Art and Culture «

August 11, 2009

The Cool Brilliance of Chrome in Interior Design

Filed under: Art and Culture, Furniture, Uncategorized — Tags: chrome, chrome furniture, classice contemporary furniture, Furniture, Interior Design — Leona Gaita @ 2:23 PM

Nickel is nice, but chrome is cooler! Nickel has a high end cache. It’s true that in general nickel is more expensive, and has a softer warmer glow. But I guess I’m an all or nothing kind of designer. If metal is going to be bright and shiny, I prefer it VERY bright , VERY shiny and VERY cool in tone. That’s why I LOVE chrome, and of course, I’m not alone.

(below:Artimede Mercury Ceiling light fixture) lsiepj;soejfsljdflsihslkndflsiehfslhdf;lakjfpsiefhkshflsihfoih

Mercry Ceiling light Artemide 62Lincoln1428 36814670.PICT0019 6a00d83452989a69e20105360b9e38970c-800wi 477875348_0856da50b2
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Chrome has been the favored metal finish for furniture, ever since Marcel Breuer first fashioned the Wassily Chair in 1925, and continues to be so in the new century. The development of chrome in furniture runs parallel, and has often been reflective of its use in the car and motorcycle industries. Above and beyond its obvious practical applications, chrome denotes speed, modernity,technology, and a forward looking optimism.
livingincomfort.com Zuo modern carbon accent chair The Zuo Chair (above) is from www.livingincomfort.com LIVINGINCOMFORT.COM ZUO CHAIRlkjfowifosjfosieufsknfoisehfsikhfoi;ajli

Design by David Jimenez

This bedroom by David Jimenez uses generous doses of chrome, and is nothing if not cheerful and optimistic! Wouldn’t you love to wake up in a room like this? 5-21-platner-table The Platner Table (above) is available through Design Within Reach

I love the relationship here, between the spiroscope patterns in the art, and the similar effect in the chrome table base

Image via designsponge

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Here’s a question I’m often asked: Is it OK to mix styles and periods? Let this eclectic, pretty room be the final answer to that question! What could provide a more elegant, yet neutral link between the wide ranging looks in this room, than the classic chrome Brno Chair,(1930) by Mies Van der Rohe.

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The Brno Chair is available through Knoll Studio

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I can’t resist comparing the chairs in this airy inviting dining room to good old fashioned diner chairs like this one from americanchairs.com Why not use diner chairs with a light neutral covering, in a slightly more formal way? The cost is low, the comfort is excellent, and the look would be very original.

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Here the chrome of the classic Wassily chair mixes beautifully with a warm earthy color scheme, adding a little glitter and shine. The Wassily Chair is available through Knoll Studio Designed in the Bauhaus Studio in 1925 by Marcel Breuer, then only an apprentice, it was the very first steel tubular chair.
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Here are some of my favorite interior design CHROME INSPIRATIONS:
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americanchairs_2061_3641810 sam flax mylivingspaceco.uk
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LAMP: furnitureinfashion.net, FABBIAN EDGE 5 LIGHT TABLE LAMP: YLighting, BARCELONA PAVILION TABLE: classicsinstock.com ,CHROME BAR STOOL: AmericanChairs.com, DESK: Sam Flax, FURNITURE HARDWARE: mylivingspaceco.uk, MARTINI END TABLE: Kravet Furniture
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GET NAMES OF DESIGNERS FOR ROOMS lkdjperod;ljperjgp;ojgpojg;sldjps9upsodjgpsodugp9rutpdojfgpsdjf;sljdgpsougpsouposufpsodufpso
candice Olsen

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chista-natural-wood-coffee-tables-1 Designed by Candace Olsen, this room has both a modern sensibility and a warm rusticity. This approach is embodied in the coffee table which combines a hand hewn rugged wood top, with machine age chrome legs. The open leg notches on the top enhance the effect of nature-plus-technology. It’s almost sculptural, and very forward looking. The table to the left from Chista, and the others below from Century and Hudson Furniture Inc. are very much in the same vein. In fact, once I started looking around, I saw enough in this general style to pronounce it a trend! These furnishings display a reverence for the beauty of the natural world, combined with a use of high tech man made materials. What a great metaphor for the future, if you’re an optimist, like me!

