Guest Post: Ill Seen, Ill Said

Jane here from Ill Seen, Ill Said! I live vicariously through Alek’s posts most of the time, so thought I might somewhat perversely feed my own vicarious lust by posting what I think Alek’s new Atlanta home should look like. The thing we all love about Alek’s style is how she so perfectly melded her Parisian sensibility (and imports)….with west cost modern and natural style. I can’t wait to see how she layers some Southern charm on top of her existing style.

But what is Southern style and what elements should she steal? I went straight to the source: Atlanta Homes Magazine. Here are some of the rooms I found that I loved, and some of the themes I noticed that I think Alek should steal!

1. Symmetry: Likely it’s the scale and formality of the rooms, but symmetry seems to be a huge theme in southern rooms. Alek has such fabulous pieces already, but maybe she could pair up on some things, like her amazing orange chair or look for a few new paired additions.

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Lamps from Bestlite, case pieces and sconces from 1st Dibs (item #’s 348355, 342133, 349369)

2. Epic case pieces: Again, it’s probably the scale of these homes that creates the visual space for some serious case pieces. If Alek is anything like me she’s had a long-time hankering for a gorgeous armoire just brimming with cashmere throws and blankets, Frette sheets and lavender sachets. Something industrial would match the Southern scale, while incorporating Alek’s passion for industrial Paris chic.

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Case pieces from 1st Dibs (item #’s 354537, 351195, 349749)

3. Chairs, chairs, chairs: Atlantans are serious about their chairs! Tufted, winged or Louis chairs are ubiquitous. For Alek, I like Oly’s designs. They dance that fine line between modern and traditional so beautifully. I’m also crazy about the updated opera chairs from Casamidy’s Varenne line.

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Top row: Oly, Casamidy, Oly / Bottom row: 1st Dibs (item #354373) and Oly

4. Serious pattern: Murals, patterned wallpaper and seriously ornate textiles feature prominently in many homes. Alek’s taste runs to the contemporary so I would choose a large-scale paper to create huge impact, perhaps for the dining room or for a powder room with oomph. Something nature-themed that harks back to the West Coast is bound to please.

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Wallpaper from Ferm Living / Designer’s Guild / Cole & Sons

5. Ornate accessories: Alek’s French treasures will fit in perfectly here. Gilded mirrors, serious chandeliers and sconces. Her authentic Parisian finds will make her the envy (and instant BFF) of her new neighbours. Throw in some natural, organic elements to create a marvelous juxtaposition. And think about how striking these pieces would look against the wallpaper above. Drama!

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Top row:1st Dibs (item #350793), Oly, 1st Dibs (item #355540) / Bottom row: CoutureLab / Chista / 1st Dibs (item #350609)

6. Fabulous vignettes: Alek’s dressing table imprinted itself on my mind permanently (such glamour) so I know she’ll have no trouble creating a fabulous vignette in any room. I love this monochromatic arrangement especially. Here, Alek could incorporate some of those natural elements that remind her of Seattle, as well as Parisian pieces by the likes of Astier de Villate.

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Clockwise: Ruzzetti and Gow / Hugo Guinness at John Derian / Ruzzetti and Gow and Astier de Villatte
All room images from Atlanta Homes Magazine (http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/)

Whatever Alek does to her new home, I know she will imbue it with her usual flair and elegance. Congrats to Atlantans for scoring this most stylish addition to their city. And wishing Alek and hubby the best of luck and lots of joy in their new abode!

17 comments

  1. nkp

    What a wonderful post from start to finish! So much eye candy I think I need to savor it all at least one more time. I think Alek is going to love adding a little southern flavor to her already beautiful design repertoire. Can't wait to see the spectacular end result!

    Really an amazing round-up Jane! As an Atlanta resident, I have to say Bravo!
    .-= nkp´s last post ..Country Living =-.

  2. karey m.

    i do love your style. always have.

    and i have three gigantic-epic case pieces arriving this week from jordan. i wish i could fill them with cashmere and frette and…

    oh, maybe one. yes. one of the larger ones. and i will say that jane made me do it.

    xoxo. this is a keeper. consider it bookmarked.
    .-= karey m.´s last post ..look over here… =-.

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