Interior Designs Photo: David Easton

Showing posts with label David Easton. Show all posts

David Easton and the Center Table

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadEh_lgjGqd69NLCHGxJDXMgrJlQu0GGuuIYbvoFKGNT6sL9P5Vh31TNF61xr-bRUO5GQIhcCvAqZ0ug01ClOPX4afWL2aOPPWoKRBTZiDJARs2-o6mTa3AGXA9lysm2t5X4d5dsKoMQ/s1600-h/image%5B18%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyre98ts4I/AAAAAAAA7IY/DqO4QJmKenY/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="536" /></a>   This week Linda, Megan and I were thrilled to interview noted architect and interior designer David Easton on The Skirted Roundtable.  Never having heard him speak before, and only having read his interview on the NY Social Diary <a href="http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1245">HERE</a> – we didn’t know quite what to expect.   Our interest was piqued when just before we started, his assistant wondered if we did any editing!  Mr. Easton was a delight and a total surprise.  Expecting someone dour and serious, he was mostly fun and he certainly likes to tease.   Engaging and warm, he turned the tables around by asking us questions about our ourselves.   We talked a lot about science fiction – something he is obsessed with – and what he thinks the future will be like.   He doesn’t see much hope for the cabriole leg, unfortunately.   We did manage to fit in some discussion of interior design and his new book which is a compilation of his most noted and favorite projects.    I recently wrote about one house – his own country estate Balderbrae which was sold a few years ago.   While talking about Balderbrae, the subject of his space planning came up and how he likes to design a large main living space which many times encompasses a dining area.  Easton is enthralled with one room living which includes the office in it.   When designing the interiors for these spaces – he tends to use a center table to divide the seating areas.    I love a center table, whether in the living room or the foyer.   The center table is wonderful in a cluttered design – piled high with masses of books and accessories.   I have one in my entry hall and its tablescape changes on a whim.   For years a large birdcage stood in the center of it, now an overscaled urn takes its place.    The center table has long been a decorating tool.  Finding images of contemporary interiors with center tables was not as easy as the more traditional designs.   The table can be round or hexagonal, but square is rarely a chosen option.   The table is often bare though skirted is a popular choice.   In our interview, Easton freely admitted that he often chooses to use the center table and is quite fond of it.    Though his rooms are very large, the center table can be used in smaller rooms where an off-center placement may be preferable.   Below are some examples of how to use this popular decorating element – the center table.   Enjoy!     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyrh_GlRsI/AAAAAAAA7Ig/kRDCgEcY64k/s1600-h/image331.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="957" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyrl1_DVZI/AAAAAAAA7Is/2xOCgPeCDBk/image33_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a> Balderbrae – the one room living and dining space combined with fireplaces on both sides.  Easton uses a skirted table here to divide the room into the seating and eating area.   He usually surrounds the center table with stools and masses of books.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyrohnjbWI/AAAAAAAA7I0/pPbWPWjpFEE/s1600-h/image2.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="691" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyrszdx2DI/AAAAAAAA7I8/rgjmklaFSSo/image_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="573" /></a> This Easton house in Dallas shows a skirted table surrounded by tiger skinned stools.  Again, it is piled high with books.   Also notice the cubbies above the doors are the same as at Balderbrae.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyru_wD4ZI/AAAAAAAA7JE/3rln1Zg_aJg/s1600-h/veranda11.jpg"><img alt="veranda1" border="0" height="588" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyrvdzJxRI/AAAAAAAA7JM/EjLJL6eIY5s/veranda1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="veranda1" width="453" /></a> Same house, looking the other way – here you can see there is a fireplace at both ends of the room, just like at Balderbrae.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyrykYOazI/AAAAAAAA7JU/nkIFj5Ugf4M/s1600-h/image3%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="871" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyr2io3a3I/AAAAAAAA7Jo/5lnJUoTvcxs/image3%5B1%5D_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="754" /></a> This garden room is divided by a skirted table.   Notice the pair of French chairs with a lacquered back – how pretty!     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyr4lbNTCI/AAAAAAAA7Jw/zy0qcNc8qKc/s1600-h/P1180429%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="P1180429" border="0" height="492" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyr9AkEV7I/AAAAAAAA7J4/sCvHkgbvHjw/P1180429_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1180429" width="654" /></a> In his own NYC apartment, an antique wood table divides the room.  Easton says that one room living is his favorite kind:  he even likes to include the office in the living space.  Here you can see his and his partner’s desk back to back.       <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlB4JxXFysMlc2q7tiFK0Diwwbjd29oYKFHm_qjD8hX30EHNaRXehmKgZKDwCNE2ZMAzW6gwxJayfNSOpVrvpFIFheq_P0QMM9lBHf8QmeNjM89qzJFrLgpTfZP5cWP5MdIwQHku10Jtbv/s1600-h/image6%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysEajMGsI/AAAAAAAA7KM/86VYjqN5l7k/image6_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="729" /></a> And, looking the other way at this NYC apartment.  Notice the cubby above the door!  What a pretty door to use on the interior, instead of just an exterior.       <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WO5vIjAQq376c41xYoB3ZidHa8Vv01ACdt7uBQ497KKtgQjP_AVUIvyc98KpUYp6n2lvDrWLCTG5lUfyz0UdxtHmwKfGSyc6XRpyn2uY2ZOMGugxdoksVDGf_jDb2r9jnL-Un8XcX1o/s1600-h/image3%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="760" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysJwF6QMI/AAAAAAAA7Kg/L3WlNNyKBws/image3_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="555" /></a> Here, Easton uses another antique table to divide the living spaces.  This room is very dressy, not the casually French inspired rooms he does so well a la Balderbrae.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysL1JB-cI/AAAAAAAA7Ko/xGitbvv5wl0/s1600-h/image39%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="428" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysNb6sIlI/AAAAAAAA7Kw/sRNs0HZRt7o/image39_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="511" /></a> In Colorado – a round center table divides living spaces and dining spaces.      <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysP6MnBYI/AAAAAAAA7K8/L35eU1o1w0s/s1600-h/image42%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="521" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysRQ_G-xI/AAAAAAAA7LE/BvMl25Lg_BU/image42_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="403" /></a> The same room – looking at the other side.  Notice there are two fireplaces here also.   And, instead of the cubby above the door, there is a transom.   Easton recognizes that doors look better reaching up to just a foot or two below the ceiling – but in high ceilinged rooms this can be a problem.   He fills in the extra foot or so with either a cubby, a transom, a painting or a collection of plates.   As I tell him in the interview – Easton is a master at furniture placement.  Never is anything out of place, nor “wrong” – no bad fabrics choices or pillows or accessory, everything is always perfect.       <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysThk3pII/AAAAAAAA7LM/5c8wQ4GCGf8/s1600-h/image6%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="757" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysbJwGtxI/AAAAAAAA7Lc/PHpFvGaqSik/image6%5B1%5D_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="553" /></a> At a beach house, this center table is a less dressy choice.  Shells and books share the tabletop.   OTHER DESIGNERS: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysklyJO8I/AAAAAAAA7Ls/UTOsb1CdEXk/s1600-h/image30%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="734" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysstQ8JKI/AAAAAAAA7L4/OPYKiG7pM48/image30_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1284" /></a> Charles Faudree:   Other designers share Easton’s love of the center table.  Charles Faudree from Tulsa has a similar aesthetic to Easton.   Easton’s partner, the artist Jimmy Steinmeyer, also hails from Tulsa and he has illustrated all of Faudree’s books.    Faudree, like Easton, has used the one room living space plan.   