Thad Hayes creates beautiful spaces that exude calm and quiet elegance. His recent book, The Tailored Interior from Rizzoli, focuses on twenty-one city and country residences. Tailored is just the word for his work, which he refers to as "rigorous and restrained". He achieves a harmonious balance mixing the finest antique period pieces. Until I pored through the pages, I knew him mainly from his published Architectural Digest projects, where mid century modern minimal decor was often featured. His clients, often uber private with stellar art collections, agreed to participate in the book, and lucky for us, we can be inspired by his discerning eye.


A few standout pieces can take a dining room from simple to outstanding. Each choice antique says something here. Art Deco-inspired agave leaf sculptural lights on pillars flank an abstract painting, and a feminine Russian Neoclassical chandelier gives off flattering light. The curve backed chairs around an English mahogany table add visual interest with their rounded edges.

The dining room of a New York apartment owned by collectors. They chose this vibrant color combination, a sure fire way to keep dinner conversation lively. French blue walls and a Donald Judd red and white woodblock print series animate the walls, while the x- patterned 1940's dining chair backs create their own visual geometry.

A Maryland living room awash in a soft pink highlights the collection of museum quality Chinese art.

Neutral equals serene in a high ceilinged, traditional New York penthouse apartment. In the bedroom seating area shows off an outstanding art collection-- a Klimt hangs above a French mantel.


In the same Maryland home, a George III style shield back chair plays off a Bagues crystal sconce in a hallway.


An antique Aesthetic Movement octagonal library table in a New York apartment works well with an inset dark bookcase, proving dark ebony and a light birds eye maple can coordinate successfully.


A classic 1930's Neo-Georgian Palm Beach house sits on magnificent curve along Ocean Boulevard and belonged to Estee Lauder. The landmark house got a freshening from Hayes. The Lauder family works with him frequently, and his ability to mix design eras is seen here.


The entry foyer welcomes with a black and white marble floor, 1930's Venitian glass globe and matching demi- lune tables. Soft yellow walls offset the graphic floor pattern.

A relaxed and tropical living room plays into the 1930's period without being kitchy.


In the Lauders Florida dining room, Gracie painted wallcovering, a deco mirror, Neo- Classical mantel and 1930's Venetian glass chandelier allows for formal entertaining at its best.


By working with history, a restored 1950's kitchen is all out authentic. The latch pull fridge doors, cabinetry and stools are key touches. Even the stove has a diamond patterned stainless steel back splash, a nod to the classic American diner.


If you are working in a particular vernacular, go with it! A Citrus bright tropical leaf Second Hand Rose wallpaper with original graduated leg sink are , 1950's through and through. It is Florida after all.


The perfect view out onto the Atlantic and hot pink vintage shell backed chairs.

Photos Courtesy of Rizzoli
I had to show this insanely gorgeous bathroom. A 1930's vibe comes from large swaths of pink marble, no cornice detail and a girly, French antique crystal orb. Make bath time a luxury.