Channeling Billy

Recently a style-savvy magazine challenged me to find furnishings with classic forms and small price tags. Vintage and thrift shopping was not allowed in this challenge because the pieces needed to be readily accessible to all. So, as a jumping off point, I turned to the timeless 1972 book, Billy Baldwin Decorates. Surprised?

It's true that most of Baldwin's clients had large decorating budgets, but I think perhaps he had seen quite a few over-the-top rooms in his day. He preferred understated things and seemed to contemplate what makes good design, regardless of cost.

Here are a few of his tips that I find enduring: 

"The appearance of simplicity and honesty. Rooms suitable for their use and created with an awareness of budget and maintenance cost."

"Cotton everywhere."

"Lots of white."

"Clear clean colors...fresh flowers always."

"The use of small-scale upholstered chairs, easily moved."

Baldwin also gravitated toward Asian accents, natural fiber rugs in soft tones and tailored armless furniture. He said nothing dates a room like an old fashioned lamp.  

BTW: I was flattered to be asked to contribute to this November In Style story since the ultimate deal finder, Grace, a.k.a. design*sponge, was involved too. Be sure and see her page in the magazine.