Muriel Brandolini: Part Two

Last week I posted about Muriel Brandolini's new book,

and we looked at pics of her townhouse from 1997, 2006, and now.

They were a testament to how her style has evolved over the years.

It's refreshing to see a designer refusing to be pigeon-holed into one style,

so often designer's become known for one look, and find themselves stuck in repetition.

Although she has morphed out of the haute hippie look,

with less layering and less detail,

her work has lost none of it's interest and relaxed vibe.

I prefer her current pared-down aesthetic,

it allows her spectacular pieces room to breathe.

I'm sure you've seen this serene hallway before...

it's floated around quite frequently -

but how about the rest of the Southampton space?

It's all about color gradation here, 

 analogous color in varying intensity makes for a visually soothing environment.

The hits of black and grey here bring the tv into the room.

The black screen could almost be an art installation presented in this way, couldn't it?

an office remains airy with a fretwork desk,

a medley of books is made cohesive and showcased with clever shelving.

You may think Muriel Brandolinin is all about color, but

this Chelsea apartment shows how well she can work neutrals.

The ethereal bedroom is so soft and dreamy, all the in the palest creams and taupes,

but the sculptural lighting (a signature) and modernist lavender chair keep the room fresh.

I'm kind of in love with that bed!

The living room layers in more purple tones, and the teal and yellow greens also begin to appear.

Those coffee tables are fantastic, aren't they?

They take up so little space visually, but offer heaps of tablespace and sparkle.

The dining rooms playful walls transform a boxy space into a gently flowing one.

I'm sure you've seen this dining room before!

So much sheen here.

The silk of the chairs, that spectacular gilded screen and chandelier,

 and the reflective base and top of this table 

really makes the space feel almost otherwordly...

Here is the Upper East Side living room that goes along with it.

The upholstered panels ground and offer a focal point for this space.

Again, such interesting tables!

You don't see it here, but that banquette continues down the length of the wall,

an unique take on the traditional sofa.

One of her more recent projects in the Upper West Side

included a sumptuous daybed (another signature) in the master bedroom.

It's located off the main living space, 

where custom embroidered upholstery surrounds the custom "propeller" table -

(custom being the common denominator in most of her spaces!!)

From here you can view the entrance hall.

Walls are upholstered in custom (there it is again!) fabric 

adorned with beaded letters (a la her own dining room)

which spell out the lyrics to Loving Cup by the Rolling Stones.

Always, always an original.

Muriel Brandolini has had a fabric collection with Holland and Sherry for years... 

more currently she has an exclusive collection for sale at Barneys.....

(primarily beaded pieces, she has transitioned from embroidery to beading)

and the release of her book on the 11th

 is accompanied by an auction by Phillips de Pury & Company,

titled "The World of Muriel Brandolini".

She states, 

"My aim for this sale and exhibition

 is to transport people into my dream world.

 My hope is that they realize that there are no rules to follow

 and that a great design piece is great no matter the era or designer...

 what matters is it's beauty and integrity."

Truly one of the greats, non?

ps - almost finished the revamp of Tash's room -

if we get some sun here in the next couple of days I'll snap some pics and share...

it's a bit wild in there - we've just used up an entire spray can of neon paint :)

Resolution Week: Number 2, Continue Building a Home Library

Last year I decided to begin collecting (and reading!) the classics,

with the hope that building a family library will encourage my darlings to read them in later years.

I stumbled on a list of the "must-reads" one day and 

realized my literary world was shockingly lacking.

Apparently, Apartment Therapy's Big Book and The Selby in Your Space haven't made the list yet,

although they are definitely required reading in my books - yours?!

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So the reading/collecting began.

Found vintage copies of The Iliad and The Odyssey (bound in pea green :)

and was happily immersed in Penelope and Ulysses love.

The Twilight Series followed, 

which aren't really on the list but I justified because Natasha wanted to read them, 

and I always read her books first to make sure they are appropriate.

Which means we also read the entire Harry Potter series this year!

Plowed through The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and 

the Complete Tales and Poems by Edgar Allen Poe

 although they are completely not my cup of tea.

I must admit, those required healthy doses of art and design books sprinkled in...

Reminisced with Holden Caulfield and Heathcliff..

read and re-read Memoirs of a Geisha, and re-read A Woman of Substance,

both of which are on my required reading list.

Then I began The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

Some progress was beginning to be made on that front by the holidays.

I was planning a bit of a break this year, 

thinking that perhaps I could alternate years of design books and classics...

then the kids gave my their presents.

Each picked out by them.

 The Complete Works (see a trend here?!)

of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Arthur Conan Doyle.

Okay :)

If you are interested in putting together your own library,

there are some great starting points here and here.

til next time..

Yea or Nay: Bookshelf Wallpaper?

This weeks Yea or Nay is bookshelf wallpaper.

On the plus side, it's a space saver, and adds interest when you don't actually have loads of books to display.

On the flip side, it just keeps bringing me back to those incredibly tacky huge sunset murals...

Where do you stand?

Tracy Kendall has created three: The Paperback

I could see this in a mostly white, slightly retro coffeeshop.

     
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The Magazine Version -  I have PLENTY of these around already - and I'm pretty sure you do, too!

The Stack Version 

Here is a flocked paper - over black panelling - maybe in a hallway?

Bookshelf Classics Vintage Wallpaper

I quite like the cheeky name of this one - "Genuine Fake Bookshelf"

Deborah Bowness

Looks great off-set with a bit of juicy orange or red..

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Rich mossy green velvet and bright navy carpet?!! Love it! 

Oh yes, the paper... it serves as art here, really. 

Hmm, this space may have me skipping over to the yea side..

For all you Belgium Linen lovers out there, an understated version from Y&B..

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I still prefer the real thing!

I suppose we can't all be lucky enough to have this...

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But most of us can manage something like this..

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What about you? Could you see any of those bookshelf papers in your home?

til next time..


(Hopefully tomorrow the Pixel Project post will be up - we had company drop in twice this weekend!
It was wonderful, we caught up with some old friends over wine and had a great visit with family :)

Ahhhh... books

Are you doing your last minute shopping?

You are not alone! Many people are still searching for that "perfect present" for their loved ones.

artsjournal.com

The best present is just down the road at your local bookstore.  Whether for children, teens, adults or seniors, books offer immediate enjoyment.  Books can be keepsakes, proudly displayed for years to come, or traded in at Used Bookstores for other books down the road.  There is no batteries, no waste, just a chance for you to give the gift of knowledge, escapism,  beauty, inspiration, laughter - whatever you choose.

Besides, is there anything more lovely in a Home than books?  They are so personal, so revealing about the Person that lives there. I think a room without books or art is like a person without a soul, empty. They are so beautiful on display, and provide endless hours of enjoyment.

The iconic Billy Bookshelf, from Ikea:

ikea.ca

These can easily be built in for a high-end, custom look:

chezlarsson.com

Here is another beauty, from Ikea, perfect for a more Modern look or a room divider.

ikea.ca

Another Modern Option, this Beautiful Bookcase from Opus Yoo is art and storage in one:

  opusyoo

Tight on space? Use your Halls! Here a Bookcase welcomes you in:

homesweethome

Heaven! Books as Architechture -an entire wall of books becomes part of this home:

scatteredwords

And finally, Books as Art - Witty Art:

equation Marcos Breder

 I could go on and on. 

Now I feel the sudden urge to organize my own bookshelf!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!