Living in a Garden

I've decided that I could be happy living in a garden (forget the house with all the maintenance and responsibilities!), as long as it is an Italian garden designed by Paul Gervais.

The owner/author/designer lives in a magnificent 16th century hunting lodge on a hillside in Lucca. writes a lovely blog and has written a couple of books that I'm hankering to get a look at. And along the way, he has designed some of the prettiest exterior spaces imaginable.

Villa Masei, home of garden designer Paul Gervais

I could simply pitch a tent outside, amidst the boxwood parterres, and be quite happy.

In my dream, the tent would have to be something like this Turkish version, which actually exists in Painshill Park, an 18th century landscape park located in Surry, U. K. It may not be the most appropriate design for the rustic Italian landscape, but oh what fun it could be. To make the interiors feel cozy (à la Peter Beard's safari tents in Africa), I'd bring in a chandelier, some simple rugs, a couple of grand French daybeds, and lots of books and pillows. I would then hang a large Italian gilt baroque mirror and some modern art on the canvas walls, lie back and enjoy the incomparable views outside to the hills of Tuscany.
............................................................
You can find more images and stories on the multi-talented Mr. Gervais and his home, Villa Masei, here and here.
............................................................

Summertime Blues

See how happy the blues can make you feel – with a visit to the Hirshhorn Museum to see Yves Klein: With the Void, Full Powers. Just don't dally ... the exhibit ends Sept. 12. Meantime, you can take a look at a great preview of the exhibit, here.

Monochrome bleu sans titre (IKB 67), 1959

Monochrome bleu sans titre (M 113), 1956

Do-Do-Do (RE 16), 1960

Monochrome bleu sans titre (IKB 179), 1957

Ci-git l'Espace (RP 3), 1960

Monochromes bleu, or, rose, argent, noir (D 30), ca. 1960

Cosmogenie de la pluie (COS 36), 1961

The French artist with great dramatic flair patented his very own color, Klein International Blue. His poor bride had to wear a crown painted that signature hue for their wedding, and was still upstaged by her flamboyantly attired groom.

Paris wedding, 1962.

How does art make you feel?

....................................................... 

Botanically Inspired

The textile designs of Josef Frank seem to be having their moment, or possibly it has been more than a moment and I'm just catching on. I did notice the terrific Google Doodle on the Google header for Frank's 125th birthday (on July 15) that mimicked his botanically-inspired patterns.

But it wasn't until I was perusing the latest issue of Elle Decor that I had an ah-ha moment. I was stopped in my tracks by the fabric used by designer Jeffrey Bilhuber in a boys bedroom. So artistic and sophisticated, yet whimsical! Just wonderful! And the chartreuse trim Bilhuber used on the window shades and on the flip side of the throw pillows really elevates the effect. Turns out the fabric is a Frank design, and I think an inspired choice.

A better view of Loop.

Several pages over I was entranced by another fabric used on throw pillows in the living room of actress Megan Mullally, and became suspicious. I checked it out and sure enough, it is another Frank fabric, called Teheran. (The bright colored botanical on the four side chairs.) (Designer Ames Ingham collaborated with Mullally on this project.)

Two different designers, two different homes, same issue of Elle Decor.

What works for me in both of these cases is that the prints are used sparingly in mostly neutral rooms. And they have the impact of perfectly placed little works of modern art - screenprinted onto linen.

I also just discovered that Frank fabrics were used extensively in the film Mamma Mia. Looks like a netflix rental is on my agenda so I can take a second look, since I can find no movie stills online that show much. (Besides, I could use a dose of fun right now and could fast-forward through the painful singing of the male leads.)

If you are just as taken with these designs as I am, you can see and purchase Josef Frank fabrics here and here, although they are a little pricey. Just remember, one yard could go a long way ...

Here are just a few of the many patterns available.

Aralia

Notturno

Aramal

Happy belated birthday, Josef Frank. 

.................................................

Definitely not a nightmare

If you've ever watched chef Gordon Ramsay's show Kitchen Nightmares, you would probably agree with the description of his personality as fiery. I'd say he can cuss like a sailor, and yell and scream with the best of em. So, I was a bit shocked to see the interiors of his own restaurants.

Gordon Ramsay At The London, West Hollywood.

Interiors were designed by David Collins.

The British designer is a master at creating elegant, appropriate yet personal public spaces.

The color scheme might have been lifted from a box 
of French macarons ...

... but the design is reminiscent of a California beach bungalow all dressed up and glamorous.

Miles apart from Ramsay's on-air persona, his restaurants are refined and luxurious and some are, well, rather feminine. How can it be that an ex-professional soccer player has evolved into such an aesthete? The interior color palettes are sublime, and evocative of the artful and sophisticated plates he prepares in his pristine kitchens.

These images are a long, long way from Kitchen Nightmares, and the often grimy, bug-infested dives Ramsay makes over on the show, usually in sweaty, swearing and stressful episodes.

