Architecture Don't

Every month I look forward to receiving a slew of new magazines, including Architectural Digest.  I sat down this morning with a cup of coffee and the July issue anticipating a pleasant hour of looking at photos of gorgeous homes.  For the most part I was not disappointed.  Until I turned to an article on page 86 titled 'Full Spectrum.'  Ouch! My eyes hurt.  My soul hurt for the poor house.  Is this what happens when people have more money than sense or taste?

The focus of the story is a French-style mini-chateau located in River Oaks, Houston, an upscale enclave of massive homes.  The exterior and grounds look lovely.  The interior however has been transformed into a loud explosion of color, clashing styles and over-lapping eye-straining patterns.  The interior designer (Miles Redd) has taken a mansion with strong, classic bones and turned it into a carnival fun-house.

There are elements of his choices that are nice.  The wallpaper in the master bedroom (by Iksel Decorative Arts) is beautiful, but is eclipsed by bright red curtains and an 80's style shiny plastic four-poster bed.

 Architectural Digest, July 2014

The touches of class are unfortunately, overwhelmed by the tacky and tasteless.  The dining room mixes gentle silk wall coverings with a garish multicolor rug and electric blue curtains.  The elegant front entrance with its sweeping staircase is a taxi-cab yellow, which the designer proudly states inspired his being chosen for the job.

I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, however this beholders eyes are smarting from the clash of colors and styles in this home.