Profile: Elizabeth Mayhew
by allthebest • 6 May ’09 • Elizabeth Mayhew • 33 Comments
A few months ago I received an email from Mary Alice Sherrill telling me about Elizabeth Mayhew’s upcoming book FLIP! for Decorating. Elizabeth, the lifestyle expert for NBC’s Today show and special projects editor for House Beautiful magazine, is a woman of great talent.
Mary Alice, who also happens to be a friend of Patricia van Essche, kindly put Elizabeth and me in touch with one another. After talking with Elizabeth and receiving an advance copy of her book I was instantly smitten.
What is so wonderful about this particular book is the ability to actually flip through the upper right hand pages and see four rooms instantly made over. There is nothing else like it on the bookshelves.
Not only does the book include more than 200 color photographs and dozens of line drawings (illustrated by Elizabeth’s mother), it includes the fundamentals of color, no-fail wall and trim colors, the art of picking the perfect sofa, chairs, tables, and lighting and strategies on how to prioritize your decorating decisions.
Of course it’s always a plus when you love a book and then find out the author is lovely too. Elizabeth and I were finally able to meet in person at Amanda Nisbet’s party last Friday. We both have children of the same age and compared notes on the finer points of raising a teen. Her daughter was attending her first boy/girl party on Friday.
Elizabeth’s practical advice and stylish point of view comes through so clearly in FLIP! for Decorating. I love that she actually shows you how to put a room together and then explains why it works. It’s much like having your best girlfriend offering you solid, savvy advice. Thanks Elizabeth!
I will be doing a follow up Q&A post with Elizabeth shortly. In the meantime, we are giving one copy of FLIP! for Decorating to one All the Best reader. Simply leave a comment or send an email to: (subject: FLIP!).
A winner will be announced Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
Photo Credit: Annie Schlechter
Just got a copy and it’s great!
Ronda,
(Not that I am here for the give-away )- just thrilled that you two were able to hook up. Elizabeth reminds me of my sister who can take a blank room and suddenly add such style and grace. It is a true knack to possess such flair for one to “flip” over.
MaryAlice also has that flair for transforming a house into a home.
pve
That rose colored sofa is amazing and the drapes have a Miles Redd look to them.
I would “Flip” for this book. What a fun, incredibly informative book. Her design style is stunning. She seems to create rooms devoid of the “kitschy” pitfalls that fall prey to over usage (i.e.; zebra rugs, busts, Greek Key, etc.).
Patricia I have to meet Mary Alice the next time that I am in NYC. I was just speaking with Elizabeth on the phone and Mary Alice was with her. We said,’hello’ via the phone!
Anne I though of Miles too!
Dumbwit Tellher you are right, her interiors are fun, yet classic.
Love this entry, the book looks fantastic. Great news about the VW partnership, best of luck with it!
love her style..and the simplicity of her step by step guide! thanks for always bringing this fabulous people to our attention!
Funny that you should mention that my living room curtains have a “Miles Redd feel”–Miles is a good friend, here is the story: I was a decorating editor at House Beautiful when I decided on the green curtains. The inspiration for the pleated ruffle was from a fellow decorating editor, Frouwkje Pagani (now of Pagani Studios–amazing lighting company)–she had a skirt that had a 4-inch pleated trim that I always admired. Ond day she was sitting in my office when I snapped a Polaroid (no digital cameras then!) and declared “I want my curtains to look like your skirt!”. I showed the photo (which I still have) to Miles and he helped me deal with the the fabricator. He has since used the same design over and over…I sometimes give him a hard time about copying them! To that end, I also let him copy my sofa for his collection for Oscar de la Renta home…
Ronda, How exciting. This book by Elizabeth sounds perfect for décor ideas and theory. She must be a very interesting woman and I look forward to your interview!
Very exciting. It sounds wonderful. I’m in.
This book looks fantastic–what a great idea. I am excited about seeing more!
Flip, another fabulous find! I’m impressed – the book looks amazing… xxx
this looks clever and fun! i’m in too.
now, i’m off to the atb bookstore ; )
what a beautiful looking book! i already feel inspired looking at your snippet of photos!
Ronda, I need NEED to know what that delicious raspberry velvet fabric is!!!! Love that she didn’t use a welt too.
I would so love a copy of this book..Pic me..ohhhh pick me!
it’s so hard to find original and helpful books these days – i can’t wait to get my hands on this one to check it out! the photos look quite fresh!!
that sofa and ottoman are DIVINE!
Pick me! Pick me! We are in the midst of a massive reno and deco of our FIRST home. As one of the (volunteer) movers commented: “This place could be a real gem…if decorated right.” (Needless to say he got a big fat high five from me!)
I am shamelessly desperate for any advice and this book seems to hold lots of yummy little deco secrets.
would love to check out a copy of FLIP! I’m in the midst of remodeling/redecorating and this would be a very welcome inspiration!
Elizabeth’s book is fab fab fab, a must for everyone’s bookshelf. btw Elizabeth and Connie were my oh so kind friends who surprised me with the adorable birthday cake that is shown a few posts ago. it is uber perfect.
I need this book! Looks great!
One way or another, I’d like to get my hands on a copy. Step-by-step is always helpful. Knowing why it works in the final analysis is the icing on the cake.
OOOOOooooo! I always love a great design book! And from someone who really knows how to do it! Count me in!
Oh, my. Another one for the Amazon wish list!
Looks like the book is great and can't wait to see the Q&A. I love those pops of black. The pattern on the pillows really appeals to me and seems to draw on the background from the photo above. Very nice.
Thanks!
The book looks fantastic! Can’t wait to get a copy asap!
I’m crossing my fingers…(and toes)!
Flip! looks great! If I’m not the lucky winner, I’m putting it on my “design books to buy” list! Love the iron bed and that red sofa!
how fun…i can’t wait to see the book! thanks for introducing elizabeth to us!
I would love a copy of this book, and Elizabeth seems like a great person as well as a great talent (perfect combo)!
Thanks, Rhonda
love the step by step photos! looking forward to checking this book out in person.
Ronda, thank you for your posts about Elizabeth Mayhew – my first time seeing her work, and I’m loving it!
I would love to see more of it in her book, count me in for the draw!
Cheers,
Kathryn