Charming Spaces || Coastal Vibes
10/08/2014 § 3 Comments
Lovely bit of inspiration by way of Robert McKinley’s apartment in Chelsea, as captured by Nicole Franzen for T Magazine/NY Times. Unfamiliar with McKinley? He’s the interior designer and creative director behind places such as the Surf Lodge and Ruschmeyer’s in Montauk and the downtown outposts of Sant Ambroeus. I’m feeling inspired by the relaxed, well-worn and faintly beachy style of his space, especially the palm frond curtains and that amazing rocking chair.
So if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be stepping out shortly to track down one of those hurricane plants Please hold my calls.
Keep in touch:
Instagram: @quitecontinental
Twitter || Tumblr
Tchau Winter!
01/04/2014 § Leave a comment
So it’s officially April and I’m feeling optimistic. Like warm weather and sunshine are just around the corner waiting for me. With the worst winter in a record 40 years, New York has felt like a purgatory since…forever. So to treat my slight case of seasonal depression I’ve prescribed myself a regular visit with these photographs by Matthew Williams for Elle Decoration UK of a gorgeous beach home in Brazil. White walls, polished floors, weathered wood, all offset by the lushness of green fronds and lazy vines.
I want, I want, I want. The only question left: who’s coming with me?
At Home With Ms. Issa
10/08/2012 § 1 Comment
Loved this glimpse into the home of Caroline Issa, the executive fashion director of Tank Magazine, photographed by Natalie Joos. I’m a big fan of Issa’s style, which tends to combine unexpected elements with excellent tailoring, so when I happened to cross paths with her at the Rag & Bone F/W 2012 show, I came thisclose to making a bit of a fool of myself by proclaiming my admiration. Thankfully, I managed to keep my cool.
I will admit that I expected Issa’s home to be much more colorful, but perhaps there is something kind of perfect about the whiteness of the space — a “less is more” approach that leaves plenty of room for Issa to push the boundaries with her personal style.
Be sure to visit Tales of Endearment for the full tour.
The Grand Tour || The House Where Satchmo Played
29/04/2012 § 3 Comments
Most homes of a certain age in Los Angeles usually come with old Hollywood stories of former residents. This Spanish beauty in Westwood, owned by good friends of mine, is no different. Home to Spencer Tracy and his wife for a time, and host to an intimate concert by Louis Armstrong, this estate has a charmingly eccentric layout, complete with original tile work, exposed beams, hardwood floors, interesting built-ins and one of the only SoCal basements I am personally aware of.
A relatively recent purchase, the owners are still hard at work with renovations but I twisted some arms and was allowed to take a few photos of their progress thus far. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Real Property Lust || Eccentric King George
02/04/2012 § 1 Comment
“Harriet’s projects stitch together restoration and classic modern design; the 20’s hang out with the Edwardians, everyone is invited, just as long as you are well turned out. Her confidence and her playful nature with design allows rooms to be fun without the ridiculous, smart without dullness and most importantly a place you would want to be.” [via]
When the past is engaged in an active dialogue with the present, you already know my interest is piqued. Here, the mid-19th century late Georgian home of designer Harriet Anstruther in London successfully honors its architectural origins without a slavish adherence to Georgian decor, creating a statement home that feels fresh, yet nostalgic — and is completely personal. What I love about this space is its successful and seamless blending of so many different sources of inspiration without the sacrifice of comfort or personality. Neither a stuffy museum nor a stark exercise in modernism, its soaring white walls immediately call to mind a gallery space, a context helped along by the family’s art collection. Some of my favorite touches include the Penguin watercolor, the crystal chandeliers, the black stripes of the upholstery, the magenta skylight in the shower and — above all — the fire bucket sink and the Fornasetti wallpaper in the bathroom. Hello, lover.
Whereas our last discussion on interiors encouraged me to mix up my sources (IKEA vs. antique finds), I really like how this home illustrates a successful mingling of very different aesthetics. It’s got me inspired…and eying the Harper sofa by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Thoughts?
All images via T Magazine.
Real Property Lust: Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch…
26/10/2011 § Leave a comment
There were plenty of things to love about this Spanish-style California ranch home belonging to supermodel Tatjana Patitz: the endless light, the double high living room ceiling (Patitz actually knocked out a floor to make way for it), dark wood and white walls, gleaming concrete floors, the horse stables that are on the two acres of land that surround the house, the ocean views, the jumble of mismatched furnishings…
What sealed the deal was the bedroom.
This is a place to disappear for hours. For days.
In. Love.
All images via House to Home.
Quite Continental 