Several of his own custom designed houses have employed two fireplaces with a center table dividing the living and dining spaces.   Here, two fireplaces face each other in a very large living/dining room.    A painted square table divides the two areas – one of the few times a square shape is used.   This room is also perfection – Faudree is every bit the master at interior design that Easton is.   The room reminds me of Balderbrae!     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBDP0N7qL01uelYEw-3Rl_-1EPAlTeljtgoFiASV0h9YB4kMtqQ18Kj4ssUkuymOur8cwmcTWR3W9WP_L20TNgQK1cZANWpCfFkcff6UEMHbz_990fX7ne3tx0KxZidBn0NUJuBCIhUE/s1600-h/image9%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="571" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMysxGpA3rI/AAAAAAAA7MM/5dwcwYpQafk/image9_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="508" /></a> Faudree:    The center table doesn’t always have to be used in a large room.  In this small study, a center gate leg table is used to divide the room.    I think the table makes the room look so much more cozy and inviting!     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMys0qQqGmI/AAAAAAAA7MU/R0wOX1p68Ww/s1600-h/image21%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="865" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMys49WW62I/AAAAAAAA7Mc/U7YP4EvpLY8/image21%5B1%5D_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1013" /></a> Alessandra Branca, the Italian interior designer from Chicago, loves to use center tables in her designs.   Here an antique wood table piled high with books divides a living room. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMys9PqfMfI/AAAAAAAA7Mo/jiVlJMolvq8/s1600-h/image12%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMytCsum3yI/AAAAAAAA7M4/rI0-binDWXk/image12%5B1%5D_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1275" /></a> Branca:  Looking down from a second floor, a round yellow skirted table divides this expansive living room.      <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMytIh7ebKI/AAAAAAAA7NE/gBrcBa7yqeI/s1600-h/image18%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="846" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMytNk_NKBI/AAAAAAAA7NQ/a3OmRe9almU/image18%5B1%5D_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="675" /></a> Branca:  Too beautiful.  Those stools !!!!  Whoa.   Here a muted fabric covers a skirted table – lit by a large outdoor type of lantern.  Gorgeous hand painted wallpaper wraps the room.   This is like eye candy – your mouth waters just looking at it!!!     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UC_e9hlACLDxzwAdG79befwhFwZETwiwL4xJ7t9YiitgmE1Ea7Fq5MIQqk3r6fxQ1L93DllpCi5-_oewe5239nNApwK4srSvMzuxmHwJdK3wrfH5ihIs2skVJbmeEgdJSB_VCSAtccjG/s1600-h/image9%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="846" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMytZ6WknoI/AAAAAAAA7Nw/-2AJRWr5oJk/image9%5B1%5D_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="665" /></a> Branca:   In a large space, a wood table divides it.   Here, Branca used a crystal chandelier over the table.   I love the way she uses trim on her stools – here and above.    She is one of my favorite designers – I love everything she does.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKQ6p6mf68jm8xGf-F1CmrFe8gaqKOIWZ7_goAvVf5JZZT3_SdxoTGQw4snaA2hj5AQBaEW42PU2hqg47dJ6HcdbBkJGSIk1euNCzcxJIO-42EPwEu1ZGrSQAnihJLX_4nkaFwg1SCArx/s1600-h/image15%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWSNp9ZZY06EsA88WEmAEeOidCVEpn13BAsPwDDpTKRAf0RMyI5kIA5HEpLpstkxlwduNKU2ixb1aVaSWwyDAknelSd0gh3VXFS9HF7X-IL-BNZs6gk6dULegq4DtoGN2rdg0nGXZbwk2/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1284" /></a> Branca:  Here, Alessandra designed a penthouse suite in a L.A. hotel.   She used a large, painted round table to divide the living space.   Stools surround it.  Book this room for me!     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMytmzdUNBI/AAAAAAAA7OU/9augAjm2bXg/s1600-h/image27%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="890" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMytsCg5VNI/AAAAAAAA7Ok/pPAtfoKaJGg/image27_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1230" /></a> John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross use a large, casually skirted table to divide the living room in their country house.   Their style is much more eclectic and less formal than Easton, Faudree and Branca, yet the use of the center table looks perfect.   Notice the gorgeous columns and  molding!     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyttUiG2PI/AAAAAAAA7Ow/hswENCDBZ1I/s1600-h/Snap322%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="Snap322" border="0" height="713" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMytujBRo-I/AAAAAAAA7O4/TQC76PpbZg4/Snap322_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Snap322" width="1144" /></a> Vicente Wolf:   in one of my personal favorites from his portfolio, Wolf uses a gorgeous antique table to divide a large living room.    Here, the table is topped with accessories, not books, and a sturdy, upholstered ottoman grounds the setting.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyt1dKENDI/AAAAAAAA7PA/--jJYojH00I/s1600-h/whealon1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="whealon1" border="0" height="599" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyt-DlsLvI/AAAAAAAA7PI/wGYMvOy3lVQ/whealon1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="whealon1" width="745" /></a> Timothy Whealon:    Whealon uses an antique table, surrounded by antique stools in a dressy apartment.   A large lantern hangs over the setting.   Placing a light fixture over the center table is a wonderful choice – and should be considered if at all possible.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyt-056OJI/AAAAAAAA7PQ/k4iFDcXo30U/s1600-h/ireland6%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="ireland6" border="0" height="773" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuKRe-bSI/AAAAAAAA7Pc/VdqgjamIPTU/ireland6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ireland6" width="658" /></a> Kathryn Ireland:  In her own California home, a skirted table stands in her living room – acting as a division between the entrance and the room’s interior.   Ireland changes the table’s covers frequently.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jeX6_53y-HFmKsckmctsA-H-TapfrVSgpX8IsnBbqK14HRsdhIZfwrQ5lhnaccK5dmYVPqBfbo7prQW_JJXGLelnd9CQ8TrzOOWjhi1GurxuOrbQgAS4Kaen1mlj-RPZM-mUXwkb0Fk/s1600-h/image%5B14%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="559" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuOfDSrYI/AAAAAAAA7Ps/-L4GUYqsm-Q/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="552" /></a> John Stefanidis:  Stefanidis used a large octagon shaped skirted table to divide areas in a very dressy family room.   Classic.   I don’t care for the lone lamp on the table – I think something bulkier might have been better.  I know,  I know – who am I to question the fabulous Stefanidis?!!!  What chutzpa!   It’s OK, he knows I love him.   Completely!  In fact, his book – Living By Design - remains one of my favorite all time design books. OTHER CHOICES: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuRkXm98I/AAAAAAAA7P0/iIWoR5WfBog/s1600-h/image24%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="884" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuWxTkyRI/AAAAAAAA7P8/UhndyQXixNI/image24_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1284" /></a> Jeffrey Bilhuber:    Some designers prefer to use a back to back sofa to divide a large living space.   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuardgpQI/AAAAAAAA7QI/yB57NEKHfJw/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="850" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuh7AvpAI/AAAAAAAA7QQ/O0N8TOYrqMk/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1343" /></a> J. Randall Powers:   Randy used a back to back sofa in this large family room in Houston (this picture is distorted in the middle!)   The casual striped linen fabric tones down the room, making it less dressy.  What great pillows!  So large!!!   This room is just perfection – I love, love, love it.    The window treatments are wonderful – I love the busts.      <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuqvMolRI/AAAAAAAA7Qo/3TduPZnXjiQ/s1600-h/image12%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="431" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyusIz8l4I/AAAAAAAA7Qw/3d_tBVjzdbk/image12_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="644" /></a> Windsor Smith:  Windsor is a designer who often employs the back to back sofa.   She designed several versions of it for her furniture line.  Here in a dreamy living room – the velvet covered sofa takes center stage.   I love the curtains here and the touch of zebra.