Kaufman Collection at the National Gallery

November 9, 2013

This Philadelphia desk-and-bookcase (c 1760) is directly inspired by Thomas Chippendale. The architectural quality of this monumental object is the first thing you see as you enter the exhibit. The carved mahogany portrait bust in the pediment has been identified as the work of Catherine Macauley. The chairs a heavily carved with hairy ball-and-claw feet were made by Thomas Affleck for the prominent Philadelphia family, the Cadwalader's. Slideshow

The Kaufman Collection of American decorative arts c. 1700-1830 was acquired over a period of fifty years by George and Linda Kaufman. It is is now on loan and a promised gift to the National Gallery of Art. This gift to the Gallery, known for its American paintings and sculpture, provides an opportunity for one of the great American museums to present a wider perspective on American creativity.

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What is a

November 9, 2013

A complete and well thought out space with beautiful architectural details and scale, lovely texture just outside the window and simple but elegant decoration. Everything from the choice of fabric on the windows to the chandelier and tub, speak to elegance, refinement and sophistication.Slideshow

I am often asked to describe or define a “luxury” bath.  There is, of course, no one answer to that difficult and subjective question. But here is my opinion.  Luxury is never about how much money is spent. It is about the wise and comfortable use of proportion and scale, meticulous installation, well-articulated architectural details, functionality and the accessories used to personalize the bath. And, it doesn’t matter if the space is large or small. The important factors are: clean and classic lines, quality materials, artisanal craftsmanship, elegant and nuanced surfaces, and outstanding functionality.

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Travel: Italian Hardware

November 6, 2013

Doorways of all kinds host lovely knockers to announce visitors. This charming and welcoming doorway is in Bologna.Slideshow

Last May I posted my photos of door hardware in Paris. I recently returned from Italy and have more photos to share. Not only is the hardware beautiful, detailed and well crafted–the textures of the doors themselves add to their charm.  I was drawn to the patina of rich colored woods and the peeling paint as well as the tarnished brass and corroded iron door knockers and pulls that have softened with age and environmental conditions. Each one reveals something about the style of the building and the taste of the owners. Clearly, they are all “vintage,” but I know nothing of their actual age. Somehow it doesn’t seem to matter.

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Details: Scale and Proportion

November 5, 2013

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I am most certainly not an expert on the architectural implication of scale and proportion in a building or room. What I do know is the most satisfying proportions follow the golden mean, which is the basis for traditional composition and modern asymmetrical design. Pleasing proportions are created as much by intuitive judgement as by strict calculation. It is difficult to illustrate this concept, but I have a few images that will make the point.

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