People who love houses - and the filling-up of them - often recognize that they like and admire wildly different styles. The leanness of Liagre and the exuberance of Buatta can be equally appealing.
This sort of dichotomy often leads to fantasies of multiple homes in varying climates. I am this type of enthusiast.
But in addition to an appreciation of different aesthetics, I have a very personal connection to the decorators who make me say not only, "Oh, I want to live there," but also, "Oh, I do wish I knew him."
Tom Scheerer has long been one such decorator for me. He is comfortable with color, easy mixing rattan and Saarinen, block print fabric and black and white photography, deft with decoupage, chintz and wicker. Oh, yes, I do wish I knew him.
Sadly, we have not met. I feel, however, as if I know him a little better through his new book, Tom Scheerer Decorates. You will, too, if you take the time read the charming text written by Mimi Read that accompanies the inspiring images. Read tells us Mr. Scheerer is, "capable of falling in love with a person, but also a coffee pot." She notes his motto is, "Don't make too much trouble for yourself. Live life now rather than after a torturous renovation."
These insights - and his suggestions of where to go in Paris that a friend passed along for me before my last trip - convince me that we would have quite a lot in common.
You can find Tom Scheerer Decorates here.
Do ask him to take his jacket off; he's equally appealing underneath.
All images courtesy of The Vendome Press; photography Francesco Lagnese.Labels: design books, Designers
