New Design Crush!
by habituallychic
12 . 06 . 07
You’ve been warned. There is a new design crush in town and you’re going to love him and his new book! David Oliver is the is the Design Director of The Paint and Paper Library in London and is master of colour and light. He trained at the National Art School in Sydney he developed an authority for twentieth century art and visual cultures. I had the opportunity to meet David and listen to him speak about his design philosophy and new book Paint and Paper: In Decoration and he really knows his stuff. Oh, and the Aussie accent doesn’t hurt either!
Paint and wallpaper are usually the least expensive element in interior design, yet they are often the most difficult to get right. David offers advice on how to simplify the process and overcome what he likes to call “the modern phenomenon of paint analysis paralysis,” with his straightforward and extremely helpful approach in his new book. It’s a “how to” book that doesn’t look like a “how to” book. The photos are stunning and it really is a beautiful book perfect for giving this holiday season.
David is also well known for his Architectural Colours of paint, a tonal colour by number system for ceilings, cornices, walls and woodwork that will hopefully be sold in the US soon. His wallpaper collection is available through Stark in New York. Definitely check out his website and his new book and I guarantee you’ll have a crush on David Oliver too!
18 Comments
fabulous ole school locker next to the desk…great storage with lots of architectural interest!
Ha ha, that accent is not so cute when it’s all you hear! He is such a talent…another aussie who has left our fair shores..I have pics of his home in London (which he shares with his wife…who is equally talented I hear)..its one of my favorite magazine spreads.
Teaorwine, I love all the interiors in the book but the old wooden locker is pretty fabulous!
Suzy, I’m a total sucker for a man with a posh accent! And I’m so glad you mentioned he has a wife. I wasn’t quite sure which team he played for.
I have a crush on his decoration but on him too …
WONDERFUL both
Suzy – will you share those pictures of the house he shares with his wife? Please?
he’s a looker! thanks for introducting us to him…can’t wait to check out this bk and website!
A, I agree. Suzy must share his London home photos with us!
Melanie, his decoration and paint and paper lines are just as beautiful as he is too 😉
Pink Wallpaper, I love that he has the credentials to back up his work. It’s rare these days that one has actually studied art and design and he’s the real deal! Hope you like the book as much as I do.
I have this book and I LOVE it! Gorgeous photos.
Peak of Chic, I can’t stop looking at all the gorgeous photos! They are fabulous! So glad you like it too!
Inspirational paints and wallpapers? It doesn’t get better than that! I purchased his beautiful book at The Met about 37 minutes ago. And – voila! – here is this great post with your endorsement all over it. Thanks for the linky to Mr. Oliver’s website – it looks like a terrific resource.
Diana, what funny and perfect timing! I just realized that I should have publicized his event on Wednesday so more people could have met him. It was so interesting to hear him talk about his practice in person.
Diana, what funny and perfect timing! I just realized that I should have publicized his event on Wednesday so more people could have met him. It was so interesting to hear him talk about his practice in person.
Gee that’s the first time I’ve heard anyone call the aussie accent posh! How nice.
Now that I’ve opened my big mouth I’d better double check its the same guy!
Suzy, I think his accent is a little affected since he’s lived in London for a while. But I think all accents are posh. Lol. I checked and it looks like he is married so it’s probably the couple you were thinking of.
Yes, just found the pics so will post later today. He’d been there for 11 years when the article was published and I think its a few years old.