Formality is the Best Policy

House Beautiful
Lately I have been into the idea of formal kitchens. I’m not sure if it was Richard Norris’ dining room/kitchen that was the inspiration (shown above), but I feel as though its a trend that has been floating just under the radar for a while now. 
I think that the formality of a kitchen can be dictated by artwork and light fixtures, such as in Joan Rivers kitchen above, or in the cabinet work and architectural details. I just love the idea that you are cooking underneath these two 19th century figures, looking down on you from their lofty portraits. 
House Beautiful
Back to the Norris kitchen, which was a dining room, which apparently they thought they would never use. Although I love this kitchen’s aesthetics, I wonder about actually cooking in the space … I quite like having countertops on either side of my stove–that is when I don’t live in a teeny tiny apt! 
athid.com
In an Amelia Handegan kitchen (see yesterday’s post), she not only uses a portrait on the wall (one of my pre-requisites for a formal kitchen), but she also uses dark wood cabinetry that mimics a secretary. Additionally, the kitchen sports an amazing formal chandelier … and a boar’s head for good measure. I absolutely cannot get enough of this kitchen. 
Southern Accents
Don’t you just love the tufted banquette in this kitchen? Formality is all in the details here … the tufted banquette, the skinny double doors painted black with beautiful hardware, the antlers, the light fixture, the kitchen table … the list goes on. I just love this.
Southern Accents
Finally, I absolutely adore this kitchen. And again, its in the luxe details that makes it one of my fave formal kitchens. Notice the oriental rug on the floor. Paired with my pre-requisite portrait, plus the beautiful gold mirror over the mantel (which in itself adds a little something). Throw some boughs of magnolia over the mantel, and call it a day. What a kitchen! 

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Charleston Classic

After my weekend in Charleston, I am feeling in a very Amelia Handegan mood. Based out of Charleston, this decorator, who often deals with historic homes, crafts the perfect blend of sophisticated and fresh designs.
This beautiful antique furniture, paired with a cool modern wall color, and chic patterned bolster pillow care the perfect combination in this traditional bedroom. 
Recently I have really been loving formal historical portraits in kitchens. I love how light and airy this kitchen feels. 
Although very traditional, the warm, neutral tones of this bedroom are more modern than 19th century. 
I love the Hicks-esque pattern on this bathroom floor. Handegan’s designs are always very paired down–fewer pieces, more simple designs that don’t require additional adornment. 
Again, the spartan nature of this bedroom, paired with this turquoise suzani is right up my alley. I also love the architectural nature of the valances.  
Antiques and neutrals. Less is more! I know that we are all on a bit of a Tony Duquette “more is more!” kick, but something about this really appeals to me. 
And finally, wall to wall sisal, orange ticking on the beds, and pumpkin on the walls–how fabulous is this? Traditional and yet indirectly modern. 

photos courtesy of athid.com and Southern Accents

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If This House Could Talk …

Prospect Hill Plantation, Edisto Island, South Carolina. Built 1800. I know my posts have been a little “house heavy” lately, but when I was in Charleston I picked up a copy of Charleston Home Magazine (one of my faves) and was thrilled to find this feature. 
Meticulously renovated by Charleston’s leading restoration architect, Glenn Keyes, Prospect Hill Plantation is a perfect example of an historic lowcountry cotton plantation brought back to life through some tlc by its current owners. 
The owners decided to preserve the original plaster finish on the home’s walls, and the effect is absolutely stunning. 
Although fully preserved, the house retains some of its “rough around the edges” feeling, which is inherent in the Edisto Island plantation lifestyle. 
I can’t get enough of the finish on the plaster walls, years of paint had been applied and then carefully stripped away revealing a beautiful patina. Which provides a perfect backdrop to this antique footed tub. 
The ceiling height in this historic house adds such drama, even to a classically decorated bedroom. 
The owner’s daughter was married under this tree last year, looking out over the same view that the original owners did when they bought the land in 1792. The romance of that, is part of why I love historic preservation.  


photos courtesy of Charleston Home Magazine 

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