Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Interior Staying Power- Keith Irvine!

I pulled out one of my favorite go to design books last night-Keith Irvine"A Life in Decoration".
I love reading about classic interior design as a guide to what has staying power!  There are so many things we can learn from these Master's of design and the late great Keith Irvine was a master! He was taught under Colefax and Fowler in the 1950's in England and rolled into New York in 1957, the rest was history! He had a very short stint at Sister Parish's Firm that ended rather abruptly. He then went onto form the firm Roberts & Irvine with Robin Roberts.  In 1961 the duo started the famous fabric line Clarence House, but before the year was out they split with Clarence House going to Bob Roberts and Keith forming Keith Irvine & Co.  Keith then partnered with Tom Fleming. The duo went onto decorating interiors for the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy, Diana Ross,and Katherine Graham etc.  Keith also had the great support of one more special partner throughout his career until his death in 2011, and that was his wife"Chippy"!

Let's see what we can learn here from Mr Irvine's interiors. I have picked out pieces, architecture and textiles that are still popular today. Can you pick some out too? Here's to staying power! 



Animal print, large artwork, lacquer furniture!


Stark Antelope rug and chinoiserie furniture!

Bold wallcoverings!

Fabulous sofa fabric(ethnic), abstract painting, great throw pillows!

COLOR!!! 

Accessories!

Chinoiserie furniture and blue and white!!

Timeless rustic elegance, textures.

Tailor fit slip covers, animal print and interesting accessories.

Zebra print fabric, eclectic mix.

Great wall color with Orange tone!

Mix of modern and traditional, asian garden seat, and fabulous large incharge charcoal abstract!

Hellooo wallcovering maybe Gracie?? Oh and that great red lacquered room.

Again chinoiserie wall covering a classic!


Well edited bookshelves and great lighting.








9 comments:

  1. These interiors are so beautiful!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh I love this post! I so want to find more vintage decor books.

    ReplyDelete
  3. There are some design details that are classic forever! looks like a great book!
    xoxo
    Karena
    2014 Artists Series

    ReplyDelete
  4. His work is brilliant,such a stunning interior Karolyn, have enjoyed all the images! Kisses! xo

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautiful book and ironically, I am so drawn to all of his green rooms....beauitful!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great spaces with loads of classic details even though the decor is bold. Love! Loving all the colour too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I am definitely adding this book to my wish list!

    XOXO,
    The Glam Pad

    ReplyDelete
  8. Every picture perfectly chosen! Love!!

    ReplyDelete

I always enjoy hearing from my viewers so comment frequently!