Conspicuous consumption
I watched Million Dollar Decorator last night regrettably infact as I think I have no hair left having pulled it all out in utter frustration at the schemes and installations by a group of rather respected US designers – the million dollar decorating set.
We’ve all worked on million dollar budgets – the skill (at least for me) is making them as un million dollarish in feel as possible– by that I mean not just showcasing the usual suspects from design centres, co-ordinating them all together in a beige haze of nothingness and creating a show home fit for the pages of Architectural Digest. Or as in the case of Cher’s pad (momentarily featured) so darn over the top and crazy it actually made me run for the wine bottle (even though I’m supposed to be detoxing). If that wasn’t bad enough after working on the Cher monstrosity home it lead to a whole group of other celebs commissioning the very same designer Mon Dieu! Too impersonally perfect homes make me want to put my Plan B plan in action immediately (relocate to Tuscany, keep bees and tend to a vegetable patch) and not look at another TV programme, design mag again.
Having money doesn’t mean that medieval castle theme will ever look good, (forget themes) ostentatious /gaudy and as over the top as possible doesn’t equal good taste.The most beautiful homes and I quote “ are those that are modest, that fit into their surroundings and are supplied with just enough panache for each celebrity to call that house a home” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Discussion over , below a beautiful beautiful home office stylish, sophisticated, and bling less, sometimes less is actually more.
I couldn’t agree more! Lack of personality and not daring to be individual ruins so many great projects.
What a wonderful desk on the photo!
“the skill (at least for me) is making them as un million dollarish in feel as possible” I honestly couldn’t say it any better. I find most homes in Elle Decor and esp. AD so far from my taste bracket I actually can’t bear it! Beige, bland, boring and perfectly linear homes. SNOOZE FEST!
Totally totally agree with you Will x
You’re so very right! I’m glad I missed the show…
cant imagine ever having a million dollars,,,,,i am spending today making wall panels out of brown wrapping paper and scrawling over them to go with my sofa that also has writing over it, it makes me smil and doesnt cost a penny xxx
Keep on doing exactly that x
Although I understand your point of view and personally love your style, I do think that designers like MLB do have a place. I think Cher’s personal style is very in your face and ‘bling’ if not downright gaudy, just look at her clothes! She wouldn’t appreciate understatement and I think many stars want to show their wealth, after all they are in the fame game. I think the flaw in Million Dollar Decoraters is not to feature variety in their choice of designers, someone like yourself or Ilse Crawford or perhaps Kelly Wearstler who push boundaries and create the unexpected but always remain tasteful. Having said that the show itself is entertaining and perhaps they were chosen more for their ‘look at me’ personalities to pull in the reality viewing audience.
I agree it would have been far more interesting if they had mixed up the designers a bit – all sharing a very similar aesthetic wasn’t good but then as you say TV these days is mostly about ratings. I understand about clients wanting to show their wealth I just think there are ways of being trailblazing, flirting with going over the top, blending unusual pieces, unexpected finishes and wild patterns in a kaleidoscopic manner that is tasteful. But as you say Cher’s clothes are over the top and dizzingly odd ball so having a home in the same vibe obviously works for her. IiseCrawford and Kelly Wearstler are two designers I adore by the way
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AmazingSimpleReal | Japanese Trash said this on June 8, 2011 at 2:02 pm |
I love the sumptuous colour scheme of the room on your front page could i ask what the wall and the fire place are painted in colour and paint brand ?
Of course you can – its actually my pad and its down pipe by Farrow & Ball
Hi sorry I should have been clearer it was the colour paint in a new piccie of a fireplace and an armchair and and zebra print rug !!
Yep thats my place – green flowers on mantle, zeebra on the floor, colour is down pipe x
thats amazing ! the picture looks like it is done in a brown colour scheme not grey! my apologies for being colour blind !! x
No problem at all its one of those colours that changes with the light almost hourly x
I’m wondering if anyone knows if this desk is custom designed or actually ordered? if it is, could you please point me towards the manufacturer or furniture retail shop that sells it?
I don’t know regrettably haven’t seen anything like it around so possibly custom