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuuXiGtvI/AAAAAAAA7Q8/864HKxh5p3U/s1600-h/image15%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="551" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhvpMqOKakLpfi_gLHPwko37u0E3jq4B0U_QcN08pa7j_6lFgohF-PA8DV2MlrfywU280pqKQGIT3uUp_T54-9OMI0xhaiXHL1igyoRj3uuhz7xZjxnWYiSZxktEtVS1Md0EILnSSE0Z3/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="668" /></a> Windsor Smith:   Windsor does more contemporary designing too – not as often, but she does do it.  Here she changed the lines and details on the sofa to reflect the Hollywood Glam vibe of the room.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyuze2NKyI/AAAAAAAA7RU/N487UWBumts/s1600-h/image18%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="921" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyu2WN-inI/AAAAAAAA7Rc/Yjnhm8wIvOQ/image18_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="874" /></a> Windsor Smith:   Her white slipcovered back to back sofa with the “butter pats” hem edge is her most famous.   Here, a beach house is the perfect location for the back to back sofa – which faces a fireplace.        <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyu52-hRZI/AAAAAAAA7Rk/9-1ZUilWOWU/s1600-h/image51%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="647" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyu902RAwI/AAAAAAAA7Rw/13zD6E1eabo/image51_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1064" /></a> Windsor Smith:   In her new home, a back to back sofa in her own Kravet fabric, again has the butter pats hem.   Here, the sofa faces a conversation area on one side and the tv and fireplace on the other.  See below:     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyu-sTBjvI/AAAAAAAA7R4/TrZzeczNpiE/s1600-h/2-windsor-smith-xlg-11756729.jpg"><img alt="5346239" border="0" height="464" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyu_OJ503I/AAAAAAAA7SI/UIRiepzg39A/2-windsor-smith-xlg-11756729_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="5346239" width="364" /></a> Windsor Smith:   The other side of the her family room.   Great double zebra rug!     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvBAiLehI/AAAAAAAA7SQ/h17wFl2H4eg/s1600-h/image21%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="872" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m0a_ay8xJZULluQNDNi9HTktZ2Ss4v87lbppyaFjFHXB5F2sGSgHzWm3yA_cI5ewTPA4wzU60tAlTTJzVyEZW-v4544NITrMDAJNkoRPW-KnTSzukIn5-KoTG0NIvGUzzJUGM-80GNI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="656" /></a> Windsor Smith:   In her former living room, the white slipcovered back to back sofa rests along side the fireplace.    The walls are such a great shade of barely there pink.   Notice how she placed the chandelier right above the double sofa.    This house was so beautiful – it makes me sad to see the old pictures of it!   Which do you prefer for dividing a large room?   A center table or a back to back sofa???? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQnmyKsj7swfFw5qGVDGehK1nwX1Qfk6gBb2aK0lyMtiVHDudF28R1BzXlzmrPeD_T5xA0D8xGUpMtIJx0CSNZceW_prnRHkgHwzYxSt-ebRHP60lnS2IgDPtdiEZp1VWhQr7t4dY4iE/s1600-h/image%5B7%5D.png"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvH0i-CSI/AAAAAAAA7S8/0_me8QzxHQA/s1600-h/image%5B20%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvU_aKAxI/AAAAAAAA7TI/wM4v7e2HN5o/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="752" /></a></a></a> Joni Webb:   An earlier version of my center table – with the bird cage.   This looks so much better than it does now!   Oh well.  Things change, not always for the better.    <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvd-1buLI/AAAAAAAA7TU/_u7IoDEbyW0/s1600-h/image%5B10%5D.png"></a>   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvd-1buLI/AAAAAAAA7Tg/BMEUntX1mQ0/s1600-h/image%5B21%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="684" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvnHjWqQI/AAAAAAAA7Tw/JvUron_0t-Y/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028" /></a> </a></a> For holidays, I use the center table for overflow seating!  Last year I had six at this table.       <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvp574wKI/AAAAAAAA7T8/YSST4IwD0AQ/s1600-h/image%5B25%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvs26o3iI/AAAAAAAA7UE/BZPLsD3wnsM/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="706" /></a> The year before I only needed four extra chairs.  Our family is growing!  We’re having a big wedding this March when my nephew Jeffry gets married.        <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvv_6lNyI/AAAAAAAA7UM/I6gqlwNO33Q/s1600-h/image48%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="788" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyvyTLutUI/AAAAAAAA7UU/ekUHHQgGt8g/image48_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="561" /></a> To order David Easton’s new book, which I highly recommend if you are a fan, click on the name of the book below:   <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 400px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:7dc1bd33-94bd-46fd-a20b-0131235bcd47:dfbb316d-07af-4409-a1d8-525816454e60" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0" unselectable="on"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1584798653/cotedetexa-20" title="Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton (9781584798651): David Easton, Albert Hadley: Books"><img align="left" border="0" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1584798653.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" style="float:left">Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton (9781584798651): David Easton, Albert Hadley: Books</a> ISBN: 1584798653 ISBN-13: 9781584798651 </td></tr></tbody></table></div>     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyv1ykMgyI/AAAAAAAA7Uc/y9jQMt5yFnM/s1600-h/image%5B29%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXyQvg-hczJJbGezPDgfyTDoN2_7kjoBmuiOnAmubdFnc-vaqH2J7zdP7YICRRBvJb3tD3EVdpOlh6C-8gT8umSjMRRbmKtw9xJQy6rLi3cJJt5QPnrzEth_7TSblkadMDtMmdSzi66iH/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="944" /></a> And remember to listen to this week’s Skirted Roundtable with Mr. David Easton!  It’s an interesting one!!   <a href="http://www.skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com">HERE.</a>       AND FINALLY, FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyv5tEG9bI/AAAAAAAA7Uw/QQ8FALlTwU8/s1600-h/yellowstone%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="yellowstone" border="0" height="530" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyv8w0_tvI/AAAAAAAA7VI/z2CGD0Kr-7o/yellowstone_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="yellowstone" width="298" /></a>   A special invitation for Cote de Texas readers: On November 11, Jill Brown of Brown <a href="http://www.shopbybrown.com">HERE</a> will be hosting an event and auction at her shop benefiting the Yellowstone Academy.  Yellowstone is a private, not for profit, faith based school started in 2001 for children living in extreme poverty.   Opening their doors with just 64 children, the school now serves 320 students and goes up to the 7th grade.  Their amazing student profile is: <ol> <li>100% of admissions are from low-income families </li> <li>87% of students are living in poverty or extreme poverty </li> <li>Median family annual income is $8,088 </li> <li>93% live in single parent households </li> <li>95% of  students are African American; 5% are Other. </li> </ol> What an amazing success story!   Instead of talking about it, these people actually have accomplished something wonderful for the community.   Jill has been a great friend to Cote de Texas – she hosted our largest ever giveaway this year when she donated a lantern from Brown and now  for this benefit, she is setting aside 30 tickets for readers of this blog – at $40/person and $60/couple.   The auction will feature great items from Jill’s store such as high and low chandeliers, lights, furniture and more.   If you would like to attend the event or feel motivated to donate to the school, please click <a href="http://yellowstoneacademy.org/brown/">HERE</a> for all the information.  As always, thank you Jill for all your support.   <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ab2dd23f-2850-4919-90d8-0a51bdb975ba" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="2adaeffa-7318-459f-8e0a-1750d72050f9" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9iyOiwJB7A&feature=player_embedded" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('2adaeffa-7318-459f-8e0a-1750d72050f9'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/n9iyOiwJB7A?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/n9iyOiwJB7A?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TMyv-OfMlDI/AAAAAAAA7VQ/OLR9YzEHLWU/video406abd47da6b%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none"></a></div></div><div style="width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">A video starring the students of Yellowstone Academy!</div></div>

David Easton and the Center Table

This week Linda, Megan and I were thrilled to interview noted architect and interior designer David Easton on The Skirted Roun...

3:27 PM

What A Mess: Balderbrae Then and Now!!!

