INTERIORS AROUND THE WORLD / Day 3 -- BRICKS AMSTERDAM (Amsterdam)

photocourtesybricksamsterdam

Peeps,

Looking outside this morning, there is little drama or winter splendor to behold.  It's grey, grey, grey and everything seems lackluster for no more snow predicted, the ice is ever so slowly melting without having to scrape or put down rock-salt, and the grocery shopping was done yesterday, so now no need to go anywhere.  So back inside where its warm, cozy and amaryllis bulbs from last year have emerged with a vengeance.  On my desk, they reach upward 3 feet high on narrow stalks, like exotic birds on the ready for frenzied courtship.  Coffee, chicken salad sandwiches, and two Netflix movies sitting in the mailbox for this afternoon's viewing -- yes, life is complete.

I am particularly drawn to today's visual treat by James van der Velden of the interior design firm Bricks Amsterdam (www.bricksamsterdam.com).  His approach to design, which he calls 'Timeless Eclecticism, describes his philosophy of combining classical elements with a broad contemporary approach.  He's quite realistic in his deft handling of this space (a combination of sitting/dining room), and reflects the Dutch aversion to the superfluous, and a preference for practicality and common sense.  Legalized marijuana instead of the jailing of its populace, legalized prostitution instead of fining 'working girls,' and a exemplary focus on the environment says a lot about the calibre of that nation's character.  I wish that we here in America would learn some lessons from our European friends, as rhetoric on the part of some still remains divisive and inflammatory, and archaic.  Politicians in the bid for election play on racial stereotypes and display despicable levels of hypocrisy and dishonesty.  I would hope that these cowboys/mavericks/leaders/whatever the hell they call themselves would look around and realize that the sky will not fall, nor will the family unit collapse with the passage of gay marriage.  Nor, as evidenced in the Netherlands, will the (dyke) walls come crashing down by embracing equality (and a more humanistic approach to today's society).


Hope you enjoy today's visual treat as much as I did.  Last week I watched English hottie Colin Firth play Johannes Vermeer in Girl With A Pearl Earring; besides great acting, the set design was wonderful. Another movie worth viewing for Dutch-inspired interiors is Soldier of Orange with the iconic Rutger Hauer.  Have a wonderful weekend.


Sincerely,
Shane


PS:  Soundtrack for this grey Saturday is Dinossa by Luminodisco!!