Modern Day Living
The Mid-Century Modern design style emerged in the mid-20th century, roughly from the 1930s to the 1960s. It is characterized by clean lines, simplicity, and a focus on functionality. This design movement is known for its influence on architecture, interior design, furniture, and industrial design. It continues to be highly popular and influential to this day. [Read more…] about Exploring the History and Influence of the Mid-Century Modern Style
Step into the world of French Furniture as we embark on a decorative arts refresher. Instead of delving into the entirety of French furniture, we’ll focus on just desks. By doing so, we can truly grasp the distinct style differences and the fascinating historical influences that shaped their designs.
Our spotlight will be on three remarkable styles – Regency, Louis XV, and Louis XVI desks, or as the French call them, “bureau plats.” Each of these styles hails from consecutive periods in French decorative history, offering us a unique glimpse into the evolution of artistic expression and design.
Many individuals find it challenging to differentiate between the Louis styles, and as a designer, it’s crucial to avoid this major faux pas. We’ll weave a rich tapestry of stories that unravel the broader context of each decorative style, effectively serving as a comprehensive glossary of decorative arts terms with juicy backstories, intricate decorative elements, and the exquisite creations that epitomize each era. Moreover, we’ll indulge in a bit of gossip about the intriguing players and shenanigans that shaped French history during these times. Believe me, French history is far from dull –
So, join us on this enthralling journey through the ages, as we explore the fascinating world of French Furniture and the stories behind some of its most iconic desks. [Read more…] about French Furniture: Three Desks, Three Styles
One of my favorite design books EVER, Modern English by Emily Todhunter and Katie Earl is a book to revisit often. The talented design duo share a diverse selection of projects that include contemporary townhomes, boutique hotels, restaurants, ski chalets, super yachts, country homes, grand heritage houses, private banks, contemporary new builds, and their own homes. Their projects are numerous and varied- and because discretion is an integral part of their business, quite a few have never been photographed or published. Modern English is divided into three sections: country, town, and abroad.
Todhunter and Earle are known for unpretentious discreet interiors (where budget does not appear to be an issue). Their style exemplifies a hard to quantify Englishness to its very core. I am not referring to what one might consider typical English, with chintzy florals, their bar is waaaay higher. Their laser focus is on [Read more…] about Modern English
You are not going to believe your eyes when you see the breathtaking mid-seventeenth-century chateau outside of Paris that I am about to show you….
Chateau de Villette- The Splendor of French Decor, written by Guillaume Picon and photographed by Bruno Ehrs, is one of the most beautiful books on French decorative arts and design that I have ever seen. The history of both the chateau and its owners is fascinating, and its thoughtful restorations have ensured a consistent place en vogue.
Original construction took place from 1663–69, with architecture attributed to Francois Mansart and his great-nephew, chief architect of Louis XV, Jules Hardouin-Mansart. At this time, new chateau styles were developing as practical or strategic military elements were no longer necessary- opening the way for Le Notre to design elaborate gardens and outdoor vistas.
The extravagant interiors reflect the then-new mindset of the Rococo era – designed with more permanence and elegance. Bedchambers, previously ceremonial, were designed be private spaces of comfort in the eighteenth century. Tables were no longer brought to the bedchambers for dining. Stand-alone dining rooms were an eighteenth-century innovation, and in Chateau de Villette is the first formal dining room in a French chateau. [Read more…] about Chateau de Villette- The Splendor of French Decor
An unprecedented, international loan exhibition of one of the most famed artists of all time is at Fort Worth’s Kimbell Museum until January 29, 2017. This groundbreaking exhibition is the first ever devoted to the young genius of Claude Monet, featuring approximately 60 paintings from the first phase of the artist’s career, from his Normandy debut in [Read more…] about Monet: The Early Years
