living with statuary ~ part two

“In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.” ~ Michelangelo Buonarroti

Wishing you a joyous weekend!

John Saladino

Juan Pablo Molyneux

Lars Bolander

Luis Bustamante

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard

Meichi Peng

Richard Shapiro

Robert Couturier

Studio Ko

Suzanne Rheinstein

William Frawley

William Sofield

Windsor Smith

Yves Saint Laurent

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william sofield

How is it that some interiors instantly take your breath away…it’s a visceral reaction that happens without forethought, void of deep analysis or discussion, it takes your senses by storm and fills you with nothing but pure bliss…the images I post on “a thoughtful eye” are moments that offer me an emotional reaction…a visual sensation that connects to my soul…I’m always so pleased to be able to share this experience with you…I hope that you too have a similar experience, even if for a moment…

“Known for his unique take on modernism, William Sofield believes that design must not only look good but live well. His holistic approach, grounded on craft and materials, creates highly original, compelling, and welcoming spaces. He founded Studio Sofield in 1996 as an interdisciplinary design collective, integrating landscape, residential, retail, corporate, hospitality, and furniture design. Sofield’s projects have included more than 900 retail boutiques around the world for Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta, Yves St. Laurent, and Gucci as well as the SoHo Grand Hotel in New York.” ~ National Design Awards 2010, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum

photos from William Sofield

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a new tradition

I thought it might be interesting to start a new tradition for my Sunday post…I have notebooks filled with clippings of my all time favorite interiors and would love to share some of these memorable homes with you…so starting today, Sunday posts will feature an oldie but a goodie…timeless interiors I have lovingly filed away that may not be available for viewing online…a Sunday inspiration to end the week and start anew!

My first Sunday favorite features the masterful William Sofield‘s Manhattan pied-a-terre filled with his personal treasures from two centuries…

above, Beloved pieces by Jean-Michael Frank, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Louis Majorelle live comfortably together in the light filled living room. Earth tones, gilded accents, and rich textures set the room aglow

below, Sofield designed two banquettes for over night guests, the fireplace is original to the Civil War era brownstone, the silk and wool carpet is designed by Solfield as are the luxurious cashmere draperies

below, The brilliant mirrored screen, designed by Sofield, serves as his headboard

below, William Sofield sits fireside under one of two panels painted by the Italian opera director Franco Zeffirelli

below, An art deco desk sits below wall panels from the legendary ocean liner Ile de France; antique chinese bells and an old football are displayed on a Sofield bookcase for Baker

below, A Fortuny lamp hangs from the arch over his own table and gilded “butler’s cabinet” (for Baker)

photos and resources from Met Home, May 2006

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