<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLL40IISyI/AAAAAAAA5gY/qjre3gyYBxY/s1600-h/image213.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="492" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLL6-vDJcI/AAAAAAAA5gg/M2Bw0nX9GRg/image_thumb71.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="654" /></a> The handsome and debonair David Easton in his NYC <a href="http://www.ocfree.co.uk/real-estate/">apartment</a> courtesy of NYSD <a href="http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1245">HERE</a>.   Easton confesses his trees are artificial.  Gasp!!   David Easton’s former country house was a wonderfully decorated enfilade – filled from one end to the other with masses of English, French and Swedish antiques.   Once he decided to sell the property, the entire contents of the house were auctioned off.  Easton, a renowned architect and interior designer has had a long and very successful career.   He started out working for the legendary Edward Wormley, which he followed up with a stint under Parish/Hadley.   At one point he even partnered up with Charlotte Moss – a relationship that didn’t last very long.  Today, he works for himself.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLL8q9ppHI/AAAAAAAA5go/SNKRUl_NL08/s1600-h/image214.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="451" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLL-Y1lt5I/AAAAAAAA5gw/R7bO9HgINsM/image_thumb72.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a> Balderbrae:  Easton’s former estate.  The main living room/dining room is located in the central block.  The bedroom and study is on one side, the kitchen on the other.    Along the way, Easton has designed some of the biggest and more impressive houses in the country – including the famous Kluge mansion, Albemarle House.     Needing a place to get away from it all, he and his partner Jimmy Steinmeyer, the artist,  bought the country property in 1980.   Named Balderbrae, the estate is located in Suffern, New York, only 45 minutes from NYC.    The original 1910 stone cottage and overgrown garden greatly appealed to Easton, but the accommodations proved too small.   To make the estate more functional, Easton then designed and built the shingled and stone enfilade across from the original structure, which was turned into a two bedroom guest house.   A swimming pool was built between the two houses.    The grounds were magnificent with a large alley of trees that overlook a state park.  The pair lived at Balderbrae for twenty years, during which time, the house was published in several design magazines.   When it came time to move, an auction was held in 2007 at Doyles- the final sales totaled $1,607,140.00.    Easton’s collection was varied, from the fine to the rustic.   The finer items came from places like English castles and Colefax and Fowler.   Several pieces were bought from Geoffrey Bennison.  The famous Dutch chandelier hanging in the main living room sold for $12,000.00, while an Italian chandelier so popular today sold for $24,000.  The large mirror in his bedroom,  designed by Easton and later reproduced, sold for $12,000 – its value was only $4,000.     Many of his pieces are trendy today – like his Swedish chairs and sunburst mirrors, yet he had bought them decades before.  Easton and Steinmeyer took their riches and settled into their NYC apartment.   They are planning to move to another country house – this time a modular home, with a similar floor plan to Balderbrae – located in Canada, north of Montreal.   So, you might ask, whatever happened to the beautiful Balderbrae???? OY. Don’t ask.   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMAcn_zyI/AAAAAAAA5g8/ha3yRH8YRzs/s1600-h/image215.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMBtNaJYI/AAAAAAAA5hE/4sYDe1hkVy8/image_thumb73.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> The enfilade house, built by Easton has two open air wings, one for sitting, one for eating.    The swimming pool was built between the new house and the two bedroom original stone cottage.   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMC5t7BTI/AAAAAAAA5hM/l_1ZBZ-1adM/s1600-h/image216.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMERn9JsI/AAAAAAAA5hU/ou4JRVjtZ94/image_thumb74.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> Here, you can see one of the open air loggias – with a fireplace.   The shingled and stone house was built by Easton to look like the original structure – also made of stone.      <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMGwF_f-I/AAAAAAAA5hc/zhbxWGpGwrw/s1600-h/image219.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMJqwOhRI/AAAAAAAA5hk/lsMywZURJ4w/image_thumb77.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="513" /></a> A painting of the landscape design of Balderbrae.  At the top is the new enfilade with the two open air wings.  Surrounding the pool is a stone wall, original to the property.   At the bottom is the original stone cottage.    <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMKowu1sI/AAAAAAAA5hs/jWNuw1Tc6Ws/s1600-h/image%5B31%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="555" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLML2zyFGI/AAAAAAAA5h0/uIfLpEqAAfg/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="404" /></a> The drawings for the original walled garden at Balderbrae, designed by its owner Louise Beebe Wilder, an important figure in American gardening history.  Wilder was married to an architect who worked with McKim and White.   Back then Balderbrae was over 500 acres, not the 5 acres it is now.  Wilder wrote 10 books on gardening and is a legend with gardeners today.   The fact that the property was owned and developed by Wilder was one of the main selling points for Easton.   At the time he bought it – the gardens were totally overgrown and unrecognizable.  He spend years getting them back in shape.      <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMNl_USEI/AAAAAAAA5h8/LSe_WkxEhMM/s1600-h/image%5B49%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="588" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMP2nRowI/AAAAAAAA5iI/gZFMEQscebk/image_thumb%5B23%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="464" /></a> In the 1918 book by Wilder, Color in My Garden, the half moon shaped fountain is illustrated.  The fountains are still on  property today.   Color In My Garden is about one year in her garden at Balderbrae.    The book is available to read online at Google Books - in its entirety – along with all the illustrations  <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=n5nNAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=louise+beebe+wilder&hl=en&ei=Xu2wTNzCCoeglAfP8sy5CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false">HERE</a>.      <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMRQ-MZFI/AAAAAAAA5iQ/JjfmmzUvcbM/s1600-h/image%5B56%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMTWTmO7I/AAAAAAAA5iY/47JuEaSE8A0/image_thumb%5B28%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> One of the two half round fountains as they are today.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMUdWNhFI/AAAAAAAA5ig/wH4OMdI531Q/s1600-h/image%5B51%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="408" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMVZCiWyI/AAAAAAAA5io/1Qh-83LWmdc/image_thumb%5B25%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="510" /></a> The walled garden at Balderbrae eerily reminds me of the walled garden at Grey Gardens in the Hamptons.   Here - an early picture of the original Grey Gardens Walled Garden designed by Anna Gilman Hill.   Hill also wrote a gardening book about her own garden Grey Gardens,  just as Wilder had with Balderbrae.  Even the pergola at Grey Gardens is remarkably the same looking as Balderbrae’s!   To read more about Grey Gardens and its famous walled garden – go <a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/05/pictorial-history-of-grey-gardens.html">HERE</a>.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGSVneYp2WoftRQvoJ9848LSMUA3gFrEDppRN_1QO0wdNXnABjQIDhqidpAgy_Q0JMixWjaJeecG7jLa4AQp0Vq0x9wL2TS12nkAfGPXEQAjaAX8VisNZ0r_YjW0UczHodUG7i6I5SOZk/s1600-h/image221.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMbDZ9vUI/AAAAAAAA5i4/glkt1mPHh-I/image_thumb79.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="617" /></a> A view into one of the two open air loggias.       <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMec9xXJI/AAAAAAAA5jE/fNP3NNx5OBs/s1600-h/image%5B45%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="957" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxJXqXnTd-y9dxpG_SfRfQCpbYngf26k5cHItpOWm_0GjpHQdPwfM7rUwL3feVF-KZ6W9-6z6voNrKBCjUSRtoZAzWFZFnFeMvz5fDKDUKr6cb96_jnbw9qem_QUKqCrC5c3QX68v5207/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a>   The gorgeous living room/dining room at Balderbrae.  One large room – Easton has often recreated this furniture plan with a large round center table dividing seating areas.  Furnished almost 30 years ago, the room looks remarkably current due no doubt to all the classic antiques used.   