What an idiot! At least I Admit It.

 

 

The other night I was breezing through the grocery store and stopped at the magazine section, which is a rare occurrence for me these days.  Ever since www.Zinio.com – the digital magazine company – started selling issues online, I subscribe to as many design magazines that are available via the computer.  It’s so easy!   The magazine comes directly to your laptop and stays there – no more mailing in subscriptions or schlepping across town to a book store.   And best of all – there are no longer enormous piles of old issues staring  at you while taking up precious storage space.  But it’s not all great in Zinioland.   You would think that the digital Zinio issue would arrive to your computer faster than the supermarket racks, right?   But there it was – the new December issues of House Beautiful and Veranda sitting on the grocery shelves, while Zinio still hasn’t updated my computer.  I must say that I was so proud of myself when I resisted the overwhelming temptation to buy those two issues anyway instead of waiting for Zinio to update.  But, I digress.  

What really caught my eye that night was the new Architectural Digest.   The cover looked so fresh and so, how do you say…un-Architectural Digest-ish.  I eagerly flipped through it and got all giddy!   Finally!!!!  Architectural Digest is back!!!  There were so many features that looked interesting I could hardly wait to run home and read it.  Wow.  I haven’t said that about an AD issue in years.  In fact, everyone has been so down on the magazine lately, including all three of us on the Skirted Roundtable, that I was eager to spread the word that AD’s new editor Margaret Russell’s touch is really evident.  So many of the houses in this issue look like they could have been in Elle Décor – the magazine that Margaret had headed up during its entirety. 

 

Former Elle Décor Editor Margaret Russell now on tap to head up Architectural Digest.

 

In case you were out of the country earlier this year, the magazine world was rocked when it was announced that Margaret was leaving Elle Décor for AD.  More shakeups was news that domino’s Dana Caponigro was coming to Veranda and Stephen Drucker was leaving House Beautiful for Town & Country.   Dara and Stephen’s influence on their new magazines has been subtle so far, changes haven’t seemed all that dramatic at either magazine – yet.  But, it’s all perception.  Still, Margaret at AD – wow, now that’s some change.  Looking at December’s issue, the differences are sooo obvious!  I just couldn’t wait to spread the good news.  Like I said - what an idiot!

Luckily before I printed this, I checked the Editor’s Page at Architectural Digest to discover that Margaret Russell hasn’t even taken over yet!  Her first AD issue won’t be until January!!!!   The egg on my face was dripping all over my computer.  All I could think was THANK GOD I checked that Editor’s Page!!!  I had totally forgotten that Margaret wouldn’t be at AD until January – the announcement had been made so many months ago.  I would have blabbed on and on about how WONDERFUL the new AD is because of Margaret Russell.   What a complete idiot!!!   Still, my assumption DOES tell me that the January issue is probably going to be fabulous, because the December is pretty damn good itself. 

 

First, there is this house by Stephen Sills that really got me blood pressure up.  Look at those WALLS!!!!  They are burlap!  Pattern painted on burlap!!!!   Can you believe that?!?!   Gorgeous.  And look – wall to wall carpet.   Over stairs – when was the last time you saw that – and how fresh is it?  It looks so warm and inviting.  And those two globes.  The lantern.  The mushroom family.   This is a library for this decade, young and sophisticated.   It’s hard to see but there is a banquette against the shelves on the right.   Notice the fabulous library table – just waiting to be opened and piled up on.    But, those WALLS!!!!!!  Gah!!!

 

 

Next, over in London, is this little townhouse by the incomparable Nicholas Haslam.   Owned by two art collectors, they wanted a home, not a cold contemporary museum.   I mean – is that just any painting over the mantel?   It’s a PICASSO!!!!!!!!!!!   I have never seen such a large Picasso handled so casually before.   And I love the color of the paneling – it looks like Iced Coffee.   Notice the chartreuse skirted table next to the fireplace.   The back to back sofas are divided by a console table that also picks up the chartreuse in the painting.  Light pink French chairs.   Total eye candy.   YUMMMMM.  

