking News!

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:26:00 +0000

Attention all of you Domino fans: I just found out that the magazine will be publishing a new book titled "The Domino Book of Decorating". Unfortunately, we will have to wait until Fall 2008 for its release. The book is said to include "floor plans, before and after shots, and a wealth of lush photography". I wonder which of our favorite designers might be included in it?

With Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro editing it, it is sure to be a fun, stylish, and informative read.

See You Next Week!

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:02:00 +0000

I'm currently traveling this week so I won't be posting. See you next Monday!

Upcoming Book Releases

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:40:00 +0000

Have I said enough about all of the fabulous Fall book releases? There are so many great titles coming out that I just can't contain myself! I've listed a few in previous posts, but here are some more titles that are sure to be pleasers.

Design Directory of Window Treatments by Jackie Von Tobel. First, I'm excited about this book because Jackie is a Bibliostyle/Peak of Chic reader. Secondly, she has a wonderful blog (Jackie Blue Home). And most importantly, this book contains hundreds of renderings (done by Jackie herself) of every type of window treatment and component as well as definitions of terms. If that's not enough, there is an accompanying CD-ROM which allows you to create your own designs. Sounds like the perfect book for both reference and inspiration!

Axel Vervoordt: Timeless Interiors by Armelle Baron. Is there anyone who has influenced design over the past few decades more than Vervoordt? Although his style may be a bit stark for some, there is no denying the importance of this book in any design library. (Release date September 18, 2007)

Farrow & Ball: The Art of Color by Brian Coleman. According to the description, the book contains images of homes, castles, and cottages in which paint and paper play an important role in the overall scheme of the home. (Release Date September 15, 2007)

Moderne: Fashioning the French Interior by Sarah Schleuning. Ruhlmann, Mallet-Stevens, Perriand- these are but a few of the iconic early 20th c. designers whose work is covered here. Focusing on the early 20th c. French interior, the book features over 200 original plates of interiors created by these innovative design legends. This book will be a must-have for all of you modern design lovers. (Release Date October 25, 2007)

Colefax & Fowler- Interior Inspirations

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:33:00 +0000

If you love the English country look, or if you're a student of design, then you must add Colefax & Fowler- Interior Inspirations to your library. Written by the late Roger Banks-Pye of Colefax & Fowler, the book is filled with glorious photographs of sumptuously appointed and "veddy English" rooms. I realize that this look may not interest some, but as I've said before, nobody creates cozier rooms than the British. The rooms are a bit eccentric with some hodge-podge thrown in, but they look like they evolved over time. These homes are not the American, brand-spanking new look.

The book is divided into chapters based on color, furnishings, and decorative details. Practical advice abounds, which makes this book more than a lovely picture album. It is both instructive and inspiring which, in my opinion, is a winning combination. I hope you agree!

The drawing room in the country house of Banks-Pye, who said that he felt this room should be "cozy, warm and rather shabby". If this is shabby, I wouldn't mind having a room like this!

The London home of designer Valentino, designed by Banks-Pye. Valentino wanted the English look, and I think Banks-Pye certainly achieved it.

A gorgeous entryway with faux-marbre walls. And is that not an elaborate valance?

Elegant Eating- Four Hundred Years of Dining in Style

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:34:00 +0000

Elegant Eating: Four Hundred Years of Dining in Style by Philippa Glanville and Hilary Young is an exquisite book on the history of European fine dining and the related table accoutrements. Curious about how Europeans served sweetmeats? Or why one might need a set for wassail? Well, that and other dining curiosities (as well as the more mundane items) are all featured in this book. "Elegant Eating" is filled with numerous photographs of these dining relics, many of which are part of the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum. What really makes this book interesting, however, is that the authors wisely included historical drawings and paintings which help explain the origin, use, and popularity of these glorious dining accessories.

A Meissen porcelain centerpiece.

A Sevres dessert service- notice the cachepot-like vessels that were used to chill drinks and serve ice cream.

Various methods of keeping food warm: center and right: an argyle and a hot water plate used hot water to keep food warm; left: a heated iron block was another device.

Colefax & Fowler: The Best in English Interior Decoration

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:18:00 +0000

I was so excited to learn last week about the upcoming John Fowler book that I am currently re-reading Colefax & Fowler: The Best in English Interior Decoration by Chester Jones. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is building their design library. It provides the reader with a history of this illustrious design firm as well as the roles that Fowler, Sybil Colefax, and Nancy Lancaster played.

