Interior Design
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Q&A with Dee Dee Eustace
Dee Dee Eustace Dee Dee’s rules for creating a chic gallery right inside your home? “Lighting in the gallery must light the art as well as the space. Incorporate wall sconces, but be careful because it takes up precious room for art. Add cove lighting to let the ceiling float away!” And what about your home foyer? “A foyer requires repetitious art, so save your large pieces for other rooms. Breaking up your wall space provides a rhythm and a beat to your entrance. Dance along with your art!” This past summer, I had a rare opportunity to catch up with the woman behind Taylor Hannah Architect Inc. During the course of my conversation with Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, I find hereto be a highly creative, and inspirational human being who is not only an architect, (she studied her trade in Italy, as well as the University of Toronto), interior designer, author, jewelry, and product designer.Dee Dee was also in the midst of designing a brand new stunning, modern brownstone for herself which will be entirely done in black and white.
Now, how great is that! The Toronto-based designer, who has a home and office here in New York City, had a mountain of inspirations for decorating chic and elegant homes, that can also accommodate an art work collection. In fact, Dee Dee Eustace is one of the co-chairwoman for the upcoming IFPDA Print Fair, as well as the international Chairman of the Benefit Preview for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Society, for the International Fine Art and Antiques Show. In need of some more inspirations for your home and art collection? Check out her terrific e-book: Dee Dee’s Rules on Amazon.com.
High End Weekly™: What is your idea of a “perfectly decorated house”?
Dee Dee Eustace: I like the intermix of design. The antiquity as well as the modernity. My philosophy is when you buy something for your home, or when it comes to fashion for that matter, you buy it because you love it, and you want to blend it in your home. Objects of beauty in a home is key, whether I’m incorporating fresh flowers in my home, entertaining my guests, or designing with art, to create a beautiful environment. It’s all about pushing the envelope, and interpreting what is going on in the interiors.
HEW: When designing an interior do you find yourself including a surprise element here and there?
DDE: I try to avoid cookie cutter, and one liner design, and strive for that timeless, refined look. And so a surprise in a home will be something that would awaken the everyday senses. Having said that, I’m happy to have that great, fun looking accessory that changes with the seasons. The structure in my design will give you that classicism that you can layer up and change.HEW: How do you bring nature in your interiors?
DDE: Bringing nature into my projects is important. However, that depends if the project calls for it. For example, I’m working on a massive 600 acre development in Toronto that certainly incorporates nature.
HEW: How important is it to have art included in the interiors that you design?
DDE: First of all, when it comes to art, you should buy what you love. Whether that includes artists like Damien Hirst, or Lilian Bassman. Art actually looks great in any space, especially small spaces, because the layering aspect makes it look larger. Art, whether it includes photography, prints, oil on canvas, etc, should be grouped, stacked or hung anywhere in your home. The juxtaposition opportunities are simply amazing. It’s really how you’d like to live with it.
HEW: What is your favorite architectural building or monument?
DDE: I think traveling is just one big picture that creates memories. Memories that you draw on for everything, not just when it comes to the creative side of things, but everyday life. I’m inspired and influenced by the things that I see. The goal is to try to understand the history of the things that I see while I’m traveling. I like all things that have depth and beauty, no matter how big – or small.Images via Talyor Hanna Architect -
Q&A with Edward Lobrano
A rustic and elegant Napa Valey retreat by interior designer, Edward LobranoIt takes only a moment to make an impression on someone, and if done correctly, that moment can last a lifetime. When I first met interior designer Edward Lobrano, I was working at The John Rosselli Showroom in the D&D Building, while attending Parsons The New School for Design. Ed was one of the designers that left a favorable impression, in my early career in the design world. Over the years, I got to know him more through the works that he produced – mainly by visiting the venerable Kips Bay Designer Showhouse.This past spring, I caught up with Edward again at his latest project for Kips Bay, which took place at the historic Villard House, aka The New York Palace. The charming, and successful designer who once had a thriving career in the real estate development and syndication, also have worked for the following design Illuminati: Bunny Williams, David Anthony Easton and the Wiseman Group in San Francisco. His namesake firm, Edward Lobrano Interior Design was established in New York in 1997.High End Weekly™: As a successful designer, and a veteran Kips Bay participant, what were some of the elements that impressed you the most about the Villard Houses?
Edward Douglas Lobrano: The scale of the rooms and the elegant detail that still existed after all of these years. Everyone, however, should have walked across the courtyard and seen the wing where the Villard Restaurant is located. It is spectacular.
