Interior Design
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Kips Bay Designer Show House – Part 3 of 3
When I inquired about his selection, David explained how one cannot separate an interior from fine arts, that the art itself makes the interior. How true. His fine art collections have long been about gorgeous backdrops for fine furniture, as well as contemporary arts which are generally colorful. No wonder his clients continue to be absorbed in the art that he curates for them! While speaking to him, I also noticed his latest book: David Scott: Outside The Box. David explained how each chapter in the book is presented in these linen boxes which are distillation of the mood and concept which he likes to create.Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club40th Annual Decorator Show House 2012
David Scott in his Gentleman’s StudyThere is a rapture that comes from within when you are surrounded by beautiful objects, especially objects that are from the natural world of these two designers – David Scott, and Charles Pavarini III. I’ve long been an admire of David Scott’s work, and in fact, he was among the first ones I interviewed when I started blogging. At this year’s Kips Bay Show house, his Gentleman’s Study included all the things that I’ve come to love in a well appointed room: a painting by Larry Zox, which provided an open airy feeling in a smaller space, sculptured bronze etagere from Paul Evans, and custom omnibus chaise lounge from Vladimir Kagan. Let’s not forget the layered textures in the form of cashmere, silk, mohair, leather, wood, wicker, wrapped aluminum, alabaster, all essential elements for the ultimate luxurious room. His choice of fine arts was also extraordinary.
Charles Pavarini IIIBlack, White, and Red All OverEach box leads into a story – his projects which are usually filled with art collections, textiles, hard surfaces, are inspired by nature. David Scott’s room was handsome, incredibly elegant, and so very much outside the box.
Top: Charles Pavarini next to his custom bed and mirror by Jordan Ltd., Plaster Butterflies by Nina Helms.Clockwise: Paul Frankly ebonized walnut dresser from Craig Van Den Brulle,Art glass pottery by Maria Grazia Rosin from Maison Gerard. Imported lighting by OLED North American Philips Lighting. Charlotte” Bronze & Crystal Sculpture by Dawn Haviland Boutique.Photos courtesy High End Weekly™All rights reservedThis room was as forward thinking as Charles Pavarini III other notable interiors. He flew in several engineers from Germany to installed the OLED lighting system at the entrance of his super lacquered black, white and red room. Charles designed a glamorous bedroom with a crisp European flair that came with allot of personality. I liked the fact that he used the sculptured butterflies in the mirror as a symbol of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls. Yes, all the beauty of each and every room shouldn’t distract from the fact that they are designed to benefit a notable charity. Did you know that Jennifer Lopez was part of the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club when she was just “Jenny from the block”? All the glamor of Kips Bay stands to benefits the children of tomorrow, and I applaud Charles Pavarini III for bringing the importance of the children, and at the same time, designing a modern, and elegant bedroom that is fit for the modern day man and woman. If you haven’t made it to Kips Bay yet, this long weekend is the perfect time to do so, as you bask in the beauty of Charles’ room and all of the other outstanding designers who worked on a show house that I saw as one of the most breathtaking, and memorable decorator’s show houses in the states. -
Kips Bay Designer Show House – Part 2 of 3
A Chacun Son StyleGo beyond the hedge into the château, up the stairs and into the private suite where you’ll find a sumptuous original interior that is very much intact despite the passing of time of its subject matter. As an inspiration for this year’s Kips Bay Show house, Charlotte Moss have chosen three French châteaus from Dordogne and the Loire Valley that are well known for their extravagant beauty and notable gardens.Behind the hedge…
Charlotte Moss, Trompe L’Oeil in the Digital Age
Photos courtesy High End Weekly™
Being a lifelong gardener, and tireless traveller, I guess it was just a matter of time until Charlotte Moss shared her fascination with these great places by commissioning trompe l’oeil artist Osmundo Echevarria, and incorporating her own digital reproduced images in order to transport her spectators into a magical place where the interiors and gardens are as ornate as Château de Hautefort, Château de Losse and Prieuré d’Orsan. In the living room painted walls illustrate the celebrated gardens of Château de Hautefort, a place that I vividly remembered as a young adult. Vibrant patterns are incorporated in her fabric choice, for both the living room furnishings, and bathroom. The leather border runner is installed with grommets, a technique employed by Paul Chareau at Maison de Verre in Paris. Every details from this constructed paradise is exactly what one has come to expect from a designer who is clearly on top of her game. -
Kips Bay Designer Show House – Part 1 of 3
40th Annual Decorator Show House 2012
The Aldyn ResidencesWhile many will concentrate on the well deserved Albert Hadley tribute which those three design masters pulled together with a vitality that is so rarely seen in a room, I found it hard to take my eyes off from the gorilla in the room – Le Courbusier’ tapestry which adroitly anchored the room.Brian J. McCarthy Inc., Bunny Williams Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates
Living Room tribute to Albert HadleyThis tapestry is rarer than one thinks since Le Corbusier designed a total of fifty tapestries of which thirty eight are in France and twelve in Chandigarh. This one most likely made its way to the US by means of some public auction.
