Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Alessandra Branca's New Classic Interiors




Alessandra Branca is a designer who marches to the tune of her own drummer, and the results are always stunning. She's not a designer who embraces every trend, nor does she change her "look" every few years. A Branca interior of today looks much like those from twenty years ago- warm, inviting, comfortable, and spirited. These attributes can also describe Alessandra herself. I had the opportunity to speak with her a while back, and she's truly as warm and charismatic as her interiors. But you don't have to take my word for it. Alessandra's new book New Classic Interiors is testament to her zest for life- and for decorating.

The most important part of a designer monograph are the photos, and trust me, there are plenty of gorgeous shots of Alessandra's work. Truly, I could pore over them for hours. Oh wait... I have! But I was also charmed by the text. Alessandra describes her varied sources of inspiration, including Rome, the city in which she was raised. After reading about what a typical day is like for Alessandra in her hometown, you will want to move there pronto. And, you'll want to start decorating your home with some Italian flair. Alessandra also gives the reader little design tidbits, such as why bouillon fringe came into being (I won't spoil the surprise. I call it a surprise because I get excited about such things). And, you get an inside peek at all of Alessandra's gorgeous homes too.

I've included some images from the book below. We're all familiar with Alessandra's rooms with her trademark use of red and yellow, but her work extends beyond that. Just take a look:






(All images from New Classic Interiors by Alessandra Branca; Stewart, Tabori, & Chang. All sales proceeds will benefit inner-city educational programs.)

16 comments:

  1. The bar cabinet is to-die-for. Sounds like she brings a lot of genuine warmth to her projects.

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  2. A must have. I've been wanting a little more red in my life anyway.

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  3. One of my favorite interiors has to be the Georgetown townhouse Ms. Branca designed that was profiled in Southern Accents (I think that was the publication). It was so inspiring - I'm sure her book is equally delightful. Will be picking it up!

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  4. I just got word from Amazon that my copy is shipping sooner! I have been looking forward to this. I have loved red, black, white/cream all of my life. Was so glad to find Branca's work for validation! I think her style is exactly what appeals to me. It's a lifetime, not just for a short time. So glad to hear from an avid reader that the text is wonderful, too.

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  5. Love that daybed!!

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  6. I ran across an old HG photo where she used antique Italian terra-cotta medallions, mixed new classics in creams and russet...so deft and timeless. Trish.

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  7. Love her work! My copy is on it's way! Thanks for a great post.

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  8. Alessandra Branca is pure genius. I posted about a home she did for one of my cashmere clients in Chicago. Her taste is impeccable and never, ever boring!
    http://queenofcashmere.com/daybook/rock-n-roll-baronial/

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  9. Oooh... I love that green bathroom - so perfectly serene for long baths (or in my case this evening, a bath with the baby on the bathroom floor watching In the Night Garden while I waited for the water to cool to a more babyable temperature so she could join me for half an hour of splashing - not exactly serene, but fun nonetheless).

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  10. Black walls are so chic!

    http://walrustudio.blogspot.com

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  11. That Chinoiserie bar is to die for.

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  12. this sounds great- I just don't know if I can house another- designer's monograph of rooms-I have been less than enamored with the last few.I am donating a few new ones to the public library. GT

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  13. Gail- Check out this one from the library and then you can decide if you want to buy it. This book seems very personal; in some ways it's more like a story. I think that's what captivated me. But I know what you're saying about other monographs not being quite up to snuff!

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  14. And Gaye, don't ask me why I called you Gail! I was just talking to a Gail on the phone earlier today!!

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  15. You had me at the black lacquered wall and the red bar...WOW!

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  16. I love the drama of the rooms, yet they look like a home not a stage set.

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