Thursday, 30 August 2012

John Dickinson: Primitive Elegance

There's a fine line between being amusing and being eccentric.
John Dickinson (1920 - 1982)

John Dickinson, the late San Francisco designer, was a disciplined perfectionist who described himself as a draftsman first, a decorator second. He reduced his designs to "line, proportion and shape" to create understated elegance, which he emphasized with a palette of "subdued colors." Despite his focus on logic, he valued wit. "I take what I do very seriously, " said Dickinson. "But I don't like design to be too serious. . . . I just like to have a little fun with the work I do." His sense of humor can be seen in his iconic 1970s three-legged painted plaster side table, which sold at Christie's in 2011 for $30,000.


This piece calls to mind African art, the Flintstones cartoon and ancient Egyptian statues. Primitive, it is elegant in its simplicity.


As much sculpture as furniture, Dickinson's work in plaster has the edginess of contemporary art. So it should come as no surprise that when he is rediscovered by a new generation of dealers, writers, auction house experts and curators, the first responders were collectors, not designers.
Quote from R. Louis Bofferding, antiques dealer 
R. Louis Bofferding Decorative and Fine Art

Designer Smith Hanes "turned a negative into a fresh, beautiful positive: he broke up the long hallway leading to the master suite by adding a row of ethereal white portieres. Bedside tables are vintage John Dickinson."
Interior design by Marie Nygren and Smith Hanes.
Interview by Mimi Read.
Photographs by Amy Neunsinger.
"The New Utopia"
House Beautiful (December - January 2011).

"In the master bedroom, crystal drops by sculptor Rob Wynne are mounted above a 1940s vanity and a Samuel Marx mirror; the plaster stool is by John Dickinson, 
and the curtains are of a Lee Jofa silk."
London duplex.
Interior design by Alex Papachristidis.
Text by Nancy Hass.
Photography by Simon Upton.
"Master Class" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (December 2010 - January 2011)

"A chair by John Dickinson is covered in a Highland Court animal print, the mahogany commode is vintage, the painting is by Bernard Frize"
London duplex.
Interior design by Alex Papachristidis.
Text by Nancy Hass.
Photography by Simon Upton.
"Master Class" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (December 2010 - January 2011).

The screened-in porch features a plaster side table by John Dickinson, pillows upholstered in African textiles and a stained concrete floor.
A circa-1883 factory converted by San Antonio designer Gwynn Griffith 
as her personal home.
Text by Rob Brinkley.
Photography by William Waldron.
"Texas Treasure" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (September 2011).

"The living room  . . . features a John Dickinson plaster table, a wicker tub chair covered with a shearling throw, a French chandelier, and a Spanish cabinet; the wall of artwork includes paintings by [homeowner and decorator Gwynn Griffith]"
A circa-1883 factory converted by San Antonio designer Gwynn Griffith 
as her personal home.
Text by Rob Brinkley.
Photography by William Waldron.
"Texas Treasure" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (September 2011).

"The circa-1970 faux-bois plaster table is by John Dickinson."
Text by Mayer Rus.
Photography by Simon Watson.
"Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin's Manhattan Apartment" 
Produced by Michael Reynolds.
Architectural Digest (October 2011).

"John Dickinson lamps flank a geological specimen atop an Aldo Tura console."
Beverly Hills home of architect and designer Daniel Romualdez.
Text by Peter Haldeman.
Photography by Roger Davies.
Styled by Robert Rufino.
"Breaking Away" produced by Carolina Irving.
Architectural Digest (January 2012).

"A Piero Fornasetti cabinet in the living area with a Diego Giacometti sculpture and a prehistoric stone object; the galvanized tin console is by John Dickinson."
San Francisco apartment of designer Steven Volpe.
Text by Ingrid Abramovitch.
Photography by William Abranowicz.
"Rare Form" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (September 2011).

David Sutherland sells pieces that are cast from John Dickinson's original works and molds. These pieces are made of glass fiber reinforced concrete and can be used indoors or out. Buyers looking for original John Dickinson items can purchase from 1st Dibs, which currently is offering plaster pieces and a pair of custom "Etruscan" chairs somewhat similar to the gold chair pictured above in the apartment designed by Alex Papachristidis. 

