Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style

by Kelly Wearstler, Jane Bogart

In this lavishly illustrated book, Hollywood's hottest new interior designer shows readers how mixing and matching designs from different eras and adding an element of the unexpected can redefine any room - residential or commercial. With a painter's eye for colour, unwavering esteem for the historic, and a finely tuned sense of detail, Kelly Wearstler, one of Hollywood's most talked about young interior designers, has led her Los Angeles-based interior design firm, kwid (Kelly Wearstler Interior Design), to national prominence with an array of noted residential and commercial projects. Now, she shares her famous design philosophies and secrets, and inspires readers to create unexpected style in their own homes. Through full-colour photographs and sketches and informative text, Kelly explains the elements of unexpected style: inspiration, shapes and forms, graphics, texture and colour, masculine vs. feminine, and unusual details. Kelly takes readers through the creative process and shows how a Franco-Chinese piece of vintage wallpaper led her to a shopping spree in Paris and inspired the layered, classic look of the hotel Maison 140 in Beverly Hills. She explains the need for "icebreakers" in a room and how unexpected designs and details can lighten a room's load.

This is the perfect book for anyone looking for new and creative ways to decorate their homes. Whether it's shopping for a bedside table, putting reflective paint on the underside of a dining room table, or finishing a ceiling with high–gloss paint, she inspires readers to add an element of the unexpected to their homes. Others will enjoy living vicariously through Kelly's shopping sprees throughout the US, Asia, and Europe and appreciate discovering how each item found is a starting off point for a fresh and fun room design.

Genres: Design, Interior Design, Architecture, Nonfiction, Art

Hardcover

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose it is time to include design books in my goodreads.

Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler tells how she creates "the elegance of the unexpected". After reading her text and studying the photos, I can tell you her signatures--bold color (often green and yellow), high contrast (black and white), white and black painted furniture, animal sculptures, Carrera marble, metal furniture, embroidered emblems, etc.--are expected.

I understand that high end designers need such an ego to make it in the business, but seriously, seeing so many posed shots of scantily clad Kelly made me wonder if she wished she has pursued modeling. I about died when I saw the topless photo of her on vacation in Capri (Thanks heavens she was lying on her stomach!) I only say this because I think the photos detract from her as a professional. If a certain Interior Designer wants to be taken as seriously as an architect or other professional, then some business dress code needs to be used.

I did see some inspiring photos and I think she has some great ideas. (Giant tassels on door knobs, books covered in fabric (how would one read the titles?), sofas instead of dining chairs (how is one to eat when the table is a foot away) and limes in a bowl on a conference room table (before we get started today, would anyone care for a lime?)are all examples of impractical and silly ideas I wouldn't categorize as "good".)

She saved the best project for last--the Trousdale Place estate was gorgeous!

I won't feel so silly if I show my sketches to anyone now. Hers were just about on my level, and she wasn't afraid to show it. Ha, ha.

[Kristen Northrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired to read this by a recent New Yorker profile on her, which isn't usually their thing. It's amazing how less outrageous her designs are when you actually see them in photos. She uses plenty of colors and motifs that I don't care for and yet that doesn't stop the arrangements from being striking and gorgeous. Most of the text went over my head with the professional details but will be useful for aspiring designers. This came from the library but I'll be buying a copy for re-browsing, along with her other books.

[Magenta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Her work is worth a look if you appreciate glamorous interiors, she does them very well, but I wouldn't call it "unexpected."

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how she discusses design. Her particular style is now anything I am attracted to but her approach, process, and thoughts on design are great.

[Muffy Kroha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me salivate and feel tacky by comparison

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring a roll of paper towels when you flip through this b/c you'll drool over her amazing pictures. So glam!

[Ubalstecha]

Gorgeous photographsillustrate Wearstler's sense of style. What is missing is more photos of Wearstler herself, illustrating her quicky sense of style that has become famous through Top Design.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and bold designs. A very talented lady.

[Tara Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very beautiful and glamorous stuff but not practical for me. Even though I have really liked some of the more recent stuff I've seen of Kelly Wearstler.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed through this one. Like her use of color a lot.

[John Akamatsu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visual must. Wearstler has reinvigorated the love for the decorative, the bold, and daring wit.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

love her style

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book on contemporary elegance.