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Century Furniture

Hudson Furniture Inc.

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We have enough history with chrome interior furnishings to look back on some of it with affectionate nostalgia. Meanwhile, many early examples remain as relevant and cutting edge as ever, and far more popular and available than when they were first created…And, the market place is filled with current, new examples of beautiful chrome furniture, from the innovators of today. It will be very exciting to see what forms in chromed metal will appear next!

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Long may you run.
Long may you run.
Although these changes have come
With your chrome heart shining in the sun
Long may you run.

-Neil Young

Comments (5)

July 25, 2009

“First Responders of Larchmont and Mamaroneck: A Tribute

Filed under: Art and Culture, Paint, Uncategorized, Wall Decoration, art hanging and installation. — Tags: art, Larchmont, Larchmont gallery, Mamaroneck, photography — Leona Gaita @ 2:39 PM

The Mamaroneck Artists Guild, at 126 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont, NY are showing (through July 25th) a remarkable, graphic and moving display of full life size, high resolution portraits of Mamaroneck and Larchmont’s indispensable first responders: police, firefighters and EMTs. The artist photographer of this striking collection of portraits is Robert P. Fine.

Mr. Fine, shown here with his work, gives you an idea of the scale of the pieces. The effect is very dramatic.

Each of the First Responders is identified by name, retaining the importance of the individual, as well as the necessity of team work depicted by the collection as a whole.

On viewing the diverse group of men and women represented here, I’m struck by their cheer and openness, as well as the obvious pride these individuals take in their chosen professions.

The gallery is an open, airy light filled space, painted pure white, creating an excellent stark backdrop for the dark uniforms worn by the subjects.

In addition to Mr. Fine’s compelling approach to photographic portraiture, he is also an accomplished landscape photographer. On his two web sites you can see ample examples of his impressive work in both areas. www.extremeres.com and www.rfinephotography.com

The pieces currently shown will continue to be available for purchase through Mamaroneck Artists Guild (MAG) for $225 each

MAG rotates shows every three weeks, which gives us all plenty to see. Visit their web site to see what’s coming up next!

Comments (1)

July 17, 2009

HOW TO: Design a Glamorous Movie Bedroom for Your Home

Filed under: Art and Culture, Color usage, Fabric Usage, Furniture, Paint, Uncategorized, Wall Decoration, art hanging and installation. — Tags: art deco, bedroom design, Carrie Bradshaw's bedroom, glamorous bedrooms, movie, movie bedrooms, movie set design, vanity tables — Leona Gaita @ 12:20 PM

One of the great traditions of Hollywood cinema is the creation of dreamy set designs. Why would we pay good money to go to a movie, just to see our favorite stars living lives in settings that are mundane? Even if the plot is in no way dependent on gorgeous interior design, seeing the interiors of beautiful homes is a big part of the escapism of the movies, and always has been.

Well my philosophy is: No home should be mundane. Each one should be as special as the individuals who dwell there. Whatever the available budget there’s always a way. The bedroom in particular is a personal sanctuary. Here are two beautiful,very different examples of glamorous movie bedrooms, and how YOU can get that glamour into your life.

CARRIE BRADSHAW’S CHIC, URBANE BEDROOM from “Sex and the City“

Here’s what Carrie’s got going on in her “newly renovated apartment”, and a few elements you can use to get the look:

Carrie Bradshaw's glam bedroom

Carrie Bradshaw is my friend! OK, don’t send the paddy wagon, I know she’s not real! But I feel like we’ve been through a lot together! Romantic ups and downs, career stalls and triumphs, keeping friendships alive through it all. I want to congratulate her for finally getting her act together in her apartment. Why wait for prince charming to come along to live in a chic environment? When she graduated from the small screen to the silver screen,thanks to set designer Jeremy Conway, my fictional friend stepped up to an elegant, modern and oh so urbane Manhattan apartment.

