Style and Substance

Last week, after the shopping trips in D.C., we drove west through Virginia, antiquing along Lee Highway, not too far from our friends Barry Dixon and Michael Schmidt's house in Warrenton. Remember the Halloween shoot I did at their beautiful stone house? From there, we headed home, but not without a quick stop in the city for a party celebrating twenty years of Elle Décor, together with editor-in-chief Margaret Russell's fantastic new book Style and Substance.

Here we are at the book party on the third floor of Bergdorf's.

As you might remember, Margaret was a judge on Bravo's Top Design, believing in me, sometimes insistently, when others didn't. For that, I'm truly thankful. And what's more, as the second person hired at Elle Décor back in 1989, Margaret knows first-hand the tenacity and faith it takes to build something from the ground up. She's a hard worker and her talents as a writer, editor and style maker are an inspiration to us both. 

Speaking of inspiration, here's just a few images from Style and Substance I'm adding to my files. The first is journalist Jim Lehrer's sparse but charming study in West Virginia. I love the clean lines of the moldings, together with the graceful detailing of the Hepplewhite-style desk.

The bathroom Eric Hughes designed for actor Hank Azaria has a cool, modern country feel, smack dab in the middle of Manhattan! I love the symmetry of the twin porcelain farm sinks, together with the striking collection of vintage apothecary jars. They're just the kind of thing once stored in our pharmaceutical cabinet years ago.

On the subject of collections, I'm finding myself, more than ever, obsessed with copper. For years, I've kept it all in storage, but now that we're in the country, I'm predicting a comeback, especially for fall! This kitchen in Eugénie-les-Bains, France feels very old school Elle Décor to me. It's Julia Child meets Chateau Chic.  

At the moment, however, my collection of copper is not at home but in the city. Last week, I used it to transform a kitchen in the Grange showroom at the New York Design Center (complete with working Aga stove!) into a Chateau Chic kitchen for What's New, What's Next at 200 Lex. More on that to come...

Comments

[Linda in AZ *]

* Hi, Eddie~ I couldn't look at the pics you posted here, because MY book arrived yesterday!

...And since Jim is on a trip, I'm "SAVING" it to enjoy alllll day tomorrow, Sunday, starting early w/ a nice, hot cuppa by the pool (OK,OK, & maybe just FEWWWW chocolate chip cookies to accompany it!)~~~~ Can't WAIT!!!

Best to you both (& great pic, too, BTW!),
Linda in AZ*

[DCfan]

Hi, Eddie - BTW, your sunflower arrangement is lovely, I know I would buy the book/mag that had that photo on the cover. Since you were visiting your friends in Warrenton, did you and Jaithan happen to make it to the Inn at Little Washington? Wonderful setting, food, retail space...I can see you guys having something like that in your empire one day!

[seleta]

Inspiring post. So much meaning here. I got lost in the beautiful pictures and engaging words.

xoxo
Seleta

[jaz]

if you guys want to talk copper...contact me! i have a COPPER collection. and i have a great copper contact for old european copper molds.

[Barbara Nieder]

Hi Guys, Reading this reminded me of that awful Jeff who "judged" you on Bravo. I have been watching him on his show, and I just feel so sorry for him. He is not a very nice person, but he knows it and seems to be hurt by the laughter he inspires. I think he was jealous of the talent, friends, and lifestyle you have. Cherish these things, but most of all, cherish each other and your beautiful relationship.

[thomas]

margaret seems really nice.

def going to go out and buy the elle decor book.

[erika]

LOVE the study also. and this might sound weird....but I like margaret russell's handwriting! ha! i guess when you are in creative industries even those things are important!

[Vicki Archer]

I can't wait to get a copy of this book....always a fan of Elle Decor, xv.

[mary]

The thought of copper making a comeback is wonderful!! Especially with a rich worn patina. Thanks for the great post.

[Jenn]

I can't wait to pick up this book -- your picks are gorgeous. The Eric Hughes bathroom is really, really great. Love those sinks!

