Alan Tanksley Q&A

Alan Tanksley by Richard Shultz

When Alan Tanksley’s own Manhattan apartment, with its view of the Empire State Building from the  living  room  and  shower,  appeared  both  on  the  cover of  Metropolitan  Home  and  in the pages  of  Elle  Decor  Magazine,  the  designer’s  extraordinary  skill  at  blending  furniture, furnishings   and   art   from   virtually   every   era   drew   international  acclaim.  

This   same extraordinary  vision  and  highly  personalized  style  characterize  every  one  of  Mr. Tanksley’s timeless designs for a most appreciative clientele both in the United States and abroad.

Mr.  Tanksley  and  his  staff  of  ten  are  among  America’s  leading  practitioners  of  residential design  and  of  detailed  interior  space  planning  and  custom  furniture  and  fixture  design.

Renowned  as  an  expert  colorist,  Mr.  Tanksley  creates  shimmering  palettes  that  ultimately manage to make every  interior space  both exciting and relaxing simultaneously – a  must  for his demanding,  highly  exclusive  clients.    His  day-to-day  working  relationships  with  such leading architects  as  Maya  Lin  and  Robert  Orr  give  the  firm  the  unusual  ability  to  draw  on expert talents  to  implement  a  wide  range  of  architectural  renovations  for  each  project  that  it undertakes. Prior to founding his own firm in 1993, Alan Tanksley was a partner in another firm and was previously  an  associate  with  the  distinguished  designer  Mark  Hampton.  

He  worked  closely with  Mr.  Hampton  on  the  design  and  supervision  of  many  of  the company’s  most  notable residential  projects.    Mr.  Tanksley  is  a  graduate  of  Arizona  State University’s  School  of Architecture specializing in interior architecture. Among  Alan  Tanksley, Inc.’s  elite  clientele  are  Paul  Simon,  John  Bartlett,  Ambassador Edward Elson, Lionel Pincus, Jane Pauley & Garry Trudeau, Gilles Mendel, Goldman Sachs Company and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Check out my exclusive Q&A with Alan Tanksley below.

What first attracted you to to design? 

I can't say that I can pinpoint one thing that first attracted me to design. Like may others it seems that something was inside me from the very start, perhaps the same way others are drawn to sports or science or any other passion before they knew enough to consciously pursue it., Fortunately, both my parents were very curious people by nature and due to my father being a commercial pilot we travelled fairly extensively.  An appreciation for history, architecture, nature and art were organically imbued in use as we accompanied them from place to place and they shared their love for such things with.

What inspires you in your creative process? 

The environment I'm given to work with, along with my clients' stated desires kick off the search for creative solutions. Most often my initial goal is to organize an environment to a place that is innately compelling and approachable. Whether it be a house, a room or a table top vignette my goal is always the same, to make the user feel

What have been the highlights and challenges throughout your design career?

To begin, I had the good fortune to start my career in the office of Mark Hampton, one of the masters of 20th century design. With Mr. Hampton I was introduced to a world of design and a lifestyle that opened my eyes to the limitless adventures that can be experienced through the business of design and decoration. One of the big downers has been the times when working with clients who approach the process from an adversarial, small minded point of view. That's a guarantee for a joyless, soul crushing experience. There's simply not enough time available to squander it on any such relationship.

What have been the best projects you’ve worked on?

The projects that truly stand out have been the result of working relationships with people who've participated and communicated with me in an enthusiastic and collaborative manner and who have a respectful understanding of the complex, often challenging processes required to accomplish something truly great.  Some of the stand outs include residences in Snowmass, Vail and Telluride, Colorado as well as a modern ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are extremely busy right now with three exceptional residences in the Boston area, combining two apartments in NYC to create a single, full floor apartment and an extraordinary project in one of New York's most recognizable buildings.

You’ve designed for many ‘celebrity’ clients and famous faces. Which of these projects have been the most fun? 