Catherine WalsiferRaji Radhakrishman’s Le Bureau PrivéThe Curator’s Office
Raji Radhakrishnan
Custom made red Zig Zag table stands as a tribute to the late designer Albert HadleyRaji Radhakrishnan is the type of designer that draws her clients in by using her charm, openness, skills, and genuine love for art and design. Being a museum hopper as well, I strongly identified with her subject matter – The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This home office for The Met’s Head Curator stems from Raji’s love for art and how she envisioned the various pieces that a Met curator would want to surround his or herself with. And what are they? Ancient and modern art, classical and contemporary architecture, fashion and the performing arts. She carefully chose furnishings dating back from the Secessionist, Art Deco and Modernist periods to the present day contemporary ones. I absolutely LOVED the Jules Leleu chairs from Maison Gerard.Susan Zises Green, Inc. ASIDThe Living Room: Soothing Surroundings Inspired by the Flow of The Hudson
If only my current projects called for this enormous sunburst mirror which drew me into the room even more… This showstopper is a reflection of the bright, lightness of the room, and it is simply glorious.
Available through Susan Zises Green at 212-710-5388.
Susan Zises Green’s room overlooked the peaceful flow of the Hudson River, and her color scheme is as soothing as nature itself. She envisioned this room as a grand living space for a newly married couple – and the furniture that you see are the combined efforts of two hearts which now beat as one. “Storage lockers opened and trucks were dispatched to collect the bounty within.” Unlike what we sometimes experience with large spaces, the soaring ceiling compliment instead of overwhelm the carefully selected furniture, textile choices and art pieces. Susan’s room is adjacent to Patrik Lönn’s dinning room, and the harmony between them ought to be explored and absorbed.Jamie DrakeThe Library
Jamie Drake in front of an Andy Harper painting from Danese Gallery
Jamie Drake loves Print!When I first met Jamie Drake a week before the decorator house was opened to the public, I was delighted to witness the enthusiasm that he showed for his latest project, his passion for books which he sees as a lost art, but holds ever so dear. I’m in total accord with these ideas. With all the modern gadgets at our disposals, thumbing through a good book is my choice and preference.
The idea behind this library was to create a sophisticated retreat for the book lover, and philosopher as they surround themselves with lacquered spruce green millwork that is contemporary, yet with a retro feel. These custom chairs are über chic and inviting. Along with the custom sofa they were inspired by a Maison Jansen design from the 1940s. The trims on the chairs, and the textile choices for the pillows are immaculate and compliment the lacquered wall to an exact science.
The Kips Bay Boys & GirlsPhotography by Monica Rich KosannLaura Bohn Design AssociatesKidz Rule
About one or two years ago, Laura Bohn designed a room for the Showtime House in which she displayed her interpretation of the hit show, Nurse Jackie. The representation was as real and believable as this children room that brought a flutter to my heart and big smile to my face. When you do visit, make sure you get to feel the white textured walls as you enter the room. The entire space is just too cool for school.Thom Filicia Inc.The Gallery
Thom Filicia Home Collection purple haze area rug for Safavieh
Did you notice the sketches on the right? They’re Albert Hadley sketches courtesy of Bunny WilliamsJames Rixner Interior DesignThe Family Room & Kitchen
James Rixner
No one can argue that there wasn’t enough green in the house this year, but that color choice did not saturate the interiors. Thank goodness for that! In James Rixner’s family room, I saw some of the accessories that I’ve come to appreciate over years, the metamorphosis floor lamp from Niedermaier, as well their Peter Ambrose sculpture and pedestal. Velvety soft pillow fabrics from Schumacher felt good to the touch, and the simple, yet elegant flowers looked incredibly well in their surroundings.Robert Schwartz and Karen Williams for St Charles
“Too Hot To Handle” Hot Design in a Cool Space
The kitchen was designed by award winning designers Karen Williams and Robert Schwartz
The Murano glass light fixture overlooking this vast kitchen stood out like no ones business. And that was a good thing. The latest effort from the designing duo, Karen Williams and Robert Schwartz was not what I would call an inviting kitchen, even though it had all the “right fittings”. Recognized brands like the flamberge rotisserie from La Cornue, faucets from Frantini USA, counter tops from New England Stone were overshadowed by the fabulous 1940s Murano glass tulip fixture which was a sight to behold.Chuck Fisher Studio, Inc.The Writing Room
Being that I am not a true fan of trompe l’oeil, I was surprised how well I took to it this time around – both in this room, and Charlotte Moss’ master bedroom suite (which I’ll discuss in part 2 of my Kips Bay coverage). Chuck Fisher used some clever brush strokes to illustrate a fantastical world filled with endearment and warmth.Patrik Lönn Design Inc.A Room For Supper
Patrik Lönn and friendWith much European flair and soft music in the background, Patrik created a sophisticated, yet casual room which evoked a strong feeling of romance and celebrated friendship. I loved the rich and exquisite materials that he used, like the grass cloth wallpaper, the textured rug, the silk taffeta window treatments, the soft linen that were chosen for the table, the stunning flower arrangement from my favorite florist, L’Olivier, and of course, the carefully curated art work. The modern feel of this dinning room exemplified what a romantic setting should look like – intimate and joyful.Shawn Henderson Interior DesignA Sensual Playroom
Pieces like the Mercury Daybed, the Carbon Stools, and the luxe swing from the Amalgam Collection, made up a relaxing, yet reinvigorating space.