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West Elm Zebra Rug 9'x12' $749.00

Benjamin Moore -Clearest Ocean Blue 2064-40. White Dove would be nice on the trim and ceiling.

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Wallace Upholstered Headboard from Restoration Hardware $1495.00 for king

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Harriet White Glass Table Lamp from Barnes & Noble $179.00

Table from Target $229.00

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West Elm Desk, $329.00

Excaliber Collection from The Door Store, $169.99

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Carrie and her vanity

Paris Apartment MirroredVanity $7,800.00

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As always with Sex and the City, there is a strong blend of true-to-life reality, (the relationships) and pure fantasy (how could a journalist afford all those designer clothes?) That's why we love it! The mirrored vanity pictured above is a case in point. The one in Carrie's bedroom is comparable to this drop-dead-gorgeous seven drawered beauty from Paris Apartment (go to the site and drool) It retails for $7,800.00! That's equal to 19 pairs of Manolos! I doubt Carrie would make the sacrifice.

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Horchow $699.00

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I wouldn’t call this pretty mirrored vanity from Horchow a sacrifice! The curves are graceful, and it has the critical drawer for a blow dryer, and plenty of room for make-up and other necessities.

Gaita Interiors can make custom cream silk dupioni drapes for about $500 per pair.

West Elm Upholstered Slipper Chair $429.00

Ikea 30" round mirror $19.99 for over the vanity.

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Behind Carrie’s bed is a melange of framed wall art. West Elm has all you need, for the right prices. You can get that “collector’s look” in one fell swoop. I would install them in a random mix of black and white frames.
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west elm AAAADDKlPkAAAAAAAAxdUg west elm wall art $19 pillows and throws Connor pillow $60
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The pillows are from www.pillowsandthrows.com The bedding is from Crate and Barrel.
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Oh Carrie! I wish you and Big SO MUCH LUCK! But just in case, maybe you should keep the lease on your perfectly elegant little nest… Big’s a tricky guy! You never know.

ART DECO 1930′S ALL- OUT GLAMOUR ” Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day“

The plot is thin, but the performers are all pros, and the eye candy can’t be beat! Sets, costumes and the art direction are fabulous and flawless. Here the set designer, Katie Spencer, expertly recreated a high end Art Deco interior complete with a few anachronisms (which add to the authenticity) from earlier periods such as old fashioned ruffled sheers, and a slightly frumpy dated looking slipper chair, and practically Victorian table lamps. Let’s keep the Art Deco elegance, but update the look a little:

bedroom

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Satin bedding from Speigel.com

From HomeDecorators.com Standing mirrored Room Divider $699.00

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Seville Headboard at Target.com $409.99

Sheer Curtains

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The sheers above are from Country Curtains. You would need to triple up on them to get that full look. Gaita Interiors can make very full custom sheer drapes (no ruffles!) for about $300 per pair.

Schumacher Wallpaper Imperial Trellis-alabaster, for behind the bed

Thibaut Cantonese, pearl, for an accent wall.

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Horchow Crystal Ball Table Lamp $155

Horchow Mirrored End Table $269.00

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Venetian Mirror from www.theMirrorLady.com $341.00

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I wouldn’t build a bedroom with a platform. To me, it’s a tripping hazard. I’m getting on in years, you know! But you can add the curve and some luxury with a round white shag rug. This one from Crate and Barrel is quite nice. If you have enough room, Home Decorators makes one up to 10′ round for the same price!

6 foot round rug from Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel Petrie Chair $899.00

Pale Gold Metallic Paint from Modern Masters

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If your ceiling is in very good condition, you can add another layer of glam with a couple of coats of gold metallic paint. Modern Masters does a great job, with the paint, and advice on technique. Benjamin Moore Bone White would be nice on the walls where there's no wallpaper. White Dove for the trim.

