I must admit that I love to see the homes of designers, especially those I admire. Perhaps it's the snoop in me?? But seriously, I think that many designers use their homes as laboratories- places where they can experiment and, more importantly, where they can take the design risks that their clients may be afraid of.
I was excited to see Markham Roberts' apartment in the December issue of Domino (it's a big month for Markham- one of his projects is also featured in the December issue of House Beautiful). Roberts' home has that classic, masculine vibe that would still be appealing to a female (at least it is to me!). And, the best part is that you can see what books and accessories that he has in his home... just the voyeur in me talking!
A shot of Roberts' stylish and practical study.
I had to include a photo of his bedroom for you suzani fans out there.
(Photographs by Paul Costello)
Unfortunately, suzanis have become a decorating cliché, right up there with potted orchids, large mirrors leaning against walls, photographs propped on ledges, and sisal. Not that there is anything wrong with any of these, but they have been too thoroughly adopted by the fashionable world and copied by its followers to be truly striking any longer. If somebody could use any of them in a fresh way, it would be a relief.
ReplyDeleteThere is something very Banks-Pye ish about this; only younger and American. Very smart!
ReplyDeleteAnon- I understand your point. What I want to know is...if there is something that is truly "you" (like Chinoiserie for me)and you use it in your home, and then you start to see it everywhere, do you pack it up until the trend is over and then bring it back out? Or, do you just continue to love it and use it and grit your teeth until the tide has turned?? This has been my dilemna with the Chinoiserie craze, which I think is starting to subside.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me, that would be dilemma!
ReplyDeleteBeauty- Very interesting point! I had not thought of that. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, the suzani isn't on the bed. And it looks like Lulu DK's "Chant" is there too? (Don't have my copy yet -- thanks for sharing Jennifer!)
ReplyDeleteCourtney- Yes, it looks like good old Chant to me! And you're right about how it's a different use of a suzani. I don't think I've seen it used in that way before. It does add some interest to the room.
ReplyDeletelove the deep purple lacquered walls set off by the bright white chest of drawers and the splashes color: red, turquoise blue, brown.
ReplyDeletethat shade of blue is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI've seen the image of his study before, and I love it. Still waiting for my December issue to arrive, so thanks for the sneak peak!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the color comments- overall a great use of color- some of it soothing and some of it bold.
ReplyDeleteI love the suzani used in such a different/unique way...and that photograph in the living room is divine! I love a bold large statement art piece...and read in the article that he took it? Fun!
ReplyDeleteKatie- I know- how fun is that? Didn't it also say you could purchase his photographs through his partner's shop (James Sansum Inc. maybe?)
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I have always like hall chairs, like the ones pictured in the top photo - they have that graphic silhouette that I gravitate to. And I have had that study carpet in file forever. Wonderful. I also agree with House of Beauty and Culture - I totally see Banks-Pye here.
ReplyDeleteI have both the House Beautiful and the Domino and I must say that I was not aware of Markham Roberts before this month and now see him everywhere. I do enjoy the fact that both projects that are out this month are so different from each other but still both so chic..it was refreshing to see that he doesn't have a specific "look". Has he been published before and I just missed it?
ReplyDeletePatricia- So much to see here and so much to love too, esp. that carpet. And the hall chairs too!
ReplyDeleteAntoinette- A lot of his work has been published through the years by House Beautiful (GREAT projects), but not a lot in the past few years. So glad you like his work too.
ReplyDeleteI've been collecting suzanis, ikat and Panamanian molas for 20 years. I'm sure people who come to my house must think I'm a fashion victim.
ReplyDeleteIn my bedroom, I do have a suzani on the bed, but I paired it with an embroidered American quilt, vintage embroidered pillowcases, and Marimekko. Hopefully it's a fresh enough mix.
Lisa- I think that people will be able to tell that you're a true collector of these types of textiles rather than a fashion victim! Wow, that mix of prints sounds amazing!!!
ReplyDelete