Shawn Henderson next to a Mario Dal Fabbro sculpture from Maison Gerard
This room is as warm and approachable as the designer himself. The rich textures found throughout the interiors of Shawn Henderson’s project were supple, and quite stunning in appearance. As soon as I saw the swing by the window, I wanted to get whisk away to a world without care, and only concern myself with beauty and environmental responsibilities. Throughout his design career, Shawn has been known to respect the environment in every sense of the word by using craftsmen whose work is true to their art forms, working with sustainable materials, and using vintage furnishings and products that are honestly produced and well-made.Lynne Scalo DesignAfter the Party
Lynne ScaloThe collaboration between Lynne Scalo and photographer Norman Seeff payed off well with these two iconic figures, Andy Warhol and Steve Jobs. It’s no secret that Andy Warhol was all business, and turned his art towards commercialism in a big way. While the quintessential businessman Steve Jobs courted a generation of computer nerds with detailed art form in every piece of technology that Apple ever came out with.
Vintage Blenko glass designs from www.vmglasshouse.com
Brian Del Toro IncStudy
What a jeweled box! That is how I saw this study with its hard edge, avant garde mirror, hand-painted walls, glistering table lamps, and glamorous fabrics to die for. At first glance, the parchment chairs (pictured above) looked uncomfortable, but turned out to be two of the most functional chairs in the house.
Brian Del Toro
Patricia Grever QuackenbushMark Hampton LLCBedroom
Alexa Hampton
Wow x 3. This bedroom, designed by Alexa Hampton, was extremely impressive. Most of the rooms in Kips Bay this year had lacquered walls since the designers wanted to bring on the glamor with full force’s credibility. I liked the sentimental approach that she took by incorporating some of the most minute details. True, a bedroom is the most intimate place in a house, and this well designed hideaway lived up to the hype.Scott SandersThe Cabana
Scott Sander’s Cabana was too precious for words. I wanted to wrap it up and take it home with me. The designer’s personality is just as fun, and easy going. A couple of years back, he did a Family Room for the Hamptons Show house, and I had the same feelings then that I do right now. At least Scott stays consistent, eventhough his design skills keeps on growing every time.Neil Beckstedt StudioThe Conservatory
Neil Beckstedt’s room faced the pool on the 20th floor (the house has two floors, with a pool in each balcony), and at certain times throughout the day, you could see the waves of the water reflecting on the walls. That image creates a sense of calmness which the overall room seem to emanate so well. For me, this was a Time Out sort of room, when you need to decompress from the difficulties of a crazy day.
