F
I O N S FA
D E
H AS
STYLE IS
L’amour!
ETERNA
L
ILLUSTRATING the WORLD of HIGH FASHION
AN APARTMENT in PARIS
ART by DEANNA FIRST
FASHION and ROMANCE BLOSSOM in SEASIDE’S RUSKIN PLACE
THE BECASA LIFESTYLE NEW 30AVENUE STORE DEBUTS
July 2021
HOME & STYLE
W
e are proud to have represented the seller of The Renaissance House. Inspired by the famous
nineteenth-century British architect John Nash, the stately residence stands alone as the significant classic architectural image of Seaside, Florida. Its three floors incorporate cast stone columns and details, skylights, oak floors, a library, Juliet balconies overlooking the park, and much more. Its story is one of different lives joining together. Its occupants live, work, and relax among the greenery and sunshine of Ruskin Park by day, then retreat to the western-facing balconies or rooftop lounge to enjoy dazzling sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico while sipping a glass of wine. The retail space and studio on the ground level house Red Bird Gallery, bringing art into the home in an intimate way. The grand thirdfloor Machin Conservatory suite is akin to a Parisian penthouse, with six sets of French doors opening onto the terrace and a grand piano furthering the atmosphere throughout the home. This is a place for making memories, living out your dreams, and writing your own unique story within its hallowed walls.
202 West Ruskin Place SOLD by The Walton Group 5 BR | 5 BA | 5,526 square feet $3.55 million ©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.
THE
RENAISSANCE HOUSE IN SEASIDE EVERY HOME HAS A UNIQUE STORY
BRAD REESE 850.797.7930 brad@southwaltonfl.com southwaltonfl.com
BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS to STAND the TEST of TIME
O N T R AC K TO H I T 4 B I L L I O N I N SA L ES O N 30 - A I N 2021
427 E WATER STREET ROSEMARY BEACH, FLORIDA – $7,900,000
This home has one of the best views in Rosemary Beach, just steps from white-sand beaches, the Gulf of Mexico, and charming Main Street with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It has been renovated with exquisite interiors, making this an ideal legacy home for your family. Highlights include a lap pool, elevator, renovated carriage house, wraparound porches, a two-car garage, direct boardwalk access, private neighborhood beach access, and more. This gorgeous home has a well-established rental base, earning up to $25,000 per week! If you’re seeking a beautiful investment home you can enjoy year after year, look no further.
267 W WATER STREET
325 W WATER STREET
ROSEMARY BEACH, FLORIDA – $6,200,000
ROSEMARY BEACH, FLORIDA – $4,800,000
“Serendipity” is the number-one rental home in Rosemary Beach! Just steps from the Barbados Pool and pristine white-sand beaches, this elegant oasis won’t last long!
Steps from white-sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico, this 5-bed, 5.5-bath home with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, carriage house, and private courtyard is the perfect family getaway.
427 E WATER STREET
L I N D A M I L L E R L U X U R Y. C O M Linda@thesmileof30a.com | (850) 974-8885 427 E WATER STREET
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As the winds gently whisper through the sea oats on the dunes . . . H E R I TA G E D U N E S . C O M
THE FUTURE IS
MODERN
What’s coming up for Fall 2021: Timeless patterns, clean lines, and standout textures will elevate any space. With 1980s color influences, arches, and curves, see how MODERN can be playful and fun but remain versatile and sleek for a look that will last. It’s time to indulge in some iconic design inspiration!
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In this issue On the Cover
Channeling the sassy and stylish Netflix series Emily in Paris, cover girl Emme Martin wears styles from Disco in Rosemary Beach, Florida, as she sips a cappuccino in the charming Ruskin Place district of Seaside. An Apartment in Paris, a quaint shop full of gifts, books, apparel, and more, plays backdrop as photographer Lauren Athalia captures all the fashion, architecture, and romance in our latest styled cover shoot and story. See it unfold on page 28! Hair and makeup by Renae Currey Dishware courtesy of Anthropologie Flowers by Peach Creek Blooms
76
AKER INTERIORS, A LOS ANGELES–BASED DESIGN FIRM FOUNDED BY GABRIELLE AKER, STRIVES TO CREATE PERSONAL, AESTHETICALLY BEAUTIFUL SPACES FOR ITS CLIENTS. THE TEAM HIGHLY CURATES EACH CHIC HOME TOWARD THE OWNER’S TASTE AND PASSIONS.
Photo courtesy of Aker Interiors
FEATURE 28 L’amour: An Apartment in Paris
Does Its Part
SARTORIAL 27
90 Timelessness and Trends 94 Maison d’Art: Chic Design in Houston
39 L’intermission: This Drink Is Fiero!
102 A Sweet Apartment Redesign in Brooklyn
40 The BECASA Lifestyle
107 L’intermission: Close Up with Zaha Hadid
46 Get Fit in Style at MYST
108 Room at the Inn: Europe Travels South
54 Illustrating the World of High Fashion
PUBLISHED BY
87 Petite pause: Vintage Summer Vibes
36 Ruskin Place Artist Colony
VISUAL PERSPECTIVES 53
Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
84 Clean Seas and Clean Lines: Desenio
at Post House
114 Living Boldly: Interior Design with Art in Mind
62 Art Meets Activism in Tim Tadder’s
119 Petite pause: Journey to Provence
Picture-Perfect World
120 An Investment in Your Lifestyle
67 Petite pause: Up in the Air 73 L’intermission: Rosé All Month!
LA SCÈNE 124
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 68
THE LAST WORD: HOME AND STYLE 133
LA MAISON 75
AU REVOIR! 137
76 A Personalized Point of View 80 Regency Has Returned: Bridgerton Bridgerton–Inspired –Inspired Design Ideas
THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM INFO@THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 15
CREATIVE TEAM CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com
CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARET STEVENSON
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SALLIE W. BOYLES, ANDREA BRUSIG, FELICIA FERGUSON, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, SALLIE LEWIS, MYLES MELLOR, KELSEY OGLETREE, CAROLYN O’NEIL, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLL AK, NICHOL AS S. RACHEOTES, BRAD REESE, L AURETTE RYAN, COLLEEN SACHS, JANET THOMAS, MEGAN WALDREP
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACEY THOMAS Tracey@VIEmagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER SALLY NEAL
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS TIM HUSSEY, OLIVIA WELLER, HANNAH VERMILLION
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS L AUREN ATHALIA, BRANDAN BABINEAUX, SARA ESSEX BRADLEY, HUNTER BURGTORF, LIAM DANIEL, MARIANNE RYAN DUFFEY, JACK GARDNER, BRIAN JANNSEN, BRENNA KNEISS, JOSHUA L ANZARA, YUMI MATSUO, SEAN MCCULLOUGH, CARLO PIERONI, ROMONA ROBBINS, KIRK ROBERT, JACOPO SPILIMBERGO, TIM TADDER, REMINGTON VANHOUTEN, SHUTTERSTOCK, STUDIO VANESSA BARRAGÃO, THE SELECT 7
ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING DIRECTOR OF BRAND AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AMANDA SALUCCI Amanda@VIEmagazine.com
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING KELLY CURRY Kelly@VIEmagazine.com
MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER EMME MARTIN Emme@VIEmagazine.com
BRAND AMBASSADORS LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com
AD MANAGER AMANDA SALUCCI Amanda@VIEmagazine.com
VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2021 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
16 | JULY 2 0 21
bevolo.com • (504) 522-9485 • 521 Conti • 318 Royal • French Quarter • New Orleans
Seaside, Florida
|
(850) 231-5829
CABANASEASIDE.COM
Editor’s Note
A MOME NTOUS OCCA SION BRAVO ZULU to the U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY CLASS of 2021
“W
e persevere.” These were the words the 63rd Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Sean Buck, proudly said of the Class of 2021 during his address at their USNA Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony on Friday, May 28. The graduation season was upon us in a big way this year—possibly with more anticipation than ever seen in the past. After last year’s graduates were sadly robbed by COVID-19’s global interruption, it was time to celebrate, and this momentous occasion was no exception at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.
Above: Lisa Marie Burwell and 2nd Lt. Ryan Duffey Right, top to bottom: Vice Admiral Sean Buck with USNA 2021 graduates 2nd Lt. Stephen Thompson and 2nd Lt. Ryan Duffey; Denise Palumbo, Lisa Burwell, Tom Duffey, 2nd Lt. Ryan Duffey, Marianne Duffey, Laurie Crowley, Amanda Crowley, and Emma Crowley; USMC 2nd Lt. Ryan Duffey; Lisa Burwell; Lisa with the 2021 seniors of the USNA Midshipmen baseball team
I was invited to watch my nephew Ryan Duffey’s graduation and commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. With a robust week-long schedule of activities and parties, it would be an understatement to say the Naval Academy puts on a good show and celebrates in style. I beamed with pride alongside Ryan’s parents—my sister Marianne and her husband, Tom—and our other family members who were able to attend.
The two-plus hours it took to fill the stadium seats were full of exhilaration over the forthcoming ceremony. The anticipation was enhanced by the awareness that the Blue Angels would welcome the Class of 2021 with a flyover. And suddenly, out of nowhere, an impressive roar of approaching jets could be heard—seemingly so close I may have slightly ducked my head. The unmistakable blue-and-yellow F/A-18E Super Hornets flying in perfect unison and exacting precision were majesty in the air. Vice Admiral Buck moderated the commencement with introductions to the guest speakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the first woman to speak at a USNA Commencement. She charismatically addressed the class with honesty and conviction about their future service while proudly commending them for getting to this place in their lives. Harris added exuberance to the moment while personally shaking hands with all 1,084 graduating students.
Everything is impressive about the Naval Academy—the meticulously manicured grounds, the Beaux-Arts architecture of the campus, the abounding pomp and circumstance, and, most importantly, the very fine young men and women for whom we can all be proud. They have entered into service valiantly to protect and defend our country. I feel confident and comforted resting in the knowledge that we are in the good and capable hands of the amazing, strong, and patriotic graduates we honored that day. They all had much to endure these past four years, but it was particularly hard on them to do so with a global pandemic looming in every corner of their lives. In his closing remarks, Superintendent Buck noted how hard it was for the class to weather the challenges the past year brought to them and the academy, and he thanked them for their courage and tenacity to endure the hardships that they were beset with. You could tell he was genuinely proud of them. He closed with, “Welcome to the fleet,” which was followed by raucous cheering from the graduating class. To the Class of 2021, Godspeed and God Bless!
To Life!
—Lisa Marie CEO/Editor-in-Chief V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19
The Creatives We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
EMILY RAFFIELD Owner/Designer, “The BECASA Lifestyle” @emilyraffield
IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO METHOD FOR GIVING YOUR HOME A SEASONAL REFRESH THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
I focus on parts of the house that are most used: my entryway sideboard, kitchen countertops, and our living room. All are everyday touchpoints for my husband and me, so I make an effort to keep those places fresh and interesting. This is easily done by bringing the outside in—I clip palmettos, philodendron, and backyard flowers that speak to the season, filling glass vases and ceramics that I’ve collected. These cuttings give my entry and kitchen a fresh look every few weeks. I also love to change blankets and textiles in the living room—rotating vibrant Kantha quilts, indigo throws, and linen textiles as the seasons shift. When busy with work and life, I want to get the most out of my refresh, so I spend time on the places we use most.
PILLOWS AND THROWS SEEM TO BE THE LOWEST-HANGING FRUIT ON THE SEASONALLY-CHANGE-UPMY-HOME TREE—THEY WORK BUT DON’T DO MUCH TO TRANSITION YOUR HOUSE FROM WINTER TO SPRING. RAISE THE STAKES. OPT TO CHANGE OUT YOUR LAMPSHADES IN A SEASONAL ROTATION.
TAYLOR DEBARTOLA Interior Designer, “Living Boldly”
DEANNA FIRST Artist, “Illustrating the World of High Fashion” @deanna_first
My go-to method for giving my home a seasonal refresh throughout the year is switching out my bedding and once in a while even my artwork! I love change and get bored very easily with my home decor. I live in a studio in NYC so every detail really does count. I tend to always keep a classic white linen duvet in all seasons. I’ll switch to velvet accent pillows for my bed in cooler months with a chunky knit throw blanket and gravitate towards breathable, soft neutral accent pillows in the spring/summer months. Also, touches like beautifully scented candles always make such a difference. Jasmine and Sandalwood are my go-to scents but in the warmer months, I gravitate towards refreshing scents with a hint of citrus such as Atelier Cologne Orange Toscana.
@td_interiors
SALLY NEAL Graphic Designer @sallyneal_design
I give my home a refresh by lighting candles to incorporate different scents during different times of the year and by changing out my plants. I love a fresh flower moment in the spring and summer! Hydrangeas are a classic, but I like to mix it up with tulips, sunflowers, or daisies and add in some greenery. It makes any space feel friendly and inviting. Lavender and other fresh, clean scents in the summertime are perfect, and I love a good pumpkin spice or fir scent for fall and winter. I feel that lighting a candle when guests come by pulls them into the atmosphere you want to create and makes your home more welcoming with just that simple step.
