Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Happy Halloween!

In honor of Halloween, I share some photos of skulls . . . 


"In the living room, the sofa is a custom design, the side table is by Herve Van der Straeten, and the plaster frieze and portrait below it are 19th-century French; the walls are painted in Farrow and Ball's Pigeon."
1865 brownstone in Jersey City, New Jersey 
owned by Christopher Knight and Carlos Aponte.
Photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna.
Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.
"Poetic License" text by Peter Terzian.
Elle Decor (December 2011).

"In the living room, a painting by Sally King Benedict, a cocktail table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, a floor lamp by Karl Springer, and vintage Jansen stools upholstered in a silk velvet from Stark; 18th-century Italian armchairs flank a [skull] print by Damien Hirst, and the brass palm tree is 19th-century."
Manhattan apartment of Ashley Stark, creative director of Stark.
Photography by Eric Piassecki.
"A Fresh Outlook" by Kathleen Hackett.
Elle Decor (December 2011).

"The Milo Baughman sofa, Paul Evans armchair, and Art Deco brass-and-lacquer table lamps in the library were all found on eBay."
Manhattan apartment of Jackie Astier and her family.
Interior design by Jackie Astier.
Photography by Eric Piasecki.
Styled by Anita Sarsidi.
Text by Kathleen Hackett.
 "Perfect Pitch" produced by Tamzin Greenhill.
Elle Decor (March 2012).

"Francesco Clemente's dramatic watercolors dominate the dining room, and John Robshaw's silver Indian chairs encircling the antique French lacquer table increase the theatrical quotient. . . . Andrew Lord's sculpted bronze floor lamp is topped with a handmade paper shade. The iron-base lamp is a 17th-century candlestick with a shade in Robert Kime's India Pear." 
Park Avenue apartment of Nancy Tilghman.
Interior design by Daniel Sachs.
Photography by Ngoc Minh Ngo.
Interview by Mimi Read
"Classic and Worldly" produced by Senga Mortimer and Whitney Robinson.
House Beautiful (October 2010).

"A cabinet stocked with small finds."
Hollywood, California estate of singer Sheryl Crow.
Interior design by Sheryl Crow.
Photography by Roger Davies.
Text by Mayer Rus
"Good Vibrations" text by Robert Rufino.
Architectural Digest (March 2011). 

"With Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven in mind, Suzanne Eason created an arresting 'birds in flight' ceiling treatment for her Halloween sitting room. 'Once guests looked up, they were transported outside to autumn at dusk,' Eason explains. 'It was magical.' Her mysterious space also features  . . . a skull-patterned rug . . . Aubergine, charcoal, and orange team up to create the dark and stormy scene."
Interior design by Suzanne Eason, Suzanne Eason Interiors, LLC.
Photography by Phillip Ennis.

Pair of Skull Bookends.
Handcrafted by Phyllis Morris. 12 pounds each/24 pounds per pair. 
Presented in mirror polish chrome.
$1,250.00 per pair.

Sequin Skull Pillow from Ankasa.
Belgian linen. 21 inches. $395.00.

Herend Skull 
Herend porcelain from Hungary. Handmade and hand painted with 24k gold accents.
$240.00. Assorted colors available from Scully and Scully

18k Yellow Gold Skull Cuff links with Diamond Eyes
"When the mouth is opened, the diamond eyes show. When closed, they disappear."
$6,500. Available through Scully and Scully.

 Black Stubbs and Wootton Skull Slippers.
$400.00 for women's slippers.
$450.00 for men's. 

"Skull and Crossbones" invitation designed by John Derian for Paperless Post.

Happy Halloween! Were these photos a trick or a treat?

Sunday, 28 October 2012

The Great Pumpkin

Halloween is just a few days away, so I thought I would share some photos of pretty pumpkins . . . 

"A seasonal still life combines a pumpkin, fruits, and pastry stands of graduated sizes."
Home of designer Jan Roden, owner of the Charlottesville, Virginia shop, And George.
Photography by Gordon Beall.
Written by Ted Loos.
"A Fresh Look at Tradition" produced by Senga Mortimer.
House Beautiful (December 2003).

"Create this beautiful floral display using yellow and orange mums. Cut the heads from the flowers and hot-glue them all over the pumpkins. Display on tabletops or in small footed urns."

"Expand your pumpkin decor with some unique yellow, white, and gray pumpkins in lieu of the traditional orange. Wrap them with grapevine tendrils for an additional touch of originality. Arrange them on a tabletop with other fall favorites, such as leaves and dried wheat bundles."

