At Home with Gwyneth Paltrow - Part One

I have to say, the November 2007 issue of House and Garden magazine is already one of my all time favorites. It might be because it's all about New York with fabulous interiors of fabulous people or it could be because I was granted access to a behind the scenes look at the Gwyneth Paltrow photo shoot in the Hamptons. Either way, it's spectacular! I thought it would be fun to show you the photos from the magazine first and then in the next post, I'll show what went into creating them. Enjoy!

Gwyneth describes the aesthetic of her home in the Hamptons as minimalist with a feminine twist and that's clearly evident from the preponderance of pink! Apparently Chris Martin is in touch with his feminine side as well. The home is surprisingly modern yet completely homey and comfortable looking. In the living room above, pieces from the Domus Design Collection are paired with Madeline Weinrib's Hollywood Regency chair and china and vases from Calypso Home.

In the foyer above, a Bolero chair by Mariette Himes Gomez for Hickory Chair is upholstered in Schumacher's Lace in Aqua while a Directions' Glam console table topped with a découpage barnacle lamp from John Derian. The art is actually needlework by Ann Carrington and seems to be a cheeky nod to Chris Martin's English heritage and their other life in London. I love the mix of patterns of the aqua chair fabric against the Zoffany Cordoba wallpaper in Gray.


"Paltrow took charge of the house's design nearly from the beginning. The spec house was already under construction when she first came upon it, but she worked with Washington, D.C.-based architectural designer Michael Minkoff to tailor the house to her family and her taste." She also had a little help from House and Garden editor Kim Gieske who gave her design source suggestions and produced this feature for the magazine. Tom Dixon's Mirror Ball pendants, from Property in New York hang over the staircase.

Paltrow splurged on the Tord Boontje blossom chandelier in the dining room but saved on the appetizer plates from CB2.

One of my favorite rooms in the house is the kitchen and apparently, I'm not alone. Photographer Eric Cahan told me that it was getting a lot of attention. Probably because we all dream of having a kitchen that spacious and beautiful. I usually prefer white kitchens but I love the dark grey/black cabinets. There is something slightly English looking about it. Also, a little Kelly Wearstler looking too. I am definitely rethinking my dream kitchen after seeing it!

"The kitchen is lined with custom cabinets by Minkoff while the pair of striking chandeliers are by Home and Co. for Birgit Israel in London. Seamless concrete counters are by Remik Studio, in Brooklyn, NY, and are punctuated with a stove from Jade Range, Brea, CA. The island's butcher-block top is from Bally Block Co., Bally, PA. Windows and doors throughout by Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co."

Paltrow's daughter, Apple, chose the fabrics for her canopy bed. I'm having flashbacks to my own pink canopied bed from my childhood. The custom canopy bed by Jonas in New York. We use Jonas for a lot of projects and I can attest that he is the best! The showroom with all the furniture styles in muslin is so much fun to wander through. The fabrics are from Raoul Textiles. Monogrammed pillows by Lori Jayne Monogramming and More, Palm Beach, FL, and the headboard is Ballard Designs' Stevenson. The floor is covered in Stark Carpet's Silverton in White.

I wish there were more photos of the master bedroom but I guess I can understand the desire for some bit of privacy. From what we do get to see, it looks dreamy. The bed is Usona's Thurman and is covered in Edelman's Cashmere Calf in Super White, and Wendell Castle's Muse side table topped with Vaughan?s Lausanne Crystal lamp. Wallpaper is Wook Kim's Feu in Gray. Carpet by Tai Ping. All bedding by Donna Karan.

When Paltrow couldn't find a vanity that she liked, she had one made out of a Paul McCobb dresser. I love the little kiddie stool. So cute!

Photo shoots can't be all work and no play right?! And they're probably even more fun when you're wearing a dress by Etro.

And now for the part of the tour that made me VERY jealous! Ms. Paltrow has her very own tea house looking pilates and yoga studio! Biatch! Ok, that wasn't very nice or professional of me to say that but you know you were thinking it too!

I was surprised to see the interior look to be covered in what appears to be plywood. Paltrow says she would like to cover the walls, floor and ceiling in bamboo so maybe that's the reason. Oh yeah, and in case you weren't already really jealous, the pool house has furniture by Janus et Cie and her dress is Calvin Klein. Sigh. Must be nice.

Photos by Eric Cahan

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