Pillows and throws seem to be the lowest-hanging fruit on the seasonally-change-up-my-home tree— they work but don’t do much to transition your house from winter to spring. Raise the stakes. Opt to change out your lampshades in a seasonal rotation. I saw this executed seamlessly at the Ralph Lauren Grill in September and then again in mid-November. In September, the shades were creamy-white slubby linen. Upon my return in November, they were red— and in flannel. The artwork was the same and the tables were set just as they were before—there were no changes to the dining room save for the noticeable shift in warmth and personality in the space. I noticed a winter coziness and camaraderie about the guests, feelings that were not there before. Indulging in this small change at home will cast a subtle and seasonably fitting hue across everything you already own. It is a nuanced change packing a big punch! V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 21
La conversation
Drop Us a ’Gram WE LOVE TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH OUR READERS! AND WE LOVE IT EVEN MORE WHEN THEY PROUDLY SHARE THEIR STORIES AND POSE WITH VIE FOR A CLOSE-UP! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: SHARING, LOVING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. WE THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!
@theideaboutique This month in @viemagazine— The salty sea spray will invigorate your senses and the dramatic oceanfront views will transport you to another world when you book a stay or plan your next event at the scenic @cliffhousemaine resort in Ogunquit, Maine. To learn more about Cliff House, visit VIEmagazine.com.
@Danielle Torley I’m so honored to have been featured in the June 2021 edition of VIE magazine and recently as a guest on VIE Speaks podcast. The team at VIE was amazing to work with, and I owe a huge thank you to Lisa Burwell for bringing my story to life! Photo by Dianna Berggren 22 | JULY 2 0 21
@thewaltongroup30a When I got the call to represent the original owners and architect of this classic Ruskin Place estate, I jumped at the opportunity. It was a fascinating story of ownership and a treat to get to know the owners and their tenure in Seaside. Featured in the June 2021 issue of @viemagazine. Photo by @thedavewarren
@heritagedunes30a Heritage Dunes North is a brand-new legacy community located in the beautiful enclave of Seagrove Beach, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. @viemagazine’s fifth show home, The Heritage, is the first of nine new-build homes developed by Bella Mare Real Estate Holdings, LLC that will round out the north side of Heritage Dunes. Partners include @burwell_ associates, @grandbayconstruction, @laflorida30a, @duce_and_company, @e.f.sanjuan, @bevolo, @maison30a, @theideaboutique, and more.
@sorghumsalt Working with @heronfarms has been one of our favorite collaborations to date! The eco-friendly, locally sourced sea bean adds the perfect pop of color and salinity to any dish. We look forward to utilizing this amazing ingredient for many dishes to come. Check out the full article in @viemagazine’s June 2021 issue and learn more about what this innovative farm is all about.
@Marianne Ryan Duffey Great article on the Gee’s Bend Quilt Makers in the March 2021 VIE magazine! Gorgeous quilts with an even more fascinating history! Photo: Mary Lee Bendolph© Stephen Pitkin/Pitkin Studio, courtesy of Souls Grown Deep Foundation and Alison Jacques Gallery, London
@Mara Clark Another great VIE magazine Digital Graffiti Festival party! Cheers to a perfectweather Saturday. @Premier Island Management Group We spy Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill! Our park was featured in the VIE magazine article “From Downtown to Beach Town.” So cool! If you’re looking for some fun in the sun and family-friendly adventures, definitely stop by and check out Laguna’s! @Surell Accessories Beautiful, elegant, and enchanting. We’re going down memory lane to the time our pieces were used to help create a fairytale aesthetic for a cover shoot produced by VIE magazine, photographed by Alex Hutchinson and paired with Christian Siriano’s epic and one-of-akind designs. What a dream it was to be part of this! @Human Connections We love the mission and ethos of Proyecto Nebulosa, a multifaceted experience in San Sebastián del Oeste. It includes an innovative farm-to-table restaurant called Jardín Nebulosa, the Ninfa Racilla distillery, a one-of-a-kind brewery called Nebulosa Cerveza Artesanal, and Hacienda las Tres Carmelitas nestled in a cloud forest. The project embodies so many responsible tourism principles, like a hyper-vigilant emphasis on preserving cultural traditions, building a sustainable local economy, and integrating environmental sustainability into everything they do. Check out the feature “A Walk in the Clouds” on VIEmagazine.com!
LET’S TALK! Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation! @idmi_design New Art Friday! Our artist in residence, Nathan Alan Yoakum, is on a roll with some fantastic new artwork and collaborations. We can’t wait to show you all on May 19 at our Open House + HOME Book Signing with @viemagazine!
VIEmagazine.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23
DRESSING UP is FUN AGAIN
FEMININE FASHIONS, SWOON-WORTHY SHOES & MODERN GIFTS
L O C AT E D O N T H E N O R T H S I D E O F R O S E M A R Y B E A C H O N B A R R E T T S Q U A R E | 8 5 0 . 5 8 8 . 4 3 1 6 | @ D I S C O 3 0 A | D I S C O 3 0 A . C O M
Sartorial
Visit ByKOKET.com to see more and shop home collections. Photo courtesy of KOKET
Sartorial STRIKE A POSE
Take a seat and make a statement. The classic tall-back takes on a fresh, modern twist in the London dining chair by KOKET—perfect for a head chair or all the way around the table. With its casual lean and fully upholstered curved back, this posh chair offers delectable comfort no matter where you place it.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27
Girl Meets Boy While our protagonist innocently sips a cappuccino in Ruskin Place— the tasteful and gorgeous artist colony tucked away in the architecturally acclaimed resort town of Seaside, Florida— a serendipitous meeting is in the making in front of An Apartment in Paris. Blouse, skirt, and headband courtesy of Disco Dishware courtesy of Anthropologie
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Sartorial
L’
a m
An Apartment in Paris Fashion and Romance Blossom in Seaside’s Ruskin Place
Photography by Lauren Athalia
o
u r !
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29
Sartorial
A
n Apartment in Paris is a Parisian– inspired lifestyle store and hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast just off Scenic Highway 30-A in Seaside. Jewelry, artwork, clothing, home goods, perfume, and so much more await those looking for a touch of Paris. The alluring Emme Martin channels our artistic inspiration from the Netflix series Emily in Paris as we present a playful fashion exposé that intends to conjure a certain joie de vivre. Let’s celebrate the joy of life, fashion, and new love! If you haven’t binge-watched Emily in Paris yet, there is a good chance your daughter has. For those in the mood for admiring the sights in and around Paris and drooling over a playful wardrobe styled by Patricia Field (Sex and the City), it’s worth it. Yes, it’s geared to tantalize women who are thirty and under with a parade of over-the-top fashion worn by the star of the show, Lily Collins—daughter of musician Phil Collins. (Think “Sussudio” from the ’80s—who doesn’t need a fun and frivolous love story, right?) The show’s theme centers on a beautiful nubile twenty-something American named Emily, who is transferred to Paris by the marketing agency for which she works when they ask her to bring an American perspective to their French sister firm as a social marketing guru.
Daydreaming Our heroine daydreams about her new beau in her flounciest, prettiest pink dress as she twirls about the charming paths of Ruskin Park. Dress courtesy of Disco Headband courtesy of Anthropologie 30 | JULY 2 0 21
Picnic in the Park What’s a girl to do while waiting for something exciting to happen on a balmy summer day? Plan a picnic, of course! Dress courtesy of Disco Hair accessories courtesy of Whitewash Boutique Necklace courtesy of An Apartment in Paris V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31
Biking & Strolling Contemplating the offer of another date from the charming café cutie, she takes a scenic bike ride to mull things over while taking in the town’s sights, sounds, and styles. Dress courtesy of Anthropologie Electric bike courtesy of Pedego Grayton Beach Beach towels courtesy of BECASA 30Avenue Flowers by Peach Creek Blooms
32 | JULY 2 0 21
Sartorial
Pretty in Pink She decides to say Oui! Of course, such an occasion calls for a special look, and “Emily” looks simply stunning in this pastel pink ensemble. Dress and headband courtesy of Disco Necklaces courtesy of An Apartment in Paris V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 33
Sartorial
Open Eyes and Open Hearts This might be an imaginary story of love found when you least expect it, but really, love can be a walk in the park if you are open and ready! Top and skirt courtesy of Anthropologie 34 | JULY 2 0 21
A Budding Romance Who says only men can give flowers? A fresh bouquet is the perfect symbol of something new blossoming, and l’amour is in the air as our couple celebrates the sunny day. Top and trousers courtesy of Anthropologie Flowers by Peach Creek Blooms
Hairstyling and makeup: Renae Currey, Love 30A (@love_x_renae) Models: Emme Martin as Emily; Caleb Whitworth as her beau; Anne McClain Hebert and Gigi Romano as her girlfriends Special thanks: Ruskin Place Artist Colony (@ruskinplaceartistcolony); Sylvia Forbes, An Apartment in Paris; Holly Speight of Albert F’s Fashion, Art & Designs; Rebecca Margarites, Whitewash Boutique; Red Bird Gallery; Tricia Moore, Red Bird Gallery; Disco (@disco30a); Anthropologie at Grand Boulevard Town Center (@anthropologie); Ophelia Swimwear (@opheliaswimwear); Peach Creek Blooms (@peachcreekblooms30a); Pedego Grayton Beach (@pedegograyton); BECASA at 30Avenue (@becasa) V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 35
Sartorial
Ruskin Place Artist Colony Photography by Hunter Burgtorf The founder of the critically acclaimed town of Seaside, Robert Davis, is a visionary through and through. Now his beachfront village is all grown up, celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year, and there continues to be a boundless array of topics on it that invite discussion. We spent a day at the Ruskin Place Artist Colony in Seaside for our cover feature and fashion editorial and fell in love with it all over again. “Ruskin Place is considered the absolute best place to live in Seaside if you plan on residing here full-time, as the residences have parking, the homes are large, and you have a beautiful backyard with the lush Ruskin Place park,” Davis says. He adds, “The architectural master plan and design were modeled after two upper-crust exclusive towns in London: Belgravia and Mayfair.”
36 | JULY 2 0 21
Another claim to fame for Ruskin Place is being an integral part of The Truman Show, filmed in Seaside and released in 1998. The movie’s producers endowed the Ruskin Place Homeowners Association with $125,000 to renovate the park after the movie wrapped. Jim Carrey’s character, Truman, went to work every day in the Art Deco building located there. With the gift from the movie producers, the Ruskin Place homeowners were able to design and build a new park that would become a respite from the hustle and bustle of the now busy little town. Landscape architect Brad Davis was hired for the project, and the rest, as they say, is history. The iron gate in Ruskin Park holds hidden symbols of Seaside, encouraging visitors to linger and try finding them all. Artist markets each Friday afternoon showcase the wares of the local shops and artisans—Red Bird Gallery, Whitewash Boutique, Albert F’s, and An Apartment in Paris. They also showcase curated work by guest artists and live music from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Take a stroll through Ruskin Place one Friday afternoon this summer and see for yourself!
Visit RuskinPlaceArtistColony.com or follow them on Instagram @ruskinplaceartistcolony to learn about future events. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 37
WOMEN'S APPAREL, ACCESSORIES & HOME MONDAY-SUNDAY | 10 - 7 PM BECASA AT 30AVENUE 12508 HWY 98 E STE 101 | INLET BEACH, FL 32461
SHOPBECASA.COM | @BECASA
L’intermission
This Drink Is Fiero! To learn more about Martini & Rossi Fiero, visit Martini.com. Photo courtesy of Martini & Rossi
Infused with sweet Spanish oranges, Martini & Rossi Fiero might be the perfect summer cocktail. This aperitivo was crafted to pair with tonic water over ice in a simple fifty-fifty pour—equal parts to help bring out its bold bittersweet taste. Garnish with an orange wheel e Saluti!
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 39
THE
BECASA Life st yl e
Photography by
L A U R E N AT H A L I A Styling by
E M I LY R A F F I E L D Hair and makeup by
S TA C Y A L D E R S O N 40 | JULY 2 0 21
Sartorial
Left: On Zoe Moore: Dolce Vita Kimono in Crinkle Black Linen, $72 Opposite: On Allison Goetz: Paragon Caftan, $120 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 41
Sartorial
Right: On Rachel Ratke: Dolce Vita Kimono in Mocha, $72; Spanish Gold Bangles and Treasure Chains, from $38 Opposite, top to bottom: On Allison: Punta Palm Visor handmade in Mexico, $38; Pearl Bouquet Earrings, $64 Drift Linen Top, available in three colors, $88; Villa Linen Pants, available in four colors, $98 Olas Cropped Linen Tank, $68; Porch Linen Pants, available in four colors, $94; Bayou Market Bag, $84
“Our address is the beach.”
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he magic of the landscapes, locals, and lifestyle along the Florida Panhandle’s coastline was something that Emily Raffield never took for granted while growing up near the Gulf of Mexico. Still, she appreciates it now more than ever. After living in Atlanta and working corporate jobs, Raffield realized she was a Florida girl through and through, and she wanted to share that laid-back Old Florida lifestyle with the world. This passion inspired her not only to publish a book, Saints of Old Florida, but also to start a clothing and accessories brand celebrating all things beachy. 42 | JULY 2 0 21
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ECASA was born of a desire to create lightweight, versatile, durable apparel that is perfect for a day at the beach. It can also transition to brunch and dinner dates, errand-running, or just lounging on the porch with a good book and some sweet tea. “We offer the essentials needed to surrender to a coastal mentality of beauty and ease,” Raffield expounds in the BECASA mission statement. The brand’s simplicity and great sense of style led to its success when the founder opened her first store in downtown Apalachicola and began selling online. As its popularity grew among women of all ages, so did the boutique’s offerings as Raffield started partnering with like-minded brands who embody the coastal charm she loves.