Photography by Marty Baldwin.
"Fresh Lanterns" by Kate Carter Frederick.
Country Gardens (Fall 2011).

Photography by Martin Baldwin.
"Fresh Lanterns" by Kate Carter Frederick.
Country Gardens (Fall 2011).

"Announce your address in style by cleverly etching your house number (or your initials or name) into a pumpkin."
Photo credit: Helen Norman.
"Five Easy Ways to Decorate Pumpkins" produced by Matthew Mead.

"Festive party decorations, these flower/pumpkin combinations add a happy touch."
Photo credit: Helen Norman.
"Five Easy Ways to Decorate Pumpkins" produced by Matthew Mead.

Glittered pumpkins "bring sparkle to tables and serving areas - and they last far longer than jack-o'-lanterns."

"Delicately carved floral filigree bands evoke lace on these pale pumpkins."

Green, orange, white, or gray. Which pumpkin would you pick?

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Hans Wegner's Papa Bear Chair

In the classic children's fairy tale The Three Bears, Papa Bear's chair is too hard for Goldilocks, who prefers Baby Bear's seat. In real life, the Papa Bear chair created by Danish furniture designer Hans Wegner is just right. According to the Wall Street Journal, the chair's paw-like armrests are the source of its unusual name. Fashion designer Elie Tahari is a fan of the Papa Bear. He is the owner of an original in black leather (pictured below) and four reproductions, which reside in his design center and the Elie Tahari departments of Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. The article Seat of Power, Style, which appeared in the October 17, 2012 edition of the Wall Street Journal, describes Mr. Tahari's attraction to " 'the look and structure of [the Papa Bear]. . . . ' I'm not a maven of history or art. I just go by feel. . . . You feel like it's hugging you. You feel like you're protected. It feels good. ' "   


"Fashion designer Elie Tahari in his Hans J. Wegner chair at his Manhattan apartment."
"Seat of Power, Style" by Ray A. Smith.
Wall Street Journal (October 17, 2012).

Another view of the black leather Hans Wegner chair owned by Elie Tahari.
The fashion designer paid between $8,000 and $12,000 for this Papa Bear.
"Seat of Power, Style" by Ray A. Smith.
Wall Street Journal (October 17, 2012).


The Thomas Hayes Gallery offers this Papa Bear chair and ottoman 
for $12,500 via 1stdibs.
"This chair has been professionally reupholstered by an expert who knows how to preserve the lumbar support of these chairs. It is a very comfortable chair. The upholstery is a soft supple brick colored leather with a matte finish. The wood details on the chair have been cleaned and waxed. . . . they have a very dark color illustrative of teak wood that has naturally aged."

Another view of the Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair 
1960s Denmark.

1902 Manhattan townhouse.
"A pair of Hans Wegner's Papa Bear chairs and a 
circa-1938 Mogens Koch desk in the library."
Design by architects Lee Mindel and Peter Shelton (deceased) 
Text by Dan Shaw.
Photography by William Waldron.
"A Call to Order" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (December 2006).

Another view of the library with the pair of Hans Wegner Papa Bear chairs.
Lee Mindel and Peter Shelton combined midcentury design with classic architecture in this 1902 Manhattan home, and the results are so elegant, clean and beautiful. I look at the photos of this townhouse again and again. 
Design by architects Lee Mindel and Peter Shelton (deceased) 
Text by Dan Shaw.
Photography by William Waldron.
"A Call to Order" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (December 2006).

"In the library, an Arne Vodder chaise longue, a Hans Wegner [Papa Bear] armchair upholstered in a Rogers and Goffigon fabric, and a custom-made plaid rug; the fireplace surround and sliding panel are of blackened metal, and the television is by Samsung."
Manhattan loft of Winsome Brown and Claude Arpels.
Design by architect Lee Mindel of Shelton, Mindel and Associates.
Photography by William Abranowicz.
Text by Kate Betts.
"True Colors" produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Elle Decor (June 2011). 

"The pair of midcentury Hans Wegner Papa Bear armchairs flanking a 1940s French table in the master bedroom 'are iconic,' says [David] Kleinberg. 'People are drawn to them - they're enveloping and welcoming. I can just see this couple sitting there at the end of the day with a glass of wine and a big fire going.' "
1920s house in Long Island, New York.
Interior design by David Kleinberg.
Photography by Christopher Baker.
House Beautiful (April 2008). 