The English country look has fallen out of favor with many due to its overuse (and abuse) in the 1980s. I don't think that this is fair because the overall style is very gracious, very livable, and truly quite beautiful. And who can deny John Fowler's genius? Fowler was a very intellectual designer who was inspired by history as well as the history of design. He was not a designer who relied on design tricks, but rather he focused on functionality and beauty. Even if this type of look is not your "thing", I do think that many of Fowler's principles can be applied to a wide array of styles.

The drawing room at Tyninghame, Lothian, designed by John Fowler

A Colefax & Fowler designed room; the walls and sofa bed are covered in toile de Vence; the carpet is "Double Check Flash", a C&F design.

The drawing room of Mrs. Evangeline Bruce. This iconic apartment has inspired many designers.

Upcoming Book Releases

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:23:00 +0000

I'm always searching for upcoming book releases on Amazon, and here are a few that I'm particularly excited about.

John Fowler: Prince of Decorators by Martin Wood (release date: October 25). Really- what more needs to be said? Fowler was truly a design genius, and I have high hopes that this book will give us a detailed account of the life and style of this talented and erudite man.

Paint and Paper in Decoration by David Oliver (release date: October 23). I don't have much information on this book, but I do love wallpaper. I hope this book will be filled with photographs of beautiful and inventive uses of paint and paper, but I might look at it in the bookstore before I buy.

Poolside with Slim Aarons (release date: November 1). No one captured the spirit and joie de vivre of the jet set like the late Slim Aarons. A must have for those who collect Aarons' books.

Home: 50 Tastemakers Describe What It Is, Where It Is, What It Means by Stafford Cliff (release date: September 26). A glimpse into the homes of such notables as Jonathan Adler, Donatella Versace, Paul Smith, and Andree Putman- a very international bunch!

Park Avenue Potluck: With Recipes from New York's Savviest Hostesses by Florence Fabricant and the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering (release date: October 23). OK- I'm a sucker for a good book on entertaining, and I truly hope this one does not disappoint. With recipes for Scallop Puffs, Indulgent Spiced Pecans, Muffie's Chicken with Mustard and Lemon, and Bermuda Banana Pudding, this one looks like a keeper!

Dinner at Buckingham Palace

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:40:00 +0000

If you're a culinary historian, an Anglophile, or just someone who's curious about royalty, you might be interested in Dinner at Buckingham Palace. The book is a compilation of recipes, menus, and anecdotes about cooking and dining at the British royal palaces and homes, all of which were compiled from the diary and collection of Charles Oliver.

Oliver, whose father was a royal servant, began his career as a member of the personal staff of the Prince of Wales shortly after World War I. During his royal service, Oliver served King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, but his real passion was food and the royal kitchens, and throughout his life he kept detailed notes and diaries about all aspects of cooking for the Royal family.

For instance, did you know that Queen Elizabeth's breakfast usually consists of a fried egg, bacon, and tea? Or that she has an affinity for kippers? These are just a few of the trifles included in this book. What is most fun, though, are the many, many recipes. Mince Meat a la Royale, Turtle Soup, and Gelee de Gibier may be a bit complicated, but more contemporary recipes such as Eggs au Gratin, Filet de Sole Veronique, Macaroni au Gratin are included too. All in all, a fun, behind the scenes peek at dining royal style.

Book Chat

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:51:00 +0000

I'm sure most of you have seen the new issue of Domino by now (if not, you're in for a big treat!). In it, the editors polled fourteen designers on their favorite paint colors, decorating tricks, and other things, but my favorite section was on the designers' all-time favorite design books. Some of the books listed are favorites of many of us (Parish-Hadley: 60 Years of American Design; Vogue's Book of Houses, Garden, People), while there were a few that I was not familiar with. I'm including the list below (along with the respective designer whose favorite it is). I'm curious about your thoughts: are there any books listed that you don't like; were there some that were surprises? Let's dish!

Parish-Hadley: Sixty Years of American Design; cited by David Netto

Mark Hampton on Decorating; a favorite of Ruthie Sommers

Jansen; listed by Miles Redd (although he also likes "Jansen Decoration" too.)

Vogue's Book of Houses, Gardens, People; mentioned by Tom Scheerer and Rita Konig (if you have this book, do tell! I'm dying for a copy.)

