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Art to Interior
I love art. I considered curatorial studies for a time while in college. During my first exhibit installation, however, I broke two large glass plates protecting a famous photographer’s work. I concluded pretty quickly that “this is probably not for me”. Still, my love affair continued well into my interior design degree and career. There is almost no genre or medium that I don’t appreciate in some way. A 1982 kinetic sculpture and an oil portrait from the 19th century can both stir my senses. It follows then that artwork sometimes informs my designs.
THE STARTING POINT
Essie, Ruby and Ferdinand – Children of Asher Wertheimer, 1902
It’s hard to not love Sargent. His oil paintings are lush, moody and undeniably beautiful. I chose this work as a jumping off point for a media principal’s office for its sophistication and intimacy.
THE INTERPRETATION
The idea here is art as muse. I pulled what spoke to me – the colors, tones, textures and emotions. My design is an interpretation of the painting, not a copy of it.
Our client’s office is entered by way of an anteroom. The space is a waiting area for visitors and serves as a buffer between her office and the staff workplace. The finish selections and air of elegance are derived from the Sergent painting. But as this is a modern woman’s office and a Huntley & Co. interior, we changed tack by mixing genres and funking up certain elements.
– plan & anteroom elevations –
– office elevations –
Our client is a businesswoman and loving mother. She is worldly, feminine and capable – someone who is both interesting and interested. Her combination of sophistication, warmth and strength is part of what has made her a success in her field. With that in mind, we imbued her workspace with a similar sensibility and furnished it with antiques, modern European pieces and an impressive art collection. We think Mrs. Asher Wertheimer would have approved.
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Tableaux
There are only two things in this world of which I will never tire. One, cute animals. And two, vignettes. It’s true, nothing snaps me out of a bad mood faster than a cleverly styled tabletop or an otter eating lettuce on Youtube. Vignettes I love because they can be pulled together in minutes. I love them because everyday things – a branch from the yard, a child’s toy, a vintage teacup – always make them more interesting. I love them because they have personality. I love them because they’re artistic and inspirational. I love them because they make me happy … even sans otter.
A favorite vignette from my LA trip this spring.
Richard Holley | McAlpine, Booth & Ferrier
Lorenzo Castillo
Huntley & Co. (L&R) | Peter Vitale (center)
Huntley & Co. | Ellen DeGeneres
Jean-Louis Deniot
Huntley & Co. (L&R) | Elle Décor (center)
Elsie de Wolfe | David Hicks
Alexandra Kidd
Huntley & Co. | Ernesto Pigni
Sunday morning at chez Huntley | The National Museum of American History in DC
Darryl Carter | Lucinda Wharton | Horsch Interiors
Best tableau ever by A. Shaw Antiques at Highpoint.
Drop by the Luxe & Lucid Pinterest page for dozens of other gorgeous, brilliant vignettes.
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THE AD DESIGN SHOW :: TRICIA’S 10
I spent the day at the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York on Friday. It’s always good to see what’s new, talk with vendors and “kick the tires” so to speak. Seeing the finish/scale/construction of products in person is integral to quality control and intelligent design. And, of course, it’s fun. I’ve shared ten best picks — whether it be a specific piece or an entire collection — and why each was worth a closer look.
#1 Van Cronenburg
I am passionate about hardware and this company is stellar. Substance and exquisite detail in every piece.
#2 A Space Wall Sconce
All of the products from A Space – lighting, furniture, vases – are beautiful, but the Falling Star lamp was a show-stopper. It will undoubtedly make a lot of “it lists”.
#3 Archetypal
In a perfect world, Archetypal’s work would be on the floors of every home in America. A designer can dream.
#4 Jennifer Schinzing
Jennifer’s love for the natural world inspired her to learn taxidermy. She preserves small animals (many of them road kill casualties) and transforms them into art installations. The thoughtfulness and beauty of each “memorial” was remarkable. Take note world, SHE IS ONE TO WATCH.
#5 Visilek
This cabinet was perfection. The veneers, the joints, the mechanics, the proportions were all flawless. Filipe Rodrigues’ work is masterful.
#6 Brizio Faucet
The Brizio Solna faucet. It’s black, it’s functional, it’s sexy … and it’s plumbing. Gotta’ love it.
