Table Installation by Gensler

DIFFA’s (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS) Dining by Design returned to the Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center for the 11th year.  Once again the most exciting dining environments in town drew support for the Positive Health Program of the UCSF AIDS Research Institute.  The event also marked the 30th anniversary of the first formal report of the AIDS virus, and although no cure has been found, local supporters commemorated the milestones in research and treatments since.

Event co-chairs were the acclaimed interior and furniture designer Gary Hutton and Interior Design Hall of Fame member Ronette King of Gensler who each designed highly contemporary settings.  Joining them were Bay Area and national talents from the fields of architecture, landscape, interior, and furniture design, as well as event planning and fashion.  They conjured up fabulous vignettes that ranged from modern and minimal to traditional, whimsical and highly detailed.

For my complete article please visit SFLuxe.

Cheers,

I visit the San Francisco International Gift Fair twice a year, and even though it has shrunk tremendously I always find some interesting manufacturers and products.  This Summer I reported on eco design I saw at the last show.  And here are some of my favorite finds this weekend.

I always love beautiful stationary, and I am a big fan of letterpress.  Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress out of Bellingham, WA not only provides custom printing services, creates handmade books and letterpress plates they also offer a line whimsical note cards, note books and pocket books.

Letterpress note cards and calendars at Bison Printing and Letterpress

Letterpress pocket books, note books and cards at Bison Printing and Letterpress

Roost, a local favorite, also showed a ton of great new items, from furniture and lighting to tabletop and accessories.  They promoted their new beer garden table and benches by serving light and dark ale.  So I am blaming any blurry photos on my consumption of the latter.

Mercury glass tea lights on “Agadir” aluminum coffee table

“Speakeasy” lamps

A friend suggested that I should use a Yoga ball for a desk chair to promote proper posture.  But no designer I know, including yours truly, would allow a big brightly colored ball sitting in their office.  I found a solution: Imber Design’s ”Velvet Equilibrium” covers with geometric patterns in three neutral colors hand-printed on washable upholstery velvet.

“Velvet Equilibrium” Yoga ball covers at Imber Design

On the eco front Cindy Ciskowski of House of Cindy showed her collection of pillows made from exotic vintage textiles including indigo batiks, kantha quilts, and block prints and lamps and shades created from burlap and rope.

Pillows and floor lamp at House of Cindy

Burlap light fixture and bag at House of Cindy

Those who know me well are aware of my absolutel distaste for paper plates and my favoring only the most minimal use of paper napkins.  But I was intrigued by Cake Vintage’s kitchen papers, a selection of serving papers, placemats, coasters, table runners, notepads, and recipe books, all made from recycle paper.

Kitchen papers by Cake Vintage

Kitchen papers on display at Bee Cottage (Photo: courtesy of Bee Cottage)

When Denver-based stone fabricators Steve Chavez and Justin English got more and more frustrated with the huge amount of left-over soapstone scrap that ended up in a local landfill they wanted to find a better solution and turn the smaller pieces into usable and beautiful objects.  They started SPARQ a company that fashions the stone remnants into griddles, pizza stones and “ice” cubes.  Known for conducting and retaining temperature most effectively soapstone is the perfect material for both hot and cold uses.  Justin, who loves Whiskey, can enjoy his favorite non-diluted spirite with “Soapstone Ice Rocks” straight from the freezer.  Steve puts his “Coffee Stones” in the microwave for a couple of minutes and is able to keep his coffee hot for a long time.  I love ideas that are born out of passion!

SPARQ soapstone griddle (Photo: courtesy of SPARQ)

Whiskey with SPARQ Stones (Photo: courtesy of SPARQ)

In the jewelry section my favorite by far was Carlos Montanaro out of Palm Springs whose Rewind jewelry collection drew a huge crowd.  He takes old time pieces and turns them into amazing one-of-a-kind rings, necklaces, cufflinks and bracelets.  He is also currently working with a sculptor on developing a collection of executioner’s watches with spherical clocks.

Pocketwatch necklaces

Front of “Executioner’s Watch

 Back of “Executioner’s Watch

It is always great to find new resources at shows.  I am loving my new watch ring, and I will put the soapstone rock to the test.  Call me a Eurosnob, but I have never been a fan of ice diluting my drink.

