Tag Archives: Vintage Design

With a Bow

August 5, 2008UncategorizedVintage DesignMrs. Blandings

My Mitford sisters obsession continues. Now that I am reading Decca’s letters I’m anxious to move on to the works of the other sisters to see their perspective. While all of this is skitting through my head, I remembered Jennifer’s post of last year on Debo’s (also a Mitford sister) home.

Her post was flawless, as usual, but what struck me was the similarity of these rooms to Cindy Sutherland’s. I am a bear of very little brain, and it’s not as if I’d get the rooms confused, they just very much have the same feel to me. I’m just saying.
Images courtesy of the Peak of Chic, originally from World of Interiors.

Past Due

July 30, 2008UncategorizedProduct, Vintage DesignMrs. Blandings

After I mentioned Suzanne loaning me some of her vintage design books, I received an email from a reader asking me which design books I would recommend. This is a little tricky, but let’s start with Suzanne’s stack. I adored The Power of Style, though it is not really a design book. Billy Baldwin – most definitely and it is a delight to read. (Yes, read.) Vogue, how could I have doubted you and your astronomical price tag? I’m not sure I can say it’s worth every penny, but it is very, very good. World of Interiors, yes. Hicks? Actually, I prefer the newer one for all the reasons his son mentions in the forward. I know it’s sacrilege, but I would pass on this.

Now, mine. The thing is, to me, a design book doesn’t have to be a home run to win me over. A few good images can keep it near and dear to my heart.

Home – a fabulous read I wish I’d thought of myself. Browning’s book, de Wolfe, Hampton (mine is a signed first edition – I’m showing off) and the Van Day Truex bio all have amazing content. Tarlow has some of the best decorating advice ever. Ever. Well Lived Life I refer to often. So Chic allowed me to clear out most of my Elle Decor tear sheets; it’s all in there.

Any of the vintage House and Garden books should be snapped up, but the 1960 is my favorite. Inspirational Interiors I would clutch to my bosom as I fled my burning house assuming my family was safe. Gomez, absolutely wonderful. Again, Baldwin, this time “Remembers” is a delight – more to read than to look at, though there are knock-out rooms as well.

Adore Southern Accent’s Color. Adore. Hoppen’s Perfect Neutrals is a new favorite and I love the way she has compiled so many designers’ work. Influential Interiors is essential. The aforementioned Hicks is a must have as is Smith’s Elements of Style and Rooms to Inspire does just that.

A few are too large for the under-the-window-seat shelf (which is just to the left of my desk – handy) and are on the bookshelf just behind. von Kersting’s book is a complete delight and I almost feel like I have to wear white cotton gloves when I look at it. The paperback binding will surely not withstand my constant pawing. Farrow & Ball is gorgeous.

These I had on my desk for a while, but, as I am so messy, they kept taking up space I need to pile, well, stuff.

Albert Hadley I go back to again and again and the new Vogue Living keeps offering up surprises every time I am on the hunt. I have so many on my wish list, the first being the Parish Hadley. As you can see, I need it.

I did not link to all of these books because the post would have looked like it was hit with buckshot and I couldn’t stand it. I believe if you click on the photos you can see each spine clearly.

Before and After

April 29, 2008UncategorizedDesigners, Vintage DesignMrs. Blandings

I have not read it cover to cover, merely flipped back and forth and oohhed and ahhhed. The HG Complete Guide to Interior Decoration, 1960 is a gem. A few images caught my eye. I’m pretending they’ve inspired some modern day masters. The image above is Violet Searcy.

Whom my big city friend is unlikely to know, but I think his Sag Harbor living room has a similar feel. It’s a bit hard to tell from the camera angle. Trust me.

The Raleigh Tavern room in Williamsburg is certainly color cousins to Sallie Giordano’s work in Farrow and Ball’s The Art of Color.

Edward Wormley designed the room below.

It is just me, or can you see the influence on the Gambrel room?

Natural wall covering, punchy pillows, sculptural lamps?

This is one of my favorite rooms in the book.

Which Bunny William’s barn seems to echo.

The space, above, designed by Richard Kelly, is just as striking as the much blogged Paltrow Hampton’s hangout below.

There are a few images with charming chintzes. This one, likely a multi-colored floral, still reminds me of Peter Dunham’s fabrics.

There’s sure to be more to follow as the book is truly a treasure. As is it’s giver.

Four for You, One for Me

April 21, 2008Uncategorizeddesign books, Vintage DesignMrs. Blandings

Saturday is Kansas City’s Dining by Design. A while ago, the most charming gentleman called me and asked if I could do a table. I was thrilled! I was flattered! I was chairing something else the same night. Darn. But, I would be happy to make a donation to their silent auction.

But what to get for the party guests who, presumably, have everything? A chic and sophisticated crowd, I needed to put some thought into what to donate. Nearly anything I would want to pass along would not be fitting for this soiree.

Also, icky to just pick up something new. Think, think, think. Ah ha! Vintage design books. Some folks will have their own collection, but the hunting and gathering does sometimes stand in the way of what one wants and what one has the time to find.

So, off to Spivey’s, a most wonderful spot that carries rare, out of date, and, ok, used books. Also, a fine selection of maps and vintage and antique prints. You could stay and hunt for hours if you had the time. There is always at least one dog there and sometimes more, which is just plain right. If I ever own my own business, I’m taking my dog to work.

Up the stairs, down the hall past military and U.S. history is architecture, city planning and interior design. The interior design books are actually in a closet with the door removed. I’ve never been, not once, when I didn’t walk away with something very good.

One time, many years ago, I stumbled across Mark Hampton’s On Decorating. First Edition. Signed. If not the Honus Wagner card of design books, certainly in the top ten.

For Dining by Design I picked up Colefax and Fowler, The Best in English Interior Design, House and Garden’s Complete Guide to Interior Decoration, Inspirational Interiors by Roger Banks-Pye of Colefax and Fowler and House and Garden’s Best in Decoration. I also acquired AD’s Designers’ Own Homes, published in 1984. There is room in the nifty tote that goes with, but, well, it has this house of Hadley’s and I’m not sure I can part with it. I guess you’ll have to stop in to find out just how altruistic I am.

20.51, or the Better Half of 41

February 20, 2008UncategorizedVintage DesignMrs. Blandings

In the last of my presidential posts, I have to give a little shout-out to Barbara Bush. As I mentioned before, my dad has had to opportunity to work on every presidential election since 1960.

He has always spoken very kindly of Barbara Bush. In his experience, she was always lovely and gracious to the press. Not everyone is. He has recounted witnessing her watch election results sitting on the floor while campaign insiders buzzed about.

In June, 1989, House & Garden showcased the Bush’s home in Kennebunkport. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Bush myself, the image, below, seems to reflect my dad’s impression. (I don’t know if there was a designer involved on the project, but I’m getting a little Sister Parish vibe off this. I will now think all houses in Maine are appointed this way.)

I don’t care for women who put on airs, be they First Ladies or grade school mommies. I’d much rather sit on the floor and dish with the gal wearing a big double-strand of pearls.