 

 

A closeup view of the fabrics:  I love how Haslam still unashamedly still uses those blowsy English chintz fabrics.  I adore the curtain fabric.  He says this room is in the spirit of Nancy Lancaster and he is so right.   That chair!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Then, there is this little guest room in London by Haslam.   Notice the French curve on the alcove.  Is there anything in life prettier than a Louis XV inspired curve?    I love his mix of the two fabrics.   He is wonderful. 

 

 

The next beauty is a beach house by Alexa Hampton in Bridgehampton NY.   Another view of what a library for a young family should look like.  Loving the striped rug and pillows.  So casual for a beach house, yet still sophisticated.  Not an easy mix to do right. 

 

 

 

Alexa Hampton:  Great kitchen.   But something about this kitchen seemed familiar?   Those chairs with their plaid half slips, the two lanterns.  Seem familiar?

 

 

Remember this blog famous kitchen in a showhouse?   The same exact chairs – with the same plaid half slips, similar double lanterns.   But it’s not the same house.   I wonder if the owners were influenced by this picture – or vice versa?

I thoroughly enjoyed this Architectural Digest even though it wasn’t edited by Margaret.  Now,  I can’t wait for her first issue next month.  I am so anxious to see her changes – I wonder what they will be?

 

 

And for more idiocy from moi!   Last month, I blasted the new Veranda.  I think I spoke too soon.   The new December/January issue to TO DIE FOR.   The cover story is a house in Houston designed by the incomparable MILES REDD!!!!  YES!!!  This must be the first house in Houston that Miles has done and it’s a stunner.  Look at those rich green walls, with tufted sapphire blue velvet.   That floor!!!   Veranda always has the best photographers and this Miles Redd story was snapped by the world’s best Fritz Von Der Schulenburg.   For once, we can finally see big, huge pictures of Miles’ interiors – bright and clear, every tiny detail visible.   What a rare treat.  

 

 

The Miles Redd Houston living room with stripes, icy blues, persimmon accents, chintzes, and a fabulous center table by John Rosselli Antiques.   Is there anyone out there that would or could do a fancy living room like this?   Every room Miles does is so different, so completely original and unique.   What a genius.   And what a coup that Veranda got this house.  

 

 

A peek at the Saladino house shown this month in Veranda.   The Master.

 

Also in this issue is a new project by John Saladino – worth the price of the issue alone, and another one by Vicente Wolf.   Stellar issue!  A keeper.   The only ho-hum is the house by Veere Greeney seen a few times before, but it’s such a fabulous project it’s worth the second glance.   Dara – you outdid yourself!!!   I could have cried over this issue!!! Fabulous!!

And a note to Cote de Texas readers:

 

 

Harrison Howard print – last week’s giveaway.

 

The Harrison Howard print giveaway is now history.   It was a great success – so many people entered it.  Be sure to visit his web site www.harrisonhoward.com if you are interested in purchasing one of his prints.

And – this week, I am having a NEW giveaway that will be the biggest ever.  EVER.   Think crystal, think lighting, think gilt.   

Look for it in the next few days.   You will be sooooo excited!!! I PROMISE you!  I can’t wait!!!!

NEW GIVEAWAY–HARRISON HOWARD CHINOISERIE PRINT!!!!!

 

Chinoiserie.   OK.   Don’t laugh.  Every time I try to say the word OUTLOUD on the Skirted Roundtable, Megan cracks up laughing.  Shin-wah-zer-eh.  I think.

