Markham Roberts, Decorating the way I see it.

The fine folks at Vendome Press recently sent me a copy of Markham Roberts new book, Decorating the way I see it, and I spent a happy evening perusing Robert's trademark 'un-decorated' style.

While Roberts modestly claims in the book to not have a trademark style I would disagree.  Each house has the style of its' homeowner graciously pulled together by the talent of the designer.

I hate those blogpost spoilers you so often see that share every image in the book; why purchase the book then? Seen highlighted in this post is one project seen in the book out of many that was previously published by House Beautiful (seen HERE).

The house was originally designed by noted architect H.T. Lindeberg (about whom I have blogged many times HERE) in the Locust Valley section of Long Island and retains all of the era's charm and graceful proportions.

The book is split into HOW Roberts works and starts practically, with the room's floorplan (seen above). Nothing fancy is needed.  The designer sketched the furniture to scale over a drafted floorplan to see how the room functions and what scale of furniture was required.

 The house is a charming brick structure. The room in question is the side wing seen above.

A true sign of any designer's talent is how they live themselves. The last few chapters of the book are devoted to Robert's own homes and the sneak peaks are delightful, particularly his private dressing room seen below where all of his interests collide.

The book Markham Roberts, Decorating the way I see it, is a delightful read full of Robert's obvious charm, modesty, and wit with a peak at some of his many projects which don't scream 'decorated' but rather are gracious homes where people can actually LIVE.
All photography in the book and this post by Nelson Hancock 

Manhattan Classic, New York's Finest Prewar Apartments

I was very excited to recently receive a copy of Princeton Architectural Press's new book "Manhattan Classic" by Geoffrey Lynch, pictured below, (from the firm H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture) which features the best 'Prewar' apartment buildings in NYC.

This well organized book starts with a map of NYC which shows the location of the buildings covered. Each chapter then features an exemplary floorplan of the prime unit in each building as well as photos of additional apartments.  In many ways it reminds me a lot of Washingon, DC's version of this (our real estate bible!) Best Addresses by James Goode (another book I can't recommend more highly!)

For architectural floorplan lovers like me you won't be able to put this book down - pure floorplan porn with over 84 apartments featured!

Some of the images you may recognize such as this apartment from 998 Fifth Avenue but it's interesting to see them placed within their buildings and area of the city -putting a name to the face so to speak. I love this dining room above and the staircase located within the same duplex apartment, seen below, is even more stunning!

Some people may sneer at apartment living as 'small' but this book proves that the dwellers of these apartments aren't missing out on anything from a single family home!  Pick up your own copy of the book today and settle down with a glass of wine to study the floorplans; I promise you won't regret it!!

Nina Campbell at Waterworks, DC

A few evenings ago I had the privilege to attend a book signing of Nina Campbell's new book at the beautiful Waterworks Georgetown showroom in Cady's Alley. Meeting the talented but surprisingly down-to-earth Mrs Campbell was such a treat as she really is one of the most prolific and important designers working today.

Introducing Nina Campbell was founder of Waterworks, the talented Barbara Sallick, seen to the right. Waterworks will have some exciting changes later this year but I was sworn to secrecy! Look for more news on that later. As always the showroom was inspiring -every tile or fixture you see is more beautiful than the last!

Please pick up a copy of this book, Nina Campbell Interiors, as you won't be disappointed. The inspiring work is comfortable and pretty (that word that terrifies architects world-wide) with a tinge of glamour captured beautifully by Simon Brown's photography.
Sadly I missed seeing my friend Michele of My Notting Hill but see her writeup of the event HERE.

Thomas Pheasant: Simply Serene

I was so excited to receive a copy of internationally renowned local designer Thomas Pheasant's book, Simply Serene, that I sat down and read it immediately upon opening! Pheasant is well known for his contemporary classical work that is precisely the style I admire most as well as his beautiful collections of furniture for Baker Furniture.

The book is organized into chapters and even sub chapters in an organized fashion that one expects from Pheasant based on his work. The formality ends there though as the book is intimately written on his musings on design, his background, and what got him to where he is today.

Pheasant finds inspiration everywhere and is not shy about sharing his secrets with the reader. While the book features huge lush color images that invite the viewer to study them in detail, every 3rd image or so is in black and white so one can focus on the form or actual design of the space in question.

Included in the back of the book was a great surprise: under the "perfection" chapter a number of before & after projects shown in succession so that you can see just where his work and vision begins. Pheasant believes that before the decorating begins, the space and architecture must be right. I couldn't agree more!

While symmetry abounds in the book I was particularly drawn to the b&w image above of a asymmetrical hallway with interior window, skylight, paneling, and beautiful detailing. This is what doing it right looks like! Pick up your copy today and devote some time to learning from a master!
Photography provided by Durston Saylor and Thomas Pheasant.