Photographer François Halard recently had an exhibition which was compiled into an accompanying book entitled Visite Privée. The collection of photographs of artists and their studios include Cy Twombly, Julian Schnabel, Carlos Mollino, Ahn Duong, Richard Avedon, Paul Cezanne, Robert Rauschenberg, and others. My favorite space is of course Mr. Hallard's own home in Arles, France. There is a great story in Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People about how he wasn't intending to buy a home but fell in love with its "melancholy spell." He spent years restoring the home and filled it with many pieces he already owned in storage including the Louis XVI lit a la polonaise canopy bed from the antiquaire Compoglio. I've included photos from both books here but unfortunately Visite Privée seems to only be available in Europe. A reason to hop on a plane to Paris if I ever saw one but if that's not possible, you can also check out the rest of the artists online. À tout à l'heure!
Photos by François Halard
I'm not the only who is smitten with Sag Harbor. Artist 
I am always intrigued by spaces that were artist studios and have become living spaces or the other way around. Perhaps it's knowing that someone put their heart and soul into creating there or would be trying to create beauty makes the space very romantic to me. I was sent this wonderful little house that was formerly an artist studio and the new owners turned it into a guest cottage.
Named "Openview", because of its spectacular views of the English countryside, this artist studio turned guest cottage is located just outside of London. 
Upon entering you immediately notice the open, airy style and wonderful light. Both indicative of why it was a great artist studio to begin with.
The furnishings are warm and inviting. Danish white soaped floorboards add a wonderful patina and ambiance to the entire space. Notice how a wicker trunk becomes a coffee table and a stack of book a side table. I love the mirror leaning to the right.
In the dining/kitchen area an old church bench is painted white and paired with an old farm table and bench. White paint unifies the non matching collection. You can see how the painted concrete floors tie in seamlessly with the outdoor antique brick patio. I love the series of prints hung behind the bench.
Opposite the table is the kitchen area. Enameled appliances, open shelving and old fashion linen skirting continue the cottage charm.
Here is a closer view. Notice the apron front sink, a must in any cottage kitchen.
