Interiors: Jackie Astier Tops Elle Decor Faves of 2012

Indeed. It’s hard to let go of the past, which is why I’m taking one last romp through 2012. I think you’ll find it worth the effort.

Recently, Elle Decor enlisted several designers and bloggers to choose their favorite rooms from the pages of its 2012 issues. Rising to the top of the list was Jackie Astier’s Manhattan apartment. Of the final 30 rooms, Jackie can claim 4 – more than any other home. Here’s why:

The space is gorgeous – so gorgeous, in fact, that I’m shamelessly posting it almost a year later.

In another design intersection, Jackie undoubtedly relied on her daring fashion sensibilities to decorate the apartment’s interiors. Lacquered walls, shining surfaces, and natural textures set the backdrop for vintage furnishings and lots of bling. "I wanted the place to have an easy glamour about it, more Paris in the 1970s than the '40s..." Forties, seventies, two-thousand-teens… This place is fabulous no matter the decade.

"I’d rather die than do anything typical." - Jackie Astier

Jackie's design mantra is all about personal style and bold choices, which may be why her home is so popular among design aficionados. Personally, it reminds me to not hold back – be a rock star. I invite you to do the same in 2013!

Images: Eric Piasecki

Interiors: L'Wren Scott's Paris Apartment

In honor of L'Wren Scott's new fragrance launched earlier this month, I dipped into the archives for this Vogue editorial featuring her Paris apartment.

As a stylist and fashion designer, L'Wren is no stranger to mixing and matching beautiful things, whether furniture and accessories or the notes of her perfume. "Patchouli, tuberose, leather, moss, Absinthe, rose—there are all kinds of things in there, but it’s about how you mix the elements." Similarly, she combines mid-century furniture, antiques, and family heirlooms to create the perfect Parisian pad.

Despite sharing the home with her long-time partner, Mick Jagger, L'Wren injects glamour and feminine touches throughout. In an intersection between décor and fashion, she had the taffeta curtains dyed by the same silk manufacturers used for her signature evening dresses.

As for the wildly glamorous glass bath, that can be credited to Mick, who bought the Art Deco ensemble back in the 70s. L'Wren had the collection of door panels, mirrored cabinets, and tiles retrofitted for the apartment. Yeah, it’s pretty amazing.

Images: François Halard

Interiors: Mid-Century Modern in Milan

Marni’s director of special projects, Carolina Castiglioni, chose simple surroundings when creating a home for her young family in Milan. The white walls of the former ceramics factory serves as a gallery-like backdrop for vintage furnishings, "When we renovated, our idea was to create a modern, clean environment for our favorite pieces." The resulting space combines mid-century modern furniture, a little glamour, and a few eclectic touches.

(Above) Of course, Marni is a major part of Carolina’s wardrobe. Not only is she the director of special projects, but her mother, Consuelo, is Marni’s designer. (Below) The lacquered dining table doubles as a desk.

(Above) Carolina and her son in the stainless steel kitchen she designed with the help of architects. I love the luster of the cabinetry and the statement-making chandelier. A similar one can be found in the master bathroom.

Images: (1, 3, 5-7) Emma Hardy, NYT, (2, 4) Elle Decor Italia

Interiors: An Asian-Inspired Jewel Box

In a departure from the white backdrop of recently featured interiors, today’s design uses a rich, jewel toned palette. The Manhattan apartment of designer Alex Papachristidis showcases his style to a tee with plenty of pattern and lush fabrics. I’m particularly fond of the living and dining rooms. Here, Alex uses purple (yay!) to unify both spaces while incorporating an array of violets and blues among Asian-inspired pieces.

While some may shy away from the overly ornate, Alex balances various patterns and furnishings with a congruent ease. The key: a harmonious color palette. Almost everything is from the same part of the color wheel ranging from blue to red.

The walls of the dining room are covered in purple wool and finished with nailhead trim – a great idea for any small space. With its chandelier and dark lacquered pieces, the room reminds me of David Kaihoi’s equally stunning, yet tiny, apartment.

What do you think? Too busy?

Images: Richard Powers, Elle Decor

Interiors: A Light and Glamorous Melbourne Apartment

Today’s post features the work of one of my favorite designers, Australia’s David Hicks. While I do have a penchant for the “dark and sexy,” this apartment proves that bright, serene spaces can be just as glamorous. With his use of a lighter palette and shimmering surfaces, Hicks gives iconic, mid-century pieces luxurious new life.

"I love modernist design from the 50’s - How pared back minimalist spaces were overlaid with Persian rugs, knoll furniture, antiques and chandeliers. Very glamorous." - David Hicks

"I enjoy what I do so tend to bring that into every aspect of my life. I am constantly perfecting modern luxury." - David Hicks

Images: Shannon McGrath
Quotes: Meade Design Group