Cheers,

“LOVE: The irresistable desire to be irresistibly desired.”
Mark Twain

Wishing you all wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Cheers,

Living room in a residence we designed in San Francisco, vintage chrome and glass coffee table

In installment two of Small Spaces I would like to share some of my top selections for coffee tables.  Of course we all want a table large enough for serving and display, while not taken up more room than needed, both physically and visually.  Here are some ways to achieve that.

Appearance
Generally tables with light colors or transparency will look smaller, and delicate bases and legs will read lighter.

“Nebula” table by Arktura in powder-coated steel, 55″ long x 29 1/2″ wide x 13″ h (Photo: courtesy of Arktura)

“Mensa” table designed by Liam Hopkins and Richard Sweeney in birch plywood skin for Lazerian (Photo: courtesy of Lazerian)

“Centrino” tables designed by Massimo Imparato and Enzo Carbone for Matrix International (Photo: courtesy of  Matrix International)

“Swarf” cocktail table made from salvaged, laser-cut steel by Total Metal Resource NYC (Photo: courtesy of TMRNYC)

Materials
Glass and lucite tables are the perfect choice for keeping a small room open.  They create an illusion of space in between seating and allow you to see through them, perhaps highlighting a gorgeous rug.

Heavy lucite table by Gary Gutterman, 1970s, 30″ x 52″ x 16 (Photo: courtesy of Showplace Antique + Design Center)

“Royal” coffee table by Luciano Santinelli (Photo: courtesy of Luciano Santinelli)

“Mex” coffee table by Piero Lissoni (Photo: courtesy of Piero Lissoni)

“Hand Foot” cocktail table by Mexican designer Pedro Friedberg, ca. 1965, 29″ x 19 3/4″ (Photo: courtesy of Life Auctioneers)

Torch-cut bronze and glass Brutalist table by Daniel Gluck (Photo: courtesy of 20cdesign)

“Panier” acrylic table designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Kartell, 24″ diameter x 9″ high (Photo: courtesy of Kartell)

Cantilevered glass and brass table, ca. 1970s, 42″ diameter x 15 1/2″ high (Photo: courtesy of Assemblage)

Shape
Round and oval tables are great to give you more space to maneuver in a tight space and graceful curves offset straight edges of other furniture.

Middle-Eastern etched brass tray table with folding mahogany base, ca. 1950s, 34 1/2″ diameter x 15 3.4″ high (Photo: courtesy of Assemblage)

French tray table with tole top and iron base (Photo: courtesy of Maison Maison)

“Tilden” table in patinaed bronze and iron by Tuell + Reynolds, 28″ diameter x 16″ high (Photo: courtesy of Tuell + Reynolds)

Round Ciavuna wood and glass table by Scapinelli of Sao Paulo Brazil, 1960s, 31 1/4″ diameter x 16 1/4″ h (Photo: courtesy of Thomas Hayes Gallery)

French circular gilt iron table with marble top, ca. 1960, 30 1/4″ diameter x 21 1/4″ high (Photo: courtesy of Epoca)

French hammered steel table, ca. 1940s, 33 1/2″ diameter x 18″ h (Photo: courtesy of Antiques On Old Plank Road)

Walnut and glass table by Paolo Buffa, ca. 1940s, 39″ diameter x 20″ high (Photo: courtesy of Caira Mandaglio)

“Hybrid” tables designed by Marton for Allé (Photo: courtesy of Allé)

Bronze over pewter “Eternal Forest” coffee table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne, 1970 available through Todd Merrill Antiques (Photo: courtesy of Todd Merrill Antiques)

Base
Pedestals and tri-pods allow for more room around the table.

Aluminum and glass table, 1960s, 28″ diameter x 15″ high (Photo: courtesy of Canvas Vintage)

Faux goatskin lacquered wood and resin table, ca. 1980s, 46″ diameter x 16″ high (Photo: courtesy of Assemblage)

“Stratus” cocktail table by David Chun of Davidoodle Studio for Therien Studio Workshops, 50″ long x 26″ deep x 18″ high (Photo: courtesy of Davidoodle Studio)

Danish round table with artist-designed ceramic tile top and steel base, 1960s, 45″ diameter x 19″ high (Photo: courtesy of Arenskjold)

“Petal” coffee table by Richard Schultz for Knoll, 1960s, 42″ diameter x 15 1/4″ high (Photo: courtesy of Dual)