I've worked with a handful of well known people, the most visible being the singer and songwriter Paul Simon for whom I worked on his Manhattan and Montauk residences. However, as far as fun goes I have a long and very friendly working relationship with Garry Trudeau and Jane Pauley on their NYC residence.

Which is your favorite design style/period? 

Now, because I have the luxury of working in any period should I have the opportunity to or, more likely, enjoy the challenge of artfully moving among several periods within the same environment.

Who would be your dream client?

As long as we're daydreaming, Mame Dennis, the fictional character who lived at One Beekman Place. Not only was she smart and funny and glamorous she completely changed the decoration of her massive apartment on a regular basis.

Other than her I'd be very pleased to have more of the of people I'm currently working for. I'm very fortunate, they're an ideal assortment of clients.

Lighting Tips from Charles Edwards

Lighting is a notoriously tricky thing to get right in your home. Too bright or too dark, everyone has an opinion on what is the best lighting!

Luckily, expert Charles Edwards is on hand to offer some advice. Considered  one  of  the  leading designers  and manufacturers  of  19th  and  20th  Century  inspired  English,  French  and American lighting.  Charles  has  developed  a  recognizable  style  in  his design  collection,  which  are regularly  featured  in  notable  publications including Architectural Digest, Veranda, World of Interiors, and House & Garden.

Check out Charles's tips for lighting below!

THE LIGHTING SCHEME

All spaces should be designed with layers of light: 

You can achieve this by combining wall and ceiling lights, or by adding table lamps and floor lamps to the lighting scheme. Remember to make the most of natural light.

Hide wires for lights:

It isn’t always possible to have a lamp near the centre of a large room without its flex becoming a trip wire.  Recessed sockets in the floor (preferably hidden under a bit of furniture) usually eliminate the problem.

Don’t dazzle: 

Particular care needs to be taken that there is no unwanted glare from lights. Take care to position lights so that bulbs are not directly in eye line.

Mood lighting: 

It makes sense to combine downlights/ hidden lighting and decorative lights on different circuits as well as on dimmers – it will make it much easier to create whatever mood you want.

SCALE

As a rule of thumb wall lights should be fitted approx 6’ from the floor and you should allow 7’6” headroom from the floor to the bottom of a ceiling light. This will determine if you should hang a chandelier, or use a flush mount ceiling light. Avoid choosing lanterns that are too small or ‘mean’ and be careful not to hang them too high.

Use ceiling lights to break up spaces in large areas. Ceiling lights are useful in open plan interiors where they can be used to define specific areas within the space. Define the space: Use pendants or hanging lights above an island or a kitchen table to define the area and add a decorative element.  If you can’t find the right lights to complement the shape of the island or table, use a series of lights instead.

It is worth considering that the light fittings you use should usually be in the region of 15-30cm (6-12ins) smaller in width than the island or table beneath them. However, it is also worth taking into account the size of the room. Decorative Lights should help to reinforce a room’s sense of scale and choosing lights which are too small can often look a bit mean.

Positioning the light: 

The lowest part of a hanging light should normally be at least 107cm (42") above a work surface, or even greater if the light is above a sink or hob. Having decorative lights in a place where they may get splattered or dirty will just create extra work as they will need to be cleaned regularly. Lights hanging above a kitchen table can be positioned slightly lower as long as there is no risk of people banging their heads when standing up or laying the table.

When hanging a lantern in stairwell, it is usual for the light be hung just below half the height of the room so you can still see the top of the lantern from the landing. For halls with several stories a tiered hanging formation will create focal points for each landing.

STYLE

It is important not to feel hidebound by the period of the property when selecting the design of light fitting. Lighting fixtures have always changed with technology, from the transition from candles, to oil, to gas, and finally to electricity. As long as the design and proportions of a lantern suit the architecture of a space, it will make an enormous difference and add a real presence.

ATMOSPHERE

Chandeliers or hanging lanterns can be used to create drama and mood. If there is a window above the door centre the chandelier so it can be seen from the outside.

