Monday, June 30, 2014

George Stacey and the Creation of American Chic


George Stacey and the Creation of American Chic
by Maureen Footer

Forward by Mario Buatta
Published by Rizzoli New York  




Much more than an Interior Design book for the discerning collector, this author delves into the life and times of Mr. Stacey. A gentleman, reserved by nature who did not need to promote himself or his interior design business. Referrals  came one after another, often finding himself  designing multiple homes for many clients.

Diana Vreeland in the Entrance Hall of her Park Avenue residence designed by George Stacey.


Vreeland was not only a client, as editor, she arranged photo shoots for Vogue Magazine in many of the homes he designed. The fact that Stacey was so welcomed into her and other wealthy client's circle of friends spoke for his character and the loyalty of his clientele. Billy Baldwin dubbed him "The King of Decorators" and Statesman Averill Harriman gave Stacey the nickname "Minister of the interior".


The Master Bedroom for Frances Cheney at her Park Avenue Duplex



Stacey became the master at mixing fine antiques, coromandel screens, and gilt mirrors  with urn lamps, wicker chairs and basketry (he was an antique dealer for some years) Using saturated colors sublimely, symmetry and shimmer, it was indeed  "Cafe Society Chic".  Designers who have cited his influence include, Mario Buatta , Billy Baldwin, Michael Taylor, Stephen Sills, Tom Scheerer and Nick Olsen among them. 



Stacey became long time friends of his clients both Grace Kelly at her first  Fifth Avenue, NYC apartment and and with her and Prince Rainier at The Palais Princier in Monaco



How many designers can transform a former chicken coop into this luxurious yet relaxed abode. ( he was the first to mix it up in this manner) Crystal chandelier, luxurious fabrics and antiques live comfortably together with a laid brick floor!



The  talented Author and esteemed Interior Designer Maureen Footer



Maureen with Min Hogg (founder of The World of Interiors) at the recent British Launch party for her book  at Nicky Haslam's flat. Image via EEE


You will want to add this to your library and can purchase George Stacey and the Creation of American Chic at Amazon It is a fascinating story of an icon in American design.

Also be sure to visit visit Maureen Footer Design

Copy and images courtesy of Maureen Footer

Thank you to my friends and Followers who support The Arts!


Please leave a comment, they make my day!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena


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21 comments:

The Buzz Blog said...

Looks like a wonderful book and a must-have for any design library. Thanks for sharing, Karena!
xxoo
C + C

Diana Mieczan said...

That book sounds amazing, indeed:) Have a beautiful start to the week, lovely.

Stacy CUrran said...

You always have the best recommendations!!
Stacy

Paisley Curtain said...

Thanks Karen, you keep educating us on some finer things in life.
best wishes.

Karena said...

This book is such a fascinating story, Maureen spent years researching George's life

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning Karena! Thank you for informing me of the trouble the feed has been giving you; I have been having ups and downs with my blog roll for weeks/months now! Sometimes I have to manually enter my layout page to jump start my roll and get it so that I see new posts!

This is a wonderful book filled with much inspiration. I love to see what are the elements that such designers put together to create a sort of "poetry" (I see things from the perspective of poetry!) and voilĂ : MAGIC.

I will see where I can subscribe via email to your blog. THANK YOU!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I read this book through TWICE after I bought it - it's entertaining, beautiful, and educational.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Sounds like a great book and what an impressive "resume" of design clientele and incredible talent.

MJH DesignArts said...

Hi Karena, Yes, he was fabulous! I think I need this book. Hopefully, we are going to see a return to deeply complex design--both high and low.
Thanks & xoxo Mary

La Contessa said...

The chicken coop room and the pearls off to the side on MS.VEERLAND caught my attention!
Can we ever have enough books????I love reading the stories and soaking up the details.........

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Looks like a great book. Wonderful hostess gift as well!

Brillante Interiors said...

What a joy to see these images and hear more about his talent. A book worth collecting.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

This looks like a wonderful book, Karena!
Have to see more.
Teresa
xoxo

Marti said...

I really enjoy your Blog... will have to get this book.
Marti

Marti said...

I really enjoy your Blog... will have to get this book.
Marti

Marti said...

I really enjoy your Blog... will have to get this book.
Marti

Windlost said...

Hello Karena, thanks for bringing this book to my attention. Looks delicious! Xo Terri

Jennifer said...

Hi Karen,
I love this sort of high/low type of decorating. The mixing of rustic with refined pieces!! It looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for the recommendation. I'd never heard of this designer before. Must see if I can get it. Have a wonderful week. xoJennifer

Carolina Elizabeth said...

The book sounds wonderful! I started college in interior design, and although I changed my major to Art Education, I still have that fascination with design. Thank you for all the inspiration. Kindest regards, Carolina

Decor To Adore said...

This looks like a book I need to add to my library. Thank you for featuring this wonderful designer.

cindy hattersley design said...

Karena

Thank you for bringing this book to my attention. It sounds wonderful....there are so many great offerings out there right now it is hard to choose!!

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