Among several of the celebrity homes on tour was interior designer, Arthur Elrod.  Elrod was an outstanding designer and had established a very successful career but tragically died in a car crash at the age of 49. Elrod’s home was featured in Architectural Digest in the winter of 1963, 11 years before his death.

Home exterior:

                Winter 2011                                             Winter 1963  

Very little has changed since the photos were taken in the winter of 1963. The design of the space exemplifies what a marvel Arthur Elrod was to design a home that is not only definitive of its era but more importantly, is classically composed.

Living room:

         Winter 1963                                      Winter 2011

There is no doubt that Elrod’s home is from the 60’s but the way Elrod is able to seamlessly and playfully juxtapose color, pattern and texture is remarkable. Not anyone can pull off an orange, olive and yellow floral pattern carpet in a living room and have it looking hip 50 years later. Elrod’s fireplace is simply but unusually emphasized by gold Spanish candle sconces that are staggered about. The large living room space is subtly divided by the short angle in the boomerang shaped coffee table and sofa. This understated separation helps to create warmth and intimacy in an otherwise oversized room.  Elrod’s bold color and pattern choices are offset by the remaining white in the carpet, the coffee table, walls, white brick fireplace and high ceilings.

Dining Room:

           Winter 2011                                           Winter 1962

Elrod’s flow from the living room to the dining room is mostly integrated by color. In the room’s center, a citron yellow rug is the anchor for the round table and candelabra. The style and placement of the fireplace and most of the furniture remain untouched from the 60’s. Again, although Elrod makes some wild color choices, they are balanced by the airiness and lightness of the room.

Master Bedroom:

                Winter 1962                                         Winter 2011

The master bedroom is a beautiful tranquil blue retreat. Two double beds are combined with a custom made headboard to create one the biggest and most unusual beds that I have ever seen. The extended height and size of the white headboard against the blue wall creates interesting positive and negative spaces and almost doubles as artwork.

              Winter 2011                                         Winter 1963

The wall opposite the giant bed is a small resting area. While the furniture has changed since the 60’s, the hand painted bamboo mural has not. The wispy painted branches add a touch of light, free-flowing vibes to the space and help kick start the relaxation process.

The Backyard:

             Winter 1963                                        Winter 2011

Elrod’s adventure in color and pattern is something you might see today in a Jonathan Adler store or design. One might say that Elrod’s designs are timeless but then they epitomize the 60’s so it is a bit of a contradiction.  One thing is for certain, Elrod was a man of great restraint; knowing when to use color and pattern and just how much. Not anyone can rise to such a challenge. Whether it is a celebration of our past, repurposing as part of the green movement or the popularity of Mad Men, it is hard to escape mid century modern. If want to get in on the modern craze, Elrod is the man to get inspiration from.

By Christa Rose Falk
Blog: www.loveinspirecreate.com
Twitter: loveinspirecre8

Photos: B&W photos via Architectural Digest Winter 1963, Vol XIX number 4; Color photos via Christa Rose Falk