Maze By Gordon Ramsay At The London, NYC was also designed by David Collins.

The spaces are much more Manhattan chic and sleek, but just as opulent.

I can't help imagining stepping into one of Ramsay's dining rooms, walking through the quiet and tastefully dressed crowd, only to step into the kitchen and find Ramsay in the midst of one of his wild tirades.

............................................... 

Getaway

We're off to the beach for the weekend, and hoping the storm won't catch us.

Lido Beach in Sarasota is next door to – and equally as beautiful as – Siesta Beach, which has been near the top of Dr. Beach's 10 best beaches in the U.S. for the last several years.

The 2010 list...

1. Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York (NATIONAL WINNER)
2. Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida
3. Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
4. Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
5. Main Beach in East Hampton, New York
6. Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
7. Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
8. Beachwalker Park in Kiawah Island, South Carolina
9. Hamoa Beach in Maui, Hawaii
10. Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida

(Are you as surprised as I was to see a couple of New York beaches on the list?)


We're not concerned about finding oil or tar balls here, as most of the damage in Florida has been confined to the northern panhandle (so far).

Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are, and Think Peace.
..................................

Think Outside the Box

 Click to enlarge.

 

The perfect window box is not just about the box. Yes, this one is planted with an exquisitely wild jumble of colors and textures, but would it be as charming without that wonderful little window opened up to reveal pots of topiaries inside ... or the espaliered apple trees providing a leafy framework outside ... or even the carefree garden planted beneath, with its multi-colored blooms reaching up with abandonment to meet the tumble of flowers from above?

I wish I had the courage to paint my house that perfect shade of pink.
...............................................

Photo from Southern Accents, Mar-Apr, 2004

Art Saves The Day

Pierre Mabille's art came to my attention during a recent show at Bleu Acier Gallery, in Tampa.

The consistent theme in his work, the elongated oval, one might think could be a short-lived fancy, that would run its course pretty quickly. But, take a look at his website and browse through the images of his gallery shows and installations – I think you might be enthralled and exhilarated – like I was – by his seemingly never-ending flow of ideas and creative variations on the theme.





Seems like French artist, Pierre Mabille, has taken a simple shape to wonderful conclusions. I find his work to be witty, optimistic and upbeat, the perfect antidote to life.
....................................................

Boundless Hope

If you missed Keith Olbermann's show last night, the conservationist John Wathen was a featured guest. He has been flying over the Gulf of Mexico shooting videos that show more effectively than anything I've seen, the extent of and devastation from, the oil spill. It was so sad, I couldn't bear to import the video directly onto this page, but go here if you're up to watching ... we've done a terrible thing to our beautiful waters and the innocent creatures who live there. Dolphins are some of the most lovable of those creatures - they smile, they laugh, and they seem to be filled with eternal exuberance. I don't think they are laughing much these days.

Let's just hope for an end to this misery and an end to the dominance of the oil industry over our government and the best interests of the planet ... soon, soon.

Photo: A pair of dolphins cavort, in happier days.

..............................................................................

Tufted Titmouses, Mitz & Catbook

Is this not the cutest bird ever? If I had to pick a favorite of the birds that visit our birdfeeder, at least for cuteness, the Tufted Titmouse would be it. Maybe the name is part of the appeal.

A perfect description of these tiny charmers ..."A little gray bird with an echoing voice ... The large black eyes, small, round bill, and brushy crest gives these birds a quiet but eager expression that matches the way they flit through canopies, hang from twig-ends, and drop in to bird feeders. When a titmouse finds a large seed, you’ll see it carry the prize to a perch and crack it with sharp whacks of its stout bill."

This time of year I have to be on constant vigil with the cats. I just recently spotted a baby titmouse, so poor Mitz has to stay inside much more than he'd prefer, just for awhile. And he's none too happy.

.................................................................

Speaking of which, have you heard about catbook?
Now on facebook, you can set up a profile for your cat on catbook (or dogbook for the doggies). Is there enough time in the day for all this? If I get the time to set Mitz up with his own page on catbook, he may come a'callin on your cat with a friend request ... any day now. Of course I'll first have to figure out how to set it up so it appears on my page. Will this mean Mitz needs his own email account? Personal calling cards? And what about a personal assistant? Oh wait ... I think that would be me.
.................................................................

Wikipedia
allaboutbirds.org

Speaking of Town&Country ...

I'm hoping Stephen Drucker will pick up the interior design ball and run with it in his new stint as Editor-In-Chief at Town&Country magazine. This month's splashy Home issue, features several wonderful interiors ... including work by some long-time favorites: Michael S. Smith, Katie Ridder and Thomas O'Brien. Michael Smith's magical transformation of a Hollywood Hills home must rank among his prettiest ever.

Let's hope for much more of this in issues to come.

Above: Michael Smith designed dining room and bedroom, from Town&Country, May 2010.
...................................................................................................................................