The Spirited Homes of Hunt Slonem

This lavish volume from architectural writer Coleman (Private Gardens of the Pacific Northwest) showcases the interiors of six historic homes decorated and owned by artist Hunt Slonem. Coleman describes how Slonem’s work on a Batchelor, La., mansion built in 1832 strived to “preserve as much of the home’s original patina as possible” while sprucing up its dilapidated interior, replacing floorboards and updating plumbing but refraining from repainting the “distressed walls” in the main entry hall. Slonem’s maximalist style is on full display in Searles Castle, an 1885 dolomite edifice in the Berkshires that Slonem restored to its original splendor by adding 19th-century chandeliers and antiques accentuated by more modern-looking royal blue carpeting and his own brightly colored paintings. Coleman discusses the history of each home and how it came into Slonem’s possession (the Watres Armory in Scranton, Pa., had served as headquarters for the 13th Regimental Infantry before falling into disrepair and being bought by Slonem, who uses it to display his art collection), but the spotlight is on photographer Neitzel’s gorgeous images, which draw attention to the finer details in Slonem’s busy designs, such as the vaulted plaster ceiling in the Searles Castle or the “rich cut-velvet pattern” adorning a settee in his Napoleonville, La., estate. This is a visual feast. (Sept.) * Publishers Weekly *The coauthors of Zuber: Two Centuries of Panoramic Wallpaper, historic-restoration expert Coleman and professional interior-design photographer Neitzel, have partnered again to offer high-definition photographs of six historic homes and two art studios owned by the iconic American painter Hunt Slonem. Each has been meticulously restored and fortified to last for future generations. Exquisite photographs and detailed descriptions may give readers the feeling that they are on a personal tour. There is a delicate balance between the old homes’ original aesthetics, acquired antiques (including many sculptures), and Slonem’s art—cleverly woven throughout wallpaper, fabric, pillows, and more—. Each time readers find his work, it feels like an Easter egg hidden by the designer. There are numerous angles to gaze at in each space, so it’s quite possible that each time readers look, they may see a new feature they missed at first glance. VERDICT Newcomers and dedicated fans of Slonem will enjoy. Great for university libraries with art programs for students to see the versatility their art forms can take. – Elizabeth Chandler * Library Journal *

Heather Sandy Hebert has spent her entire life immersed in literature, architecture, and wine. Raised in Marin County, at the southern end of the wine country, she studied both literature and design, and earned an MBA along the way. After freelancing for several regional design publications in her early years, she spent over 25 years directing marketing for a San Francisco-based architecture firm with an international practice. She left the firm in 2017 to pursue her love of storytelling and now works with numerous design, hospitality, and wine clients to help them craft and convey their stories.

Chase Reynolds Ewald has been writing about art, travel, design, food, people and western lifestyle for more than 25 years. She is a contributing editor to Western Art & Architecture magazine, design columnist for Big Sky Journal, and author of 14 books. A graduate of Yale and the Graduate School of Journalism at U.C. Berkeley, she lives in Northern California and wanders the West whenever possible.