duchess fare: December 2017

'From Classic to Contemporary'

Monday, December 18, 2017

The third published work from authors Ellie Cullman and Tracey Pruzan, From Classic to Contemporary: Decorating with Cullman & Kravis, is a must-add title to your gift giving list! Having received numerous accolades during her lengthy career since founding her firm in 1984, Ms. Cullman is joined with Ms. Pruzan, a senior designer for Cullman & Kravis for over 20 years, and collectively, the pair expertly present more of a design textbook than a traditional "coffee table" read. A true page turner, their successful & seasoned experience further deepens the conversation on navigating and celebrating the relationship of when familiar interiors meet forward design.

Showcasing 14 projects from the firm's portfolio, opening with the refresh of Ms. Cullman's personal NYC apartment, Ms. Cullman and Ms. Pruzan examine the elements that define the design process. Together, they lead a discussion on lessons rooted in distinct principles, including -- outlining the dynamics of scale and proportion, drawing upon the surroundings to develop a color palette, understanding balance between art and accessories -- exploring each completed client commission as a unique reflection through beautiful & bold photography. The book is a masterclass, a testament to Cullman & Kravis's ability to design through a myriad of styles and strike harmony on the design spectrum, Classic to Contemporary. Enjoy a selection of images from the book included below.....

"To design interiors that feel relevant today, we stand by our commitments to the foundation of design."

--Ellie Cullman and Tracey Pruzan

From Classic to Contemporary: Decorating with Cullman & Kravis

*Above -- Ellie Cullman's Living Room of her NYC Apartment..... A couple of details to note from the authors:

"We had to find two paintings that could hang side by side and thought that these works by Helen Frankenthaler and Pat Steir made an excellent pair. It's tremendously important when you're decorating to be able to envision how things might live alongside each other."

"Instead of tassel fringes, which can feel too traditional now, we used simple cords and contrast welts on almost all the pillows and upholstery."

*Many thanks to The Monacelli Press for extending me a copy to preview.

'Poetry of Place'

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The architecture and design from McAlpine has been my subject of numerous posts over the years. So it's with much anticipation & absolute pleasure that I share the firm's most recent published work from founder Bobby McAlpine, Poetry of Place: The New Architecture and Interiors of McAlpine.

20 selected projects from McAlpine's portfolio are presented to us readers in such a treasured manner, as almost gifts for our senses. Bobby McAlpine reveals the personal design process embedded within each featured property, narrating a distinctive journey as architectural drawings become architectural masterpieces. The firm excels at capturing even the smallest of details, recognizing inspiration comes from the many facets of a client commission -- drawing upon personal travel experiences, cherished memories, while overall, respecting & working with the existing landscape and seeking to incorporate native materials into the architectural plan.

Rather than include a variety of images from the Poetry of Place, I'm choosing to highlight one project, interior & exterior, a Dutch Colonial style indicative of Cape Town, positioned on a picturesque point of a lake. Note the extensive & eye catching architectural accents and interior design by McAlpine partner Ray Booth + enjoy further insight from Bobby McAlpine while taking in each image..... I highly recommend adding Poetry of Place: The New Architecture and Interiors of McAlpine to your design library.

"There is something that occurs in colonial locales where a style incubated by the home country, executed naively in its colony, takes on a sweetness, a kindness, and an innocence that makes it ever more approachable than the original. The desire for this house was to capture that style and story line and do so with a deep sense of authenticity."

--Bobby McAlpine

Poetry of Place: The New Architecture and Interiors of McAlpine

*Many thanks to Rizzoli for sending me a copy to preview.

Well Read

Monday, December 11, 2017

Christmas arrives in 14 days..... And I have this week covered in gift giving book recommendations, perfect for the library of any design enthusiast!

Monday's post pick kicks off with a local Atlanta interior design favorite, Beth Webb. Beth's premiere hardcover book released in September, An Eye for Beauty: Rooms That Speak to the Senses, invites readers to discover her client portfolio through a soul searching and emotion invoking journey as each page is turned. A series of chapters -- Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste and Scent -- broadens the conversation of how the senses impact and determine design choices.

*Read more from my review.....

**Meet Beth at one of her upcoming book tour events, 2018 dates here.

On The Market

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

If you missed out when this Dan Carithers's designed home hit the market in the Fall of 2014, read my previous post here, now's your chance! The 5 bed/6bath home in Atlanta's Brookhaven neighborhood was recently listed, just over 2 years since it was sold in the summer of 2015.

This was Mr. Carithers's former residence and featured in and on the cover of the SEPT/OCT 1999 issue of Veranda magazine. The JAN/FEB 2017 Veranda highlighted the exceptional career of Mr. Carithers, one of Atlanta's most illustrious interior designers..... Read more from my January 2017 post here.

*Living Room/Fireplace focal point photos included provide an overview of how the interior design has evolved through the years, as the house changed hands.