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Sartorial
“
We offer the essentials needed
to surrender to a coastal mentality of beauty and ease. 44 | JULY 2 0 21
Opposite left: On Rachel: Olas Cropped Linen Tank, $68; Spanish Gold Bangles and Treasure Chains, from $38 Opposite right: On Allison: Drift Linen Top, $88; Villa Linen Pants, $98 Left: Shop new collections online and in stores.
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his spring, Raffield opened her second brick-and-mortar shop in the upscale retail, dining, and entertainment district of 30Avenue in Inlet Beach, Florida. BECASA at 30Avenue offers the brand’s signature styles along with collections from other designers, accessories, jewelry, local art, home decor, gifts, books, and more. Stop by to start living the BECASA lifestyle!
Sartorial
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By EMME MARTIN Photography by HUNTER BURGTORF Located in the elegant 30Avenue shopping and entertainment district in Inlet Beach, Florida, MYST yoga studio and activewear boutique is like a sanctuary near the sea. The recently rebranded studio offers an
escape from our technology-driven lives as all stress is left behind when you enter.
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e talked to the owner, yogi Alisha Berg, about what inspired the name MYST and her vision for the studio, which underwent a transformation and rebirth in May 2021. “MYST stands for Modern Yoga Style, the studio’s core influences,” says Berg, “and the sanctity of one’s practice is at the center of our values.”
The studio’s accompanying boutique brings the best in style with a range of highend activewear brands so patrons can look and feel their best, whether it’s during a yoga class or just living their everyday truth at home, work, the beach, or on the go. Whether you are looking to strengthen your body and mind or just looking for your next athleisure ensemble, MYST has it all with a chic modern flair. “MYST desires to be a destination to recharge your mind, body, and spirit,” says Berg. The studio’s classes, ranging from challenging and fun to slow and relaxing, offer something for everyone. Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, the daily group sessions at MYST are the perfect way to break a sweat and calm your mind. “For true first-timers looking for a good stretch or getting back to fitness, gentle yoga classes would be the way to start,” Berg says. MYST also offers heated classes for those looking to go deeper into yoga. “To get yoga elements with the challenge of more bodyweight and weighted exercises, yoga sculpt is the class.” If you are looking to try something new, MYST also offers barre classes, including ones with weights, which are great for lengthening, strengthening, and stretching your muscles. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 47
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he studio offers daily group classes and private lessons for individuals or groups who want more personalized, hands-on assistance. The group classes are a great place to commune, meet new friends, and enjoy the energy that comes from the shared experience of an energetic yoga class. Visitors can also check out MYST’s monthly glow yoga classes, where students have fun getting creative with glow-in-the-dark body paint and accessories. They also offer monthly mindfulness meditation courses that are great for anyone looking to learn more about meditation and its powerful benefits. The MYST instructors offer an immersive experience with their comprehensive instruction and deep understanding of the practice. Each class begins with a positive intention to help guide students to a place of peace during their practice. The instructors serve as guides for students to focus and form in each posture. The poses require a deep focus, allowing students to center their thoughts and leave the studio feeling energized and ready to take on the day. 48 | JULY 2 0 21
“Having a consistent yoga practice will enable you to essentially walk lighter on your feet and feel more transparent in your mind,” says Berg. “When we are in touch with our bodies, we can then be in touch with our minds and embrace the connection between the two.” This powerful ability to change our mind-set through movement remains the true genesis of the practice, with physical fitness as a nice bonus. For those looking to take their yoga expertise to the next level, MYST will be offering Level 1 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in April of 2022. Graduates will receive a Yoga Alliance certification and a deeper understanding of themselves. The studio will also offer Level 2 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training for registered teachers in November of this year. These are great opportunities for serious yogis to grow their abilities, find more profound inner peace through the mindfulness elements integrated into the teachings, and learn how to pass on the knowledge to their students.
“ THE STUDIO WELCOMES ALL WITH OPEN ARMS AND MAKES SURE EVERYONE LEAVES FEELING REFRESHED AND ENERGIZED.”
Sartorial
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Sartorial
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e can’t forget about the style—the specially curated selection of fashions in the boutique range from adorable activewear to beachstyle streetwear. The studio is right on trend with stylish athleisure, especially as the pandemic brought about a new wave of casual dressing while working from home. “We have vacation clients that come back year after year to shop for style selections they can’t find at home,” says Berg. The boutique also offers a selection of jewelry and accessories meant to help you emerge feeling calm, energized, and strong. Berg understands the power of feeling good in your clothes during a workout (or anytime), making MYST the perfect one-stop shop for self-revitalization. “Let this serve as an invitation for you to come to try out a class,” Berg offers. The studio welcomes all with open arms and makes sure each student leaves feeling well in body and spirit. “We like to have fun here,” she adds. The whole team at MYST believes that while yoga has profound effects on the mind and body, it doesn’t always need to be taken too seriously.
Check out MYST online at MYSTyoga30A.com and on Instagram and Facebook @myst30A. MYST is located in 30Avenue at 12805 US Highway 98 East #101. Namaste!
NEW LOCATION! 9961 Ea Co Hwy 30A Suite 7B Seacrest Beach, FL 32461
850.231.1720
(850) 909-0141 INFO@MYSTYOGA30A.COM 12805 HWY 98 E UNIT L101 INLET BEACH, FLORIDA
G R A N D B O U L E VA R D
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Visual Perspectives
Visual Perspectives
Golden Hour Orbs, 2018, from photographer Joshua Lanzara’s Alysium series
Visit JoshuaLanzara.com/30a to see more from this series.
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Philadelphia-area photographer Joshua Lanzara imposes an abstract, minimalist viewpoint on Alys Beach, Florida, in his series Alysium Alysium,, in which light contrasts against shadow and hard angles balance sensual curves. Alys Beach master planner Andrés Duany said of the series, “I have not seen images so hauntingly metaphysical since those de Chirico painted a century ago.” Lanzara has visited and photographed the 30-A area of Florida since 2010 and says, “Alys is a great inspiration to me and a target-rich environment where I can take one good photo after another (and I’m open to house sitting there!).”
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Visual Perspectives
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HIGH FASHION 54 | JULY 2 0 21
By
EM ME M A R T I N
Artwok by
D EANNA F I R S T
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rtists have been drawing and painting other people for as long as drawing and painting have existed. For most subjects of those drawings, it is always interesting to see themselves through someone else’s eyes. A good artist can capture us in our best light, quite literally. When it comes to modern photography, the same is not always true. Equipped with a pencil, markers, watercolors, and digital editing, New York City–based artist Deanna First is here to bring her viewers into the world of haute couture, runway shows, and other stylish events. I was fortunate enough to chat with Deanna this spring about her journey to becoming an artist in NYC and some of the wonderful experiences she has had in the fashion industry. First, who is also a cat lover (during our call, she was caring for her feline who had a recent spinal injury), describes how she has always been interested in art—since preschool, to be exact. She recalls a story from elementary school when her teacher asked the class to draw a picture of what they wanted to be when they grew up. “I actually drew a little girl with an easel,” she shares. The story takes an intriguing twist when she tells me she studied fashion design in college. After graduating from Kent State University in Ohio, she moved to New York in 2012 to start her career in fashion. She soon became frustrated by the amount of time spent at a computer. First’s greater appetite was for using her artistic skills, and
everything changed when she discovered fashion illustration. “No one ever told me you could be a fashion illustrator when I was growing up in Ohio,” she laughs. The trade was a perfect blend of First’s two favorite worlds.
Above: Fashion illustrator Deanna First
She already understood the proportions and concepts of fashion illustration from studying fashion design, but, as the saying goes, good things take time. First explains that a lot of practice and effort went into getting where she is now with her business: “I worked part-time jobs for two years and moved over eight times in New York City.” She also tells me how she applied to paint supply stores because they have flexible hours and would allow her to be around others who shared the same love for art. When I ask if she ever thought of giving up, she insists, “When you know something is your passion, and you’re meant to be doing it, you just take it day by day. Giving up was never an option.” First, the daughter of two logical teachers, says she didn’t tell anyone when she quit her part-time job and began illustrating full time. She still stands by making her own decisions without fear of pressure or judgment from others. “I just follow my intuition and go with it,” she says confidently. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 55
Visual Perspectives
“
W HEN YOU KNOW SOMETHING IS YOUR PASSION, AND YOU’RE MEANT TO BE DOING IT, YOU JUST TAKE IT DAY BY DAY. GIVING UP WAS NEVER AN OPTION.
F This page top: Fashionista Blaire Eadie sketched by Deanna First This page bottom: First’s rendition of three looks by Tibi Opposite top: Matchbooks from NYC destinations sketched by Deanna First Opposite bottom: Deanna First in front of her mural at Christie’s New York featuring YSL 56 | JULY 2 0 21
ortunately, her instincts were spot on when it came to her career. First now illustrates full-time and has an impressive clientele, including brands such as Hermès, Saks Fifth Avenue, Goop, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenburg, L’Oréal—the list goes on. Particularly trendy and in-demand are her live sketches, which she has created for New York Fashion Week, store openings, weddings, birthday parties, and more. “Any event you can think of, I can probably be part of it,” First laughs. For live event sketching, First can draw each guest (and their outfits, of course), taking about five to seven minutes for each. A lot of practice has been essential for her to develop the confidence to sketch so quickly. She swears by meditation and having alone time to get into a creative headspace before she begins her work. “Living in New York City, the energy is great, but there are also so many distractions; you have to be careful not to compare yourself to other artists,” she says. As a self-described night owl, she claims working late hours helps her stay inspired and focused while dwelling amid the chaos of the concrete jungle.
U
nderstandably, First is unable to name a favorite brand for which she has worked. Still, she shares some experiences that have been particularly exciting: “I sketched at Hermès for a dog-friendly event. Everyone brought their dogs, and I was able to draw everyone with their animals. I love animals, so that was fun!” First even offered to sketch my dog, which I definitely plan to take her up on—who wouldn’t? She then tells me about another pivotal point in her career, the day she got a call from fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg. “She had a sketch of mine sitting on her desk and was looking for an illustrator,” First recalls. “Long story short, I just couldn’t believe how this journey evolved so quickly!” First always starts with a pencil or a micron pen, which is a skinny black marker. She then uses colored pencils or water-based Copic markers, which give her sketches the illusion of watercolor. These materials allow her to work quickly and fluidly, which is necessary for her live drawings. First describes her multiple artistic styles—a rare trait among illustrators, “My live sketch style has a lot of movement, and it’s kind of messy because it is done so fast.” She also has a realistic style, which can take six to ten hours to complete a piece. “Those actually look like the person,” she adds.
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Visual Perspectives
Left: The Beverly Hills Hotel by Deanna First Below left: Sinking by Deanna First
“
I LOVE INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE AND SEEING HOW EXCITED THEY GET ABOUT THEIR SKETCH, IT JUST MAKES ME FEEL GOOD.
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s for her favorite subjects to draw, First says she is attracted to anything feminine and loves things with movement. Her top fashion icon is, naturally, Audrey Hepburn. She mainly draws women but has also drawn men in the past, and live sketches at events are still the most fun for her. “I love interacting with people and seeing how excited they get about their sketch,” she gushes. She regularly gets texts from past subjects sending her photos of their framed sketches. “It just makes me feel good.” First also explains how the past year has been challenging, as she hasn’t had the interactions she greatly values. However, she is excited to start sketching events again as businesses continue to reopen in the city. For now, she is busy illustrating book covers—an opportunity that arose from an abundance of new material produced by authors during the pandemic. “I have always been a fan of a good paperback book,” First says, excited about the opportunity. Another major project she is working on is Estée Lauder’s Best of the Best Awards, a yearly ceremony that honors everyone worldwide who has worked for the brand. She is creating personal sketches of over three hundred employees! As our conversation comes to a close, I feel inspired by First’s determination to follow her passion. For creatives, the right path for one does not always make sense to others on the outside. Deanna First’s ambition and ability to trust her intuition have served her well and are truly inspiring to those unsure about pursuing a creative career. Her work is also an excellent reminder for those who feel pressured to rent a photo booth for their next event; instead, consider hiring a live artist to create souvenirs you and your guests will surely cherish for years to come!
FOLLOW ARTIST DEANNA FIRST ON INSTAGRAM @DEANNA_FIRST OR VISIT DEANNAFIRST.COM TO LEARN MORE. 58 | JULY 2 0 21
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED A BOHEME DESIGN, LLC / CHRISTOPHER BARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
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Visual Perspectives
W
hoever said a picture is worth a thousand words must have never laid eyes on Tim Tadder’s photos. These overachievers, if distilled into text, would fill a War and Peacelength tome. It could hardly be otherwise with such charged subjects. In his series like Nothing to See and United States of Purple, he tackled a divided nation, while his latest project, Black Is a Color, wades into the fraught issue of race relations in America. Far more than decor, Tadder’s photography is activism in art form.
ART
MEETS
ACTIVISM A camera has been his constant companion for decades. After studying mathematics at the College of William and Mary, the Baltimore native went on to earn a master’s degree in visual communications from Ohio University. Tadder then launched his career in newspaper photojournalism, freelancing for multiple outlets. While satisfying, it wasn’t exactly lucrative. He was looking to boost his income when he discovered the world of advertising photography. His work became a hot commodity in Southern California, and Tadder began crafting his distinctive style along the way.
Tadder had always considered photography to be art, but it wasn’t until several years ago that he decided to take his photography in a noticeably more art-forward direction. Unlike his previous career pivot, he didn’t delve into art photography as a money-maker; the odds would have been against him, after all, as they are for every fine artist. Instead, he simply believed he had something to say. “It wasn’t until I was the most effective visual communicator I felt I could be that I started to create art to hang on the wall,” he says. 62 | JULY 2 0 21
IN TIM TADDER’S PICTURE-PERFECT WORLD BY TORI PHELPS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM
TADDER
Ali is part of fine-art photographer Tim Tadder’s newest series, Black Is a Color. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 63
Visual Perspectives
Tadder debuted his art photography at the illustrious Art Basel, introducing international buyers, connoisseurs, and critics to his work that’s designed to provoke a reaction and, hopefully, a paradigm shift. His first foray into art agitation was Nothing to See, a series featuring models with their eyes or mouths covered by others’ hands. The collection, unveiled during the previous presidential administration, responds to the political divisions that were—and still are—very much present in America. The project depicts a moment of resistance against a “new normal,” Tadder explains, in which dishonesty is the currency of political success. The goal is to help viewers reject false narratives propagated by politicians and the media and view the nation as it is, with fresh eyes.
Wells by Tim Tadder is another portrait in his Black Is a Color series, an introspective response to race relations in America.
Continuing in a political vein, United States of Purple tackled the reality that We the People have become We the Red and Blue (states), a polarization that seems to invade every area of life. Tadder believes the way forward is as a “purple” citizenry, a mix of red and blue that denotes middle ground and commonality. Perhaps the only subject more heated than politics today is race relations, but Tadder didn’t hesitate to tackle the topic in his latest project, the visceral Black Is a Color. With George Floyd’s death and the Black Lives Matter movement in the headlines, Tadder took aim at what he saw as the assault on freedoms, ongoing division, systemic racism, and social injustice. “I wanted to explore a nonliteral and unconventional way to share with people a different point of view—a view that boldly illustrates a slice of what’s missed with a binary approach to race,” he says. To bring the images to life, he experimented with different paint viscosities and dilution techniques for the trio of colors in each picture. The result, models with smooth, perfectly black skin dripping in brilliant paint shades, is a gorgeous, gut-clenching series that demands viewers look past skin tone to see the beautiful, infinitely complex humans within. The reception has been everything he could have hoped for, with audiences embracing both the work and the idea behind it. Because Tadder isn’t a person of color, he tried to ensure the series respected those experiencing the trauma of injustice. “Before I realized the project, I contacted a dozen or so friends of African descent and ran the name and the concept 64 | JULY 2 0 21
I WANTED
TO EXPLORE A NONLITERAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL WAY TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW—A VIEW THAT BOLDLY ILLUSTRATES A SLICE OF WHAT’S MISSED WITH A BINARY APPROACH
TO RACE.
Left and below left: Tadder’s series Nothing to See is described by the artist as “a moment of resistance against a ‘new normal’ in which dishonesty functions as the currency of political success.”
by them to get their feedback,” he says. “I value their opinion, and the last thing I wanted to do was cause more anxiety around race relations.” Though his work has been well received, its subjects invite backlash. Any risk, however, pales in comparison to the responsibility he feels as a father to help create a better world for his children to inhabit. It’s because of them, he says, that he uses his platform, voice, and abilities to raise awareness and move people, convinced that changing just one person’s point of view can have a dramatic effect on the world through that individual’s interactions. And the bigger the stage, the more significant his impact may be. That’s why he hopes his photography will eventually earn exhibition in major museums and art appreciation venues. In the meantime, he intends to continue creating strong, graphic, bold imagery. As for how the world views his work, Tadder hopes he’s known not only for contributing to the visual landscape but also for illuminating it. “It would be great to be recognized for my career-long dedication to creating images that elicit a response,” he says. It seems he’s well on his way. TIM TADDER’S FINE ART COLLECTIONS ARE SOLD EXCLUSIVELY AT AVANT GALLERY IN NEW YORK, MIAMI, AVENTURA, AND DUBAI. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT TIMTADDER.COM OR FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM @TIMTADDER.
Tori Phelps has been a journalist and writer for twenty-five years. A longtime VIE collaborator, Tori is committed to storytelling that honors the subject matter and inspires the reader. She lives, reads, and bakes vegan biscuits with her family in Charleston, South Carolina. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 65
Th e A R T o f L I F E D E S I G N E D
LICENSE NUMBER: IB260 0 0 633
11974 US HIGHWAY 98 WEST MIRAMAR BEACH, FL 32550 | (850) 837-5157 | SUGARBEACHINTERIORS .COM
Petite pause
Up in
“I always wanted to take a beautiful, unique air balloon photo,” says “Air balloons are so rare here in the southeastern part of the US that I never really thought it would happen. My fiancée and I had gotten up at 4:30 a.m. (and I am not an early bird) for a road trip from Tennessee to Louisiana, and after we got onto the interstate, we passed a field with a balloon being blown up as the sun was rising. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and we pulled over. I got lucky when the folks in the balloon saw me photographing them as they started to rise into the air. They waved at me, and when I waved back, they moved the balloon toward me. As they passed over, I was lucky enough to get some incredible photos!” Follow @thereal_rem on Instagram to see more of VanHouten’s photos.
the
Air V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 67
C’est la vie
POP OF COLOR
We are firm believers that style is meant to be playful and should not be taken too seriously. At its heart, fashion allows us to embrace our individuality and the person we strive to be. This C’est la VIE collection embodies the woman who loves taking risks and isn’t afraid to be herself. She’s the girl who books the flight and doesn’t look back, the girl whose lollipop matches her outfit; we all know her and can be her. Sometimes, she just needs a red lip or a groovy dress to help her climb out of her shell. If you’re reluctant, start by adding one colorful accessory to your neutral outfit and see how you like it. We have a feeling it is going to be sweet!
1
Pop de Couleur
Bea Bongiasca Baby Vine Tendril Crystal, 9kt Gold, and Enamel Rings $675 – MatchesFashion.com 68 | JULY 2 0 21
2
Italian Love Letters
Provence Glory by François Simon $95 – Assouline.com
Teal of Approval
3
Bottega Veneta Open-Knit Cotton-Blend Mini Dress $1,900 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Rainbow Road
4
Salvatore Ferragamo Rainbow 1938 Leather-and-Suede Platform Sandals $2,500 – MatchesFashion.com
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Real Talk
Gucci Beauty Rouge à Lèvres Satin in Teresina Ruby 503 $40 – NET-A-PORTER.com
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Cool Girl
Bottega Veneta Oval Acetate and Metal Sunglasses $495 – MatchesFashion.com
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Fresh in Florals
Dolce & Gabbana Oversized Gold-Tone, Crystal, and Faux Pearl Clip Earrings $925 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Be Mine
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Judith Leiber Heart L’amour Clutch JudithLeiber.com
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C’est la vie
Sweet Summertime
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Jonathan Adler I-Scream Vase $68 – JonathanAdler.com
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Baby Blue
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Balenciaga Hourglass Small Leather Tote in Azure $2,150 – NET-A-PORTER.com
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Summers in Spain
Zimmermann Mae Cold-Shoulder Belted Embroidered Ramie Midi Dress $1,350 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Wrist Candy
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Roxanne Assoulin Pastel Sport Set of Three Enamel and Gold-Tone Bracelets $225 – NET-A-PORTER.com
14 13
Minty Fresh
R+D.LAB Set of Two Nini Hexagon Glass Tumblers $70 – MatchesFashion.com
Lavender Lady
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Raffia Mules $1,050 – NET-A-PORTER.com
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’90s, Baby
Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses in Army Green $360 – NET-A-PORTER.com
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Steak | Seafood | Sushi Dessert | Cocktails
Private Rooms & Full-Service Catering Available
850.249.3359
|
fireflypcb.com
Soups | Salads | Sushi | Dessert Handcrafted Sandwiches Open 11:00 a.m. daily
850.249.2710 | Ontheflypcb.com Find us at the Shoppes of Edgewater Panama City Beach, Florida
L’intermission
Rosé All Month To celebrate National Rosé Day at its first annual The Pink Party, The Hampton Social in Nashville created a garden oasis and experiential pop-up full of day-party vibes, rosé tasting bars, and much more. Visit TheHamptonSocial.com to learn about its other locations and events, and visit VIEmagazine. com/blog to learn more about The Pink Party 2021! Photo courtesy of The Hampton Social
Known for its playful and modern nautical concept and #roséallday lifestyle, The Hampton Social restaurant in Nashville celebrated National Rosé Month for all of June with the launch of its National Rosé Hotline by beverage director Greg Innocent and the first annual The Pink Party on June 12, 2021.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 73
MODERN COASTAL CHIC Furniture, Art, Decor, Pots, Planters, and Fountains 16810 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 | (850) 775-1227 Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM
MAISON30A.COM | @MAISON30A
La maison
La maison WHERE THE HEART IS
Visit CasaBautistaTulum.com to learn more or book your jungle escape! Photo courtesy of Casa Bautista
“Behind every beautiful thing, there is a vision, a deep belief that things are possible, and the dedicated work of a team,” says the website for Casa Bautista, a luxury vacation rental in the lush tropics of Tulum, Mexico. “It took the guts and trust of the homeowner to follow through the project of six years, to go on the journey to protect the Sian Ka’an by developing the land in the most sustainable of ways.” Designed by leading architecture firm Productora of Mexico City, Casa Bautista has plenty of room for guests to come together. Vast sliding doors connect the spaces where nature meets luxe interiors.
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La maison
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A PERSONALIZED
PoINT OF VIEW
BY CAROLYN O’NEIL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AKER INTERIORS
Left: Visit the Delor Kitchen project in the portfolio at AkerInteriors.com to see more of this ’70s Funky Eclectic space.
the uplifting style of los angeles-based designer Gabrielle Aker is revealed when reading through the unique descriptions of recent projects completed by her firm, Aker Interiors. From Organic Modern Ocean to Contemporary Masculine and ’70s Funky Eclectic, the project titles are a testimony to Aker’s talent for providing clients with highly personalized decor reflecting who they are and their lifestyles. “It’s about their space and how they live in it, but making it aesthetically pleasing and design-forward,” says Aker. Raised near Pasadena in Southern California, Aker is selftaught and followed an unconventional path to interior design through experiences in fine art and fashion. Her eye for style with a touch of whimsy and her aptitude for balancing natural materials rich in texture give her projects a sense of time and place. Aker began her design career at home. Six years ago, she moved into an open studio loft in downtown LA with original brick, steel, and concrete. “It was a huge playground of space, so I had to figure out ‘Where do we work, where is the light?’” she shares. “We added some new pieces, moved things around, and it just snowballed.” Her husband, Zack, a woodworker, contributed his skills by building a floor-toceiling wall of bookshelves. Friends loved the results and exclaimed, “You should do this!” So with Zack and her sister Hannah Brown, Aker launched Aker Interiors to provide clients with elegant organic designs that transform their visions into beautiful realities. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 77
Opposite: Aker Interiors homes tend to have a modern touch, but Gabrielle Aker loves bringing in warmth and texture through wood and stone materials, cozy textiles, and accessories. Left: The rustic industrial loft in Aker Interiors’ Spring project is made warmer and more personal through rich hues and details such as books, collected items, and artwork. Below: Hannah Brown, Gabrielle Aker, and Zack Aker
TO MAKE A HOUSE A HOME, EACH DETAIL OF AN AKER INTERIOR PROJECT REFLECTS A CLIENT'S PERSONALITY A hallmark of Aker Interiors is another family of sorts—a reliable network of local artisans and tradespeople. “We can’t do what we do without the amazing partnerships we’ve built with companies and brands we trust,” says Aker. To showcase the firm’s aesthetic and highlight pieces from vendors and artists they work with, the firm recently bought and remodeled a 1925 loft in the industrial corner of Downtown LA’s arts district and created the Aker Interiors Showroom.
COLLABORATION IS KEY At the center of every project for Aker Interiors is a meaningful collaboration with each client, inviting them to be part of the process from concept and inception to installation. Mood boards and samples are just the beginning as the client and designer home in on the desired look and feel of a space before moving to the design plan. While most of the completed interior projects reflect Aker’s signature neutral-yet-dramatic color story, emphasizing the natural tones of stone and wood, she thrives on challenge. “One client loves color because it makes her happy and a bright home makes her calm,” Aker explains. “So, it’s my job to do something different without going bon78 | JULY 2 0 21
kers. It really stretches me.” This diplomatic design restraint inspired the client to translate their individuality into a balanced result with artfully placed pops of color.
La maison Noting a strong post-pandemic design trend, Aker reports that walls are back. “With so many people working from home, they want to redo their houses with separate, defined living areas,” she says. That means designing an open flow with unique ways to create quiet spaces through interior architecture.
NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL At Aker Interiors, the designers draw inspiration from nature and appreciate the raw beauty in chosen materials. A trip to a slab yard to find the stone for countertops and other surfaces is a fantastic field trip for Gabrielle Aker. “Recently, I fell in love with a slab,” she recalls. “When I saw the granite with rusty tones running through the veins, I gasped.” That stone became the central focus of a kitchen, adding natural drama that stretched from the countertop to the waterfall backsplash and open shelving. The fabrics she prefers range from soft whites to quiet blacks, but they’re always rich in texture, such as nubby bouclé and sheepskin. “I don’t like flat things; neutral colors need big textures,” Aker explains. While her overall designs might be decidedly modern, the tradition of brass hardware is making a comeback, and Aker loves the way it develops a patina and adds a historical touch. “I’m so lucky to be in LA, but I like to add a tweak to the modern aesthetic,” she says.
PERSONAL DETAILS To make a house a home, each detail of an Aker Interiors project reflects the client’s personality. “For instance, I ask clients about their interests and search for books to match,” says Aker. “Recently, I found a beautiful coffee-table book about Porsche cars because that was on their list.” These types of details create a look that certainly doesn’t say Anyone could live here. They are truly personal. To celebrate the completion of each project, the design team plans a housewarming party based on the unique design, introducing the new look to the client’s family and friends. The soiree to reveal for the Contemporary Bohemian Eclectic project must have been quite the party! What’s next for Gabrielle Aker? Like many of us, she has inspirational travel on her schedule. She says a recent trip to explore the architecture and design of Mexico City fueled her creativity. “The fresh and individual perspective the city has through the mix of styles and time periods was historical yet forward-focused,” says Aker. “It was a breath of fresh air.” Such inspiration will undoubtedly lead to even more uniquely elevated design projects for Aker Interiors in the years to come.
TO LEARN MORE OR SEE MORE PROJECTS, VISIT AKERINTERIORS.COM.
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P h o t o g ra p h y b y L I A M D A N I E L , c o u r t e s y o f N E T F L I X
EGENCy eturned Has
BRIDGERTON–INSPIRED DESIGN IDEAS TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME
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Are you obsessed with Netflix’s hit show
Bridgerton? Transform your space into a nineteenth-century palace with these
Bridgerton–inspired home decor elements!
I
f you’re anything like us, you’ve probably binged the Netflix series Bridgerton and been left craving some nineteenthcentury English elegance in your home. We might not be able to transport you to Daphne’s world of high-society courtship, but we can help you transform your space with these Bridgerton-inspired decor elements!
SOFT BLUE C O L O R PA L E T T E
Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset and Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton surrounded by lush greenery at a beautiful courtyard garden party
Often gathering in their sitting room, the Bridgertons’ furniture, wallpaper and decor accents reflect shades of pale blue and off-whites. According to an interview with Bridgerton’s production designer, Will Hughes-Jones, the color Wedgewood Blue is the family’s signature color in the series and reflects the inspiration of the character’s gowns, room themes, and plot progression. If blue isn’t your cup of tea, soft color shades in any hue can still leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a timeless period drama. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 81
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Viewers will also note the use of brass in door handles, decor pieces, and light fixtures—all easy additions to your home!
Above: Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton and Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton on the family’s gilded grand staircase Above right: Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte surrounded by her handmaidens and beloved pets in her palatial manor
S M A L L D E TA I L S One of the first introductions to the Bridgerton family occurs at their home’s grand staircase. A complete remodel of our entryway might be out of the question for most of us, but you can give your staircase an easy, Regency-era upgrade by adding a black-and-gold iron railing. Viewers will also note the use of brass in door handles, decor pieces, and light fixtures—all easy additions to your home! Start by adding metallic handles, accents, and embellishments in your kitchen or bathroom or switching out your main light fixtures for chic, elegant chandeliers. If chandeliers aren’t your thing (or aren’t in your budget), gold candles will give your home a similar regal effect. To top it all off, try your hand at a DIY marble countertop by using marble-effect spray paint and a glaze coat to complete your home’s elegant interior.
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LUSCIOUS GREENERY The outdoor scenes in Bridgerton greet viewers with picturesque greenery and luxurious English gardens. From the trees to the flowers, everything is perfectly pristine and meticulously manicured. Hiring a professional landscape artist might not be in your budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t amp up your greenery game. Plant some white and pink rose bushes, wisteria, lavender, cherry blossom trees, and other greenery to get a stunning garden inspired by the show’s use of floral design.
YOUR OWN ART GALLERY Okay, maybe you don’t want a giant oil painting of your family hanging in your living room. We understand! However, art plays an important role in the show’s storyline and can be an easy addition to your home decor. Hang artwork or photographs in a central area—perhaps a hallway, entryway, or staircase—or create your family’s own art gallery wall. To get the full Regency-era effect, try placing your pieces in frames with embellishments and detailed design work. Think cottagecore for this one!
Above: The Bridgerton family outside their regal Regency-era home, adorned in their signature shade of Wedgewood Blue Left: Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, and Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton strolling through one of the show’s grand gardens
We hope you enjoyed this Bridgerton-inspired home decor roundup. If you need us, we’ll be browsing through historic homes on Homes.com that bring us all the elegant Regency-era feels while we wait for Season Two to come to Netflix! V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 83
CLEAN SEAS and
CLEAN LINES DESENIO DOES ITS PART
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St ory and Phot ography courtesy of DESEN IO
s we enter the summer season, inspiration from ocean waves and sandy beaches tends to creep into the minds of many. Why not bring those peaceful feelings into your home? When you can do so and help save marine life at the same time, it’s a win-win!
Above, left, and next page: A portion of proceeds from each art print sold from Desenio’s new Clean Sea collection will benefit Blue Marine Foundation’s mission to save the oceans. The prints include a variety of water-inspired quotes, photographs, and artwork.
Lifestyle and decor brand Desenio has partnered with Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) in its mission to protect the oceans. In support of BLUE and its cause, Desenio continues to celebrate the beauty of our oceans through newly launched art prints. With Clean Sea, the brand’s newest collection of images, the goal is to help BLUE draw attention to the crisis in the oceans and to support a solution that preserves life and beauty beneath the surface of the waves. The threats facing the oceans are not new, and they are escalating quickly. Ninety percent of wild fish stocks are now overfished or fully exploited, wreaking havoc on marine ecology. When one fish species is overfished, the chain reaction is immense. Additionally, single-use plastics and other waste plague our global waters, killing wildlife and releasing chemicals.
BLUE makes a difference by securing protected marine areas, developing models for sustainable fishing, restoring marine habitats, tackling detrimental fishing industries, and connecting people with the sea. These activities won’t only heal the ocean; they will change our planet’s future. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 85
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Clean Sea IS ALL ABOUT
CELEBRATING THE beauty OF OUR OCEANS, slowing down OUR
LIVES AND MINDS, AND BRINGING THE peaceful clarity OF SEASIDE LIVING TO YOUR HOME.
THE CLEAN SEA COLLECTION “We wanted to create a collection of art prints highlighting being present with the ocean, both above and under the surface,” says Annica Wallin, executive creative director at Desenio. “For this direction, we’re proud to be working in collaboration with Blue Marine Foundation to highlight their efforts to protect our oceans.” Clean Sea is all about celebrating the beauty of our oceans, slowing down our lives and minds, and bringing the peaceful clarity of seaside living to your home. Through shades of blue and beautiful ocean art prints, along with words and quotes that evoke a sense of living well by the sea, you can decorate your space and help protect nature at the same time when you choose one or more of these elegant pieces of wall art.
Visit Desenio.com for more information about the collection and visit BlueMarineFoundation.com to learn more about the charity and the threats facing our oceans. 86 | JULY 2 0 21
Petite pause
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nt ag e
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“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby See more from this romantic summertime fashion shoot in our cover story for this issue, “L’amour: An Apartment in Paris.”
Vib es
Photo by Lauren Athalia Bathing suits courtesy of Ophelia Swimwear Sunglasses by RAEN (top) and courtesy of Anthropologie (middle and bottom) Hair and makeup by Renae Currey
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TIMELESSNESS
BY SUZANNE POLLAK
In 2020, we started living inside our houses much more—so much more, every day felt like it could have been Wednesday. he trick I used to make each day uniquely enjoyable and make the seasons seem distinguishable (not easy in semitropical South Carolina) was regularly changing textiles on my windows, beds, and tables. Decades ago, when I wanted advice on setting up a household, I did not look to my mother except to notice her nose going out of joint when friends reported buying new furniture every few years. I could see her point. If people bought pieces they loved, to begin with, they would not be changing their houses willy-nilly. Still, my mom was not the only one who taught me that furniture is timeless and textiles are trends.
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hat lesson came from two American businessmen whom I adopted as fantasy mentors. I craved greater authority on household matters and design than my mother could offer. As I cast around looking for teachers, I fell on these men who created such masterpieces that each of their houses turned into a museum when they passed. Although I lived in a two-room basement apartment at the time with no desire to ever make it a museum, I adopted John D. Rockefeller and Henry Dupont as my domestic disciples because they had philosophies on the art of living. That’s what I wanted to learn. I was used to a nomadic life and not sure what to do in more permanent living situations. Even though I could not possibly emulate either Mr. Rockefeller or Dupont, I could incorporate pieces of their philosophies and adapt to their ways of doing things.
Following John D.’s passion, I collected a ridiculous amount of china, which pleased me immensely and made setting the table incredibly fun. More importantly, from Mr. Dupont, I learned to purchase furniture with an eye for the future and textiles with an eye for the present. These men helped me, two generations after they lived, to design my domestic life. Wouldn’t they be surprised to know their ways of thinking about how to live in a house could help a twenty-year-old girl decades later, even while she lived in a basement? Although I eventually got rid of my china collection (paring down can be as satisfying as building up), I still follow Dupont’s textile theories while I live in the tiniest house in Charleston—with a budget to match. You do not need a many-roomed mansion like Winterthur to incorporate the changing of
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More importantly, from Mr. Dupont, I learned to purchase furniture with an eye for the future and textiles with an eye for the present. Henry Dupont lived in a 175-room house in Delaware, now called Winterthur Museum. Dupont changed the textiles, from curtains to upholstery, in many of his 175 rooms (in one house!) four times per year. Rockefeller had another domestic desire. His wish was to eat on a different plate every night, so his china collection numbered 365, a set for every day of the year. I learned this fact from a docent at Bassett Hall, Rockefeller’s eighteenth-century farmhouse in Williamsburg, Virginia. His pantry was filled with glass cabinets stacked to the brim with plates. Of course, I didn’t have the means or space to copy these gents, but I learned why they did what they did. I got their gist. They used their design sense (and substantial financial resources) to create new environments in the rooms they lived in day and night. That is one beautiful way never to feel bored, to see your surroundings with fresh eyes, and to turn your house and life within those walls into a work of art.
textiles. You can change window treatments season by season. I use oversized, gossamer-thin Victorian linen napkins to cover the bottom half of windows in hot months and antique heavy linen sheets for winter bedroom curtains. Even with custom-made tasseled drapes and valances, tiebacks and inner sheers can change. Upholstered seating looks totally different when dressed in heavy linen slipcovers in the summer, correlating with the changing light and brighter hues. Table linens are the easiest way to affect the vibe around the house all year because you have three meals and four seasons to play with. Dupont matched his curtains and linens to beloved flowers in the gardens directly outside the windows of particular rooms. The indoor-outdoor connection was vital to him. We don’t have to be that picky, but it’s great to take a cue from nature with colored napkins and a centerpiece to bring nature’s palette inside. I copy
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Dupont by paying greater attention to light—blinding bright in summer, diffused in winter, silvery in late fall—and thinking of textures to match the mood. The whole point is for rooms to look stunning any time of year and to keep the dweller surprised and pleased. These beliefs and practices allow you to sharpen your eyes and keep using your creativity.
expensive; for under one hundred dollars at IKEA, you can change every pillow or choose a new area rug. You should even have some budget left over for a fun set of plates.
Since one-third of our life is spent in bed, the bedroom is an excellent place to begin. Bed linens are easy to change, switching from prints to solids, from 100-percent linen to cotton and flannel. The average person spends about twenty-six years of their life sleeping, plus seven years trying to fall asleep, which adds up to at least thirty-three years between the sheets. The numbers make a compelling case for investing in quality bed linens and changing the mood and atmosphere seasonally, especially as the bedroom is a place for imagination and creativity, not the place to be productive. Mae West mirroring her bedroom ceiling to see how she was doing was one thing, but the modern practice of using devices to monitor sleep brings too much “production” into an otherwise restful place.
Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal Mansion section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy.com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more.
The whole point is for rooms to look stunning any time of year and to keep the dweller surprised and pleased.
In practical terms, using textiles during only part of the year stretches their lifespan and offers you time to clean and care for them. Best of all, we can all be more like Mr. Dupont and periodically give our houses a different look. And it need not be
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The clean, bold lines of the exterior drew Bob Gwin to this modern Houston house with its art deco–inspired windows and doors. Opposite: A dramatic portrait of Nefertiti above a Kelly Wearstler sculptural console table grabs guests’ attention before they even walk through the front door. 94 | JULY 2 0 21
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D’ART
Chic design in Houston
by ANTHEA GERRIE
photography by SARA ESSEX BRADLEY V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 95
IVE AN ART LOVER A LIGHT-FILLED HOME BLESSED WITH HIGH CEILINGS
and minimalist interior details and, chances are, they will think of it as a gallery as much as a home. That was certainly the case for Bob Gwin, whose clean-lined modern mansion in the Upper Kirby neighborhood of Houston’s River Oaks community is filled with paintings and sculptures that form the nucleus of a whole new art collection. “Clean is the first thought that struck me when I stepped into this very open house full of light,” says the retired oil and gas executive. “There were no mouldings or small, confined spaces, which made it different from many homes in Houston that are quite traditional.” He moved into the house in 2017. “It’s just the right size—big enough to entertain guests but not cavernous. I have three bedrooms. I use the fourth as a workout room and study.” It was not only the light and the lines, brought into sharp focus by art deco–style geometric metal windows and doors, that told Gwin he had found his new home after a year of viewings; it was also the sympathetic treatment by previous owners. “They had done a superb job, and the house was ready to go,” he says. Aside from the art, that is, and a wealth of custom furnishings—Gwin chose Houston-based designer Courtney Cangelosi, who works closely with local galleries, to help him source the right art for this exciting space. The drama starts in the foyer with an arresting portrait of the Egyptian goddess Nefertiti. Sitting above a fabulous Kelly Wearstler sculptural console, she grabs guests’ attention even before they have entered the house. “I like the way it draws you right in through the glass front door,” Gwin says. “It’s the first thing you see.” In the living room, with its inset fireplace, not all the art hangs on the walls. For sure, the three-dimensional wood sculpture by Caprice Pierucci that sits proudly several inches above the flames is impressive, but no less so is the breathtaking bespoke coffee table made from two carefully matched slabs of marble carved into dovetailing giant teardrops. “It made sense to have a two-level table to serve the two sofas facing each other, which I chose as the most convivial seating arrangement,” Gwin says. He’s talking about the formal part of the living space, enriched not only by the marble table and sofas from Holly Hunt Studio, but also given a hefty touch of class by two non-contemporary pieces—a vintage Herman Miller cabinet by Gilbert Rohde and a nineteenth-century secretary by Thomas Wilson. A silver silk rug completes the picture. 96 | JULY 2 0 21
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“CLEAN IS THE FIRST THOUGHT THAT STRUCK ME WHEN I STEPPED INTO THIS VERY OPEN HOUSE FULL OF LIGHT.”
Behind the fireplace is a cozier space with an intriguing floating bureau beneath the wall-mounted television and swivel armchairs overlooking the deck and pool. The outdoor space is surrounded by lush greenery that thrives in Houston’s humid climate. “This is my favorite room in the house—a great place to sit with my cat Juju and watch movies,” says Gwin of his den. As a frequent traveler for both business and leisure, he relishes his quiet time at home. The art inherent in beautiful materials resurfaces in the kitchen, whose pale gray wood is enhanced by porcelain countertops with a matching backsplash. Its delicate veining mimics the branches of the silver-barked tree clearly visible through a side window—a frame for nature’s own artwork. Surprisingly for a bachelor whose idea of entertaining is grilling in his backyard or enjoying a glass of wine from his private collection with friends, Gwin’s second favorite room is the formal dining area. “It’s so clean and serene,” he explains of his love for a room dominated by a huge Eric Holzman abstract painting Trees Earth Sky, which echoes the green velvet and sage leather upholstery of the dining chairs. Nature also speaks loudly in a fabulous hand-carved solid wood bowl
Above: The kitchen island and backsplash are made from matching pieces of veined porcelain, melding artistic beauty and functionality. Above left: The den looks out to the garden on two sides and is Gwin’s favorite room in the house to hang out with his cat, Juju. Opposite: Gwin’s heritage is honored through his father’s nineteenth-century chest of drawers displayed beneath the staircase. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 97
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THE HOUSE IS UNDERSTATED RATHER THAN OVERTLY MASCULINE. from FOUND, a Houston emporium specializing in unique decor, including upcycled vintage pieces and contemporary items. The bowl, weighing an eye-watering seventy-five pounds, is gently heaved off the glass tabletop when guests are expected; in the meantime, it serves as a focal point when no one is due for dinner. The house is understated rather than overtly masculine, but the study is a huntsman’s room, decorated with a couple of game birds shot by Gwin and stuffed by a taxidermist. The coyote on the shelves, however, is not one of his personal trophies. “It reflects the fact I used to be partowner of the Coyotes hockey team in Arizona, so I brought it with me from there,” he explains. The King Ranch in Texas, near which Gwin keeps a hunting lodge, is the source of the scalloped leather office chair and the deer antlers displayed in all their glory on the marble living-room table. Cangelosi indeed paid tribute to the trophy hunter within her client by skillfully distributing a stuffed rattlesnake, decoy ducks, and assorted animal skulls from his collection. A huge puma portrait painted by Eric Peters (who also created the Nefertiti in the
Left: Pops of bright mustard yellow light up the upstairs den, making an appearance in the Dimitri Petrov canvas on the wall and a custom woven throw for the beige linen sofa. Opposite: A striking wood sculpture by Caprice Pierucci makes the fireplace wall a focal point of the formal living room. 98 | JULY 2 0 21
entry) hangs in the master bedroom with its modern four-poster bed sans canopy. Cangelosi also salvaged a vintage chest of drawers owned by Gwin’s father, which had been in the garage and full of tools, and moved it inside beside the staircase. “I found the perfect special spot to showcase it,” she says with satisfaction. Decorating this house was a long-term labor of love, admits the designer. “It took two years to complete the interior due to the detail in custom furnishings, lighting, and artwork that took some time to find,” she says. “Bob has a real appreciation for art, and with the help of Gremillion, my favorite gallery in Houston for blue-chip art, we curated a well-rounded collection of mixed-media work.” The result is a feast for the eyes of visitors and the homeowner alike. TO SEE MORE WORK BY DESIGNER COURTNEY CANGELOSI, VISIT COURT-HOUSE.CO.
Anthea Gerrie is based in the UK but travels the world in search of stories. Her special interests are architecture and design, culture, food, and drink, as well as the best places to visit in the world’s great playgrounds. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, the Independent, and Blueprint.
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Kristen Tomlan, the founder of DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections in New York City, designed the interiors of this chic and cozy renovated Brooklyn brownstone apartment last year just before she and her husband welcomed their first child. 102 | JULY 2 0 21
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Apartment Redesign in Brooklyn
EMME MARTIN Photography by YUMI MATSUO, courtesy of The Select 7 By
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elicious magic happened when Kristen Tomlan combined her day job of branding and design consulting with her passion for baking. Tomlan is the founder of DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections, the first edible cookie dough confectionery. Since starting the company in 2014, Tomlan and her cookie dough have been unstoppable, securing partnerships with Bloomingdale’s, KitchenAid, and Williams Sonoma. The brand's flagship store in New York City’s Greenwich Village regularly garners long lines and endorsements from celebrities, including Reese Witherspoon, Kim Kardashian, and Chrissy Teigen. One might wonder how Tomlan could turn this nostalgic culinary trend into something so profitable. The answer is something all too obvious to those who follow her work—an innate flair for all things creative. Tomlan studied interior design at the University of Cincinnati, which was surprisingly valuable for her business thanks to her experience with design and branding. An aesthetically and emotionally appealing brand image is vital for success—DŌ certainly possesses both. After Tomlan graduated and secured a job with a brand consulting agency in New York City, baking became her way of decompressing from the craziness of her career and city life. Tomlan’s passion for baking ignited when she was a little girl, helping her mom, a cooking school instructor, in the kitchen. “Anytime I would bake, I would sneak cookie dough straight from the mixing bowl; it was my absolute favorite part of the baking process,” Tomlan admits. Life has a funny way of preparing us for the future even when we don’t realize it. Tomlan’s education and branding background allowed her to design everything from the logo and visuals to the store design when she decided to start DŌ. “I bootstrapped the business and learned as I went,” she says. Tomlan also says having a do-it-yourself attitude came in quite handy when starting a company and being low on funds, and it certainly paid off sweetly. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 103
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he culinary pro’s design acumen came out to play once again in her new Brooklyn apartment, which she purchased with her husband, Chris, in 2019. The building is an 1890s brownstone, and the apartment needed a complete gutting and redesign at the time of purchase. Thankfully, they completed most of the major construction pre-pandemic lockdown. The significant projects included knocking out several walls to open up space so the kitchen could be the home’s focal point. Coming from a 450-square-foot Manhattan apartment, Tomlan felt lucky to have the extra space and knew she wanted to make the most of it. “I knew that I wanted to create a very open kitchen and living area because I spend so much time in the kitchen and love to entertain,” she explains. When Tomlan and her husband moved in February 2020 with a baby on the way, they certainly had difficulty getting contractors to the house to finish the work. Despite the challenges of being seven months pregnant and renovating a home during a pandemic, Tomlan feels fortunate she has a handy husband. Chris was able to complete many of the finishes, and the couple used the extra time during lockdown to complete other projects around the house. When asked about her favorite part of the design process, Tomlan says, “My favorite part is seeing it all come together. Sometimes you don’t know how it’s all going to mesh until you see it in the space with the lighting and context to other things. I love when I have a vision and it actually works!” Tomlan’s vision certainly paid off. We love her use of classic style, clean lines, and simple, versatile pieces. Her self-described design style of “fresh, happy, and timeless” is evident in the gorgeous space. “I like a lot of bright whites, neutrals, wood tones, clean lines, and fresh greenery,” she says. The plants give the area a nice pop of color, despite Tomlan’s claim she can’t keep them alive. To the baker and CEO, it is not about being perfect; she wants to feel relaxed and at ease at home. “I like things to be clean and put away, but all the things in my home are just things. It’s the memories we make in our home that are most important to me.” With a growing baby, Edie, and a crazy dog, Nelly, things are always getting dirty and destroyed, and Tomlan says that’s perfectly OK. 104 | JULY 2 0 21
“SOMETIMES YOU DON’T KNOW HOW IT’S ALL GOING TO MESH UNTIL YOU SEE IT IN THE SPACE WITH THE LIGHTING AND CONTEXT TO OTHER THINGS. I LOVE WHEN I HAVE A VISION AND IT ACTUALLY WORKS!”
As for advice for new homeowners looking to decorate on their own, she says, “Start by adding some minor details such as family photos, meaningful decorations, fun art, fresh flowers, and your favorite books—these will go a long way.” She also suggests playing with height and a variety of things that coordinate but aren’t too “matchy-matchy.” Her favorite furniture brands include West Elm, Article, Anthropologie, CB2, and Serena & Lily. Tomlan’s zest for design earned her a spot as a guest of The Select 7, an online lifestyle publication highlighting some of the world’s top tastemakers sharing their favorite products, brands, and ideas for seven days each. As a dedicated reader of the site’s stories, Tomlan was excited for her turn to participate. We loved hearing her story on renovating her home and all the nuances that came along with it. As for DŌ, Tomlan says, “We are launching a lot of new fun products this year, which I am very excited about. I can’t give away all the details, but it’s something you will want to check out.” We can’t wait to see what she whips up next!
See more of Kristen Tomlan’s sweet life on Instagram @kristentomlan and at KristenTomlan.com. To learn more about DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections, or to order your batch today, visit CookieDOnyc.com. For more tastemaker stories by The Select 7, visit TheSelect7.com and @theselect7. You can also see more from photographer Yumi Matsuo on Instagram @yumimatsuostudio. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 105
VILLA
BLANCO
627 GULF SHORE DR. DESTIN, FL
Villa Blanco is one of the largest homes on Holiday Isle in Destin, Florida. With two covered boat slips and 90 feet of deepwater harbor frontage, this property boasts an unparalleled waterfront lifestyle on the navigable waterways leading to Destin’s famous East Pass, Crab Island, and the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The eleven-bedroom, eleven-bathroom villa sleeps up to forty people, making it the ultimate beach getaway for an extended family retreat. It boasts an in-home theater, a game room, a private in-ground pool with a spa, and more. This property will exceed the expectations of every guest. The Primary Suite will impress with its massive walk-in closet, a jetted tub, a walk-in shower, a separate steam shower, and a full laundry room. Kitchen features include a stainless steel Thermador Professional gas range and Sub-Zero refrigerator, two pantries, and more. Private balconies off nearly every room provide exceptional views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Destin Harbor. If you’re looking for an investment to pass down through the generations, you don’t want to miss this one!
JEREMY RAMSEY 843-422-8602 J E R E M Y @ R E A L E S TAT E B Y F I V E S TA R . C O M J E R E M Y. R E A L E S TAT E B Y F I V E S TA R . C O M
L’intermission
Close Up with Zaha Hadid Running from June 26– September 15, 2021, ZHA Close Up at MAM Shanghai examines the evolution of Zaha Hadid Architects’ buildings over the last forty years, demonstrating a consistent desire to innovate and inspire. Visit En.MAMsh.org to learn more about the exhibit. Go to Zaha-Hadid.com for more about this prestigious architecture firm. Photo by Jacopo Spilimbergo, courtesy of ZHA
Defined by a timeline of Zaha Hadid Architects’ formative works in China, ZHA Close Up at the Modern Art Museum Shanghai explores the pioneering research and interconnecting relationships that unite ZHA projects around the globe. It details the technological innovations transforming how the studio imagines, designs, and constructs environments.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 107
Room at THE INN
Post House Inn is a new favorite among locals and visitors alike in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, just outside Charleston.
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Europe Travels South at Post House by Kelsey Ogletree
~ photography by Kirk Robert
e pulled up to post house on a chilly November evening, hours after dark had fallen (and not according to plan, thanks to flight delays). As I caught sight of the glow from the inn’s mainfloor restaurant, illuminating a shadowy residential street in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, across the harbor from Charleston, a sense of warmth and comfort spread through me—and we hadn’t even gotten out of the car yet. I felt like we were in a movie scene as co-owner Ben Towill swung open the front door to Post House, welcoming us inside the place he and his wife and co-owner, Kate, call “a restaurant with rooms.” The 1890s building they transformed into a chic, seven-room inn that opened late summer 2020 has a distinctly European vibe. Although I didn’t realize it at the time of arrival, that warmth I experienced was exactly the feeling the couple had been seeking to create for every guest. “People love that they feel like they’re in a movie set,” says Kate. “This is different for Charleston.” Though the exterior of the building—which you can spot in the upcoming second season of the Netflix series Outer Banks, premiering later this year—has a classic Southern look, that difference is notable inside. Think William Morris wallpaper, treasured antiques, and patterned floors. Ben and Kate, who also own V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 109
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the design company Basic Projects that includes Basic Kitchen restaurant in Charleston and The Fat Radish in Savannah, Georgia, say it was important to strike the right balance of old and new. “I didn’t want everything to be antiques,” Kate shares. “A lot of neighbors said to us, ‘You’re not going to make it too modern, are you?’” Though the instinct to go with linen and cement tile was there, Kate wanted to preserve the aesthetic and history of the building while bringing in experiences from her and Ben’s backgrounds. The convivial couple first met in New York City a decade ago, where, ironically, Ben was working as the chef at Kate’s ex-boyfriend’s restaurant. They connected, began dating, and before long, Ben whisked Kate off to his native England, to Cornwall in the rugged southwest part of the country. “I remember going there with him, and he took me around to all these gorgeous beaches,” Kate recalls. “I fell right in love with the area.” Her newfound passion for her husband’s country inspired a change in her design eye, too. “The Brits are not afraid to use pattern and color and mix them as much as they can. England also does so well with wallpaper and layers so many things,” Kate says. She drew upon those elements—and borrowed the concept of a restaurant with rooms above—when dreaming up Post House with Ben. “We wanted it to be like spending the night at your grandma’s house but much hipper,” Kate adds. The charm of Post House, which opened during the pandemic, was first to make the locals happy—and they’ve surely done so with the incredible restaurant, with tables both in front and back of the completely renovated first floor. Open for dinner nightly and brunch on weekends, the 140 seats tend to fill up quickly. The decor throughout the restaurant is an impeccable mix of high and low, with five-dollar photographs of rock ’n’ roll bands adjacent to two-thousand-dollar original oil paintings. In the front bar area, an original chandelier from Murano, Italy hangs above the cocktail crowd, and custom chairs from a Soho House designer bookend tiny marble tables for two. Details like bespoke shell-shaped sconces add little touches of Charleston while still retaining the European feel. If you think the restaurant is only a feast for the eyes, however, think again. Bellies are more than satisfied, too, thanks to local delicacies like oysters and peel-andeat shrimp. The cheeseburger and crispy butterbean burger are both mainstays on the frequently changing menu—and don’t forget about desserts like Southern chocolate buttermilk cake or oatmeal raisin cookies made with Anson Mills oats. A complimentary European-style breakfast is also included with every overnight stay, a delightful medley of hard-boiled eggs, cold cuts, fresh berries, and a hotfrom-the-oven croissant served atop a red-and-white custom Post House plate, at your convenience. Perhaps the best part about Post House is that you never have to leave if you’re staying upstairs. A beautiful white-banistered staircase in the front, adjacent to the restaurant hostess station, leads you up to several floors of guest rooms, each individually designed. During our stay, we ventured down a hallway lined with Moroccan rugs to our room on the third floor and entered (with an actual metal 110 | JULY 2 0 21
M O R E TO E X P LO R E
THE NEXT TIME YOU’RE IN CHARLESTON, STOP INTO SOME OF THE TOWILLS’ FAVORITE EUROPEANINSPIRED SPOTS FOR A DOSE OF THE OLD CONTINENT’S CULTURE WITHOUT CROSSING THE POND. HARKEN CAFÉ & BAKERY Come early to grab a table by the window at this French-style café, tucked into a bright spot on Queen Street. Pastries such as ricotta pound cake slices, avocado matcha shortbread, and cherry chocolate-stuffed cookies are so tempting, you’ll need a few to share. HarkenCafe.com CHEZ NOUS Owned by local couple Fanny and Patrick Panella, the name of this French restaurant means “our place.” The tiny space downtown features just two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts each day, inspired by the cuisine of southern France, northern Italy, and northern Spain. ChezNousChs.com THE GEORGE GALLERY It’s easy to get lost in the beautiful oil paintings housed in this contemporary gallery of European and American artists’ work located on Broad Street. GeorgeGalleryArt.com HAMPDEN Scoop the latest high-end fashions from European designers, including Isabel Marant and Mimi Liberte, at this King Street staple encompassing nearly ten thousand square feet of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. HampdenClothing.com
“We wanted it to be like spending the night at your grandma’s house, but much hipper.”
This page and opposite: Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or a long weekend stay, Post House Inn offers Englishinspired charm in a cozy modern setting, fabulous local food, and warm Southern hospitality.
— Kate Towill V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 111
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Once you’ve experienced Post House, you might feel something like a magnet drawing you back— a combination of the place and the individuals behind it. key!) to find soaring ceilings, light blue walls punctuated with a cheerful rust-colored chair and matching velvet pillow, a nautical-nodding round mirror hung by a leather strap, a functioning rotary phone, and a minibar filled with Charleston touches (think locally made benne wafers and even an “emergency bowtie”). It was an idyllic, cozy spot to relax following a rinse in the luxurious shower, complete with a skylight. Other rooms in the inn offer an entirely different experience, with every detail from the wallpaper to the art and the antique furniture and lamps individually designed. Once you’ve experienced Post House, you might feel something like a magnet drawing you back—a combination of the place and the individuals behind it. “People love the sense of community. They want to come again, try a different room next time,” Kate says. “It’s kind of like the village’s version of Cheers, where everybody knows your name.” They say success breeds success. In the near future, Kate says they’re planning to open another hotel with a restaurant, a twenty-five-room new-build locale near Post House that will be Mediterraneaninspired. And beyond that, the world is their oyster. “I’d love to do something in England,” Kate shares. Perhaps, a Charleston-inspired hotel in the Commonwealth will be next.
VISIT THEPOSTHOUSEINN.COM TO BOOK YOUR STAY.
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The inviting outdoor dining space of a home in Alys Beach, Florida, designed by Taylor DeBartola of TD Interiors Photo by Brenna Kneiss
living
boldly interior design with art in mind
BY J O R D A N S TA G G S PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TD INTERIORS
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l ike many creative people, Taylor DeBartola did time working in corporate America before breaking free to pursue his passion. While living in Charleston in 2016, he opened his design firm, TD Interiors, and never looked back. “I had little more than a business license, a website, and a vision,” he admits. DeBartola and his company are now based in Atlanta and serve clients across the US. “Looking back, I should have pursued this from the start, but I think perhaps I did. I took the long way to get there and didn’t realize that every trip I took, every book I read, and every museum I visited—each small interior moment, however insignificant—added up to something greater than the sum of its parts: running a business and being a creative.”
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Even before DeBartola knew interior design was a career option, he seemed to be led toward decor and art. Walls of colors and patterns enthralled him as he wound through the aisles of the fabric store with his mother, younger brother in tow. Flea markets offered a treasure trove of funky knickknacks, while museum exhibits opened his eyes to the world of fine art. “As a child, I didn’t know that interior design was something that people would need help with because, from a young age, I wanted no help,” he laughs. “I had opinions to spare about my space and started developing, without any intention, a style that would become my own.” That style today is bold, with layers of nostalgia, color, pattern, texture, and art, plus a focus on functionality. “It’s all rolled into something that has a sense of humor and doesn’t take itself too seriously,” DeBartola says. While his focus when designing for clients is on their personal styles, collections, and lifestyles, he translates his style sensibilities to fit any space or home. It is evident in his use of color and, above all, art. “Art is the reason I do interior design,” he shares. “Maybe I was afraid of being an artist, so I chose this route. Or maybe I am meant to enjoy art to the fullest, to learn about it, and to share both the big names and the smaller names—especially the forgotten outsider names—with people I work with and my audience on Instagram.” Art consultancy is a pillar of TD Interiors, organically formed to meet the needs of DeBartola’s clients looking for the right piece to fit their home. “My approach to art consultancy is to steer people away from shopping for a particular space, wall, house, or room. I try to meet the client where they are in their art collecting journey and evaluate their goals first. Often, they already have several good pieces, and they know it. Others are starting with nothing but framed wedding photos and things passed down from family. For the few clients I have who are established blue-chip art buyers, I’m meeting them at a place I have never been myself. There aren’t many people who can invest six figures into multiple pieces of art. Whether you’re just starting or rounding out a prolific collection, you need an outside set of eyes to make sure you aren’t missing something. My role is not to choose art for people as decoration—although art you love always works—my role is to put options on the menu for my clients that they otherwise would not order. This starts with careful research. I stay on top of which museums are acquiring what, which auction houses are bringing pieces of interest up for bidding, and, just as important, where the art is coming from.” DeBartola continues, “The part that is the most fun to me is helping a new collector realize they can have a blue-chip artist’s work in the form of an editioned, signed lithograph, etching, or the like. They light up when they learn they can get an Ellsworth Kelly, a Louise Bourgeois, or a Robert Rauschenberg for about as much as some works by unrepresented emerging artists in the Southeast. I challenge everyone to think bigger and a little more globally.” That challenge extends from art into all aspects of design as DeBartola works with his clients across the country, from his home in Atlanta and former home in Charleston to New York City, the Gulf Coast, and California. He urges people not to settle for furnishings or decor they don’t love, as they might regret it when the project is finished and, as a result, feel uncomfortable with the choice. “Your home is the center of your life; this isn’t the place to not embrace who you are,” he advises. “This should be the place where you can do that effortlessly, and I want that for each client. Often, people know they want something and just need 116 | JULY 2 0 21
I didn’t know that interior design was something
that people would need help with because,
from a young age, I wanted no help.
Above: Beautiful textures and metallic details in an Alys Beach bathroom Photo by Brenna Kneiss Opposite: TD Interiors is known for using bold colors and patterns and helping clients select the perfect artwork for their home or office through a curated art consultancy program with owner/principal designer Taylor DeBartola.
someone to help them envision a space where it makes the most sense. I regularly serve as a part-time therapist, holding my clients’ hands and explaining that the difference between something that just checks a box in their home and something that would make their heart sing is only about the cost of a couple of nights on the town. They’re looking for permission to get exactly what they want, and that’s what I give them.” Travel is a continual source of inspiration for the designer, be it for business or pleasure. Pre-pandemic, some of DeBartola’s favorite places to shop for furnishings and decor included tiny shops in Italy, France, and Spain. “Outside the States, Italy is a place I return to again and again, particularly Florence,” he says. “The idea of the fashion show came out of this city, along with iconic brands like Gucci, Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, and Panerai, the best food scene, and stores that sell two-hundred-year-old
wallpaper, stocked to the ceiling. Before 2020, all of the trims and woven tapes I sourced were vintage, in new condition, and came from the markets in Florence, Milan, and Paris. I’m ready to get back at it, no matter how steep, scary, or small the basement stockroom is!” When it comes to favorite American brands, DeBartola swears by wallpaper and furniture designs from Bradley USA that will “knock your socks off,” he says. “We’ve installed a number of their wallpapers, but I’m eager for the client who wants the edge, sophistication, and ballsiness that their line of furniture brings to the market.” He’s a big fan of Trueing Co. (a bespoke lighting company out of Brooklyn), P/Kaufmann, and Vanguard for upholstery. He also enjoys designing custom pieces that will last, giving his clients one-of-a-kind looks. TD Interiors projects have varied. DeBartola has designed a historic 1866 Charleston single house, family homes throughout the Southeast, a Hampton Park bungalow in Charleston, a New York City loft and rooftop, an Alys Beach courtyard home, and the Charleston brunch destination Daps, to name a few. “I now get asked more and more to reimagine and reconceptualize outdoor spaces, making game-changing improvements to life at home,” he adds. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 117
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“My townhouse apartment on Bull Street is my favorite project, the best place I ever lived, and probably my best-photographed work to date,” he says. “What I loved about that project is I gave myself the full permission I had been giving my clients to embrace what they desired. I wanted striking proportions, plaster mouldings, original doors and windows everywhere, bold murals, and a mix of wallpapers. It also included some of the best lighting I’ve put in any project, thanks to my friends at Trueing Co. and Thomas O’Brien’s line for Visual Comfort. I still miss the in-wall Miele coffee machine—now a must-have in my book. But the most gratifying part of this project was that I was able to sell it fully furnished, down to the pillows and rugs; someone understood exactly what I aimed to create and was willing to pay full price for it. That felt good.” DeBartola’s favorite spaces to design are dining rooms because they are all about getting to know the client or family and understanding how they will use the area, even if it’s a rarely occupied showroom of sorts. “While there are rules in a dining room, if you know them, you can carefully break them,” he says. “I find that people like to have fun in these spaces, similar to a powder room—but a powder room can be tedious even though we love doing them for their small footprints.” Moving forward through the rest of 2021 and beyond, DeBartola has several exciting designs in the works and says he was fortunate that, despite his fears when the pandemic hit in 2020, only one of his clients had to pause their project. However, the most significant area of growth for TD Interiors is the brand’s upcoming online shop. “Each collection released online will be a grouping of exclusive vintage art, objets, glassware, accessories—really anything that catches my eye and inspires me,” he says. “Alongside each release—thinking of this as if it were the art world—there will also be a small, continually updated permanent collection of our favorite staple items, furniture, lighting, and more that can be ordered directly through TD Interiors. I’m excited to offer a line of custom linen bedding and draperies, and I’m thrilled to roll out the first release of TD Interiors original fabric and a small line of grasscloth wallpaper—the only two we use in projects. The goal with this shop is to reach folks who might not hire us for full-scale design but who want to incorporate some of our offerings into their space. I hope to offer a lot of art, too!” Mutual trust and understanding are crucial for the relationship between client and interior designer, DeBartola says. He also iterates that hiring a designer doesn’t mean you don’t have style—the opposite, in fact. “It means that you do, and you recognize that to attain the result you want, you need to call on people who do this every day who’ve likely faced similar challenges to yours,” he says. “The very best homes are the ones created with thoughtfulness and without a rush. They make room for the important things, showcase the beautiful things, and put your loved ones in the center of it all.” He continues, “Interior design isn’t about ‘stuff,’ it is an experience that involves acquiring things that set the stage for some of life’s best memories. Home is where most of those memories, for me, are rooted, and I see no better investment than making the space around you the best it can be for yourself and those you love the most.”
TO LEARN MORE OR SEE MORE OF DEBARTOLA’S WORK, VISIT TAYLORDEBARTOLA.COM OR FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM @TD_INTERIORS. 118 | JULY 2 0 21
Interior design isn’t about things, it is an experience in and of itself. Above: Visit TaylorDeBartola.com to see more projects by TD Interiors, including the above homes on Queen Street in Charleston (top) and Alys Beach (bottom). Bottom: Photo by Brenna Kneiss
Petite pause
Journey
to Provence
“From cities to quaint towns and everything in between, Provence has something for everyone,” writes publisher Assouline of its coffee-table travel tome Provence Glory by François Simon. “Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Calanque de Sormiou in Marseille. Drive with the top down through fields of lavender in Valensole. Experience a bite of justout-of-the-oven fougasse, a Provençal classic. Stand in awe of the beautiful, white Camargue horses native to the area. Located in the South of France, Provence is uniquely positioned to be a cultural blend of the Mediterranean.” Find it on Amazon or at other major booksellers. Photo by Brian Jannsen, courtesy of Assouline V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 119
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AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR
Lifestyle
Story and photography courtesy of Brad Reese
As the leader of the Walton Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, my passion for people and a passion for the Scenic Highway 30-A lifestyle is at the heart of my business and personal life.
G
rowing up in Fayetteville, Arkansas, I was always drawn to the outdoors and spent much of my time playing sports, hiking scenic trails in the Ozark Mountains, and exploring Northwest Arkansas. I moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, in 2014 and instantly adopted this exhilarating new outdoor lifestyle filled with sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, boating, fishing the flats of the Choctawhatchee Bay, and walking my dogs on the Point Washington State Forest trails. The laidback beach life we have here is unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere and truly is the first thing people fall in love with when they arrive on 30-A. I feel incredibly fortunate to have planted my roots here and to have the privilege of helping others do the same. I am a second-generation real estate agent—the business seems to run in my blood. I attended Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas and later spent six years living and working in New Orleans, where my mother is a top-producing agent. My first few years in 30-A real estate launched me into a highly fulfilling business at a globally respected brokerage where I have had the honor of representing countless individuals and families as they buy and sell spectacular properties. Since the start of 2020, my team, the Walton Group, has over $70 million in pending and sold volume. The Walton Group is a dynamic collection of experienced real estate professionals who share the same dedication and work ethic. For me, real estate representation is about much more than the act of a sale; it’s an opportunity to get to know new people, hear their stories, and strengthen my relationships within the community. People from all walks of life find their way to our slice of paradise—people I might never have had the chance to know had I not positioned myself in this market. Many of our transactions have led to genuine friendships, shared beach days, and adventures followed by laughs over dinner—far greater blessings to me than any commission. 120 | JULY 2 0 21
We see a whole movement now as more people recognize the value in their way of life and discover the hidden gem that is Northwest Florida as a great place to live. Current homeowners are also seizing the opportunity to maximize their return and reallocate their investment into a better fit for their family without leaving 30-A. In this unprecedented market we are experiencing on the Emerald Coast, homeowners considering listing and prospective homebuyers alike must select their real estate representation carefully and intentionally. Partnering with an agent who is well connected in the local network of brokers, has extensive experience, and is diligently mining for the perfect property or the perfect buyer is the best—and possibly only—way to achieve those goals. With a dramatic increase in off-market deals executed, buyers who choose to wait until the perfect property shows up in the MLS will likely not know about it until it’s already been sold. Meanwhile, a seller’s choice of agent could make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars left on the table.
“ THE WALTON GROUP IS DEDICATED TO CONSTANT RESEARCH AND MAINTAINING GREAT RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR FELLOW REALTORS IN THE COMMUNITY. ”
The Walton Group is dedicated to constant research and maintaining great relationships with our fellow realtors in the community. We have the experience and know-how to dig for the right home and maximize the return on your new property. Nothing gives our team more excitement than making the perfect match between people and their 30-A investment.
See listings by the Walton Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida by visiting SouthWaltonFL.com or following on Instagram @thewaltongroup30a.
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From Home Staging to Design for Living and full-service Interior Design from the ground up, Casanoah does it all. Talk with our experts about Design for Living, focusing on your needs by customizing soft decoration schemes for your home or commercial space, all within your style and budget. Home Staging for real estate professionals or owners will show a property’s value based on its functionality and livability, helping it sell faster and at a higher price. For those building a new home or renovating, our complete Interior Design package includes everything from interior and floor layout to selection of finishes, details, and decor. We work directly with you and your contractor to ensure a smooth construction process and a beautiful result that’s uniquely you.
OUR SERVICES : EXTERIOR & INTERIOR DESIGN • 3D RENDERING & VIRTUAL REALITY • CONSTRUCTION DRAWING • BUILDING MATERIALS • CUSTOM FURNITURE • HOME STAGING
483 N R Jackson Blvd Panama City Beach, FL 32407 | 850-249-5121 C A S A N OA H D E S I G N G R O U P.C O M
LEADER IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE
THEPREMIERPROPERTYGROUP.COM | 850.337.1555 SEACREST BEACH | WATERCOLOR | DESTIN
T R È S C H I C D I G I TA L G R A F F I T I AWA R DS PA RT Y VIE’s 2021 Digital Graffiti Awards Party, Très Chic, was a smashing success as guests mixed, mingled, and danced off the stress of the past year to celebrate the annual Digital Graffiti Festival in beautiful Alys Beach, Florida, on May 15. Each year, this New Urbanism resort town welcomes artists worldwide to submit their digital work. For the fifth year, VIE hosted the official award party where curator Brett Phares announced the winners. Alys Beach’s Central Park was stunning with glow-in-the-dark furnishings by VONDOM provided by our brand alliance partners at isidro dunbar Modern Interiors in Miramar Beach. Bella the DJ kept people grooving on the dance floor, and Black Bear Bar Room, Patisserie, and Hey Mama Wines provided delicious light bites, sweets, and wine. Photography by Hunter Burgtorf
Lisa Burwell and Marianne Duffey 124 | JULY 2 0 21
Renae Currey and Mitch Corlett
Ann Delaney, Stacy Hamilton, and Chris Stinson Todd Reeves, cake by Patisserie
Bella DeLéon and Danny Alonte
Daria Gor, Sherri McKay, Debbie Carona, Rhonda McCann, Sharon Poirrier, and Marta Rata
Marta Rata and Daria Gor
Mary Ellen DiMauro and Jonah Allen
Shelby Kaiser, Jordan Staggs, Kelly and Alex Curry, Cami Fletcher, Brandon Scates, Amanda and Vince Salucci, and Emme Martin V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 125
La scène
Nathan Alan Yoakum and Polly Yoakum
126 | JULY 2 0 21
Emme Martin, Kelly Curry, Amanda Salucci, Jordan Staggs, and Tracey Thomas ??
H OM E BY V I E B O O K S I G N I N G AT I DM I
Fred Cox, Peter Mohylsky, and Joe Capers
It was a refreshing evening spending time with everyone who joined us at the first of many book signings for HOME—Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE on May 19, 2021. The lovely isidro dunbar Modern Interiors showroom looked beautiful as our VIE brand alliance partners, owners Todd Reeves and Jorge Saiz, hosted the event. Charcuterie by CC. Boone, macarons by On The Fly PCB, and drinks by Tip Top Proper Cocktails were delicious. We discussed the tale of how the luxury coffee-table book came to fruition as guests admired the modern furniture and artist-in-residence Nathan Alan Yoakum’s brilliant pieces featured in the book and for sale in the showroom.
Ampy and Fred Cox, Mara and Jim Clark
Lisa Burwell and Todd Reeves
Photography by Hunter Burgtorf ??
Don and Jan Patrick, Jamie and Bill Graves
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 127
La scène
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly over NavyMarine Corps Memorial Stadium on May 28, 2021. Photo by Midshipman 2nd Class Sean Mccullough/USNA
128 | JULY 2 0 21
Shannon Thompson, Rick Thompson, Vice Admiral Sean Buck, 2nd Lt. Stephen Thompson, Lisa Burwell, 2nd Lt. Ryan Duffey, and Marianne Duffey
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the commencement on May 28. Photo by Marianne Duffey
U N I T E D STAT E S N AVA L AC A D E MY G R A D UAT I O N 2 0 2 1 The 2021 USNA Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland, on Friday, May 28, was a day filled with gratitude, respect, and optimism. VIE editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell joined her family to celebrate her nephew Ryan Duffey’s commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp. The ceremony was nothing short of amazing as guests proudly watched the U.S. Navy Blue Angels welcome the Class of 2021 with a flyover. Vice President Kamala Harris gave a speech to the class and congratulated them on their accomplishments, becoming the first woman to speak at the USNA commencement. The ceremony was indeed a highlight after a long year of trials due to the pandemic. It is safe to say we are in good hands with this fine group of men and women serving our country.
Marianne, 2nd Lt. Ryan, and Tom Duffey
2021 USMC Silent Drill performance Photo by Marianne Duffey 2021 USNA Graduation Photo by Marianne Duffey
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 129
H OM E BY V I E B O O K S I G N I N G AT B EC A SA We celebrated HOME—Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE once again at BECASA 30Avenue on Thursday, June 3. Guests chatted and shopped the lush summer fashions and accessories while sipping bubbly. Like our creators and publishers, Emily Raffield of BECASA set out to write a love story for her audience about the beautiful area we call home. She does so every day through her clothing brand and lifestyle boutiques in Apalachicola and 30Avenue. We were joined by talented photographer Lauren Athalia, whose work is featured in HOME and throughout BECASA’s branding. Stop by for your copy of the book or shop online! Photography by Hunter Burgtorf Burgtorf
Tracey Thomas, Lisa Burwell, Emily Raffield, and Jordan Staggs 130 | JULY 2 0 21
La scène
Shelli Ann Roberts, Jordan Staggs, and Lisa Burwell
Kendalyn Ferner
Lauren Athalia
Amanda Salucci and Sally Neal V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 131
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The Last Word
Solution on next page
HOME and STYLE BY MYLES MELLOR
ACROSS
DOWN
1 6 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 19 21 23 26 27 28 29
1 2 3 4 5
Licensed building designer Colorant Small block of stone, tile, or glass used to construct a mosaic Popular American house style Having a smaller, more efficient design Highest level Designer’s starting point Brazilian icon of modern architecture, _____ Niemeyer Climb Fashionable Areas outside a city, slang term Walking path Stars of HGTV’s Property Brothers, last name There it is! Not artificial Office furnishings
6 7 11 13 14 15 17 20 21 22 23 24 25
Popular storage spot Type of window Refrigerator feature (2 words) Georgian, for one Flooring mixture of quartz, granite, marble, or glass bound with resin and polished smooth Full of life and motion Undesirable sound effect in a media room Little ones Swarovski specialty Deep purplish-red Plumbing line Alphanumeric line found above a barcode, acronym Sombrero or Stetson Construct Throughways Upright piece of timber or metal Sky twinkler Famed office shape
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 133
The Last Word Puzzle on previous page
E
K
O
Z
I
C
“
The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
”
FABULOUS KIDS’ FASHIONS & TOYS 62 main street ROSEMARY BEACH,FL gigisfabkids.com 850.231.0110
THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM Santa Rosa Beach, Florida: (850) 231-3087
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ONE-YEAR FOR $29.95
V IEM A G A ZINE .C O M / S U B S CR IBE-V IE
Au revoir!
Au revoir! BEFORE YOU GO . . .
Visit VanessaBarragao.com to learn more or follow her on Instagram @vanessabarragao_work. Photo courtesy of Studio Vanessa Barragão
Portugeuse artist Vanessa Barragão was born in the country’s southern town of Albufeira. Proximity to the ocean and a career in the textile industry have heavily influenced her work, along with a lifelong passion for creating. “Since my childhood, I have made things with my hands, from sandcastles to doll’s clothes,” she says. Her textile art studio, founded in 2014, focuses on handmade and ancestral techniques, using waste and found objects to create woven artwork. The studio’s mission is to show the importance of preserving handmade processes and upcycling, both of which can help fight against our planet’s environmental issues. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 137
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©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Sea breeze smells better from your kitchen window. Corcoran Reverie has your beach home on 30A.
MLS: 873627 | OFFERED AT: $4,995M | LISTING COURTESY OF HILARY FARNUM-FASTH & JACOB WATKINS 4042 E . CO UN TY HW Y 3 0 A | SA N TA ROS A BEAC H , F L | 850. 231. 5030 | C ORC ORAN REVERI E.C OM ©2020 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.