Visite Privée by François Halard

Photographer François Halard recently had an exhibition which was compiled into an accompanying book entitled Visite Privée.   The collection of photographs of artists and their studios include Cy Twombly, Julian Schnabel, Carlos Mollino, Ahn Duong, Richard Avedon, Paul Cezanne, Robert Rauschenberg, and others.  My favorite space is of course Mr. Hallard's own home in Arles, France.  There is a great story in Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People about how he wasn't intending to buy a home but fell in love with its "melancholy spell."  He spent years restoring the home and filled it with many pieces he already owned in storage including the Louis XVI lit a la polonaise canopy bed from the antiquaire Compoglio.  I've included photos from both books here but unfortunately Visite Privée seems to only be available in Europe.  A reason to hop on a plane to Paris if I ever saw one but if that's not possible, you can also check out the rest of the artists online.  À tout à l'heur‎e!

Photos by François Halard

Chic in Sag Harbor: Paul Rafftery

I'm not the only who is smitten with Sag Harbor. Artist Paul Rafferty, who currently has a solo show at the Grenning Gallery, spends time painting plein air on the East End and has captured the beauty of the beach as well as everyday life around town. The small studies are taken back to his studio in the South of France where they are turned into larger works. Check out his website for a look at his European paintings. I wish I could afford them all!

Artist Studio To Guest Cottage

I am always intrigued by spaces that were artist studios and have become living spaces or the other way around. Perhaps it's knowing that someone put their heart and soul into creating there or would be trying to create beauty makes the space very romantic to me. I was sent this wonderful little house that was formerly an artist studio and the new owners turned it into a guest cottage.

We are not strangers to peeking inside of artist studios on the blogs. You surely will recognized this gorgeous pool house turned artist studio created by Brooke and Steve Giannetti. Read all about this incredible space here.

Or this urban loft and artist studio I wrote about last year designed by Ochs Design. Read about this fabulous space here. Named "Openview", because of its spectacular views of the English countryside, this artist studio turned guest cottage is located just outside of London. Upon entering you immediately notice the open, airy style and wonderful light. Both indicative of why it was a great artist studio to begin with.The furnishings are warm and inviting. Danish white soaped floorboards add a wonderful patina and ambiance to the entire space. Notice how a wicker trunk becomes a coffee table and a stack of book a side table. I love the mirror leaning to the right.
Cathedral ceilings and sheer white linen curtains create a dreamy environment. I love the small desk and collection of framed pressed flowers. The folding bistro chair is wonderful. Clearly there is space to still paint here.
Here is a closer look of the living area. Notice the old worn chairs that do not match and floral couch. Everything is broken in and muted. It makes you feel like you can sit right down and relax.
In the dining/kitchen area an old church bench is painted white and paired with an old farm table and bench. White paint unifies the non matching collection. You can see how the painted concrete floors tie in seamlessly with the outdoor antique brick patio. I love the series of prints hung behind the bench.
Opposite the table is the kitchen area. Enameled appliances, open shelving and old fashion linen skirting continue the cottage charm.
Here is a closer view. Notice the apron front sink, a must in any cottage kitchen.

We end with a soak in the tub in a dreamy bathroom. I love the multiple mirrors. This is a simple and inexpensive decorating idea to add drama to a space. I think the owners did a great job of keeping the charm and creating a comfortable house for their guests.

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(all photos beach studios to see more of this cottage click here)