Definition of CHINOISERIE

a style in art (as in decoration) reflecting Chinese qualities or motifs; also : an object or decoration in this style

Origin of CHINOISERIE

French, from chinois Chinese, from Chine China

First Known Use: 1883

 

The origin of Chinoiserie dates back to the 1600-1700s when imports from China and Japan were extremely popular (not much has changed in the world.)   At that time, owners of fancy houses sought out oriental lacquer, silk and porcelains brought back on ships from the mysterious Far East.     This much beloved art form, most associated with Louis XV,  peaked during the fanciful Rococo period: 1740 – 1770.    One of the earliest and most famous painters in this style was Jean-Baptiste Pillement, whose engravings still inspire today.   Scalamandre’s famous Pillement toile inspired by the artist is one example of his longevity.   Interest in Pillement’s drawings helped to sweep Chinoiserie through the upper classes.   Upscale mansions and castles had entire rooms dedicated to Chinoiserie design.  Whimsical Chinoiserie follies and pagodas were built in gardens throughout Europe and Russia.   Chinoiserie eventually lost popularity when Neoclassicism came into favor in response to Rococo’s frilly, feminine romanticism.

 

A rare and beautiful example of Chinoiserie:   This red lacquered chest from Paris, dates to 1740.  Gorgeous.

 

 

This beautiful corner cabinet is a period piece.  I love these when  used in a kitchen or powder room.  Babs Watkins once used these in the upper corners of a kitchen in Houston.  It was stunning.

 

 

 

A screen from the Chinoiserie period. 1st Dibs. 

 

 

An museum owed original tapestry by Jean-Baptiste Pillement.   Beautiful!!!!!

 

 

 

One of the more famous examples of a Chinoiserie interior is the Chinese Bedroom at Badminton House, Gloucestershire. The bedroom was completed in 1794, but in 1921, it was dismantled and sold off in pieces at Christie’s.    Another bed was built in the 1920s to replace the original, sold one.    Today the Victoria and Albert museum has recreated the famous bedroom.

 

 

The original Badminton Chinese bedroom mirror – bought by Doris Duke in 1965 and sold at Christie’s after her passing.   The mirror used in the Victoria and Albert museum is not this one – but similar. 

 

 

Interior designer Michael Smith recreated his own version of the Badminton bedroom with this pagoda styled bed. 

 

 

 

Another lavish example of Chinoiserie interior design is the Royal Pavilion at Brighton Palace, built for King George IV while he was still the Prince Regent.  While the exterior of the whimsical and exotic castle is Indian inspired, the main rooms inside are pure Chinoiserie.   Here the Banqueting Hall is shown in a painting.   Notice the large Chinoiserie figures painted along the walls. 

 

 

 

On the more famous of the Chinoiserie follies is the Great Pagoda located in Kew Gardens.  Built in 1762, there are 10 stories in the structure, each with its own Chinese styled roof.   The structure was reopened to the public in 2006. 

 

 

Built for Frederick II, the Potsdam Chinese Tea House is on the more important examples of Chinoiserie.  Notice the charming figure on the rooftop.

 

A look at the gorgeous paintings in the rotunda of the Potsdam Chinese House. 

 

 

 

 

Many of the original follies are no longer standing.   Some were designed, but never built.   In the 1990s, Michael and Dodo Cunningham-Reid bought 500 acres as a game sanctuary on the shores of Lake Naivasha, Kenya and built this nine story pagoda.  Originally, they lived there, but it now available to rent on holiday.   Amazing!

 

 

 

Today, Chinoiserie still influences interior design.   Alessandra Branca uses touches of it in many of her designs.  Here, in her NYC pied-a-terre, a large lacquered screen adds an element of Chinoiserie.    The low coffee table is also Oriental. 

 

 

In the same room, Branca uses a large 19th century Chinese armoire. 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, in another apartment, an 18th century armoire is retrofitted into a bar.   In the caption Branca describes the lacquering technique:  17 layers of lacquer, each a slightly different color, are added, after first being sanded.   What a gorgeous bar!

 

 

Here, Henrietta Spencer-Churchill uses a screen featuring the art work of Pillement. 

