A Day Late and a Dollar Short

...Actually, make that a few days late. Last week, Christie's held one of its Interiors auctions featuring property from one of the few still-intact Billy Haines interiors. The California home had been decorated by Haines between 1960 and 1965, and except for the occasional reupholstering job, the home pretty much remained as it was almost fifty years ago. And even more interesting is that the home was never photographed for publication.

The furniture and accessories are quintessential Haines. You have low slung chairs and sofas, comfortable upholstered pieces, custom mounted lamps, and Chinoiserie everywhere. There are lots that are evocative of 1960s era design- quilted upholstery and faux bamboo to name two- as well a few gems that still look fresh today, namely that unusual red crewelwork (see below). Anyway, take a look for yourselves. My one hope is that someone thoroughly photographed the home before it was dismantled.






A Billy Haines designed crewelwork sofa, c. 1960; realized price $8,125


A pair of Haines' "Seniah" club chairs upholstered in a red floral print, c. 1960; realized price $1,250


C. 1960s Haines designed dressing table and mirror with Chinese porcelain inset; went for $1,625


Pair of faux bamboo quilted headboards and armchair and ottoman, c. 1960; $4,000.


Pair of Billy Haines' bedside cabinets, 1960; $5,250


Patinated metal, marble, and hardstone inlay table; Haines, 1960; $8,750


A Haines designed zodiac rug; $3,000 realized price.


Tang dynasty Chinese straw glazed pottery soldier mounted on a Haines designed lamp base; $1,063.