Using the same hanging lantern design outside the house in the porch as well as inside in the hallway will make a strong design statement. Most Charles Edwards hanging lanterns can be used for exterior, or interior use. A popular choice is the Blake Lantern.

Using a series of hanging lanterns will create rhythm and a flow to the space.

The finish of the lighting fixtures will help create the atmosphere. Nickel will add a crisp, clean look to the space and can be used on traditional designs to add a contemporary twist. Brass and bronzes can be used to create a more traditional and warm ambience. All Charles Edwards designs are available in a wide range of finishes to ensure that you can achieve the right look with your chosen design.

When it is dark outside, large areas of glass in a kitchen, in a skylight or within sliding doors, for example, can look like a big black mirror if there is no external light beyond them. A couple of garden lanterns or wall lights is all it takes to turn a negative into a positive and create a greater sense of space by allowing people to see outside.

How do you use lighting in your home?

Q&A with Adam Japko, Founder & CEO Esteem Media

Adam Japko is paving the way and carving new connections between luxury and a sense of community. Adam is the founder of Esteem Media, home to leading national and local media brands in the luxury home design, gardening, fine wine and multifamily property management communities. If you read publications like New England Home and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, then you'll already be aware of how Adam and his team are nurturing this niche.

Adam has a fascinating story to tell, and his commitment to community engagement, quality content and meaningful networking is inspiring to those of us who professionally use social media, blog or create content. Check out my Q&A with Adam below to find out more about his personal style, his design inspirations and his thoughts on the future of digital.

How would you describe your personal style? 

I love life, live it for all of its sensual pleasures, and above all, love people and the connections we make together.  Over a 30+ year career in media, I ran large businesses in corporate environments, having to navigate complex structures and relationships.  I was consistently inclined to connect with our people in ways that felt meaningful to them and me. Somehow, it was natural for me to understand that people bring themselves and their personal values to work and not another version conjured up for the workplace.  Honoring everyone's unique life priorities was a simple way to connect and motivate, and for me to feel like something more important than making money was going in in our companies.

I live in fear of things getting stale.  That's probably a branch of my need for the excitement all the time. I mistakenly think that everyone around me has at least a piece of that same reality in their DNA. I walk around knowing that the status quo has a shelf life. It drives teams a bit crazy, sometimes I get ahead of our stakeholder communities' level of urgency, but folks who get to know me know my need to evolve always relies on practical common sense combined with a dash of informed instinct.

I have never been good at inventing the next great thing, instead just seeing initial signs of resonant strategies take shape while everyone else is wrapped around their routines.  Building media businesses that help professionals anticipate and leverage new imperatives is immensely rewarding and exciting to me.

Tell us about your brand and portfolio.

My company brand is Esteem Media.  I named it that because the filter I use to acquire or launch businesses leads me to opportunities with highly engaged professional communities where content sharing and human connection make people feel good about themselves. It may sound presumptuous, but I like to think our products play a role in building personal "esteem" for members of our communities  That is why social media is such a strong component in everything we do.

My personal brand is a bit schizophrenic because I have too many interests. My two main interests are fine wine and interior design.  I geeked out on wine in 1986 and never stopped tasting, drinking, and collecting; starting to write about wine at WineZag.com in 2009. The power of creating and sharing wine content on the web and across the social graph convinced me that anyone with a passion and a point of view could become more important, even famous and authoritative, in their extended communities.  At the same time, we were helping interior design professionals navigate through social media and content marketing to build their own personal brands. So, sometimes I felt like a drummer, kicking my bass drum and and controlling my high hat pedal simultaneously.

I have mainly settled, and happily so, into the design and wine industries publishing magazines like New England Home and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, producing conferences like the Design Bloggers Conference and the Home Design Digital Marketing Summit, writing about fine wine and organizing luxury design & wine tours to places like the Veneto.  We run blog tours in the design industry and organize a social media conference in a total different market. But again, we only launch or acquire when we know we can play a central role enhancing community connection.

What do you enjoy most about the industry?