Neil BeckstedtAlexander Doherty DesignA Collector’s Bedroom
Alexander DohertyFine arts and decorative arts adorned the walls and floors of this Collector’s Bedroom. There was so many bedrooms this year in the house, that if one had a choice as to where to sleep for the night, I imagine it would be a hard decision. The art work displayed in Alexander Doherty’s room were strong, and dominated the space. A bit intimidating, I thought. But collectors like to surround themselves with art that best describe their personalities.OPENING PARTY
Members of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
Left: Thom Felicia and friends
Color painting with Benjamin Moore
Katherine Scully from Luxe Magazine, and Susan Zises Green
The staff of House BeautifulPhotos courtesy High End Weekly™All rights reservedUPDATEDThe 40th Annual Decorator Show House opened this past Wednesday, and will run until June 14th. This is an absolutely MUST SEE show house with flawless decor and complete harmony. This post is the 1st of 3 posts on Kips Bay, so get ready for part two which will discuss the works of these three designers: Charlotte Moss, David Scott, and Charles Pavarini III. The Show House hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11-5 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday 11-8 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m. Additional information on the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and the Decorator Show House is available at www.kipsbay.org and 212-755-5733. A daily complimentary shuttle service will be available between the Park Avenue Armory (Park & 66th Street) to the Decorator Show house, every hour on the hour starting at 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.Cheers!THE KIPS BAY LECTURE SERIESKips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Hearst Design Group will have a series of lecture titled “The Best Of” to be hosted by Sotheby’s and run concurrent with the dates of the 40th Decorator Show House, May 16 through June 14, 2012. Named for the caliber of speaker and subject of their individual choosing, the series will feature influential interior designers Miles Redd and Bunny Williams, gardening expert P. Allen Smith, Winterthur Museum’s Tom Savage, designer Hutton Wilkinson and Verdura CEO Ward Landrigan. Additional lectures will be announced shortly along with details of the exclusive wine tasting event with Eli Rodriquez on May 31, 2012.The $75 ticket per lecture (or $150 for a package of three) will include an on-site lunch or cocktail reception, depending on the hour, as well as entry and a shuttle service to the Show House, located at The Aldyn on Riverside Boulevard between 62nd and 63rd Street.- Monday, May 21st at 11 a.m.—Hutton Wilkinson presents “Tony Duquette, More is More”: At eighteen, Hutton Wilkinson began an apprenticeship under the great American design icon, Tony Duquette, and continued to work and collaborate on a myriad of projects with him over the next twenty-five years. In 1994, Wilkinson and Duquette officially became business partners and a few years later, launched a collection of one-of-a-kind, fine jewelry for Bergdorf Goodman, adored by the public, fashion press and used by Tom Ford, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Since the passing of Mr. Duquette in 1999, Wilkinson as owner, creative director and president of Tony Duquette Inc. has continued to design and market his unique fine jewelry pieces as well as a collection of home furnishings, textiles, custom lighting products and hand made carpets and tapestries for other brands as well as tabletop accessories and interior decorations as “Tony Duquette” and Tony Duquette Inc. Hutton’s book “Tony Duquette” which he co-authored with Wendy Goodman, chronicles the great designer’s life and oeuvre (Abrams, 2007); “More Is More, Tony Duquette” (Abrams, 2009) is the companion volume. During the lecture, Wilkinson will bring the audience through this visual tale of Tony Duquette’s personal design philosophy and the artistic credo that inspired him to create his fanciful artwork, sculptures, jewelry, gardens and interiors.
- Tuesday, May 22nd at 11 a.m.—Bunny Williams presents “Making the Home Come to Life”: Bunny Williams is a designer with a modern vision, a sense of history and the confidence to take the unexpected path. Both a trailblazer and a tastemaker, Williams’ style is classic but never predictable. Currently, Bunny Williams has a thriving design practice, Bunny Williams Inc. formed in 1988, and a widely acclaimed home furnishings collection, BeeLine Home, launched in 2008. With her husband, antiques dealer John Rosselli, Williams owns Treillage Ltd., two unique decorative home and garden shops in New York. She is the author of On Garden Style, Affair with a House, Bunny Williams’ Point of View and currently in her fourth book, “Scrapbook for Living” published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang in November 2010, Williams’ offers inspiring tips for organizing and personalizing a home. “No matter how beautiful a home, be it large or small, the real magic happens when the door opens and one is welcomed into a home with soft lighting, delicious scents, offerings of drinks and food, sitting groups arranged for easy conversation. With planning and organization this becomes effortless.”
- Wednesday, May 30th at 11 a.m.—P. Allen Smith presents “Natural Elegance at Moss Mountain Farm”: The award-winning designer, gardening and lifestyle expert P. Allen Smith will share how his life and travels inspire his work. He is the host of two public television programs, P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home, P. Allen Smith’s Garden to Table and the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith Gardens and is the author of the best-selling Garden Home series of books published by Clarkson Potter/Random House, including Bringing the Garden Indoors: Container, Crafts and Bouquets for Every Room and the recently published cookbook, P. Allen Smith’s Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.
- Wednesday, May 30th at 6 p.m.—Iris Apfel and Dara Caponigro present “A Conversation About Style and Design”: VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Dara Caponigro will ask Iris Apfel about her lasting impact on style in the worlds of interior design and fashion, from her founding of iconic fabric house Old World Weavers to her status as one of today’s most recognizable fashion icons.
