Grand Central Terminal

/ March 20, 2013
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Elegant details everywhere. A visually inspiring space.
I probably stood under this light countless times (before ticket machines). It is a fabulous design hung on an ornate arm.
The decorative gate, unnoticed by most, at the boarding ramp on the first floor.
Beautiful brass hardware everywhere. I love the well used look that only time and use can create.
Beautifully carved marble simply for decoration.
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Take time to notice original details like this carving on the stairway I used to exit on to Vanderbilt Avenue.
My iPhone photo of the exterior from 42nd Street.
An iPhone view of the volume of space.
I love the grid pattern that is visible all over the station.
This fabulous tile ceiling is in the underground walkway. Simply look up to see this remarkable installation with its unique grout application.
Exquisite ornamentation is everywhere. You just have to take the time to look.

Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in a tour of Grand Central Terminal with Francis Marrone, the noted New York architectural historian. After perhaps a thousand trips in and out of the terminal wearing blinders, he pointed out the richness of details, large and small, and the remarkable and enduring mystery and myth of the building that transformed New York in 1913.The impact of this landmark architectural treasure was by no means certain when it opened  since train travel was in its infancy nor were the changes created by the renovation anticipated.  It has become a hub for the comings and goings of about 750,000 people a day.

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American Modern, Thomas O’Brien

/ March 13, 2013
A simple vanity with bracket feet is beautifully accessorized with personal objects neatly collected on a tray.

A simple vanity with bracket feet is beautifully accessorized with personal objects neatly collected on a tray.Slideshow

A dramatic serpentine front hand painted piece of furniture takes this all white bathroom to one that is truly exceptional.
A masculine bath using dark tile to make a dramatic statement.
The simple form of a wood washstand with its open storage makes a modern statement. The scale of this space is long and narrow, yet all of the elements seem to have enough space.
Vintage wire glass and hardware make wonderful accents in any space.
This is a well designed and practical bath. Clearly, there is adequate storage, a lovely place to perch and countless decorative elements. It is comfortable, white (my favorite bathroom color most of the time) sophisticated and refined.
The open shelves of the galley kitchen open ip the space . The 3 x 6 white ceramic backsplash tile have been installed with dark grout. That adds a bit of drama to the space.

Thomas O’Brien loves bathrooms. In each one of his baths there is a link between modern and traditional elements (traditional raised panel cabinetry and Aero fittings, for example). The spaces are comfortable and honest, highlight good structure and authentic details. He loves open shelves for the practicality of towel storage and the display of decorative objects as well as the appearance of open space. He is a great editor and taste maker.

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Finding Home

/ March 6, 2013
The steep roof pitch and arched doorway create an inviting opening into this textured stone house. The intersection of the peak and the flat roof line creates beautiful imagery.

The steep roof pitch and arched doorway create an inviting opening into this textured stone house. The intersection of the peak and the flat roof line creates beautiful imagery. Slideshow

This is a fabulous updated take on a Gothic style house. The shutters are great.
A lovely covered walkway with the feel of a pergola is welcoming.
A well dressed bath with beautiful linen curtains and strategically placed chair to keep towels and other amenities handy. The large scale random size flooring adds to the texture in this bath.
Classicism at its best. The arched doorway is framed by matching columns and topiary evergreens.
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One of the themes that is evident in all of McAlpine Tankersely's work is attention to detail and a lovely layering of materials, in this case down to the matching cat.
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A simply elegant still life.
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Informal dining with a slightly rustic table and comfortable chairs tucked into a bay window is a great way to start the day. I love the lamps on the table.
McAlpine Tankersley create the most inviting doorways. This informal entrance protrudes out to encourage you to enter. The red paint adds to the informality of the structure.

Several months ago I received a very small and precious book as a gift. It was the collaborative work of the design firm McAlpine Tankersley Architecture. Photographed in black and white, poetic and thoughtful, the book is a testament to their love of creating homes. The spirit of the firm is to build houses with references to the past and a nod to the future. Following is a post from Greg Tankersley:

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John Derain’s Renovation

/ February 27, 2013
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We all know and love John Derian for his outstanding tromp l’oil objects from trays to paper weights and dishes. Recently we had a peek into his new loft in New York published in T Magazine. He refers to the work done in his space as the the non-renovation renovation. He said the changes he made were  a series of small tweaks. His goal was to preserve and revere the spirit of the artists and garment works who were his predecessors in this loft. He remarked that the work that has been undertaken is merely an exceedingly subtle face-lift. Preserving the old floor boards and patched tin ceiling, matching new walls to the old will keep the spirit of the place alive.

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