 

 

 

Here, one of a framed series of works by Jean-Baptiste Pillement.   Pillement is the best known artist of the Chinoiserie period and continues to be the most influential today.   Born in 1728, his work helped to spread the Rococo style throughout Europe.    His early art was mostly romantic landscapes and he quickly caught the eye of royalty such as Maria Theresa, Marie Antoinette, King Pedro III, and the King of Poland, whom he worked for, sometimes painting entire rooms.     He is most famous for his Chinoiserie drawings which  were also used on porcelains and potteries and tapestries.  He was quite prolific, and lived to be one month shy of 80.  

 

 

 

An original work of art by Pillement. 

 

An another. 

 

 

 

Here is a detailed close up of the previous painting.

 

 

Pillement is still relevant today – his influence is wide.  Scalamandre’s most popular toile, Pillement, is based on his work.  Here, a bedroom by Alessandra Branca is wallpapered and curtained in Pillement Toile.

 

 

Interior Designer Phillip Sides also used the beautiful flowing Pillement Toile in this bedroom.

 

 

Schloss Niederweiden – painted entirely by Pillement!

 

 

 

Thomas Corrigan used original works by Pillement in this incredible living room at his French estate.

 

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OK OK OK – I KNOW this is a giveaway.   I’m getting to the juicy part now!!!!!

 

 

 

One of my favorite prints by Harrison Howard is “The Fisherman.”

 

One artist today highly influenced by Pillement is Harrison Howard.   The son of a famous artist himself, Howard works out of San Diego where he paints the most wonderful, imaginative works of art.   Earlier in his career, he created murals, works of art and screens for the private houses of the rich and famous.  Some of the finest interior designers have hired him to create custom murals along with series of art works.    Today, his focus is more on smaller paintings, although he still takes on commissions.   I first saw Howard’s work on The Peak of Chic blog HERE and being that we are both the same age and both have only children of the same age,  Harrison and I  became prolific email friends.   Throughout countless discussions on design, child rearing and college choices, I had my eye on his wonderful art.  It took me a while to decide exactly which one I wanted, but I finally picked out four of his famous Chinoserie prints.   His art work entices.   At first glance, it appears to be serious work until you look closely at the details and realize how whimsical they  are:   an Oriental beekeeper – working underwater amid all the corals AND blue and white porcelains, his basket filled with shells but no fish!    Howard states that Pillement is an important influence in his work and that is easily seen, though Howard’s work seems more suited for today.   His technique and ability is formidable.   His imagination and talent fills up the canvas – leaving one wondering how does he conjure up these images????  Where do these ideas come from?   They are so fanciful, so innovative – so charming.   I gush.  

Harrison Howard has a wonderful web site, set up for easy perusal of his many works of art.   This week Howard is offering a 25% discount on all his limited prints.   AND, Cote de Texas readers have the chance to win a print of their choice!!!! 

 

 

Another personal favorite – “The Astronomer”

 

 

 

 THE GIVEAWAY – DETAILS:

To enter this giveaway – all you have to do is go to www.harrisonhoward.com and pick out a print you like best.  Come back to the comment section and let me know what you  picked!  I will choose a winner this Friday at 11:59 p.m. – so hurry up!!!!   

 

 

 

OMG!!!!   I could just die over how much I love this!!!!!  Notice the prints under the pens!    The characters walking out of the book – coming to life!!!  Whoa!  How does he think up these scenes??!!!

MY BEDROOM WITH MY OWN FOUR HARRISON HOWARD PRINTS:

 

My bedroom – facing the bed is an armoire where I wanted to hang the Howard prints.

 

 

 

On the opposite wall- besides the armoire, are the four prints, two on each side.  It’s impossible to get a picture of all four together!

 

 

 

 

Looking at the other side.

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REMEMBER:   To enter the giveaway for the Harrison Howard print, go to the website www.Harrisonhoward.com and pick out your favorite print.  Come back here and tell me which one you want in the comment section.   You have until midnight Friday – so hurry!!!!  AND remember also – that all prints are now on sale at 25% off.

 

And, Harrison – a huge thank you for your generosity!!!!!!!   Thank you so very very much!!!