tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20895475891633347352024-03-12T20:18:55.327-07:00Historic InteriorsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.comBlogger1217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-26677032127879702612015-03-10T12:02:00.000-07:002015-03-11T18:17:58.887-07:00Fabric decision - designers help!At this past weekend's estate sale HERE I purchased a Biedermeier stool for use with my comfy reading chair, another estate sale find which I recently had reupholstered (see that transformation HERE). You can see the upholstery that came on the stool is in good shape, a synthetic material from the 1960s, but doesn't quite go with my apartment.Of course the easy answer is to use the remainingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-46779125941949948692015-03-09T06:28:00.000-07:002015-03-11T18:17:58.899-07:00Identify this estate sale find - help!This past weekend I attended one of my favorite kind of estate sales: a very old Washingtonian family in a very old grand house. The family bought said house during the great depression after selling their huge estate and literally never touched the house again: not paint, no adding furniture, etc. Shabby chic would be a great term (if it wasn't already attached to something quite differentAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-67777643525873274562015-03-06T14:07:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:58.910-07:00Teatro Municipal, Rio de JaneiroIt's been one of those weeks where you just need a little pretty. Luckily I have my penpal to supply me with beautiful photographs from his travels. One gem that caught my eye is the Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janiero, Brazil (which I can never think of without humming a little Fred Astaire, I love that song of his about Rio!).The Opera house, designed by French architect Albert Guilbert, Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-90209142836500464352015-03-05T11:51:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:58.922-07:00Alhambra detailsThe Alhambra is a fortressed palace in southern Spain that dates back to the 9th century. At the time this area was ruled by the Moors and it wasn't until the late 15th century that it came under Catholic rule (see previous post on the Palace of Charles V HERE). The Alhambra is really a warren of separate palaces built under different rulers all joined together on a hilltop as one Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-62314416038506057682015-03-03T12:05:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:58.934-07:00Renaissance palace of Charles V, Alhambra, GranadaNestled into the ancient Alhambra is the Palace of Charles V which dates to the early 16th century Renaissance. This palace was modeled on ancient Roman architecture which was heavily influential at the time period. Later these Renaissance examples would come to rule and guide Classical architecture.Lets start outside as that's what one encounters first. The strong rusticated base exudes Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-44668271391589725912015-02-26T04:00:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:58.944-07:00Stunning Interior details - Nissim de Camondo, ParisDetails matter. Details are what separate a mansion from a mcmansion, a generic box from a lovely structure, a house from a home. They need not be as ornate or historic as those at the Musee Nissim de Camondo in Paris but any good architect or designer will fill a home with lovely touches that will separate the wheat from the chaff.The stairhall that I mentioned yesterday HERE features this Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-12764051057011820652015-02-25T04:00:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:58.955-07:00Historic interiors - Nissim de Camondo, ParisThe interiors of the Musee Nissim de Camondo are even more stunning than the exterior; see my post HERE. While efforts have been made to make the house feel as if members of the family had just walked out the room, the house reflects the collections gifted by the Count rather than how they actually lived. One imagines it was probably relatively similar though for such an avid and passionate Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com063 Rue de Monceau, 75008 Paris, France48.8793394 2.3121690000000423.357304900000003 -38.996424999999959 74.4013739 43.620763000000039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-12067080406655934992015-02-23T14:57:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:58.970-07:00The MOST elegant house- Musee Nissim de Camondo, ParisNestled against the Parc Monceau in the chic 8th arrondissement is one of the most famous house museums of Paris, the Musee Nissim de Camondo managed by the musee des arts decoratifs (see my posts on that wonderful museum adjacent to the Louvre at the link). I had always wanted to visit this storied house but never had a chance until my last visit -I shouldn't have waited!Located on a tony Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-17057423122102270172015-02-18T11:49:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:58.983-07:00Parc Monceau, ParisWhile in Paris this past fall I left tourist central to finally pay a visit to the Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement, namely to see the magnificent Musee Nissim de Camondo (more on that another time) and what remains of Ledoux's Rotund de Chartres (more on that later too!).The park was built in the 18th century as a private park for the Phillipe d'Orleans, Duke of Chartres, and his Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-78077612221434144252015-02-05T13:23:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:58.995-07:00Paris from above: Printemps department store While in Paris this past fall I visited the famous department store Printemps on the Boulevard Haussmann. Not for the reasons you think (shopping) but to check out the amazing 365 degree views of Paris from the rooftop restaurant!Lunch was pretty good by American standards, sub-standard by Parisian, but no one could pay attention to their meals with all of Paris at their feet. Above youAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-58938483964974164162015-02-04T08:35:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.006-07:00Hotel de Salm, ParisOne of my favorite buildings to visit on my walks around the city is the Hotel de Salm home to the Legion of Honour Museum next to the Musee d'Orsay along the banks of the Seine. I've never been inside however despite a rather fascinating collection and renowned building. There are simply always more pressing things to do or it's just too lovely of a day to spend inside.Completed just beforeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-63164874123488042862015-02-02T13:11:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.017-07:00John Russell Pope's Morton house for saleI recently discovered that the Levi Morton house (1912) by John Russell Pope in my old neighborhood in Washington, DC, was for sale. For about a decade I lived a block away from this stunning mansion at 1500 Rhode Island Avenue, NW and always admired it.For the past 75 years the National Coatings Association has been the (excellent) caretaker of this historic structure which has housed a former Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-48882188034472542062015-01-30T13:56:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.030-07:00See Timothy Corrigan at Hillwood!I've recently been enjoying my copy of designer Timothy Corrigan's "An Invitation to Chateau du Grand-Luce" and was thrilled to hear he'll be speaking at Hillwood next week, Tuesday, February 3 2015 at 7pm! Information on the lecture available HERE.While the pictures of the restored Chateau are the obvious reason to peruse the book, Corrigan's conversational writing is approachable and enjoyable.