- Thursday, May 31st at 11 a.m.—Ward Landrigan presents “Verdura and Women of Style”: Celebrated jewelry expert, historian and Verdura Chairman, CEO and Co-Owner Ward Landrigan will focus on the life and career of 20th century jeweler Duke Fulco di Verdura and the style and glamour of the iconic women who made his jewelry famous. The archive of almost ten thousand designs Fulco left behind tells the intriguing story of these legendary style-makers…a story of love, humor, and style. Mr. Landrigan’s own interest in jewelry began in high school when he interned for a local jeweler and continued with his studies at the Courtauld Institute of Fine Arts in London and the Gemological Institute of America. He started his career at Sotheby’s auction house where, by age 24, was head of the jewelry department. Landrigan first heard Verdura’s name when he did an appraisal for Lily Pons in Texas in 1965 and was immediately drawn to the innate style and artistry of a particular piece: a shooting star set with pavé diamonds. When Mr. Landrigan left Sotheby’s in 1973 to form his own estate jewelry business, he bought and sold pieces from many of the world’s great jewelry designers. Nevertheless, Verdura remained his favorite.
- Thursday, May 31st at 6 p.m.—Wine Tasting with Eli Rodriguez: Space is limited! Eli is originally from Long Island and became interested in wine while studying at Cornell University. He learned the wine business, first at Best Cellars, then as a sommelier at Restaurant Daniel, working for one of the greatest chefs and most professional restaurateurs, Daniel Boulud, before joining Sotheby’s as an auction specialist in 2006. He was appointed as the Manager of Retail Sales when Sotheby’s launched their new, full service, retail wine business, Sotheby’s Wine, in September 2010.
- Friday, June 1st at 11 a.m.—Miles Redd presents “Fashion and Inspiration in Interior Design”: The internationally acclaimed interior design sensation, known for his quirky brand of cozy glamour will speak to his unique aesthetic vision characterized by a mélange of high and low, invigorated with whimsical splashes of color and modern gestures. Drawing on inspirations ranging from Richard Avedon fashion photographs to Rene Gruau illustrations, Redd has crafted interiors for a wide array of venues. His trademark approach to design has brought to life rooms infused with boldness, fantasy, and sophistication. Miles Redd embarked on his interior design career after graduating from NYU, honing his skills with luminary antiques dealer John Rosselli and decorator Bunny Williams. In 1998 he opened his own design firm in New York City’s NoHo neighborhood.
- Tuesday, June 5th at 11 a.m.—Tom Savage presents “Addicted to Old Houses: Iconic Rooms and Influential Interiors”: Winterthur’s director of museum affairs will lead a lively tour of historic interiors at home and abroad that have influenced and shaped his career. The Winterthur Museum is the former Delaware home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), the avid antiques collector and horticulturist. Today, Savage oversees the collections, exhibitions, public programs and marketing and communications departments. From November 1998 until August 2005, he served as Senior Vice President and Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Art for North and South America where he directed The Sotheby’s American Arts Course, an intensive nine-month professional training program in American fine and decorative arts of the seventeenth century to the present. He was also responsible for public programming, lecture series and travel programs for Sotheby’s.
Underwritten by Hearst Design Group, proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club offering innovative programs to more than 12,000 young people between the ages of 6 and 18 at ten locations throughout the Bronx. The Club is one of the most prominent and responsive youth development agencies in New York City and a “flagship” of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Over the course of four decades, the Show House has raised more than $17 Million and grown into a “must destination” for thousands of design enthusiasts as it is recognized for launching interior design trends throughout the world. Tickets available by calling 212-755-5733. -
Kips by The Bay – Part 2
With much European flair and soft music in the background, Patrik created an advanced, yet casual room which evoked a strong feeling of romance and celebrated friendship. I loved the rich and exquisite materials that he used, like the grass cloth wallpaper, the textured rug, the silk taffeta window treatments, the soft linen that were chosen for the table, the stunning flower arrangement from my favorite florist, L’Olivier, and of course, the carefully curated art work. The modern feel of this dinning room exemplified what a romantic setting should look like – intimate and joyful.Right: Patrik Lönn Design Inc.
Pieces like the Mercury daybed, the Carbon Stools, and the luxe swing from the Amalgam Collection, made up a relaxing, yet reinvigorating space.
A conservatory designed by Neil Beckstedt
Neil Beckstedt’s room faced the pool on the 20th floor (the house has two floors, with a pool in each balcony), and at certain times throughout the day, you could see the waves of the water reflecting on the walls. That image creates a sense of calmness which the overall room seem to emanate so well. For me, this was a Time Out sort of room, when you need to decompress from the difficulties of a crazy day.
Shawn Henderson Interior Design
Shawn Henderson’s room was as warm and approachable as the designer himself. The rich textures found throughout the interiors of Shawn Henderson’s project were supple, and quite stunning in appearance. As soon as I saw the swing by the window, I wanted to get whisk away to a world without care, and only concern myself with beauty and environmental responsibilities. Throughout his design career, Shawn has been known to respect the environment in every sense of the word by using craftsmen whose work is true to their art forms, working with sustainable materials, and using vintage furnishings and products that are honestly produced and well-made.
