On this weekend post, Slim Aarons’ beautiful photography, and choosing wallpaper for bedrooms.
This week it’s a short post. My son Griffin is home for a few days and I had less time for blogging..It’s been nice having him here. He’s has been working in Utah where he goes to school and enjoying some camping.
I can’t believe he’s starting is senior year of college in a few weeks. I still get happy when I see his huge shoes in the entry. ( Honestly I don’t know how his shoes get so beat.)
Last weekend we had to get back up to the cabin. Our refrigerator gave up the ghost and after Max tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate it, we had new one delivered from Lowes in Reno. I think the hard winter did it in.. There was a bright spot though, hanging with our friends Elaine and Todd who were also in Tahoe..
Tahoe Tavern
Elaine and her husband Todd invited us over to their townhouse in the historic Tahoe Tavern. We took a walk on the beautiful dock and the pool set on the West Shore of Tahoe. I shared this on my Instagram this week, but I knew right away I was looking at an iconic photo when we walked up to their pool….
I later found the photo and sure enough it was a famous Slim Aaron’s photo of Tahoe Tavern in 1959. Slim traveled all through the Tahoe region and published many of his iconic pictures are set at the CalNeva Lodge, Zephyr Cove, and the Nevada side.
I went back and with the help of Todd, took a photo in nearly the same spot! Fortunately the beautiful property at Tahoe Taverns and the pool, retain the charm. Only things missing are the diving board and at the becapped swimmers..
Since the photo on my Instagram got so much chat and attention, I thought I’d share a little more about Slim..
Slim Aarons
Long before Instagram was making beautiful people in beautiful locations a thing, Slim Aarons was creating a world of a similar sort. Slim, born George Aarons in 1916, begin his foray into photography taking photos at West Point and later earned a Purple Heart as an Army combat photographer in some brutal conflicts in North Africa and Europe.
In the post-war era, wanting escape, he shifted to shooting what he called ‘attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places,’ for Life, Town & Country, and Holiday magazine. The world was ready for fun and frivolity after the war, and he had a way of documenting it like art, making the setting as important as the subject.
I first became aware of Slim Aarons’ world when I came across this book at my grandmother’s church bazaar. Bored and sifting through some dusty books, this gem popped out at me like a ray of sun on an overcast day. Inside are vintage photos of the good life from San Francisco to Palm Beach, places like Acapulco and Capri.. ski slopes, beaches, polo fields and beyond..
I was entranced by the Kodachrome images of bright clothes, bejeweled people and aqua blue pools..No one looked perfect, but they all had a certain kind of style that was so appealing. A Wonderful Time was released in 1974. I bought the book probably in the early 90’s. Much later, maybe at the advent of Instagram or Pinterest, Slim’s photos had a resurgence again.
Slim ( a nickname due to his 6’4 stature), melded easily with the society groups and celebrities and thus was allowed in where others weren’t. It was only later revealed after his death, unknown to his wife and daughter, he was actually the son of poor Yiddish Immigrants and had a mother with mental health struggles. He was not a New Hampshire orphan as he claimed.
What a life he created! He captured a time and place, the post-war era like no one else.. A few of my favorite photos from the style book.. Many of these photos remind me of my grandmother and mom..
You can still buy Slim Aaron’s prints and originals. The originals will cost you more, some in the thousands, but official prints can be found at Ist Dibs, and Chairsh and auction houses.
Prints like Tennis in the Bahamas ( one of my favorites) and the Tahoe pic and the Neutra House in Palm Springs and more can be found here, thought I’m not sure they are licensed and you have to frame them yourself.
It seems like a new Slim book comes out every few years and often with new photos from his huge archive housed at Getty Images.
I own two newer books, Slim Aarons Poolside, and Slim Aarons Style. Adore both… I give the Style book an edge with it’s writing and background and more unique photos I haven’t seen-and both have Tahoe photos in them.
All the Slim Aaron’s books here and a new book Slim Aarons The Essential Collection will be published in October and you can pre-order it.
If you love Slim Aaron’s Style as much as I do there are a few ways to bring that same vibe to your look.. Do you own any vintage jewelry? You’ll notice in theses photos, everyone has fabulous costume gems on. I especially love the large earrings and the chunky bracelets. I have many of my grandmother and mom’s vintage earrings.. I wear them when I go to a fun party or feel festive.
I brought these to Hawaii which were my grandmother’s…
Shop for colorful pieces and things that have a vintage feel! You can find unique vintage pieces on Etsy.