[Kathysue]

Eddie and Jaithan, Oh the life that you two wonderful young men are living. I am so happy for the both of you that you are recognized as the wonderful inspirational designer that you are. Actually you are more than a designer because you design a lifestyle and that is a God given talent. I am anxiously awaiting all the up coming events.Hugs Kathysue

[Leslie]

I am a relatively recent transplant to Northern Virginia, and I'm curious what great shops you found when antiquing along Lee Highway.

[Laura Casey]

I can't wait to see this book. The book party looks fun!

[Linda Merrill from ::Surroundings::]

I have a tiny collection of copper and plan on putting it on display when my kitchen remodel is finished. I do think it's making a comeback!

[Atticroute66]

Love Margaret. She is so beautiful. You two look fabulous too!! Can't wait to see the book at my bookstore.
http://www.atticroute66.blogspot.com

[debra phillips]

Of course you are the "top designers", in all our minds! but margaret was wise to see recognize it early

How nice to have such a work space as jim lehrer's, very soothing. i could make a mess of that in no time..............

crazy for the floors in the french kitchen

you can cook on my aga anytime eddie, it is the soul of my kitchen.

my recent post included a kitchen with hammered copper counter tops, a great look and durable. love all things copper, thank you for reminding us and continuing to inspire us
debra

[Jan]

Another collector and lover of copper!! ((always hoping for copper appliances to make a comeback! LOL!)) OMG -- you know Barry Dixon!!!!! PLEASE tell him that I just adore his decor book!! I have TWO copies!! LOL! Have you seen the kitchen on pages 38-39?? Brillant! Just my dream kitchen! And the fireplace on page 39 is wonderful!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

[Lauren Liess]

oh what fun!!!! and I think I need that book!!! and how gorgeous is margaret russell?

[michelle]

Love AGA stoves! I'll be looking for the kitchen pics!

Wow...Margaret is so tiny!

Best,
Michelle

[Bette]

Another great book to add to my interior designer's library for creative inspiration!

Thanks for a look.

Bette

[Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee]

Aren't you so lucky to attend a wonderful event?! It looks like a fabulous book Eddie. I like the study as well. Very clean and put together. Oh to have the talent!

Happy Monday to you,
Jennifer

[Personalityispreferred]

Oh, to have that amazing desk. What can I say -- drool.
personalityispreferred

[Kate]

Elle Decor has *somewhat* replaced Domino for me. I like their magazine a lot, only I wish they'd mix up the "high" and "low" more for those of us that don't have the means to spend $25,000 on a sofa. But I sure do miss Domino.

Nevertheless, what a fabulous event. And Bergdorf's! My cup runneth over.

[Pigtown-Design]

Eddie... Before I moved to the UK, I had about 100 pieces of copper cookware, moulds, etc. that I'd collected over the years. I only kept a set of pots and pans that my parents brought me from a trip in Paris. Copper looks so beautiful in a kitchen.

[ArchitectDesign]

I agree with you -i think copper will be the new big thing after people FINALLY get tired of all this boring stainless steel. I predict copper clad backsplashes & appliances in 5 years!

[LindsB]

She has got to be the most beautiful woman...of course the two of you look amazing too!

I cant wait to get this book, thanks for the sneak peak!

[The Blushing Hostess]

She is just ridiculously beautiful, no?

[pve]

...only those with style and substance have what it takes to make it!
Love that you are friends and how friends provide encouragement and recognition. A little validation can go far!

[Karena]

Isn't Margaret wonderful!?!You and Jaithan go to the best events!

[London Calling]

Bring on the copper.

[Julio]

yay! it was great to see Margaret and to know she recognized your unique talent.

[Laura @ the shorehouse]

Oh to have a working Aga stove...:-) Looks like a great book...I really do like Margaret Russell's style so I'm sure it's fabulous.

[Paloma {LaDolceVita}]

I will have to buy this book ASAP! You guys look as cute as ever. I can't believe Margaret worked at Elle Decor back in 1989. She looks so young! I love, love Hank Azaria's bathroom. Though truth be told, I require a lot of products, so storage might be an issue. :)