A new look is emerging in France's apartments as well as in its imposing chateaux and country manors. Along with signature pieces of national identity--such as finely crafted wood pieces, splendid mirrors, and grandmere's well cared for linens--European mid-century modern furnishings also adorn settings in this age of merging sensibilities. Homes photographed in France and the U.S. show abstract works of art mingling easily with painted furniture, budget-friendly finds from assorted cultures--such as wool rugs and hand embroidered linens from India--and pottery, artisan-made pillows, throws and vintage textiles from remote markets in Morocco. Betty Lou Phillips, ASID, is the author of a dozen books on French design, including her most recent, The Allure of French and Italian Decor, French Impressions and Inspirations from France and Italy. Ms. Phillips lives in Dallas, Texas.
Atomic Ranch is an in-depth exploration of post-World War II residential architecture in America. Mid-century ranches (1946-1970) range from the decidedly modern gable-roofed Joseph Eichler tracts in the San Francisco Bay area and butterfly wing houses in Palm Springs, Florida, to the unassuming brick or stucco L-shaped ranches and split-levels so common throughout the United States. Authors Michelle Gringeri-Brown and Jim Brown, founders and publishers of the popular quarterly Atomic Ranch magazine, extol the virtues of the tract, split-level, rambler home and its many unique qualities: private front facades, open floor plans, secluded bedroom wings, walls of glass, and an easy-living lifestyle. From updated homes with high-end Italian kitchens, terrazzo floors, and modern furniture to affordable homeowner renovations with eclectic thrift-store furnishings, Atomic Ranch presents twenty-five homes showcasing inspiring examples of stylish living through beautiful color photographs, including before and after shots, design-tip sidebars, and a thorough resource index. Atomic Ranch reveals: Hallmarks of the ranch style Inspiring original ranch homes Ranch house transformations and makeovers Preservation of mid-century neighborhoods adding personality to a ranch home Yards and landscaping Plus, a helpful resource section and index.