Selasa, 26 Juni 2012

architect design™

Monday, June 25, 2012


Isabelle de Borchgrave at Hillwood

Last week I had the pleasure of visting one of my favorite DC museums, Hillwood, to see the new exhibit Pret-a-Papier by paper artist Isabelle de Borchgrave.Unlike many exhibits at Hillwood, this one is spread throughout the mansion itself as well as in one of the exhibit spaces on the estate.Believe it or not, all of the historic clothing you see here is made of nothing but paper and paint!
De Borchgrave brings such life to paper that you would swear there were living, breathing people housed in her creations.

My 2 favorite were based on paintings in the collection in the ballroom / screening room, seen here.

The piece on Countess Samoilova even included the jewelry in paper!

The pieces span the 17th through the 20th centuries, much like Hillwood's collection. I loved these flapper dresses found out in the Adirondack building.

This 19th dress in Mrs. Post's bedroom reminded me of something she might have worn in her teens.

The French Salon featured matching costumes;

Including shoes!

I loved the details on this dress, you could practically see Martha Washington wearing this.

Don't miss Pret a Papier on view now at Hillwood through December 30. Don't forget, the collection is constantly changing so you'll always see something new other than the lovely seasonal gardens!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012


Visiting Georgetown

Last Friday I attended an event as part of the Georgetown Ritz lecture series where Ankie Barnes of BarnesVanze Architects talked about the history of the neighborhood as well as listing his favorite spots to visit.As an established Georgetown architect, Ankie's list was a fascinating 'to do' list for anyone who visits DC or even lives here!While I have lived in DC for 10 years myself, I had no idea the figures on the Buffalo Dumbarton Bridge above were modeled after Buffalo Bill!Don't miss the historical buildings, great shopping or delicious treats at Leopolds in Cady's Alley.The Farmers and Mechanics Bank (where I actually do my own banking) is a lovely landmark at the main intersection of Georgetown and don't skip the lobby. Don't miss this checklist!

Thursday, June 7, 2012


Heathcote interiors

You may remember earlier this year when I posted on a Lutyen's designed house, Heathcote, which was up for sale. A kind reader just sent me a new link to the realtor's website which has some new shots, including 2 interior photographs. The interiors, while obviously changed in order to accomodate the demands of an office, look mostly untouched, which warmed this architect's heart. See the full listing HERE. Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012


My chair update

You may remember 2 months ago I bought a small antique chair and wanted some fabric advice.I had so many great responses and emails, it was admittedly overwhelming as each person said something different! I decided to go with my gut (and wallet) and use the leftover fabric I had from my dining room chairs, a turquoise velvet from Ralph Lauren Home.While not my usual taste, the ornate chair will be a great accent piece in my new apartment.I love how it turned out, what do you think?

Monday, May 28, 2012


Another 'modern' house plan

Again from the unbuilt section of the book "Domestic Architecture of H.T. Lindeberg" I bring you this modern houseplan.I love this melding of classical and modern. The plan is so rational it is strange to see the 1-story service spaces spilling out so organically on the upper right hand side; A strange after thought? It seems to have been hidden with the landscaping though, not a service wing in sight! I believe it was Frank Lloyd Wright who said he hid his mistakes with Ivy? How would you have solved this problem?

Saturday, May 26, 2012


House plan for a doctor

To make up for the lack of posts lately as I prepare for my move, I thought I would post some floorplans from a book I recently was browsing at work, "Domestic Architecture of H. T. Lindeberg".While never built, this early modern house has an intriguing plan which combines the functions of the doctor's office as well as his nice, but compact house. I only wonder what section of the city this was planned for. If this had been built, I also wonder how the warren of service spaces around the kitchen would have changed over time. What do you think?

Friday, May 25, 2012


Kips Bay Showhouse: 2012

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the opening night party of the Kips Bay showhouse. I've been so busy packing in preparation for my big move that I haven't had time to share it with you. I wanted to be sure to share my favorite rooms while the show house was still open! I have to say this was the best show house I've seen. In so many ways, the house (actually an apartment) summed up the best of New York design and living with a surplus of talent. My favorites were too many to count on one hand. The entry hall, decorated by Bryant Keller, was a dramatic start to the series of rooms, done up in quintessential New York style with Scalamandre fabrics and wallpaper. One of the trends which was found throughout the showhouse was the use of fur. I know many people hate the cruel stuff, but nothing says luxury to me like a soft fur throw. The room above by David Scott was delightfully cozy.One of my dearest friends I'm proud to say, Raji Radhakrishnan (who actually invited me to the party, thanks Raji!) was the belle of the ball. She is seen here in front of a beautiful leather desk from Ralph Lauren Home. Her room has been widely published and for good reason -it simply was one of the most beautiful, detail laden and creative rooms in the show house (how's that for bias?).She always includes a sophisticated blend of intriguing object d'art and books into any of her spaces, much like her own house - can you see why I'm hooked? Raji created a focal point in a room lacking any architectural features by adding a mantel by Chesneys. The copy of a Sir John Soane mantel has long been on my wishlist for my dreamhouse and I was so happy to see her using it. Raji included works of art by herself as well, such as the photograph of the chapel at Versailles she took years ago while dreaming of including it in her Kips Bay showroom (dreams do come true!). The composition of the pieces, each one delightful by itself, is only enhanced by their juxtaposition. And against those beautiful Venetian plaster finished walls AND ceiling by Judy Mulligan, what wouldn't look marvelous? One of the trends I was happy to see was the attention paid to ceilings throughout the showhouse -Raji didn't leave it at Venetian plaster, this gilded squiggle made for Raji by Christianson Lee Studios was really fun!Speaking of fun, Jamie Drake's room was a riot of color, as expected from the king of color! I loved this chrome lamp used in a corner of his room. He didn't forget the ceiling either, it was silverleafed!Another colorful space was the room decorated by Thom Filicia, seen here in front of his console designed for Vanguard.The ceiling was lacquered in the same beautiful kelly green as the walls. I loved the Kravet curtains.Another room with a touch of whimsy was by Shawn Henderson. What better way to celebrate the city views than with a swing!Multi-talented artist Chuck Fischer decorated a room that was awe-inspiring for his shear talent. Even the entry sign was awesome! The chinoiserie murals surrounding the space were incredibly detailed and beautiful. Speaking of beautiful, the designer Alexander Doherty decorated my 2nd favorite room, a bedroom for a collector. Here again was a soft and cozy enormous fur throw, surrounded by cerused oak paneling; I don't know which feature I enjoyed more. Color was injected into the space with a painted dresser and numerous lamps creating glamorous pools of light. Someone who knows glamour is Alexa Hampton. Her room was the epitome of a classic New York bedroom, so well developed by her father, Mark Hampton. Grand tour items from the past lined a desk facing a very modern city skyline. This bench in the corner of the bedroom sums up both the room and the show house with a simple book title "Luxury Living New York". Notice the fur throw on the bed in the foreground.Be sure to visit this very fitting and special Kips Bay show house before it closes on June 14th!

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