Home

[Oznell]

Thinking about *timelessness* in interiors, made me revisit these.  I would say they are among my favorite interiors-- of a certain type-- gorgeous and rarefied New York apartments or town houses.

And we've seen fragments of these rooms before!  But thought it would be fun to review them in light of the things they share.

They belonged to the late Justine Cushing, the late Nina Griscom, and the late Lee Radziwill. 

Justine Cushing's apartment was famous, and published over and over.  She never changed her wall color, a dupe for "Osage Orange" by Sherwin Williams!  Never would I have thought I'd so appreciate an orange living room!

Justine Cushing was a member of the storied Cushing and Gardner families.  Her father founded the ski resort Squaw Valley.  She was by turns an editor, asked to model by Diana Vreeland, and a designer.

While possessing an appealing fireplace, Justine's living room had no other imposing architectural characteristics, not even any fancy crown moulding at the ceiling.

It's memorable though, for that sunny flame color and arresting art.  Her japanned heirloom desk and printed linen fabric on the furniture enhance the richness, but the room still has an airy, almost storybook feeling to me.  Love her miniature French armchair cozying up to the hearth... 

The tall white draperies and white-background upholstery help cool things down...  Love the starburst quilt thrown casually over a chair--

Nina Griscom belonged to the same general social "set" as Justine Cushing,  and was exposed to the same type of fine furniture and art from birth.  You might remember her from this photo of her and her husband posted before:

Immune to trends, including the pervasive 'gray' trend of the 2010's, she nevertheless for years always used Benjamin Moore's "Silver Fox" in her rooms. But she used it in a timeless way.  She felt it was a stunning backdrop to her art and warm burnished furniture, and it was, here in her NYC space...

 

Her painted trim with this was B. Moore's warm "Linen White".  Her architectural drawings, sculptures and gilt objects stood out against their silvery backdrop--

There was always a global, cosmopolitan twist in her houses, even here, in her more "rural" upstate NY house. Sophisticated, well-traveled but warm-

Lee Radziwill had a similar design sensibility,  and was equally adept with both neutral rooms and colorful ones.

Her later, Paris apartment was neutral in several of the rooms, but was so enlivened by her discerning eye for beauty.  In one end of the living room, the antique steel chest shimmers amid the room's predominant gilt touches--

The other end of the room reveals a luxuriant pink couch, velvety Art Deco chairs, and her fab collection of botanicals....

Books were everywhere, but the decorative accessories she did have, like her delicate giraffe on the mantel, were exquisite.

Oh-- thinking recently about the influence of Lee's sister, Jacqueline Onassis, I hunted up a few pictures of her own longtime New York apartment.  Both Bouvier sisters had wonderful style--

Art, music and books were of prime importance to Jackie, as well as pleasing, heritage-filled and comfortable rooms.

By the way, apologies for the blurry quality of some of the room images.  Just an indicator that these photos are not new, but are some years old. 

Yet, what I love about all of the rooms is they are neither dated, nor up-to-the-minute trendy.  In short, we're back to "timelessness".

I do secretly have a modern candidate for someone who, in our current time of the 2020's,  shares an aesthetic with the four ladies above, and decorates accordingly. 

When I get a chance, I'll post some of the rooms she's designed, hoping to get opinions from you all on how she compares and contrasts to these special four women....   

[Longtimewatcher]

Thank you for sharing Oznell!  They are absolutley beautiful spaces!

[Marsha2003]

I miss the decorating books of old that included gorgeous glossy, sharp pictures.  It seems like all the new books contain matte, dark photos.  Even cookbooks are starting to follow that trend.  I find them depressing.

[LIndaMJ]

I took great pleasure looking at each of these photos as well as your comments.  Much appreciated @Oznell!

[SactoSue]

Thank you , Oznell, for such interesting views of the lives of these 3 women.

I have to say I do like that Osage Orange color on the walls.  It seems so cheery.  It makes me think of something from the south of France.

[DSD2]

All of these are lovely @Oznell 

I'm surprised how much I love the orange!  So cheery and bright.

I would be very happy living in any of the spaces altough the first is my favorite, with that amazing desk and upholstery. 

[jannabelle1]

Wonderful photos and narratives. Thank you, @Oznell .

[spiderw]

Beautiful spacious rooms, each one so lovely and appealing.  I love rooms with shelves filled with books, a room with drapes and decor that is eye catching.  When there is space you can decorate without having everything look too busy or crowded!  

[shoptilyadropagain]

Although they wouldn't be for me, personally, I do like them all.  The only exception is the first living room.  I do really like the orange walls but the furnishings would all need to be replaced.

Thanks again for sharing these with us!!

[Oznell]

Very true, @spiderw ,  the advantages of mere spaciousness ( including high ceilings) can't be overlooked...