Timeless Appeal

The art of creating busts was and still is mankind’s attempt at immortality. This sculptural three-dimensional artwork was very popular in Rome during the neoclassical period in the late eighteenth century, and it continues to be popular until today. Many collectors who love to collect both antique and reproduced neoclassical pieces incorporate these sculptures in today’s classic interiors.

I found these images of dining rooms, where busts were proudly and cleverly displayed. Enjoy.

A big scale bust in a chic Paris apartment, courtesy of Elle Decor, photography by Marriane Hass

Art collector Peter Hone's display of his classic antiquity, note the small busts in the middle of the table. photography by Tim Clinch

Designer Stephen Shubel displayed a Terra-cotta bust in this beautiful setting, photography by Alan Weintraub

The Great Lady Decorators

I recently purchased a great design book titled The Great Lady Decorators: The Women Who Defined Interior Design, 1870-1955. The book, written by Adam Lewis, is a tribute to all the pioneer women who became active in the field of design and interior decorating during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, from Candace Wheeler, Elsie De Wolf to Sister Parish. The book contains amazing illustrations by Jeremiah Goodman, and a foreword by Bunny Williams.

In the acknowledgment page, Lewis wrote:
“It would have been a far more difficult task to write this book without Albert Hadley. He knew each of the Great Lady Decorators personally, visited their shops, and was a guest in their homes.”

Being an admirer of design icons who paved the way to establishing interior design as a profession-from whom we learn so much in their varying points of view- I can only imagine knowing Albert Hadley, let alone others like Ruby Ross Wood, Elsie Cobb Wilson, Dorothy Draper, Frances Elkins, Rose Cumming, Thedlow and Marian Hall, Syrie Maugham, Nancy Lancaster, Madeleine Castaing, and Eleanor Brown.

Photography by  Amal for Picture of Elegance Blog

Sheila Bridges: Designer Living

While organizing my treasured magazine collection, an issue of Elle Decor (May 2005) caught my eye. The beautiful cover featured the work of designer Sheila Bridges. Remember her TV show? I used to look forward to watching Sheila Bridges: Designer Living on Fine Living Network; she had a sharp eye and a calm, confident way when approaching her projects. Her elegant personal design statement is achieved by mixing pieces from different periods and styles.

Bridges was educated at Brown University and at Parsons School of Design. She had been involved in designing the Harlem offices of former President Clinton, in addition to contributing in designing many high-end residential and academic institutions’ projects. Bridges has her own fabric and wallpaper lines. According to her website, she also has her own home furniture collection, which can be ordered at Anthropologie and Bed Bath and Beyond.

Here is a tour of her apartment in Harlem, New York courtesy of Elle Decor.

The living room was featured on the magazine cover, calm and chic

Classic antique French Louis XVI side chairs in the dining room

The armchair is Bridges design upholstered in Timney Fowler fabric

Beautiful hand painted walls in her bedroom

 

 Photography: photo 1 by Toshi Otsuki, other photos by William Waldron

What do you see?

…by carefully examining Albert Hadley’s inspiration board at his apartment in the late 60’s, I see a modest man who loves architecture; Art Deco (especially while he was growing up, art deco was the grand style in Hollywood). I see simplicity in his vision in designing interiors. I see he’s inspired by nature, pattern and colors. I see images of people he respects and cares about including Sister Parish, David Hicks, maybe images of family members and dear friends. I see all the things that are meaningful to him.

There are some faces on the board that I didn’t recognize, any thoughts?

Photography by William Steele

Classic Black & White

There is something to be said about rooms in black and white. This neutral scheme pairs beautifully! I think it’s the harmony of opposites that creates the crisp and classic look, which will work in both traditional and contemporary settings.