An elegant corner of repose, designed by Edward Lobrano for one of his showhouse project
Art Deco textiles from a penthouse suite at the Four Seasons in San FranciscoHEW: When approaching a project, do you give strong considerations to the architecture?
EDL: We always consider the architecture. Sometime there is none and our job is still to make a room or a home look great even if there is nothing great about it. My room at Kips Bay was actually an example of this. It was one of the most uninteresting rooms in the entire house, but my job was to make it interesting.
A modern living room in The BahamasHEW: Speaking of architecture, what are some of your favorite architectural sites?
EDL: Here in New York, The Metropolitan Museum and some of the grand apartments that still exist that I am lucky enough to see once in a while. In San Francisco, the Legion of Honor. In Paris, most will say the Louvre but my favorite is the Camondo Museum. There is somewhere wonderful in every city.
New York City Apartment for a Tennessee FamilyHEW: What is the Edward Lobrano signature style? Do you have one?EDL: Do I have a signature style? I think whether I am doing contemporary or Traditional my work is about stylish good taste and comfortable interiors. I don’t think my work is simply to look at. I hope people would want to use my interiors, in everyday possible.
Easy Living: Napa Valley Project
Southern Belle: A refined South Corolina BedroomHEW: If you were to have some of your favorite (past and present) artists and designers over for dinner, who would they be?
Edward Doublas Lobrano at the 2014 Kips Bay Designer ShowhousePhoto credit High End Weekly™EDL: Albert Hadley, David Adler, Florence Elkins, Michael Taylor, Bunny Williams (because she’s fun to have dinner with), Matisse, Da Vinci, Hockney, Koontz, Givenchy, John Dickenson, Jacques Grange.
Floridian Golf Course ProjectI could go on and on. I want to know what they all did, or do and how they do it. I want to see their style and manner. I love the interior designer, the dress designers, the architects. You learn so much over a dinner about life and style.
A beautifully designed monochromatic apartment in New York City
Easy Living: The Napa Valley Project by Edward LobranoImages by Edward Lobrano Interior Design Inc. -
Nest & Rest in The Hamptons
James Huniford’s InteriorsIt was an all white gala affair at the 2nd Annual Holiday House Hamptons opening party presented by HC&G (Hamptons Cottages & Gardens) last Saturday, June 28th in the quaint town of Sag Harbor, New York. This Decorators Showhouse which has quickly gained popularity for its high credentials of star-studded list of high profiled designers and committee members, is also noteworthy for raising funds to help The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. This year, the model house took place at the much-anticipated Watchcase (which is under construction, and we were told that every single unit is already sold). Holiday House Hamptons officially opened on Sunday, June 29, 2014, at 15 Church Street in Sag Harbor, New York.The showhouse will be open to the public daily through Labor Day, September 1st.
Being in the country, many of the designers, like Milly de Cabrol had the lovely fortune of showcasing some airy and memorable outdoor living spaces. The overall decoration of the house can be described as a sort of easy elegance, mixed with the most luxurious designs for the home and gardens. And why not? Surely, the surrounding neighborhood most certainly can afford them. Watchcase, the unit in question, is a 130-year old historic, former watchcase factory undergoing a dramatic transformation by the developers Cape Advisors into the Hamptons’ first resort-style luxury condominium project. Upon completion, Watchase will hosts a two-bedroom penthouse loft, a six-bedroom townhouse and a one-bedroom bungalow.The participating designers for the 2nd annual Holiday House Hamptons are: Bjørnen Design, ID Creations, Brady Design, Jen Going Interiors, Campion Platt, Milly de Cabrol – Ani Antreasyan, Dale Cohen Design Studio, Scott Formby, Elizabeth Dow Home, Studio MRS, Elsa Soyars Interior Design, Tamara Magel, Eugenia Au Kim, The Design Studio, Terra Design, Huniford Design Studio, Vicente Wolf, and West Chin Architects.Get inspired and support a notable cause by visiting www.holidayhousehamptons.com.HUNIFORD DESIGN STUDIO
James Huniford
James Huniord interiors reflect “pure” design and a stunning homage to the Bauhaus movement, as well as a notable nod to outstanding artists like Louise Nevelson, Cy Thombly, and Martin Puryear.
Huniford Design Studio’s Living/Dining Room Area (And Terrace)JEN GOING INTERIORS
A nod to mystical India by Jen Going InteriorsID CREATIONS
Details from Iris Dankner’s Living/Dining Room InteriorsTHE DESIGN STUDIO
Eugenia Au Kim/The Design Studio
Participating Designers of The 2014 Holiday House ShowhouseSCOTT FORMBY
Opening remarks were made by interior designer, 17-year cancer survivor,
and Holiday House founder Iris Dankner
Interior Designer Milly de CabrolBJORNEN DESIGN
This magical ‘jungle’ of a bathroom is a celebration to the joys of gardening.
