Spring Book Releases, Part One

The Spring book releases are just starting to make their debuts, and two that I have read- and enjoyed- thus far are A Home in Paris, written by Catherine Synave with photographs by Guillaume de Laubier, and Nicky Haslam: A Designer's Life, which was written by the designer himself. The former is a voyeuristic look at some of Paris' more intriguing homes, including residences decorated by Jacques Garcia and Tino Zerduvachi.  Organized mostly by decorating and architectural styles, the featured homes are grouped into such categories as "Tradition and Reinterpretations", "Modern and Contemporary Interiors", and "The Soul of a Collector".  (It should come as no surprise that the traditional-oriented section is my favorite.)  Although there have been a multitude of books published on Paris interiors, I continue to add them to my library because, quite simply, I never tire of looking at beautifully-appointed homes in Paris.  If you're like me, you should consider adding this volume to your design-book collection.  Do note, though, that the book is modestly-sized, measuring roughly seven-by-nine inches.  I like the book's scale because it made reading in bed easy, but I want to let you know in case you were expecting a larger-sized book. 

A much different design book is Haslam's latest effort.  The book's subtitle is, "An Archive of Inspired Design and Décor", and what an archive it is.  Haslam's work is well-represented in the book by big, beautiful photos.  But Haslam takes the reader beyond the glossy surfaces by making him privy to the inspiration and creative-process behind each interior.  The designer's upbringing has greatly influenced his work, as have books, travel, and the glittering personalities with whom Haslam associates.  In his book, Haslam writes of these influences, linking them through witty text and photos to the interiors and decorative finishes that they inspired.  Yes, the book reads in part as a memoir (and a lively one at that,) but it also allows the reader to see how a designer such as Haslam translates inspiration into some very posh interiors.  If you're looking for a delightful design book, then Haslam's book should suit you to a T.

A Home in Paris:

The living room leads to the library, where Jacques Garcia has placed an armchair bearing the stamp of the famed chair maker Jean-Baptiste Séné. Turgot, the Controller-General of Finance at the beginning of Louis XVI’s reign, used this piece in his office. © Guillaume de Laubier



On a table in the smoking room, a Wedgwood vase and obelisk are displayed with a late nineteenth-century oil lamp to compose a charming still life. © Guillaume de Laubier




The living room is a tribute to the splendors of the past. Modern designer furniture and decorative objects comfortably adapt to a backdrop of gilt boiseries. Vast mirrors, reflecting the light, further expand the space. © Guillaume de Laubier




In the living room, English furniture mingles with Arman’s “Danceuse” armchairs. The gilding of the Directoire mirror and the Oriental subjects of the paintings stand out against the cherry-red wall covering, which is bordered with colourful strips cut from a shawl. The rich tones are repeated in the sofa’s upholstery. © Guillaume de Laubier




Enlivening the entrance and recalling the interiors of old Saint Petersburg, the Wedgwood-blue walls are ornamented with a frieze of stencilled motifs that accent the outlines of the doors and panelling. © Guillaume de Laubier



Nicky Haslam: A Designer's Life




A Haslam-decorated living room in a New Orleans home. © Andrew Wood.



Look closely, and you'll see the fringe-trimmed pelmets.  As Haslam wrote, "I always wanted to put a fringe on these pelmets."  © Andrew Twort.


A former home of Haslam.  The library's walls were covered in charming paper painted by the legendary George Oakes for Colefax and Fowler. © Fritz von der Schulenburg


Nicky Haslam designed this tiled garden seat after Portuguese azulejos.


©A HOME IN PARIS, Flammarion, 2015. Images ©Guillaume de Laubier. ©NICKY HASLAM: A DESIGNER'S LIFE by Nicholas Haslam, Rizzoli New York, 2015.