This bedroom designed by Zang Toi has a touch of silver,courtesy of Elle Decor

The grand style of designer Thomas Britt, photography by Jamie Ardilles-Arce

Simple elegance, photography by Peter Margonelli, courtesy of House Beautiful

Bold design by designer Kelly Wearstler, photography by John Coolidge

A peaceful space designed by Mark Badgley& James Mischka, photography by William Waldron, courtesy of Elle Decor

Designer Kelly Wearstler, photography by Grey Crawford

A touch of gold, designer Tom Scheerer, photography by Oberto Gili, courtesy of House Beautiful

Outdoor Luxury

In the spring, part of the enjoyment of being outside is (if you’re lucky) having a garden as a living area, perhaps overlooking a beautiful view. Designers have always strived to create comfortable and aesthetically pleasing surroundings, and that is what luxury is all about.

Stylish outdoor entertainment venues can be created by using tents and pavilions. Fabric has a way of defining the space, either on the interior or the exterior of a home. Just a little part of the world that everybody enjoys.

Napoleon red and ecru pavilion designed by floral designer Tom Mathieu, photography by Lisa Hubbard, courtesy of Southern Accents

A fantasy created by designer Lars Bolander filled with international antiques, photography by Lisa Hubbard, courtesy of Southern Accents

What a wonderful place to spend your day! courtesy of House Beautiful

A tent shape pavilion designed by Jacques Garcia was inspired by the palace of Gustave III in Sweden. The original pavilion was made of cloth but Garcia made it out of painted lead so it can be removed in the winter.This pavilion was on the grounds of Chateaux de Bataille in Normandy, France. Photography by Francois Halard, courtesy of House& Garden

Designer Jennifer Garrigues filled this tent with treasures from around the world, photography by Lisa Hubbard, courtesy of Southern Accents

Architectural Details

When designing interiors, aside from examining the space, learning about the client’s taste, needs, and lifestyle, and before creating a furniture and lighting plan- adding architectural details to the space creates elegance, even in an empty room! I love trim work; it adds depth, texture, richness and sophistication to any space.

I would like to share with you some inspirational images... showcasing the collaboration between the architects and the interior designers. What do you think? Which one is your favorite? 

Designer John Saladino added a 2 -feet high cornice to control the size of the room, photography by Barbara & René Stoeltie

A simple chair rail helped divide the wall and add an extra touch to this living room which made it more inviting, designed by Sybil Colefax &John Fowler, Photography by Andreas Von Einsiedel

The intricate moulding with the marble floor make a grand statement in this Foyer, the space was designed by Suzanne Kasler, photography by William Waldron

Recessed panels add character to this living room, designer Michael Weiss, photography by Barbel Meibach

Beautiful architectural frame work were added to this small living room designed by Brian Juhos, photography by Tim Clinch

Chic staircase, designer Geoffrey Bradfield, photography by Durston Saylor

Simple clean lines of moulding were used by designer David Hicks which helped create color contrast and harmony with the living room

Scalamandré

Scalamandré is a premier textile company founded in 1929 that is famous internationally for its distinctive look and fine fabrics, trimmings,wallpaper and carpets. When I think of Scalamandré, the words quality, luxury, and history come to mind. Scalamandré is famous for reproducing historic textiles for the White House, Monticello, United States Capitol, museums, Blair House, and many of the country’s mansions- for example the Newport mansions in Rhode Island.

In the early sixties during the Kennedy administration, Scalamandré designed a gold on federal blue silk lampas with the Presidential seal for the White House's blue room

Scalamandré products’ uniqueness and richness is exceptional in terms of color, texture, and design. If you’ve closely seen and touched their fabrics and trimmings, you know what I’m talking about. No matter what your design aesthetic is, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for from their wide collections.

Their latest production Seaside Seashells, from the Island Cloth Collection anchored with Cabana Stripes

Photos courtesy of Scalamandré, photos 1,2,3,4 photography by Dan Mayers

Designing Interiors

America’s love affair with cars has started since the early 20th century. With it came the basic need to create and design cars that are both functional and visually satisfying. In designing interiors, whether the interior of a house or the interior of a car, the same design principles apply, with additional considerations such as safety issues in car interiors.

I would like to share with you this interesting video in which designer Alexa Hampton, the president of Alexa Hampton Inc. and daughter of late designer Mark Hampton, and Alexandra Dymowska, the creative designer for General Motors, discuss this topic at High Point Market. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwog5o56I4s&feature=related

Photo courtesy of National Building Museum

Video via You Tube