I just know you've all been on the edge of your seats waiting for the second installment of our interview with the amazing Nan Whitney, so without further ado here it is! If you're just tuning in, be sure to catch this morning's chat with this brilliant stylist.
What has Nan been up to recently? One of my latest projects was working with a talented fabric designer, Mary Mulcahey of Les Indiennes. She is creating a new brochure and press kit, and I had the pleasure of being the art director and stylist. The photographer, Jim Cooper of London, was terrific to work with. The project was wonderfully creative, and such a joy. (Editor's Note: Special sneak peak, above right!)
So what does a hardworking stylist like Nan see when she gets home at the end of the day? My home is always a work in progress. I am constantly changing, updating, and editing. I like to keep a neutral palette that allows a constant evolution of textures, art and objects. I love the patina of things that are old or have been passed along. My favorite and most treasured pieces are the ones my sons have created over the years. They are placed esthetically and lovingly next to expensive oil paintings, african sculptures and feathers collected in my travels.
What advice does Nan have for us at home? Don't be afraid to create within your own budget, whether it's a $25,000 sofa with a pillow from an Indian bazaar that cost $2, or an antique dresser passed down from your grandmother that is used to display a collection of beautiful contemporary glassware. Make it your own style. In my apartment in New York I have hung a beautiful contemporary oil painting by internationally known artist Sonja Eisenberg over an Ikea console with a bowl of rocks collected from some of my travels.
As an image maker Nan has her ear to the ground on the latest of design trends, so of course she has her own unique view on the subject. Trends...they are constantly changing. And rapidly, I might add. If you have an unlimited budget, they can be chased and embraced. However, I prefer to seek my own color palette - one that creates harmony, sophistication, and serenity. This allows me a canvas to collect and place beautiful objects, furniture and art.
The final take home message? Enjoy your surroundings, eliminate clutter, keep only what you love and never be ashamed of your budget.
A huge thank you to Nan for indulging our curiosity! It's been such a pleasure hearing from her, and I can't wait to see what she creates next!
Image Credits: All images styled by Nan Whitney.
Simply stunning! Thank you!!!
Posted by: Chelsea | June 04, 2009 at 02:18 PM
I'm so jealous! She has my dream job. These are all great pointers. Thanks for the awesome interview!
Posted by: Bri | June 04, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous images. What an amazing talent. It was nice to get to know more about the amazing woman behind the art.
Thank you, Anne.
xo
Brooke
Posted by: velvet and linen | June 04, 2009 at 04:08 PM
all i can say is amazing! so inspiring. thank you!
Posted by: suann | June 04, 2009 at 04:51 PM
..."keep only what you love..." now that is sage advice!
This was a wonderful interview, with beautiful images, about a topic that fascinates me. I'd say that makes for a near perfect post. Thank you both!
Posted by: nkp | June 04, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Enjoy your surroundings—check!
eliminate clutter—umm . . . well, still waiting for that one.
keep only what you love—check!
never be ashamed of your budget—check!
three out of four aint bad, no?
:)
great post, anne!
Posted by: georgia | June 04, 2009 at 05:31 PM
I love this interview Anne! Great advice, beautiful images - inspiring!
Posted by: Catherine@simplynatural | June 04, 2009 at 05:34 PM
Beautiful post!
Posted by: mary jo | June 05, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Beautiful! I love Nan's work and her take home message. I'm constantly decluttering and don't even know how I still find things to declutter. But I do!
***Keep only what you love.***
This can be applied to so many things. Though I also like, "If you can't be with the one you love, then love the one you're with."
Posted by: Shell Sherree | June 05, 2009 at 02:44 AM
*applauds*
Truly lovely! Thank you so much for the second installment!
Posted by: Julia | June 05, 2009 at 06:35 AM
Wonderful interview & great photos! Eliminating clutter is often hard to do, but a wonderful practice!
Posted by: TheBeautyFile | June 05, 2009 at 07:30 AM
she creates such amazing spaces! love the whole athmosfere!
have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: caroline @ patagonia gifts | June 05, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Such wonderful advice from a true design genius. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kristin @ Contented Me | June 05, 2009 at 08:46 AM
i love every single photo.
Posted by: 180|360 | June 06, 2009 at 03:02 PM
ooooh--so glad to have found your blog! :) Such pretty pictures.
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