Vanity Dreassing Table from ReadyToCover.com

From Wisteria.com , vaniy stool $249

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If your space is small, this dressing table (delivered unfinished) from ReadyToCover is surprisingly practical, with plenty of hidden storage below. The kidney shape works well with the Art Deco look.

The vanity is just a dressed up shelf in a bay window. Great idea!

At the end of this fluffy romp, our charming leading lady, Delysia, chooses love over riches, with her poor but sincere (sexy) musician boyfriend Michael. I’m afraid she may have to say goodbye to the deluxe digs she was accustomed to. Oh well… C’est L’amour!

BE A STAR! ….and GO DECORATE!

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July 13, 2009

Gothic Revival: IT’S ALIVE! In Westchester County, New York

Filed under: Art and Culture, Fabric Usage, Furniture, Paint, Uncategorized, Wall Decoration, Westchester — Tags: architecture, faux painting, Gothic Revival, historical mansion, Interior Design, Lower Hudson River Valley, Lower Westchester, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown — Leona Gaita @ 12:56 PM

It’s time for a Gothic Revival-Revival! Do you have a tendency toward romanticism and flights of fancy? Are you fond of pointed arches, deep carvings, curvaceous tracery? Are you a secret lover of vampire literature, television and cinema? Guess what: YOU’RE GOTH! No, I don’t mean you have to go out and get body piercings and buy lots of black clothes! I mean you should look at this gorgeous, influential movement in American design.

In Tarrytown, New York (in the southern part of Westchester County,a little north of New York City) is Lyndhurst Castle, one of the finest, extravagantly beautiful OPEN TO THE PUBLIC examples of Gothic Revival architecture and interiors in America.

Lyndhurst Castle Tarrytown, NY

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In the mid 18th century, with the rise of Romanticism, an increased interest and awareness of the Middle Ages among some influential connoisseurs created a more appreciative approach to selected medieval arts, beginning with church architecture, the tomb monuments of nobility, stained glass, and late Gothic illuminated manuscripts. The movement quickly swept through Europe, finally taking deep root in America, becoming the style of choice for the newly wealthy industrialist class, and infamous robber barons!

Lyndhurst Entry Hall

Lyndhurst Art Gallery

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Lyndhurst was designed in 1838 by Andrew Jackson Davis, for William Paulding, a former mayor of New York and merchant. The house, as it stands today, was further formed by the Merrit Family and the famous railroad tycoon, Jay Gould.

In person, Lyndhurst Castle is both more impressive, and less daunting than the photography suggests. Many children grew up in Lyndhurst, and the little nursery rooms,( quite near to the Master Bedroom) are on display, complete with a pair of old fashioned little girl's button up boots. Within sight of the main house, is a perfect play house called Rose Cottage.

The rooms are large and filled with beautiful detail of the Gothic Revival period, but not heavy or oppressive. Though spacious, the brilliant architecture of A.J. Davis manages to keep it on a human scale. Faux finishes became quite the fashion out of Europe in the later Gothic period, and Lyndhurst is filled with the finest examples I've ever seen of faux limestone and marble, and other forms of decorative painted surfaces. Really, the only word is INCREDIBLE! This is decorative painting elevated to the level of fine art.

Dining Room, Lyndhurst

Dutchess Guest Room, Lyndhurst

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wheel-back-chair-color alexander jackson davis

Restored Wheel Back Chair designed for Lyndhurst by it's celebrated architect Alexander Jackson Davis, one of the many exquisite authentic pieces to be seen at the mansion.

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Hey, did you know that Lyndhurst Mansion was used as the house set for the classic TV series from the late 60’s-early 70’s “Dark Shadows”? I was strangely drawn to watch it, but my Mom wouldn’t let me because it gave me nightmares! Boo Hoo!!

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There's Lyndhurst in the background. I promise, during the day it's not scary at all!