Anther cool idea is to find vintage family photos and have them blown up at places like FedEx. Photos from the same era look like a Slim Aarons and are even more special if your family is in them! I plan on doing this myself and will share.. I just have to find the time.
Choosing wallpaper for bedroom…
Thanks for hanging with me through this bedroom finishing. I appreciate all the feedback and now that I have the bed.. It was good to hear your thoughts on the nightstand and though there were so many choices ( all of them here if you missed it), I think I am going with the Villandry fro Ballard below..
I am pushing through to choose wallpaper.. My normal MO at this stage would be to check out and I am forcing myself to compete this! I think the fact that it’s not a ‘public’ room, it’s easy for us to do the least for a main bedroom. I decided to wallpaper the whole space, not just one wall.
This is what it I narrowed it to..
Twiggy Sisal in Sky below left, or Fog below right, by Schumacher…
So far the Sky is our top choice…
I also adore pretty Acanthus also by Schumacher..
Aventurine has a subtle look and is a performance type that can also be wiped down. Maybe I should use that instead for my long wall and entry?
From Serena & Lily …I like this blue Deauville paper …
I also like their Palmetto paper
If we go with the Sky colorway of the Twiggy Sisal..Here’s my collage/mood board for this space..
I love this Merrin Rug . It’s hard to find rugs with aqua colors in them. This has a faded look and hopefully wouldn’t be busy with the wallpaper. The Villandry Nightstand with the bamboo and caning look is my favorite.. We already have the Bernhardt Bed and the Serena & Lily chair. I really want a full-length mirror I can lean on a wall and I think this Mallorca Mirror is so pretty. Hmm decisions! I love both lamps.. The shape of the shade small cream one is kind of nice, but then so is the pretty floral….
I’m going for serene and I think this mix feels like it…
bed/ wallpaper/ rug/ nightstand/ mirror/ stool/ chair/ pillow/ floral lamp/ cream lamp/
I’ll be back next week with On My Radar and other fun things. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Thanks for being here,
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Good morning Kim!
Enjoy every minute with your son! How wonderful to have hime home for a bit this summer.
Slim Arons is one of my favorite photographers. Although I do not own any of his books, I will have to remedy that soon. The photos speak of a time and place that seems lost these days. No phones…the people are enjoying life, their surroundings, friends, family, and life. Don’t get me wrong, I love my phone but life sure has changed.
I love the idea of using family photos blown up in your decor! Great idea. And family jewelry…your earrings look beautiful. I have a few pairs of my grandmothers earrings and only wear them when dressed up.
Your bedroom moldboard looks beautiful!!!!! You are so talented Kim! I cannot wait to see the finished room.
HAve a wonderful weekend, stay cool.
xo
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, Thanks I am trying to get all the time I can with this kid! You need a Slim book! They are so good and I wish I could share more of the photos, but they are licensed. You are so right, life before the phone and screen was better in a lot of ways.. especially socially. Young people are especially affected I think.
So great you wear your grandmother’s earrings. I love that..Wish me luck on the bedroom! Happy weekend! xo
You took me right down that pictorial rabbit hole with you and Slim! Thanks for sharing. And I had tht petal swimming cap!
Eva so fun to see! Those swim caps hold some fascination for me! My grandmother would come babysit us as kids and she always brought a swimsuit and a little overnight case. She had a selection of swim caps with petals and flowers and as a child I thought that was the coolest! So neat you had one too. x
Love the Twiggy in Sky – looks gorgeous on your mood board and seems to suit the decor in the rest of your beautiful home. Can’t wait to see the finished room!
Laura isn’t that a good one? Aw thank you.. I hope I can make it pretty! xo
As a kid growing up in 1970s Bay Area I’ve always loved the Slim Aarons pics, they are quintessential California living, brings back so many memories of backyard pool parties 💓 My dad was a jazz drummer and would often invite his bandmates and musical friends over to play by the pool and the parties would go on into the night, both kids and adults. Free range kid era … I even remember making Manhattans and Tequila Sunrises for guests, à la Sally on Mad Men. 😹
Hi Valetta.. Sounds like we grew up at the same time! No wonder we both loved Slim’s photos.. Backyard pool parties! What a wonderful way to grow up with that and music… Free ranging. Yes that was us too. We had to be back by dark. It was a magical time and I wish more kids had that now.
Thank you for another entertaining and informative post. I always learn something interesting from you. Love the Slim Aarons photos and short bio about him. The 70s were certainly an interesting time in style and fashions ranging from bejeweled sophistication to well-worn Hippie looks. Thanks for the fun memories
Hi Carolina! Thank you. I love looking back at the 60’s and 70’s ! x
Happy weekend, Kim,
I am enjoying today’s post. And I am especially intrigued by your bedroom ideas. We are in the process of redoing a second home in Boca Raton. It is in the destruct and reconstruction process. A long process and I am busy pinning ideas. The Mallorocan mirror is a great possibility for me. I love mirrors and have one in every room in Gainesville. I forward to seeing your finished bedroom.