Brian Del Toro’s Study
What a jeweled box! That is how I saw Del Toro’s study. The room also had a hard edge, despite its jewels-like façade. The decorative, and avant-garde mirror, hand-painted walls, glitening table lamps, and glamorous fabrics were to die for. At first glance, the parchment chairs (pictured above) looked uncomfortable, but as it turned out, they were the most functional chairs in the room.
Alexa Hampton Design
Designed by Alexa Hampton, daughter of the late Mark Hampton, this traditional bedroom, designed with a keen eye for the impressive details that can only be stemed from good design Most of the rooms in Kips Bay this year had lacquered walls, to embrace glamor, and luxe credibility. I liked the sentimental approach that Alexa Hampton took by incorporating some of the most minute details. True, a bedroom is the most intimate place in a home, and this well designed hideaway lived up to the hype.
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Kips by The Bay – Part I
The 40th Annual Decorator Show House 2012
The Aldyn Residences
While many will concentrate on the well deserved Albert Hadley tribute which those three design masters pulled together with a vitality that is so rarely seen in a room, I found it hard to take my eyes off from the gorilla in the room – Le Courbusier’ tapestry which adroitly anchored the room.
Brian J. McCarthy Inc., Bunny Williams Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates
Living Room tribute to Albert Hadley
Raji Radhakrishnan Design
This tapestry is rarer than one thinks since Le Corbusier designed a total of fifty tapestries of which thirty eight are in France and twelve in Chandigarh. This one most likely made its way to the US with some public auction.
Raji Radhakrishnan is the type of designer that draws her clients in by using her charm, openness, skills, and genuine love for art and design. Being a museum hopper as well, I strongly identified with her subject – The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This home office for The Met’s Head Curator stems from Raji’s love for art and how she envisioned the various pieces that a Met curator would want to surround his or herself with. And what are they? Ancient and modern art, classical and contemporary architecture, fashion and the performing arts. She carefully chose furnishings dating back from the Secessionist, Art Deco and Modernist periods to the present day contemporary ones. I absolutely LOVED the Jules Leleu chairs from Maison Gerard.
If only my current projects called for this enormous sunburst mirror which drew me into the room even more… This showstopper is a reflection of the bright, lightness of the room, and it is simply glorious. Susan Zises Green
Susan Zises Green‘s room overlooked the peaceful flow of the Hudson River, and her color scheme is as soothing as nature itself. She envisioned this room as a grand living space for a newly married couple – and the furniture that you see are the joint efforts of two hearts which now beat as one. “Storage lockers opened and trucks were dispatched to collect the bounty within.”
Unlike what we sometimes experience with large spaces, the soaring ceiling compliment instead of overwhelm the carefully selected furniture, textile choices and art pieces. Susan’s room is next to Patrik Lönn’s dinning room, and the harmony between them ought to be explored and absorbed.
The idea behind this library was to create a new retreat for the book lover, and philosopher as they surround themselves with lacquered spruce green mill work that is contemporary, yet with a retro feel. These custom chairs are über chic and inviting. Along with the custom sofa they were inspired by a Maison Jansen design from the 1940s. The trims on the chairs, and the textile choices for the pillows are immaculate and compliment the lacquered wall to an exact science.
The Murano glass light fixture overlooking Robert Schwartz and Karen Williams’ kitchen for St Charles stood out like no ones business. And that was a good thing. The latest effort from the designing duo, Karen Williams and Robert Schwartz was not what I would call an inviting kitchen, even though it had all the “right fittings”. Recognized brands like the flamberge rotisserie from La Cornue, faucets from Frantini USA, counter tops from New England Stone were overshadowed by the fabulous 1940s Murano glass tulip fixture which was a sight to behold.
