A Passion for Interiors: A Private Tour

by Carolyne Roehm

In her most personal book, Carolyne Roehm shares her lifelong love of classical architecture and design, graciously inviting us into her favorite spaces in three remarkable her own dazzling Manhattan prewar duplex, her antique-filled Colonial-era stone house in Connecticut, and a special friend’s Aspen residence evocative of eighteenth-century Sweden. Each is an architectural showpiece as well as a superlative example of her polished never fussy, always graceful and enticing.
 
Even as a young design assistant to Oscar de la Renta, Carolyne Roehm was a devotee of the eternal virtues of artistry. Now, having lived in several residences, she has gathered her knowledge, enthusiasms, and extraordinary collections to make these three homes quintessential examples of the Roehm style. Each is individual—yet all showcase her classical leanings and devotion to the beauty and grace of authentic craftsmanship. The New York apartment, with its selection of antique busts and objects and superlative artwork and furnishings; the stunning double-height great room, beautifully finished in handcrafted neoclassical details, that forms the heart of her Connecticut residence; Aspen’s colorful, abundant interiors, light-flooded from 78 windows—all express the special, satisfying harmony that can exist between timeless architecture and the artisan’s atelier.
 
With more than 300 intimate and evocative photographs of these classical splendors, A Passion for Interiors is a masterwork—rich with stylish inspirations for tailor-made décor. Oprah Winfrey admits, “Whenever I’m having a stressful day, I just want to open up Carolyne Roehm’s books, look at beautiful things, and dream.” Indeed, there is plenty to dream about in this extraordinary book.

Genres: Design, Interior Design

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 2010

Reviews

[Avis Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a well-designed book, but it's lacking something. Roehm's neoclassic-lite cannot match the real opulence of those who did it the first time in the 1700s. This is neoclassic on a budget.

[Joanne G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photos are exquisite, the color palette is a delight to the eye, and the antiques are beautiful. Is this attainable decorating for the average person? Heaven forbid! I imagine that one of Roehm's antiques is probably worth more than I've spent total on furniture in fifty years, but that doesn't lessen the beauty of the book or the ability to learn from the way she designs her rooms. This is not the spare, depersonalized look of Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn--it's full on gold gilded everything, yards and yards of floral material, ceramic flowers, grandfather clocks, and oil paintings, but it's all done with modern sensibilities and a light, bright touch. The book is designed much the same way--lush, attractive, and with attention to detail.

[Lilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book to read/look at on these dreary days of Winter.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very beautiful book from Carolyne Roehm. But one that didn't really fit to my taste in room decorating for the most part. Still a very interesting book.