Monday, March 16, 2009

The Talented Mr. Adams




About a year ago, I first read about designer Richard Adams' chic London flat in the New York Times. I remember thinking how cosmopolitan and urbane it was! I believe his home resonated with me because it was quite similar to my supremely stylish Manhattan apartment- you know, the one in my head. (Some people long for a house by the sea or a chateau in France. Not me. I've dreamed of an apartment at The Carlyle since I was ten. I didn't realize it at the time that my dream would require so much hard work and so much cash!)

Though the flat, located in Chelsea, is really quite small, it's loaded with style. What makes this space so alluring to me is the fact that the apartment is richly colored and richly appointed. Though I was not such a fan of green, Richard's living room made me a convert. How can you not find pea-green colored silk beautiful when it's used on walls, sofas, and lamp shades? And how gorgeous is that red bedroom? I think red is a difficult color for bedrooms, but it works here- so decadent!

The other thing that makes this home so striking is the abundance of gleaming surfaces. Mirror is used in the living room and bedroom (but tastefully!). There is a Venini crystal chandelier, a wonderful crystal sunburst clock, and highly polished floors. Let's face it- this is that type of nighttime apartment in which you long to be a guest. The place where you want to wear your best and where you know the conversation will be lively and hopefully just a bit naughty.

(Richard is truly a fascinating person. An American by birth, Richard's background is in the New York fashion and advertising industries. While in New York, he soaked in the glamour that surrounded him- and when you've met and worked with the likes of Diana Vreeland, Billy Baldwin, Andy Warhol, and Truman Capote, it's understandable.

Not one to let the grass grow beneath his feet, Richard moved to London a few years ago to establish an interior design practice. He now divides his time between London, Budapest, and Qatar! I think it's encouraging to know that there are still cosmopolitan aesthetes who jet around the world experiencing all kinds of fabulous things. Visit his
website for the entire story.)


The divine red bedroom. How fabulous is that crystal sunburst clock!


These glass bookshelves are so clever and perfect for a small space. Don't you love the books that are facing out: "Shocking!", "Snobs", and "Unsuitable Company".


A view of the gorgeous green silk living room with the red bedroom beyond.


The hall with its shimmery bronze papered walls.


The bathroom that was inspired by those at The Carlyle (perhaps it's the shared love of the Carlyle that explains why Richard and I are on the same wavelength.)

Image at top: The living room that captivated me. Need I say anymore?

(All images except that of the bath from English Eccentric Interiors; image of bathroom courtesy of Richard Adams)

19 comments:

  1. I love the view of the acid green walls contrasted with the red painting in white frame.

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  2. I want to live in that bedroom - all the time. No other rooms required. Just that awesome bronze hallway to get into it.

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  3. How HOW could I have missed this! Thank you, Jennifer, for the drool-worthy photos we expect from PoC!

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  4. Very talented indeed. Not my cup of tea but brilliant nevertheless.

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  5. Save some space for me at The Carlysle too.. Richard Adams has a wonderful apartment and with such incredible style, xv.

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  6. Jennifer,
    I share your dream!! Maybe one day we'll be neighbors! :-)

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  7. all my colors !!!
    i love this !

    GORGEOUS !!

    what a great post . thank you

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  8. "I think it's encouraging to know that there are still cosmopolitan aesthetes who jet around the world experiencing all kinds of fabulous things." Isn't it though?

    I've got one of those Carlylse apartment dreams too. Only, I jet in from my place in the South of France...

    I wonder if the pea green walls would reflect greenish light and make one look a bit sickly, though? Just wondering. Stunning apartment.

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  9. i was trying to decide my favourite elements/pieces/colours in these rooms...but i could not! i love ALL of it. thank you for the intro to richard adams.

    ps my friend dilys e. blum wrote shocking! the art and fashion of elsa schiaparelli it's a truly great book!

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  10. The use of mirrors disorients divinely. I think we'd all be surprised how small the apartment really is.
    I am mad about the white carved wood/plaster? console table. Is that a Dorothy Draper design? It looks very familiar.

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  11. Wow. I actually lived in the Carlyle when I was a kid, but it sure didn't look like that! Of course, it was the 70s, when NY wasn't quite as opulent as now.

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  12. that bathroom sends me. How gorgeous!!!!!

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  13. Love, love, love it all! Thanks for sharing. Heading over to his website now!

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  14. Peak of Chic,
    I'm normally WITH YOU ALL THE WAY on these things (sharing your taste in most of your posts), but this one - Eck! Reverting to my teenage years, I might just say, "gag me with a spoon!" It doesn't appeal and I think it's those acid green accents and walls. I will, however, acquiesce and say that the bathroom is a dream, a diva's dream. You got me again with mention The Carlyle -I couldn't agree with you more!! Thanks for posting, as always, You Rock (even when I don't agree)!

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  15. What a dream life! I love all of the colors and texture in his place. The black marble in the bathroom is so luxe.

    Karen O.

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  16. Anonymous7:00 PM

    I agree with all the comments. I have been to his two apartments. Frank Senior

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  17. Anonymous9:40 AM

    I think Richard is a genius. Whatever he does, as many different things as he creates, they are always extraordinarily beautiful and looking at them just makes you feel good. Eva

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  18. Anonymous10:36 AM

    I love it and i think it's gorgeously done even though it's not my taste. I think it's more difficult to play with colors in smaller spaces and he has done that remarkably well without it becoming overpowering...

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  19. Anonymous10:48 AM

    Richard is absolutely fabulous he is doing my house in Pakistan and it is going to be exquisite and I can't wait for it to be finished. It has been a treat working with him on this project. Thank you

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