Dickinson's work has influenced numerous other designers including Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, who recounts his relationship with him in Designers on Designers by Susan Gray, which is the source for some of the quotes in this piece. 


Elegance is self-assurance in one sense and nothing is as easily spotted as false elegance. Elegance requires leisure and thought and the ability to carry it out. 
A modest small thing can be elegant.
John Dickinson, 1971



Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Black and White

Black and white. Perfect for the kitchen, the bath, a foyer or a gracious curving stair. Perfect even for circus tents, or the illusion of one . . .

"I told Jean-Louis [Deniot] I wanted the apartment to be beautiful without a stick of furniture in it," the wife says. "You had to say, 'Ooh,' even when it was completely empty."
Prewar apartment in Chicago.
Interior design by Jean-Louis Deniot.
Text by Dan Shaw.
Photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna.
"The French Connection" produced by Robert Rufino.
Architectural Digest (December 2011).


"The walls of the bathroom and adjacent laundry are covered in Clarence House's Large Stripe wallpaper applied both vertically and horizontally, 
and the checkerboard ceramic-tile floor is American Olean."
Chicago apartment of decorator Alessandra Branca.
Photography by Thibault Jeanson.
Styled by Carlos Mota.
"Return Engagement" text by Jan Parr.
Elle Decor (December 2008).

"Iconic photographs of New York greet visitors in the foyer; the plasterwork ceiling and picture lights were designed by Shelton, Mindel and Associates."
Historic Manhattan apartment.
Renovation and furnishings by Shelton, Mindel and Associates.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.
Text by Dan Shaw.
"Leading Role" produced by Robert Rufino.
Architectural Digest (November 2011).

Oval entrance hall with a ceiling dome. Belgian marble tiles.
San Francisco apartment of Gary and O.J. Shansby.
Interior design by Suzanne Tucker.
Architecture by Andrew Skurman.
Text by Peter Haldeman
Photography by Pieter Estersohn. 
"Wish Fulfillment" produced by Howard Christian.
Architectural Digest (February 2012).

"Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard creates an MGM musical moment with a checkerboard floor and a coordinating staircase in high-contrast black and white. 
'The contrast creates a sense of drama,' he says."
Walls are Decorators White by Benjamin Moore.
Interior design by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
Photography by Tim Street-Porter.
"Drama, Dahling" written by David A. Keeps. 
House Beautiful (September 2011).

A striped tent on the terrace "shelters outdoor tools and extra furniture."
Designer Stephen Shubel's San Francisco "office and overnight getaway."
Photography by William Abranowicz.
Text by Ruth Graham.
"Master of Illusion" produced by Dara Caponigro.
Domino (May 2008).

"Don't let your eyes deceive you: the ceiling of the studio's bathroom is completely, 100 percent flat. Shubel hired local decorative painter Willem Racke to paint stripes that make the room . . . seem like a dramatically peaked tent, inspired by the circus-like storage tent on the terrace. . . . A matching curtain hides not only a washer and dryer, 
but the studio's trove of research materials."
Designer Stephen Shubel's San Francisco "office and overnight getaway."
Photography by William Abranowicz.
Text by Ruth Graham.
"Master of Illusion" produced by Dara Caponigro.
Domino (May 2008).

 "Lined with marble and painted decades ago to resemble a tent, a bath is furnished with a Judi Boisson rug and antique Chinese garden stools."
Greek Revival house in Philadelphia.
Interior design by Thomas Jayne.
Text by Jean Nathan.
Photography by Pieter Estersohn.
"Restorative Power" produced by Howard Christian.

"Graphic patterns give the exercise room a fanciful attitude; the bold carpeting is by Durkan, and the striped fabric that tents the ceiling is by Romo."
Home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Interior design by Richard Keith Langham.
Text by Julia Reed.
Photography by Pieter Estersohn.
"State of Grace" produced by Howard Christian.
Architectural Digest (March 2011).



Coogee Water Views!