Wine makers, interior design professionals, and bloggers are people.  When I stopped working with companies and started working with people my enthusiasm for helping clients turned steroidal.  I did not understand exactly why until later when I realized that clients were no longer companies; they were people.  And they were creative people, using fruit from a specific patch of land they selected and applying their personal perspective in the farm and during elevage to produce something uniquely beautiful.  Designers are the same, curating product with a uniquely creative plan for producing living spaces that inspire and make people feel good about themselves.

What do you love most about blogging? 

Blogging took me from twenty buddies who I tasted and talked wine with to hundreds, then thousands, of people I engaged with.  On top of that, it gave me access to people I otherwise would have never met.  These are the people that make the wine industry go.  I love the membership pass it gave me to an influential and authoritative community of like minded people.

How is WineZag transforming the industry?

WineZag does not, nor was it ever intended to, transform the industry.  I always wrote for myself.  I figured if it resonated with someone, they would like to read what I wrote for myself.  Honestly, over the last year due to building a new company, launching our wine and design travel business, and endless elder care my family has been providing, I have not written much.  I will begin again, it is just a matter of priority and motivation.

How has travel inspired your work?

I have traveled all over the world and constantly for at least half my life.  Everywhere I go, I am more interested in people, food,, wine and culture than guidebook sightseeing. I am taken by places like Swartland in South Africa's western cape where a bunch of revolutionary high quality winemakers reclaimed aging vines to make the best wines the country and southern hemisphere has ever seen.  I love people like Ivo Cubi of Cumar Marble, who started as a marble craftsman in Verona and now runs the largest marble business in the US.  Ivo inspired me and helped me travel throughout Friuli and Verona and introduced me to his sister Valentina Cubi, a retired school teacher, who is making some of the best wines in Valpolicella today and to Brummel who crafts some of the most amazing furniture you can find in Italy. Spending a day with Josko Gravner and his daughter on their Slovenian border town and tasting his unique wines made in ancient fashion in buried amphoras big enough to fit a couple people in when empty are the inspirations that push me to discover more about what makes great creative trailblazers tick. Traveling directly to Asia for a dozen years totally blew my mind, and the friends I made there twenty years ago are collaborating with me now on Asian design travel tours e and of all things, a wine and music festival under the Great Wall.  I like travel the most because it twists reality, landing me in places that force me to think about what is going on, always leading to another fresh path for me to follow.

Who are your design inspirations?

Interesting question.  My first powerful reaction to great visual art was studying William Blake as a young man.  His idiosyncratic etchings force you to see beyond the apparent.  That tickled my brain in delightful ways. It may sound strange, but the Grateful Dead grabbed my attention and never let go through their easy approach to electronic improvisation that relied on classic American music styles from jazz to bluegrass to rock and roll.  They also helped me understand that apparent reality needs to be stretched and tested.  On a more grounded level, and In terms of today and the interior design industry, I am inspired by Stacey Bewkes who writes about design at quintessenceblog.com.  Always excellent content using any measure, she does it her way and has refused to let any financial or trendy development interfere with her personal vision and commitment to inspired original content.  I learn about design, writing, and personal values from her in ways I can not access elsewhere.

What do you think are the key techniques for effective community engagement?

That's a simple one.  Quality, passion, AUTHENTICITY, and a willingness to listen and treat people the way you want to be treated.

What do you think the future of digital will look like? 

That's a big question that I chase all the time in geeky detail, so I need to boil to down to the lowest common denominator. Important disruption is never really disruption.  They are just solutions to challenges in doing the things we already do better, faster, easier. If something makes it simpler and easier for people to do the things they already prioritize in their lives, then it will shape the future. There is no need to invent technology for things you think people might want to do.  We already have defined priorities and when digital innovation leans into that, making addressing them simpler, faster, and more fun...only then are you picturing the future of the digital world.  An example of this is social media becoming a powerful tool for baby boomers because they are networking social animals to begin with, and most want to naturally help other people. Social media helps boomers easily accomplish something they have been doing all their lives.

