The Art of Design

The paradigm shift that has occurred in the past couple of years regarding how we view our homes could be worthy of a thesis. Ushered in by the pandemic that forced a homeward-bound lifestyle for many, this epic zeitgeist surrounding the abode seems akin to the passion of a new love affair. Summed up in a few words, more is better—more room, more detail, more beauty, more tech, and more extras are just the beginning.

Truer words were never spoken than the proverbial saying, “Your home is your castle.” The home has taken center stage in our collective psyche, paving the way for some of the most gorgeous designs we have ever seen. It’s uplifting to publish our annual Home & Decor Issue, as the beauty, inspiration, ideas, and overall jaw-dropping images found within are truly works of art.

It is well known that each season, the fashion industry’s runways are forerunners to what will be in style for apparel and beyond in the following months. Colors, textures, and even the drape or cut of these “preview” garments lend inspiration to the design of automobiles, home interiors, technological devices, and art. What’s “in” is usually an extension of our culture’s mood, vibe, or even economics. So it’s not a big surprise that our cover star, Christian Siriano, is an icon in the fashion industry who has recently parlayed his talents to a new stage, showcasing his creativity as the founder, creative director, and lead designer of Siriano Interiors.

Since our inaugural issue more than fourteen years ago, VIE has kept a close watch on Christian’s meteoric career path after his first collection debuted at New York Fashion Week at Bryant Park in February of 2008. Over the years, we have had the great pleasure of collaborating directly with Christian on several projects, including three cover shoots (the 2015 Cultural Issue, the 2016 Home & Decor Issue, and the 2016 Sophisticate Issue). We also cohosted the grand opening of his Manhattan fashion atelier, The Curated NYC, and have attended several of his runway shows. VIE is a big fan, and our team can’t help but deeply respect Christian’s approach as a creative outlier in all that he touches. Our friendship has organically unfolded over time, and it is our honor to share this new chapter with our readers in our feature story, “A Style Icon Has a New Canvas: Christian Siriano Soars,” by assistant editor Emme Martin.

There is also much more inside this issue, including editor Jordan Staggs’s coverage of Modernism Week in Palm Springs, California, where she attended various tours and design symposiums. This annual conference celebrates mid-century modern style and the city’s role as an incubator for the glamorous lifestyle that arose through architecture, interior design, and fashion in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s.

Lastly, we are rounding the home stretch to unveil VIE’s fifth show home this fall in partnership with owner-developers Carl and Tamara Tricoli of Bella Mare Real Estate Holdings. Designed by my husband and business partner, Gerald Burwell of Burwell Associates, The Heritage – A VIE Legacy Show Home is being brought to life by Grand Bay Construction under the leadership of owner Chris Burch. Duce May, the owner of Duce & Company interior design firm, promises to wield a classic Ralph Lauren approach with a splash of magic that will not disappoint. Meanwhile, Patrick Hodges of Patrick Hodges Land Studio is the noteworthy architect brushing the strokes of his mastery over the landscape. Tucked within the private beach enclave of Heritage Dunes on Scenic Highway 30-A, The Heritage is the first of nine custom-designed homes that will soon be brought to market under the experienced direction of broker Gay Landreth and her husband, Jeff Landreth, of La Florida Coastal Properties in Grayton Beach. Stay tuned for more on this amazing show home. It is our best one yet!

To Life and Good Health,