Palm Springs, California

I recently escaped the cold winter weather and explored (mostly) sunny Palm Springs, California. I say mostly because 1 of my 4 days there included an unusual gloomy, albeit warm, rainy day.

Known as the retreat of the Rat Pack and full of Mid-Century modern architecture, I was pleased to find some older buildings to interest the classicist in me.

The El Paseo building in the Uptown Design District was built in 1927 and is of the fitting Spanish style that fits so well with the sunny weather. White washed walls repel the strong sun and the clay tile roofs help to keep the roof ventilated and cool.

Across the street were a number of other interesting older Spanish buildings, full of charm. Of course I was mostly interested in the blue skies and warm air!

This building above directly across the street has seen better days but if you look past the broken windows and worn exterior the concrete structure is really beautiful. The antique shop inside is entertaining as well.

Of course when one thinks of Palm Springs one thinks of its' famous houses. Neutra's famous Kaufmann House from 1947 was an exciting find -click the link for a great tour at Architectural Digest.

Another fun find although on an entirely different level, was driving by Liberace's house below.  The Old Las Palmas neighborhood is full of beautiful mid-century houses and lush gardens.

Palm Springs is a surprisingly small town with the main activity (after golfing) being sitting Poolside.

I stayed at the beautiful Colony Palms Hotel and can't recommend it highly enough: both for style and most of all location.

Shopping is another popular past time particularly for vintage home goods (fun for me!). I have to recommend (the unfortunately named) Just Fabulous for its wonderful and stylish book collection and gifts just a block from the hotel.

I used the Elle Decor travel tips (very useful) to find a lot of the better vintage stores and weed out the junk (literally). The best string of about 5 shops I found thanks to that magazine are in a sort of run-down business park just outside of Palm Springs in Cathedral City adjacent to its best store, Hedge. I was a bit surprised to find the stores empty on a Saturday during the high season but after the shabby treatment I received in most of the shops (Hedge was moderately friendly) I wasn't so surprised.  After trying to get help in 2 (empty) shops to purchase something and receiving no recognition I just left with empty hands. More money to spend elsewhere!  Is it because I'm much under the average age in Palm Springs of 80?  I still have money to spend!

Shop owners beware; finding great merchandise is only 1/2 the battle.  Selling it to VERY willing customers is just as important! Customer service matters particularly with high end merchandise.

National Cathedral windows

I recently paid a visit to the National Cathedral and was reminded of how beautiful stained glass really can be, particularly in this crisp winter light.

The windows soar towards the ceiling at a staggering 100'. The light still makes it down to the floor however, and to marvelous effect.

I posted some exterior photos a few years ago during a much warmer visit HERE (with a real camera instead of my iphone)

These sacred spaces really are special; thanks to artisans, architects, and perhaps a divine presence.

Happy New Year, 2015!

I started this blog as part of a New Years resolution in 2007 with THIS post. In the past 8 years I've had so much fun sharing my design musings and inspirations and hope to do so for the next 8 years. Thank you for being part of my blogging experience and the best of Health, Wealth, and Happiness to you in 2015!

Merry Christmas!

From my home to yours, Merry Christmas with wishes for a very Happy New Year!

Night at the Museum - the National Portrait Gallery

This past Friday I spent the evening at the National Portrait Gallery; at least it felt like evening since it was dark the entire time(they're open until 7pm)

If you haven't visited you really must;it's one of my favorite museums in DC. Housed in the old Patent office building completed in 1840, the Greek Revival structure was the 3rd public building constructed in the United States.

The third floor is a stunning open space which was restored a number of years ago. When built it was the largest room in the United States! President Lincoln held his 2nd inaugural ball here.

The art is thoughtfully displayed throughout the structure to show off not only the art but take best advantage of the architecture.  Enfilades are carefully ended in works of art. Symmetry is key here and nothing is left to chance with a work's placement within the building.

Sometimes the shadows are more interesting than the work itself!

 I've always admired the settings and 'rooms' created around special works of art. The alcove above is decorated as if one were in a cemetery.

The alcove which houses Sargent's "The Spanish Dancer", a study of sorts for El Jaleo housed at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston,  is painted a murky brown to show the picture to its best advantage.

