Patrician Chic
Veranda recently revisited an early Parish Hadley project from the 1970s, and discovered that the interiors look just as fresh and timeless as they ever did. First decorated by the venerable firm over forty years ago, the North Carolina apartment was just recently inherited by the original owners’ daughter – who chose to leave the interiors exactly as they have been for more than four decades. With the exception of one of the bedrooms (which seems a touch dated, in my opinion) this home looks as if it could have been designed just yesterday. What a testament to the talents of Sister Parish and Albert Hadley!
In the entry, a pink chinoiserie paper packs a playful, graphic punch that is both current and endlessly chic! My favorite room is the solarium, with its dreamy palette of whites, creams, and blues. Decorative painter Robert Jackson painted the walls in a trompe l’oeil trellis motif – which gives such a sense of architecture to the space, and lends a crispness that is wonderfully fresh. Another element that was an early breakthrough in decorating, and a trick that can be credited to Parish Hadley, is the manner in which the television is concealed. Above the fireplace hangs an Anglo-Indian mirror, and within its grid of beveled mirror squares are concealed doors that open to reveal a television. How cool!
Entrance hallway with chinoiserie wallpaper and a Dutch rococo bench
Another view of the entrance hallway
Solarium with trompe l’oeil trellis painted walls
19th century porcelain displayed on antique brackets
A canopy bed dressed with Parish Hadley’s signature florals
The previously apricot living room now has glazed pea green walls
More bedroom florals – these in a typical 70s color palette
Another view of the trompe l’oeil painted solarium
Solarium breakfast nook with Neoclassical chairs, and a faux painted table
Photos via Veranda and Parish Hadley – Sixty Years of American Design
The little girl in me has always wanted a canopy bed! I love that trompe l’oeil room too!
I think every little kid wanted a canopy bed. I always wanted one with heavy curtains that closed around the whole thing – like Ebenezer Scrooge had in A Christmas Carol!
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Their stuff really stands the test of time, definately as much as Billy Baldwin. Just gorgeous!!
Caroline – I will definitely check it out!
Daigoumee – Thank you for the kind words!
Larry – It really is crazy how their work stands up!