03 November 2009

Of Old Houses

There's nothing like an historic house to make the pulse quicken. That said, perhaps a medical advisory should accompany the lavishly illustrated Restoring A House in the City by Ingrid Abramovitch.

In her new book, Abramovitch discusses the joys and tribulations of renovating and decorating townhouses and brownstones - all the while dazzling us with an inside peek at 21 different residences, including those of Julianne Moore, Robert Duffy (Marc Jacob's business partner), and the above Greek Revival house in my very own neighborhood.* Get ready to experience major real estate envy.

If you're in New York, you're in luck - Ingrid is making a sweep of the city, signing copies and divulging behind-the-scenes details you can only get in person:

Thursday, November 5th, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum - Lecture and slideshow, followed by book signing
2 East 91st Street
New York, NY
Info: 212-535-2526
Email: info@friends-ues.org
Web: events.cooperhewitt.org

Click here to visit Ingrid's blog and here for her full schedule of appearances.

*Picture Gallery Red by Farrow and Ball. Another bold choice from designer Ellen Hamilton whose room at this summer's Hamptons Designer's Showhouse bowled me over. Ben Baxt was the architect who oversaw the project.
The oak banister and staircase newels, all original to the house, were "taken apart and put back together," says Baxt.