“Fashion was too impermanent” says Chicago-based, Italian-born interior designer Alessandra Branca, which may be more telling than anything else when trying to assess her style. In her book, New Classic Interiors, the style that comes through is mature, resplendent and timeless. While still rife with playful elements (if you know where to look), you won’t find trendy gimmicks that will quickly turn from eye candy to eye sore in a season. What you will find is a result of an erudite Roman childhood, an eye full of artistic curiosity and a true gift for making your home one you won’t want to leave.
Building on the success of her first decor gallery in Chicago, Alessandra began an interior design career which now spans the globe. Her work has appeared in countless design publications, and in 2008 she expanded her haute interiors shop Branca, to a sizable three-story space in Chicago’s Gold Coast.
New Classic Interiors is a detailed, much photographed exposé of her three homesteads; Rome, Chicago, and New York, with plenty of candid thoughts, tips and design confessions.
Damage: $50 (Amazon.ca)
Highlights: Insight galore! Why you can (and should) layer patterns, which to use and how; how to build a great room plan; where to use colour – especially bright splashes; the importance of black in a room; how to transcend trends.
You’ll like if: you’re a bold classicist; you’re interested in antiques; you’re not so much a minimalist; you like French/Italian baroque influences; you’re a lover of art.
GIVEAWAY: I've an extra copy of this beautiful hardcover to give away! Simply email me the correct answer to the following question and you could find yourself poring over Alessandra Branca's lush interiors in the comfort of your own resplendent home; name one of the five design books I reviewed earlier this month on Style Sheet. Please send your answers to stylesheetAThgtvDOTca with New Classic Interiors in the subject line. Please see contest rules.
This Giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Mary Ann P. of Montreal, QC.
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