There were dozens of quotes from designers on what "luxury" means to them and several of them said that money has nothing to do with it. They praised restraint and a couple of them called excess "burdensome" and technology a waste of money, as it is constantly changing. And then the magazine went and profiled homes that were completely excessive, layered with luxury (read: expensive) custom made finishes and furniture that precisely 1% of their readers can ever attain. I am completely dumbfounded and after a five minute perusal tossed my copy in the trash - understand I usually save every Elle Decor as there is at least one project inside that I want to draw inspiration from in the future.
My favorite quote in the entire magazine is Da Vinci: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." The older I get, the more I want to simplify and have fewer meaningless things around me. There were actually a few ads in the mag that I thought were beautiful and inspiring and exemplified this quote. So enjoy the only pages of this month's Elle Decor that I thought lived up to the description luxurious...the advertisements!
I included the Jean de Merry ad for the chandelier, I swear......hahahaha
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P.S. **Disclaimer - the eat-in kitchen Bill Sofield did is gorgeous and simple, with the best things money can buy. The entire project is probably considered a masterpiece by many. I can't hate on how stunning it is, just that it took two years, trips to Paris, and millions of dollars to create.
P.P.S. Heather called me out on my love for fine things. I do love luxury items, my friends - it was the message of accessible luxury portrayed in the design quotes vs. the homes profiled. There could have at least been ONE project that was more simple or attainable.