Rosemary
Hi Rosemary,
Thank you! How fun to re-do a home by the ocean! Isn’t that mirror lovely? They are like adding an extra window. I think it would be pretty in a mamin space too. Good luck with your house too. So exciting!
Hi Kim,
I love the Twiggy Sisal in Sky! You’ve pulled together a beautiful mood board. The floral lamp is perfect. You are very talented. This is all very inspiring because our bedroom needs help! I have a PB cream upholstered bed but need to update everything else. Like you mentioned, it isn’t a public room so we’ve just kind of left it hanging. So sad!! What made you decide to wallpaper the entire room? Just curious.
I’m now obsessed with Slim Aarons and can’t believe I had never heard of him especially growing up going to Tahoe, having parents retire there and getting married there (the Fairwinds estate)! The iconic photos are amazing. Thank you for suggesting links to purchase prints. As always, you’ve written such an inspirational blog. I miss Northern California everyday and reading these brings me such joy! Have a fabulous time with your son.
Hi Karen! Gosh thank you. It’s harder to choose things for my own home I think! Oh I love that floral lamp too. A cream upholstered bed is great and you can do so much…you have a lot of options! I did do the one wall thing with wallpaper in my office and want to kind of make the whole room feel like a little jewel box feel, so that is why I am doing the whole too. Plus the other walls aren’t so expansive, so hopefully it’ll look good.
I love that you grew up in Tahoe and got married there… I am looking up that estate! Isn’t Slim great? I would have shared more photos, but they are licensed and I wasn’t sure I could. Have a great weekend! x
Great information about Tahoe. I grew up in Sacramento so Tahoe was a regular destination as a young person. Actually it still is even though I live on the Central Coast. Before Covid I asked my husband it he would kayak the 75 miles around Lake Tahoe with me. It was a fun adventure. Greer
Greer so nice you were so close to Tahoe as a kid! I also went summers as a child..though it was a longer drive for us. It still its magical in summer to me.
I am impressed you did the kayak around the whole lake. Did you break it up by days? My husband did the TERC Circle thing with UC Davis and did a portion of it last year by kayak with them! I am wondering how long it takes to do it all? That’s awesome!
Kim, It took us five days in a row to kayak around Lake Tahoe. We averaged around fifteen miles a day. One day it rained on us and other days the wind came up to slow us down. The logistics were tricky. It involved a motor home, truck, KTM motorcycle and our kayak. We were on the water at sunrise. Deadman point lives up to its name, wind and white caps.
Greer wow. I am so impressed. I am shaaring this with Max. He would love to do that… Off to check out Deadman Point!
Kim. I loved this post! I had heard of Slim but never knew much about him. I just ordered two of his books. Cant wait to sit with a coffee and view life back then. Although I’m sure it depicts just luxury life it will be fun!
Vikki
Vikki they are fun and I am inspired by the people’s style and interiors and love seeing the resorts of yesteryear! I hope you enjoy! xo
Hi Kim,
Love your Slim Aaron’s photos. You know I think I have that book. I must look around the book shelves. Boy are those days gone. Love your son’s shoes They say it all. Just a delightful read and visuals.
Sandra, your pictures from the past remind me of Slims too! You got to live some of that..
Aw thank you. xo
Hi Kim! So interesting learning about Slim Arons! That certainly was an era! You neglected to mention that the hunky shirtless man with the white capris is also missing from your current photo, haha!
Love everything you have chosen for your bedroom refresh! I would definitely go with the Sky colored wallpaper. So soothing! The rug is perfect and definitely not too busy! And I like the look of the neutral lamp with everything else you have chosen! Enjoy the rest of the time you have with your son!
Hi Molly, I would like to time travel back to that era for a week… Ha that shirtless guy is the star isn’t he? Didn’t see any stand-ins while we were there.. LOL!
Thank you about the bedroom. I’m torn about the lamps. I do wonder if the floral would be too busy.
xo
Hi Kim,
Love this post. It was so inspiring. I need to refresh my bedroom and you’ve given me so many ideas. I really like the sky wallpaper. It adds a little color to the room but it’s still restful.
Those Slim Aron’ photos captured a time that we will never have again. I think life was a lot slower then.
Hi Diane! Thank you.. I thought that too about the sky!
