- Billy Baldwin
After reading through two books dedicated to Mr. Baldwin, "Billy Baldwin Decorates" & "Billy Baldwin Remembers" I learned that he was not only known as a designer to the stars, but a style icon himself. He had impeccable taste, but said "if you can tell I did a house, I didn't" .
Mr. Baldwin's creativity flowed more freely when client's shared their opinions. He relied on the client/decorator relationship to drive the design.
He also had a pet peeve, client's with too much money. I love this about him because to me it showed he was a real person.
Mr. Baldwin said, "I can't tell you how many people I know who won't by something unless it's expensive. I know it isn't good business, but I tell them what I think anyway. I think an unpleasant atmosphere results from the entry into the obviously 'rich' room-the kind that makes you feel you're caught right in the middle between the devil of a museum ant the deep sea of the embarra de richesse."
Here are some of my favorite renderings and rooms from the books I mentioned above.
1949 "A Gentleman's Brown Living Room Accented with Bright Green and Punctuated with a Collection of Black and White Prints and Drawings"
I love the chocolate brown lacquer walls, and black lacquer table. His arrangement of artwork harmonizes the room as well.
Fabulous sofa print fabric, sunburst mirror and the rug is to die for..
I am personally obsessed with the double cushion ottoman & of course the fur rug! Favs!
1949 "A Pink-Walled Stair Hall in a Country Cottage, Its woodwork White Its Floor Painted Black with a Striking Rug and Runner of Black and White"
Orange Doors... Amazing
"The Things I Love" - Billy Baldwin
1. Clean Clean Color
2. Brilliant Flower Colors.
3. Lots of White
4. A 'Coming Home' Look in The City
5. Cotton Everywhere
6. Off-White Textured Materials
7. The Look of Comfort
8. The Banquette
9. Curtains As Simple As Possible
10. Off - White Rugs and Carpets
11. The Elegance of Simplicity and Honesty
12. A Room that is, Above all Personal