A true favorite!WEST CHIN ARCHITECT
Interior Designer John D. Eason
MILLY de CABROL – ANI ANTREASYAN
East Coast terrace transformed into a European garden by designers Milly de Cabrol
and Ani Antreasyan.
James Huniford (Middle) and friends
Vyna St. Phard
Katarina Novakova (Head and Hand PR), and HC&G Cottages and Gardens Editorin front of West Chin’s “Summer Love” townhouse living and dining rooms, a tented oasis created to feel like summer in the South of France designed by Vicente Wolf.CAMPION PLATT
Interior Designer Campion Platt
A peaceful, and elegant spa-like bathroom by Campion Platt
Campion Platt’s penthouse master bedroom inspired by a “Spring Awakening”.TAMARA MAGEL HOME
Bedroom and Bathroom by Tamara MagelImages by High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
Decorating Tips from a Showhouse
Greenbaum Interiors, Mansion in May Designer Show HouseIt’s been almost two weeks since the Mansion in May, a magnificent show house, opened its doors to the public in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey. And this year, the chosen model home is a 62,000-square-foot Louis XIV Chateau-style mansion known as Blairsden. Surrounded by breathtaking rolling hills, this majestic mansion is made of limestone and brick, and features a linear design that is classically made of tall columns, grand hallways, and elaborate carved mantles and moldings. This masterpiece was designed by the renowned architecture firm Carrere and Hastings, which by the way were also responsible for the construction of the New York Public Library, the Frick mansion on 5th Avenue, the U.S. Senate and House office buildings and several large mansions in Newport, Rhode Island.
This grande dame of beaux arts-style mansion was decorated by approximately 50 designers, one of whom I’m very familiar with his work, James Rixner. James designed the grand salon at Blairsden, a beautiful and bright room which was generously decorated with furniture from the Italian company Columbo Mobili. He used elegant design accents from the legendary glass and lighting company, Baccarat, and finished the room with heavenly textiles from Clarence House.This season, Mansion in May is the show house that is not to be missed. Blairsden is managed by The Women Association, who are now in their 17th year of running this noteworthy charity that benefits the Goryeb Children’s Hosptial at Morristown Medical Center. During their last fund raising for Mansion in May, they’ve raised an impressive $1.2 Million which benefited the expansion of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and a new Pediatric Autism and Child Development Center. The Showhouse is open to the general public now until Saturday, May 31, 2014.
Clarence House textiles in one of the guest bedroom
Interior designer James Rixner‘s grand salon
Scott Seibold of Canterbury Design brought to life the kitchen at Blairsden
Photos by High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
The Quintessential Collector
Quotes and Highlights of Barry Friedman The Eclectic Eye Sale
The Barry Friedman’s auctions at Christie’s late last month coincided with the retirement of the celebrated dealer, and the closure of his namesake gallery in November 2013. Barry Friedman is known for making markets for countless artists and art forms as a result of his insatiable curiosity and his keen eye for distinct brilliance. The auctions represented the diversity of mediums and periods that Friedman has presented to the marketplace over the course of his career, including Decorative Arts and Design from the 20th and 21st centuries, Contemporary Art, Photography and Ceramics as well as Italian and Contemporary Glass. The sales included a combined total of about 400 lots.
“It’s very gratifying to have someone believe so strongly in my work. He has given me three one-man exhibitions and taken my pieces to many important fairs. I truly feel that my career is in the best place it has ever been. Not only has Barry exhibited my work, but he also lives with it in his home.”
