VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

imagecourtesyarchipile.tumblr I t's Thursday and heavy storm clouds hover ominously outside.  At times like this, anticipation of spring increases tenfold and patience must be summoned and maintained as the seasons resolutely flow through an orderly cycle unchanged since the dawn of time.  Snowdrops and crocuses still lie dormant, awaiting some unseen cue before unfolding in a welcome chorus of yellow, purple and white.  Until then, garden catalogues and visits to the glass-enclosed courtyards of the U.S. Botanical Gardens must suffice (through February and into March).   Happy Thursday everyone!!

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: VT 29.1.13 : imagesourceunknown A conversation I overheard many, many years ago: Little girl:  "Gran, am I pretty?" Mrs D:  "Read a lot, and...

imagesourceunknown A conversation I overheard many, many years ago: Little girl:  "Gran, am I pretty?" Mrs D:  "Read a lot, and study hard, sweetie." * * * 

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: VT 28.1.13 : imagecourtesynotesondesigntumblr If today's visual treat is any indication of our anticipated good fortune for 2013, I'm eager to see m...

imagecourtesynotesondesigntumblr If today's visual treat is any indication of our anticipated good fortune for 2013, I'm eager to see more. Happy Monday!!

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The SATURDAY POST / 26.1.13 : imagecourtesyinterioralchemy.tumblr The color red has been on my mind all week.  Perhaps Jason Wu's inaugural gown for First Lady Mic...

imagecourtesyinterioralchemy.tumblr The color red has been on my mind all week.  Perhaps Jason Wu's inaugural gown for First Lady Michelle Obama was the catalyst, or reminiscing on the couture creations of the 'old' VALENTINO when elegance and passion were simultaneously evoked in masterful compositions of form and unadulterated color--sumptuous red.  Legendary magazine editor Diana Vreeland proclaimed that, 'Red is the great clarifier--bright and revealing.  I can't imagine becoming bored with red--it would be like becoming bored with the person you love.'  Today's visual treat showcases a bedroom which happily contains Chinoiserie as well as bold accents of sumptuous red; be still, my beating heart!!

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: VT 25.1.13 : photodominicblackmore viadesiretoinspireblog I see riffs on Noguchi, Nakashima, (C&F-X) Lalanne and possibly Michael Taylor.  Simpl...

photodominicblackmore viadesiretoinspireblog deisgnbradford I see riffs on Noguchi, Nakashima, (C&F-X) Lalanne and possibly Michael Taylor; simply loving it and wanting to see more of this room.  It's Friday and somewhere in the world, martini glasses are now being filled (to the brim), and I too want in on the fun.  On the ride from the office this evening please drive carefully, take a minute and call the folks back home to let them know you're safe, load up on movies and munchies, and stay out of the cold. Have a great weekend!!

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: VT 24.1.13 : designcharlottemoss viathestylesalonisteblog It's about  19 or 20 degrees outside, and on such a dreary morning, I'd love to remain in...

designcharlottemoss viathestylesalonisteblog It's about 19 or 20 degrees outside, and on such a dreary morning, I'd love to remain indoors (in a sitting room like this) through lunch and and into dusk which signals that another day of winter is almost past, and then we're just a little closer to spring. 

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: VT 23.1.13 : imagecourtesy79ideasblog It has been argued that outer space is the last frontier, while others posit that deep beneath the oceans we'v...

imagecourtesy79ideasblog It has been argued that outer space is the last frontier, while others posit that deep beneath the oceans we've barely scratched the surface (of understanding nature).  In the world of interiors it's pretty safe to say that ceiling(s)--the fifth wall, had been relegated to the position of 5th wheel.  Smart designers know that this vast expanse of surface needs to be addressed forcefully;  papered, coffered, beamed, ragged, rolled, tented, pleated, whatever . . .  Anything other than blah-blah ceiling white out of the 5-gallon paint bucket; don't you agree?

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: TRIBUTE/LOVE UNLIMITED : artcourtesyruthbolduan TRIBUTE/LOVE UNLIMITED TRIBECAST (Yuriy Ogaltsev + TAMERLAN) https://soundcloud.com/yuriyogaltsev/trib...

artcourtesyruthbolduan TRIBUTE/LOVE UNLIMITED TRIBECAST (Yuriy Ogaltsev + TAMERLAN) https://soundcloud.com/yuriyogaltsev/tribute-love-unlimited

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: VT 22.1.13 : imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog A second term, a renewed sense of hope and promise, the opportunity to correct past injustices, t...

imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog A second term, a renewed sense of hope and promise, the opportunity to correct past injustices, the possibility of equality and fairness . . . Starting today under bright blue skies. And a happy morning to all!!