A Coogee Beach View

General Features
  • Property Type:House
  • Bedrooms:4
  • Bathrooms:3
  • Outdoor Features
  • Garage Spaces:2
  • Swimming Pool - Inground
Ok, so I haven't posted for a week or so,
I'm busy creating a special training course for bloggers,
so although I started this post last night, around midnight,
I'm finishing it now, 7am!
(work, kids, you all know how that works out!!!)

However, I was lucky enough to get an email 
from Lucy, an AVOD fan :) in NSW!
She suggested the house below in Coogee,
which she visited herself at an open, and fell in love!

So, here it is for you all to see,
I hope you love it too with those views!  :)

 Very impressive from the street!

 Obviously very modern/contemporary feel,
which is common these days in Australia!
Click here to tweet it if you love it too!



 Lovely open plan living!

 Such great views,
but not a lot of rear yard, that would put me off.
Great for semi-retired I guess!





 And here's the Master Plan!


AND here's what the Agent said about it!

A triumph of contemporary design, this newly built beach house is positioned on a commanding elevated block affording panoramic ocean views.
A triumph of contemporary design, this newly built beach house is positioned on a commanding elevated block affording panoramic ocean views over Wedding Cake Island and the beach to the Maroubra Headland. Reminiscent of a tropical island retreat, it has been crafted to integrate with its breathtaking surrounds using an inspired palette of exotic stone, timber and glass. A choice of indoor and outdoor living spaces, luxurious interiors and an exceptional layout combine to create a unique family sanctuary.

Features include:
- Exclusive setting between Gordon's Bay & Coogee Beach
- 4 double beds, built-ins + a home office/library with fireplace
- View-swept top floor master retreat, ensuite & dressing room
- Sun-washed living & dining wrapped in entertainer's terraces
- State-of-the-art stone & timber gas kitchen, Smeg appliances
- Family room, pool with sun terrace, 4 Jetmaster fireplaces
- Lavish stone bathrooms, powder room, large internal laundry
- Large DLUG, custom finishes, electric blinds, designer lighting

WOW

Monday, 27 August 2012

Gracie Wallpaper

One way to make a room truly special is to cover the walls with Gracie’s hand-painted wallpaper. Gracie is a family-run business that Charles R. Gracie founded in New York City in 1898. Gracie originally created custom lamps, but started selling Asian antiques in the 1920s and 1930s. The company began offering hand-painted wallpapers after one of Charles Gracie's friends, who was a textile trader, brought some back from Beijing. The company is best known for these beautiful wallpapers, which are still hand painted in China by a studio that has been managed by the same Chinese family for the past fifty years. For homeowners who don't want to paper an entire wall, a framed panel or two of the hand-painted wallpaper can add a touch of Gracie to any room. 

"Gracie restored the [dining] room's antique wallpaper, which once belonged to publisher Conde Nast; its design motif was hand-painted on the window shades."
New York City penthouse of decorator Michael S. Smith and HBO executive James Costos.
Interior design by Michael S. Smith.
Text by Judith Thurman.
Photography by Bjorn Wallander.
"L'Art de Vivre" produced by Carolina Irving.
 Architectural Digest (September 2012).

"Detail of the Gracie wallpaper."
New York City penthouse of decorator Michael S. Smith and HBO executive James Costos.
Interior design by Michael S. Smith.
Text by Judith Thurman.
Photography by Bjorn Wallander.
"L'Art de Vivre" produced by Carolina Irving.
 Architectural Digest (September 2012).

Dressing room in the Manhattan apartment of Aerin Lauder, style and image director of Estee Lauder, who has started a new lifestyle brand, AERIN.
Gracie wall covering, chandelier by Bagues, circa-1970 desk by Gabriella Crespi.
Photography by Simon Upton.
"At Home With Stylesetter Aerin Lauder"
Elle Decor (July - August 2009).

"A Gracie chinoiserie wallpaper wraps the dining room, 
which is furnished with an 18th-century English table and chairs."
Home in Marin County, California.
Interior design by Suzanne Rheinstein.
Architect: Ken Linsteadt.
Text by Peter Haldeman.
Photography by Francesco Lagnese.
"Fascinating Rhythm" produced by Robert Rufino.
Architectural Digest (December 2011).

