balance and composition

Think of today as an encore performance ~ one that features yet another breathtaking NYC home designed by Vicente Wolf…his eye for balance and composition is that of a painter and his canvas…light and dark, soft and hard, rough and smooth, linear and curved…he creates a living work of art

“I believe you can find your own style simply by becoming conscious of the things that bring you pleasure. The path to wisdom, it has been said, is self-knowledge. You can cultivate your own likes and experiences – the colors in a favorite painting, the textures of shells discovered on a beach – and translate these pleasures into the design of your own home. I am encouraging not imitation, but independence.” ~ an excerpt from Learning to See by Vicente Wolf

photos from Vicente Wolf

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the luxury of minimalism

Hats off to Margaret Russell and the entire team at Architectural Digest for enhancing their web presence with larger photos, personal interviews, and wonderful video content! After reading my July 2012 issue of AD, I was thrilled to discover some delicious extras on the AD site! To supplement the Vicente Wolf article and photos, archdigest.com added a Q & A along with a brilliant video interview! I was lifted to new heights! The video offered me a priceless look into the eyes of the designer…seeing his expressive face and hearing his thoughtful voice was a more powerful and memorable experience than I could have imagined…thank you AD! I can’t wait to see what else you have up your sleeve!

The photos in today’s post are from the July 2012 issue of AD and feature a glorious 3,200 square foot apartment in downtown Manhattan overlooking the Hudson River…designer Vicente Wolf worked closely with his clients to create a space that is both luxurious and minimal ~ custom-made sofas, upholstered in a VW Home mohair, mingle with a pair of 18th century Chinese horseshoe-back armchairs…a soothing palette of gray, beige and taupe unify the space and echo the natural hues of sky and water…floating arrangements of seating create a sense of openness and calm…worn textures play with pristine new finishes…

Wolf’s masterful approach transformed this high rise apartment into a one-of-a-kind oasis…balanced, beautiful, inviting and luxurious, it embodies all that his clients hoped for and so much more…please enjoy!

photography by Pieter Estersohn for AD

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I walk without flinching…

“I walk without flinching through the burning cathedral of the summer. My bank of wild grass is majestic and full of music. It is a fire that solitude presses against my lips.” ~ Violette Leduc, Mad in Pursuit

Willow ~ Paul Gauguin, 1885

Landscape at Pont-Aven ~ Paul Gauguin, 1886

Pont-Aven woman and child ~ Paul Gauguin, 1886

Apple-Trees in Blossom ~ Paul Gauguin, 1879

Abandoned garden in Rouen ~ Paul Gauguin, 1884

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watermelon

Few tastes compare to a sweet, ripe watermelon…last night, I devoured a few heavenly slices and it left me wanting more! Tonight, I thought I would try this lovely and very simple recipe by Stella Metsovas…if you don’t have feta on hand, you could substitute with goat cheese, ricotta or even queso fresco (all delicious alternatives!)…also, I might add a drizzle of aged balsamic or extra-virgin olive oil…yum! Let me know if you try it and what you think!

1 whole seedless watermelon
3 ounces french-style feta
Handful fresh basil

Cube the watermelon in 1″ cubes and set aside. Drain the feta. Using a sharp knife, cut the feta in small pieces. Assemble the cubed watermelon on a plate, scattering the feta pieces around the watermelon. Finally, tear the pieces of basil, dressing the dish with the basil.

photograph from families.com

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storm clouds

As the sky darkened, I wandered down to the farm to capture the ever changing cloud formations…there is nothing like a summer storm…so much beauty and expression…wishing you a happy weekend!

storm clouds over Busa Farm ~ photography by danielle boudrot for a thoughtful eye

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diamond jubilee

What an exciting time for London! Last spring, the world watched as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tied the knot, this week, we celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and next month, all eyes will be on London for the 2012 Summer Olympics! May these beautiful photographs from The Telegraph transport you to this happy place!

“The events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience. It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere. I hope that memories of all this year’s happy events will brighten our lives for many years to come. I will continue to treasure and draw inspiration from the countless kindnesses shown to me in this country and throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you all.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II from her televised address

below ~ Diamond Jubilee Street Parties

photos from The Telegraph

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royal mail stamp rugs

In celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, Royal Mail Stamp Rugs produced two limited edition rugs replicating Royal Mail’s commemorative stamp series ~ the Diamond Jubilee Wilding (left) and the Diamond Jubilee Machin (right)…featuring scalloped edges which mimic the perforations on Royal Mail Postage Stamps, each rug is individually hand carved to create a stunning 3D effect…I hear the Queen herself owns one of these beauties! Enjoy!

above ~ Diamond Jubilee Stamp Series – Royal Mail Stamps (limited edition)

below ~ Machin Definitive Stamp Series – Royal Mail Stamps

top photo by danielle boudrot, all other photos from Stamp Rugs

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“design lives for the people in it” ~ marcel wanders

Fascinated by the man behind the design of The Crochet Chair, I decided to research the work and life of Marcel Wanders…while digging, I found a wonderful video that I thought you might enjoy! Filmed back in April of 2009 by gestalten.com, Wanders takes the viewer on an intimate journey, exposing his innermost thoughts on dreams and design…my favorite quote from the video is the title of this post, “design lives for the people in it”…simply brilliant!

to watch this inspiring video, click here

The photos in today’s post are of design projects featured in the video…the first three photos are of the Mondrian South Beach Hotel and the bottom three photos are from Westerhuis in Amsterdam…enjoy!

“Dutch designer Marcel Wanders is undeniably one of the most prolific and celebrated international designers today, with his theatrical approach to design, being both decorative and minimal. He has garnered fame through his ingenious talent, turning conceptual visions into stunning products and dazzling environments by fusing cutting-edge technology, artistry and a love of the bizarre. The designer handmakes the mass-produced and gives flesh to fantasy in his opulently illustrated first monograph Marcel Wanders: Behind the Ceiling published by Gestalten, which marks its European release this month. We met up with him in Miami where he spoke about his design for the Mondrian South Beach Hotel and at Westerhuis, the newly opened cultural flagship in Amsterdam – home to his new office, Moooi showroom and a host of creative businesses, where he narrates for us his imaginative ideas about identity and contemporary design.” ~ from gestalten.com

above ~ Mondrian South Beach Hotel

below ~ Westerhuis, Amsterdam

photos from Marcel Wanders

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robert couturier ~ manhattan modern

“Although what I usually do is very different from what she wanted, she recognized that I have a demanding eye and a knowledge of design…I always love and welcome a challenge.” ~ Robert Couturier

This spectacular Manhattan home was designed by the one and only Robert Couturier and is featured in the June 2012 issue of Elle Decor…to enhance your ED experience, I’m posting additional photos from Robert Couturier’s website that feature spaces and angles we don’t get to see on the pages of ED…I always enjoy a closer look!

The design of this light-filled, glass tower embraces the clean, modern aesthetic his client was looking for yet is sublimely sophisticated, graceful and elegant…what could quickly turn cold and sterile, feels warm and welcoming…Couturier’s brilliant choice of furnishings and art, and where they are positioned in the space, enhance the breathtaking city views and encourage long conversations…my favorite piece is the stunning Marcel Wanders Crochet Chair (pictured above)…the grid-like windows and natural light provide the perfect backdrop for its delicate pattern and curvaceous form…I would never tire from that artful composition!

To read the ED article, click here

photos from Robert Couturier

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an orchid study

I’ve been enjoying this exquisite orchid for the past few weeks…today, I decided it was time to capture its beauty and share it with you…

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

photography by danielle boudrot for a thoughtful eye, 6/1/12

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