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: FROM THE DESIGN FILES (Day 5) JAN 2013 : imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr Wishing a wonderful Friday to all blog readers and friends.

imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr Wishing a wonderful Friday to all blog readers and friends.  

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: FROM THE DESIGN FILES (Day 4) JAN 2013 : imagesourceunknown Question:  What to do with an exposed brick wall?  Answer:  Paint it!

imagesourceunknown Question:  What should I do with an exposed brick wall?  Answer:  Paint it!

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: FROM THE DESIGN FILES (Day 3) JAN 2013 : imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr As of late, numerous examples of wall-sized digitized photo-murals have been popping up, and frankly I...

imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr As of late, numerous examples of wall-sized digitized photo-murals have been popping up, and frankly I adore the look.  Classicist, mannerist, or nostalgic, whatever the style or origin, it all contributes to drop-dead drama, a situation much needed in this time of greys, neutrals and an otherwise timid color palette (which after much too many successive seasons now resembles diluted bath-water). 

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: FROM THE DESIGN FILES (Day 2) JAN 2013 : designbenjamindhong imagesourceunkown Retreating to a sitting room such as this (today's visual treat pictured above) seems almost clo...

designbenjamindhong imagesourceunkown Retreating to a sitting room such as this (today's visual treat pictured above) seems almost close to glimpsing a wee bit of heaven--without any anxiety at the question of admittance through the pearly gates.  

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: FROM THE DESIGN FILES (Day 1) JAN 2013 : imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr Kudos to the designer (or homeowner) who has assembled this tantalizing tableaux.

imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr Kudos to the designer (or homeowner) who has assembled this tantalizing tableaux.

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The SUNDAY POST / 13 Jan 2013 : imagecourtesythestylesalonisteblog Even if confined to bed or the arm-chair, one is still able to dream and fantasize of beauty, especiall...

imagecourtesythestylesalonisteblog Even if confined to bed or the arm-chair, one is still able to dream and fantasize of beauty, especially in the area of the decorative and applied arts.  Whether on the printed page (or the MacBook screen), images of superb and inspired creativity motivate me to wellness.  Praises and more praises to the talented designers, editors, photographers and stylists who toil daily to produce and share with us--loyal and devoted readers--all the visual candy we've come to expect, and count as as part of our daily routine.  Thanks again (to all of you) for making life a little more pleasurable.

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The Weekend POST/ JAN 2013 : imagecourtesymyparadissiblog I've never been a fan of the all-white interior, yet this bedroom in particular intrigues me with its seam...

imagecourtesymyparadissiblog I've never been a fan of the all-white interior, yet this bedroom in particular intrigues me with its seamless blend of antique and modern furnishings.  Deep and undisturbed sleep seems almost guaranteed; and upon awakening, gazing upon an almost austere yet richly-detailed environ may be just the key to a contemplative, unhurried, and soul-enriching day (in our otherwise hectic lives).  Definitely a visual treat worth remembering (or placing in the dream-file).

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: JAN 2013 / Friday's Visual Treat : imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr On the silver screen, as she (or he) descended the imposing staircase, a crescendo of strings accompani...

imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr On the silver screen, as she (or he) descended the imposing staircase, a crescendo of strings accompanied each step and all heads turned in admiration (and envy, or desire).  In today's reality--at least mine--just getting out of bed must be attempted slowly and with much concentration.  Yet I feel like the end is in sight, and recovery could be fully completed by the week's end.  Until then, rest and more rest will help in preparing me for my bright-eyed and robust debut, which I anticipate with a little impatience.

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: JAN 2013 / The 2nd Post Of The New Year : imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr Getting away for the holidays, once high on my list of priorities, has quietly shifted downwards behi...

imagesourcenotesondesigntumblr Getting away for the holidays, once high on my list of priorities, has quietly shifted downwards behind a much needed visit to the dentist and auto repairs.  Perhaps I'll revisit the 'Places/Books/Foods/Movies To See Before I Die' category in my binder before August comes around again.  Paris, Rome and Barcelona are destinations only a flight (or two) away, yet somehow light years in actual execution.  Yet, this morning I hesitate to quarrel with myself, and would prefer calm after a restless night.   Maybe more tea and a buttered biscuit is called for . . .   

