You do need to let me know if you tire of these vintage posts. I’m less than halfway through my boxes; at the advice of a friend I started with House and Garden. I’ve ripped more pages than I know how to store of the greats, Hampton, Parish, Hadley and Hicks. Celebrities like Vreeland and Chanel. But I’m captivated by this do-it-yourselfer.
There are whole issues of these magazines that I recycle without pulling a single page. (I was conflicted about keeping them, then Jennifer said, “bugs” and the decision was made.) Some things simply don’t translate.
Lussier’s Boston apartment once belonged to Richard Avedon, but the star quality is his own design. As an owner of a frame studio, he admits to an artistic eye, but does not accept the label “decorator.”
He apparently tried working for others, but was dissatisfied with the results. “It takes an unusual temperament to accept something this soft. This is my little workshop.” I have always had an unusual temperament. His workshop suits me just fine.
Painted chairs and a brown wood table always seem just right to me, a perfect combination. So much of this apartment is on my hit parade; animal prints, satin, brown, gilt frames, crystal chandeliers, the great touch of turquoise and, always, a million great chairs.
The bedroom walls seem to be the only thing that gives away the age of these images. If the walls were a little more orange and a little less peach, you’d never know this was published almost 20 years ago.
These rooms are an inspiration to me. Not a professional decorator. No prestigious design degree. Just a guy creating his own sanctuary. Beautifully. Trying new things, painting them, moving them around. I think we can do that. I think we can educate our own eyes and create our own homes.
I did google Mr. Lussier. No other articles appear, but it looks as if he still owns his frame shop in Boston. My hat is off to him.
Photographs by Oberto Gili.
Great post Mrs Blandings, he has true talent. His home is gorgeous!
What a great design accomplishment, to have decor that does not look dated 20 years later. I enjoyed this post.
Lovely! I could move right in and love it!
I could never tire of these carefully selected ‘vintage’ posts since I missed most of them the first time around! That house is an inspiration – and not dated at all!! Beautiful! A good way to start off a day 🙂
Just as fresh 20 years later! Beautiful home.
(Sorry to spoil the fun with the bug issue!)
Oh, no, didn’t spoil the fun – just made me dig in. Mr. Blandings is forever grateful.
i love how light this house, but with lots of classic pieces.
Meg – yes, I think the whole thing is genius.
You have a gold mine here. I’ll never tire of these. So informative and inspirational.
Courtney – I agree. I will say, the mass of it is making me very picky.