Mastercraft brass and glass table, ca. 1970s, 45″ diameter x 16 1/4″ high (Photo: courtesy of Nines)

Oval table with cast iron base and marble top designed by Eero Saarinen, ca. 1965, 54″ long x 36″ wide x 16″ high (Photo: courtesy of Converso)

Danish round table with aluminum base and enamel top by Mygge with Bjorn Windblatt design, 1960s, 38 1/2″ diameter x 19″ high (Photo: courtesy of Arenskjold)

Function
Multi-purpose function is also an important element of designing for small spaces.  Storage may be key, and tables with additional shelves and drawers come in handy.  Also for studios a coffee table that converts into a dining table can come in handy.

Living room in a farmhouse we designed in Walnut Creek, CA, antique Bavarian trunk

“Yo Yo” table designed by Alfio Padovan for Nobile Design (Photo: courtesy of Nobile Design)

“Kente Loft Arturo” adjustable table, 30″ wide x 53″ long

Parchment veneered rolling coffee table by Karl Springer, 1970s, available at Dragonette, 32″ x 24″ x 21 1/2″ (Photo: courtesy of Dragonette)

CT-130 rectangular table by Hülsta (Photo: courtesy of Hülsta)

CT-85 coffee table designed by Antoine Prouix for Dennis Miller, 42″ x 36″ x 16″ (Photo: courtesy of Dennis Miller)

If there are not both a living room and family room one space needs to serve a dual purpose for entertaining and relaxing.  Ottomans are a great option for putting up ones feet for watching a movie or for serving by adding a tray.  Some also provide storage for blankets and such or incorporate a book shelf.

Living room in an apartment we designed in an apartment in San Francisco, leather storage ottoman (Photo: Verité Photography)

“Weekend” ottoman with tray by Troscan (Photo: courtesy of Troscan)

Side view “Weekend” ottoman with tray and book shelf by Troscan (Photo: courtesy of Troscan)

“Tray Chic” ottoman by Bunny Williams for BeeLine, 48″ square x 16 1/2″ high (Photo: courtesy of BeeLine)

Living room in a penthouse we designed in Portland, OR, zebra hide ottoman

I would love to hear about some of your favorite coffee table options for tight rooms.  Stay tuned for more furniture solutions for small spaces.

Cheers,

Gorgeous & Green at the Bently Reserve

Gorgeous & Green, Global Green’s annual gala here in San Francisco, has been the most stylish proof of a sustainable lifestyle being easily compatible with high fashion and fine living.  In its 7^th year, it once again drew San Francisco’s eco jet set to the gorgeous LEED-certified Bently Reserve for a “Moulin Rouge” themed evening aimed at raising funds for Global Green’s program in collaboration with the San Francisco Unified School District to incorporate green building features in their new construction projects.

The eco stylish co-chairs once again were San Francisco’s foremost green living expert Zem Joaquin, whose EcoFabulous has been the go to source for sustainable living, and Nadine Weil, founder of Heart of Green.  The building’s generous proprietors Amber Marie and Christopher Bently served as vice-chairs.  Honorary hosts included actress Rosario Dawson, who shared her support via video from London, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Angela Lindval and Peter Mensah.

For my complete article visit SFLuxe.

Cheers,

Installation of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs in the Pulitzer fountain in New York by Ai Weiwei from May 4th to July 15th, 2011 (Photo: courtesy of This Week in New York)

I am so excited that finally the “Year of the Dragon” is here!  It is considered the luckiest year of the Chinese Zodiac.  The dragon is the 5th sign and the only animal that is legendary.  It is associated with good fortune and intense power, and it relates to the Western sign of the Aries.  So it should be a good year for lucky me, having been born on the last day of Aries.  To be more precise 2012 is the year of the water dragon.  According to Chinese astrology water has a calming effect on the dragon’s fierce temperament and makes him more receptive to others.

17th century screen with dragon by Japanese artist Nichokuan Soga (Image: courtesy of The Cleveland Museum of Art)

The dragon is a prized symbol of power in many cultures.  Not only the Chinese revere the dragon, so do the Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese and Indians in the East and historic cultures in Europe and the Middle East, including the Germans, Scandinavians, Greek, Spanish, Italians, Romanians, Russians, as well as the Persians and Jews.  It has been depicted in architecture and design throughout history, and can be seen in buildings, artwork, clothing, jewelry and more.

The Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Quing Dynasty located in Beijing, China offers many examples of the dragon’s importance.  Also throughout the rest of China and other Asian countries the dragon is well represented.  And right here in San Francisco we have the famous dragon gate through which we enter Chinatown.

Black dragon at the Hall of Benevolence in the Forbidden City (Photo: Dave Madison)

Architectural detail with bronze dragon in the Forbidden City (Photo: courtesy of Borrowed Culture)

“Nine Dragon” wall near the Forbidden City built by Emperor Quian Long in 1771

Stone steps carved with dragons leading up to the throne in the Forbidden City (Photo: courtesy of Food-Files)

Roof detail with dragons on the Mengjia Longshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan (Photo: Bernard Gagnon)

Dragon fountain at the Xiangshan Temple in China (Photo: courtesy of On Mark Productions)

Dragon fountain at the Rinnō-ji Temple in Nikko, Japan (Photo: courtesy of Cambridge 2000 Gallery)

“Dragon Gate” the entrance to Chinatown in San Francisco (Photo: Carol Santos)

We can also find the dragon in contemporary interiors and incorporated into furniture, textiles, wall coverings, and accessories.  It is also a popular symbol for table top and has been included in currency.

Guestroom in the Buddha Bar Hotel in Prague, Czech Repuplic (Photo: courtesy of Kiw Collection)

Watercolor of a dragon by Chinese artist Yang Ruifen over my buffet (Photo: ADG)

Antique Tibetan cabinet painted with dragon and phoenix design (Photo: ADG)

Dragon chair carved from rosewood, ca. 1800 (Photo: courtesy of Bonnin Ashley Antiques)

19th century Chinese gilded lacquer table with dragon legs (Photo: courtesy of Decorative Art & Fine Antiques)

“Chinese Dragon” wallpaper by Osborne & Little (Photo: courtesy of Osborne & Little)

Antique Chinese rug with dragon motif (Photo: courtesy of The Zentner Collection)

Chinese cloisonné vases with raised dragon design (Photo: courtesy of Heidicries)

Molded blown glass bowl with dragon motif by Thomas Webb & Sons, 1885 (Photo: Chrysler Museum of Art)

12th century Korean celadon vase (Photo: courtesy of the John R. Menke Cellection)

Oval Japanese silver bowl with iris motif and dragon handles, ca. 1910 (Photo: courtesy of The  Silver Fund on 1stdibs)

Japanese silver teapot with dragon design around the body (Photo: courtesy of Live Auctioneers)

Wine and Champagne glasses in the “Dragon” pattern by Varga (Photo: courtesy of Varga)

Dinner plate in the “Ming Dragon” pattern by Meissen (Photo: courtesy of Meissen)

Brown Jasperware plaque with dragon motif by Wedgwood (Photo: courtesy of eBay)

“Constellation Red Dragon” candy dish by Raynaud (Photo: courtesy of Raynaud)

“Red Dragon” pattern by Mottahedeh (Photo: courtesy of Mottahedeh)

“Tianlong” vase by Lalique (Photo: courtesy of Lalique)

19th century mother op pearl shell plaque decorated with silver dragon (Photo: courtesy of Trocadero)

1904 Kiangnan silver dollar, minted 1897 to 1905 (Photo: courtesy of Dragon Dollar)

The dragon has shown much prominence in Chinese clothing throughout history, especially in imperial robes, but has also captivated fashion designers and jewelers today.

Emperor QuianLong in imperial dragon robe (Image: courtesy of Palace Museum of Beijing)

Actress Fan Bingbing in a dragon gown by Laurence Hsu on the red carpet in Cannes 2010 

Dragon embroidery on red satin tuxedo jacket by Ralph Lauren for the Fall 2011 collection (Photo: courtesy of Ralph Lauren)

Embroidery on sheer back gown by Ralph Lauren for the Fall 2011 collection (Photo: courtesy of Ralph Lauren)

Embroidery with dragon design on arm of one shoulder velvet top by Ralph Lauren for the Fall 2011 collection (Photo: courtesy of Ralph Lauren)

Gown with dragons by Vivienne Tam for the Fall 2011 collection (Photo: courtesy of Vivienne Tam)

Dragon bracelet with multi-color diamonds by Freytag Farrar Jewelers (Photo: courtesy of Freytag Farrar Jewelers)

Chronoswiss “Zeitzeichen VII” designed by Jochen Benzinger (Photo: courtesy of Chronoswiss)

Cocktail ring by Etro with dragon design (Photo: courtesy of Etro)

Angelina Jolie with a dragon tattoo on her left shoulder

18K gold “Bruce Lee” dragon pen by Montegrappa (Photo: courtesy of Montegrappa)

I would like to wish you all a very Happy Chinese New Year!  May the powerful qualities of the dragon show themselves in this coming year.