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A Must Read: A 21st Century Palace by Geoffrey Bradfield
The pages of Geoffrey Bradfield‘s latest interior design book will certainly take you to one of the most breathtaking and soaring palaces in the world. Get ready to be transported to a rich virtual journey through the creation of one of this stunning new breed of palaces: a high-rise residence Bradfield designed in the heart of Mexico City. It showcases all the requisite building blocks essential to the development of any great modernist collection: museum-worthy 20th- and 21st-century painting and sculpture, ravishing Art Deco furnishings (my favorite!) and extravagant materials cut and quarried from halfway around the planet.This is the first volume in a series that will examine the astonishing particulars of five distinct contemporary palaces located around the world. Geoffrey Bradfield is well equipped to tell this story. “Functional Opulence” is the key to his designs, which draw inspiration from the Orient, African Primitivism, and Art Deco.His work incorporates fine art and antiques with modern materials and high tech accessories, attaching the same sculptural value to utility objects as to important pieces of art. The look, drawn from the twentieth century, results in intensely comfortable and superbly elegant environments that delight the eye, mind and body alike. In 1991, he co-wrote Point of View: Design by Jay Spectre. He is the eloquent writer of Celebration: Christmas in New York, published in 1993, and a book showcasing his work of the last decade, Geoffrey Bradfield – Defining Millennium Modern was published in 2004. In 2009, he wrote Geoffrey Bradfield Ex Arte which was published by Panache Partners. The book featured a compilation of his international projects. Feel free to contact me, if you’d like to have a signed copy of one of the most anticipated book of this season. - Awards, Events, Interior Design, Jack Lenor Larsen, Life and Style, New York School of Interior Design
The New York School of Interior Design honors Jack Lenor Larsen and Thomas Woltz
Jack Lenor Larsen, and Thomas Woltz honored by The New York School of Interior DesignJack Lenor Larsen received lifetime achievement award, and Thomas Woltz, the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award for Landscape Design. Last night, The New York School of Interior Design honored textile pioneer Jack Lenor Larsen with a Lifetime Achievement Award and noted landscape
designer Thomas Woltz with the school’s first Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design at its 2nd annual Spring Benefit, held at The Metropolitan Club, in New York. While receiving his award, Mr Larsen humorlessly pointed out how delighted he was to be in a room which made him looked younger.Patricia Sovern (Chairman of the Board of the New York School of Interior Design), Jack Lenor Larsen, Thomas Woltz. Photos courtesy Photography by Annie Watt ©
NYSID Spring Benefit at The Metropolitan Club
Thomas Woltz, Patricia Sovern, David Sprouls
Lou Gropp , long-time former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful, Jack Lenor Larsen“I was lucky enough that I could go out and donew things that I did not know how to do yet.“– Jack Lenor Larsen
Marilyn White, Mario Buatta
From Left: Patricia Sovern, distinguished guest, Inge Heckel, Jack Lenor Larsen“The New York School of Interior Design is proud to celebrate the achievements of these two design luminaries for their innovative and distinguished careers, and to launch the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design, in memory of our late trustee’s devotion to landscape design.”–Patricia Sovern
Elsie St. Léger (centered) and distinguished guests
Ellen S. Fisher, Ph.D. (NYSID VP for Academic Affairs & Dean), and distinguished guest
From left: Marc Gilbertson, Geoffrey Bradfield, and Roric Tobin
Distinguished guest
Distinguished guests
Lynn and Noel Jeffrey
Thomas Woltz (pictured on the screen)
Jack Lenor Larsen accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award at The Metropolitan Club
Distinguished guest
Thomas Woltz
Vyna St Phard, Jack Lenor LarsenPhoto courtesy High End Weekly™
Distinguished guest, Margaret Russell (centered) and Phillip Gorivan
Patricia Sovern, Cynthia Hazen Polsky
Vyna St PhardPhotos courtesy Photography by Annie Watt ©Lou Gropp, long-time editor of House Beautiful Magazine and former NYSID trustee, presented Jack Lenor Larsen with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In memory of his father, Whitney Armstrong honored landscape architect Thomas Woltz with the first Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design. In September 2012, the school will continue their celebration of Larsen’s professional achievements with a major retrospective filling their 69th Street Gallery.Jack Larsen arrived in New York in 1951 to open his first design studio. This was at the beginning of the modern movement, and Larsen immediately understood that less is more, as the nation was influenced by the post war decade. Larsen became instrumental in revealing how textile design can be used to reinvigorate the modern architecture of that time. Over the years, he proved to be much more complexed as a designer, and is still known as the quintessential modernist, who was lured by the past, but admired many styles – especially tribal design. His friends and critics would agree that he is a major force in the world of design, a tireless traveller, successful entrepreneur, a passionate collector of other talents, and a friend to other artists.During his acceptance speech, Jack Lenor Larsen also pointed out that when he began his career, he was lucky enough to have started as someone who “did things that he did not know how to do yet”. And as a society, we should appreciate the beautiful, and natural things surrounding our every day lives, especially living in a world when just about everything is mass produced. He encouraged his friends and colleagues that were gathered together, to celebrate their individualities. He quoted his long-time friend Carl Sandberg who once told him while he was in college to “let us be different from other people, if being different comes easy and natural.” -
At Home with legendary textile designer, Jack Lenor Larsen
The Dream WeaverThere is nothing about textiles that Jack Lenor Larsen doesn’t know! His own fabrics are unique, original designs which are sometimes made from wire, plastics, synthetics and natural fibers. His construction of the fabric is always a surprise, and a delight to designers who get to work with them. Because of his originality and the depth of his understanding of textiles, he is a legend in the design industry, and beloved by so many of us, including myself. Jack Lenor Larsen is the son of Danish-Norwegian immigrants, and one of the most influential, respected, innovative textile designers of the past fifty years.Jack Lenor Larsen’s apartment in Murray Hill, New York
SereneThe apartment is a testament to Jack Larsen’s global travels, and his extraordinary style …
… and genius as an artist and visionary designer
Photos courtesy Jeffrey Hirsch, via New York Social Diary
This wool and silk rug from Jack Larson is spell bounding and will make a visual impact in any style room,
Photo via One Kings Lane
A great read and a must for any libraryGet it today on Amazon
Jack Lenor Larsen pictured inside his studyPhotos courtesy Jeffrey Hirsch, via New York Social DiaryHe not only made his name with Frank Lloyd Wright, who used his fabrics for the music room at Taliesin, or Marilyn Monroe who once shopped for his upholstery fabric whilst setting up her nest with Arthur Miller, Mr. Larsen was instrumental in opening up the huge world of textiles to the American public. He is a collector, artist, philanthropist, author, and world famous for his traditional and contemporary crafts. And above all that, I found him to be très gentil, a gentleman, and surprisingly humble, in all of my interactions with him. What a great example to us all.
