Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton

by David Easton, Albert Hadley (Foreword), Annette Tapert (With)

In this rare examination of the work of one of America’s preeminent interior designers and architects, David Easton, we are treated to a retrospec­tive of his storied career. The versatility of his talent is displayed in examples of his work that range from a 45-room Georgian-style house in Charlottesville, Virginia, to a Mediterranean stucco house in Mexico and a modern house in Aspen, Colorado. Black-and-white pencil draw­ings alongside museum-quality watercolors by Easton’s partner, James Steinmeyer, show the conception and development of the rooms, accompanied by stunning photographs of the finished interiors. Written with Annette Tapert, author of The Power of Style and former contribut­ing editor to Architectural Digest, and with a foreword by famed designer Albert Hadley, Timeless Elegance will serve as an homage to David Easton as well as an inspira­tion to his many fans.

Genres: Design, Interior Design

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Gail Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an apt title for this breathtaking collection of houses by David Easton – TIMELESS ELEGANCE. It is a a perfect description of his work, whether it is building a classical Georgian home to remind the client of his beloved childhood home or transforming his first Brooklyn apartment. Easton's work not only stands the test of time but transcends it with his unique understanding of the importance of integrating “the house, decor, and garden to create a sense of order and calm.”

One of the world's most vaunted interior designers and architects Easton was named to the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1992. His roster of clients lists some of the world's most privileged who live in extraordinarily beautiful spaces thanks to the varied talents of this designer. His response to each client seems to be a very personal one in that he seeks not only to please but to have the rooms reflect the owner's desires and preferences. For instance, one couple was “passionate about furniture and wanted original Georgian antiques.” So, extensive buying trips were made throughout America and to England. If there was something that Easton's office couldn't find it was “designed based on documented historic pieces” then craftsmen were hired to reproduce it. In another case, the clients had visited Morocco and apparently thought of that country fondly. Hence, Easton found a a hallway between the library and a wet bar the ideal place to create a “Moroccan-inspired room.” It is not only splendid but warmly welcoming.

Featuring 15 spectacular projects from A to Z we find an entire chapter devoted to each one with drawings and watercolors by Easton's partner, James Steinmeyer, detailing the original idea followed by the development of rooms. Plus each project is afforded visually stunning photographs of the finished interiors, many are full page allowing the reader to appreciate even the smallest details.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE is not a volume to scan but rather one to peruse at leisure, study, and enjoy.

Highly recommended.

- Gail Cooke

[February Four · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic interior design book with lots of pictures and discussion of design choices. The floorplans were nice touches. You can tell that David Easton is not just an interior designer, he actually plans and builds the houses, too. It's a nice added dimension.