Duncan Phyfe

/ March 14, 2012
This small console or pier table, circa 1817-22, was crafted for the Beekman family of New York. It is made of rosewood, pine and ebony with ormolu mounts, string inlay and a marble top. This is an unusual and extremely rare example of Duncan Phyfe's work.

This small console or pier table, circa 1817-22, was crafted for the Beekman family of New York. It is made of rosewood, pine and ebony with ormolu mounts, string inlay and a marble top. This is an unusual and extremely rare example of Duncan Phyfe's work.Slideshow

Duncan Phyfe (1768 – 1854) was an extraordinary New York City cabinetmaker who holds a prominent place among those who made significant contributions to the design and style of furniture for some of the wealthiest figures of his time in New York and beyond. New York became the capital of the United States in 1785 and that set the city on a path to become a world power during the first half of the 19th century. The city was strategically located as a gateway for European imports and domestic exports. This commercial activity supported a cosmopolitan way of life that emulated the highest society abroad.

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Another Beautiful Bath

/ March 9, 2012
Another Beautyiful Bath_3.9.12

Slideshow

I cannot resist publishing a really beautiful bath when I see one. In this case, I love the symmetrical space for tub placement just under a window hung with a linen Roman shade with delicate lace trim . It fits with enough room to breathe. This is an Empire tub set on a traditional floor of honed octagons and dots. The chair is small, delicate and quirky that counter balances the solid bathtub. The table also is small with an authentic worn finish. The tall vase on the table balances the space that is well thought out and entirely pleasing.

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New Books: Artistic Interiors

/ March 7, 2012
A Joel Shapiro sculpture against the Manhattan skyline.

A Joel Shapiro sculpture against the Manhattan skyline.Slideshow

Very modern art above a traditional footed tub. A great juxtaposition.
The dining room seems to expand into the photograph of an 18th century library in Portugal. It adds depth and drama to the dining room.
Dining Room Light
While most of Suzanne's work is quite formal, this house for collectors of American crafts, is casual and comfortable. None more so than the dining room where the table was built from reclaimed floor boards; the penny pitch board hangs above a delightful whirligig by Ed Larsen. This is a a charming space in the American tradition.
A very large living room, divided into 3 distinct seating areas. The room showcases a number of precious objects from the andirons to great contemporary art. A 'Great White' Moroccan rug anchors upholstered pieces with rich texture.
Piano
Custom bronze door knobs appear throughout the house and repeat on the ends of the drapery rods.
This is a rare basalt Pegasus vase from Wedgwood c. 1800. It is flanked by 19th century French candlesticks. This is a rich assortment of carefully chosen objects.
On the Christian Astuguevielle console table are a pair of Georg Jensen candelabras that flank an oil on hand-made paper nude. This vignette displays the strong choices made for this apartment.
A selection of architectural materials selected simultaneously with textile and furniture for a fully integrated interior with a beautiful aesthetic balance.

I am honored to be the recipient of a boxed, numbered and signed copy of Suzanne Lovell’s new book ARTISTIC INTERIORS: Designing with Fine Art Collections published by Stewart Tabori & Chang. Suzanne is an architect, interior designer and the principal of Chicago-based Suzanne Lovell, Inc. Her work is familiar to readers of Architectural Digest, House Beautiful and Veranda.

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Maison de Verre (House of Glass) Paris

/ February 29, 2012
The elegant Annie Dalsace who collaborated with the architect to create this wonderful early 20th century masterpiece.

Slideshow

In one of the bathrooms, the bidet and the cupboard above it swivel. The exposed piping was deliberately left visible.
The sitting room or salon of Mrs. Dalsace, where she entertained her guests, overlooked the garden. The blue carpet and tapestry fabric on the upholstered furniture add unexpected color to the interior.
On an iron column at the house entrance were bells to indicate where you should go. We were told each bell had a different sound.
I love this kitchen sink. The walls are covered with 6 x 6 white tiles with very small grout joints.
This lovely small practical table in 3 parts was designed by Pierre Chareau. I saw another just like it for sale in Paris. It was great to touch it and see the clever design.
This is the main staircase sheltered by a perforated screen. One side folds back against the railing, the other slides back. The light filters through the screens and changes during the course of the day.
This is the fabulous 'great room' where the family entertained. The furniture would be pushed back to accommodate large groups. The opposite side of this room holds the floor to ceiling bookcases.
This industrial looking wheel controls the ventilating system. Its' handsome silhouette is enhanced against the glass blocks that form the exterior of the house.
The great bookcase with metal shelving accommodating 2 books deep. The ladder slides along the length of the shelves.

During our trip to Paris we were fortunate to visit Maison de Verre, a former 18th century townhouse turned into a modern dwelling by Pierre Chareau in 1928. There was no precedent for how he created this house considering that Chareau could not touch the top floor of the existing building. An “old lady” was living there who could not be moved. So he left the top floor intact and replaced the exterior of the lower levels with translucent glass bricks, completely re-imagined the interior space, installed remotely controlled swiveling windows, and divided the interior with perforated metal screens that either rotate or slide. There are no plastered walls in this amazing glass box.

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