Wendell Castle, Designer
Ron Arad (B 1952), ‘Oh Void 1’ A Chair, 2004“Before my first exhibition at Barry Friedman Ltd. in 1997—Beyond Vessels—Barry had taken the time and effort to visit my studio…twice—first, with his wife, and then with his gallery director and another member of his staff. In the previous 17 years of my career, no gallery had come to my studio, even when invited…He will be, quite simply, impossible to replace.”Michael Glancy, Glass Artist
“Barry led me through a path of fascinating creation of glass art by encouraging me and pointing me towards new directions. With his unique kindness, charisma and humanity, he guided me through fantastic new adventures full of exciting creativity.”Yoichi Ohira, Glass Artist
Above: Nendo, A ‘Cabbage’ Chair, 2008
“I first met Barry Friedman in 1980 in his Madison Avenue gallery. He was a dealer who did what dealers are meant to do—show you an aspect of the art world with which you weren’t already familiar and bring it to true value…That is what Barry is great at—showing us things that expand our visual aesthetic.”Peter Marino, Architect
Wendell Castle (B 1932), ‘Chinook’ A bench, 2009
Ron Arad lounge chair
Florence Henri (1893-1982)Portrait of Sonia Delaunay, Paris, 1931
Left: Gilbert Poillerat (1902-1988)A pair of gates, Circa 1940“Of all of the lessons I have learned from Barry, the one that stands out in my mind comes from one of our first meetings over 20 years ago at his gallery on Madison Avenue. He could tell I was deeply conflicted as to whether or not to purchase a Viennese chair. ‘Collect what you love,’ he told me. Looking back, I realize that what has made him such an extraordinary dealer is that he really was never a dealer at all, but a collector at heart.”Reed Krakoff, Fashion Designer
Jaroslava Brychtova (B 1924) and Stanislav Libensky (1921-2002)Triangle in a triangle, 1994
Hector Guimard (1867-1942)Side Chairs, Circa 1899-1900
Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956)A pair of ‘uenos Aires’ Armchairs, Circa 1908
Left: Ron Arad (B 1951)‘Shadow Of Time’ A projecting wall clock, 1986
Wendell CastleImages by High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
Inspiring Rooms from a Decorator Showhouse
Daun Curry/Modern DeclarationSotheby’s first designer showhouse opened to the public yesterday. Originally the end date was this Friday, but it was extended to Sunday, March 30th. This was indeed a small window, but you have to remember that the showhouse is held inside an auction house, where things take place at rapid speed. You may also remember my first post about this first-class “model home”. However, if you are new to this blog, or may need to refresh your memory, I invite you to go to the article.
The inaugural Sotheby’s Showhouse includes spaces that range from living rooms, a dining room, and library. They all evoke the designers’ unique aesthetics, and comprised items from Sotheby’s upcoming spring auctions including English & Continental furniture, 20th century design, Contemporary and Impressionist prints, African and European sculpture, carpets, Old Master paintings, ceramics and silver. Sotheby’s invited six innovative interior designers and firms with a broad range of artistic approaches and experiences. As to be expected, all the rooms are heavily curated, and extremely well done. Of course, I have a few favorites, but I don’t want to say. Okay. Let’s just say that I’m more attracted to the modernist way of things, with an ancient tribal art thrown in between.
Olasky & Sinsteden
WRJ Design Associates
McMillen Inc.
Shaler Ladd III
Daun Curry/Modern Declaration
Ryan Korban
Images by High End WeeklyAll rights reserved -
Madison Avenue gets a Facelift
457 Madison Avenue, The Mansion on MadisonNew York CityKips Bay Announces Their 42nd Annual Decorator Show HouseIn its forty-second year, the internationally recognized Kips Bay Decorator Show House hosted by New York’s most prominent youth organization, the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, will make an unprecedented venue shift this spring as it takes over Manhattan’s quintessential mansion at 457 Madison Avenue, The Mansion on Madison. Situated in the heart of Manhattan’s most luxurious shopping district, the famed building which was originally the north wing of the famous Villard House, is connected by a grand courtyard to adjacent luxury hotel, The New York Palace. This spring, the gilded-era mansion will invite the world’s leading interior designers to revive its historic interiors before opening to the public for one month beginning Thursday, May 1.
Designed and built by architecture firm McKim, Mead & White in 1884 on the Southeast corner of 51st Street and Madison Avenue, the Renaissance-inspired Villard Houses were constructed by Henry Villard, President of the Northern Pacific Railway, to serve as six private yet connected brownstones. Renovated in 2011, the six-story and 26,190 square-foot Mansion on Madison boasts a grand staircase, landmark hallways with marble floors, 16-foot high ceilings with elegant moldings, multiple Italian marble fireplaces, and a carved paneled room with barrel-vaulted ceilings.
