Monday, October 17, 2011

Katie Ridder Rooms





I couldn't have asked for a better weekend: a fun cocktail party hosted by neighbors; a leisurely Sunday night supper at a friend's house; and reading the soon to be released Katie Ridder Rooms. I have long been a fan of Katie's work, so I had a feeling that I would enjoy this book. Still, I didn't realize just how much I would enjoy reading it.

There is much that I admire about Katie. She has an amazing sense of color, an ease with both traditional and contemporary furnishings, and a keen eye for detail. (In fact, the book has pages devoted to details like upholstery, lighting, and wallpaper.) The result, I think, is that her rooms are layered and full of life. They are rooms that you want to pore over, soaking in the details. And fortunately, the book's photos really capture the beauty of Katie's work. The colors leap from the page.

The book's text is interesting too, giving the reader a sense of how Katie works and what her design philosophy is. In addition, Katie's tips on things like "The Ideal Dining Chair", "What Every Entry Needs", and "The Best Bookcases" are all highlighted. It's informative and inspiring too.

And going back to what I said about Katie's eye for detail. Take a close look at the book and you'll see that it is decorated with some of Katie's great fabric and wallpaper prints including Wave and Attendant. Very clever!













Katie's Attendant print appears on the book's spine.


Take off the dust jacket and you'll see that the book's front and end boards feature her Wave print.


Images of interiors from Katie Ridder Rooms by Heather Smith MacIsaac, Eric Piasecki photographer (Vendome Press).

14 comments:

  1. I like the way she balances plain and detailed surfaces. This creates depth without becoming overwhelming.
    --Road to Parnassus

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  2. It looks like a promising book. I am a fan of author Heather Smith MacIsaac who has written for design magazines for years; she really knows her stuff.

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  3. LOVE Katie!! Can't wait to read this book!! And good for Vendome for producing such a beautiful package!! Have you seen the new David Webb store she did with Peter? It is stunning!

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  4. I got a review copy last week and have been carrying it around ever since! an amazing, amazing book. i think the book proves that color in interiors can be fun and elegant. the design community needs to move beyond greige and beige. kudos to katie for raising the bar.

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  5. Yes, Katie is masterful with color and that comes across in this book.

    Q, I have not seen it in person, but based on what I've read about it on your blog, it seems that I need to visit in person!

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  6. I'm adding this to my wish list right now. Thanks for the heads-up. Mary

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  7. Jennifer, what really comes across is Katie's masterful use of color. I love her design works. Fabulous rooms.

    Oh I have a designer pillow Giveaway I hope you will join! (a great resource as well)

    Xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  8. added to my reading list. have to check this as soon as possible

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  9. The way Katie blends colors together is absolute genius. She gets it. Colors that you wouldn't think go together blend flawlessly the way she represents them. I love it.

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  10. So excited to hear about this book, thanks for the preview. I really enjoyed your article in Atlanta Homes this month- Rustic & Refined.

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  11. It sounds very similar to the weekend I had. Could it be that we were both at the same cocktail party??

    It was nice to finally meet you.

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  12. Lindaraxa- So nice to meet you as well!

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  13. Casey6:37 PM

    Anyone know how I could find out what material was used on the armchair, on the cover?

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    1. Casey, I wish that I could help you. Maybe you could email Katie Ridder's office?

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