NEW BOOK: Visions of Home: Timeless Designs, Modern Sensibility By Architect Andrew Cogar & Partners of Historical Concepts

It's no surprise that Atlanta-based architect Andrew Cogar and partners of Historical Concepts created another beautiful book.  Visions of Home: Timeless Design, Modern Sensibility is gorgeous, and a must-buy for anyone passionate for architecture or design.  Historical Concepts has partnered with Incollect to sell 100 beautiful, original, hand-drawn sketches from their daily drawing sessions to benefit The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.  The sale will be live on Incollect on April 15th.  

To learn more about the auction click here; to view and purchase drawings, click here.

Visions of Home is a beautifully produced and fascinatingly written showcase of the welcoming Southern homes designed by Historical Concepts.  As you thumb through this book, it will be no surprise to you that the firm is a recipient of the prestigious Arthur Ross Award from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art.  The attention to detail, and the dedication to simultaneously fulfilling their clients' dream while preserving the history of each property, sets the firm in a class of its own.  Here's your sneak peak, I know it will inspire you to dream your very own vision of home...

"The front facade, which combines Dutch and Belgian influences, tells the story of a house 

that evolved over time.  Oak elements (left unfinished to record the patina from the region's 

dramatic weather patterns), inserted between the lime-washed brick gables, 

suggest enclosures and additions." 

"The entry offers the first of the home's many layers of discovery: rather than a modestly 

scaled foyer or vestibule, one enters into a grand hall with a boldly patterned tile floor, 

muscular beams, and woodwork lacquered in black.  Light from the broad glass Dutch door 

and sidelights plays off the warm plaster walls."

"In the invented history of this East Hampton residence, the farmhouse volume with 

the covered porch sheltering the front door was built first in the mid-1700s, with the adjoining gabled element added in the late 1800s."

"The chalky brick, wide-plank floors, and overscaled copper lights set the tone 

for the main kitchen."

"The cold room at the front of the house serves a an air lock protecting the interior 

from frigid winter temperatures while letting in the cheerful warmth 

of midday and late-afternoon."

 

"Once an underused, unwelcoming afterthought, now the narrow leg of the
 L-shaped property serves as an enjoyable summertime pool and party area
 - the perfect retreat for a young, active family."

"Architects often start with a blank slate and let their imaginations roam freely.  Yet homes that incorporate parts of earlier structures, or sit upon storied properties with a past, require a heightened sensitivity and awareness."

To Purchase Visions of Home: click here.

VISIONS
OF HOME

TIMELESS DESIGN, MODERN SENSIBILITY

ANDREW COGAR
and Partners of HISTORICAL CONCEPTS

Written with Marc Kristal
Photography by Eric Piasecki

This new volume from the esteemed architecture firm Historical Concepts features extraordinary homes rooted in traditions and enriched with a modern sensibility.

All quotes by Andrew Cogar

Congratulations to Andrew Cogar (President), James L. Strickland (Founder), and all the partners of Historical Concepts: Todd Strickland, Kristy Tindall, Aaron Daily, David VanGroningen, Kevin Clark, Elizabeth Dillon, Terry Pylant, Clay Rokicki, and Domenick Treschitta. 

With special thanks to Sarah Burningham - Little Bird Publicity - for the opportunity.

Thank you to Andrew Cogar for a signed copy of your gorgeous book.

Designed by Doug Turshen and David Huang

Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. NY

... live beautifully

x Rié

April Book Club: Designer Melanie Turner's New Book - Inviting Interiors

 

"Any traditional design elements, such as the sparkling crystal chandelier and scenic wallpaper, are juxtaposed with contemporary touches.  Amethyst-crystal lamps and dining chairs upholstered in a similar color liven things up.  Even the formal drapery cornices, based on an antique design, feel fresh with their simple tape outlines."

For the month of April we will be featuring a curated selection of new books from the worlds of architecture and design to inspire us to live beautifully.  Already well-known for her Atlanta-based design studio and her boutique store Melanie Turner Home in Big Sky, Montana, and Rosemary Beach, Florida, designer Melanie Turner has released her first book Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take On Beautiful Rooms showcasing her versatile style across a range of both contemporary and classic designs.  Turner has been awarded a Kitchen of the Year citation by Architectural Digest, and has been recognized three times as ADAC'S Southeastern Residential Designer of the Year. 

Here's your sneak peak...enjoy!

"The living room's neutral palette creates a dreamlike effect; beyond the barely there pink and icy blue accent colors on fabrics and artwork, there is little to disrupt the quiet vibe.  