One of my favorite paintings in the museum is Spring Dance by Arthur Mathews from 1917 -but the frame is just as stunning as the picture.

 Sometimes a painting is more interesting when in conjunction with another work of art; contrast.

I'm not sure why Whistler's 'Valparaiso Harbor' is at the portrait gallery but I wasn't complaining -I spent a lot of time studying this painting!

Inside the Place Vendome, Paris

My favorite square in Paris is without a doubt the Place Vendome.  I even have a painting of it in my bedroom by Moura Chabor!

The storied square is actually 26 separate buildings with a unified front designed by Mansart.   Based on the success of the earlier Place des Vosges in the Marais (a similar concept of different buildings looking as one),  it was fully complete by 1720.

The Hotel Ritz, which occupies # 15 ( and possibly 17? ), is currently under renovation and is covered by the scaffolding seen above. This also includes a full restoration of the column in the center of the square originally erected by Napoleon in 1810.

 To the right of the scaffolding you can see what the original mansion fronts look like.

 This corner of the square is still open so you can see the original intent.

Above each archway is a different face -this guy looks a bit constipated!  Notice the lovely ironwork on the guard between houses.

But what lies behind these grand facades? Hotels and businesses of course but at one time they were all private homes.  Go through the vaulted archways and you still find very residential scaled facades.

This little courtyard above would make the perfect Paris pied a terre!

This very grand staircase leads one up into the buildings from the porte cochere.

All of this 'stone' is actually plaster scored and painted to resemble the stone the facades are built of. This is outdoor space but at the same time protected so it wears well.

And a very blurry picture looking into one of these historic building's stair - whats not to like?!

Christmas shopping in Paris

The best part of visiting Paris in the winter, particularly at Christmastime, is the shopping! The city is decked out with Christmas trees and lights hoping to get everyone in the spirit and attract some business.

My favorite area of Paris for shopping is along (and around) the Rue Saint Honore seen in the photos above.

The shop windows are decorated in the most enticing ways. Above at Astier de Villatte the window display was of charming ornaments available on the rarely open 2nd floor.  This is one of my favorite shops in the city and I treated myself to early Christmas gift(s), or to be more accurate, blew my financial load.

Nearby at Goyard the unique leather goods are SO tempting (until one views the price tags). One day I'll treat myself to a wallet but only if I don't visit Astier de Villatte happen first!

For loved ones in the city some roses from the spectacular floral shop adjacent to the trendy Hotel Costes would be stunning.

Don't forget the adjacent Place Vendome, home to the most spectacular jewelry shops in the world. Interesting to note that the central column is being restored as part of the Ritz renovation (which is barely seen on the left in the above photo).

The most popular part of the city in which to shop for Parisians is in the Marais (particularly on Sundays) where small charming boutiques crowd the ancient streets along with friendly bistros.

My favorite shop in the Marais I stumbled upon is Les Mille Feuille which carries architectural models from ArchitectDesign sponsor Chisel & Mouse prominently displayed in their window! I loved the patterned lamp shades they stock and was so tempted to indulge; the store is perfect for small gifts.

A small crowd was assembled outside of this shop to watch this animatronic Hippo play the cello!

The Ile St Louis was competing for most interesting light display with these strings coursing down the central street the entire length of the island.

Small antique shops are to be found all throughout the city, not just in the known districts, and I noted this interesting shop above in the posh 17th arrondissment.

My 2nd favorite neighborhood for shopping is on the Left Bank in chic St-Germain. Here the most impressive museum-quality antique stores jostle with art galleries and home design shops.  I lusted after THESE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHAIRS IN THE WORLD (yes all in caps) at the Galerie Spadafora.

Unfortunately by the time I found Le Cabinet de Porcelaine it was closed for the day! The tiny shop has been written about in most design magazines for the stunning artwork they carry, all done in porcelain.

I surely would have gone home with the small Meissen cabbage covered bowl above! I have to say that I love the European habit of displaying prices in the window.

One mustn't forget the fabulous department stores of Paris located behind the Opera. Printemp's windows rival any of those in New York. The views from the rooftop restaurants (which I will feature in a separate post) are worth the visit alone!

The only thing better than shopping in Paris is being in Paris!