Jean-Michel Frank; Delphine Krakoff

Horst: Interiors; one of Suzanne Rheinstein's favorites

Armand Albert Rateau- Allegra Hicks

Paint and Color in Decoration- Lili Diallo

David Hicks Living with Design; cited by Gil Schafer

Alberto Pinto: Classics- Antony Todd's favorite

David Hicks: Designer; Steven Gambrel

The New York Times Book of Interior Design and Decoration; Dara Caponigro

La Maison de Verre; Derek Sanders

Sixty Years of Interior Design: The World of McMillen

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:35:00 +0000

The design firm McMillen Inc. opened its doors for business in 1924, and today it is still one of the premier firms in the country. Founded by Eleanor McMillen Brown, the firm counted Albert Hadley, Natalie Davenport, and Kevin McNamara amongst its employees (Betty Sherrill, the doyenne of interior design, is still employed with McMillen today). One book which documents the history of McMillen is Sixty Years of Interior Design: The World of McMillen by Erica Brown (1982). (Another book on McMillen will be published by Acanthus Press in the future, and it will be written by Betty Sherrill's daughter, also a designer with McMillen Inc.)

While the firm's interiors tended to be on the traditional side, many of their designs look as though they were created today. Of course reading about the history of this illustrious firm is interesting, but what is fun is to see how everything old is new again!

Does this not look like it could be in a Kelly Wearstler interior of today?

Notice the design of the snappy valances which look quite similar to some we are seeing today.

The upholstery fabric, ceramic garden stool, and Moroccan poufs- all very much in vogue in 2007!

Dictator Style

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:03:00 +0000

Today's post is a little unusual in that it is all about bad (and I mean BAD) design. Dictator Style: Lifestyles of the World's Most Colorful Despots by Peter York is a tongue-in-cheek look at the terrible taste displayed by some of the world's worst dictators. I hope no one takes offense at my post, because these dictators' terrible deeds should not be forgotten. That said, I do think the trappings that these people chose for themselves are certainly an extension of their greed and their visions of self-importance.

Should you go out and add this to your design library? Probably not. It's obviously not a book that you'll refer to. But, if you have a friend with a twisted sense of humor, this book might be right up their alley. (And not to worry, good taste will return on Friday!)

Tito of Yugoslavia. What a mish-mash! And let's not get started on the taxidermy!

A ghastly room in the palace of Nicolae Ceausescu. Love the collection of porcelain clocks and the oil painting of his wife (did she recently graduate or something?).

Rug owned by Ceausescu. Yikes!

Imelda Marcos as Venus? Notice the coral encrusted bodice and the large shell she's holding- it's filled with mini family members!

Perfect Tables

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:49:00 +0000

If you want a true feast for the eyes, you must sneak a peek at William Yeoward's recently published book Perfect Tables: Tabletop Secrets, Settings and Centerpieces for Delicious Dining. To be perfectly honest, I bought the book for the glorious photographs- pure fantasy. However, Yeoward does provide a lot of practical advice about setting a beautiful table. For example, when Yeoward is giving a dinner for a large group, he extends the size of his table by using a false tabletop on top of his regular table- the false one is unpainted board covered in green felt. Want to add some whimsy to a table? Yeoward suggests using unusual or fun napkin rings to create a little levity. And yes, I know we all know this, but Yeoward also writes that one should decant honey and jam into pretty jars to add a stylish touch to one's table. Even if you're not one who enjoys entertaining, I think that "Perfect Tables" just might entice you to try your hand at creating a beautiful table setting.

(I'm not one for cutesy, but I do love these turkey napkin rings!)

What Are Your Favorite Design Books?

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:15:00 +0000

There are so many well-written design books that have been published through the years. And, if you're like me, you have so many favorites that it is almost impossible to choose the ones you like best (it's almost like being asked to choose which of your children you like most). That said, I do have a few that I refer to time and time again. There are actually no surprises to my list- my favorites are ones that I'm sure most of you have. But, seeing as I idolize Albert Hadley, Billy Baldwin, and Dorothy Draper, how could their books not be at the top of my list?? Here's my list, but please make sure to comment about your favorites. I would love to hear what you have to say!

Decorating is Fun!

Entertaining is Fun!: How to be a Popular Hostess

These seminal classics by Dorothy Draper are what first got me hooked on design. I have old, tattered copies, but I may purchase these rereleases because I so love their covers!

Parish-Hadley: Sixty Years of American Design

Sister Parish and Albert Hadley- enough said!

Billy Baldwin Decorates
Who doesn't count Billy Baldwin as one of their favorite decorators? The first edition copies are a little pricey (or, you can get one with a broken spine for a few dollars like I did), but a rerelease is due to be published this fall. Stay tuned.

Van Day Truex: The Man Who Defined Twentieth-Century Taste and Style

Truex was a major figure in 20th c. American design (Albert Hadley counted him as a mentor). Alas, not many people know about him anymore, but this is an interesting book.