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-42555499443512159252015-01-27T12:50:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.041-07:00Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature, ParisIf someone had told me before my last trip to Paris that the Museum of hunting and nature would be among the most fascinating I had ever visited in this city of museums, let alone anywhere, I would have laughed in their face. Boy was I wrong.I visited for the architecture of course but was floored by the collections. Housed primarily in the famous Hotel de Guenegaud by Mansart, the museum Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-35533721707038398562015-01-20T15:15:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.053-07:00More of heaven - La Quinta Resort 2After my last post HERE I actually downloaded a few pictures I took with an actual camera and they featured details my previous post, featuring images from my cellphone, didn't capture. As I mentioned the grounds and gardens are immaculate and stunningly beautiful. One thing we didn't need was an umbrella -not even these amazing Senz Automatic Passion Umbrellas- which you can find at Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-11014712145273831572015-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.065-07:00La Quinta Resort - Hollywood HavenWhile in Palm Springs I spent a few days outside of the 'city' at a newly renovated resort from the golden age of Hollywood, La Quinta.Built in 1926 it was said to be as far from Hollywood as an actor in the studio system could travel while on call. And they did come; Garbo was a regular as was Gable.Frank Capra spent many summers at the resort with his wife, writing scripts for many of his awardAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-74864246412027583722015-01-15T10:33:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.076-07:00Palm Springs from the airI have to admit something; I'm a very nervous flyer. I think I hide it relatively well but until my feet are back on the ground I fret and worry.However that said, I could stare outside of a plane window all day long and be happy. I love the view of the clouds, farms, and cities below: God's art. Imagine that just 100 years ago views such as this were unthinkable. It makes the flying Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-78205428032588863262015-01-14T08:20:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.086-07:00Palm Springs, CaliforniaI recently escaped the cold winter weather and explored (mostly) sunny Palm Springs, California. I say mostly because 1 of my 4 days there included an unusual gloomy, albeit warm, rainy day.Known as the retreat of the Rat Pack and full of Mid-Century modern architecture, I was pleased to find some older buildings to interest the classicist in me.The El Paseo building in the Uptown Design DistrictAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-82848725173513218462015-01-08T05:55:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.097-07:00National Cathedral windowsI recently paid a visit to the National Cathedral and was reminded of how beautiful stained glass really can be, particularly in this crisp winter light.The windows soar towards the ceiling at a staggering 100'. The light still makes it down to the floor however, and to marvelous effect.I posted some exterior photos a few years ago during a much warmer visit HERE (with a real camera instead of myAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-71426160727431773762014-12-31T09:27:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.106-07:00Happy New Year, 2015!I started this blog as part of a New Years resolution in 2007 with THIS post. In the past 8 years I've had so much fun sharing my design musings and inspirations and hope to do so for the next 8 years. Thank you for being part of my blogging experience and the best of Health, Wealth, and Happiness to you in 2015!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-56880215619453929702014-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.116-07:00Merry Christmas!From my home to yours, Merry Christmas with wishes for a very Happy New Year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-56489122048444321982014-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.125-07:00Night at the Museum - the National Portrait GalleryThis past Friday I spent the evening at the National Portrait Gallery; at least it felt like evening since it was dark the entire time(they're open until 7pm)If you haven't visited you really must;it's one of my favorite museums in DC. Housed in the old Patent office building completed in 1840, the Greek Revival structure was the 3rd public building constructed in the United States.The third Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-13027854013721741712014-12-18T07:32:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.136-07:00Inside the Place Vendome, ParisMy favorite square in Paris is without a doubt the Place Vendome. I even have a painting of it in my bedroom by Moura Chabor!The storied square is actually 26 separate buildings with a unified front designed by Mansart. Based on the success of the earlier Place des Vosges in the Marais (a similar concept of different buildings looking as one), it was fully complete by 1720.The Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-54186294553072131382014-12-16T10:13:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.146-07:00Christmas shopping in ParisThe best part of visiting Paris in the winter, particularly at Christmastime, is the shopping! The city is decked out with Christmas trees and lights hoping to get everyone in the spirit and attract some business.My favorite area of Paris for shopping is along (and around) the Rue Saint Honore seen in the photos above.The shop windows are decorated in the most enticing ways. Above at Astier de Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089547589163334735.post-63130313388288014922014-12-09T06:05:00.000-08:002015-03-11T18:17:59.156-07:00La Madeleine, ParisOne of the items I can cross off my bucket list is to see a concert in one of the great spaces of Europe. While traveling one often sees posters for concerts in various churches and this past trip to Paris we saw an unexpectedly exciting performance of Mozart's Requiem at La Madeleine.La Madeleine is perhaps best known for its location: Fauchon and other high end food stores ring the square upon Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255451083300403411noreply@blogger.com0