Think of classic coastal living and New England’s enduring architecture will immediately spring to mind. Quiet, confident and unselfconscious, the traditional Cape Cod house has proven remarkably resilient and adaptable to the constant demands of contemporary lifestyles.
And few have championed the cause as brilliantly as Royal Barry Wills Associates, which has been designing elegant private homes in the classically inspired Colonial New England tradition for more than 85 years.
The firm’s latest monograph “At Home in New England” not only celebrates the renowned work of Royal Barry Wills architects from 1925 to the present but also captures the essence of this much-loved and abiding architectural style.
The 192-page hardcover volume showcases quintessential examples of the company’s best work,featuring New England homes that are as remarkable for their artistic and qualitative consistency as they are for the ease with which they sit in their surroundings.
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In an age where seemingly nothing but size matters, the houses are a reminder of what can be achieved with proportion, composition, detail, aspect, and setting when skilled hands are guided by keen, practiced and thoughtful eyes.
While many modernist architects adhere to the “form follows function” adage, the homes illustrated in this delightful book bear testament to the evolutionary quality of New England architecture and one that will, no doubt, continue well into the future.
Now run by Royal Barry Wills’ son, Richard Wills, who co-authors the book with Keith Orlesky, the firm has offices in Boston, Mass., and Damariscotta, Maine. The book is published by Rowman & Littlefield, priced $40. royalbarrywills.com
INTERIOR DESIGN INSPIRED BY SOUTHERN COMFORT
If the phrase “Southern hospitality and charm” resonates with your ocean home aesthetic, leading interior designer Kimberly Grigg’s new book “Secrets of Southern Design” is certain to please. CEO and principal designer of Knotting Hill Interiors, based in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Grigg showcases an array of elegant home interiors she has created throughout the Southeast in a lavish coffee table book brimming with design ideas and inspirations. Photos of richly colored and sophisticated interiors are paired with insightful design tips for choosing color palettes, fabrics, furniture and home wares as Grigg shares her expertise for creating warm and welcoming living spaces. Blending style with functionality, the award-winning Grigg also showcases how heritage, antiques, personal touches and memorabilia can be woven into a home’s decor. Priced $39. knottinghillinteriors.com
Image Credits: Photo by Todd Theodore Fix.