"The dining room's Gracie wallpaper depicts Mississippi River scenes."
Home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Interior design by Richard Keith Langham.
Text by Julia Reed.
Photography by Pieter Estersohn.
"State of Grace" produced by Howard Christian.
Architectural Digest (March 2011).

"Hand-painted wallpaper by Gracie adds shimmer to the dining room."
New York City apartment of Nina Bauer and Andrew Shapiro.
Interior design by Penny Drue Baird of Dessins.
Text by Dan Shaw.
Photography by Simon Upton.
"Calm, Cool, Collected" produced by Howard Christian.

"A four-foot-high pagoda in the dining room of a Brookville, New York, house 'is just here to make people smile.' . . . The silver tea-leaf wallpaper is from Gracie."
Interior design by Andrew Raquet.
Photography by Jose Picayo.
"The Glamour of Gray" interview by Emily Evans Eerdmans.
House Beautiful (September 2010).

"Hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper by Gracie forms a backdrop to the master suite's Italian neoclassical bed, which is dressed in Nancy Koltes linens."
Manhattan apartment of Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos.
Interior design by Michael S. Smith.
Text by Ali Wentworth.
Photography by Scott Frances.
"At a Moment's Notice" produced by Robert Rufino.
Architectural Digest (March 2012).

Decorator Suzanne Rheinstein "brought the dining room to life with a vibrant, scenic Chinese wallpaper by Gracie. . . . [Rheinstein] loves painted pieces against rich, dark woods, so she paired chalky Gustavian dining chairs 
with an antique English mahogany table."
Prewar apartment in New York City.
Interior design by Suzanne Rheinstein.
Interview by Mimi Read.
Photography by Francois Dischinger.
"Have Fewer Things, But Better Things" produced by Sabine Rothman.
Styled by Olga Naiman.
House Beautiful (May 2012).

"A mirror by John Rosselli Antiques and Decorations hangs above a Gustavian settee covered in a Claremont cotton-silk; the painted floor is by Bob Christian, and the walls and ceiling are sheathed in wallpapers by Gracie."
New York Pied-a-Terre of Los Angeles decorator Suzanne Rheinstein.
Interior design by Suzanne Rheinstein.
Text by Julia Reed.
Photography by Roger Davies.
"The Age of Elegance" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (November 2010).

"Vintage tea-paper wall panels, Gracie."
Master bedroom of Philadelphia apartment.
Interior design by Carl Steele.
Photography by John Hall.
Styled by Olga Naiman.
"City Comforts" text by Linda O'Keeffe. 
Veranda (March 2011).

"Above the Eliases' bed is a Bert Stern image of Marilyn Monroe, 
flanked by silk panels by Gracie."
Sao Paulo home of architect Jorge Elias and his wife, Lucila.
Text by Raul Barreneche.
Photography by Roger Davies.
"Tropical Baroque" produced by Carlos Mota.
Architectural Digest (February 2012).

Saturday, 25 August 2012

Artist Easels

Hanging art can be intimidating to many people. They are afraid of making a mistake and ending up with a wall full of nail holes. They are unsure how high or how low to hang a painting. They don't know the best way to arrange a varied collection. One alternative to fastening pictures to a wall is to use an easel. Placing art on a stand or lectern is a good option for people who like to change their displays. Small easels on tables or mantels allow homeowners to layer art or other objects to create vignettes. Like canvases without frames (the topic of my last post), paintings on easels can add an air of insouciance to a room, especially when the art is of a high caliber. Here are some examples . . .


"An antique English lectern displays art by Robert Motherwell."
Homeowner George Mason collects clocks.
Houston, Texas townhouse of George and Sandra Mason.
Interior design by J. Randall Powers.
Residential design by Preston Wood and Associates.
Photography by Casey and Anne Sills.
Text by Linda E. Clopton.
"Mayfair Redux" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.
Veranda (October 2010).