I remember the first time I saw this house in pictures – I fell totally in love with it and today still feel exactly the same.   It’s perfection!   Note:  next to the chair on the right, the side ebony and ivory Victorian table is one of pair bought from Geoffrey Bennison.  At auction, the tables went for $27,000.00     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMlUJWjpI/AAAAAAAA5jU/2GTCJTIHTM8/s1600-h/image18%5B3%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnrEKDxJW-hgimoGEDQSOEIhEMzbohXAjDhr-kyXKZFxYg69WAGqn0oBuhlkuG7Rc4cCQNvBswtzvHJtfexIPKCcTtMNCOU9CIK1sKoofyHM4dsZze899NFekyVO83wAFHzGuE6jtlh62/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="736" /></a> An earlier shot – the color is off in these pictures.   Just as an English country manor would have evolved over time, Balderbrae also evolved over time as Easton collected more antiques and filled the room with masses of books and porcelains.         <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMsYwsfFI/AAAAAAAA5jo/qppf91k1czs/s1600-h/image6%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="960" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMwBTkJeI/AAAAAAAA5jw/gvwGFnEkRa4/image6_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="759" /></a> A close of the vignette by the fireplace.  The Dutch table in front of the chair sold at auction for $18,000.00.       <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMx_mVysI/AAAAAAAA5j4/gKfENERqBvQ/s1600-h/image45%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLMzZ8AjuI/AAAAAAAA5kA/-JfRXgcP4W8/image45_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="536" /></a> A photograph of Easton in his living/dining room.   It’s interesting to see how different flowers and pots are used on the center table.  I love the pops of cranberry velvet on the stools and the pillows.  This is probably  the correct wall color – not such a bright and strong yellow as seen before.        <img alt="image" border="0" height="526" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLM1qle33I/AAAAAAAA5kI/sZB-1yyYK80/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="804" /> The master bedroom – located off the living/dining room.   The large mirror, designed by Easton, is still in production.  It was valued at $4,000 – yet it sold for $12,000.   The ceiling with the limed rafters was designed to mimic the living/dining room.  Because the ceiling was so high, Easton  needed a larger than available lantern – he designed this bell lantern and had it made to his specifications.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLM43oc9eI/AAAAAAAA5kQ/0GLDaw-T3uE/s1600-h/image27%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLM8usQWlI/AAAAAAAA5kc/Ma_kq7M6Lyk/image27_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="764" /></a> Seagrass – wall to wall!   Easton’s bedroom is different here than above - fabrics for the curtains and chairs.   A different bench is in front of the bed.  I love the vases above the windows.  Notice in the mirror – the cameo above the door!  Here it looks like the wallpaper is a soft yellow stripe.       <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLM_Xife7I/AAAAAAAA5kk/3T---yBev9k/s1600-h/image30%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="637" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNB1YDUHI/AAAAAAAA5ks/5hUxutcRymo/image30_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a> Open air loggia – one of two.  This one, with the fireplace, is an outdoor living room.   Easton later changed the fabrics to his own from Lee Jofa, see below.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNE3JSHSI/AAAAAAAA5k4/w0sXNUB5FPE/s1600-h/image33%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyz4UADQ3rsSkamXeULm59u9V3Srnk9hdhC10iF45ScS2K50yNkU9pK8-L5U8Q0AggrJ13sbjnSqjrMpadboOm8-vDuOdbOdDNgMr3R45BVALVo18UbeZTaFVdw7ndofsHzr0l3_GEuDF/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="758" /></a> Lee Jofa’s David Easton line includes fabulous outdoor fabrics.       <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNJ_ROuUI/AAAAAAAA5lM/LY55hHBRaa4/s1600-h/image%5B7%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrLBO2Sunms4yIgWqnz9CDrMwiT3lUdWRr8ah6oN7rEvYhJYDjOS4i06A1qhXJYzsnRcIDExeR73575BzkgDDZH1cwTA3kG2k7c8VXHu2T8SRtNE2KfSqa7UYxzmMihHelRK94h4hSAsZ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="404" /></a> Les Alpilles by David Easton for Lee Jofa comes in several colorways.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNNKVzWQI/AAAAAAAA5lc/1M6sOi-Q82o/s1600-h/image21%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNQkQq3DI/AAAAAAAA5lk/FZTmKc8IOgk/image21_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="663" /></a> David’s partner Jimmy Steinmeyer is a fabulous artist.  You might recognize his work from Charles Faudree’s books which he illustrated.   Steinmeyer also works for Easton -  doing all the sketches and drawings for the client presentations.  His work is also seen in Easton’s new book, just published, called Timeless Elegance.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNS5MJORI/AAAAAAAA5lw/N1eNAjKwk4o/s1600-h/image%5B46%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="527" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNUzyfGEI/AAAAAAAA5l4/0pUmVzk2wIY/image_thumb%5B20%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="481" /></a> This is on the dining porch.   The eight chairs were auctioned off for $20,400! So, whatever DID happen to Balderbrae after it sold in 2005 for $1,500,000+?  Who bought it?  Did they update it?  Did they decorate it?  Are the gardens being kept up?  Like I said before -  DON’T ASK!!!     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNWYBEjuI/AAAAAAAA5mA/SrrhfekpJR8/s1600-h/image131%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="584" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNX7mcmPI/AAAAAAAA5mI/igT4Jz7ELFk/image131_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="439" /></a> Amazingly, the house is now available for photo shoots – for magazines, design books, advertisements, etc.   My thoughts:   It looks as if the house is truly lived in – not used only as a weekend home.  It also seems as if the house was furnished with previously owned furniture – it doesn’t look like it was professionally decorated with this house in mind.   The great room was painted a soft gray to go with the beams.  I actually like the new paint color.  The large living/dining room is in desperate need of several area rugs to soften it a bit.   The curtains appear to be the same ones that Easton had.   The biggest disappointment is all the spotlights hanging off the rafters!  What are those?!?!?!?   They look like barnacles clinging to a piece of driftwood!!!   And the flatscreen over the fireplace – some other solution should be found, either hide it in a cabinet or put a picture over it.   It looks terrible.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraWy-yJ5zY-6lVYRqW7h3rUdhxKAahq_CahSejI04AULbisoPbdlxfgRSmAXpKGUmfD1cSzExEpYlxetbJZwehcZHbERgQjNIFHfbqJylPJZTAFhysjb3pgwzvuckGuDDxX-6lsPcDBoO/s1600-h/image134%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNbZ0RDSI/AAAAAAAA5mY/VXdwg4gYv2w/image134_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> The view towards the dining area of the room.   This just makes me so sad.  Remember the beautiful porcelains Easton had above the doors?   Now there are dark boxes on display that add nothing to the décor.   I actually like the white and gray – and think that this color scheme could look gorgeous with the beams – it just needs a professional touch, or something, anything?  (Love that  Todd Rundgren album.)     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNdbe3ohI/AAAAAAAA5mg/g0jV-7SUF8I/s1600-h/image143%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNexjZXuI/AAAAAAAA5mo/ec9-fmSmbbI/image143_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> The flatscreen is just awful.  Perhaps a cover could be built over it or a painting put over it to disguise it?   Look how Brooke Giannetti of Velvet and Linen handled this issue:    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_I3ibCHsbMq_Y35cZGBszEAHWnG-spYJGXiWySrf3cRsPE9GiOSdEvIAtGOcNYR4KV0Qn7MPvhx7elChwDeIhYOL6TqMN1jU6NTNfOrnyYxbpvtidVV3xEh_0JWF3SFp8geReoGCOUMI/s1600-h/image%5B11%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmndTeCoON3DXqiIBYwJqwti3bdfiik1v7oUHfpDsXrsMnyTgRXBR4R500k-dSaG9MIcplQD_8eDjgfswYtrVoArvi18_Of9KnjQ4KJJ4AfAoZ2gledXWEuwrTHfky33Kf7i5qYx55nKQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="504" /></a> In this room designed by Brooke Giannetti of Velvet and Linen fame – the framed painting actually rolls up to reveal the flatscreen!  Amazing.  <a href="http://brookegiannetti.typepad.com/velvet_and_linen/2009/05/beach-meets-elle-decor.html?cid=6a00e554d7b827883301157083c18f970b">HERE</a>.       <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNk_G3PdI/AAAAAAAA5nE/WmQdVQuSbiw/s1600-h/image137%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="584" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNmepjGVI/AAAAAAAA5nM/47HnzqAaY3c/image137_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="439" /></a> In the bay window – I like the white French settee.  