Keith Irvine: A Life in Decoration

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:00:00 +0000

With an unabashed love of the traditional style, Keith Irvine has been one of the more prolific decorators over the past five decades. And fortunately for us, Irvine and his wife Chippy have written Keith Irvine: A Life in Decoration, a book which chronicles much of Keith's work.

As one half of the decorating firm Irvine & Fleming, Keith Irvine was an early champion of the WASPy, English-influenced, traditional yet comfortable look that was so prevalent throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s. Counting Jacqueline Kennedy, Joan Kennedy, and Pat and William Buckley among his clients, Irvine uses bright color and floral chintzes to create sophisticated and lively interiors. His best rooms, to me at least, are those that employ a black, red, and white color scheme with touches of animal prints (a few of which I've included below). And while many of you may not care for such ardent traditionalism, I do think that Irvine's sense of color as well as his skill at layering elements within a room are things that could translate well to more modern interiors.

Living room in the apartment of Keith Irvine. The regency chair in the foreground is one of Irvine's favorite antiques- it was purchased from Madeleine Castaing's Paris shop.

Irvine & Fleming design for a sitting room at a Kips Bay showhouse.

Irvine's Connecticut country house.

Bedroom in Irvine's Manhattan apartment

My Favorite Things

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:24:00 +0000

Some of the best reads are books by "personalities". Throughout the years, celebrities have written cookbooks, design books, and how-to-live tomes. One of the best of this genre is My Favorite Things by Dorothy Rodgers (wife of composer Richard Rogers). Rodgers' 1964 book is a rather comprehensive look at design and household management. Practical advice abounds, but this is really no surprise- after all, Rodgers was the woman who invented the johnny mop! Some of Rodgers' ideas seem a bit outdated, especially those that involve being a doting wife. There are also numerous recipes and menu ideas (again, a little dated), as well as suggestions for party games (Jotto anyone?). The most charming thing about this book, however, are the numerous drawings by famed illustrator Jeremiah Goodman. And just in case you were curious about the menu suggestions , I've included one for for a Formal Dinner:
*Cold filet of sole mousse with lobster sauce
*Breast of chicken on tongue with tarragon sauce
*French peas
*Parsleyed potato balls
*Raw mushroom and lettuce salad
*Assorted cheese
*Strawberry tart

The bedroom of Dorothy Rodgers

The modern living room of the Otto Premingers

A photo of the country home of the Rodgers- "Rockmeadow"

Illustration by Jeremiah Goodman

Syrie Maugham

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:32:00 +0000

Syrie Maugham ranks near the top of the pantheon of modern designers, and her work is still cited by designers for its inventiveness and modernity (especially for the early 20th c.). To me, it is rather surprising that there have been so few books written about Maugham and her work. One book that does provide us with an overview of her designs is Syrie Maugham by Richard B. Fisher. This 1978 tome includes biographical information (such as her tumultuous marriage to writer Somerset Maugham) as well as numerous photographs of her projects, including Maugham's iconic London drawing room. It was this particular room, decorated in whites and beiges, that brought Maugham renown.

If you can find a copy of this scarce book, be prepared to pay top dollar for it. Fortunately, Acanthus Press will be publishing a book of Maugham (written by Pauline Metcalfe) in the near future.

Maugham's drawing room at 213 King's Road. The monochromatic color scheme and pickled furniture was rather revolutionary for the time.

The entrance hall at Maugham's flat, 24 Park Lane, London.

Maugham's drawing room at The Pavilion, her country home. The walls were pink, the curtains ivory, and the upholstery was "apple green and dull red". The stag's head is thought to be by Oliver Messel.

The bedroom of Mrs. I.M. Sieff, London. Maugham was responsible for what the book calls the "soft furnishings"in this room.

The dining room that Maugham decorated for her daughter. Notice the white rococco fireplace and the brackets that hold Nymphenberg porcelain.

Legendary Decorators of the Twentieth Century

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:15:00 +0000

One of my very favorite books is Legendary Decorators of the Twentieth Century by the late Mark Hampton (a legend in his own right). The book is a survey of some of the 20th century's most iconic decorators, including Elsie de Wolfe, McMillen, Albert Hadley, David Hicks, and Madeleine Castaing. Hampton's text is both informative as well as witty. Not only do you learn biographical information about each designer, but you really get a sense of what inspired each decorator as well as hallmarks of that designer's style. What is most charming about this book, though, are the watercolor illustrations of each decorator's most defining rooms. Painted by Hampton, these little gems are quite detailed, and they give a whole new perspective to these legendary rooms.

(If you're a fan of Hampton's watercolors, you might also be interested in The Art of Friendship by Hampton's wife Duane. The book is filled with whimsical watercolors that Hampton gave as gifts to friends and family.)

