Thursday, November 17, 2011

Hilary Swank’s Manhattan Apartment

I was all set to write another post and then, as is often the case,  I became distracted and read the December Elle Decor.  I have to admit, I find some of the homes in ED are just a bit over the top (can I say palatial) with too much pattern and colour and “stuff” for my liking.  Although there are elements in each room that I love, I find that when put together, some spaces are a bit too chaotic for my eyes. 

So when I came across Hilary Swank’s New York apartment in their recent issue, it was like a breath of fresh air.  Calm colours, beautiful art and objets and classic furniture ensure her 1400 sq ft apartment is comfortable and stylish.  The ED writer calls her home “spare,” I call it perfect.  (Hilary’s primary residence is a villa in California.)

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Weathered barn wood from a Pennsylvania farm add character to the new build.

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Of the photograph of a couple dancing in 1963 Mali, Hilary says, “They seem so innocent and happy.”

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Hilary worked with designer Mark Zeff.  I thought it funny when she said “I’ve worked with people who roll their eyes when you make a suggestion. Mark doesn’t do that.” 

 

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I just love Hilary – her rags to riches story (as a child, she lived in a trailer park but had big dreams for herself) and her incredible talent (she has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress.)  Can’t wait for her new movie, New Year’s Eve to come out on December 9.

(Oh, and I love that Elle Decor posts full articles and images from their current issue.  Not every magazine does that. You can read it here.)

If you need decorating help, please contact me at decorhappy(at)gmail(dot)com.  I would love to help you out!

12 comments:

  1. Wow, this place is incredible. I usually love a lot more color, but this is just so clean and calm...I love it! That bathroom is pretty awesome too!

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  2. Oh man, I would LOVE to live there. It is gorgeous. Great post!

    Jenny
    www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com

    P.S. I am super excited about a throw pillow giveaway I have going on. If you'd like, come by and enter!

    xo

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  3. It is gorgeous - thanks for the tour!

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  4. totally going in my dream house folder. love it.

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  5. What a beautiful home! Doesnt that make you want to live in NYC? I so miss it!

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  6. I agree with you, it's perfect and I love the weathered barn wood wall.

    Is that a fiddleleaf fig tree in the living room? They're everywhere these days and I think they look great.

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  7. 1,400 square feet never looked so good. I like the use of the blue with the neutrals.

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  8. Oh my, I love Hilary Swank and I love her apartment! The walls are all so interesting- the barn wood, grasscloth wallpaper, dark paneling and marble- brilliant!

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  9. I adore everything about this space, Vanessa. It doesn't follow any of-the-moment trends like chevrons, ikat or colours like honeysuckle. It is a space that in 5 - 10 years will look completely current. I'm going to go learn more about Mark Zeff. Thanks so much for sharing. (Pale carpets give me the sense that she doesn't live with young kids though.)

    Alison

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  10. Its funny, but it looks like she would live there. The decor is very swank! I know a little corny!

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  11. Very serene and calm, love the colour palette. Thank so much for sharing.

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  12. Beautiful place, I love it. Those bed-side lamps are AMAZING.

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