In the New York Times article "Free the Blue Room," writer and Domino magazine editor Deborah Needleman argues for a more modern aesthetic for the White House. Unfortunately, this is no simple task. Why? Because so many previous generations of White House first ladies have shown little imagination in decorating the capital home, since the initial redecoration in 1962 by Jackie Kennedy.
In order to revive the cringe-worthy decor of the White House, reports Needleman, Jackie Kennedy cleverly framed her dramatic makeover as an historical renovation, and had Congress designate the White House as a museum. Unfortunately, since this time, following first ladies have interpreted the preservationist mandate as something not to be tampered with. Thus, the White House's style has languished under a style that, while under Jackie's eye and stylish guidance, looked lovely, but in subsequent interpretations, has gone slightly sour.
To read more about Needleman's recommendations, and to see a video of Jackie Kennedy giving a tour of the White House, read more
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. . . would you set this 1950s Oversized Stone and Cement Chess Set ($10,750) in your garden? Personally, I find it not only entertaining but quite chic — especially if you have a formal garden to go with it!
When a UK couple (a musician and a cook) wanted to make their home a reflection of their creative spirit, they turned to London architect Simon Conder, whose work has included turning barn buildings and granaries into sleek, modern homes. The project: to create a sleek, inspirational home behind the abandoned West London Holland Park fire station.
The architectural solution for the space involved creating a rooftop conservatory in the center of the building plan. This way, the light from the roof could filter down into the rest of the house's floors, permeating all levels with sunlight. A further sense of lightness was added by utilizing glass for flooring. Best of all, the dramatic rooftop conservatory retracts in fair weather, creating a roof garden. With sleek, minimalist design, clever storage solutions such as the home's three-story storage wall, and gorgeous stone staircases, this home is definitely a coveted crib, and a great example of how modern architecture can naturally, and beautifully, fit in with structures from previous centuries.
For more information on this architect, check out Simon Conder; Sensitivity and Invention by Penny McGuire, and for more images of this home, check out the gallery.
I have died and gone to real estate heaven. Haute couturier Christian Lacroix has put his 2,150-square-foot apartment in the tragically hip and fashion-centric Marais district of Paris on the market for nearly $2.6 million. I couldn't help but snoop around for photos, and I almost wish I hadn't: the pad has the unrivaled style of a Carrie Bradshaw ensemble and is plush with original Parisian details such as gilded moldings and French doors opening onto petite balconies. It's also steps from the Picasso Museum and Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. Apparently Monsieur Lacroix has already moved to another apartment in the 'hood; why he'd want to, I don't know. But, I'm sure Lacroix will carry his theatrical style — and fabulous furnishings — wherever he goes. Check out photos of la maison when you read more
Luella
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