Hand-selected by the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Committee, this year’s talented designers will revive the historic interiors of the famed building, which was originally the north wing of the famous Villard House. Today, The Mansion on Madison sits next to luxury hotel, The New York Palace, and is connected by a grand courtyard. Together, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House will offer visitors to the hotel unique packages and limited edition offerings throughout the month of May.The 22 designers and architects participating in this year’s Decorator Show House include: Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd., Christopher Peacock, Cullman & Kravis Inc., Darryl Carter, Inc., Edward Lobrano Interior Design, Inc., Ingrao Inc., John Douglas Eason Interiors, Juan Montoya Design, Kirsten Kelli, LLC, Mark Hampton LLC, Markham Roberts Inc., Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Matthew Quinn, Mendelson Group, Inc., Meyer Davis Studio, Inc., ODADA (Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates), Robin Sacks Decorative Painting, SPaN Architecture, Vicente Wolf Associates, Villalobos Desio, William T. Georgis Architect, Young Huh, LLC
Proceeds from the Decorator Show House, which attracts an estimated 15,000 visitors each year, benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club which offers innovative after-school and enrichment programs for more than 11,000 youth, ages 6 through 18, in ten locations throughout the Bronx.
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Haute Design in Brooklyn
Isn’t it great when art, fashion and design come together, and something beautiful and memorable become the result, and what’s more, it can all be classified as long-term? Not an easy task, especially when it comes to fashion, I know. However, two of France most darling creative forces, Jean Paul Gaultier and furniture giant Roche Bobois have done just that.Exactly one week to this day, I was fortunate enough to attend an exciting, and private tour of The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier. At the same time, I was introduced to an exhibition which highlighted beautifully the collaboration between the king of haute couture, and high end furniture maker, Roche Bobois. Of course, their collaboration together can be purchase at any of their retail stores, but this particular exhibition won’t be around after the Brooklyn Museum closes its door on Sunday evening (no snow in the New York City forecast, if you must know).
Dunkerque Indigo Rug with a pair of Ben Hur chairs by Jean Paul Gaulteir
Mah Jong Modular Seating in Couture Fabric
“Jean Paul Gaultier’s popular “Ben Hur”” chairs designed by acclaimed furniture maker, Rocher Bobois. The show “L’Art de Vivre” is at the Brooklyn Museum until Sunday, February 23, 2014″
Maschio lamp by Jean Paul Gaultier (in the background)
Jean Paul-Gaultier: From The Sidewalk to the Catwalk
I understand that Jean Paul Gaultier and Roche Bobois have worked together since 2010 to create a series of furniture which are iconic, in their own rights. The first one that comes to mind is the Mah Jong Modular Seating in couture fabric, and the beloved Ben Hur chair. This global furniture maker continues to seduce its customers by presenting a variety of collections that are in themselves synonymous as luxury. -
New York’s Preeminent Antiques Shows
“The Winter Antiques Show just celebrated its 60th year as the most prestigious antiques show in America, featuring the “best of the best” from antiquities through the 1960s. Held at the historic Park Avenue Armory in New York City, the Show provides curators, established collectors, dealers, design professionals and first-time buyers with opportunities to view and buy exceptional pieces showcased by 73 exhibitors. One-third of the Show’s exhibitors are specialists in Americana, with the rest featuring English, European, and Asian fine and decorative arts.”
Urban Karlsson and Juan Montoya
Vyna St. Phard at The Peter Fetterman Gallery
Opening night at The Metro ShowThe Metro Show often signaled the start of “The antiques season in New York City”. Hailing from its original home, The Metropolitan Pavillion, Metro Show 2014 opened on January 22nd and ran for about five days. This year, a fresh and engaging new concept named Metro Curates was introduced to thousands of visitors, among them designers, collectors and art enthusiasts. Caroline Kerrigan Lerch, director of the METRO Show explained the Metro Curates concept this way:
The Metro Show
“[This] is our way of initiating a conversation between the dealer and the fair goer, whether they are a veteran of the art fair scene or a newcomer. Our goal is to offer in-depth, thoughtful presentations in a way similar to the way museum curators mount their exhibitions. We think METRO Curates will offer a comparable level of interest, education and engagement.”
Yutaka YoshinagaThe Rhythm of Color – Colors, 2008Pigment on folded washi paper59 1/2 x 39 1/3 inchesPerimeter Gallery
High End Weekly™ ImagesAll rights reserved -
Paris goes Wild for Design
Maison Objet 2014
Our Parisian correspondent, Sarah Boutinon-Tharse reveals some of her top pics from Maison Objet 2014. Beautiful works by luxury brands like Daum, Rosenthal, Wonderglass, Missoni Home are signaling that now more than ever, people are still interested in glamor, but they also seek comfortable designs that are more relaxed, feel more modern, and definitely more relevant to their current lifestyles.
Daum celebrates China’s Year Of The Horse
Mid-Twentieth Century Textile and wallpaper from Miss Print
Images by Sarah Boutinon-Tharse for High High End Weekly™
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