Tuesday, May 29, 2012

My chair update

You may remember 2 months ago I bought a small antique chair and wanted some fabric advice.I had so many great responses and emails, it was admittedly overwhelming as each person said something different! I decided to go with my gut (and wallet) and use the leftover fabric I had from my dining room chairs, a turquoise velvet from Ralph Lauren Home.While not my usual taste, the ornate chair will be a great accent piece in my new apartment.I love how it turned out, what do you think?

Monday, May 28, 2012

Another 'modern' house plan

Again from the unbuilt section of the book "Domestic Architecture of H.T. Lindeberg" I bring you this modern houseplan.I love this melding of classical and modern. The plan is so rational it is strange to see the 1-story service spaces spilling out so organically on the upper right hand side; A strange after thought? It seems to have been hidden with the landscaping though, not a service wing in sight! I believe it was Frank Lloyd Wright who said he hid his mistakes with Ivy? How would you have solved this problem?

Saturday, May 26, 2012

House plan for a doctor

To make up for the lack of posts lately as I prepare for my move, I thought I would post some floorplans from a book I recently was browsing at work, "Domestic Architecture of H. T. Lindeberg".While never built, this early modern house has an intriguing plan which combines the functions of the doctor's office as well as his nice, but compact house. I only wonder what section of the city this was planned for. If this had been built, I also wonder how the warren of service spaces around the kitchen would have changed over time. What do you think?

Friday, May 25, 2012

Kips Bay Showhouse: 2012

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the opening night party of the Kips Bay showhouse. I've been so busy packing in preparation for my big move that I haven't had time to share it with you. I wanted to be sure to share my favorite rooms while the show house was still open! I have to say this was the best show house I've seen. In so many ways, the house (actually an apartment) summed up the best of New York design and living with a surplus of talent. My favorites were too many to count on one hand. The entry hall, decorated by Bryant Keller, was a dramatic start to the series of rooms, done up in quintessential New York style with Scalamandre fabrics and wallpaper. One of the trends which was found throughout the showhouse was the use of fur. I know many people hate the cruel stuff, but nothing says luxury to me like a soft fur throw. The room above by David Scott was delightfully cozy.One of my dearest friends I'm proud to say, Raji Radhakrishnan (who actually invited me to the party, thanks Raji!) was the belle of the ball. She is seen here in front of a beautiful leather desk from Ralph Lauren Home. Her room has been widely published and for good reason -it simply was one of the most beautiful, detail laden and creative rooms in the show house (how's that for bias?).She always includes a sophisticated blend of intriguing object d'art and books into any of her spaces, much like her own house - can you see why I'm hooked? Raji created a focal point in a room lacking any architectural features by adding a mantel by Chesneys. The copy of a Sir John Soane mantel has long been on my wishlist for my dreamhouse and I was so happy to see her using it. Raji included works of art by herself as well, such as the photograph of the chapel at Versailles she took years ago while dreaming of including it in her Kips Bay showroom (dreams do come true!). The composition of the pieces, each one delightful by itself, is only enhanced by their juxtaposition. And against those beautiful Venetian plaster finished walls AND ceiling by Judy Mulligan, what wouldn't look marvelous? One of the trends I was happy to see was the attention paid to ceilings throughout the showhouse -Raji didn't leave it at Venetian plaster, this gilded squiggle made for Raji by Christianson Lee Studios was really fun!Speaking of fun, Jamie Drake's room was a riot of color, as expected from the king of color! I loved this chrome lamp used in a corner of his room. He didn't forget the ceiling either, it was silverleafed!Another colorful space was the room decorated by Thom Filicia, seen here in front of his console designed for Vanguard.The ceiling was lacquered in the same beautiful kelly green as the walls. I loved the Kravet curtains.Another room with a touch of whimsy was by Shawn Henderson. What better way to celebrate the city views than with a swing!Multi-talented artist Chuck Fischer decorated a room that was awe-inspiring for his shear talent. Even the entry sign was awesome! The chinoiserie murals surrounding the space were incredibly detailed and beautiful. Speaking of beautiful, the designer Alexander Doherty decorated my 2nd favorite room, a bedroom for a collector. Here again was a soft and cozy enormous fur throw, surrounded by cerused oak paneling; I don't know which feature I enjoyed more. Color was injected into the space with a painted dresser and numerous lamps creating glamorous pools of light. Someone who knows glamour is Alexa Hampton. Her room was the epitome of a classic New York bedroom, so well developed by her father, Mark Hampton. Grand tour items from the past lined a desk facing a very modern city skyline. This bench in the corner of the bedroom sums up both the room and the show house with a simple book title "Luxury Living New York". Notice the fur throw on the bed in the foreground.Be sure to visit this very fitting and special Kips Bay show house before it closes on June 14th!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Shopping: And George

This weekend while in Charlottesville on the ICAA tour of UVA and Blue Ridge Farm I stopped at "And George" - a charming shop with loads of great furniture, household items, and gifts.I love shops which are arranged with beautiful things as far as the eye can see, like in a house rather than just on shelves.I loved the etagere in the foreground filled with candles and the console table along the back wall.As you can see the shop is full of perfect furniture, like this brass and wood coffee table.Every display in the store is picture perfect. Bellocq tea and William Yeoward crystal made up this vignette.This little desk area reminded me of Charlotte Moss's office.If you find yourself in the Charlottesville area (home to many attractions) be sure to stop in at And George, located at 3465 Ivy Road on Route 250. You just may find me the perfect gift -haha.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Opportunity for an exclusive tour

This Saturday, May 12, join the Mid-Atlantic Insitute of Classical Architecture & Art for an exclusive tour of Blue Ridge Farm designed by renowned architect William Lawrence Bottomley and landscape architect Charles Gillette as well as a guided tour of Jefferson's University of Virginia Campus. It will be a day not to miss; I'll be there, will you? For details on attending, visit the website linked above and go to "Chapter Events". Only a few spots are remaining so sign up today!

Little Augury for sale

Mark your calendars because beginning tomorrow, May 10th at 8am, our own blogger, Little Augury, is hosting a One Kings Lane Tastemaker Tag Sale.Along with some gorgeous antique furniture, she will be offering quite a selection of art, including this delightful watercolor of an art deco board room.You'll have to beat me to this charming drawing of the Walpole shell bench. Be there or be square to support our blogger friends!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Highpoint 2012: Vanguard furniture

Another showroom I visited while in Highpoint was Vanguard.Strong color was in evidence at Vanguard as well as the other stores but with a more homespun, cozy feeling.Thom Filicia was on hand showing his new wares, seen above. That man has enough nervous energy to fuel and empire but he knows what he's doing!I loved this drinks table in bleached walnut - the legs have such great lines and the casters are so useful.These nightstands also had graceful lines. The pullout tray is always such a nice feature.These Cerello ottomans were also striking -especially paired like this. The cliffside gray finish is really popular right now but I've always loved it.This colorful game table was covered in a beautiful leather and the nailhead trim is such a great detail. I was so pleased and impresed with so many great furniture makers still in the USA!