Design Crush: Erin Gates of Elements of Style
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the launch party for Erin Gates’ new book, Elements of Style: Designing a Home and a Life, at West Elm in Boston. I’ve been a fan of Erin’s blog and interiors for years, so it was so fun to be a part of such a big event for her.
(If you are unacquainted with Erin, click this link next time you have a few hours to kill, and read her blog.)
Her book, which incorporates images from her own home and studio, as well as client projects, and general things she loves/tips on how to be as chic as she is, is gorgeous, cover-to-cover. The first thing I did at the party, after I grabbed a glass of wine, was wait in line to buy it. (I tried really hard to wait in line to have her sign it, too, but there were a ton of people there wanting an autographed copy, and sadly, I had a train to catch).
When I got home, I promptly made room for it in the place where I put only my favorite coffee table books … my coffee table.
You can’t see it from this photo, but on the cover of the book is this little plug from Jonathan Adler:
“All the elements are here: Glamour, wit, inspiration. Tuck in for a stylish life.”
No big deal.
Until now, I’ve only had time to look at all the pictures in the book, and while I plan to actually start reading it, the pictures alone are a lesson in impeccable taste.
Here are a few of my favs (forgive my photo quality – taking photos of a book with an iPhone really highlights the shortcomings of my iffy photography skills).
A cheetah stair runner. Genius.
This room is classic, fresh, and contemporary all at once.
This a corner of Erin’s own home, where she says she writes her blog every morning. I’d feel pretty inspired sitting here. Especially so close to that Hermes blanket.
A console, turned into a bar.
This Jonathan Adler chandelier shows up in my dreams. And how cool is that sign above the fireplace?
Like I said earlier, in addition to photos of some of her best work, the book also has some handy guides to stylish living, like Erin’s favorite housewarming gifts:
And a few quick equations for the perfect dining room.
For more from Erin, and to see the pictures in a way that does them some sort of justice, check out her book!
