DIY Digs


You do need to let me know if you tire of these vintage posts. I'm less than halfway through my boxes; at the advice of a friend I started with House and Garden. I've ripped more pages than I know how to store of the greats, Hampton, Parish, Hadley and Hicks. Celebrities like Vreeland and Chanel. But I'm captivated by this do-it-yourselfer.

There are whole issues of these magazines that I recycle without pulling a single page. (I was conflicted about keeping them, then Jennifer said, "bugs" and the decision was made.) Some things simply don't translate.


But I am captivated by Roger Lussier's Back Bay apartment. Featured in the December 1989 issue, these rooms are classic and timeless, but not stuffy or boring. I considered posting them and quizzing you on who the designer might be.

Lussier's Boston apartment once belonged to Richard Avedon, but the star quality is his own design. As an owner of a frame studio, he admits to an artistic eye, but does not accept the label "decorator."


He apparently tried working for others, but was dissatisfied with the results. "It takes an unusual temperament to accept something this soft. This is my little workshop." I have always had an unusual temperament. His workshop suits me just fine.


Painted chairs and a brown wood table always seem just right to me, a perfect combination. So much of this apartment is on my hit parade; animal prints, satin, brown, gilt frames, crystal chandeliers, the great touch of turquoise and, always, a million great chairs.

The bedroom walls seem to be the only thing that gives away the age of these images. If the walls were a little more orange and a little less peach, you'd never know this was published almost 20 years ago.
These rooms are an inspiration to me. Not a professional decorator. No prestigious design degree. Just a guy creating his own sanctuary. Beautifully. Trying new things, painting them, moving them around. I think we can do that. I think we can educate our own eyes and create our own homes.
I did google Mr. Lussier. No other articles appear, but it looks as if he still owns his frame shop in Boston. My hat is off to him.
Photographs by Oberto Gili.

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