What are your plans for the future of WineZag/Esteem Media?

Whatever they are, they will mildly surprise me.  There is no five year nor strategic operating plan codified in a manual somewhere.  I look at new businesses to buy and start all the time, but our filter has very tight mesh, so I pass 90% of the time. Only when an opportunity has to do with design or wine, or feels like we can play a meaningful central role in connecting a new professional luxury community to power their business results, or when I meet someone that inspires me and I want to work with them,  will I know what the future will really look like for WineZag and Esteem Media.

New Year, New Workspace

I'm all for creating manageable New Year resolutions, and this year, sorting out my workspace is at the top of the list.

I'll be using my home office more than ever this year, and getting into my new routine requires a drastic rethink of my current workspace. I'll be ditching the piles of paper for a more tidy filing system, banning the clutter and keeping only the essentials close-by.

Whilst I work through an awful lot of stuff, these pictures will provide me with endless workspace inspiration. Grab a cup of something warm and dream along with me...

       Follow Laura-Emily Dunn's board Home Office on Pinterest.                   Follow Laura-Emily Dunn's board Home Office on Pinterest.    

Thanks to WeWork for the inspiration behind this post! Be sure to check out their London based office locations.

2016 Home Design Trends with Robin Wilson

So the New Year is almost here, and if you're anything like me, you'll be looking at how you can refresh your living space! I'm a sucker for visiting home stores, especially when the sales are on! There's nothing more I enjoy than rummaging for a bargain and a statement piece to adorn my walls or side tables.

I'm also keen to see what the trends will be for 2016, and designer and CEO Robin Wilson has provided us with the hottest insights into what we'll all be wanting in our homes come the new year! Check out her top tips below.

• Quartz stone countertops. The Silestone and Caesarstone countertops are more popular because of multiple options, lower maintenance, antibacterial properties and durability.

• Shades of White. Most people do not realize that there are 96 shades of white, and more people are exploring the variations to give rooms subtle hue changes.

• Entry foyer benches. Eco-friendly design suggests that people remove their shoes and outerwear in the foyer to prevent toxins from entering the home. More people are adding a place in their mudrooms or entry foyers for this purpose.

• Undermount sinks. It is not a luxury to have an undermount sink, but a positive impact on your health because bacteria will not be trapped in the lip of the sink.

• Open kitchen/Great Rooms. More clients recognize that the kitchen is the “heart of the home” and they are opening up the space so that family and friends can gather around during meal preparation.

• Home Office. More people work from home or bring work home and a dedicated office space is essential, even if it was once a walk-in closet. Having a dedicated space allows one to separate work from home, instead of working on the dining room table.

• Pantries. With the increase in bulk package purchases from stores such as Costco or Amazon shipments, more people are creating a space to put such items to ensure that they are properly stored, and often they include a second refrigerator/freezer for extra storage.

• Mechanical window shades. There are more people using window shades that can move up and down with remote controls – for energy efficiency, protection of furniture/artwork or security to make it appear that someone is home. Many options allow control from smartphones.

• Home Remote controls. With products such as Nest or Smart Home, consumers can manage security, temperature, lights, window shades and other features from their smart phones – even if they are traveling.

• Curbless showers. This is a trend that has been common in high-end construction, but it is also useful for multi-generational design. Imagine that you are in a wheelchair one day and you cannot afford to renovate.  If you have a curbless shower, you can preserve your dignity a bit longer by wheeling into the space and using a handwand.

Robin Wilson

Graham & Brown Artisan Range

The colder months turn my thoughts to cosy nights in, perhaps watching the latest blockbuster or catching up with a pile of books.

I'm really taken with Graham & Brown's Artisan range, a rich variety of classic design styles which help to create the perfect setting for a relaxed winter night in. The designs styles have been hand picked by the company's Head Stylist, reflecting seventy years of heritage and a bespoke, luxury feeling. The four design themes- Damask, Floral, Leaf Motif and Stripe are presented in a wide colour palette, with selections suitable for every design taste.

