Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style

Kelly Wearstler is not only lovely and stylish, but very talented. Shelter mag junkies will recognize her one of the great designers of our time. This book is inspiring. If you are well-versed in design, this is a book with infinite layers. This book sends me into create daydreams that can last for hours. It's the visual equivalent to the experience of drifting into a thousand other places from a great line in a book. Kelly has an incredible talent for drawing from a number of varied styles to create a space that looks as though it has been lived in, buying the best of the best and acknowledging high-brow trends, for decades. Her spaces have the feeling that they have evolved over time. Hollywood Regency has been attached to her, but she has a style that draws most dominantly from David Hicks (they have red rooms that are nearly identical). She has clearly been a student of everything visual that she could get her hands on. She has taken instruction from the greatest designers and has been able to put a signature on her interpretation. Kelly has an incredible eye for color, pattern and detail. Her style is not as much a revival as an homage. This for me defines design right now. Look closely, there are a number of people following suit. To see how much skill is required to achieve the elegance that Kelly does, look at the kitschiness of Jonathan Adler's recent interior endeavors. He has a similar sensibility, but is such a near miss. She has an incredible eye and like all good designers can mix the expensive with the inexpensive, but don't be tricked, her rooms are chock-full of very important pieces. I always tell my sister that she can make Salvation Army look like Madison Ave. and she says that I can make Madison Ave. look like Salvation Army. There is such a fine line and Kelly understands this. The result is rich but unpretentious. The only thing that I can say critically is that, although Kelly is attractive, I don't really need to see her in so many photos and fear that her new book (due out oct.'05) has even more. I also cringe when I see the picture of her sitting with asian antiques dealers while wearing a rice farmer hat. ugh! Nonetheless, to my sister and me, she is a cool friend-in-our-heads.

This is a book I come to again and again for motivation and inspiration. As a coffee table book alone it is entertaining and as a design guide it is delightful, filled with bold strokes of acidic colors and graphic patterns. This book is not, however, a step-by-step process to home decorating, this is fantasy. The rooms are theatrical, one part Alice in Wonderland, one part Mardi Gras and all around a feast for the eyes. That is not to say that her interiors aren't chic, they are, just not in a conventional way. They are rich with color, texture and forms and the whimsy is implied, not an 'in your face,' ironic variety.Wearstler creates spaces that inspire further creativity, they are described as a global tour of cultures and an excursion into unexpected corners of the color chart. Her ideas are not constricted by norms and the results are vibrant tableaus and energized interiors. I first became aware of Kelli Wearstler well over a decade ago when a profile of she and her offices were featured in a shelter publication. I found it intriguing that she converted a bungalow into her interior design offices (versus some uninspired, anonymous corporate tower). Offices decorated to feel like home, a reversal of the norm, that is the hallmark of Wearstler's adventurous spirit.

Amazing and inspiring ideas that lead to a wonderful, eye-catching result! This book broadens the readers horizons and makes them see decoration through a new perspective.Has a unique way of combining products and making them look special. Creates atmosphere and style.Kelly has an amazing way of thinking that results to these ideas and we thank her 4 sharing it with us...

used

This was purchased for interior design ideas, contemporary design ideas, instead it's got very few pictures and mostly again spends more time showcasing this designer. Nice looking cover, but needed substance as well, not for me at all.

If you bought all the "Trading Spaces" books, or worship at the altar of Christopher Lowell and Nate Berkus, then this is probably NOT the book for you. This is not a helpful hints, step-by-step book, or a book of designer secrets. It's the edgy boutique hotel of decorating books, not the Hilton.It's a book of inspiration. Wearstler's interiors show the rewards of having patience and searching for the absolute perfect color, perfect item, perfect chair. She shows how to twist tradition with a blend of unusual pieces, unexpected finishes, and wild patterns and colors.Every time I pick this up I find a quirky detail in one of the rooms. Whether it's a ceramic dog positioned to be peeking over the back of a sofa, or a large black tassel hanging from a brass door handle, or a lacquered wall. All stuff I'd usually cringe at, but here done with the author's wit, and it works.You may not wish to have any of that in your home, but I bet you'll start finding the courage to display more than just a Crate and Barrel vase on the coffee table.

Tried and true classic decors found on every page. A book that has been on my table for years and still current and vibrant interiors for today. Ms. Wearstler has established herself as a Grande Dame of interior decor.Grant Dillon, Los Angeles

Bought as a gift and she loved it.

What a lovely beautiful book. Kelly gives tons of inspirational advise. The book was in really good condition.

Good book , Kelly highlights the elements that add up to a modern glamour look & feel. Including Candice informative text illustrated by photographs . Good quality paper & coloured photos. I am happy to have added this to my interior decorating Library along with my other Kelly Wearstler books. 😊& I’ve been enjoying it repeatedly

I love my book and in good condition thanks