Lyndhurst as seen in "Dark Shadows" Oooooo, spookey!

But really, Lyndhurst is no vampire’s lair, nor maker of nightmares. It’s much more like something from a fairy tale, an enchanted castle from a little girls’ favorite story book.

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Exterior window detail. If I'd known I was taking my own picture, I would have said "cheese".

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A detail from a large planter near the Rose Garden

I can’t resist including this heartbreakingly beautiful painting by my favorite artist of the Gothic Revival era, Sir Edward Burne-Jones. This piece is NOT at Lyndhurst. It’s at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. I’m showing it here, because it embodies so much of the dreamy romantic quality of the Gothic Revival movement…and I LOVE IT!

"The Love Song" by Sir Edward Burne-Jones

American Gothic Revival Rocks On…..!

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Like the iconic painting “American Gothic” (1930) by Grant Wood,(titled for the pointed arch window depicted in the farm house) Gothic Revival just keeps on going!
Is Gothic Revival still relevant? Yes it is, and guess what. Far from being relegated to Grandma’s attic, it’s influences are all around us and have never really gone out of style or usage. They’ve just evolved. You don’t have to be a wealthy robber baron to take part. Here are some examples of Gothic Revival today:

Gothic Revival printed fabric form the period.

Kravet #28247-613

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More beautiful fabrics that display the Gothic influence:

Kravet #23089-540

Kravet 25841-319

Highland Court #180933H-298

Highland Court #180906-533

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Whimsical, dreamy, fanciful; Mackenzie Childs has built a whole sub-category and career on elaborating on these qualities (already present) in Gothic Revival, to create something new and current, built on design of the past. Fabulous!!

Mackenzie Childs at Neiman Marcus

Mackenzie Childs: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll was published in 1865 at the height of the Gothic Revival. Alice is the only thing missing from this fantastical display!

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Architectural touches from the period you can add to even the most contemporary setting:

These beauties are available from www.bygones.net

These reclaimed beauties are available from www.bygones.net

From www.jmjoinery.com,brand new Gothic windows ready for installation.

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Here are some current furnishings that bear the unmistakable influence of the Gothic Revival period:

Yep, this is Gothic Revival!

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www.gothic-furniture.co.uk So modern, but very Goth!

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Antique fixture at Lyndhurst Castle

Gothic Revival reproduction lantern from www.thegreenhead.com Well done!

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Cabinets from Walz Craft

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Walz Craft is wonderful! Any door style you can think of, they’ve got it. And they’re terrific to work with. Their interpretation of a Gothic cabinet door has the beauty and grace of the past, combined with unsurpassed function.

This would make a great hallway piece. From www.pine-on-line.com

Here are some decorative touches you can use that will add some of the old world beauty of Gothic Revival to your home:

This piece is available from www.oneofakindantiques.com

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From www.taleriaenterprises.com

Scroll work wall art from Pier1, little $'s, lots of Goth!

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This piece will be auctioned at clark Auction on June 13th . The estimated sale price is $150! Needs a little love.

www.andythornton.com

From Horchow.com Four Point Mirror

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The print on my outdoor pillows from Restoration Hardware (2 or 3 years old) is pure Gothic Revival. Their current prints are too!

Lyndhurst is one of five exquisite historical mansion museums in the Lower Westchester area of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, NY. The Lower Hudson River Valley region is rich with history on display. It’s the best way I know to time travel, and get a shot of inspiration from the past.

So, if you’re coming around, I wouldn’t worry too much about vampires, but you better watch out for a HEADLESS HORSEMAN! I hear he’s still running around these parts!

The Headless Horseman from Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

For more of the fascinating history of Lyndhurst Castle and the other historical mansion museums, as well as their hours directions etc : www.hudsonvalley.org and www.lyndhurst.org

GO GOTHIC! and HAVE FUN!

