Taylor’s casual legacy

Fashion photographer Cecil Beaton called the late Michael Taylor the most original decorator in America, says Stephen Salny, who is writing a book on the legendary designer. Taylor’s capacious sofas and ottomans, shown here in wicker at the Gill Garfield residence, circa 1976, and his use of organic elements such as wicker and cleverly placed rocks are still relevant. “He broke all the rules of design that preceded him, and created interiors that were indigenous to the California casual way of indoor-outdoor life,” says Salny, who will speak about Taylor at 5 p.m. Friday at the Los Angeles Antiques Show. The antiques show at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica features more than 60 dealers. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 at the door; www.psartsantiques.com.

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David A. Keeps