Wednesday, January 13, 2016

A Sumptuous Get Away


After a long holiday, getting back into the swing of things has been a challenge, so much so that in the last few days, I've felt like saying, "Calgon, take me away."  If a box of Calgon really could take me away for a respite, I'd wish to be transported to this Paris apartment, one of the more memorable Paris dwellings to have been published in the last fifteen years.  (Well, memorable to me anyway.)  Owned and decorated by financier Kristen van Riel and published in the September 2001 issue of House Beautiful, this Left Bank apartment is a bastion of elegance, good taste, and quality, three things that seem to be in short supply these days.

Look at the photos, and you won't see one piece of modern furniture.  Contemporary art is absent, too, while antique engravings and oil paintings are in abundance.  (By the way, I hear that the market for traditional oil paintings is tepid at best.)  But rather than appearing old-fashioned, this apartment seems very much suited to our modern lives.  The color palette is a pleasing mix of rich, energizing color tempered by anything-but-dull neutrals.  The homeowner's many collections provide the home with those all-important, comforting layers, but the rooms have an edited feel, too, which prevent them from being too weighed down by the past.  And how nice would it be to escape the hustle and bustle of emails, social media, phone calls, and interruptions by settling down on that sumptuous red-velvet sofa, a book or magazine in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other?  In fact, that's such a nice thought that I'm ready to be taken there immediately.  Calgon, I'm ready when you are.












All images from House Beautiful, September 2001, Alexandre Bailhache, photographer.

20 comments:

  1. "Ahhhhhh," she sighed as she sank into the warm tub of Calgon enhanced bath water. Yes, this is cocooning at its very best. I remember this layout and apartment. It's the best of that style of décor. When all the washed-out insipidness of today's decorating styles finally wears off, people should sink back into this warm, inviting, enveloping, Calgon-enhanced mode of making a nest. Thanks, Jennifer. Great post!

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    1. Cynthia, Thank you! So true...this apartment is cocooning at its best.

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  2. Anonymous9:59 AM

    Jennifer, I don't recall how I found you -- but you are now my favorite blogger! To me, classic can never be trounced! I especially enjoyed your posts on "The Mill," as well as the gorgeous creches in an earlier article. Keep them coming!! (And now, I also have your many archives to keep me busily reading while awaiting your next post.) Many thanks!!
    Justine

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    1. Justine, I'm so glad you found my blog, and thank you for the kind comment.

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  3. Every room is splendid. Would love to see the art work and book titles. Both elegant and comfortable.

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    1. Yes! I would also like to see the book titles.

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  4. I could move in tomorrow. lovely. Also important to note, I think, the great lighting scheme. Lighting can make or break any design!

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    1. Stefan, You are absolutely right. Lighting is (almost) everything.

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  5. No, I want it!!! What a gorgeous home - just perfection and not one bit "dated". Yes, the lighting - no pot lights in the ceiling, but lovely chandeliers and good lamps. Pot lights are for showrooms, and kitchens, not for homes.

    When I see this and compare it to today's "Curated Kravet" which looks like expensive HGTV, I could cry. I sometimes thing that today, very few designers, let alone clients, know anything about great, timeless design that makes a welcoming home in which to "cocoon".

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    1. You're right; those chandeliers and lamps add a layer of warmth that only enhances the cozy feel.

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  6. absolutely + the best way to get away!xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  7. Rich in details but does not feel a bit cluttered. I love it.

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    1. Linda, it's the lack of clutter that makes this apartment feel modern.

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  8. Anonymous8:55 AM

    Near perfection. And look at where the owner spends his weekends:

    http://www.chateaudestaubin.com/english/introduction.htm

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    1. The chateau is ravishing! Thank you for the link.

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    2. Anonymous3:50 PM

      It helps to have been the head of the French branch of Sotheby's.

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  9. Jennifer,
    Great post! The images show why most designers are so inspired by European decorative arts. Michael Smith for example.
    Dean

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  10. I LOVE this post..first of all because my friends and I say the "Calgon..take me away." line all the time...and also because for some reason today I have been thinking about classic design and the evolution of style via the internet ...and how in so many ways we are connected, and "decorating"inspiration and knowledge and is accessible to all...but it is like everyone has the fast food version, quick and easy version of Julia Child's cookbook...The depth is missing. Thankfully not from everywhere ...and It is wonderful to see these photos and be reminded of whence we came. thank you

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  11. Anonymous5:21 PM

    Utterly perfect compositions, especially that first photo.

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