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Women.com presents

Country Living's deputy editor, Lawrence A. Bilotti
Ideas on country design and architecture

October 26, 1999

Country Living's deputy editor, Lawrence A. Bilotti, is here with us today to exchange ideas on design, architecture and other important aspects of "Country Living."

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HomeArts: Welcome to our chat with Country Living's deputy editor, Lawrence A. Bilotti. This will be an opportunity for you to get acquainted with Lawrence, and to exchange ideas on design, architecture and other important aspects of "Country Living." Welcome, Larry!

Lawrence Bilotti: It's great to be here! It's particularly good to be participating in the chat today since I was the original editor to launch "Country Living" online back in August of 1995. So, let's begin!

Bubbles6: I always look at the homes featured in Country Living and am amazed at how pulled-together they look. Is there some trick to getting a mix of finishings, furniture and accessories that work so well together?

Lawrence Bilotti: Bubbles, most of the homes that you see are the actual homes of people like yourself. The reasons that we photograph the homes we do are because they do have the right mix of furnishings, furniture and accessories. One of the strong features of the magazine is that all of the interiors are really a reflection of personal style. The new column that we just introduced, "What Makes It Country," which launched with the October issue, actually calls out specific details in a room that can help readers create the look for themselves.

Justintime: I see that you sell house plans in the magazine. Are these really designed just for "Country Living?" Do you ever feature these houses after they've been built?

Lawrence Bilotti: Justintime, the house plans that appear in every issue of the magazine are from house plan providers. They are not specific to the magazine, but they all have a country feel. However, on major building projects like the House of the Year, we do offer house plans that were specifically designed for "Country Living." We build the houses and then offer the plans. To my knowledge, we have not photographed a house that was built using one of the plans we sell.

Samsmom: Do you have any fun ideas on decorating for Halloween?

Lawrence Bilotti: Samsmom, our October issue is filled with great ideas for Halloween. There's a feature on pumpkin carving using different types of pumpkins and how-to tips on creating unusual looks. And, we have another how-to for creating silhouettes of ghosts and goblins that you can hang in your window. We just came out with a new "Handmade Series" book on Halloween. You can find it in your local bookstore or online at www.barnesandnoble.com.

Countryluvr: It seems like stylish, country decor has changed from the colonial style that was so popular a while ago, to a more relaxed feel and mixes and matches old and new. Do you think that trend will continue, or will we go back to a more traditional look?

Lawrence Bilotti: Countryluvr, I think that the interesting thing about country style is that it covers a broad range of looks. I think that your observation is correct. We see a lot more casual, comfortable interiors, but I think that there will always be a place for traditional and rustic country styles. Again, it's all about personal style. And, whatever makes you feel comfortable is the right look for you.

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