Glam it up: Rhapsody Preview Part II

Kelly Wearstler fans: If you have yet to pick up a copy of Rhapsody, here are a few more pics to tide you over. The varying styles demonstrate that although Kelly has a distinct aesthetic, she’s able to uniquely apply it based on the needs of each project. Rhapsody walks you through this creative process in Kelly’s own words.

Still life of four graphic Kelly Wearstler dinnerware settings.

Soulful periwinkle bar sparkles with its many metal details and citron chairs.

Be open to unusual color combinations and to strong, confident hues. Never allow rules about color usage to restrict your self-expression. – Kelly Wearstler, Rhapsody

Artful hand–painted wall covering in a guest bedroom.

Newly commissioned Sheila Hicks wall tapestry grounds a tranquil sitting room.

Book–matched onyx coexists with a variety of graphic marbles in this serenely timeless lady’s grand bathroom.

The shape of something, and the way your eye and your spirit reacts to it, is as important to the soul of a room as the color on its walls. Whether it’s the lovely soft curve of a female nude, the sharp, graphic edges of an art deco chair, or the geometric pattern on a marble floor, our visual senses are constantly observing and absorbing the ebb and flow, the sometimes subtle, sometimes strident interplays of our tactile environment. – Kelly Wearstler, Rhapsody

See my first Rhapsody preview for more pics from the book.

Images: Rizzoli

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

Glam it up: A Peek Inside Kelly Wearstler's Rhapsody

Remember this post back in August? Well, the moment is almost upon us. Kelly Wearstler’s latest tome, ‘Rhapsody,’ is set to be released in less than two weeks (the 23rd to be exact)! Thanks to the L.A. Times, I can temper my giddiness with gorgeous teaser photos from the book. You’ll notice pics of Kelly's Mercer Island project as well as brand new eye candy. Enjoy!

"'Rhapsody' is about a bunch of things — different periods, scales and textures — coming together to create a beautiful space." - Kelly Wearstler

Here's a great example of one of Kelly's infamous vibe trays. It includes hardware, stone, fabric, and paint choices for the sitting room pictured below. She opts for the fluidity of objects in a tray rather than tacking things to an inspiration board.

"I want to inspire people to take risks and to create an environment that feels spirited. Mixing antiques, vintage and contemporary design pieces and art is honoring our past and embracing the future. You end up with a much more soulful interior." - Kelly Wearstler

Images: Rizzoli, Hat Tip: L.A. Times

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Interiors: Eve Reid's UN Plaza Apartment

The latest issue of NYC&G takes us inside one of the most famous addresses in Manhattan, 860-870 United Nations Plaza. Decorator Tom Scheerer compares the building’s ageless glamour to that of Miami’s Fontainebleau Hotel and advised homeowner Eve Reid to purchase an available unit stat. As an art consultant, Eve has a great appreciation of the building’s mid-century architecture and filled the two-bedroom apartment with classic pieces of the same period. I love the incorporation of pop art, other bits of whimsy, and, of course, breathtaking East River views!

Images: Joseph De Leo, NYC&G

Interiors: Lauren Santo Domingo's Paris Duplex

Speaking of APT with LSD, Lauren’s own home was featured in the September issue of Vogue. You may have seen her New York apartment (posted here and here), but Vogue now takes us inside her Paris duplex, which serves as home base 4-5 times a year. Two words: I wish! Wow. It’s so bright and glamorous with lots of references to the French modern aesthetic that I love so much.

The space, which is conveniently located upstairs from Lauren’s in-laws, was designed by legendary decorator Francois Catroux. "The architecture was beautiful; I didn’t want to change that." Agreed! So, the designer set out to renovate the entire apartment while painstakingly preserving all architectural detail including the 18th-century plasterwork.

What the apartment lacks in color, it certainly makes up for in texture, shape, and artwork. Modern art and sculpture can be found everywhere – from the fireplace mantel to the dining room table to the bedroom walls. Its contrast to the home's architecture keeps stodginess at bay while creating yet another one-of-a-kind, slightly whimsical, urban retreat for the Santo Domingo clan!

Images: Oberto Gili, Vogue

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