November 8 can't come soon enough for me. (For those of you unfamiliar with American politics, that would be Election Day.) Right now, I'd love nothing more than to escape to a world of civility and grace, not to mention a place conducive to both can't-we-all-get-along conviviality and quiet reflection. It sounds like I could be describing the home seen here, so elegantly decorated by William Hodgins in the early-1980s.
The well-mannered living room? Definitely not an environment that encourages shrillness and bellicosity. That library cum dining room? It looks like the ideal spot for some civilized conversation and dining. And that mood-lifting bedroom? Why, it's just the kind of cocoon in which to retreat and drown out the noise.
It's times like this that make me appreciate how valuable a cozy, comfortable, block-out-the-world home really is.
All photos from Architectural Digest, May 1983, Peter Vitale photographer
The living room is very pretty, but I would take out some of the furniture. It would be a struggle, though, because there are so many beautiful pieces.
ReplyDeleteThe dining table with the books on the wall is perfection.
The dining room is my favorite room of the bunch. Those books!!!
DeleteWe are of one mind with regard to your sentiments about civility and conviviality. Today's world is all so shrill and frenetic. It's awful. Decoration today doesn't hold a candle to the warmth of these rooms. The cold, clinical whiteness of the current trends are a reflection of today's world, je pense. It's all about form over function. Whatever happened to cocooning? Whatever happened to colour? Everyone talks about NEUTRALS, and being restful, etc., but the truth is that they are just banal and boring. Rooms like these say 'home' to me. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCynthia, Very well said! I couldn't agree with you more.
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more! Although I am not a fan of very busy wallpaper like in the bedroom, these rooms are as timeless today as they were in the early 80's. Thank you for posting. LK
ReplyDeleteLK, It's hard to believe these interiors were created thirty plus years ago. Timeless indeed.
DeleteTrue timeless interior design. It is in no way "dated" even though it was done over 30 years ago!
ReplyDeleteI like all the furniture in the LR. This is a room designed for fairly large scale entertaining. It is done so that everyone can find somewhere to sit, rather than have to stand such as a cocktail party. It is very difficult to design a seating area of a room that can hold more than 6 people - in large rooms, one has multiple seating areas. One can easily seat 8-10 people in this room and talk cozily or throughout the entire room.
I have yellow walls (actually a yellow/white striped paper) in my own living room. Every now and then, I think perhaps I should "update" it and go with a "neutral" on the walls. Then I sit in it for a while and quickly remember why I did the walls in yellow in the first place. It just warms up the entire room - like sunshine. We so rarely see a yellow living room these days and it was always such a good color for such a room as it looks good both day and night.
….no one does "civilized" better than William Hodgins. He's a master right up there with Albert Hadley!!!!
ReplyDeleteHis work never seems to look tired and outdated.
DeleteDear Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for taking me back to the years when William Hodgins interiors where shown in many Architectural Digest issues. I still have them all!! It also takes me back to a period that was more quiet,less hectic! Computers and mobiles have changed the world,but not always for the good. After Election-days are over,I hope we will return to a kinder world,with people who know how to treat each other with respect.
With best regards as always,
Dear Sybe, So nice to hear from you. Hope all is well. Yes, I hope that we can return to a kinder world.
DeleteCLASSIC AND TIMELESS...love my Stephen Salny book on Hodgins work- the mostly white palettes are so serene and beautiful. Boston seems to be a more "European" American city- and certainly less ruckus than the New York Mr. Hodgins left behind.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Serene and beautiful.
DeleteP.S.- Can you believe I do not own a copy of the Hodgins book?
Somehow both prettiness and elegance have been left behind. That's why this blog is crucial. I have learned a great deal over the years as well as rediscovering favourites. It is an online place where all of us can come together to celebrate beautiful design and style.
ReplyDeletePamela, What a very kind comment. It's a comfort to know that there remains a group of like-minded people who continue to value elegance and beauty.
DeleteThis post is just "the ticket" no pun intended! I like to think the rooms in my home are somewhat like the rooms in this lovely post. Lots of layers and personality. This gives me confidence that warm and inviting sure beats grey, white and boring all over. Thanks for sharing! And yes... I am also waiting for and wanting Nov 8th to be OVER!
ReplyDeleteI bet your house is quite lovely! Yes, I'll take warm and inviting any day of the week. :)
DeleteYellow is never going to die- It's timeless
ReplyDelete