Wednesday, July 18, 2007

And Now For A Little Masculinity...



As much as I love femininity, I have a major weakness for masculine design too. To me, masculine rooms are like a palate cleanser- they kind of provide a little clarity at a time in which the yin seems to be more popular than the yang. When I see a room that is traditional and tailored with a masculine bent, I can totally envision myself living there. One of my favorite homes is the Manhattan apartment of Christopher Gardner and the late Ward Denton (Elle Decor Dec/Jan '02). It's slightly English, somewhat eccentric, and totally stylish. I adore the red living room (above). You get the vibrancy of the red, but it has been tempered by the black and white accessories and the sisal rug. Accessories are displayed in full force here; in fact, the owners say that objects are what give life to a home (how true!). And while the overall look is rather "old", it doesn't look musty. If anything, I think of this home as having a restrained exuberance.

(Denton and Gardner owned a shop in Bridgehampton that people used to rave about; does anyone know if it is still in business?)








17 comments:

  1. Oh flashing back to a favorite interior. Love that red room!

    Off the subject, didn't you write about Windsor Smith earlier this year? I wanted to link to your post this morning but couldn't find what I thought I remembered on Peak of Chic.

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  2. Courtney- I don't believe I ever did (how's that for a good memory?)!

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  3. Anonymous10:15 AM

    The store still exists, although sadly it's not the same without Ward Denton's touch.

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  4. I might have mentioned I feel red coming on - it's so appealing to me right now. I love the way they have displayed their art - that is a gift.

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  5. Yes that red room is fab...and so are those chairs in the library. Although I share your same thoughts on feminine rooms, but I'd take this home any day!

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  6. Anonymous- thanks for letting me know. I heard so many wonderful things about the store, so I was curious. Thank you.

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  7. KC- I adore red, and I love how they used it here. I also agree about the way in which they displayed their art.

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  8. GMG- I think this is a home in which diehard girly girls could live.

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  9. This is such a timeless, classic space. The arrangement of the art works on the walls and the books add such depth and character. Every detail is perfection.
    Great Post.

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  10. Anonymous4:40 PM

    I like how you described the home as having a "restrained exuberance"--that perfectly captures it!

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  11. Patricia- You're right; it is timeless.

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  12. Anonymous5:59 PM

    I like the stripe on the sofa in the bedroom. The vintage portrait creates an atmosphere!

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  13. All very classic. I think I am attracted to these types of interiors for just this reason...they will tend to stay in style for ages!

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  14. I totally agree, while I think rooms with a touch of femininity can be beautiful, I think rooms with even just a touch of masculinity are ultimately more livable and timeless. Love that red room too!

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  15. Oh so many gorgeous pictures today POC!! I agree with you that a masculine look is a palette cleanser and even though I have loved creating my very pretty look at Black & Spiro lately I think the next look will be a little more along the lines of some of these rooms - I think I need to cleanse my palette! Thanks for the inspiration!
    XO
    Anna

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  16. Anonymous7:10 PM

    If these are masculine then I wouldn't mind being a boy!

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