Book Review: Jeffrey Bilhuber: American Master

Jeffrey Bilhuber: American Master by Sara Ruffin Costello, Introduction by Jeffrey Bilhuber, Foreword by Mariska Hargitay, Photos by William Abranowicz

Published by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc.

 

Firstly, let me apologize for the tardiness of this review (and the others that follow) but I was having a very hard time with blogger the past 10-days. I think the issue has been resolved, as I've been able to post this, hopefully we're back on track! Testing ... 1 - 2 -

 

It will come as no surprise to many of you that I am an unwavering Jeffrey Bilhuber devotee. Over the years, his many magazine features and books have provided immeasurable inspiration and have defined luxury for all. In this book, the fourth on Bilhuber's masterful interiors, Sara Ruffin Costello soulfully writes notes on substance and style of each of the rooms photographed by the incredibly talented William Abranowicz, designed by Jeffrey. The title couldn't be a better moniker, as Bilhuber truly is an American Master, creating remarkable, seemingly effortless, timeless interiors for over 30-years. 

This book features eight homes from around the country, including the recent revamp that Jeffrey did in his own Manhattan apartment, and his weekend home "Hay Fever". From large Manhattan townhouses, to rambling country houses, to compact apartments off Park Avenue, the rooms all have Jeffrey's unmistakable finishing touch. Let's take a look, shall we?

© Jeffrey Bilhuber American Master by Jeffrey Bilhuber, Rizzoli New York, 2015. Images are © William Abranowicz

 

In Palm Beach, color and pattern work together here effortlessly under Bilhuber's knowledgeable lead. The place is dramatic, and the details are magnificent! So Jeffrey! 

 

© Jeffrey Bilhuber American Master by Jeffrey Bilhuber, Rizzoli New York, 2015. Images are © William Abranowicz

 

The revamped Manhattan apartment of the decorator, which he shares with his son. Inspired by New York's Gilded age - the rooms are charming, filled with personality, colorful, and utterly luxurious, with some of the most expensive fabrics available covering every surface. 

 

© Jeffrey Bilhuber American Master by Jeffrey Bilhuber, Rizzoli New York, 2015. Images are © William Abranowicz

 

Detail of this colorful and vibrant living room in a classic Manhattan townhome, shows the amazing artistry of the wall treatment Jeffrey chose for the bay window. A mix of plaster, raised lacquer, abalone shell, and gold, platimum, and silver leaf was used to create this masterpiece, inspired by nineteenth-century French artist Jean Dunand. 

 



© Jeffrey Bilhuber American Master by Jeffrey Bilhuber, Rizzoli New York, 2015. Images are © William Abranowicz

 

The brilliant stone facade on this home, built in 1827 in Connecticut, makes for outstanding curb appeal. But the interior is really the showpiece, with custom furniture, finished in the most amazing fabrics with incredibly detail that is signature Bilhuber. Look at that banquette! 

 

© Jeffrey Bilhuber American Master by Jeffrey Bilhuber, Rizzoli New York, 2015. Images are © William Abranowicz

 

In San Francisco, Jeffrey dove head-first into color and pattern, in a smart and sophisticated way I believe only he can achieve.

 

© Jeffrey Bilhuber American Master by Jeffrey Bilhuber, Rizzoli New York, 2015. Images are © William Abranowicz

 

The acid green living room at Hay Fever, the second home of Bilhuber, with tons of room to spread out and let his incredible creative vision free. Here color and pattern is tested, and perfected.

 

Page by glorious page, William Abranowicz's stunning photography showcases Bilhuber's magical touch from full rooms to tiny vignettes. No piece of a space, large or small, is overlooked or untouched. Inspiration is truly there for every miniscule particle of all things home. From flower arrangements to wallpaper, fabric pairings to ideas for the perfect pleat or ruffle on a curtain or slipcover, ideas to show your upholster, artists to collect and rooms that you can aspire to recreate fill every one of the more than 250-pages.

 

Without a doubt, this book, along with his others, is one that I will carry with me as the definitive reference guide to consummate luxury spaces. I highly recommend you add it to your library, too! Take a look and grab your copy via the amazon link below:

 

Oh, and here are the links to his other three books - each of which, are as remarkable as this one!