I’ve written about “the mix” before. I absolutely adore the European style of mixing traditional and modern design elements.
Clearly, I must add the book FRENCH ACCENTS to my interior design library.
Can we talk about the moldings in this living room? Stunning!
Felicia and I met a few years ago through a friend in NYC. She’s wicked smart, funny, and has a killer sense of style. Along with being a ridiculously talented writer, Felicia is also a gifted photographer, baker, and cook.
Felicia recently left her high-powered/profile job and is traveling in Italy and France for three weeks. It’s not easy to walk away from something that looks great on paper (especially in this economy). It takes a certain kind of fearlessness to step toward the unknown.
I love her blog. The way Felicia writes about life, love, food, etc. is extraordinary.
I just read her Florence dispatch and I all I have to say is, “I need to book a train ticket pronto.” I hope her writing and her photos will inspire you.
Buon Weekend!
Audrey Hepburn’s son, Luca Dotti, has edited a book about his famous mother.
“Audrey In Rome” has over two hundred photographs, many of them never published before, taken during the time Ms. Hepburn lived in the Eternal City.
Ms. Hepburn was a resident in Rome for over twenty years after marrying, Dr. Andrea Dotti, an Italian psychiatrist.
I cannot wait to buy this book filled with photos of Rome and of fashion from the ’50s to the ’70s. The release date is April 16th.
Hope you have a stylish and fantastic weekend.
Book Cover: Audrey In Rome
Mamma mia, what a week. It’s been non-stop since the Italian holiday season officially ended last Sunday with the Befana.
There was a lot of running around picking out fabrics, butchering the Italian language when I met with the drapes/sofa maker, writing budgets, and following up on a million things that were put on hold before the holidays.
My siblings and in-laws asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I have a bunch of design books on my wish list. The first batch of the books arrived last week (thanks fam!). I cannot wait to dig in.
This is my kind of homework.
Now I just have to find the time to sit back with a ice-filled glass of Coke, some San Carlo Rustica chips and start reading.
I do have a laptop, a phone, and other modern electronics, but I love putting pen to paper.
For a while I tried to keep a To-Do-List on my computer. However, for some reason, I kept going back to using legal pads to make my long lists. It made no sense to have two lists going. I had to get organized.
Moleskin Daily Planner
Finally, a few weeks ago I bought a Moleskine Planner.
I’m a big Moleskine fan.
Moleskine Daily Planner
This one book has helped me so much. I like being able to physically cross things off my list as I complete them.
Design-wise, I adore the stylish simplicity. These well crafted books are made without distracting bells and whistles.
Are you old-school too or a computer only type of list maker?
Summers in France
Summers In France is a fabulous read.
Along with photos of gorgeous interiors, there are recipes, tips on how to be a gracious hostess and guest, and information about the amazing markets near Ms. Ireland’s summer home in the Tarn-et-Garonne region of Southwestern France.
I really appreciated the before and after photos. Ms. Ireland has taken a rundown farm house and turned it into a wonderful home.
If you’ve seen Ms. Ireland on the show “Million Dollar Decorators”, you know she has a very vivacious personality. This comes through in the book. It’s clear she loves to entertain and to make her guests feel at home.
The house is beautifully decorated but there is nothing stuffy about it. It’s not easy to pull off the combo of comfortable yet chic. I’ve flagged quite a few pages in this book.
Sigh, I cannot wait until I can have my own home in the countryside.
Victoria Hagan is one of the most respected interior designers in America. Since founding her firm 20 years ago, Ms. Hagan has built a reputation for designing classic yet modern spaces.
Victoria Hagan Interior Portraits
All photos: victoriahagan.com
I love her work and couldn’t wait to read her book.
I highly recommend it.
Ms. Hagan’s book showcases three portfolios, Waterside, City, and Country. Of course, I was drawn immediately to the Waterside chapters. Speechless.
Gorgeous living room in Nantucket
I think “Stylish Simplicity” when I study Ms. Hagan’s work. Her use of strong silhouettes and interesting textures is inspiring. I also like how she mixes pieces from different eras, yet the spaces are cohesive.
These homes look like places people actually live in, not like a showroom or a museum.
Columbus Circle, New York City.
