I am obsessed with the juxtapostition of unusual and odd materials with common and everyday objects and textures. Which is why I love the book ‘Modern Eclectic” by Orianna Fielding Banks. The book covers ten different homes and lofts and focuses on five themes: Color, texture, pattern, surface, shape and form. This book goes beyond the pictures and gives a valid reason why designers and homeowners have arranged their spaces in a particular way.
In this book there are no rules, and if there are rules then they are meant to be broken. Why not place a 18th century period sofa next to a Pesce foam chair. I believe one of the greatest accomplishments that this book establishes is the very subtle details that the interiors offer; details such as the arrangement of three similar but very different wooden chairs, each were designed by different designers working in different locations. These details may often be overlooked, but a trained eye will truly appreciate the artistic and ironic juxtaposition of such an arrangement.
The two great highlights of the book are the 18-th century manor house in Luberon France and the New York Apartment-USA chapters. These spaces move beyond any ordinary idea of “Home” and redefine what a “living space” can become.
This 18th century manor has been completely remodeled but small details such as paint which will age and bleed with the plaster underneath have been masterfully achieved. The area has become a great space for resident artists which have over the years have left a substantial modern art collection which contrasts with the century old history and design of the manor.
The two great highlights of the book are the 18-th century manor house in Luberon France and the New York Apartment-USA chapters. These spaces move beyond any ordinary idea of “Home” and redefine what a “living space” can become.
This 18th century manor has been completely remodeled but small details such as paint which will age and bleed with the plaster underneath have been masterfully achieved. The area has become a great space for resident artists which have over the years have left a substantial modern art collection which contrasts with the century old history and design of the manor.
The New York Apartment is fun because the detailing is so precise yet intentional. The apartment is so eclectic it almost takes a few minutes to take in a picture of the apartment, much less seeing it in person. An original Rothco is placed above a child’s sized couch which plays with relative size and orientation. Every piece is so unique yet the apartment plays with the idea of intermixing high art and design with everyday thrift store finds, an element that I have incorporated into my own interiors.
And these are just two of my favorite spaces, there are eight more interiors which the book covers. Each with its own quirks and interesting differences.