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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Darryl Carter: A New Venture!

Darryl Carter is a lawyer-turned designer-turned author-turned furniture designer-turned model....wait back up on that last one right???  See for yourself...

Then:

Now:


I discovered this ad inside the latest issue of House Beautiful.  I found it rather amusing.  It tells me this man does not take himself too serious to get down on the floor and strike a pose on behalf of Benjamin Moore Paints.  His favorite paint company.  Which if like me, you admire and follow his work, probably already know this!

While I am certain Mr. DC from Washington, D.C. has been posted about many times in the blogsphere, this ad gave me a jumping off point to share some of my favorites images of his work, both current and from years past.

Views of the the kitchen breakfast area...

Then:



Now:



I love the fact that many elements remain unchanged and yet the space clearly has a new look. It's a bit more elegant.  Notice all the changes still incorporate hits of black.  In the older version, it was subtle. The ribbon detail of the roman shades, the black chandelier shades, the black iron etagere and the black framed botanicals on the other end of the room.  Now there is a statement piece.  A beautiful black bookcase, designed by Mr. Carter that holds his collection of white dishes.  Despite its size, color and fretwork, it does not overwhelm the space.  The only other notable hit of black is in the change of chair fabric.  This space still reads as calm and serene, but is now more sophisticated.

I doubt I would have never thought to put an etagere on top of a kitchen island!  It appears to be the same one as previously located in the breakfast area, minus the ball finials.  It looks quite good here and lends a cozy feeling to the voluminous ceilings.

The bathroom...

Then:


Now:


The bathroom is another stunning example of taking an already beautiful space and somehow making it even better by introducing a few elegant additions.  Initially, the bathroom was a crisp white space with it's ebony stained barrister bookcases, a nod to Carter's past.  The pair of tubs are such a unique feature...can you imagine how decadent two tubs must be!  And, now with the introduction of an 18th-century secretary, that previously called his living room home, makes you almost forget that you are in a bathroom!  The once white shutters, that Carter designed, are now black with simple linen roller shades.  A pair of architectural pieces salvaged from the Russian embassy now sit in front of the bathtubs.

This is a Capitol Hill loft from a 2004 tear sheet.  One of the first I saved of Carter's work:


I love the uncomplicated feeling of Carter's work.  But, it is his ablility to bring so many interesting elements together and make it appealing and believable for real life that truly makes me admire his amazing talent for redefining traditional interiors.  Eveyone in design has their fantasies, stepping foot inside his home makes my top 10 list!!!

"Now" images all courtesy of Elle Decor November 2009.  Photography by Simon Upton.  "Then" images courtesy of Southern Living-year unknown, The Washington Post Magazine April 2004 and The Washington Post At Home Fall 2008.



22 comments:

  1. I am in love with that etergere on the island, I don' think I have ever seen that either in all these years. Great post and I will come back tomorrow for a longer look, might have missed another good idea! XO

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  2. Everything he touches is elegant in almost a rustic sort of way ~ LOVE IT! I love the mix of creams, natural wood and black. I also appreciate the juxtaposition of feminine and masculine.....old world and modern. Delightful!
    xx P&H

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  3. While I have seen many of those images before, I had no idea about the man behind it, never mind the fact that he is a Renaissance Man to boot! So really, thanks for the proper intro!

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  4. what a classic flair he has, Love the use of so many interesting textural pieces. Thanks for sharing, kathysue

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  5. Such a good eye, Rebecca, to pick up on all of this! Love Mr. Carter's work...

    Marija

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  6. i love d.c. and your eye forced me to take an in depth look, seeing details i had previously missed, thank you rebecca.

    debra

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  7. There is a beautiful mix of masculine and feminine that isn't always the easiest to achieve, and he's been masterful at it. I like th idea of the etegere on the island, but I just hope it's bolted down!

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  8. Oh my, These spaces were really wonderful and now they are over the top. I just love it when someone is willing to tweak and change something that is already good and turn it into something so incredible. I'm in love with the etagere on the island. Thanks for the images. I will become a new follower of Mr. Carter's work. Oh, and thank-you so much for commenting on my blog. I have been a fan of yours for quite some time.

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  9. love this post Rebecca!!! Way to notice all of the details and I remember when that post article came out --- it was what really gave me nerve to go on with design.

    He's AMAZING!!!

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  10. Gorgeous post. There is an elegant humility to the way Mr. Carter fills a room that I can only call "Rough-Hewn Glamour." I dig it. But I dig your blog more -- it's a revelation, my dear! xx

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  11. What a fantastic transformation. Everything is beautiful and organize.

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  12. Ok...This guy can REALLY design! Love his style! And the etage on the island....GET OUT!

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  13. i am with you.
    i love his work as well.

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  14. Amazing how many lawyers-turned-designers there are out there...as a lawyer myself, I always find this inspiring (gives me something to hope for!). ;)

    I like Carter's style, though it's obviously a bit neutral for me...though he certainly shows that neutral color palettes do NOT have to be boring. He always has such incredible antiques in his rooms.

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  15. Such a smooth, masculine style. Heavy on the coffee and industrial - like.
    -Sanity Fair

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  16. Rebecca, hop over to see me about gardens which are open throughout the US. I found you via Comfort & Luxury & really really like your blog. I'm a new follower/friend. See you soon.
    Marsha

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  17. I love the ladder type structure in the kitchen to hold dishes, etc.
    He has fab style.
    xx

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  18. I can't believe how many lawyers turned designers there are! Meanwhile, his work is fantastic, isn't it? There's a real subtle quality that's so soothing.

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  19. I never noticed that the etagere was the same one from the breakfast room! You are very observant! I think the ball finials are just hidden behind the ceiling coffer. Spot on! Love it!

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  20. Love his work! That kitchen is so beautiful. Clean, fresh, traditional without being stodgy.

    xo
    Brooke

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment!