Friday, January 31, 2025

Caroline Gidiere & Chinoiserie

Interiors for a Life in Good Taste by Caroline Gidiere

 
Do any of you know what Darryl Carter, Caroline Gidiere, and I have in common?

We are all lawyers turned interior designers. This last couple of weeks reminded me why I no longer practice law. I have been helping a friend with a complex HOA issue and it is very stressful and such negative energy. Interior design and blogging are so much more fun!

Caroline Gidiere is such a favorite of mine. Her style is very classic and Southern and just plain pretty. Her debut book is out on March 4, 2025.

"A fresh perspective on classic American interior design and practical advice on living well in our modern world, in this much-anticipated work from a rising decorator.

Gidiere’s design aesthetic is a modern take on traditional interiors, using contemporary and antique furniture with backdrops of joyful color and pattern to create spaces that are both new and classical—florals, botanical prints, rush baskets, tailored stripes, well-stocked bars, books, and comfort abound. The decorator not only presents her decorating capabilities but also shares her talents as a hostess, giving ideas on how to live and entertain in her inviting rooms.

Gidiere’s style is sophisticated and charming, taking cues from such accomplished Southern-born designers as Charlotte Moss, Miles Redd, and Celerie Kemble. The book is organized by the ways in which a house is planned and utilized: "Social Life" is centered on entryways, living rooms, and dining rooms—spaces that are designed to receive and welcome others. "Family Life" reviews kitchens, breakfast rooms, dens, and playrooms—places that are the heart and soul of the house. "Private Life" focuses on bedrooms, libraries, and studies—the sanctuaries of our day-to-day existences. "Sweet Life" celebrates how a home can be used for hospitality and entertaining, inside and out. And, "My Life" shows how Gidiere interprets the art of living well in her own home. Each section offers in-depth information on topics that include setting the table, keeping houseplants, stocking the bar, outfitting a guest room, and being party-ready. Gidiere’s aesthetic salutes interior design of the past, while interpreting it for our lives today."


Her Birmingham, Alabama home and her portfolio are filled with classic interiors and lots of chinoiserie - hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper, blue and white Chinese garden stools, blue and white Chinese porcelain, and chinoiserie fabrics. Some wonderful chinoiserie filled rooms from her portfolio - 


Caroline Gidiere


Caroline Gidiere


Caroline Gidiere


Caroline Gidiere


Caroline Gidiere


I think this is a book that will really appeal to followers of Chinoiserie Chic and I am looking forward to reading it. Have a wonderful weekend. I have an insanely busy week next week including the launch of a new wine tasting and pairing group, so this weekend I am relaxing! In my next career I am going to be a sommelier - LOL.







3 comments:

  1. Thank you for bringing her work to my attention. Turns out she just collaborated with my favorite sea shell artist and creative force Wex Robichaux on an incredible mirror for the upcoming Kips Bay Show House Palm Beach 2025. Sooo looking forward to seeing images from the show and the book! I love sea shell art so much I started making my own.

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  2. My son is an attorney, turned designer, too. He loves the change!

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