The slower life.. we could all use little more of that. xo
Hi Kim,
I bet it was special having Griffin home for a view days. Great last senior year. His shoes show that he is engaged with life and he’s active.
Tahoe Tavern has gorgeous views.
Slim Aaron’s was an accomplished man on so many levels in spite of his childhood struggles and his mother’s issues. Sometimes coming from an environment like this creates you to power through with a strong will and determination to succeed. Great photographer, loved seeing the photos of those days. The swim bathing caps brought back memories.
Love what you are doing to your master bedroom. The serene look I embrace, my eye keeps going back to the twiggy sky. You are gifted with such good taste and a sense of style. I’m sure you will make excellent choices. With wallpaper you just want to make sure you will love it for the long term. Of course you know that. Making huge design decisions for your own home I agree makes it even more challenging.
How special is it that you have some vintage earrings from your mother and grandmother and you actually wear them and not just sitting in a box. They would be thrilled that you wear them. I liked the photo of grandmothers and you wearing them. Sentimental.
For you being so short on time to post you shared so much and the “time thief,” did not interfere with all you shared.,
Thank you.
❤️
Hi Katherine! Ha you are right Griffin is busy I guess.. Thank you the time flew too fast.
You are so right about Slim Aarons and coming from struggle.. He had a heartbreaking childhood and he created a very fun life. Thank you about the bedroom… and I do think about may grandmother when I wear her things. Brings her closer to me.
Have a beautiful week. xx
Happy weekend Kim! Great post about Slim Aaron and his iconic photos. Those were the days! And I grew up in the sixties. I have a sweet photo of my mom with her two sisters posing in one piece swimsuits, and they had those cute swim caps on with the costume earrings! You have chosen a beautiful wallpaper for your bedroom walls. It will be gorgeous with the other decor on your mood my board. The pic of your son’s sneakers is priceless. I have captured photos of my grandkids shoes lined up in my foyer over the years. Beautiful memories! XO
Hi Karen! Oh that photo of your mom and sisters sounds wonderful! How cute they had earrings and swim caps. I swear I have one with my grandmother with costume jewelry in the pool too…I hope you get yours framed!
Thank you about the bedroom! Isn’t is sweet the shoes? Something about them.. xo
Oh, Kim, my favorite posts are the ones about Tahoe, and this one does not disappoint! I’ll have to look for the Slims books to see all of those photos. They remind me so much of my grandmother, too. Ladies used to be so fashionable and look so classy. I wish people still dressed up. And those bathing caps are totally my grandmother! Thank you for the great post.
Enjoy all the time with your son while he is here. Time with our kids just goes by way too fast.
Janet I am so glad.. I agree our grandmother’s era was such an elegant time. I very much lament people dressing up!! Those swim caps. xo
Kim! I loved learning more about Slim Aarons. Such an interesting – and talented – character. This is embarrassing to admit but I’ve often gotten confused between Slim Aarons and Slim Paley … I would think Slim Paley was a photographer and Slim Aaron a society dame. Of course, I’m super familiar with many of his photos … and I love how you noticed and captured his Tahoe pool photo. I’m going to go back and search your links and order one of his books … clearly my library is incomplete without one or two. I’m loving your bedroom inspiration and all those wallpapers are dreamy and would be perfect. I’ve used another Schumacher fabric (not paper) in Sky and it’s so subtle and lovely. Can’t wait to see which you choose. I know what you mean about walking away from a project mid-stream. I’m guilty of that and need to finish our bedroom and a few other project. You’ve inspired me. Love your grandmother’s earrings … are they clips or pierced. So pretty! Hope you’re staying cool over there. xo
Juliet It’s not just you.. many people have. . I was also a fan of Slim Paley blog written by Carolyn Miller. She took the names Slim Keith – and Babe Paley- both socialites of the Slim Aaron’s era, and used it as her blog name to remain anonymous. That added to all the confusion!!!
I’m so glad you like the sky colorway. And it’s so me to stop and not finish something. Writing about it is forcing me to complete. Now just let’s see if I can!
I love the vintage costume jewelry… and it’s affordable and up cycling too. xo
Elizabeth!Thank you for the information around Slim Aarons- I grew up going to Palm Springs and Palm Beach so I know many of the locations- I think I even was at a party at that house in Palm Springs! Now Im going to have to get a book! My grandmothers both had those flowery bathing caps. I think I even might have worn one of hers at some point – it was quite remarkable I had a visceral reaction to some of the photos because it reminded me so much of pictures of my parents and even some of my own childhood. Thank you for sharing,
Mary
Wow how neat to go to that house in Palm Springs! I believe it was recently sold and the previous owners did a complete restoration of it to make sure it remained just as it was. I think you would love the book.
