I checked in with Suzanne Rheinstein after Courtney's selection of her living room as a space with enduring style. I wondered what she thought made the room a classic. She graciously replied as follows:
"The combination of furniture from different eras: Louis XVI, Regency and Italian Directoire is arranged in a somewhat 18th century manner. Yet, it is not too precious and there is not too much furniture in the room.
The colors are soft, in the café au lait family and different blues. In the summer, most of the furniture wears blue and cream striped slipcovers. As you examine the room, you’ll see a lot of details and layers, yet it is not fussy in any way.
The overall feeling is one of serenity. You can be in the room any number of times and you will notice something surprising about it every time. Yet, it doesn’t scream “decorated” at you!
What really helps make this room classic is that it is used. We use it all of the time for aperitifs with a few friends or as a place to eat for big buffets. The furniture adapts itself to the occasion; no one is afraid to move a chair to a more comfortable spot for conversation."
And what were Rheinstein's picks for classic, enduring style?
Bunny Williams’ Living Room in Punta Cana
John Saladino’s Villa in Montecito
Roger Lussier in Boston
And just in case you thought I would make it through this whole series with no hometown mention? John Saladino is from Kansas City.
Thanks to all the bloggers, readers, commenters and designers who weighed in and helped me out.
Images 1, 3 and 5 from Inspired Styles, 2 and 4 via Style Court; both images of William's home from her book, Point of View; images of Saladino from Velvet & Linen here, and Lussier's home from House & Garden, December of 1989, photos by Oberto Gili (this may not be the "version" Rheinstein intended.)
Labels: Enduring Style