"The dark geometry of the Albers bed from Jed Johnson Home helps balance all the soft lavenders and greens. Curtain, shade, and pillow fabric by Brochier. Bed linens by Calvin Klein. Hans Wegner's Papa Bear chair reproduced by Manzanares."
Interior design by Heather Moore for Jed Johnson Associates.
"House Beautiful's Designer Visions: Cinema Style showcase was inspired by Factory Girl, the film based on '60s It Girl and Andy Warhol superstar Edie Sedgwick.
Location: The new luxury condominium at 1212 Fifth Avenue in New York City, renovated by Durst Fetner Residential and designed by S. Russell Groves."
Photography by Thomas Loof.
Interview by Christine Pittel.
Project directed by Alana Frumkes.
"Sexy in the City" produced by Sabine Rothman.
House Beautiful (November 2011).

Monday, 22 October 2012

Elegant in South Yarra!

Another South Yarra Beauty

General Features
PRICE RANGE:   $6 Million plus (unconfirmed)
  • Property Type:  House
  • Bedrooms:    5
  • Bathrooms:  3
Outdoor Features
  • Garage Spaces:  2
Yes, here I am (on the right) at the Problogger Event 2012 last week.
I'm here with a crazy lady I met there,
one of many,
her name is Clare, and she is starting her first
blog very soon called OMGisthatreallyme.com
(how funny is that!)

It was a two day event, which I loved,
and this photo was taken at the evening event at the Maha Restaurant,
in Melbourne City, when we were quite tired, but had a good time anyway.

This was a photo booth that Darren arranged,
the whole event included all meals, which were lovely,
and this fun photo booth too!


So that's why I've been a bit quiet lately,
I've been working on a few new online business ventures lately,
however, I haven't forgotten my old design blog,
and here's my latest Realestate.com.au house find,
I hope you can see yourself living there,
as can I.
:)



 
What lovely black iron lace detailing.
 
 But then take a look at the hallway detailing,
including the ceiling!!




 
Not too shabby!


And here's the Master Plan!


AND Here's What the Agent Says about it!

Majestic Family Victorian With Peerless Lifestyle Benefits
Regal amidst a streetscape of classical refinement, this landmark Victorian residence bestows magnificent 5 bedroom plus study accommodation in one of Melbourne's most prestigious precincts.

A rare offering unlike any other, the home enjoys a private park-side position with unprecedented access to all that Melbourne as to offer. Perfectly nestled between the lush greenery of Fawkner Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens, the luxurious family domain delivers a range of premium attractions and amenities at its doorstep, including award-winning Domain Road restaurants and cafes, Toorak Road boutiques, leading private schools - such as Melbourne Grammar and Melbourne Girls Grammar - and St Kilda Road trams. Situated just across the Yarra from the MCG as well as within minutes from the heart of the CBD, the property takes full advantage of its tranquil yet central locale to provide for an inner-city lifestyle that is second to none.

Mindful of its period integrity, an exquisitely crafted renovation/ extension has created a timeless blend of rich heritage adornment and elegantly appointed contemporary spaces that extend to a superb north facing colonnade pergola and high walled, verdant garden that expertly satisfies both exceptional entertaining and discerning family lifestyle priorities.

Beyond a grand verandah facade and secure return drive, a distinctive central reception with ornate 12 foot ceilings and cornices introduces fireside formal sitting and dining with box bay window, spacious study with open fire and northern open plan living and dining featuring open fire, bay window seating and chic European stone kitchen with WIP and workstation. 5 outstanding bedrooms include x1 with private ensuite, the main with his and hers WIRs, luxurious travertine ensuite and private sun terrace. An equally luxurious principle bathroom serves the remaining 3 bedrooms.

Additional complements include attic style games zone, downstairs powder room, leadlight feature windows, secure intercom entry, separate storage room, ducted vacuum, security, remote double garage/ pedestrian access via Mason Street at the rear


WOW

Monday, 15 October 2012

Chalk It Up

Chalkboard paint is a creative option for children's playrooms, but the spaces below demonstrate that it works just as well for the grown-ups at home. Take a look . . . 

"When your walls are painted with chalkboard paint, 
you can create your own changing art work."
The Fort Greene, Brooklyn brownstone of Hilary Robertson - a stylist for Garnet Hill, Whole Living, and Ochre - and Alastair McCowan, chief executive of Chesney's.
Photography by Trevor Tondro for the New York Times.
"Staple-Gun Decorating" by Penelope Green.
New York Times, October 11, 2012

