The Ruins of Detroit
I’m very excited to be visiting Detroit for the first time, so I went back to look at the incredible photos taken by Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre for their book The Ruins of Detroit. It’s hard to believe that they could exist in 21st century America, although if you’ve seen The Omega Man, with Charlton Heston cruising a trash-strewn deserted downtown Los Angeles in a convertible, it doesn’t seem so farfetched. Along with Soylent Green and Planet of the Apes, a great triple-bill of Heston starring late sixties/early seventies cheesy (in a good way) post-apocalyptic sci-fi.
On a more positive note, there is a lot of exciting urban renewal and creative activity going on in Detroit that I’m looking forward to checking out, such as the Russell Industrial Center, a massive former factory complex that has been converted into a hub for artists, craftsmen, designers and small manufacturers.
Berlin (not Cleveland)
What a beautiful office in the Berlin home of film director and producer Jan Schmidt-Garre. Chief Wahoo approves.
More at Freunde von Freunden
High Contrast
Striking image by photographer Richard Powers, taken in the New York home of designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg. The strong perspective and bright light draw you in, but the high contrasts of light/heavy, smooth/rough, and shiny/dull in the furnishings are what bring it to life. Divine.
Understated Trompe-l’oeil
Trompe-l’oeil painting dates back to Greek and Roman times. Throughout history it has been in and out of fashion in interior design, having its most recent surge of popularity in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Fashion designer Martin Margiela has utilized it to great effect in his design of the La Maison Champs Elysees hotel in Paris. He had rooms painted in a subtle gray on white trompe-l’oeil, adding character and a touch of understated elegance to the otherwise simple rooms. It goes to show that sometimes a little can go a long way.
Worlds Collide
These wonderful images are a not so subtle reminder of the importance that context plays in design. A Swan Sofa by Arne Jacobsen and Air-Chairs by Jasper Morrison in fuchsia and orange brighten up a Gothic Cathedral and a drab canteen. Cleverly conceived by Suzy Hoodless for Selfridges.
Brazilian Greenhouse
Here’s another fresh take on indoor/outdoor living, Brazilian style. In the high-ceiling open plan interior, massive succulents are living sculptures that define areas and introduce color and texture to the bright white space. Comfortable seating, cool lighting, loads of books and great speakers – other than a caipirinha, what more do you need?
Inside Out or Outside In?
Now here’s a fresh take on indoor/outdoor living. In the Venice, California, home of artist Doug Aitken, silkscreened walls mimic the hedges growing outside the windows. Love it, especially with the contrasting orange pendant lamp and upholstery.
The sectional sofa with built-in end tables and storage below is great too. It’s exactly the type of custom design we specialize in. If you’re interested in something like it, just give us a shout.
Black Hoodie
This fireplace is very cool and a bit sinister looking (just like Darth Vader). In the all white Spanish living room, the striking black metal hood is the focal point. The elevated wall-to-wall horizontal hearth with firewood storage below is a clever and practical detail. Unfinished brick and terracotta tile floors add warmth and texture to the stark black and white palette, and the sculptural Eames chair and Miguel Mila lantern soften the rectilinear space.
Bordeaux Vintage
The design skills of interior architect and antiques dealer Florence Lopez and her husband, architect Patrick Hernandez, make a great pairing. Case in point is their exquisite bedroom in a converted wine warehouse in Bordeaux.
Florence introduced sculptural vintage furniture, including a Hans Wegner lounge chair, Arne Jacobsen desk chair, George Nelson desk, Alvar Aalto floor lamp, and a Le Corbusier storage unit, into the raw concrete floored space. For me, what puts the space over the top is the amazing Gio Ponti headboard in teal against the dark chocolate (with notes of plum) wall. Luscious.