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July 3, 2009

Let’s Copy a Deluxe Room on the Cheap! III

Filed under: Art and Culture, Fabric Usage, Flowers, Furniture, Uncategorized, Wall Decoration — Tags: Affordable interior design, decorating on a budget, fabrics, wall art — Leona Gaita @ 11:28 AM

Deluxe living room from the 2009 Kip's Bay Show House by Drake

Deluxe Library from the 2009 Kip's Bay Show House by Jamie Drake

The Kip’s Bay Decorator’s Show House was fabulous this year! This library-sitting room by Jamie Drake in particular really turned my head. I love the relaxed yet glamorous blend of textures and the free use of lush sexy colors. Every piece in this room is top shelf. Typically a professionally designed room of this caliber will cost in the range of $50,000.00 to $80,000.00. Let’s see if we can get this look for under $15,000.00.

Here we go!

We’ll need some basic but classy furniture. The pieces shown below fit the bill. They’re not as high-end as the furniture in the show house (nor anywhere near as costly!), but you’ll be able to put your feet up on the coffee table without a worry!

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MixSdTblW2Shelves3QS9 $250

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Gray Sofa-Room and Board Hutton Sofa $1799.00; Nesting Tables-Design Within Reach Eclipse Nesting Tables $398.00; Club Chair-Room and Board Cole Chair $749.00; White table- Ikea Imfors @129.00; Chaise-Room and Board Hahn Sofa $1899.00; Lamp- shoptablelamps.com #TLG667 $189.91; Ottoman-Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams Mercer Square Ottoman in leather about $1400.00; End table- Crate and Barrel, Mix Side Table $249.00
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We'll need floor, wall and window treatments:

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Purple Jute Rug-HomeDecorators.com Premium Tile Jute Rug eggplant 12' x15' $699.00; Linen Drapes-Gaita Interiors $199.00 per panel; Trim for Drapes- Kravet TA5151-10 $35.00 per yard; Wall covering - DL Couch Riptide color metal JA11-561

Here are some affordable ideas that pack a punch for wall art. Marimekko sells kits for stretching their gorgeous large scale prints to be used as wall art. The one below, Pythagoras, hangs in the United Nations in the orange version. It's sold by the panel $750 per panel.

Marimekko, Pythagoras-blue

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I’d use this pretty square print on stretched canvas from Ikea in multiples (Pljatteryd $79.99 each), tightly spaced, and create a Do-It-Yourself Andy Warhole. They’re 36″ x36″ each, so that would give you a lot of impact for the money! I LOVE purple flowers!

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Now we need some brilliant accessories:

The glass pieces are all from Pier 1 Imports. They range in price from $16.00 to $35.00 each. Fresh flowers, supplied by you!

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yhst-81115173642111_2061_118007181 roco pillow $65 yhst-81115173642111_2061_165004316 yhst-81115173642111_2061_157908166
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The pillows are all from www.pillowsandthrows.com. They range in price from $36.00 to $65.00 each.

So, including a generous budget for wallovering and installation, rug, window treatments and hardware, TWO full size sofas, chair, large ottoman, multiple coffee tables, a pair of end tables,lamps, pillows, decorative glass pieces, and BIG art, I come up with a grand total of….

$12,500.00

So, you see, it can be done! We need super-high-end interior design for INSPIRATION! For our everyday real lives, we can keep it real, and still have our own very personalized and luxurious sanctuary.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX IT UP, AND HAVE FUN!!!

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June 26, 2009

Chinoiserie Screen: A Timeless Interior Design Classic

Filed under: Art and Culture, Fabric Usage, Wall Decoration, art hanging and installation. — Tags: Chinese antiques, chinoiserie screens, chinoiserie wallpaper, do it yourself chinese screen project, do it yourself project, wallpaper and fabric co-ordinates — Leona Gaita @ 2:14 PM

(AND DO-IT-YOURSELF CHINESE SCREEN PROJECT)

The folding Chinoiserie Screen has been a classic piece in interior design for centuries for several good reasons. First and foremost, they’re beautiful. They add an exotic Eastern flavor to any room. Lately I’ve noticed a trend among designers toward the use of this decorative staple, as part of an elegant yet unpretentious approach to the design of comfortable living spaces.