Those bathing caps! Aw thanks Mary so glad the photos brought you back. I have the same feelings. They make me miss my grandmother and mom..
Great post Kim!
Interesting tidbits about Slim Aarons…I’m sure I have seen a lot of his work, just didn’t know so much about him. I agree with Janet and wish people still dressed up more. My mom always looked so put together. Even places where you would think women would make the effort, they go super casual. I can remember working in the office people took casual Friday to a whole other level!
I love your mood board (❤️that nightstand) and I personally would go with the Twiggy Sisal wallpaper. I have always loved the Acanthus but lately I feel like it’s been used so much by designers.
Enjoy your time with Griffin!
Linda
Linda wasn’t Slim an interesting person? Seeing these vintage photos.. people really made and effort and no they weren’t just well off people, everyone did. You can even see it in old photos. Men wore hats and suits and women looked so put together! Today it’s hard to see someone inspiring on the street. We opt for easy. My mom and grandmother and even papa were nicely dressed always. Work used to be a place to dress up. Okay I don’t miss hosiery, that was awful, but I do miss people looking nice.
Thank you looks like that paper is a winner! Acanthus has been seen a LOT.
Thank you sadly he already is home. Thank you xo
You are right about the hosiery! And all the money I spent on dry cleaning! 💲Turns out the chemicals weren’t good for me anyway.
Right? Oh my I’d like to know how much we spent on hosiery. Insane… and dry cleaning.
Kim! I have to admit I didn’t know much about slim Aaron’s..,I could think of cool Palm Springs pool photos with yellow and white striped umbrellas…and you knew since finding a book at your grandmas church bazar! Of course you did!!
Enjoy having griffin home! How is he a senior already!!
Xx
I love those yellow and white umbrellas.. Funny isn’t that about her church bazaar.. Many a treasure was found there. I know Griffin is growing up too fast and I miss him. I know you understand. xo
Hi Kim! Thanks for the background on Slim Aaron’s. I love his photos but didn’t know anything about the man behind them.
As for the wallpaper, I vote for the Twiggy Sisal in Sky. I have a similar paint color and bed in my bedroom, and I find the combination to be so serene, just as a bedroom should be! That wallpaper would add sophistication and take it to the next level! The Serena and Lily wallpapers are cute, but they don’t give off the same relaxing vibe in my opinion. But… if you like the Deauville print, you could incorporate it in other ways. For instance, you could order a chair, bench, or ottoman in the Deauville fabric and put that item in another room. I have the Deauville fabric on a S&L spindle chair in my living room and love it. Just a suggestion to get the best of both worlds.
I also have the PB floral lamp on a console table in my living room and love it as well. I think it would add a lot of interest to your bedroom. But whatever you do, I’m sure your bedroom will turn out just as fabulous as the rest of your house! Looking forward to seeing the final product.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Hi Julie! Thank you for the vote. So glad to hear you like that color in your bedroom. I realized over the years I have saved many images of bedrooms with similar colors. I agree this paper seems more chill that the other S&L ones. I love the idea of putting the fabric on something in another room. I bet to looks fantastic on the spindle chair.
Wow you have that floral lamp? I think we have similar taste. I bet your home is lovely!
Thank you .. enjoy summer! x
Your bedroom will look divine! I’m sure there’s a “Slim Pic” in the begging of the book Rattan 😉
You are right I am sure Sarah! It’s that one with the white chairs.. Thank you hope it all pulls together and looks good. x
WALLPAPER WILL BE SO NEW AND REFRESHING!
I BET YOU WILL LOVE YOUR BEDROOM EVEN MORE!
YOU MAY NEVER GET OUT OF BED!
I DONT HAVE ANY OF HIS BOOKS BUT I DO KNOW THE PHOTOGRAPHS!
XOXO
I hope so!! I really want to love the space and I haven’t so I am fixing it! xo
Loved this Kim! I knew of Slim Aarons but not well, and now I want a book! More importantly, you and I had already been on the same wavelength as I’ve been picking vintage photos from mine and my husband’s family photographs and plan on doing some kind of gallery wall with them. Working on getting someone to repair them as they can’t be blown up as is – they’ll be too grainy and I don’t have the negatives. Once I get that done, I’ll have to show you!
Happy weekend!
Sheila
xo
Sheila, The books are great. Wow love that you guys are blowing up the vintage photos. It’s going to be very special. I can’t wait to see and how you do it without the negatives! xx