I had the good fortune of attending a book signing party held at my local Pottery Barn last week for the talented Timothy Corrigan. His new book chronicles the restoration of his French Château du Grand-Lucé, located in the Loire Valley, just outside Paris.
Those of you who are kind enough to read my posts will know that I’m not necessarily drawn to château living, I typically prefer smaller spaces, more cottagethan castle. I’m drawn to Timothy Corrigan designs in part because his core philosophy in design is basic to comfort and livability where rooms are concerned.
Even the most beautifully decorated room is not a total success unless you, your family and your guests feel that they can really live and use the room. A well-designed room is one that is both comfortable and elegant. – Timothy Corrigan
As I read a bit about him prior to the book signing I wondered if being raised in California might have something to do with his determination to create rooms that are comfortable. His early profession as an advertising executive took him to Paris, and other regions of the world, where he decorated his apartment. After seeing his work a friend asked him to design his apartment and a new career was born.
For a video tour of his apartment visit HERE
In his interview in November of 2010 with Diane Dorrans Seaks of Architectural Digest he addresses his view on comfort and practicality. While most of us strive for those two essentials, it’s easy to miss the mark sometimes. We all get caught making design decisions that are more about form than function. Mr. Corrigan believes you can have both, and proves it in the rooms he puts his stamp on.
The gardens of his château were another draw. The formal design is breathtaking in the photographs shown in the book. Part of his agreement with the French government when buying the historic chateau was that he would open the grounds to visitors 6 days a week. A tour will be high on my list my next visit.
Photo by Eric Piasecki via Tiimothy Corrigan Blog
{via Architectural Digest}
The book shares details of the work involved in the restoration of this historic landmark. For its size it is such a warm, inviting and livable country home. The initial major restoration took approximately 5 years and Timothy says it’s a work in progress—aren’t all homes?!
In a October 5, 2013 Los Angeles Times article by David A. Keeps on the book, Corrigan explained some of his decorating ideas, ”If you want people to feel that a room is bright and light, use yellow, not white, as people often think…your eye unconsciously translates yellow as sunlight.”
