A few weeks ago I came across a 1968 issue of House Beautiful. Now, to be totally honest, this era in design is not one of my favorites (I'm more of a 1930s gal myself). Flipping through the magazine I saw many photos of rooms that today look beyond dated. Well, when I came across this photo above I was floored. This room (minus the floral arrangement) is just as stylish today as it was almost 40 years ago.
The silver teapaper, the Serge Roche-esque plaster sconce, the geometric painted floor, the furniture- everything is just perfection. I could live in this room in a heartbeat. And just who was the designer? None other than my design idol- Albert Hadley. Of course! Hadley's work just doesn't seem to age, and he mixes antiques and contemporary pieces with aplomb.
Yesterday, I was looking through another 1968 issue of House Beautiful, and this home below caught my eye.
The dark glossy walls contrasting with the cream damask and chintz upholstered furniture is such a striking combination. I love the Chinese lacquered tables, the gilt mirror with sconces, and the beautiful antique painted wall panels in the dining room. Do I need to tell you whose home this is? That's right. Sister Parish.
Sis and Albert- a true design match made in heaven!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Dynamic Duo
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Amazing! I don't recall seeing that Hadley room in his book. Your cache of vintage magazines is really something. These rooms are true masterpieces. Totally timeless.
ReplyDeleteThanks Courtney! I don't remember seeing this room either, however, didn't Mark Hampton draw and/or mention this room in "Legendary Decorators"? I'll look through this evening and see if that's the case.
ReplyDeleteI am saving this top picture for inspiration--what a great find! The geo-floor paired with French chairs is superb.
ReplyDeleteAnd the dated flowers are so funny. Why daisies were ever considered chic is a mystery to me.
Brilliant- That top photo is just perfection. Glad you liked it. And I'm with you 100% on the daisies.
ReplyDeleteJ'adore daisies. What's wrong with daisies? (Pauline de Rothschild, for one, loved them, as did Billy Baldwin.) I'd rather the cheerful modesty of a bunch of daisies than the no-thought pretension of a potted white orchid.
ReplyDeleteAnon- I don't know why I don't like daisies, but I just never have. But believe me, I'm no floral snob. I like masses of carnations (all the same color), but that's a flower that many people just hate. And come to think of it, a lot of old b&w photos from the 30s show those huge Easter lilies. I love those! Were those the potted white orchid of that era??
ReplyDeleteI'm crazy about pink and red carnations, but only became enamored after the late, great Chessy Rayner told me to bunch them together into a big mass of color. (Plus, they last forever.) The only flowers I utterly loathe are gerbera daisies and gladiola. Shasta daisies, however, are fabulous, especially when they are planted in massive terra cotta pots and allowed to get huge. I had them all over my roof terrace in Morocco; the look was so cheerful and fun and sweet.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with the flowers in the Hadley photograph is simple: It's a horrid mix that looks like it came that morning from FTD. Better if it had been a MASS of daisies or a mass of anything else -- one variety and color is best, especially in a room where there's much else going on visually.
ReplyDeleteJennifer - Doesn't it make you feel like there are all the great, hidden images out there somewhere? I know no book could contain all of Hadley's great work, but this room is amazing - I've never seen it either. The chairs in the image on the bottom - pure lust.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind daisies in the right spot - but carnations? With the stems cut short (the stems are the problem, not the bloom itself) and massed together? Stunning. Mr. Blanding's aunt threw a party a few years ago - everything white, black and red - and the only flowers were millions of massed red carnations. It was breathtaking.
Anon- Yes, it's pink and red carnations for me too- cheap, cheap, cheap and last for weeks. Hate gladiola- my mother always says they remind her of funerals.
ReplyDeleteAnon- Agree about the FTD thing. I bet some stylist (did they have those back then?) did that b/c I really don't think Hadley would have done that. There's just too much going on with that combo of flowers.
ReplyDeletePatricia- I agree. Makes me wonder what we're missing. That party sounds amazing. See, that is why I love masses of carnations. Such rich shots of color!
ReplyDeleteThe marvelous Mr Hadley has made some missteps in his work. What about that dining room for Brooke Astor (check the most recent book)? Looks like old lady's lingerie, all pallid green and pallid peach. Ugh. Dreadful.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show that furniture with good bones does last a lifetime - regardless of its incarnation.
ReplyDeleteBtw: Old lady's lingerie? No. Charles James gown? Yes.
But one really needs to understand couture to fully appreciate it.
I beg to differ; Charles James would never have mixed dull green and wimpy peach ... I fully appreciate couture, having written about it for years ;) And I stand uncorrected -- Brooke Astor's dining room? Vile. Albert Hadley's bedroom for Brooke Astor (done with Alan Campbell fabrics)? Divine.
ReplyDeleteI don't know; liking something just because Pauline de Rothschild or Billy Baldwin liked it seems like the definition of "no-thought pretension."
ReplyDeleteThat room truly is stunning, and I still can't get over how 'now' it is. I guess that shows what a genius the man is - when you know style it just never dates. I'm with you on the flowers too, not that I have a problemw ith daisies, they just look like a bit of an after thought in this photo.
ReplyDeleteWhere on earth do you find all these vintage magazines!?
Well, I think our spirited discussion is evidence of our passion for design. Although we may have differing opinions, at least we are not afraid to express them! :)
ReplyDeleteSuzy- I have a major weakness for vintage magazines! I try to buy them whenever I find them.
ReplyDeleteGreat Albert Hadley find Peak!!!
ReplyDeleteWeren't they a great combo - Albert & Sister. Such opposites but they complimented each other so well.
Anon 5:14 - I hope you will stop by and comment on my blog. Let's see what you are made of.
ReplyDeleteThe top room is gorgeous - it's hard to believe that this room was designed so long ago!! Great post as usual POC!!
ReplyDeleteX
Anna
Patricia- They did compliment each other well. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIsn't is rewarding to find such a great treasure. The first photo looks just amazing today as it did back then...like you said, minus the floral arrangements.
ReplyDeleteMe, Myself & I- Yes, it's just such an incredibly timeless room. Thanks for commenting :)
ReplyDeleteEveryone has said it, but I'll say it too, I love that top photo!! Still chic and spot on after all these years!
ReplyDeleteRonda- I think it's unanimous about the Hadley room.
ReplyDeleteOK, I'm going to say something different about the top room. doesn't it remind you exactly of his room with the zig zag wood floor, but this time the carpet is zig zag - is it the same pillows? I need to go look at the photo, but they sure seem familiar. If I'm wrong, shoot me. ok Y'all?
ReplyDeleteok, it's a differnt room, I just looked, but it's the same exact pillows and same zig zag floor done in a rug. Both have white sofas. Both have french chairs, but different styles and upholstery. Both rooms are gorgeous. Where DO you get these magazines? You are amazing Jennifer!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe 1st image is amazing, I love that floor.
ReplyDeleteI'm drooling over the walls in that last photo. Great shots!
ReplyDelete