I think we've all been waiting with anticipation for the December issue of House & Garden - most especially for the article on Aerin Lauder's Long Island home. And I can say that the article does not disappoint.
We've seen the home before in a past Vogue Living, but here the home is decked out in its holiday finery. It's absolute perfection- but then, what would you expect from the impeccably stylish Lauder? Lauder pays homage to her late, beloved grandmother by using many of Estee's antiques and treasures, but what Lauder has managed to do is to give it her own youthful flair.
I won't spoil the surprise for you, but here are two photos from the spread. Don't worry- there are plenty of great shots that you'll find in the article. Enjoy!
(Images courtesy of House & Garden, Dec 07; photographer Francois Halard)
Jennifer, you made my morning! What an absolutely perfect farewell cover. I'm thrilled to see Lauder's home decked out for the holidays. Just love those little gold-wrapped boxes with lovely ribbons. Can't wait to get my own copy of the issue.
ReplyDeleteCourtney- So glad! The little wrapped packages on the table reminded me of you!
ReplyDeletePeak, I think you need to mention that this is the last issue of House & Garden. Conde Nast closed it down last week. I'm sure your readers would have lots of commentary on the magazine and those who lost their jobs might appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a little mature for Aerin don't you think? Blue candles....
Mister- Yes, it's very sad, esp. for those who have lost their jobs. I figured that this has been covered so much (and covered so well) on other blogs that what I would have to say would be redundant! I do hate that this will be the last issue. But thank you for bringing this up, though. Important to note this, you're right.
ReplyDeleteAerin Lauder is 37 years old ... what's so "mature" (and by inference, inappropriate) about the decor? It's gracious, attractive, soignée ... and obviously is aging very, very well ... very chic ... I'd rather see this than see her try to "contemporarize" the home with a Damien Hirst installation and stark furniture like Gwyneth Paltrow ...
ReplyDeleteand the blue candles were likely put in place by the stylist of the photo shoot (I've been one, so believe me, many of the details you see in a room photo, re flowers, candles, placement of objects, has little to do with the homeowner's taste and everything to do with the requirements of the photographer and magazine) ... in any case, white candles would have been too stark and draw too much attention to themselves ... here they blend into the walls ... so that all you see are points of flickering light ...
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of getting ripped apart, I like the blue candles. I think what I admire is that she honors the legacy of her grandmother, but she's not a slave to it. To me, it's a nice blend of family heirlooms and Aerin's "things".
ReplyDeleteI agree. The rooms are quite ageless. So well-suited to the architecture. Also, Lauder has always described herself as unapologetically classic. But I may be biased :)
ReplyDeleteCourtney- Yes, the rooms are definitely ageless, but they're not boring. And that can be a difficult combination to achieve sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the preview. I am loving that ocelot sofa and the orange wall. Total Chic!!
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ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Peak, that she is honoring the legacy of her grandmother and that is a very notable trait nowadays to respect where we have come from. Happy Remembrance Day!!
Patricia- I love that sofa too, esp. against the orange walls!
ReplyDeleteHurray, finally the holidays are here. About the styling of the photos - of course they are set to suit the picture, and this part is so important for the photo. Without it we would not have as many beautiful interior magazines out there. But I am sure it falls into the homeowners taste too, at least when I am directing photos my clients are happy about that we are adding the small details but you have to do it with a finesse that does not take away the owners own style... and a wild guess would be that Aerin has great taste and that the stylist did not have to add that much for the photo shoot :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend all!
Jennifer, I think you selected the most beautiful images from the Lauder feature. And your description was spot-on.
ReplyDeleteLike you said, after the Vogue Living story, it's really nice to see more rooms and better understand exactly how Aerin preserved Estee's style. Fans of a certain color combo will love the rest of the home. (I spotted both Osa Johnson books in one room too.)
Clearly when the editors put this together months ago they didn't know it would be the last issue. So I think it worked out well that someone identified with classic American style (and with ties to Mark Hampton) ended up on the beautiful welcoming cover. Also, it's nice that a legend -- Tony Duquette -- is in there.
I'm still taking in the rest of it, but it was worth the dash to the book store :)
I agree with both sides: The apt. is old-lady-ish, and I take that as a compliment. I'd rather have my home done by a stylish old lady than by, say, Avril Lavigne.
ReplyDeleteAnd Peak's right: The blue candles rock.
-pt
Jeanette- I agree with you, and I'm sure Lauder had a lot of great "props" with which to work!
ReplyDeleteCourtney- Yes, at least they're ending on a high note with the Lauder and the Duquette articles.
ReplyDeletePT- Yes- on all of your points!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get my copy, thanks for the preview. I don't remember seeing this covered in Vogue Living, I must have missed that issue. And I think the decor is perfect for a 39yr old style maven. The colours are style are timeless.
ReplyDeleteI'm off to get my copy!! Thanks for the sneek peek!
ReplyDeleteOoh - I adore that blue in the dining room - how fabulous it is! There's been a lot about AL in the fashion press lately - I've been enjoying reading about her.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that CN is cancelling House & Garden! Does anybody know where that leopard fabric on Aerin's sofa is from???
ReplyDeletePassementerie- I love that shade of blue too!
ReplyDeleteI like the blue candles very much!
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to see House and Garden go, but I have a feeling Conde Nast will bring it back one day.......Vanity Fair had two lives!
I also think all the negative words, bordering on sarcasm (which we ALL know is the lowest form of wit!) about Gwyneth Paltrow's home is uncalled for. Paltrow's taste dovetails nicely with Aerin's sister Jane's take on style. Also, Aerin has refered to Gwyneth as "muse," more than once in magazine profiles. I think it's very important that although some of us relish referencing the past, to keep in mind that Contemporary IS necessary! I think all three ladies understand this innately!
Truffles- I've looked in the article and in the credits, and I can't find where they list the fabric. Can anyone help us?
ReplyDeletePaul- I have a feeling that many of us will be experimenting with the blue candles soon :)
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting to see how Jane Lauder really embraces the modern and contemporary, while Aerin is more of a traditionalist! It is that way, a bit, with my sister and me.
Thanks for the preview - can't wait to get my hands on this final issue! So sad it's going to be the last one!!
ReplyDeleteXO
Anna
Is there a source for the pillows on the living room sofa?
ReplyDeleteAnon- I just checked the article and unfortunately there are no sources for anything on the sofa!! I'm so sorry :(
ReplyDeleteHer homes are going to be featured in the Jul/Aug 2009 issue of Elle Decor!
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