From cool greys to glimmering golds, the Artisan range is perfect for a feature wall, or going all out to make a design statement.

Graham & Brown

Kate Spade Furniture Collection

Kate Spade is a go-to destination for many things, and now it seems we'll all be stopping there for furniture!

The brand has just released a collection of home furnishings, and available online, the pieces embody the label's chic and playful spirit. A mix of desk lamps, tables, slipper chairs and mirrors, the colour scheme and designs are quintessentially Kate Spade.

Kate Spade

I'm pretty much in love with everything in the collection...now I just need the space to fill it with! Here are some of my fave pieces:

Worthington Chair

Dickenson Pendant Light

Drake Three Seated Sofa

Downing Desk

My Dream Closet

I have an addiction. And it comes in the form of shoes and bags! No surprise there for those of you that know me, and follow me on Instagram. Many of my photos show my latest purchases or dream shoes!

The recent expansion of my collection has made me think about my dream closet. What would it contain? How would I store my items? What colours would I pick? Luckily, Compass was pretty good at reading my mind, and has encouraged me to share my dream closet.

Drool away...

Traditional Spaces by Torrance Closet Designers and Professional Organizers Interior Door & Closet Company | Los Angeles, CA

In Antique White, this custom walk in closet would definitely be for me! I love how the shoes have the most prominent place - right up front!

Contemporary Closet by Sydney Architects & Building Designers Annabelle Chapman Architect Pty Ltd

This closet is light and airy- and so tidy!

Industrial Closet by London Cabinets & Cabinetry Plain English

Part of me loves the industrial feel of this closet!

Traditional Closet by Schaumburg Kitchen & Bath Designers Abruzzo Kitchen & Bath

And I'd love a walk in that was this big!

Do you have a walk-in closet? Is it on your wishlist? Share your thoughts with me below!

Thanks to Compass for the inspiration for this post. 

Bookcase Dilemma

Help! I am a self-confessed book addict and I'm slowly running out of storage space for my lovely literature! A custom built bookcase is stocked full of paperbacks, coffee table books and other terrific tomes and I'm finding it difficult to find storage options.

So readers, how do you store your favorite books? Do you use a traditional bookcase or something a bit more modern? How often do you cleanse your book pile, or is this something you couldn't bear?

All suggestions and tips gratefully welcomed, plus a photo or two of your storage solutions would be great!

Photos of my very cluttered bookcase!

10 Clever Ways To Design Your Small Apartment On​ A Budget

Getting your first apartment or home is an exciting and momentous landmark in your life! After the initial excitement has calmed down, you will probably be thinking 'how can I design my pad on a budget?' 

Laurel & Wolf CEO and Founder Leura Fine is solving that problem by offering a professional service for a flat fee. Laurel & Wolf is the world's leading online interior design marketplace, providing online interior design services for residential and commercial spaces. 

So whether you're just moving in or want to redesign your current space, these 10 clever ways to design your small apartment on a budget will come in handy! 

Delightful Decor: 

Adding simple shelving allows you to instantly spruce up the look of your walls and showcase special items and artwork around the house. It is also a convenient way to present small items like clocks and vases in an organized and creative fashion.

Simplistic Storage:  

Items don’t always have to be hidden away-open organizers are perfect for easy-access and allow you to show off your favorite dishes and kitchenware. Easier to install than cabinets, Metro racks come in many different sizes and are often used in restaurant kitchens. These ideas can also be applied when storing food

Enchanting Entry: 

A pretty entryway is a great way to add an interesting design touch to your home. Drawers, shelves, and hooks are perfect for storing coats and other items when guests (or you) walk in, and a chair can add a pop of color. To create this piece, removes shelves from a bookshelf and place hooks along the inner wall. Vintage or handcrafted boxes add personal appeal.

Miraculous Mirrors: 

Mirrors and wall art add visual interest and are a wonderful way to occupy empty wall space. Mirrors also increase the amount of light in a room and will make it appear bigger. Position one opposite a window for the greatest effect.