Cheers,

I admit it, I missed the first season of the Masterpiece Classics series  “Downton Abbey” on PBS, and I watched it in its entirety in one weekend, just in time for the second season premiere.  Just like so many I have also succumbed to its magic.  I think I would watch it for the dowager countess’ one-liners alone.  Maggie Smith is divine!  The writing is captivating indeed, but the visuals have everyone talking.   British Vogue devoted a fashion spread to the ladies of Downton Abbey in last year’s August issue. The Washington Post was drawing comparisons between the period costumes and current runway fashion.  Town & Country covered Highclere Castle in Berkshire, where the series is being filmed, and its real owners the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnavon who have had their own struggles in maintaining such a grand estate.  Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter and his wife Anna hosted a screening of the second season’s premiere, whose well-heeled international guests also included members of the cast.  Julie Bosman of the New York Times talked about how publishers have been increasing printing of period novels as a result of the series’ popularity.  The Daily Mail reported that Downton Abbey has been pushing up prices for stately homes and is sparking a new craze for corsets, cloche hats and cravats.

And now the Golden Globes bestowed Downton Abbey the award for “Best Mini Series or Motion Picture Made for Television”.  It had won an Emmy in the same category last year, plus five more for writing, directing, cinematography, costume and supporting actress, which went to my favorite Maggie Smith.  All so well deserved!

The Crawley family of Downton Abbey

Front entrance of Highclere Castle

A scene from Downton Abbey set during World War I

Of course the blogosphere has caught on too, from those who have devoted sites specifically to Downton Abbey and those who just can’t help themselves expressing their love for the acclaimed series.  Fellow design bloggers have not been immune either.  Grace Bonney of “Design Sponge” did a piece about “Living in: Downton Abbey”, Carly of “Covet Collect Connect” was literally drooling over Downton Abbey, Scot Meacham Wood of “The Adventures of Tartanscot” shared a pictorial reminder for the season premiere, Linda Merrill of “Surroundings“ concentrated on the show’s kitchen, Irene Turner of “Little Bits of Beauty” gave us an insight into the house behind the show, and “Styleture“ shared Victorian inspired designs for the home.  As you may have guessed by now, I have also surrendered to the urge of sharing my own view of this fabulous period drama.  I am wondering if it may renew an interest in traditional English design.  Let’s take a look inside Highclere Castle and current interiors that embody some of its spirit.

At Highclere Castle

Entrance hall to Highclere Castle with view of salon

In 1838 Sir Charles Barry, one of England’s foremost architect of the time, was hired by Henry John George Herbert, 3rd Earl of Carnarvon to transform the Carnarvon family’s Georgian mansion into the grand Highclere Castle.  He designed it in the High Elizabethan style and faced it in Bath stone.  The Gothic-style entrance hall with its slender blue and red marble columns was designed later by George Gilbert Scott who was also the architect of the St. Pancras railway station and the Albert Memorial.

Inspired Entry Hall

Entry hall in Malinard Manor by Mark Cravotta (Photo: courtesy of Cravotta Studios)

At Highclere Castle

Saloon at Highclere Castle

The saloon at the center of the house was designed by Thomas Allom for Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon in the 1860s in a Gothic style.  The 17th century wall coverings made of leather came for Cordoba, Spain, and identical panels can be found at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Inspired Family Room

Family room in Malinard Manor by Mark Cravotta (Photo: courtesy of Cravotta Studios)

At Highclere Castle

Characters of Downton Abbey: Lady Mary and the Dowager Countess in the library

View into second room of the library at Highclere Castle

A secret door from the library into an enfilade of rooms at Highclere castle

The double library, very popular during Victorian times, was designed in an English Palladian style, and it contains over 5,560 rare books, some dating back to the 16th century.