The Manhattan drawing room of Rose Cumming

A red dining room by Frances Elkins

The living room of Albert Hadley (from the 1970s)

A Paris drawing room designed by Renzo Mongiardino

A Fifth Avenue Entrance Hall designed by Elsie Cobb Wilson

Private Splendor

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:05:00 +0000

One recently published book that I've really enjoyed, and one that has not garnered a lot of attention, is Private Splendor: Great Families at Home by Alexis Gregory (founder of Vendome Press). Billed as an inside look into some of Europe's grandest private homes, the book is filled with glorious photos of sumptuous interiors. Some of the estates featured include Harewood House in Yorkshire, England, Palazzo Gangi in Palermo, Italy, and the amazing Schloss St. Emmeram in Regensburg, Bavaria. The homes all have that old, refined look that is, well, very European. Will you glean any decorating tips from this book? Probably not, but what this book does provide is fantasy and that's the beauty of it.

The Yellow Drawing Room in Harewood House, Yorkshire, England. Robert Adam, who was involved in much of the design of the home, designed the carved marble fireplace, the demi-lune tables, and the rug in this room.

Beautiful silver displayed in the Imperial Room of Chateau de Haroue, Lorraine, France. The room was so named as it was used by Prince Charles Juste de Beauveau (owner of the home) to receive Napoleon III.

The dining room of Palazzo Gangi, Italy.

The Galleria in the Palazzo Sacchetti, Rome, Italy.

Palacio Fronteira just outside of Lisbon, Portugal.

Upcoming Book Releases

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:00:00 +0000

Here are just a few upcoming book releases that I'm excited about- it looks like it's going to be a good Fall!

Elle Decor So Chic: Glamorous Lives, Stylish Places by Margaret Russell. Release date: October 14. Includes the homes of Roberto Cavalli, Muriel Brandolini, Michael Smith, and Donatella Versace. Fun!

Jansen Furniture by James Archer Abbott. Release date: September 1. This book is the follow up to "Jansen", part of Acanthus Press' 20th c. Decorator Series. According to the publisher, the book focuses on the furniture designs and individual commissions of Maison Jansen.

Bunny Williams' Point of View by Bunny Williams. Release date: October 1. Bunny showed us her amazing country home in An Affair with a House, now we will get to see her work in her clients' homes from her thirty year career!

Tony Duquette by Wendy Goodman. Release date: October 1. A look at the late, great Tony Duquette whose work was characterized by pure fantasy.

Tiffany Table Settings

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 07:30:00 +0000

I thought it only fitting that the first book reviewed here should be Tiffany Table Settings (Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1960). After all, it was the first vintage design book that I purchased for my library many years ago.

Tiffany & Co. has a tradition of inviting top designers and society hostesses to create tables at the Fifth Ave. store which incorporate Tiffany's merchandise- china, crystal, silver. These exhibits were especially popular back in the late 1950s and 1960s. "Tiffany Table Settings" is a compilation of the best of the best and features table settings and vignettes created by such socially prominent women as Brooke Astor, Babe Paley, and Mrs. Gilbert Miller. Some of the most inventive tables and vignettes, however, were designed by the leading decorators of the day- Billy Baldwin, McMillen Inc., Sister Parish, and William Pahlmann. I've included a few of my favorite photos from the book. Unfortunately, most of the photos are black and white, which was quite common for books published at this time. And while some of the table settings may look rather dated, the inspiration behind them- that a beautiful table never fails to excite- is just as relevant today.

"Japanese Bride and Groom Entertain Guest from the West", by Joseph Lombardo Inc.

"Homage a Matisse" by Billy Baldwin

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" vignette by Babe Paley

"Time Out" by Sister Parish

"The Elaborate Buffet in a Small City Apartment" by Tiffany & Co.

"Luncheon on a Tole Table" by Diana Vreeland

Welcome to Biblio Style!

noreply@blogger.com (The Peak of Chic) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 07:15:00 +0000

Welcome Biblio Style readers! For me, books are one of life's greatest pleasures, and I know that I am certainly not alone. There are all kinds of bibliophiles- those who collect first edition works of fiction, or travelogues, or even children's books. But for many of us, our literary passion is more lifestyle oriented, meaning design, decorative arts, entertaining, style, and cooking. I know that I for one can't stop reading or collecting these gems. I hope to make Biblio Style a blog that will feature some of my favorite books, but I hope too to be able to learn about new ones from you.

Books on design and the domestic arts may focus on life's more genteel pleasures, but really, doesn't that make life a lot more fun?