Playful Pillows: 

Pillows add personality. Choose patterns or images that complement the walls and upholstery, or pick pillows to stand out as accents in the room. They can be placed almost anywhere, and always make the room a bit more welcoming.

Lavish Lighting: 

Lighting in just the right place can make a huge difference for the rest of the room. Take into account the amount of window light you will have, and remember to pick a lamp that will look proportional to your other furniture. It can be a sparkling element in the room, so place small lamps on tables, and pick tall ones that can stand out on their own.

Radical Rug: 

Rugs can be used to brighten up dull floors or even cover up old carpeting, especially when you can’t afford to do much remodeling. By picking the right pattern and color, you can instantly liven up a space, so don’t be afraid to choose a piece with plenty of personality.

Delectable Dining: 

Dining in small spaces does not have to be boring. The clear table gives the illusion of more space, and combined with the art piece it makes the space contemporary. Round tables also work best in corners, and plastic and glass make for an easy cleanup.

Inventive Insides: 

Many vintage pieces and other large items can be used in place of furniture, so be creative with what you bring into the house. By turning plant-pots and baskets upside down, you not only have a new decorative element in the room, but also a stylish surface to place vases, coasters, and other items.

Laurel & Wolf

Fabulous Furnishings: 

Furniture is not limited to the main rooms-feel free to add a chair or table to your bathroom. Choose pieces in different colors to give the space an eclectic feel, and create some extra storage and sitting space.

The Gone Girl House

I first read Gone Girl last year. The story gripped me from beginning to end, and like many fans, I was excited when I heard it would be made into a movie.

I watched the film a few night's ago, and was impressed with what I saw. Whilst you can't fail to be hooked by the story, I was really taken with the Elliott-Dunne house! Dubbed a 'McMansion' by many, the house is quintessentially American. The exterior is actually located in Missouri, whilst the interior was built on a sound stage in Los Angeles.

The designers took the complete floor plan of the house on location, and adjusted it for the story and the camera angles. The decor is muted tones of beige (perfectly echoing the dark tones of the plot,) and the characters clothes also reflect this side of the story.

Whilst some people may say 'there's no color' I actually really love this elegant style of decor, and everything looked pretty perfect- especially the walk in wardrobe!

Have you seen Gone Girl? What do you think of the Elliott-Dunne house? Let me know in the comments!

via

In Review: Marella Agnelli, The Last Swan

Henry Clarke/Vogue © Condé Nast Publications

Marella Agnelli is perhaps one of the greatest tastemakers, and The Last Swan chronicles her life through many personal memoirs and anedoctes, as well as providing an unprecedented tour through many of her glorious homes and gardens.

Marella and Gianni at the Black and White Ball,1966, Ray Scott Morrison

Nicknamed “The Swan” by Richard Avedon when he photographed her iconic portraits in 1953, Marella Agnelli  was not only one of the great beauties of the last century, but also the most elegant and cultured of that exclusive club which famously included Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Slim Keith and C.Z. Guest among others.

Villa Frescot by Oberto Gili

Born the Neapolitan princess Marella Caracciolo di Castagneto, she became Marella Agnelli in 1953 upon her marriage to Gianni Agnelli, the Fiat industrialist. However, the innate style for which she is internationally revered  dates back to her New York internship with photographer Erwin Blumenfeld, and her time as a Vogue contributor in the 1950s and 60s, when she also appeared in its pages. One of the most photographed women of jet-set society, Marella was captured not only by Avedon, but Irving Penn, Henry Clarke, Horst, and Robert Doisneau.

Marella at Villa Bona, 1969, Ugo Mulas.

I've always been particularly interested in Agnelli's relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy, and it is great to see this addressed in the book. Simply put, this book is perfect for any individual interested in fashion, high society and glorious homes, and it deserves a place in your library!

Purchase The Last Swan here.

Villa Frescot by Oberto Gili