Friday, October 12, 2012

Gil Schafer and The Great American House





The other book for which I can credit my speedy recovery is The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now by Gil Schafer. Before reading the book, I was pretty confident that I would enjoy it as I'm an avid fan of Gil's work, not to mention the fact that he is a very affable and interesting person. Still, I didn't anticipate just how much I would enjoy this book. I opened the book, and before I knew it, a few hours had passed.  And really, I can't imagine a better way to spend a few hours than to read Gil's engaging text and pore over the big, beautiful photos of his work. 

I think that what I enjoyed most about this book is that it isn't solely a book about architecture. It's just as much about decoration and landscape architecture, too. And what impresses me is that Gil is so knowledgeable about all three, something that might explain why his houses have such great appeal. There is a harmonious relationship between the bones of the house and what lies both inside and outdoors. This is no easy feat, and Gil makes it look so effortless, though I realize it isn't. That takes great skill, something which Gil obviously has in spades.

If you want a book that is filled with glorious homes, beautiful interiors, and lush grounds, then Gil's book won't disappoint you.  But if you also want a book that makes you think about what makes a home comfortable, modern, and timeless, then you've come to the right book.  My only complaint is that I don't have a piece of property upon which to build a home of Gil's design.

*Gil will be presenting what looks to be an interesting talk next Tuesday, October 16, 11 a.m., at ADAC Atlanta.  Titled Pink Clapboards and Tea Olive: What a Southern House Taught Me About Tradition, Memory, and Great Design, the presentation should be highly entertaining and informative, especially to those of us who call the South home.  For more information or to register, please click here.
















All book photos from The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now by Gil Schafer III, Rizzoli Publishers, 2012. Photo of Schafer, Rebecca Greenfield photographer.

9 comments:

  1. Loved seeing you last night! Can't wait to read Gil's book and hear him on Tuesday. Love his work.

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    1. I enjoyed last night as well, and loved seeing you and meeting your mother. Look forward to seeing you (and Gil) on Tuesday.

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  2. One of the things I love and admire about Gil is his ability to collaborate with interior decorators. His work with David Netto is my absolute favorite. They created interiors and architecture that are in complete harmony. Respecting the past and looking appropriate for the way we live today.

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  3. live to far away to hear Gil but will get his book...sounds so interesting. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  4. Hope you are feeling better...

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  5. I recently gave this book to a friend as a gift. It's one of my favorites! Something about Gil's aesthetic is so peaceful. I look at it and siiiiiigh as if I'm at a spa.

    Feel better soon!

    www.lifeloveandluxury.com

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  6. This book is winging its way to me even as I type. It's stacking up to a good reading fall!

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  7. Thanks for the heads up on Gil's book... and even though I *am* southern.. what exactly is "Tea Olive" please ma'am? :)

    a bientot

    Kit

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    1. Hi Kit! Tea Olive is a small tree (although sometimes it grows more like a shrub) that produces really fragrant little white flowers. The flowers, as I recall, look like Confederate jasmine. Very Blanche DuBois!

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