The curtains need to be updated – they are too creamy to go with the gray/white walls.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNn5s2xqI/AAAAAAAA5nU/sEJlc9fVeL0/s1600-h/image140%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNpQ4VOpI/AAAAAAAA5nc/tCpMPUjDwow/image140_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> The dining room table is really pretty, but seems much too dressy for this country house.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioChYpl9ZHyKg78NShv83OpMNPyc_DywyWfJavIRwO64LyJmnhplWAHfMiZGTEKJ0W3JlC-_woVdRsHvQiiWp7IBh1Bc-or46v62iakONeCXDPaKzAMghvx7XH-GKlR2kb-q43jerimuI/s1600-h/image146%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="584" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNsxCZhHI/AAAAAAAA5ns/0b09n3EKrUo/image146_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="439" /></a></a> A rare shot of the kitchen with its own fireplace. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6I0jMgGtdv4YqhaB6_QmP4WyrNVobMxtlzwQ72GfWHYIF2D_Z3SJ3AHcwwjTSMFW19jGadTRLypgo0uIyBikDueb-tulTI7efplN1ZbyyijvMqz4gOeMy4oWp5dxUpAqs01qoQEzNsxo/s1600-h/image151.png"> </a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLP8YDL_RhI/AAAAAAAA6X4/jI1HKj23Pqk/s1600-h/image1491.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLNzKjJzCI/AAAAAAAA5oI/eMzQIb9jfFk/image149_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> </a> The study off the bedroom – I’ve never seen this room.  Now, I ask you – if you were advertising your home as a rental for photoshoots – wouldn’t you at least clean off the water bottles from the desk and put away the dirty clothes in the chair and pick up the post-note off the carpet?   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLN03b4ljI/AAAAAAAA6YA/a2C-TSEqlFo/s1600-h/image154.png"> </a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLN03b4ljI/AAAAAAAA6YI/5WGjdL_gL5c/s1600-h/image1521.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="584" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLN4IpZZSI/AAAAAAAA5og/yma4rjNxkQ0/image152_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="439" /></a> </a> The master bedroom – I love the wall color here.  I am shocked that Easton didn’t sell the custom lantern he designed in the auction!  These are the same curtains used in the Easton bedroom.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLN523I4PI/AAAAAAAA6YQ/mW7WtyZnUFg/s1600-h/image157.png"> </a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLN523I4PI/AAAAAAAA6YY/r0Fj5bikPpo/s1600-h/image1551.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLN87c9rMI/AAAAAAAA5o4/WLJlA7SUGCo/image155_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> </a> A  rare view looking the opposite way in the master bedroom. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLN-VZ1-VI/AAAAAAAA6Yg/VZ93TObc8PM/s1600-h/image160.png"> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOT6CeIs3Op2j5bo7rdBrFMP5WN_nPkRM3_kYRye1OcjmeQV6KvZN0UZ3b6OPhyqvuwK0XVu7NoVFrLcnj6MHoCwWh7yMkK9hnX70LG5HJdf-R7CyX4q81CUdZMbXOrqG83df_zAOcWk/s1600-h/image1581.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="584" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOCFbK_sI/AAAAAAAA5pQ/nxNE0-DWGwE/image158_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="439" /></a> </a> The master bathroom – I am assuming this is how it looked under Easton.  Notice that the French doors lead directly to the sitting area loggia.  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOEBEqA7I/AAAAAAAA6Yw/fXvpKpif92Y/s1600-h/image163.png"> </a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOEBEqA7I/AAAAAAAA6Y4/6VbEdCAtEA0/s1600-h/image1612.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzgagQvceaM5XWVp5bT2esGGFTWwonxD2zcqdxCWSL9vYFFAzWwfOZ-dN9qRvQm9WmR7TiDZ8fgANUWx8aFAmFSdpkSWRhhAglC98GO7gM2blk_rcDeh6fdFrVR6f3zH7qnRDf7zXOjl1/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="439" /></a> </a> The wood bath tub – so unusual.   Pretty hardware.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDdMw1QMTYM_rhXoOlHIc_sgFtZ-mGDYPRV_kBOpxjL5dqUFxZmKBBbrDoH5sSTs8d4NHJV1M8FD2vn4UBlKdLBJ0hdY22rABLrSBbcHb7-DTrK-DddfFrKSPYYMddyFdY6KtW390RXw/s1600-h/image166.png"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOJF3zsqI/AAAAAAAA6ZI/y4ljX4NDLhM/s1600-h/image1641.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOMJIJwSI/AAAAAAAA5qE/fNIqLftAa74/image164_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a></a></a> Never seen before – room above the kitchen wing.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOOOrurfI/AAAAAAAA6ZQ/MX3mNt4z8oU/s1600-h/image169.png"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOOOrurfI/AAAAAAAA6ZY/OO2bdWFuUmg/s1600-h/image1671.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKgMDySDV-luDrOVY-bkkzYFVQa84S_grXe-MB5oLaPU2Iu4BJZokI3a8xihfLR_iNPdUW705NatcIwdLACL_1w25fBLXD38G_8NfHEQu3DDfpber1RE9FN0I9Tiy7aFFjq4emKsDkrUo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a></a></a> Louise Beebe Wilder’s original stone cottage – now a guest house.   To the left is the original vine-covered pergola. I  love how the swimming pool is just sunk into the ground without wide sidewalks around it.    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOSzH_03I/AAAAAAAA6Zg/ptVGtAfd42Y/s1600-h/image178.png"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2gqFSsCFzi2BgmIb9Ll7_mEXiNBVm_2W0kEGYQbl5RZhH8y_4uDTEngVVjEw0UcwHLGmfxpgzARpT4MM1RJLoMuuOHvJw0AaCHLnMxxBpRDr3bAcqHi1CJmzZezs08c7WjTmoPkxAugx/s1600-h/image1761.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="584" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOW-_1tzI/AAAAAAAA5q4/5hXieLD3pMo/image176_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="439" /></a></a></a> The original pergola with gravel pathway.  Mr. SlipperSocks Man just looked over my shoulder and said “that’s so pretty!”      <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOYtBI0mI/AAAAAAAA5rA/ZGj0TjDF0YU/s1600-h/image%5B47%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOam4qNoI/AAAAAAAA5rM/hthQq_k8Uw0/image_thumb%5B21%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> A view from the front of the main house, looking towards the original stone cottage.  Here you can see the original walled garden – the wall is now covered in ivy.   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOcdwrHnI/AAAAAAAA6Zw/jdQ9rhhvMi4/s1600-h/image127.png"> </a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOcdwrHnI/AAAAAAAA6Z4/jdcT2oJNIAc/s1600-h/image1251.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOfupOt2I/AAAAAAAA5rk/x4VQy3LLO3A/image125_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> </a> These Dutch doors lead from the loggia to the parking area.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOhf2zw6I/AAAAAAAA6aA/lAkSJ3D7K1k/s1600-h/image124.png"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOhf2zw6I/AAAAAAAA6aI/kepoSgTK-pQ/s1600-h/image1221.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOkpG6l9I/AAAAAAAA5r8/tk0YkDlmMuY/image122_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a></a></a> The eating loggia – not much to say about the décor.  It just can not compare in any way with the way it looked before! <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOm9pBccI/AAAAAAAA6aQ/KrMZx6qIcf0/s1600-h/image121.png"> </a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOm9pBccI/AAAAAAAA6aY/E3JPB9sEAUg/s1600-h/image1191.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOrHiOzMI/AAAAAAAA5sU/T4yYDImycAE/image119_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="580" /></a> </a> The lanterns remained here from Easton as did the buffet on the back wall – now decorated by huge, flanking ice chests!   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNlGz1d-NpMIzozwOJCSCc1jGpHMSORvF9peknMQClroXfFL8JIsKFIA8kFpkAjatwVXODHCF6ag1jetOoS4LdLOfxxonDeeQAKAhzrjGyrzk35wQWL6bNb5ii2anKKj27j4r6I4fxpnj/s1600-h/image130.png"> </a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOs_AfwhI/AAAAAAAA6ao/SJfArUHtuVg/s1600-h/image1281.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOwk1Mn8I/AAAAAAAA5sw/5WD1yl5BZV8/image128_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> </a> And, here’s the other loggia – next to the master bedroom – complete with a sewing machine in case the mood strikes.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7d4msOgOvviOCMHezdt-bW0kX-UouRcdN9NIDsrz2hqBCp2n69To6b3lVzPZcOU42dMAV5H6lrd1S808ncRHDy3LT3im2Omxg98SeTPXyBuKHt4Uc0_eXXnvEToM4y8wUxqjz09YRAG36/s1600-h/image%5B24%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLOzifd46I/AAAAAAAA5tA/AIBGVAbucuc/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> Rarely seen back side of the house – with the large bay window.  Notice how the grounds seem unkempt and overgrown now.      <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLO1fcQnXI/AAAAAAAA5tI/jzEUZ7cVpb0/s1600-h/image%5B48%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLO3kRwFeI/AAAAAAAA5tQ/fKvWNPWaB-g/image_thumb%5B22%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> The parking area outside the loggia on the kitchen side of the house.   