Alexa Hampton Livres

A reassuring, idea-filled guide to decorating by interior designer Leslie Banker, enriched by advice and contributions from other prominent decorators.

At an early age, Alexa Hampton learned the language of good design, the vocabulary to speak it, and the elements that define it. As the daughter of interior design legend Mark Hampton, she traveled the world by her father’s side, touring the great architectural landmarks and discovering beauty, training her eye.Now one of America’s most influential designers herself, Alexa Hampton provides a tour of stunning residences from her own portfolio.Eighteen classic spaces illustrate in rich detail the elements that govern cultivated design—contrast, proportion, color, and balance. Among the residences are a landmark 1912 McKim, Mead & White restoration on Fifth Avenue in New York City; an eclectic house by the sea layered in textures, patterns, and colors; a contemporary apartment distinguished by simple geometry and clean lines; and Hampton’s own apartment, filled with an exquisite collection of architectural elements.Hampton also explains how she tailored each space to meet her clients’ needs while retaining a timeless aesthetic, and she provides design expertise on everything from fabric schemes to the particulars of paint. From a French neoclassical tour de force of architec-ture, artwork, and design to a Queen Anne summer cottage furnished to showcase the house’s graceful nineteenth-century dimensions, the spaces here speak the language of design—a language that, under Hampton’s tutelage, anyone can master.

Focusing on the intricacies of design, the book reveals the author's process in curating details for elegant and classic homes. It explores the creation of inviting living spaces, including living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens, showcasing her expertise as a celebrated designer. Readers gain insight into the thoughtful choices that contribute to sophisticated interior aesthetics.

"An essential text for all students of design . . . [and] inspiration and intel for those simply interested in the art and practice." --Alexa Hampton, from the foreword From the nation's top college for interior design comes a definitive design school in a book and a fabulous reference for decorating the home. In the past decade, New York School of Interior Design, which was founded in 1916, has drawn a large crossover audience of passionate decorating enthusiasts and hobbyists--many of them private homeowners who know that thinking like a professional is the surest way to achieve a magnificent home. This lavishly illustrated and highly detailed interior design bible provides a comprehensive education on home design and decor, from color theory principles to space-specific considerations (choosing furniture for a living room) and collaborating with architects and other professionals for the best results. Built on the Home Study Course that is the foundation of the school's curriculum, this book offers an unparalleled mastery of the key elements of enduring design, rendering it the only book you'll ever need.

The memoir offers an intimate glimpse into the life of renowned interior designer Alexa Hampton, showcasing her pre-war Manhattan apartment and the inspirations behind her signature style. Through beautifully captured photographs, she reflects on the meaningful art, textiles, and objects that define her spaces, while also recognizing influential tastemakers and pivotal moments in the design world. This personal narrative not only chronicles her design journey but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to her iconic home and the evolution of her aesthetic.