Inspired Libraries

Library in the Albemare house in Charlottesville, VA, designed by David Easton (Photo: Philip Beaurline)

Library in a country home in Hampshire, UK by Robert Couturier (Photo: courtesy of Robert Couturier Inc.)

Library by Miles Redd (Photo: Francesco Lagnese)

At Highclere Castle

Smoking room at Highclere Castle

The smoking room was a room designed for men to gather after dinner and it is decorated in a masculine style with velvet curtains to absorb the smoke.  The room is layered with 17th century Dutch paintings and early 19th century artwork from a Grand Tour.

Inspired “Smoking” Rooms

Sitting room designed by Charlotte Moss (Photo: Simon Upton for House & Garden)

Cigar room by Adeeni Design Group in an English Tudor cottage in Orinda, CA (Photo: Marc Angelo Ramos)

Sitting room by Scot Meacham Wood (Photo: courtesy of Scot Meacham Wood)

At Highclere Castle

Characters of Downton Abbey in the drawing room

Drawing room at Highclere Castle

The drawing room designed in the Rococo revival style was decorated by Almina, 5th countess of Carnarvon and the daughter of Alfred de Rothschild who gave her bolts of French silk damask, which she used to cover the walls.  Almina was also responsible for turning Highclere Castle into an officer’s hospital during the First World War.  Her husband George Edward Stanhope Molyneux Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon was the financial backer of the excavation of the Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.

Inspired Living Rooms

Living room by Adeeni Design Group in a historic home in Diablo, CA (Photo: César Rubio for California Homes)

Drawing room in London’s Belgravia by John Stefanidis (Photo: Fritz von der Schulenburg)

Living room in a home in London by Nicky Haslam (Photo: courtesy of Nicky Haslam)

Living room in a home in Atlanta, GA, by Miles Redd (Photo: Francesco Lagnese for Town & Country)

At Highclere Castle

Music room at Highclere Castle

The music room features a baroque ceiling painted in the 1730s by Francis Hayman, one of the founding members of the Royal Academy.  The walls are covered in Italian 16th century embroideries.

Inspired Rooms

Dining room by Jan Showers (Photo: courtesy of Jan Showers)

Entry hall by Jan Showers (Photo: courtesy of Jan Showers)

Living room by Elizabeth Gordon (Photo: courtesy of Elizabeth Gordon Studio)

At Highclere Castle

Characters of Downton Abbey having dinner in the dining room

Dining room at Highclere Castle (Photo: Paul Hilton)

The grand dining room boast a mixture of period furnishings including shield-back chairs, as well as collection of family portraits flanking an equestrian painting by Van Dyke of Charles I.

Inspired Dining Rooms

Dining room by Miles Redd (Photo: courtesy of Miles Redd)

Installation by Adeeni Design Group at DIFFA’s Dining by Design 2007 (Photo: Kandi Carol)

At Eaton Square

Characters of Downton Abbey: Lady Rosamund Painswick, Lavinia Swore and Violet Dowager Countess of Grantham in Lady Rosamund’s drawing room

Set for Lady Rosamund Painswick’s drawing room

The set for Lady Rosamund’s home is a townhouse in  Eaton Square in London.  The drawing room is decorated in the English Palladian style, developed for the very wealthy upper class and it is represented here by the luxuriously gilded furniture.

Inspired Living Room

Living room by Miles Redd (Photo: Francesco Lagnese)

All photo, unless mentioned otherwise, are courtesy of Highclere Castle or Carnival Productions.

I am very much looking forward to Downton Abbey’s next installment on Sunday.  I would love to hear what you think of the series and its interiors.

Cheers,

Students shooting a documentary in the Egyptian classroom at Berndorf Schools

I had alway been a creative kid, but each school I went to growing up in Austria lacked creativity in its classrooms.  Frankly, my art school here in San Francisco was not much better, boasting unimpressive white walls and fluorescent lighting, which can certainly cannot be considered inspiring.  They must think of it as a blank canvas.  Then thanks to Andreas Susana of Travelwriticus I came across the “Berndorf Schools” in Berndorf, Lower Austria.  To my surprise I had never heard of them until now.

