One of our favorite California decorating influences is Michael Taylor. He was dubbed the "James Dean of Interior Design" by Diana Vreeland and "the best decorator in the United States " by society and fashion photographer Cecil Beaton. Michael Taylor revolutionized interior design in the 1970's and 1980's with the "California Look".
He was also very well known for his exquisite taste, extravagant shopping trips and ability to transform beautiful spaces using antiques and odd objects.
Michael Taylor ~ "People should have the satisfaction of developing their own personal tastes and of expressing themselves in their own homes with originality."
He could do it all, even though most of his famous spaces were white on white. He was fantastic at mixing it up (which we love) shown here - 17th-century Italian chairs join a 19th-century table inlaid with pietre dure. A divine vigniette.
We recently met the author of his tribute book "Michael Taylor Interior Design"Stephen M. Salny at the PDC. What an interesting design enthusiast and conversationalist!
I so enjoyed this excerpt from a House Beautiful articleinterviewing his employee Suzanne Tucker:
"There was one moment that endeared him to me forever. We were driving to an installation and he pulled up in front of the house. I was gathering my things to get out when I realized he wasn't moving. He was still holding on to the steering wheel, staring straight ahead. I said, "Michael, what's the matter?" He took a deep breath and said, "Do you think it's going to look okay?" I said, "Michael, it's going to be fabulous. As always." He looked at me, winked, and said, "Okay, kid. Let's go."
Interview by Christine Pittel
Thank you Michael Taylor.
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