Interior Design
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The Incomparable Eileen Gray
It’s sad to say, but during her lifetime, Eileen Gray, who later became known as the pioneer of the modern movement, did not receive the recognition that she so well deserved. It is true that she experienced some level of success from her involvement with the Union des Artistes Modernes which had some well-known members like Robert Mallet-Steven, who was the founder. Right: Cover photo from 1stDibs
Satellite Mirror by Eileen GrayOther icons from the Irish furniture designer includes the Bibendum chair, which originated from the character created by Michelin to sell tyres.
Members also included, Francis Jourdain, Marcel Gascoin, Charlotte Perriand, and Jean Prouvé. As an architect, Eileen designed and furnished herself a new home, Tempe à Pailla, outside Menton, France. That building is an icon of Modernist architecture, and the design was a great example of form meets function. Good for her, since she lived and worked there.
Photo: Eileen Gray Transat Chair, and Architectural Cabinet. Other icons from the Irish furniture designer includes the Bibendum chair, which originated from the character created by Michelin to sell tyres.
Photo: The Brick Screen by Eileen Gray is one of MOMA’s permanent collection, via Daily Tonic.
This chair is comfortable as well as beautiful, and is able to fit in with a number of decorating styles.
Photo: The nonconformist chair. Her E1027 table can be spotted at many homes, businesses and hotels worldwide. Having said all that, let’s not forget her pièce de résistance, the “Dragons” armchair which was made between 1917-1919.
Above photo: Muriel Newman in 2003, wearing a satin jacket by Geoffrey Beene and seated in the Bibendum chair by Eileen Gray, poses in front of a painting by Clyfford Still, via Chicago Magazine. In February 2009, it sold at Christie’s France for a record-breaking $28.3 million.
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Dream Hotel Downtown
Wait a minute. Was that Jack Dorsey at the bar with a group of what’s look like his buddies from Silicon Valley? And guess who just “downloaded” her presence, accompanied by a small army of bodyguards? Yes, it’s the pink Friday superstar, Nicki Minaj. Warning: Checking in at the Dream Hotel Downtown may cause some serious celebrity whiplash.Not that I mind that at all. I like visiting the Dream for those frivolous reasons, but I also like its cutting edge surreal and contemporary design. Discovering whimsical design details in a hotel brings me some relief, because the space suddenly doesn’t have this “decorated” feel to it. The design of this hotel manages to pull this off, as it offers their guests wistful decor combining traditional and modern elements. The loft-inspired guestrooms and suites are something to behold. How do you describe modern elegance, cosmopolitan glamor, mixed with top-notch service? Simple, the answer is DREAM.
Guestrooms
The main lobby area
Pool Terrace SuitePhoto credit: Phillip Ennis PhotographyCourtesy of the Dream Hotel Downtown -
Bellissimo Promemoria
“Remember the past to improve our future“When I walked into the luxurious showroom of furniture maker, Promemoria, I can see at a glance that their collection is greatly influenced by Art Deco, Far Eastern cultures and Italian craftsmanship. Italy is well-known for having some of the most sumptuous leather, and this family-owned company has been creating top-tier furnishings in the finest tradition since 1988.Roka ChairTheir collection covers cabinets, tables, writing desks, screens, mirrors, chairs, armchairs, beds, lighting, and a definitive collection of perfectly proportioned miniature versions of their essential pieces. Promemoria also carries a convivial outdoor furniture line which evoked a feeling of pure wonderment. The Roka chair (image number 1) also comes as a full-back version. It is handsewn and takes 24 hours as well as several working days to complete. While I was given a tour by their decorous manager, Elizabeth Schofield, it became apparent to me that the company’s standards are extremely high, and their roots is embedded in the tradition of cabinet making. Every piece from their collection is hand crafted, and are often made to individual specifications. The furniture they carry are classic whilst at the same time contemporary, and they lend themselves to different types of living spaces.