"The parlor floor has all the wedding cake details people prize in a 19th-century townhouse. And the basement floor has all the drawbacks, including two windowless interior rooms, the larger of which Mr. McCowan handled by covering the walls in chalkboard paint. 'It was already dark, so why not paint it black?' his wife said."
The Fort Greene, Brooklyn brownstone of Hilary Robertson - a stylist for Garnet Hill, Whole Living, and Ochre - and Alastair McCowan, chief executive of Chesney's.
Photography by Trevor Tondro for the New York Times.
"Staple-Gun Decorating" by Penelope Green.
New York Times, October 11, 2012


"The blackboard on the breakfast bar is an opportunity for an intriguing quote."
Vintage Chambers range from antiqueappliances.com
Paint is Benjamin Moore's Snow on the Mountain. 
Weekend house in Marin County, California belonging to Kim and Mark Dempster.
Interior design by Kim Dempster and Erin Martin.
Photography by Alec Hemer.
"A Chic Little Beach House" interview by Christine Pittel.
House Beautiful (July - August 2012).


"Dempster had the refrigerator made by Antique Vintage Appliances, in Tucson, 
to look like an old icebox."
Weekend house in Marin County, California belonging to Kim and Mark Dempster.
Interior design by Kim Dempster and Erin Martin.
Photography by Alec Hemer.
"A Chic Little Beach House" interview by Christine Pittel.
House Beautiful (July - August 2012).

"The island is topped with Calacutta Gold marble and trimmed with brass corner guards for steamer trunks, from Brettuns Village Trunk Shop. Its metal tubular legs are fitted with parts from Brass Finders. Footed cabinets by Wood-Mode reflect the period of the 1905 house. The black countertops are made of two slabs of soapstone equaling two inches and forming a double ogee edge."  Chalkboard panels: New York Blackboard Online   
Ridgewood, New Jersey kitchen of Nicole Hough and family in a 1905 American foursquare.
Design by Nicole Hough.
Photography by Laura Moss.
Interview by Frances Schultz.
"Kitchen of the Month" produced by David M. Murphy.
House Beautiful (April 2012).

"[Nicole] Hough makes her lists on the custom steel chalkboard panels on the fridge doors."
Chalkboard panels: New York Blackboard Online 
Ridgewood, New Jersey kitchen of Nicole Hough and family in a 1905 American foursquare.
Design by Nicole Hough.
Photography by Laura Moss.
Interview by Frances Schultz.
"Kitchen of the Month" produced by David M. Murphy.
House Beautiful (April 2012).

"This Christopher Peacock kitchen in Chappaqua, New York, has the soft, mellow feel of a beloved antique, and the chalkboard on the pantry cupboard - a Peacock signature - is a detail that adds approachability."
Kitchen design by Christopher Peacock.
Photography by Laura Moss.
House Beautiful (March 2007).

"Benjamin Moore's blackboard paint covers the playroom walls, ready for when inspiration strikes. The black Farmhouse chairs are from Pottery Barn Kids and the worktable is from IKEA, its legs cut down to child-size. The rug is from Pier 1 Imports."
Interior design by Ruby Beets.
Photography by Don Freeman.
Interview by Penelope Green.
"May We Introduce Ruby Beets?" produced by Senga Mortimer.
House Beautiful (July 2006).

"A kitchen chalkboard by Ballard Designs caters to [Ty] Larkins's seven-year-old twin daughters."
Baton Rouge, Louisiana home of Ty Larkins and family.
Interior design by Ty Larkins.
Photography by Thomas Loof.
Interview by James Servin.
House Beautiful (December 2009 - January 2010).

Wall paint: Benjamin Moore Studio Finishes Chalkboard.
J. Crew's Jenna Lyons "obsessively sprayed the fixtures with ocean water, so the brass would appear as seasoned as the herringbone floor."
1890 Brooklyn, New York brownstone formerly owned by Jenna Lyons.
Photography by Melanie Acevedo.
Text by Lauren Sandler.
"Totally Modern Timelessness" produced by Kim Ficaro.
Domino (November 2008).  

" 'I love taking simple materials and finding the beauty in them - letting things be what they are.' Charcoal walls - not the bathtub that's in the bedroom - are what surprise visitors most. 'There's a certain drama in something being unexpected,' says [Jenna] Lyons, 'and an air of formality because it's dark. But there's also an ease you don't usually find.' Why? It's chalkboard paint. [Benjamin Moore's Studio Finishes Chalkboard]. Likewise, feed sacks tacked to the headboard and rumpled always white linens bring a casual rusticity to the majesty of the marble fireplace and crown molding."
1890 Brooklyn, New York brownstone formerly owned by Jenna Lyons of J.Crew.
Photography by Melanie Acevedo.
Text by Lauren Sandler.
"Totally Modern Timelessness" produced by Kim Ficaro.
Domino (November 2008).