VERSAILLES

VERSAILLES: 
THE GREAT AND HIDDEN SPLENDORS OF THE SUN KING'S PALACE
by Catherine Pegard

Vendome New York $95.00
September 2017
Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

I have never been fortunate enough to visit Versailles, but this stunning book has provided me with a much better picture of this magnificent place. This masterpiece is 272 pages of the work of the finest artists; from beautifully created ceilings and floors, to the sculptures, paintings, hand created textiles and linens, furniture, and more. Elaborate doesn't come close to describing the gathered rooms inside of this book.

Visit the private suits of Louis XV, Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour's boudoirs, and the intimate room of Louis XVI. You will also view the galleries of Versailles, Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, the Orangerie, and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, including photographs of secret apartments and mysterious chambers. 

The link to purchase this book is at the end of this post.  ENJOY!

Photography by the following in the order above.

1, 2) Thomas Garnier, 3, 4) Christophe Fouin, 5) Christian Miles, 6) Christophe Fouin, 7, 8) Didier Saulnier, 9) Thomas Garnier, 10) Didier Saulnier, 11) Christophe Fouin, 12) Didier Saulnier.

DAVID HICKS

David Hicks 
scrapbooks
Edited by Ashley Hicks

Vendome New York $75.00
September 2017

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

For those of you that have followed my blog, you know that I adore the work of David Hicks. His unique design aesthetic is filled with beautiful color, geometric prints, and his ability to create an eclectic mix of furniture design.  

His children, son Ashley Hicks; editor of this latest book, and daughter, India Hicks, have followed in his footsteps of flawless design and superb taste in all areas of interiors and fashion.

In this wonderful book, Ashley shares 300 pages of 24 large scrapbooks that David put together and documented. Press clippings, invitations, along with hundreds of photographs of family and friends such art Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Andy Warhol cover each collage page.  His humor shows through in the many notes written by David himself.

This book means so much to me, and I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I have and will continue to do. 

The link to purchase this book is at the end of this post.  ENJOY!

HAUTE BOHEMIANS

HAUTE BOHEMIANS 

by Miguel Flores-Vianna

Vendome New York $65.00

October 2017

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

I had a difficult time deciding what to include in this review without rewriting the book. The hand woven textiles, handmade pottery, beautiful antiques and furniture, the wonderful art, the timeless linens, the floral arrangements, the rugs, the fabrics, and the amazing woodwork. Miguel Flores-Vianna's work on this book is not only the result of his outrageously beautiful photography, but his travels to so many countries in the world. 

I have been following his work for years as a photographer of the many homes for the famous magazines here and in Europe.  His has an eye for beauty and focuses on the different and exceptional.

Some of the designer's homes showcased in this book include

Alexander Twombly, Nathalie Farman-Farma, Osanna and Giangaleazzo Viscont di Modrone, Madison Cox, Min Hogg, Marian McEvoy, Delphine and Guillaume Feau, and the Aldao family. 

The link to purchase this book is at the end of this post.  ENJOY!

About the author, Miguel Flores-Vianna

Miguel Flores-Vianna was born in Argentina and is a photographer, writer, and has been an editor for 20 years.  His work has been published in many magazines in America and Europe, and in 2013 helped create "In the Air," a popular-rend column for T magazine. He is at home in London.

REVIEW: SECOND BLOOM: CATHY GRAHAM'S ART OF THE TABLE

SECOND BLOOM: 
Cathy Graham's Art of the Table
by Joanna Coles and Alexis Clark
Vendome New York $35.00
September 2017
Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

I must say that it felt like a party when I opened the box that included this wonderful book.  Not only was the bejeweled box amazingly beautiful, the package included a journal with a lovely cover laden with beautiful artwork. 

The pages throughout this book are absolutely beautiful.  As a creator of embroidered linens, the tablescapes were especially spectacular to pore over.  The pages are filled with small to massive floral, vegetable, and fruit arrangements, alongside unique hand painted invitations and place cards. 

Cathy is a party planner, and this book is full of tips on entertaining, and she shares her tips on floral arranging and party and dinner planning. Her signature "still life" arrangements of bottles complete with an individual bloom are lovely.

The link to purchase this book is at the end of this post.  ENJOY!

BOOK REVIEW: BETH WEBB: AN EYE FOR BEAUTY: ROOMS THAT SPEAK TO THE SENSES

BETH WEBB: AN EYE FOR BEAUTY: ROOMS THAT SPEAK TO THE SENSES

by Beth Webb
Written with Judith Nasatir
Foreword by Clinton Smith

Rizzoli New York $50.00
September 2017
Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

I have been following the work of Beth Webb for several years, and I can tell you without doubt, she is one of the most talented interior designers in the business.  Her flawless taste, with the perfect combination of texture, art, and color, is what makes her work so high in demand.

Beth travels the world, taking in the architecture, design techniques, and the art created by artists in each country.  A Master's degree from Sotheby's in London provided her with a deeper insight into the world of interiors.

Each page of this book is absolutely stunning and at the same time an education in how to do design right. Without hesitation, I recommend this book to all design enthusiasts, no matter your style. This is a five star creation.

Beth, thank you for sharing your heart and your talent with us.

ABOUT BETH

Beth entered the interior design world as an art dealer with a Master's from Sotheby's, and it shows in every room she designs. Beth's company, Beth Webb Interiors, has been showcased in House Beautiful, Traditional Home,Veranda, and Atlanta Lifestyles magazines.

Beth won the prestigious Southeast Designer of the Year Award in 2015.  She serves on the board of the Design Leadership Network and The Florence Academy of Art, and is a member of the Institute of Classical Architecture and art and the Leaders of Design Council.