Berndorf School

The two schools opened in 1909 and were designed by Austrian architect Ludwig Bauman who was the main city planner of Berndorf and was also  responsible for a number of prominent buildings in Vienna including the US embassy.  He was commissioned by Arthur Krupp, owner of the “Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik” (Berndorf metal factory) and a member of the German steel dynasty, to build the schools which were quite advanced at the time for its advanced educational and health related facilities.  This was a hundred years ago during the monarchy when the Austro-Hungarian empire was still intact, and central heating, showers, a free dental clinic for students, and the idea to wake up creativity in children through surrounding them with art and high taste were novel ideas.  Arthur Krupp, although a conservative and devout protestant, was very tolerant towards other cultures and religions, which was fueled by his extensive international business travel.  His life and work were very closely connected to Berndorf and were driven by three words: WORK, EDUCATION and PEACE. He not only bankrolled many other civic buildings in town, including a public swimming pool and Catholic church for the town’s mostly catholic citizens, he also built progressive housing for his factory workers to whom he offered affordable financing to promote home ownership.  Overall he invested about 100 million Euros through is factory in addition to matching that amount from his own personal funds.

Page from the catalogue of the Berndorf metal factory and photo of Arthur Krupp in 1900

Replica of the apartment of workers at the time displayed at the Krupp Stadtmuseum (Photo: courtesy of Krupp Stadtmuseum Berndorf)

The motto for the opening of the schools was “Kunst und Kunstgefühle sollen bereits im Kinde geweckt, das Auge an das Schöne gewöhnt, der Geschmack an den reinsten Formen der Kunst aller Zeiten gebildet worden.”  (“Art and artistic sensibility should already be aroused in the child, the eye accustomed to beauty, taste to the purest forms of art ever to be shaped.”) I think that is a wonderful premise for building a school.  I wonder how many educational facilities today are designed based on such a philosophy.  Hans Peschl and Max Hegele were the builders of the schools, and Franz Wilhelm Ladewig and Robert Jüttner painted the elaborate interiors.

The classrooms are an architectural journey through time, designed in twelve different architectural styles: Egyptian, Doric, Pompeian, Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Louis XIV, Baroque, Rococo and Empire.

Egyptian classroom (Photo: Johann Werfring)

Door lever into the Egyptian classroom, a reproduction of the door to a tomb in Eimisi in Denderah, Upper Egypt (Photo: Dorothea Scheich)

Doric classroom (Photo: courtesy of Berndorf Schools)

Ceiling in the Doric classroom 

Pompeian classroom

Ceiling and wall details in the Pompeian classroom

Byzantine classroom inspired by the Sergius church in Constantinople

Door detail in the Byzantine classroom

Moorish classroom with a ceiling reminiscent of the University church of Alkalá de Henares in Spain

Entrance into the Moorish classroom

Romanesque classroom 

Door after the side entrance of the St. Procoipius basilica in Třebíč, Moravia in the Romanesque classroom (Photo: Dorothea Scheich)

Gothic classroom with a ceiling in the Tyrolian Gothic style

Door with the municipal coat of arms of Berndorf in the Gothic classroom

Renaissance classroom with a coffered ceiling per the Palazzo Massimo by Baldassare Peruzzi in Rome

Pediment over door in the Renaissance classroom inspired by a 13th century cathedral of Pécs  in Hungary

 Louis XIV classroom with details from Versailles and paintings on the ceiling representing geography, mathematics, music and art

Door detail in the Louis XIV classroom

Baroque classroom inspired by the Belvedere palace in Vienna

Ceiling in Baroque classroom

Rococo classroom

Door similar to one in the church of Mariabrunn near Vienna in the Rococo classroom

Empire classroom modeled after the Palais Modena  in Vienna

Armoire in the Empire classroom

All photos courtesy of Berndorf Schools unless otherwise noted.

If you would like to visit the schools offer tours from April through October during times and when classes are not in session.  I would love to hear to hear what your schools looked like and what you think of the approach Arthur Krupp has took to education more than a hundred years ago.

Cheers,

The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show celebrated its 30th annual event in 2011 with a most appropriate theme, “Hidden Treasures,” inspired by the traditional 30th anniversary gift, the pearl.

For three decades dealers from around the United and Europe have shared some of the most unique and often rather obscure antiques with collectors and admirers alike.  Therien & Co. from San Francisco and Thomas Livingston Antiques from Berkeley have been part of the very first show in 1981, Foster-Gwin and Montgomery Gallery have participated since 1982.

