To me, some of the most memorable homes featured on the pages of Architectural Digest are those Seventies and Eighties-era nighttime apartments. I call them nighttime apartments, because not only were they presumably photographed at night with curtains usually drawn and interior lights blazing, but also because it's obvious that these apartments were decorated to look their best at night, when the homeowners were either relaxing after a long day's work or entertaining guests. And although these apartments were usually minimal in size, they were impactful in style. In these sophisticated dwellings, pretty much everything was top-notch, including art, fabrics, and furniture.
I've written about many of these apartments in the past, and to the mix I add this one, which appeared in the March 1983 issue of AD. The home of designer John Irelan, the apartment was located in one of Washington, D.C.'s "grandest beaux arts buildings." Here, choice antiques and traditional furnishings were updated by clean, almost restrained backdrops in some rooms and richly-colored walls in others. Neoclassical-style chairs and Asian antiques rubbed shoulders with modern upholstery and contemporary art, while patterned fabrics, used skillfully as accents, were not allowed to run riot over their more subdued compatriots. On the whole, the effect is one of balance and harmony, made all the more interesting thanks to a few dramatic flourishes of color and light. What more could you ask for in a nighttime apartment?
Photos from Architectural Digest, March 1983, Peter Vitale photographer.
Hello Jennifer, How I would love to wander around that room and examine the objects scattered about--one test of a good room. Sculptures on plinths are instantly classy, and I am dying to know what is in that little glass vitrine next to the black lamp. My only qualification is that although the rest of the room is perfect, that black bed seems designed on purpose to induce nightmares!
ReplyDelete--Jim
Jim, It seems that the homes that interest me the most are those whose well-chosen objects and furnishings invite further examination.
DeleteI once had a lengthy conversation with my friend, and AD published decorator Bennett Weinstock, about just this subject. He, at the time, mentioned that while he was happy to receive editorial coverage in the magazine, Peter Vitale was instructed (or should I say ordered) to use very dramatic lighting by then editor Paige Rense. He said it altered the look of his rooms, in addition to the color balance between fabrics, walls and carpets. Not always to his liking. The extremely high contrast, uplit photos became a sort of signature look for AD during her reign. The photos, compared to those used in House & Garden during the same period, now define (or date) those photos. Like them or not, it is fun to look back!
ReplyDeleteFoodie- Very interesting insight! I love the old high-contrast photos, but now I'm starting to wonder if it's their novelty that might appeal to me. I do like the dramatic atmosphere that the copious uplighting created.
DeleteI have to admit I think of this as Cocaine Chic, all be it in a refined way. It still seduces the eye, though.
ReplyDeleteSeduces the eye...a great way to describe it.
DeleteWonderful settings and photos -- just imagine all of the gorgeous parties! This story does illustrate an interesting change of focus -- from the nighttime elegance of these apartments to today's magazine stories that feature "family friendly" and daytime/sunshine designs in décor settings. Thanks for another great posting!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. The new focus seems to reflect today's definition of comfort, which equates to casualness.
DeleteIt was all glamour baby! Jaime Ardiles-Arce and others caught the seductive glittering atmosphere of the era- and Paige was a master of editorial. There was even a slight sinister aspect, for example, the late Arthur Smith, who inherited the Billy Baldwin clients- also lived with the notorious Andrew Crispo- in adjoining apartments, first uptown and later in the west village. I agree with Glen- cocaine glamour sums it up! Urban elegance/decadence at it's peak- the peak of chic!
ReplyDeleteI haven't thought about Andrew Crispo in a few years!
DeleteI know...this flat also reminded me of the late Tony Childs, who was probably the most fashionable and chic of the DC decorator/antiquaires- I was fortunate to live in the district back in the late 70's and had such a good time- I met Tony and worked for Bob Waldron and also for Carol Lascaris, whom Barry Darr Dixon also worked for- and later, after re-locating to Naples, met Deborah Gore Dean, the fabulous designer from Washington. I was friends with Thomas Pheasant then, when he was working for Victor Shargai, in Georgetown. Fond memories of weekends at Folly Farm, in Frederick, Maryland- it was a wonderful time in my life, and I saw some of the most beautiful homes imaginable.
DeleteThese rooms are still timeless and elegant even today. Great design never goes out of style. But I don't get the comment about "Cocaine Chic," they must live in a different world than I? Thank you for posting these Jennifer. LK
ReplyDeleteLK, Like it did for you, the apartment's elegance is really what caught my eye. :)
DeleteSure beats the all white and pale and all the same rooms of today. I still prefer darker, cozy rooms with great lighting to you have to wear sunshades in your house during the day!
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you. Dark, cozy rooms all the way!
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