the595project

Sunday, November 9, 2014

The Torso

I've just returned from a multi-state buying trip and one of my favorite finds is a torso sculpture. Elegantly carved and beautifully shaped, the form is strong yet simple. It got me thinking about the history of the torso and I was intrigued to see that Vincent Van Gogh produced an image “Plaster Statuette of Female Torso" in 1886. As well, there is the Auguste Rodin, Paris. It brings to light that great design lives forever.

I've included several photographs for you to admire and the design theme traverses contemporary to traditional. The rooms are inspirational, unique and clever. I am sure that the audacious yet romantic shape of the torso will continue to be one introduced in to projects for a long time to come.

Vincent Van Gogh

Auguste Rodin

Sorry, our great hand carved Walnut Torso has sold!...

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

Elegance is gone...

I am on a buying trip so my blog post for last week was delayed due to traveling. While on the road, I heard the news that the world lost one of the most elegant men in the fashion world. Oscar de la Renta died at the age of 82 this past Monday. In honor of him, I thought I'd re-post the story I wrote a few months ago. I promise to get a new post out soon but in the mean time I hope you enjoy the experience I had with this lovely man.

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Originally posted June 10th, 2014:

I've always loved flowers. I’m forever creating arrangements from what I see outside and blending the natural greens and branches with whatever I have on hand that comes fresh from the market. I look forward to the time when Peonies come in to season. They are one of my all-time favorites.

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working for Oscar de la Renta. He was in Seattle Washington to personally introduce his collection for Spring at Fredrick and Nelson. He graciously greeted every girl that would be walking the runway showing his beautiful pieces. He shook everyone’s hand and introduced himself. Slowly and thoughtfully he traveled down the line up of models. The room where we met him had a huge flower arrangement of Peonies that was simply breathtaking. It was quite something to see! His charm made a big impression on me and I became a huge fan after that experience. As a result, I started following him and his brand has developed into many other categories. His life clearly is one filled with beautiful things. Now, whenever I see Peonies, I think of him and the beautiful blossoms I saw that day.

These following pictures are to pay homage to Mr. de la Renta and his sense of style and of course to the tender, fragile and delicate perfection of Peonies.

Oscar de la Renta Peonies Dress

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Sunday, October 5, 2014

I love Shinny Things...

I've had this post nearly completed for over a week and for one reason or another, I just couldn't quite close the gap! I am happy to bring it to you today and give a nod to October being Breast Cancer Awareness month.

I think every proprietor of collectible and eclectic furnishings has regretted letting something go. Mine is an easy standout and it was one of the first things I purchased for the595project. I found an incredible art piece in Tucson Arizona at Augustus Paris Antiques. It was a large chrome wall panel that was purchased in Paris at the iconic Street Fair. I fell in love with it and purchased it for my shop. As soon as I got it home I received a call from the owner asking me if I’d consider selling it to her sister! Roberta, the owner of Augustus Paris explained that her sister was just sick over it being gone and would love to have it for her home in Texas. I agreed to sell it and off it went to the Longhorn State!

After talking with the new owner of the chrome piece that I really didn't want to sell, she told me she owned a Chateau in Paris where she spends a fair amount of time. Chateau Robert, her amazing place is available for rent and all the sudden a light went on! I was on the Founding Board of BIGHORN BAM, which supports women fighting the battle of breast cancer and every year we have an auction. I asked Sabrina, the owner of the Chateau, if she would donate her lovely place as an auction item for our fund raising event. She agreed and it was a big success!

I've never seen another single item that comes close to this remarkable chrome piece. I guess the good ending gives me tremendous pleasure. I've collected several other looks for this blog featuring chrome to inspire you and of course I have a photo of the one that got away!

Don’t forget that October is the month to schedule your mammogram...

The one that got away...

Milo Baughman Chrome Sofa

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Visionaries

I have to say that I really do STILL get excited when I see abounding talent. This group from Chicago is pretty impressive and I think when you see all the photos you will be inspired, and you will want to throw everything out and start over! Let me introduce you to PROjECTS Interiors.

Aimee Wertepny is the design visionary and has been given the moniker of “Provocateur”. I read from the website her design philosophy and I love that she has inserted, "organic-glam mash up of texture, color and high contrast", as a description of her design intellect. The body of work from this firm is intoxicating and the entire gang has an edgy feel and a risky take on interior design. How fun is that!

Another visionary that caught my eye is Jennifer Lissner. She is the “Renegade” of the firm and is known for never being satisfied with the obvious answer. This is fundamentally the backbone of successful interior design, in my view. Then when you add in her other steadfast characteristic which is a penchant for rule breaking, well then we have an outside the box mindset that breeds success. The entire team as described under the title of visionaries on their website clearly have talents that are unique and fundamental to the firm’s success. Check them all out!

PROjECT Interiors work is featured in the August/ September issue of Interiors Magazine and I've included photos from that project. In fact, the opening shot is the one that caught my eye. I've gone on to include others from that project, as well as examples from many other interiors they have managed.

I am inspired and my hope is that all of you will find something in this body of work that knocks you off your feet. I have a feeling the girls would love that!