#7 Jefferson Hayman Photography
I never jumped on the gallery-style art installation bandwagon in design. Perhaps because often times it’s just a bunch of crap thrown up on the wall (yes, I just wrote that). But Jefferson Hayman’s installation at the AD Design Show was simply lovely. The collection was intimate, multi-faceted and beautifully framed. Purchasing the entire installation crossed my mind … and I think that of the gentleman in the photo (yes, I was eaves-dropping).
#8 Coral & Tusk
I’m a sucker for animal motifs, so naturally I was drawn to Coral & Tusk’s display. But what’s lovely about these goods is that the patterns are cute without being saccharine. The imagery is grounded by the quality and authenticity of the textiles. Moreover, Stephanie Housley was delightful; her enthusiasm and love for her work was evident.
#9 Joya’s F vs. S Candles
These candles may seem simple, but something about them caught my eye. They whispered [vs. shouted] sexy and luxurious — my personal sweet spot without a doubt. I inquired about an order at the show and pretty much want to purchase the whole collection of fragrances upon seeing the website.
![porcelain-joya[1]](https://luxeandlucidblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porcelain-joya11-1024x808.jpg)
#10 C&B at Dining by Design
Believe it or not, I am including Crate & Barrell in this list. Their dining room for DIFFA included a brilliant wall “art” installation. How many plates were broken to create this I don’t know. But what fun and how tongue-in-cheek. Kudos C&B.
*All photos are my own save the two that are hyperlinked. Thank you for sharing your beautiful images with our readers.
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Mad About Macabre
Although it may not be very “PC”, the creepy, scary side of life can be pretty titillating at times.
CSI and Twilight have millions of fans for a reason – the macabre is fascinating. It's fun to
dive into the dark side of life, especially for the straight-laced among us. Sure, we like our
structured, polished lives. But something about the morbid and sinister gets the skin tingling.
So here’s to being a little naughty at least once a year. Go ahead, get your freak on!
Blackman Cruz is an L.A. based firm that specializes in eccentric objects and furniture.The Bronze Skull lamp is one of their original and most famous designs. It was the
frontrunner of what became the skull trend pandemic of the last several years.
Their bronze Bat Incense Burner below is even more unconventional.
Taxidermy - cute or creepy? This little fella is an antique rabbit from London.
He has a happy home at And Beige in Adams Morgan.
Baker furniture is currently reproducing several pieces from the collection of the
incomparable Tony Duquette. The Gold Toad was one of his most intriguing designs –
a cast skeletal sculpture plated in 24K gold. The 2009 version doesn't have emerald (!)
eyes like the original, but it's still just as coveted. In fact, Gold Toads have been
stolen from showrooms in both DC and New York. Tony would be shocked!
Yes, spooky and chic can go hand in hand.
Spider Cuffs by Jessica Kagan Cushman and Jet Drop Skull Earrings by Bettina Louise.
I discovered the work of Jim Fiscus because I'm a fan of Dexter (see more on that below). His photography
is both irreverent and flawless – an unusual combination that makes for gorgeous, intoxicating images.
I saw a powerful exhibit titled "Art, Genius and Madness" at the Santa Maria
della Scala museum in Siena this summer. It explored the connection
between artistic genius and insanity and featured a collection of paintings,
drawings and sculptures spanning 300 years. Beautiful, provocative and
often disturbing, the exhibit was like nothing I have ever seen.
A haunting painting by Enrico Colombotto Rosso.
"Concert in an Egg" (1550) by Hieronymus Bosch. The Dutch artist's
paintings are recognizable for their bizarre and disturbing subject matter.
Busts by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt from his "character heads"
series (1770) depicting contorted facial expresssions.
Not included in the Siena exhibit, but a painting that always frightens me.
"Saturn Devouring His Son" by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya (1819).
My favorite macabre activity is watching scary movies. I can't get enough. And when better to sit down,
dim the lights and curl up with a terrifying flick than Halloween? Below are ten of my favorite fright fests.
Psycho (1960)
The Birds (1963)
Excorcist (1973)
Jaws (1975)
Alien (1979)
Poltergeist (1982)
Aliens (1986)
The Ring (2002)
Hostel (2005)
The Strangers (2008)
And for those of us who like to get our regular fix of brilliant gore, there's Dexter.
The series is smart, humorous and completely addictive. If you don't subscribe to
Showtime, you can download episodes instantly through Netflix.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM LUXE & LUCID!
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