I’ve learned that the creative force behind this dynamic Italian company is Romeo Sozzi, cabinet maker and designer, and his three sons. Stefano is responsible for the carpentry, Davide, the architect and head of the project department and Paolo, who is in charge of the production department. Promemoria’s headquarters and workshops are located in between the mountains of Lecco and the two branches of Lake Como. They are organised into different divisions: the atelier of carpentry, fabrics and the workshops working with leather and skins. In all these areas, expert craftsmen combine ancient skills and techniques with the most modern technologies.Today, Promemoria’s creations are exported all over the world. Over the years, the company’s reputation has become synonymous with style, and a point of reference for both luxury and the design of unique pieces created in special finishes for more demanding and sophisticated clients.PromemoriaNew YorkThe Fine Arts Building232 East 59th Street, 5th FloorNew York, New York 10022646-588-4489MilanVia Bagutta 13Via Montenapoleone 8, 2012135 Rue de Bellechasse, 75007London99 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8PHMoscowSmolenskaya Street 7, 119121
Photos courtesy of Promemoria -
Pavilion of Art & Design at The Park Avenue Armory
November 11 – 14, 2011
Since its grand opening in Paris 15 years ago, the Pavilion of Art & Design fairs, better known as PAD, have been closely associated with presenting works of art of the highest quality which have been vetted by distinctive panels of experts. This year, PAD brought their “oeuvre d’art” to the prestigious Park Avenue Armory.Galerie DowntownThis inaugural fair brought together 49 international galleries who are exhibiting works of Modern Art, Design, Decorative Arts, Photography, Jewelery and Tribal Art. The exhibit is inviting and full of design inspirations. Many of the dealers are carrying some of the most exquisite pieces that I’ve ever laid eyes on.One such dealer is Galerie Downtown. Its owner, François Laffanour created the gallery with a thoroughly avant-garde brief: the rehabilitation of 20th century architects’ furniture which had sunk into oblivion. He is championing the works of two pioneers of 20th century Decorative Arts: Jean Prouvé and Charlotte Perriand (joint founder of the Union des Artists Modernes with Le Corbusier in 1929), as well as that of Serge Mouille and Isamu Noguchi. I like the fact that these blue-chip artists were passionate about freedom, they were able to re-invent far more than a way of life or a way of dwelling, rather a life project, no less, a manifesto of the period’s technical and scientific modernity. Charlotte Perriand once said “What interests me is people. Spare lines whose functional quality goes hand-in-hand with everyday gestures, and simple materials (wood, metal, bamboo) combined with a keen sense of detail contributed to the refinement of their works”. This in fact is a huge interest of mine as well.For this first Pavilion of Art and Design, the French architect Jean de Piépape exclusively designed Galerie Downtown’s stand with all the geometry and subtlety that are the hallmarks of his reputation. His deft selection of furniture and objects include a seating and a staircase by Jean Prouvé, a bench, seats and shelves by Charlotte Perriand.Park Avenue Armory
643 Park Avenue
(67th Street)
New York, New York 10065
212-744-8180
Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM
Jean ProuvéCirca 1942, Dining table
Charlotte Perriand1955, “Shadow” chair
Pierre JeanneretCa. 1955, Armless easy chair
Charlotte Perriand1961, Bench with drawer box -
Someone To Watch Over Me
In the movie Someone To Watch Over Me, Mini Rogers plays Claire Gregory, a wealthy Manhattan socialite whose life is threatened after she witnesses a murder, but don’t worry, her character soon gets protected by Mike Keegan who is played by Tom Berenger, who ended up falling in love with her. The story develops into a very interesting one. The score is exceptional and the photography and set decoration leave more than inspiration – and allot to the imagination.The architecture of the prewar upper east side apartment of Claire’s residence inspired the acclaimed designer, Thomas O’Brien, to create a haven of graciously scaled furniture, and well placed antiques. What I loved about the space the most was its modern feel, even though Thomas used his own designs for Hickory Furniture which are traditionally-inspired. The overall introduction of patterns and layers, and the soothing color combination he used to elevate the space to a new height was beautiful and very much in line with the other designers’ decor. The guest room will remain one of my all time favorite room. I loved the contrasting patterns he used in that small space, which often felt like a warm cocoon of love.For additional highlights on the other designers’ rooms, please go to the Wall Street Journal story on Scene-Stealing Decor.
Library
Living Room (Details)photos by Max Kim-Bee -
Spotlight on Design
The Showtime House at Casa HotelThe Showtime House was designed in a purely conception way. The rooms rightly coincide with Showtime’s most popular shows, and so they called for an extra boost of creativity that stretched further than the norm. From Dexter, The Big C, The Borgias, to Nurse Jackie. If you are familiar with these shows, you’ll know precisely what I’m referring to here. Walking through the rooms of Casa Hotel, one can literally feel as if they’re on the set, watching the TV characters, witnessing their lives, moment by moment, day by day.Vero Della
The Big C room by Hans J. Galutera and Francesca Bucci of BG StudioArt work by Veronique Dalla of VerodallaWallpaper by Wolf Gordon
Contemplation Room, PH1
The Big C Master Bedroom and Bath, PH1 by Stephen Chung, Architect
The lounge was vibrantly designed by John Loecke, and Jason Oliver Nixon
The Borgias great room by Keith BaltimoreThe Borgias media room was by Marc Thorpe, from Third Eye Studios,and David Schwarts, Hush Studios, Inc.
