The Book: The New Traditional by Darryl Carter. It will not jump off the shelf and grab you. You might put it back after giving it a cursory flip through. But even if you don't consider 'traditional' to be your style, there are some seriously informative and inspiring tidbits in this book.
The Author: Based in Washington DC, Darryl Carter is considered one of the foremost interior designers in the country. His style is distinctly American in a really good way--think sturdy, livable antiques, earthy and unfussy textiles, a focus on great bones instead of excessive ornamentation.
The Good Stuff: Carter relates real-life examples of problem-solving and creative thinking from his own projects, giving us insider access to his wealth of experience. Also, his advice on using color to enhance space planning and flow have me re-thinking my own home's paint job.
The Not-So-Good Stuff: Some of the images are 'meh'. The text is a bit plodding. But really, it speaks to how I believe Carter intended this book to function; we're meant to read a bit, reflect, digest, then go back for more. Just don't expect to fall off your chair in rapture over this one.
Buy It If: Subtle is the name of your game. A trip to Jefferson's Monticello gets your blood racing. Your approach to decorating is as cerebral as it is emotional. You agree wholeheartedly with Carter's statement: "An abiding logic distinguishes thoughtful design."
Images courtesy of The New Traditional
I'm loving the clean minimalist approach.
Posted by: sarah | January 17, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Great review, love the use of books in the built in shelves in the 2nd photo.
~Giselle
http://www.machinewashwarm.blogspot.com
Posted by: Giselle | January 17, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Oh, I am loving it! It feels serene, clean!
Beautiful, Anne.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Posted by: Luciane at HomeBunch.com | January 17, 2011 at 11:23 AM
love how the bedroom is set up!
Posted by: lydia {ever ours} | January 17, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Now this is a book we should be getting as we find more of our clients tend to veer to this style rather than contemporary or modern. Thx for the peek & post Anne!
Posted by: ChantaleP of mtl.folio | January 17, 2011 at 11:53 AM
I have to say, though I don't consider my style too traditional, this book looks like a beautiful one. Traditional elements can work well in plenty of design styles and I have already seen a lot of great details that I could incorporate into my own eclectic home just from the photos you've posted here. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Laura | January 17, 2011 at 03:09 PM
Love the fresh approach to traditional design...thanks for sharing!
Posted by: designchic | January 17, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Anne, I am kissing my computer screen right now.. The book may be comme-ci comme-ca, but I love (!) these pictures and they are going straight into my treasure chest of inspiration.
Darryl Carter is fantastic. Love his NY apartment and his sense of adding a layer of refined rusticity to decor.
x Charlotta
Posted by: Charlotta | January 17, 2011 at 11:56 PM
These are really nice room decors but give some what dull impact. Make it some what bright.... :)
Posted by: Cheap Shopping | January 18, 2011 at 12:09 AM
This looks like a definite must have book for the collection! Great style!
Posted by: Lana | January 18, 2011 at 02:31 AM
absolutely gorgeous. can't wait to pick up a copy for myself.
Posted by: tammy | January 21, 2011 at 10:47 AM
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A new garden there are passages of traditional masculine about determining the whereabouts of the "ghosts" within the park: cover crops over the durable reappeared every spring for decades.
Posted by: Homeowners Association | January 26, 2011 at 02:30 AM
Thanks for a well-done review! I'm pleased
Posted by: Jeans | February 07, 2011 at 06:47 AM
How fun! I linked to this on last weekend's weekly roundup and am just now getting around to letting you know. (I guess we were busy celebrating Easter!) Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Coach Boots | March 01, 2011 at 11:35 PM
I'm really enjoying the last few posts in which you describe your process - very informative!
Posted by: Thomas sabo | April 15, 2011 at 12:58 AM
This is a great design. I'll use this in my future house.
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A trip to Jefferson's Monticello gets your blood racing.
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