On My Coffee Table: One Man’s Folly

Architecture
May 12, 2014

You know I love my coffee table books. You know I love Julia Reed. And you know how I love restoring old houses … so it comes as no surprise that my latest acquisition (a birthday gift from mom), One Man’s Folly The Exceptional Houses of Furlow Gatewood, is a new favorite. This book tells the story of Furlow Gatewood, long time antiques dealer and partner to Bunny Williams’ husband John Rosselli, who over the last sixty years has created and curated a collection of beautiful homes on his family’s 11 acre farm in Americus, Georgia. Julia Reed makes this coffee table book one you actually want to read, and she paints a picture of a wonderful ninety-two year old man who loves friends, food, life, and his dogs. With beautiful photos by Rodney Collins and Paul Costello, that capture not only the interiors but Gatewood, his dogs, and the peacocks(!), this is one book you do not want to miss.

Photos via Rizzoli & Veranda

From Wagner to Adler

Architecture
May 8, 2014

In Jamaica, I read (and finished), Robert Wagner’s new book, You Must Remember This. The book chronicles Wagner’s life and experiences being an up and coming actor during Hollywood’s golden age. The book was fabulous, especially if you are a fan of history and Hollywood, as Wagner takes you through the development of Hollywood from a small western town with no alcohol, to the glamorous city we know today. What I enjoyed most about the book, was hearing about how many of the movers and shakers of old Hollywood lived … their houses, how they entertained, and who they invited. And I can’t help but think that Jonathan Adler’s new Jacques collection is inspired by all of these people and their stories …

Photos via Vanity Fair

Favorite Harbour

Designers
April 30, 2014

What would a beach week at Lacquered Life be, without featuring some of my favorite “beachy” tastemakers? Two of my all time favorites are Harbour Island locals, Tom Scheerer (obviously) and India Hicks. I love the nature of all of these interiors spaces that seem to say, “Sit down in your wet bathing suit, put your sandy feet up, and have a planters punch.” Well, at least that is what it says in my mind. The stylish yet practical vibe of each of these vignettes, note hats on the wall and beach bags at the ready, is what caribbean living is all about, and why I am so excited to head to Jamaica on Friday.I highly recommend following India Hicks on Instagram and Tom Scheerer on Instagram for more photos of life in Harbour Island. Also if you need a recommendation on where to stay in Harbour Island, my dear friend Chassity over at Look Linger Love just came back from a stay at The Dunmore, and it looks like heaven. Also, you can actually rent a house owned and decorated by India Hicks(!), here. And finally, below is a picture from our guest room here in Charleston, where these two island tastemakers have definitely had an influence …

Photos by Francesco Lagnese, or via hibiscushillharborisland.squarespace.com