This beautiful room is by Alessandra Branca, via www.pointclickhome.com

The look is dramatic, and can serve as a focal point, setting the tone of the room. Serving as both furniture and art, a Chinoiserie screen works beautifully in a traditional or contemporary setting. The practical side of the folding screen is not to be overlooked. Interior designers and home owners have used them to define and divide spaces, and to hide an array of necessary evils, from an unfortunately placed powder room door, to a messy pile of toys, to an undesirable view. All while adding miles of style, pattern and color!

By Michael S. Smith

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From the June House Beautiful, by Meg Braff. This small set can serve as wall art, or be used on a table top.

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English leather screens, via Decorati

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By Michael S. Smith

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An open kitchen is given privacy with a pair of decorative screens

The home chef is given the option of privacy in an open kitchen, using a pair of decorative screens.

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Decorative screens separated and installed as wall art.

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A great use of a Chinoiserie screen set in a beautiful room by Kim Alexandriuk

A matching pair of Chinoiserie sreens in a sitting room at the Kip's Bay Show House, design by Charlotte Moss.

DO-IT YOURSELF CHINOISERIE SCREEN PROJECT:

If you don’t have it in your budget to spend between $1,500.oo (for a new folding screen set from China) and… well the sky’s the limit for antique screens (depending on the age, condition and rarity) then you can do this project and get the Chinoise look, and practical function of a Chinoiserie folding screen set:

I would start by buying this unfinished screen set from ReadyToCover. They’ll make any size , shape and number of panels you desire. There are several top styles. I’m choosing the plain square top, to better mimic the look of an authentic Chinese screen.

Ready for paint and wallpaper, standing screens from ReadytoCover.com

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Then choose a gorgeous Chinoiserie wallpaper. I recommend painting the back and frame in a color that closely matches the background color of the wallpaper. Your paint store should be able to match the color very closely. Once you’ve wallpapered the main panels, add a coat of satin polyurethane for finish and protection.

Here are some of my favorite Chinoiserie wallpapers that would work very well for this, along with a few fabrics I picked to go with them:

meridian-wallpaper-red

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Wallpaper: (right )Thibaut, Meridian-red
Red satin: Robert Allen, Kazvin-scarlett
Stripe: Beacon Hill, Trilogy Stripe- capri
Skin print: Robert Allen, Baby Cheetah- mustard
Multi jacguard: Beacon Hill, Grainnes Charm- blue terra
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Wallpaper (right): Thibaut, Fishing Village-black
Rust textured wallpaper: Thibaut, Venetian Plaster, pumpkin
Green velvet: Kravet 23157-323
Black Leopard: Kravet 29437-616
Black damask: Beacon Hill, Jinan-noir

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Wallpaper (right): Thibaut, Cantonese-brown
Gold chennille: Kravet, 22404-16
Stripe: Beacon Hill, Coulthard-oro
Orange geometric: Highland Court, 180936H-35
Skin pattern:Beacon Hill, Cheetah Skin-praline

For pricing and availability on the various wallpapers and fabrics, call Gaita Interiors at (914)834-8282

AIN'T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING! Here are some authentic hand painted Chinese screens that are out there, new and antique.

Antique Fujin Screen Set from antiquesbyzaar.com , $2500.00

These two exquisite screen sets (above and below) are from Antiques by Zaar, an excellent dealer in Chinese antique decorative arts and furnishings. Their huge warehouse is in Highpoint, N.C., but the web site is wonderful too.

Antique Chinese Screens circa 1890 for antiquesbyzaar, $4675.00

Newly made hand painted from chinesefurnitureonline $1800.00

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Rare anitque pair of Chinoiserie Screen sets valued at about $60,000.00

Rare antique pair of Chinoiserie Screen sets from Evanandgerst.com valued at about $60,000.00

SO GO DECORATE!! and HAVE FUN!!