"In the master bedroom, a bedside vignette includes . . . .a small watercolor on an easel."
Atlanta, Georgia home.
Interior design by Phoebe Howard.
Photography by J. Savage Gibson.
Painting on easel by George Thomas.
Antique wooden chest.
Nantucket Island cottage owned by designer Trudy Dujardin and husband Frank Fasanella.
Photography by Terry Pommett.
"Eco-Friendly Summer Home" written by Amy Elbert.
Horse stable designed as art studio and retreat.
Horse painting by Karen Bezuidenhout.
Interior design by Kathryn M. Ireland.
This outbuilding is part of part of Veranda's first concept house in Los Angeles designed by Windsor Smith, Kathryn M. Ireland, and eight other designers.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin were under contract to purchase the property
 as of June 22, 2012.
Photography by Max Kim-Bee.
"House of Windsor" produced by Carolyn Englefield.
Written by Mario Lopez-Cordero.
Veranda (October 2011).

1865 brownstone of Christopher Knight, director of New York gallery Maison Gerard, 
and Carlos Aponte, an artist and illustrator.
Jersey City, New Jersey.
Interior design by Christopher Knight.
Text by Peter Terzian.
Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.
Photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna.
"Poetic License"
Elle Decor (December 2011).

East Village, NY Apartment of Alfredo Paredes and Brad Goldfarb.
Interior design by Alfredo Paredes.
Photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna.
Text by Brad Goldfarb.
"Partners in Style" produced by Robert Rufino.
Architectural Digest (April 2012).

Side view of easel.
Gramercy Park, New York City.
450-square-feet studio owned by Ellen O'Neill, design consultant.
Interior design by Ellen O'Neill.
Photography by Thomas Loof.
"Living Big in a Studio" written by Carol Prisant.
House Beautiful (July-August 2010).

The easel can be seen against the window on the right.
Gramercy Park, New York City.
450-square-feet studio owned by Ellen O'Neill, design consultant.
Interior design by Ellen O'Neill.
Photography by Thomas Loof.
"Living Big in a Studio" written by Carol Prisant.
House Beautiful (July-August 2010).

Close-up view of easel holding "photos of friends, gallery invitations, vintage portfolios."
Gramercy Park, New York City.
450-square-feet studio owned by Ellen O'Neill, design consultant.
Interior design by Ellen O'Neill.
Photography by Thomas Loof.
"Living Big in a Studio" written by Carol Prisant.
House Beautiful (July-August 2010).


Art by Michael Allen Lowe (Wally Findlay Galleries
displayed on easel from Ann-Morris Antiques.
Guest room designed by Benjamin W. Bradley and David Thiergartner
of Bradley Thiergartner Interiors.
Hampton Designer Showhouse.
Traditional Home.

"Campion Platt liberated this picture from the wall by bringing in a modern easel. Such a display stand makes it easier to get up close to the art -- and to switch it out for a different piece, depending on your mood."
Kips Bay Showhouse.
Photography by Orli Ben-Dor.

Richard Shapiro Studiolo easel in polished steel.
"An Apartment Inspired by Something's Gotta Give"
Interior design by Phoebe Howard.
Photo credit: Francesco Lagnese.
Art on antique easel and on wall is by Julie Headland.
2009 Hampton Designer Showhouse.
Interior design by Skye Kirby, Lillian August.
Photography by Squire Fox.
"Couple's Retreat" written by Jenny Bradley.
Bel Air, California living room of Sela Ward, 
who painted the large-scale piece over the fireplace.
Art on easel: Emily Amy Gallery.
Interior design by Ann Runyon Carter.
Photo credit: Dominique Vorillon.
"Sela Ward's Stylish Bel Air Home with a Southern Soul"
Written and produced by Jenny Bradley.

Art by Bill Lowe Gallery. Acrylic easel by Baker.
"An artisan-painted wall covering from Fromental ["Chinese Sparrow"] that depicts cherry blossom branches adorns the guest room."
Traditional Home Showhouse in Atlanta, Georgia.
Interior designer: Robert Brown, Robert Brown Interior Design.
Photography by Colleen Duffley.
Text by Amy Elbert.
"Atlanta Showhouse: Couple's Night In" produced by Robert Young.
Light-filled studio in townhouse of Robert Rhea. 
Georgetown (Washington, D.C.).
Interior design by Frank Babb Randolph.
Styled by Olga Naiman.
Photography by Max Kim-Bee.
"Painterly Palette" written by Susan Stiles Dowell.
Veranda (April 2011).