After Versailles

Have you noticed that Versailles is often credited as being the inspiration for many a McMansion? Case in point, the 90,000 square foot monster home, meant to emulate the French royal palace, which had a starring role in the recent documentary "The Queen of Versailles". Words escape me.

I did manage to find photos of one home that was actually a tasteful rendition of Versailles, although it wasn't meant to mimic the palace itself. Rather, it evoked the style and spirit of the smaller courtier-owned homes that were located in the shadow of Versailles. This American version, seen here in photos from House Beautiful July 1935, was located in Rumson, New Jersey and was decorated by the venerable firm McMillen. Considering who decorated it, it's no real surprise that the home's interiors were restrained yet elegant and Neoclassical in feel. My favorite room of the house, though, is that snappy entryway. Thank goodness the homeowners had the good sense not to recreate the Hall of Mirrors in their house. But even if they wanted to, I'm sure that McMillen would not have allowed it!




The home's entrance hall

The drawing room whose color scheme was based on the gray-green and deep violet-red Aubusson rug.




Another view of the drawing room.





The Library with another Aubusson rug, this one in brown, yellow, and red.




The dining room.