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June 18, 2009

Larchmont Has Art: Mini Art Scene in Lower Westchester

Filed under: Art and Culture, art hanging and installation. — Tags: abstract art, art auction, art framing, art galleries, Art scene, Larchmont, Lower Westchester, modern art, traditional art. painters — Leona Gaita @ 3:45 PM

Writing and researching for my last post, about ways to hang art, gave me the incentive to take a better look at my own little town in Lower Westchester, to see how the art scene is doing in Larchmont, NY. What I found surprised me in it’s wealth and diversity.

Where to Begin!
PALMER ART at 1985 Palmer Ave, Larchmont, New York 10538 (914-834-3627) represents abstract painter Anton. Here are some of his pieces showing now:

A wall full of art by Anton at Palmer Art

From Anton's web site.

Carlos, expert framer

Carlos Rodriguez is the owner-operator of Palmer art. I rely on his expertise and refined aesthetic when making framing decisions.

One more by Anton. I may find a home for this one...in MY home!

WENDY GEE! at 1949 Palmer Ave in Larchmont, New York (914-834-8507) has just added some whimsical and charming wall art to their collection of beautiful home furnishings. These are not one-of-a-kind pieces, but are very nicely printed on stretched canvas for a finished look.

Friendly Dog print on stretched canvas, in rustic frame

Taking pictures at Wendy Gee! is a pleasure. Wherever you point the camera, there’s something pretty! This a great spot for interior designers. You can furnish, accessorize and take care of wall art all in one spot.

A collection of decorative wall art in a fresh spring palette.

Must love dogs! Nicely framed prints

LARCHMONT ART at 1899 Palmer Ave, in Larchmont, New York (914-834-0288) represents local artists. Larchmont Art also does beautiful framing work. Here is a sample of the art of Marcia Korotkin:

Marcia Korotkin at Larchmont Art

Marcia Korotkin

Alexander Girshin is a local artist and art teacher. Here is an article about him from the Rye Record. These two striking examples of his photorealism style are now on view at Larchmont Art.

Girshin My Friend by Alexander Girshin

A piece by Alexander Girshin at Larchmont Art

KINESE BARNS FINE ART is an exquisite fine art gallery in Larchmont. They represent an array wonderful artists. Kinese Barnes is located at 1955 Palmer Ave. (914-834-8077) Here is a VERY small example of my favorite picks from this beautiful gallery.

Everybody Wong Chung'd That Night by Katarina Chung

Eyes on the Horizon by Cecile Chong

Echo Niner by David Collins

CLARKE AUCTION is an honest to goodness auction house hidden away in Larchmont. Clarke’s is at 20 North Ave, Larchmont (914-833-8336) They have monthly auctions of furniture, accessories and art, and twice yearly Art Only auctions. If you’ve never been to a live auction, you’re in for a thrill! Here are a few pieces that sold at their last Art Only auction. The variety of styles that come through is mind boggling! There’s something for everyone.

Something old...

Something new...

Something modern...

Something blue...

PAOLO CORVINO, an artist of international reputation has been creating art for over 50 years, and has his artist’s studio right at 1887 Palmer Ave. in Larchmont NY(914-833-1175) His work is expressionist, impressionist, conceptualist. The art speaks for itself.

Paolo Corvino First Night , Yankee Stadium at the Museum of the City of New York

Inside the Corvino art studio

ANNELLE GANDELMAN is a beautiful New York style art gallery at 1989 Palmer Ave (914-840-4151) Annelle Gandelman has rotating exhibits, so check out this stunning art photography by Geoffrey Baris before it’s leaves on July 8.

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geoffrey-baris_lg_laundry

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LARCHMONT HAS ART!! So come and see. From New York City, it’s a 35 minute train ride from Grand Central to Larchmont. Take an art walk! If you’re coming, let me know. We’ll do art, we’ll do vintage, we’ll do lunch too!

HAVE FUN!

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