The Nero Chronicles: Of Coming To and a Second Wind

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Of Coming To and a Second Wind

The design world has been all but comatose of late, fair Nerophytes, which has led to a slow blogging week over here at Ground Nero, where things like belated family birthdays, All Hallow's costume scavenging and sloppy pumpkin carving have taken precedent over Louis or luster or lacquer.

But enter the latest installment of Elle Decor to bring sexy back with a bang akin to a tech-tonic shot in the arm. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Nero's Zinio account -- clearly aware of this blogger's pull towards all things exotic -- insists on sending me the Hong Kong version of its page. And so each month, as I fumble over Chinese script to dig up my password, pictures by default speak louder than the words Nero can't begin to decipher.

The November issue is collagen boosted with well-oiled, statement-y spaces, coupled with lots of "whoulda thunkit" moments. For example, a newly-single Allegra Hicks unveils her family home yet again, which appears largely un-tweaked since her recent book was published last year. Why is that so often when a woman decides to go out on a limb by embarking on a successful business venture, her personal life soon dusts off its feathers and takes wing too?

In another section the illustrious French tastemaker, Robert Couturier, goes to town on a New York flat with great fanfare and unbridled élan -- it's all a bit much, but we'll take it. And hold onto your powdered wigs, dear readers, 'cuz you're in for an unexpected twist when a Manhattan dealer-dame in thigh-high boots and well-settled into her seventies unveils her clash pad. On that note, Nero will say no more, if this teaser has reeled my fair readers in even a little bit, you can go leaf through it at the salon yourselves.

Call it a purple haze if you wish, but violet vamps it up to eye-catching advantage on the cover.

There's no mistaking gay Paree -- this Couturier creation, though housed in New York, is decidedly French in body and spirit.

In this studly study, La Fiorentina still looks fresh.

It's business as usual in this home office-cum-boudoir.

A young NYC-based babe's salon couldn't be anything but all-American, so punctuated is it by dynamic of-the-moment design staples.

Serving up beauty poolside is the sort of preamble to a moveable feast that Nero approves of year-round (weather-permitting).

Many a tender family moment was surely spent in this, Allegra's sitting room.

It would appear not much has changed on the design-front, although Allegra is now a swingin' singleton.

The home maintains the same warm, eclectic tone, which is every bit a reflection of its Italian and British lineage.

Whoulda thunkit?

That zany room above was designed by this spunky broad.

This velvet tiger stripe in the green colorway is one of Nero's newer dark objects of desire.

And get a load of that crystal rock curtain rod.

Nevermind that full closure will evidently never be an option. Here it's all about the eye candy.

A Birkin to match the home's violet-shellac-ed library? It's quite de rigeur you know.

Labels: All images via Elle Decor

9 comments:

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...: Hello Alcira:
And just as we were thinking that beige, greige,cream and magnolia were becoming acceptable, you dear Alcira, the maven in mauve, the siren of scarlet and the purveyor of all that is whacky and wonderful in the theatre of design shakes us out of our neutral slumber!!

And, should we ever find ourselves in Manhattan, then the dealer-dame would be a must. A new best friend across the Atlantic....we can feel it!!

Thank you so much for your kind words on our previous post. It is comforting to have the warm wishes of others at difficult times.; October 20, 2011 at 9:51 AM
Raina Cox said...: Good night - that purple room knocked me on my everlovin' ass.; October 20, 2011 at 11:37 AM
ms.composure said...: omg the last pic is def my fav! and the round room with the green doors and red chairs/curtains. gr8 pics!

http://infinitelifefitness.com
http://mscomposure.blogspot.com; October 20, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Aylin at Lila Moonlight said...: Dear Alcira, the first and last images are filled with my shades, you know :) i also love the wooden design floor in the beautiful round room. And I would love to attend that feast by the pool as well, served on Hermes, right?; October 20, 2011 at 4:33 PM
JWC said...: I'm loving it all... but I have to say those lacquered purple walls and the green velvet tiger upholstery take the cake!; October 20, 2011 at 4:43 PM
artluvr said...: OMG, that entire apartment with the purple room is gob-smacking! Of course, it couldn't have hurt that "money was no object."

Mental note to self: buy another lottery ticket.; October 20, 2011 at 6:11 PM
Gabrielle said...: Word! I’ve been feeling the same, until now! This is probably the first time La Fiorentina made me swoon…; October 20, 2011 at 9:32 PM
Virginia Abrahamsson said...: By this point in our friendship I think you know which is my favorite!...lol..and that you would the NYC's gals living...the pop of color is fantastic and the modern vibe is so my liking..If i was only bold enough to place leopard in my living..lol....Now, as for the purple, and gosh I do love that shade of purple, it's a bit too much for me...But kudos to the owner for going for an all purple room!! ;) Love all the refreshing pics!! Thank you and good night ;); October 20, 2011 at 9:46 PM
versus said...: Whoulda thunkit? Mon préféré!; October 24, 2011 at 1:20 PM