Inspiration: A Quilt Exhibit

November 10, 2013

Slideshow

I went to the Katonah Museum of Art (a short 20-minute ride from my house) to see a delightful and unique exhibit of quilts. Actually, I dashed over there after the TV show “Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood” aired a piece about this exhibition.  It had great commentary by the guest curator, Jean Burks, Chief Curator at the Shelburne Museum. It was clear that not only did I need to see Beyond the Bed: The American Quilt Evolution, but also share my impressions of this visually and historically rich exhibition.

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Inspiration: Metropolitan Museum of Art Islamic Wing

November 9, 2013

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I recently went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to revisit the Islamic Wing now called Art of the Arab Lands. I am always inspired by color, texture and pattern and what better place to find it than in the magnificent woven textiles, painted pottery, wood carvings and hammered metal from the various Islamic dynasties and empires. The collections range in chronology from the 7th century Damascus and Baghdad to Moorish Spain, the Ottoman Empire and 16th century South Asia. It could easily take days or weeks to study the collections and my few pictures are merely meant to whet your appetite to have a look for yourself.

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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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