There is also a two car garage on the 5 acre property.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLO5yWC4WI/AAAAAAAA5tY/VDapwLCtcgY/s1600-h/image170%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o-qL6nIS_zGYEYKoS7xYMDE41srK5Str8IvpWQq6TdDAQwEdFDRFYH4XfPKjtFnoUCM0Tg9oBIAyrgrIH2XV7bFOna_hSNEcQE0AU9aBqDT_GoIF0D9d3Fd0W8IWDM_5AuSdvsQdMDY2/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a></a> The original stone cottage has a long porch overlooking the swimming pool.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLO9YT96vI/AAAAAAAA6aw/7ZC_IlhKssY/s1600-h/image175.png"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvbNwi0i1wUGKgcGd0dZCbnsOXighx-IS-_ZcS9lXjnQobIDB3afFYe_FLsB3KnF289yR_a04zDGhJnsTfIJbj_6_93GAuM40jDpYptblJBvVNKRIHlm6HkmO41lQEf46kTFMzMdG_Aw/s1600-h/image1731.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPBQ8W1gI/AAAAAAAA5t8/dAYY3s5xgeA/image173_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a></a></a> The front view of the original stone cottage.  You can see here that even the grounds haven’t been kept up.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPDIKVYeI/AAAAAAAA5uE/RcQLANkwv74/s1600-h/image%5B52%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPFET6GrI/AAAAAAAA5uM/X3jg7r0bdQA/image_thumb%5B26%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a> The living area of the original stone cottage – notice the ceiling.  This is my favorite room in the estate as decorated now.  So charming!     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPHE8WbbI/AAAAAAAA6bE/xxwdzuu3V6s/s1600-h/image1811.png"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPHE8WbbI/AAAAAAAA6bM/wD7ontI8Aso/s1600-h/image1791.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPK79qvMI/AAAAAAAA5uk/D0MED61WSOw/image179_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="584" /></a></a></a> The long alley of trees.  The original house was built and the grounds were designed by Louise Beebe Wilder.        <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2E0i8dZLJJZAhUQ2HyYgh5NBq42_8O1-0XkvY1m1peFXFhBom6Gv5ohapjh_6RkIdrvbxfjtSjp8XxBSajfvzOCvuBvrFMx75EEEJ5mC4ThQ5qhViXu31mj4CVcA3CgqETJdmiK595kS/s1600-h/image%5B60%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="632" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPOUDVskI/AAAAAAAA5u0/tBniYT4rDD0/image_thumb%5B30%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="445" /></a> Life Goes On For Easton:   David Easton and Jimmy Steinmeyer left Balderbrae and moved into an apartment in NYC.  Easton is now building a modular house on acreage he owns north of Montreal.   His book Timeless Elegance was just published, showing many of his most famous projects and Balderbrae is, of course,  included.  Mr. Easton is scheduled to be a guest on The Skirted Roundtable in the next few weeks and we are all so excited to interview him!  Hopefully he will have lots to say about Balderbrae, but then again, maybe he won’t want to look backwards.  NYC: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPQn9p-QI/AAAAAAAA5u8/HRtz_4UaIxU/s1600-h/image64%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="492" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPS_GqopI/AAAAAAAA5vI/vyVPSn0-GfE/image64_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="654" /></a></a> The NY apartment where Easton and Steinmeyer have lived for the past 10 years.  Easton hints that he is ready to move.   The large painting is a copy of an original the he commissioned.   And notice, the round center table – a true trademark of Easton’s.        <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPUfB3HPI/AAAAAAAA5vQ/Gj9oDlEQryE/s1600-h/image67%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qRF3UjCXgDPiQhGjJWW18ScwI2rjpnGVWHzmDQOOXr2BV9LExZcHr2ayu_ZMtdPh9oBQw1-dGocojZnDrMYbwoP09b-JMVgSiUoNcMaRawrxo0Dhp-jpnWTHBn_ygnvVOyu1YRL-yamL/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="504" /></a></a> A peek at his closet with the sunburst mirror.  So organized!!!  Nary a sneaker to be found.   VIRGINIA: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPYGVPvDI/AAAAAAAA5vg/ki9QAVkP5Us/s1600-h/image79%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="529" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPaHuj_qI/AAAAAAAA5vs/ukBR7fQR5pY/image79_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="791" /></a></a> One of the most famous houses Easton designed is Albermarle House – built in Virginia for Patricia and John Kluge.  This project is over 25 years old now – and remains of his most heralded works – taking over five years to complete.   The house was for sale for $100,000,000.00 – but recently was reduced to $48 million –a steal!   Easton was the architect and interior designer on the project.  Emily Eerdmans has a great article on the house <a href="http://emilyevanseerdmans.blogspot.com/2010/06/kluge-house-sale-part-i-decorating.html">HERE</a>.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPceG2cuI/AAAAAAAA5v0/WWCzPYqj9kM/s1600-h/image97%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPfDyij5I/AAAAAAAA5v8/DBySnBobhFI/image97_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="628" /></a></a> The marble floored entry hall at Albermarle House.        <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPiABdBOI/AAAAAAAA5wI/xIvhC43PzRQ/s1600-h/image%5B64%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPkppEfiI/AAAAAAAA5wQ/Fj9OpzyBirs/image_thumb%5B32%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a> The grand living room.  This looks like a royal townhouse in London.   The living room and dining room are exactly the same size – Easton designed them using the perfect room ratio as set by Palladio.         <img alt="image" border="0" height="689" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPoIIZZDI/AAAAAAAA5wY/6KonqTXsZHQ/image94_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028" /> The view towards the other way overlooking the staircase.  Whoa.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPsLEBCfI/AAAAAAAA6bU/iws6JvCKvr8/s1600-h/image84.png"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLPsLEBCfI/AAAAAAAA6bc/Dshpz_YG5oU/s1600-h/image821.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ3bwOQQdaLKkWySkbz8-BJuLV77NbIyVjREXJtYx1pfxhO_Nra9uHmoovIpVHqkJ0Ql6k-s-WM11k-fB2hz0dL0-plQDqsBRiOiThTrbxSka6JJ_Mt72O0qxxtPpHlgKo94fo-LW9k4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a></a> The dining room.  Easton redecorated this room in the 1990s.    <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLP0v9ZZBI/AAAAAAAA6bk/Mw5yXha3-q0/s1600-h/image93.png"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLP0v9ZZBI/AAAAAAAA6bs/F-QcrWcevME/s1600-h/image911.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="594" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLP4EZQMjI/AAAAAAAA5xM/cG7B7rLivEc/image91_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="458" /></a></a> This is my favorite part of the house – is this Chatsworth???   This is the main hallway that leads off the front lobby.    <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLP6eBUPoI/AAAAAAAA5xU/zl7rrvLvxm0/s1600-h/image88%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLP8y-OOQI/AAAAAAAA5xc/5e1DjP22ec4/image88_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a></a> One of the bedrooms – probably a guest room.  Very English, very proper.  The chairs are so pretty!  So is the vanity table.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69NsSCC-5XW7hP28UUlIQ5paMnIM1YP___IdUPJorrnS0x2s0DlytMJcAedHtTosk_iae39H5ONx1-TaSP8X5Hz0iQYotKXrYdYyoORG5qLTWVmqrv4b-5qxc4ZnbHb9c7i9Vlshrk2zy/s1600-h/image109.png"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDlgu80jmpQsJAGYz8K25MPLrlfVf0pxpcP7D_CwK7OeHfZxrhasuaXNN17buCCQahlAEoc1PKk_5BdTM9k2Nf9FoS-VQaGFIeuQiUtcOh2drqcshP9AI4Hxr1MDIPvUgIrvSc-INgS0/s1600-h/image1073.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u5I_BfdIuI9cUFMHuwgbicuVGX0fJcbrkGSbc5RQ6_Xv7WsnL8EhChdCsU7SI_-UtcRfw5LlgD3RvTudsrTQNfBv5_4GFhfxvzUGM3HAlJhYk04rtsVp4tw1nERwCaFKO4uD1AP_sSh8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="364" /></a></a></a> The estate comes with its own chapel.  You never have to leave home to go to church.   I wonder do you hire a preacher full time???   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMboITKH2Ku7w-wadm-HsHa-dB1qGNKSKzbqrnSOm7KMgqPTTvUJSBMIOk-0j2wFAdcKxLRPDNM2o7ry92RQZGNEJ9F03SwQO-lyPH2YZrJSqqsjuCTi0XtU76sYwZTLW8eDh7WRcOqVrJ/s1600-h/image112.png"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQEWgWr4I/AAAAAAAA6cM/hp2Jj-MJ67I/s1600-h/image1101.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="297" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQGkb0NKI/AAAAAAAA5yQ/EmbW4VcNFRo/image110_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="459" /></a></a></a> Floor plans to Albermarle House.   At 23,000 sq. ft. the house is considered small for its kind.    ASPEN: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQIcQQK1I/AAAAAAAA5yY/5hwNw7z2SNY/s1600-h/image54.