Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Timeless Elegance, The Houses of David Easton




The great Fall design books just keep coming, and one of my favorites so far has been Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton. Easton has been in the interior design business for decades now, and what makes this book interesting is seeing how his style has changed over the years. Of course, Easton is a classicist at heart, but he has also kept up with the times, something which I'm sure has contributed to his longevity. Easton has such a solid design footing (perhaps thanks to his early years working with Edward Wormley and Parish-Hadley) that reading this book is like taking a master class in interior design. At least, that's the way it seemed to me when I was reading it.


For those of you who will be in Atlanta next Wednesday, October 27, you should consider attending David Easton's booksigning at Mrs. Howard (425 Peachtree Hills Ave) from 4 to 6pm. I'm so disappointed that I can't attend as I'll be out of town. If you go, send my greetings to Mr. Easton.




What a great way to start the day- with breakfast (with Lizzie) at Balthazar.




A dining room in Lake Forest, Illinois. Easton wanted to imbue the room with a sense of fantasy but keep it true to the Georgian look of the house. The door pediments, crown molding, and ceiling are truly unique.




A vignette in the former Upper East Side apartment of Easton. Easton noted that this home became his "homage to Regency style." He also wrote that this apartment was evocative of the 1980s and the era's "lavish, textured interiors."




An Upper East Side apartment. The entry floor (amazing!) was inspired by a design from Ostankino Palace, near Moscow.




A Nassau, Bahamas home. A sunburst motif, a favorite of Easton, graces the marble floor, while the unique lantern was based on one that Easton saw in Italy.




Another stunning dining room by Easton, this one located at Albemarle, the Kluge estate in Charlottesville, Virginia. The wall murals and mid-18th c. English mirror and fireplace surround were added in the mid-1990s.

(All images courtesy of Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton by David Easton, Stewart, Tabori, & Chang publishers.)

13 comments:

  1. I also love Easton's work and the book is indeed beautiful. You can read my take on it here: http://quintessenceblog.com/2010/09/timeless-elegance/

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  2. John J. Tackett9:35 AM

    I can not wait to get this book! I have just finished a project in Tulsa and understand David & Jimmy built a contemporary house for themselves there. I am sure it is fabulous, as always.

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  3. I loved this book. I think I am stuck in the look of the 80s (which I missed due to my decorating style then being dominated by Fischer Price and Star Wars toys). Fascinating to watch the shedding of things over time as Easton continues to evolve. Easton's interview in the NYSD is not be missed.

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  4. Easton is a brilliant designer. Can't wait to get the book.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Teresa

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  5. I can't wait to get the book as well. He is one of the master, and I love to see how his work has evolved.

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  6. Thanks so much, Jennifer! We'll miss seeing you there!

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  7. Easton's work is always perfect. It is interesting that Pennoyer and Easton, the peaks of classic design, both have books coming out this fall. May be we'll see a return to my favorite design elements with added richness to the current aesthetic. Thanks. Mary

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  8. I just bought the book. His beautiful house in New York, is without a doubt my favorite. I love the wind rose inlay on the floor. I used in in my kitchen, and it has been copied often, which I consider a compliment. I copied Sister Parish, after all. We had a fun bloggy time in High Point. Take a peek at our fun evening on Velvet and Linen. I love your posts and wished you could have joined.
    Best,
    Liz

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  9. I made a pact with myself that I wouldn't buy any more design books unless I had actually flipped through it with my own hot little hands. Ahem, but seeing these pictures *almost* counts (pacts made with oneself are made to be broken after all). Thanks so much for sharing. This one is on my must buy list. Love, love David Easton!

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  10. Love his work and it is a beautiful book! I love that Georgian dining room and the floors in the apartment. Such attention to detail.

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  11. yes.
    i am totally amazed!!

    x

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  12. Anonymous10:12 AM

    Sorry, but I have to disagree with all the praise for Mr. Easton. He has tremendous talent and a wealth of knowledge, but there is a sense of "appropriateness" that is missing from much of his work. The Kluge dining room comes across as a parody of 80s decoration.

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  13. Anonymous1:19 PM

    I am looking for suggestions on what type of area rugs to pair with a zebra stair runner (brown/beige)for foyers right next to these stairs? Everything I have looks terrible!

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