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: JAN 2013 / The First Post Of The Year : imagesourceunknown Somewhere in my head, out of the reach of flu-bugs and the incessant stream of thought bubbles carrying little ha...

photomagnusmarding Somewhere in my head, out of the reach of flu-bugs and the incessant stream of thought bubbles carrying little hand-held signs clumsily and carelessly covered with phrases such as 'you're not well', 'lay down now' and 'more liquids and zinc is necessary,' comes the realization that the pristine, organized and spotless office of my dreams may be just that: an image glimpsed and temporarily affixed to a mental file-board which will doubtlessly collapse under the weight of even more acquisitions (holiday gifts and lucky thrift-store finds) and design glossies, as well as the reluctance to devote even a minute of my precious time to the rituals of dusting and polishing or vacuuming.  Easier--still, to use a dimmer when confronted with the true nature of myself. *  *  *  Today's soundtrack is Koen Groeneveld's Tormenta Electronica (https://soundcloud.com/sizerecords/koen-groeneveld-tormenta)

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: BEST OF 2012 / OBJECTS OF UNCOMMON BEAUTY PART II : imagecourtesythemodernsybarite DESIGN:  TOM DIXON *  *  * imagecourtesybonniestruass.com DESIGN:  BONNIE STRAUSS COUT...

imagecourtesythemodernsybarite DESIGN:  TOM DIXON *  *  * imagecourtesybonniestruass.com DESIGN:  BONNIE STRAUSS COUTURE *  *  * imagecourtesyelledecor DESIGN:  OLY STUDIO *  *  *  imagecourtesymanhattanusersguide.com DESIGN (wallpaper):  ALPHA WORKSHOPS *  *  * imagecourtesyathoughfuleye.wordpress.com DESIGN:  JEAN DE MERRY *  *  *   imagecourtesycraigvandenbrulle.com DESIGN:  CRAIG VAN DEN BRULLE *  *  *   imagecourtesyhouzz.com DESIGN (fabric):  KELLY WEARSTLER FOR LEE JOFFA *  *  *  imagecourtesymunderskiles.com DESIGN:  MUNDER SKILES *  *  *  imagecourtesyochre DESIGN:  OCHRE *  *  *  imagecourtesytedmuehling.com DESIGN:  TED MUEHLING *  *  *   imagecourtesynateberkus.com THE THINGS THAT MATT...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: BEST OF 2012 / OBJECTS OF UNCOMMON BEAUTY : imagecourtesyftblogs.com DESIGN:  ALEXANDER MCQUEEN *   *  *   imagecourtesypoltranafraucom DESIGN:  POLTRANA FRAU * ...

imagecourtesyftblogs.com DESIGN:  ALEXANDER MCQUEEN *   *  *   imagecourtesypoltranafraucom DESIGN:  POLTRANA FRAU *  *  *   imagecourtesythestyleking.com DESIGN:  TOM FORD *  *  *  imagecourtesysuefisherking.com DESIGN:  CHRISTOPHER SPITZMILLER *  *  *   imagecourtesyhomecouturestore.com DESIGN:  GUSTAV DUESING *  *  * imagecourtesyrobbarnard DESIGN:  ROB BARNARD *  *  *   imagecourtesyandreaguttierezla DESIGN:  ANDREA GUTIERREZ JEWELRY (LA) *  *  *

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: BEST OF 2012 / OUR FAVORITE INTERIORS Part II : imagecourtesyelledecor Interior by Matthew Patrick Smyth *  *  * imagecourtesycotedetexasblog Interior by Alex Papachristidis ...

imagecourtesyelledecor Interior by Matthew Patrick Smyth *  *  * imagecourtesycotedetexasblog Interior by Alex Papachristidis *  *  * imagecourtesyelledecor viapragmaticobotsunited.com Interior by Sheila Bridges *  *  *   i magecourtesyaestheticallythinkingblog Interior by Barry Darr Dixon *  *  * imagecourtesyfreshhome.com Interior by Steven Volpe *  *  * imagecourtesyfortunyshop.com Interior by Muriel Brandolini *  *  * imagecourtesymonahajjinteriors Interior by Mona Hajj *  *  *

imagecourtesystevegambrelinteriors Interior by Steve Gambrel *  *  * imagecourtesyinteriordesignfilesandarchitecturaldigest Interior by Jamie Drake *  *  * photoericmorinforwsjmagazine viajsjdesignwordpress Interior by Christian Liagre *  *  * imagecourtesydrysdaleinteriors Interior by Mary Douglas Drysdale *  *  * imagecourtesyarchitecturaldigest Interior by Jean-Louis Deniot *  *  * imagesourceunknown Interior by Miles Redd *  *  * imagecourtesymarkdsikesblog Interior by Daniel Romualdez *  *  * imagecourtesylinenandlavendernet Interior by Axel Vervoordt *  *  * imagecourtesyonekingslane Interior by John Derain *  *  *