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="428" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQKGMBMmI/AAAAAAAA5yg/IAJ1azqXN1I/image_thumb18.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="511" /></a> Shown in Architectural Digest – a newer project is located in Aspen.  Notice the trademark center table with the benches surrounding it.  A one room living/dining area – just like Balderbrae.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQLkn8DxI/AAAAAAAA6cU/h06jC6haxpk/s1600-h/image612.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-aw0cRdqW6dBWuAU4iAZuzZR4Ck4VK4s3Zau_w31zGlNN1bmJuNS4RYd4zvE4GHMP4_aJDutUie4a2m5M3Gk8xPak77A4EOzCXZ3XK3Re4W3gC9iI0ZZ6qTKt0pa61eAEs5auQo7gVas/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="399" /></a> Another view of the grand living/dining room in Aspen.      <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQLkn8DxI/AAAAAAAA6cc/og_Inn2I2Vk/s1600-h/image63.png"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQQIM_8NI/AAAAAAAA5zA/LK7oV0mIWpw/s1600-h/image55%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="516" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQRkdYMjI/AAAAAAAA5zI/sfewmFoM1po/image55_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="401" /></a></a></a> The vignette in front of the large window in the family room/breakfast room. Notice the beautiful ceiling here.          <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQTILAFuI/AAAAAAAA6ck/rMHY4jN7h-I/s1600-h/image601.png"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNCt1UouVuKViA_-4-GYidTD_cOMOwiNB7X4-m3sUebvEKYdgEttEvaP1_5DOALeVRnLnY9nGnsK5QYT58sywPQ4IVG8krfUh5Qp9AlHVHG-kxLm4wtQX8PnD7biV1F54DmCTbKQvDsw9/s1600-h/image581.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="428" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQWm4_JEI/AAAAAAAA5zk/52zvgwAyVjY/image58_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="512" /></a></a></a> The Aspen house – master bedroom.  Easton has such a perfect touch – nothing is ever “off” or “wrong” - each fabric choice, each furniture choice is always right. DALLAS: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQYsfDTFI/AAAAAAAA5zs/GM00MGPmKX4/s1600-h/image%5B68%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="588" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQaxnN0RI/AAAAAAAA5z0/MLEBAUsgV1o/image_thumb%5B34%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="453" /></a> This living room in Dallas reminds me so much of Balderbrae.  I assume the owners loved the Easton country house and used that as an inspiration.  This is a more dressed up version of the living room in that house.   Of course, there is a round central table.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW50oSZ9CDiypACD49eh6z4WBFJy-uBtrwM8wq8iVfnjC8uEDKB1RnLDInNyghjSa9-oHPsYxtABk4_vL51jbpE8DzYgdyQtqVqnbzRn8gssYW37lHH3xAvkW9mGFbmvwMvvXQyJqXH1Lb/s1600-h/image%5B72%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="693" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQfmLRbhI/AAAAAAAA50E/o-NIQQy05n8/image_thumb%5B36%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="566" /></a> Another view of the living room.  Notice again the beautiful ceilings and the cubby above the doors – these are frequent design elements that Easton uses.        <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQg6HAJhI/AAAAAAAA6c0/lZFdK3MpiXU/s1600-h/image50.png"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOu8S_6i8wK_ZmZ1EdQogKvqy1bHuITS-S81JgYaCBOtQj9Y-CXud4mOMdHkasg8IO877uGEn10V0acaFV0Co0AZ6C0vrMvZwQq98Np910ZQI5wX9fu7m4h6-XnyzLvci4EaD5CGBaXBF/s1600-h/image481.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQi5kkk7I/AAAAAAAA50c/fD2bYi9kVOA/image48_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="317" /></a></a></a> The beautiful staircase in Dallas – I love that screen and I love the table and chairs vignette with the French laundry basket below.  So casual!  Seagrass runner on the stairs.        <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQmLgBLOI/AAAAAAAA6dE/yBQj-KD7DA4/s1600-h/image202.png"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQmLgBLOI/AAAAAAAA6dQ/SC2AkA_fG5E/s1600-h/image2001.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYTYYJAt8tGVl6Co7EL6nugnG_y8g4U8kXfuX0nZDFYPHjJ-JbZLo0B-hqXbvHkOLONr7wgeEWcY7qpRMHNFVt0LAzqs-KA9P4OFDI3QwdDQoP9tDgcPlhWvITc4Nocj3EhRSyq9XHXp2/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="697" /></a></a></a> There is a Moroccan styled bar in the Dallas house.  It truly looks so authentic!    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveRdxXEyYZDXR2ZwLjaefoOGFm8CQikx-UjsR2MXZJHMYKKvTAGlFFXSCstbKdSqylmLE7cTZlcE2rofAy6Wy5VwVuWu5x9rhOAXB7j6bDeds-eAf2TCPVxYIlNSDekx98-QjYgDOnAnW/s1600-h/image%5B76%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="661" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQxV1wtCI/AAAAAAAA51Q/9NS9cSAXxVE/image_thumb%5B38%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="512" /></a>  Another view – of the bar in the Dallas house. ETC: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQy-myU3I/AAAAAAAA51Y/ZJCG6e8iECo/s1600-h/image36%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="503" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQ1Gp2yAI/AAAAAAAA51k/SBX9ifSDlJM/image36_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="548" /></a> </a> Interesting note:  The interior designer Charles Faudree always uses Jimmy Steinmeyer to illustrate all his design books.  The first I ever heard of Steinmeyer was through Faudree’s books.  Here – in a picture of Faudree’s own breakfast room, are two bird prints out of series that came from the Balderbrae auction!  I wonder what else Faudree bought at auction from Easton?    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQ2FYuWqI/AAAAAAAA6dc/qKY_h1-mFRg/s1600-h/image184.png"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQ2FYuWqI/AAAAAAAA6dk/Tg68dbP59wQ/s1600-h/image1821.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQ4SszA6I/AAAAAAAA514/kKb_3v3RwlI/image182_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="404" /></a></a></a> Besides designing houses and hotels, Easton also has a fabric line with Lee Jofa.  His fabrics are wonderful, this is one of my favorites – it makes a wonderful curtain fabric, and it comes in many colorways.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQ5faUPKI/AAAAAAAA6ds/eo3GbbWq2ps/s1600-h/image193.png"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLQ5faUPKI/AAAAAAAA6d0/ozaHaxtbNMg/s1600-h/image1911.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBaynQVy6VhwFSh44Px-GUyrtm_WopMV6LeAzSgqSrrsDeIJwa_7QwXBThnKEjzt0pHR0dXZvKluhgp5-ccc13ibkkFuo9hKfz2T4UpUhQgEH9Gn5CUuluYRDfn4oVHoYpZPwHhVgaGj4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="404" /></a></a></a> Another favorite is this indoor/outdoor fabric by Easton.  It comes in different colorways.  I actually used the blue colorway in a pool house I designed about five years ago: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLRALg9s_I/AAAAAAAA6d8/J-Kxa4EK2ss/s1600-h/image2411.png"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TLLRALg9s_I/AAAAAAAA6eE/LDTeUDycz1Q/s1600-h/image242.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCu_knnkkU8CrDBLkKCVxnrS5FFPSU6vZPa0_XRujBncaz7yW2cEoYQWj9bdvy4wNO57AoJimIwNAaJNdLpC53JiUxIm4By5hyphenhyphenOJf6fTpmPFWjbhghcGhj__BK1B0GSbmKrNSOgsn9iNA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="986" /></a></a></a> </a> Here is a picture of the poolhouse room with the David Easton fabric I used on the windowseat.  (Don’t look at the rug!  This was only a loaner until the seagrass came a few days later!!!)     I hope you have enjoyed this look at David Easton’s Balderbrae, Then and Now.   Many of the houses featured today are in his new book, which I highly recommend if you are a fan!!!  To order from Amazon, simply click on the title below.  And remember – watch for David Easton to be a guest soon on the Skirted Roundtable.    <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:7dc1bd33-94bd-46fd-a20b-0131235bcd47:247dd233-a78f-49c4-bfef-a96aafc41bd2" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0" unselectable="on"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1584798653/cotedetex-20" title="Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton (9781584798651): David Easton, Albert Hadley: Books"><img align="left" border="0" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1584798653.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" style="float:left">Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton (9781584798651): David Easton, Albert Hadley: Books</a> ISBN: 1584798653 ISBN-13: 9781584798651 </td></tr></tbody></table></div>

What A Mess: Balderbrae Then and Now!!!

The handsome and debonair David Easton in his NYC apartment courtesy of NYSD HERE . Easton confesses his trees are artificial. ...

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David Easton and the Center Table

What A Mess: Balderbrae Then and Now!!!

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