BE AN ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER: SUMMER READING THAT TAKES YOU TO HUNT COUNTRY, FRANCE AND ITALY

DECORATING MASTER CLASS: THE CULLMAN AND KRAVIS WAY

Photo Courtesy of Harry N Abrams
Cullman and Kravis, the New York interior design firm, specializes in working with fine art in interiors. Their information-packed new book, Decorating Master Class, The Cullman and Kravis way, covers the firm's designing ideas through tips and tried and true formulas that work for them. The great thing about this book is that it is filled with more than pretty pictures, it is an incredibly well written and useful cache of knowledge. Imparting specifics is something few design books do this well. Being able to step inside the mind of the ever elegant Ellie and her amazing staff provides for a true learning experience. Buy a few to give and some to keep at Harry Abrams Books

Photo Courtesy of Harry N Abrams
Entertaining in style, the loggia is ready for gracious parties.

HUNT COUNTRY STYLE

Photo Courtesy of Rizzoli
Tally Ho! Hunt Country Style by Kathryn Masson and Paul Rocheleau captures life in Virginia, from Middleburg hunt country to Charlottesville's rolling hills. These homes, many of them National Historic landmarks, are gracious American brick, field stone and weatherboard homesteads. Signature style elements seen throughout are wood paneled libraries, charming stables, and lived in country seats. Learn more about the land where horses rule, and pick up your copy at Rizzoli Usa


Photo Courtesy of Rizzoli

The horse motif is a trend right now, from Lipizzaner's in Spain to hunters and jumpers, there is a horse represented for every type of rider:


Niderviller, a french china company has just introduced Chantilly, a vibrant horse motif to it's collection. The shapes are interesting and the horses are natural (read real looking). To discover the entire collection, visit Devine Corporation, the US distributor for many french luxury tabletop brands.


The accessory pieces are the perfect gift for the equine aficionado.


This stunning horse print triptych from Natural Curiosities would look great on a large wall with an all white interior. From Natural Curiosities

JEAN MICHEL FRANK


For those that cannot get enough of Jean-Michel Frank, i.e. many of you, you are in luck. A new comprehensive look at the highly influential visionary of 1930's and 40's French design. It is worth purchasing this tome. Frank's use of Hermes leather on walls, shagreen and parchment in interiors and on furniture wowed the demi monde of Paris and beyond. Designs of his fetch soaring prices at auction and are highly sought after. Known for bringing the club chair into home seating areas, he was admired as an arbiter or taste. Interior designers of today use his pieces to inspire their own creations. Rizzoli Usa


Photo Courtesy of Rizzoli
Designing pieces of such appropriate scale and balance for each interior was a signature of Frank. The pieces do not overwhelm and create a gracious setting with height and texture.

Photo Courtesy of Rizzoli
This great color photo shows what a master of placement Frank was. The striking juxtaposition of art and interiors is oft imitated.

Photo Courtesy of Rizzoli
This marble bath is to die for. New York Architect Nasser Nakib creates an homage to Frank in many of his stunning projects.

EDITH WHARTON'S ITALIAN VILLAS AND THEIR GARDENS

Photo Courtesy of Rizzoli
The re- issue of Edith Wharton's Italian Villa's and Their Gardens from Rizzoli is big news for fans of Edith Wharton and traditional garden design. Originally published in 1904, this special look at Italianate garden design through seventy-five villas and their gardens. It focuses on Wharton's inquiry into the relationship between the outdoor space around the homes and their interiors. The interplay is shown visually as well, with twenty-six illustrations by American painter Maxfield Parrish. A portion of the proceeds of the book go to the restoration of The Mount, the estate in Massachusetts designed and built by Wharton. Help save this historic gem. A great reason to buy many to give as hostess gifts this summer, from Rizzoli Usa. Available now, written by Edith Wharton and illustrated by Maxfield Parrish with an introduction by John Dixon Hunt, a professor on landscape architecture at University of Pennsylvania.