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. -
de Giulio’s Beautiful Kitchen Design
There was a time not so very long ago when homeowners had to settle for the standard white oak, pine or soft maple cabinets in their kitchens. Even though the quality of those woods were good, the overall aesthetic was of an acquired taste. As an interior designer, I’ve advised my clients to run from the typical vanilla box kitchens with their shiny, overloaded stainless steel accessories. The kitchen is one of the most important room in a house, and should be treated as such. Overlooking the obvious can sometimes cost you thousands, if not millions of dollars, when the time comes to sale or rent your home.Metal boy cabinet by de Giulio
Nowadays, the choice of kitchen designs and cookware have proliferated beyond belief. There is an abundance of kitchen stores, specializing in Italian, German, Swedish, or French designs. And quite frankly, most of them have morphed into this idea of what a beautiful kitchen should be, and not necessarily taking functionality into consideration. Good design is crucial. And while I realized what you have in your kitchen is very much a personal choice, depending on how you live and what you like to cook, I encourage you to think carefully about functionality. That is why I favor the new Metal Boy from De Giulio. The Metal Boy is the most recent addition to an extensive collection of signature products designed by the US company. It is an inventive alternative to the traditional pot rack. This new cabinet combines enclosed storage for pots, pans, lids, baking sheets, and dishes with modern form and high-functionality.
details of the Metal Boy CabinetCrafted in distressed nickel silver, highly-polished stainless steel, ebonized walnut, and glass, the cabinet is an innovative design element that will be the showstopper in a kitchen design, and it is complete with LED lighting which accentuates the beauty and sculptural form of the interior cabinet. It is perfect for those of you who are considering environmental issues, when building a new kitchen. Shop this exclusive design while you visit LuxeHome at the Merchandise Mart, in Chicago. The kitchen design is on display at de Giulio’s showroom. This could be a beautiful beginning of becoming a domestic goddess (or god). -
The New York School of Interior Design’s Chairman Spring Luncheon
The New York School of Interior Design is having some pretty amazing lectures this spring. One such event is Regan Fletcher: An Insider’s Guide to the Interiors of Shubert Theater. Reagan Fletcher is a longtime archivist of The Shubert Archive and co-author of Shuberts Present: 100 Years of the American Theatre. He is scheduled to talk about this subject tonight at 6 PM.Pictured: Duane Hampton, Patricia SovernI was delighted to be invited to the Chairman luncheon last week where all in attendance had the rare opportunity to listen to a short presentation by the man himself. Fletcher touched upon the history as well as the interiors and restoration of various Shubert theaters located in the heart of Times Squares. His exhibition is beautifully curated, and is not to be missed by Broadway enthusiasts and those of us with a penchant for great architecture.
Inge Heckel, Katie Ridder, Betsy Ruprecht
Vyna St Phard, Cynthia Hazen Polsky, and Karen Hsu
Karen Hsu, David Sprouls
Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, Reagan Fletcher, Patricia Schoenfeld
Atmosphere
Belasco TheatherPhotos courtesy The New York School of Interior DesignFletcher has brought together a selection of archival photographs and design documents that show the sumptuous interiors of the Shubert Organization’s seventeen Broadway theatres, focusing on the historic restorations of the Barrymore, the Belasco, the Longacre, the Shubert, and the Winter Garden. Nowadays, the Winter Garden houses one of my favorite show, Mama Mia! But whenever I pass by this iconic building, I can’t help but remember the times I went to see Cats over the years, and the memories, and emotions that show still manages to evoke within me.
