I recently stumbled upon pictures of Genevieve “Bunny” and Nicholas “Nicky” du Pont’s Palm Beach home, taken in April 1964 and featured in New York Social Diary’s “Resort Life” series. Located at 977 North Ocean Boulevard, “Casuarina” is a bermuda-style, direct oceanfront home, designed by legendary architect John Volk and decorated by Valerian Rybar. At the time, Rybar was known as “the world’s most expensive decorator to the world’s wealthiest,” according to NYSD.
What struck me the most about the decor is how timelessly fresh it remains half a century later. Many of these images could easily be mistaken for the Palm Beach Chic style that is all the rage today. Sunset pinks, leaf and lime greens, sunny lemon yellows and ocean blues are mixed with abandon, while liberal doses of chintz, zebra print, faux bamboo, and blue and white Chinese porcelain complete the look. This quote, describing Rybar’s work at the du Pont’s new house, captures my favorite aspect of Palm Beach Chic decor…
~ Suzanne “Suzy” Anderson Gardner, via the Palm Beach Daily News, March 1964
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So interesting Andrea! And I totally agree, if it not for the picture quality, I would say this home is in the NOW!
I love it! Especially the green bedroom with the twin beds. You always find the chicest homes.
I agree with the timeless comment. The first photo is gorgeous, and totally modern and fresh. Amazing. I love this kind of historical post!
Really adorable post. I love each pictures which shows unique designs and it is good to have these type of decorations for the home.
interior-design
Love these images….and yes you are right….it is so "right now" with the design style!
Uncanny how it's so chic in today's time. My favorite is the dining room, and the white sofa. Once again style transcends time….beautiful.
Sharon
I am dying over the green lacquer desk on the right in the second picture. It is just amazing how Palm Beach Chic is so timeless.
"everything old is new again!" thanks for posting these great pics.
Such amazing spaces. I wouldn't change a thing after all these years. "Happy" and color are timeless.
Nice interior decoration and interior furnishing!
So pretty and quintessentially Palm Beach, beautiful! Have a great weekend.