For my complete article please visit SFLuxe.

Cheers,

It is almost New Year’s Eve, and like most I love greeting the new year with the people I care about.  But I try to stay away from big crowds; small gatherings are more my speed.  An elegant dinner with a toast at midnight is perfect.  We opted to have dinner out a restaurant this year, starting with Champagne and caviar at a friend’s house.  But had I hosted a dinner party at home I may have added in the perfect movie “After the Thin Man”, one of my favorites with William Powell and Myrna Loy at their best.  There the formal New Year’s dinner table is set with an array of glasses, in generous support of the heavy drinking often displayed in the series, and elegant china on a white table cloth.  Seventy plus years later holiday dining tables have since been infused with color and creativity.  Let’s take a look at the varied expressions for New Year’s Eve:

White, silver and gold table by Aubrey Johnson of White Market (Photo: courtesy of White Market)

White, black and silver setting by Valorie Hart of the Visual Vamp (Photo: Valorie Hart)

White, black, silver and gold party hats by Valorie Hart of the Visual Vamp (Photo: Valorie Hart)

Gold and silver combination on HGTV (Photo: courtesy of HGTV)

Black, white and silver table with mercury glass by Chris Nease of Celebrations at Home (Photo: Chris Nease)

Light and dark dessert buffet by Chris Nease of Celebrations at Home (Photo: Chris Nease)

A combo of good old favorites and thriftshop finds at Thrifting Denver (Photo: Goodwill Industries of Denver)

Venetian carnival inspiration by Lana Austin (Photo: Lana Austin)

A mixture of Venetian glasses in various colors by Federico de Vera (Photo: courtesy of House Beautiful)

Fuchsia, red and orange with confetti at Wunderweib (Photo: courtesy of Wunderweib)

Pink, red and gold dessert buffet by Susana Oliveira at Citrus and Orange (Photo: Susana Oliveira)

Turquoise, orange, fuchsia and black color palette with crystal and silver accents by Courtney Lake of Courtney Out Loud (Photo: Courtney Lake)

Cobalt blue and white scheme with glittery snowflakes by Suzanne Zingg of Notes From The Patch (Photo: Suzanne Zingg)

Mismatched flatware, crystal, coffee filter wreath and party poppers by Courtney Lake of Courtney Out Loud (Photo: Courtney Lake)

Eddie Ross combines solid and patterned vintage plates and clear, etched and turquoise glasses with antique mother of pearl flatware and silver (Photo: Eddie Ross)

New Year’s banner by over a white table by Caroline Anderson and Sofie Lawett of Lokal 54 (Photo: courtesy of Lokal 54)

Rustic raw linen with rosmary paired with milky whites by Christina Fluegge of Greige Design (Photo: Christina Fluegge)

Glitz and glam combined with rustic elements by Suzie Salmon at Urban Country Style (Photo: courtesy of Urban Country Style)

A combination of rough wood and polished brass accented with crisp white by Kirsten Nieman of Restored Style (Photo: Kirsten Nieman)

Gold and navy rooftop table by Jenn Sbranti at Hostess Blog (Photo: courtesy of Hostess Blog)

Black, white and silver with clocks by Jackie Williamson of Purple Chocolat Home (Photo: Jackie Williamson)

Numbers and clock plates in a golden theme by Erin of Host-It Notes (Photo: courtesy of Host It Notes)

Recycled ledger, numbered plates and fringed linen napkin tied with rope and numbers by stylist Michelle Long of Bohemiennes (Photo: courtesy of Bohemiennes)

Traditional toadstool napkin rings at Wunderweib (Photo: courtesy of Wunderweib)

If you are entertaining at home I hope you got some last minute inspiration for your table, if needed, and if you would like to learn a little bit more about traditions in my home land of Austria take a look at this story I did Silvester of 2010.  It will explain the toadstool napkin rings above.  And don’t forget to record the New Year’s Concert in Vienna Sunday night on PBS.  This year’s conductor is Maestro Mariss Jansons and it is once again hosted by the legendary Julie Andrews.  I would not miss it!

Thank you all for joining me in my musings this year, and I wish you all “Prosit Neujahr”, as we say in Austria.  May 2012 be a blessed year for all!

Cheers,