WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT ENCLOSED

February 20, 2019

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT ENCLOSED

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY
Mies van der Rohe once suggested
"less is more." However editing to
a bare minimum requires bravery.
Fortunately often with age comes
a higher level of confidence. No
wonder many designers seem to
peak late in life. "Good taste" is
the end result of exposure to all
that life has to offer. The ultimate
reward for time well spent is the
freedom to reject pre-conceptions.
To boldly go where few have yet
to tread. Then the magic happens.

OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER
Like many an aesthete, interior designer
Billy Baldwin led a rather indulged life.
Unfortunately late in life reality limited
his options. Forcing him to move into a
most basic of studios within a banal box
east of Park Avenue above 59th. Rather
than accept defeat, Mr. Baldwin enrobed
said cube in a high gloss veneer of brown
lacquer. Adding a few carefully chosen
pieces of furniture, art, & accoutrements.
The end result was anything but tawdry.
A bold yet beyond chic tour de force by
a seasoned and confident professional.

BASIC INSTINCT
Billy proved that money can't buy everything -
especially panache. Which calls to mind Albert
Hadley's highly curated yet infinitely fabulous
New York apartment. Most of it's contents had
been with him throughout life. His last abode
(at left) was the manifestation of a savvy guy
who knew exactly what mattered to him alone.
It's melange of both simple and sophisticated
elements was if nothing else a statement. One
of our most favorite parts being the dramatic,
graphic hand-hooked zebra rug. A folly which
not only tricks the eye but puts a smile on your
face. And isn't that what a home is all about?

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST
Much as life's highs and lows inform
us, a similar mix can enliven a room.
Pauline de Rothschild ended her life
with almost nothing - purposefully.
Some consider her Albany apartment
beyond simple. Yet such a balancing
act isn't as easy as it seems. Now is
the time to throw out the old and to
bring in the new. To boldly go where
you haven't dared before. Isn't it time
to mix things up with something new
yet old from C+V HOME? Life is all
too short... go ahead and live it UP!