The velvet clad sectional was arranged to make the most of the corner unit's unique floor plan and take in the sweeping views."

"Even utilitarian spaces can be designed with nurturing characteristics.  The lack of upper cabinetry afforded space for a window, allowing sunlight to stream through.  The pale-wood finishes imbue the room with spa-like tranquility."

"The tiger-print sofa was based on an iconic piece that once belonged to style maven Lee Radziwill.  Its selection set the tone for the rest of home which is filled with colorful and glamorous details."

"With no hard edges or any kind of trim delineating the wall and the ceiling, the lustrous plasterwork creates an enveloping and soothing environment, allowing one's attention to focus on the furnishings, such as the shaggy armchair, which has an artful, sculptural sensibility, and the bold yet ethereal painting, which enhances a sense of calm."

"When I first began working with these clients, I promised to keep their favorite art, rugs, and furniture, all of which was reupholstered.  The walls were originally a deep red color, which actually distracted attention away form their collection of paintings.  I chose to design the new palette around their artwork and use colors from certain pieces as accents, deploying them sparingly but judiciously on pillows, curtain trim, and the occasional armchair.  Two large chandeliers were added to give this soaring space a more human scale."

"On the most basic level, this book is about my love for creating beauty.  Whether my clients' desire is for a home that is cool and calm or eclectic and colorful, one thing never wavers: everybody wants a place that best reflect his or her self."

To Purchase Click Here

My sincere thanks to Jill, Lizzie, and Mallory of Jill Cohen Associates: Where Beautiful Books Begin for the privilege, congratulations on another outstanding book.  

Congratulations to Melanie Turner on your new book, the first of many I am sure. 

Thank you also to Rizzoli New York for providing this magnificent book for review. 

[All quotes courtesy of Melanie Turner]

...live beautifully

xx Rié

Weekend Chic: AERIN Springtime Entertaining

 

SPRING ENTERTAINING AT HOME

In Spring it was common for my mom to place a table underneath a large tree in the garden and our family would gather for a lunch or early dinner she had prepared.  She loved for us to take the time to "gather" and share moments of our lives, have a conversation regarding hopes and dreams...When we were young she would put crayons or colored pencils and paper on the table during dessert, which was always fruit based, (whether a galette, or berries with ice cream) and have us draw Happy Easter or Spring cards to send to our grandparents, give to our teachers, or leave at the neighbors' doorstep.  Living Beautifully for me is making purposeful memories with our family and friends, no matter how small the gathering.  In my husband's family, during dessert a family member or friend who couldn't make it would receive a phone call and the phone would be passed to each person to say hello and send their love or congratulations, whatever the occasion called for.  My husband, our son, and I have been recipients of this long distance gathering and it meant so much to be far away and yet still be close.   

AERIN has introduced a new beautiful line for your Spring or Easter table... with lovely fresh touches to make your gathering (and memories) special.  

To purchase any of the items shown, click here.

All photography from the line: Springtime Entertaining | AERIN LLC

... live beautifully

xx Rié

Charlotte Moss and House Beautiful's Robert Rufino Video: How To Arrange Flowers Like An Expert

 

Living Beautifully - The Art of Arranging Flowers  

In celebration of her forthcoming book Charlotte Moss: Flowers, which will be released April 6th, we are showcasing just a few stunning bouquets from the renowned interior designer and tastemaker's website.  As a preview of her book, she joined House Beautiful's Style Director Robert Rufino to create a glorious flower arrangement, and the link for this beautiful video can be found at the end of this post.  

A perfect calling card for Spring... Enjoy!

To Watch Charlotte Moss' How To Arrange Flowers Like An Expert: click here

House Beautiful Style Director: Robert Rufino
House Beautiful Digital Director: Hadley Keller
Photography from Charlotte Moss | Site: charlottemoss.com

... live beautifully

xx Rié

On The Coffee Table: MILIEU Spring

 

Spring has arrived after a long winter.  For me, I was in much need of some inspiration...One of my favorite sources is MILIEU Magazine; with famed designers Pamela Pierce and Shannon Bowers as Founder/Editor in Chief and Editor at Large respectively, you can imagine how gorgeous it is.  With our new series, On The Coffee Table, we want to showcase products and publications that highlight living beautifully across design, architecture, travel, cuisine, and lifestyle, and it only makes sense to start with MILIEU which brings all of these elements to life.  It really is the Best in Show; here's a sneak peak...Enjoy!

To Subscribe to MILIEU: click here
Cover photography by Simon Brown

Produced by Katrin Cargill

Flowers by Harald Altmaier Floral Design

... live beautifully

xx Rié