Suzanne Rheinstein, L.A.’s own gifted interior decorator and stylist has published a wonderful book, At Home: A Style for Today with Things from the Past, (Rizzoli).
The book illustrates the work of Suzanne throughout California and the rest of the country. The stunning photographs of her work -- from an L.A. beach house, to a New England country farmhouse, to a New York City pre-war gem -- smartly captures her relaxed and elegant aesthetic that utilizes interesting and eclectic pieces in fresh ways.
This book's eloquent introduction by Rheinstein briefly explains how her inspiration sprouted from her parents’ garden, their late-Victorian home, and her decorator mother. She divulges that her motivation for design is to create comfortable spaces for lively families that are object-driven and focus on the ability of unique, high-quality pieces to finish a room.
When flipping through the pages, you are struck by Rheinstein’s amazing attention to detail. Somehow, she is able to stick to this principle of defining spaces with luxury while always maintaining an air of simplicity.
Suzanne Rheinstein's L.A. shop, Hollyhock.
Suzanne also runs Hollyhock, a design and decorating shop in L.A. that has become an important resource for decorators everywhere. The store is known for its unique antiques and decorative pieces. Furthermore, she has created fabric and rug collections for Lee Jofa.
After looking through the book, there's no question why she has become an passionate and powerful force in design today…her rooms say it all.
1 Here is the lovely cover of Suzanne Rheinstein's "At Home" -- photography by Pieter Estersohn and a forward by Margaret Russell.
2 This living room is a perfect example of Rheinstein's distinctive aesthetic -- luxurious yet serene.
3 This image of Grecian-inspired elegance graces the Table of Contents page.
4 Receiving soft morning light, this welcoming space in Rheinstein's 1914 Georgian-Revival home, is used specifically as a party room. The painting is a Charles Garabedian collage and the bust is from the 18th century.
5 From the Belling House in Newport Bay, California, this dining room also serves as a library. The mix of pine paneling and the rustic French chandelier brings to the space both "warmth and sparkle."
6 In the same Colonial-Revival home, this little girl's room showcases pieces of furniture that can stay with her through her years.
7 From a family vacation home in Sun Valley, Idaho, the incredible detailing in this painted banister was original to the cabin's architecture.
8 Perfect for entertaining year-round, this two-story living room is welcoming and comfortable yet has unique objects spread throughout that give the room personality.
9 A cozy summer meal is set on the terrace on the edge of the Big Wood River shaded by the Bald Mountains -- complete with local farmers' market cuisine and American rustic furniture.
10 This space acts as the laundry room and pantry at Whilton Farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. This previously unused passageway makes all items easily visible and reachable.
11 At the same country house, this beautiful boudoir is flanked by spring and summer terra-cotta allegories.
12 The high ceilings, French chandelier, satin settee and old stripped mantel make this master bedroom a theatrical space.
13 This is the dining room of Sunsong, a 1940s cottage on the old Floridian seaside. The creation of this floor was inspired by sea shells in various shades of brown. It sets a perfect stage for this collection of sepia-decorated creamware.
14 This space calls itself home in Rheinstein's Upper East Side pied-a-terre apartment. These Bagues sconces could once be found in her husband's childhood home in the same neighborhood of New York.
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 3/18/11 at 8:01 am
Suzanne Rheinstein is an inspiration, I have seen her featured in various magazines: House beautiful, Feb issue Architectural Digest featuring her new book, Elle Decor, Veranda and Town & Country. I would love to purchase her book. Wish you a wonderful weekend Kevin.
From: ROS | 3/18/11 at 2:06 pm
What a beautiful book, this will be added to my "must buy" list!