Elle Decor's 5 Designers to Watch: Oliver M. Furth

Last week, we finished looking at the designers selected by Elle Decor as the top 25 of 2010 (see Parts I-VIII for images). But there are five more that they featured as the ones to watch. Yesterday we posted images from Jesse Carrier's portfolio.

The second of the five is Oliver M. Furth, whom Elle Decor describes as "thoroughly grounded in classical traditions, though he approaches them with aristo irreverence and West Coast optimism. Furth's inviting interiors go from suave and swank to colorful and cheeky, and often include reclaimed materials."






Rich colors matched with dark woods and collections (books, prints) hold the most appeal for me in this portfolio. What do you think?

Next, we'll continue with the third on the list, Grant K. Gibson.





*Unless otherwise specified, all images procured directly from the designers' websites.

Elle Decor's 5 Designers to Watch: Jesse Carrier

Last week, we finished looking at the designers selected by Elle Decor as the top 25 of 2010 (see Parts I-VIII for images). But there are five more that they featured as the ones to watch.

The first of these is Jesse Carrier, whom is described as having "cornered the market on clean, sunny interiors with an emphasis on warm, wide-ranging elements: bentwood pieces by Thonet, Robsjohn-Gibbings chairs, Robert Kime print fabrics. Clients include designer Jason Wu and editor Anna Wintour (her office and Vogue's lobby)."






What lovely comfortable spaces full of light and subtle color. Very clean and restful. What do you think?

Tomorrow, we'll continue with the next on the list, Oliver M. Furth.





*Unless otherwise specified, all images procured directly from the designers' websites.

Elle Decor's A-Team (Part VIII)

It's hard to believe it - but we've finally reached the end of the list. Elle Decor's top 25 included a vast range of design aesthetics. From the traditional to the cutting edge, there were a lot of different points of view. And I have to say, we were surprised by some of the styles that appealed to us most.

While I can't say that I love every single designer in this list (and a few leave me nonplussed if not cold), I think there is a lot to be said for actively seeking common ground, or at least keeping an open mind and appreciating the small details if not the big picture. It generates new ideas, encourages creativity and may even be the catalyst for a little risk taking. All important things to keep in mind when it comes to designing living spaces. And an evolving design aesthetic helps to keep life interesting.

I may make a general practice of this - being inspired by the unexpected. Seems like a good approach to life whether design is involved or not!

Here is what we think of the LAST three designers...

(If you're new to this, you can catch up with: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI and Part VII.)

Kelly Wearstler

ED (Elle Decor) describes Wearstler's work as "fanciful wild-child interiors, which, in addition to private homes, include such influential hotels as the Viceroy Santa Monica and the Tides South Beach and the BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan. Brash, graphic, theatrical, and skillfully layered, her rooms blend echoes of everything from 1970s funk to '40s Hollywood into head-spinning, high energy chic."










Obviously, the images I selected are some of the less, um...head spinning designs. She really does cover a lot of ground. The rooms I liked best were definitely on the more conservative side of the spectrum, but all of her spaces hold their own when it comes to a sense of personality. They also look like real people live there, and livability is high on our list of priorities. The last few images show some commercial work that we particularly love. The BR Restaurant is gorgeous and that Schumacher wallpaper has a universal appeal for which were are no exception.

Bunny Williams

ED describes Williams as"the undisputed doyenne of aristo-American decorating as well as a garden-design aficionado. For her, it's all about classic comfort, an informed eye, and a bit of fun. In her rooms, fine European antiques meet mirrored walls and gutsy artwork. She uses intense colors and delicate patterns with equal panache."









This opulent decor suits the gracious rooms obviously found in homes of the rich and fabulous. But instead of looking cold or intimidating, they are surprisingly warm and inviting. We love the coral prints covering the bathroom wall like panels (an intriguing alternative to wallpapering small spaces). And I can personally say that last picture of the kitchen makes me want to take up cooking.

Vincente Wolf

ED (Elle Decor) describes Wolf as "a designer who is also an admired photographer and style blogger...[He] brings a focused approach to his interiors, conjuring airy, modern-minded spaces ready for their close-up. Many of the finest have global-glam attitude, featuring blue-chip 20th-century furniture icons, a sprinkling of baroque antiques, Asian elements, and ethnographic treasures."







Wolf's website didn't feature a portfolio of design projects, but all of the images I found on other blogs were very much in line with the Elle Decor description. The muted colors of the textiles and paint are very soothing and direct attention to the exceptional furniture and art. These spaces are styled to perfection but still look comfortable and livable (there are those words again!) He brings an artist's eye to decorating and somehow makes it look effortless.

*images from: Designista, Velvet & Linen, Plush Palate, Patricia Gray, Desire to Inspire

So what do you think of Elle Decor's selected designers? Did you think anyone was missing? Next week I'll cover their "5 Designers to Watch" - so omitted favorites may be in that list...




*Unless otherwise specified, all images procured directly from the designers' websites.

Apples to Apples?

I visited Santa Fe last weekend and returned with a real estate catalog, thinking it would be interesting to post two properties--one in Santa Fe and one in Key West--that are the same price and to compare the features of both.

While it may seem that Santa Fe and Key West couldn't be more different, the two towns actually share some similarities. Both are towns with year-round residents as well as seasonal folks. Both can boast outdoor adventure and resort lifestyles: Santa Fe has mountains and Key West has water. And both towns are artsy meccas attracting both the glitterati and the quirky; however, the glitter in Key West tends to be worn by the drag queens!

But the real estate is decidedly different. Obviously the constraint of living on an island with only so much space vs. the great wide open of New Mexico makes square footage biggest difference between homes in Key West and Santa Fe. Take a look at these two properties both listed at $995,000.

813 Frances Street, Key West











18 Primrose Circle, Santa Fe









Here's how the details compare:

Square Footage:
813 Frances St. - 1,450
18 Primrose Cir. - 3,300

Cost per square foot:
813 Frances St. $686.21
18 Primrose Cir. - $301.51

Lot size:
813 Frances St. - .06 acre (2,759 sq.ft.)
18 Primrose Cir. - 1.5 acres (65,340 sq.ft.)

Bedrooms:
913 Frances St. - 2
18 Primrose Cir. - 3

Baths:
913 Frances St. - 2 full
18 Primrose Cir. - 2 3/4

Amenities:
913 Frances St. - pool and off-street parking (this is a biggie in Key West)
18 Primrose Cir. - 3 fireplaces and heated attached garage

Big thanks to Marquis Properties Realty and Doug Mayberry Real Estate in Key West and to Rush/Van Camp in Santa Fe. One visit to their websites will have you running out to buy a lottery ticket! The hardest part will be deciding which town to choose.