Images courtesy High End Weekly™ -
The Curator’s Eye
The Fall 2011 issue of Modern Magazine brought this imaginative room to my attention and I couldn’t just put it away without commenting on how lovely I think it was. Ryan Lawson created this nursery for a model apartment in one of NYC’s swankiest residential towers (which explains why this room is unlikely to housed an actual baby, but was created for pure aesthetic reasons). This space establish an intimacy and comfort that you often do not see in your average nursery room. A Japanese horsehair fabric surrounds the room, where the exuberant 1950s Royère chandelier takes center stage over a Philippe Hiquily metal cradle – circa 1986. The custom upholstered bed is engaging, fun, and elegant; and the rug looks soft and inviting. It is the sort of room that stays in your mind, as your car pulls away from the model apartment, and you get back to your home as you continue to muse over how terribly exciting it could be when you allow yourself to be impractical – for once:)’ -
Kelly Wearstler on Five
The grande dame of west coast interior design, Kelly Wearstler has now extended her empire to fashion. The tastemaker opened her design boutique at the legendary Bergdorf Goodman in the Fall of 2007 to thousands of adoring fans, and discriminating retail shoppers. Now she’s following up on the evolution of her brand with a refined, elegant, and low-key ready-to-wear line on 5F. Her clothing collection and accessories are moderately high-end, and perfect for the young, modern social climber who’s looking for that extra edge without being too garish about it. Kelly Wearstler, an award-winning interior designer, is not only highly regarded among her peers, but she is also widely recognized in the press.Wearstler was named one of the style leaders in 2010 by Town & Country; honored as one of House Beautiful’s best designers; recognized for her interior design work by Bon Appetit; dubbed one of the design world’s top tastemakers by House & Garden; named one of the elite “Design 100” by Time Style & Design; and designated as one of the top 25 trendsetters of the year by Modern Bride.
The Ready-to-Wear and accessories linesBergdorf Goodman, 5F
Craig Warfield, Vyna, and Kelly Wearstlerphoto by High End Weekly™ -
Industrial Elements in Interiors
Industrial elements recall the 19th century, the era of the Eiffel Tour and advancements in technology that seem antiquated today but were cutting edge for the time.Hello everyone, I’m Susi and I write as a guest blogger for Design Shuffle, a fabulous social media site that promotes interior designers and their work from around the world. My writing focuses on things I’m passionate about: interior design, decorating ideas, home furnishings, gardening, travel and art. I get to look at gorgeous things all day and write about them. I’m a very lucky girl!Tete de LitviaI am thrilled to be invited to write about industrial elements in interiors for High End Weekly™. This is one of my obsessions. And I’m apparently not the only one. The current obsession with all things vintage industrial might have its roots in the Steam Punk movement, which focuses on Victorian era industrial, exploration, and scientific style. Or perhaps it is the result of the current focus on handcrafted and homemade. Industrial style certainly recalls a bygone era.
Decorology viaIndustrial elements include tables with metal bases, industrial style lighting, filing cabinets, glass front cabinets, metal stools, bins, boxes and trays. Glass scientific bottles and cloches can be incorporatedwith other industrial elements for a scientific spin.
Emmas Designblog viaIf you think you haven’t seen industrial design before, look at the current trends in kitchen design. Professional stainless steel ranges, vent hoods, refrigerators and sinks get their designs from commercial kitchens.
vtwonen viaIndustrial architectural salvage can be decorative or repurposed. As an integral part of this bathroom’s design, the shower enclosure is made from salvaged factory windows. Gorgeous!
Pinterest viaIndustrial chic works well in urban loft environments. Makes sense as many of these lofts are located in former factory buildings. Architectural salvage combined with wood and metal furniture creates an industrial style in this open space.
Anyone, Girl viaLighting and accessories are perfect elements of industrial style to incorporate into your interior. Industrial lighting, like this jeweler’s lamp, has great style and is very functional. Small objects and curiosities like cogsmake for interesting desk ornaments.
Wisteria viaVintage or new metal draftsman stools can work in a number of kitchen designs, from contemporary to farmhouse. If you can’t find vintage industrial pieces, a number of big name retailers carry copies.
Restoration HardwareThe newly revamped Restoration Hardware has embraced industrial design, Victorian influenced Steam Punk and a bygone elegance. This content is provided by Design Shuffle, where you can find and share talented interior designs from from New York interior designers, Los Angeles interior designers, and more, check out the latest at Design Shuffle.NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.You May Also Like
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Heather Ryan, Managing Director of Grange (centered),
Stephane Deschamp left, and Gérard Nouri
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Gérard Nouri and Tucher RobbinsImages by High End Weekly™
