Tag: architecture
Today’s photo shoot…let’s keep moving, lots to capture!
Walter Arnold: The Art of Abandonment
Arnold’s series “The Art of Abandoment” has taken him to a host of dream-like places, from empty and decaying castles to haunted looking asylums.
I first became acquainted with Walter Arnold‘s photography after a friend saw his work at the iconic Woolworth Walk in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. A Florida native, Arnold eventually made his home in the mountains of North Carolina. The local natural beauty surrounding his new home inspired Arnold to pick up camera and learn photography. One day, he stumbled across an airplane graveyard and discovered a passion for abandonment photography — the art of photographing places and things that have been left behind.
Arnold’s series The Art of Abandoment has taken him to a host of dream-like places, from empty and decaying castles to haunted looking asylums. He has a gift for capturing the unusual light of these forgotten places. His photographs allow us to glimpse the beauty that used to exist in many places. They invoke a kind of stillness and leave viewers wanting to know more about why these places were abandoned.
What I love about these photos is that they show the complete opposite of what we design and curate. These are places that are no longer cared for. In spite of the decay and ruin, you can still see the architecture, what once was there, and find inspiration in the beauty of desolation.
Arnold’s photos are available as metal prints, meaning the images are actually infused into the surface of a sheet of aluminum before being treated with a high gloss finish. The resulting print is astonishingly vibrant, lending a light to the abandonment photos that must be seen to be fully appreciated.
You can see more of Walter Arnold’s photography on his website. You can also find him on Facebook.
Favorite Things: Fireplaces
The fireplace is a really special part of a home.
The fireplace is a really special part of a home. In any room, any style, a fire is capable of creating a warmth and a mood like nothing else. When thinking about fireplace design or looking at different styles of fireplaces, I’ve definitely been gravitating toward more linear, pronounced, modern styles lately. As part of a modern interior, a fireplace can make a dramatic impression.
Fireplaces can range from rustic to formal to minimal. The home’s architecture is what will define the type of fireplace goes into a space while the room the fireplace is in determines its purpose. The fireplace can also define the period of the home and be simple or grandiose. It’s a great opportunity to make an impact on an interior! Here are some of my favorite examples of beautiful, modern fireplaces.
What style of fireplace do you prefer?
Chicago’s Langham Hotel and Travelle
When visiting Chicago recently, I knew I really wanted to see Travelle, a restaurant and lounge at the Langham Hotel.
When visiting Chicago recently, I knew I really wanted to see Travelle, a restaurant and lounge at the Langham Hotel. The hotel, which is located in a building designed by the iconic Ludgwig Mies van der Rohe, is situated in downtown Chicago with easy access to shopping and popular attractions. With private event space, a spa, pool, and ballroom, as well as several boardrooms, the Langham is a luxurious place to stay for pleasure or business.
I made a fast dash to Travelle and sat in the lounge for drinks. Its very cool, urban, monochromatic feel was designed by architect David Rockwell. The floor to ceiling windows flood the lounge with light while giving guests a gorgeous view of the river and Chicago’s famous Loop. One striking feature was an interactive digital wall undulating amongst the lounge’s chic furniture. The space is full of lush elements and visual, techno details. As we enjoyed drinks and a woman playing rock songs on the violin, the digital wall of photos constantly changed and altered. Such a cool atmosphere!
The lobby of the Langham is another stunning space. I thought it looked really magical, with all these gorgeous clusters near the center of the ceiling. It has a special, totally different vibe, more elegant and formal. So beautiful!
Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay at the fully-booked Langham, but I did enjoy my brief time there. If you’re ever in Chicago, I highly recommend a visit to the Langham, and Travelle in particular!
India-Inspired Design
When I think of India, I think of vibrant colors, saturation, and stunning details.
When I think of India, I think of vibrant colors, saturation, and stunning details. Indian architecture typically includes many elements that can easily be transposed to interior design. Patterns and shapes can be incorporated into borders, fabrics, paneling, or any number of other accents. When you look at Indian palaces and temples, the lavish, extraordinary details jump out at you. Taking one small aspect of these details and using them in your own interior brings a touch of India’s beauty to your home.
Another aspect of Indian culture I love is the vibrancy of the colors in traditional clothing. I see so much life in the bright colors and extravagant details of, for example, a sumptuously dyed and patterned sari or an intricate henna design on a lovely hand or foot. Add in gold accents and you have so much inspiration to work with.
Which Indian details would you add to your interior?
Elle Decor: Riding the Waves
The July/August issue of Elle Decor includes a feature of a stunning home in California.
The July/August issue of Elle Decor includes a feature of a stunning home in California. The owners worked with architect Bob White of ForestStudio and mother-daugther design team Mary Lynn Turner and Marie Turner Carson of M. Elle Design to create a beautiful home that reflects the gorgeous cliff-side location of the property. The home, and it’s overall design, is a place where I can imagine myself living. I absolutely loved the article and the photos that showcase this incredible house. The one-storey home doesn’t compete with the outstanding view of Salt Creek Beach, but successfully combines a calming, elegant atmosphere with old-world charm. In addition, the landscaping seems mindful of the interior, making this a lovely home, inside and out.
Elle Decor: Riding the Waves
Text by Julie L Belcove with photography by William Abranowicz. Produced by Anita Sarsidi.
Amangiri Resort, Utah
While doing some architectural research for a client recently, I stumbled across the website for Amangiri Resort in southern Utah.
While doing some architectural research for a client recently, I stumbled across the website for Amangiri Resort in southern Utah. Covering 600 acres in Canyon Point, near the Arizona border, the resort sits nestled in a valley with incredible views of the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument.
I love how the architecture here works, with clean, modern lines set in this powerfully dramatic landscape. The architect’s thought process was clearly to preserve the beauty of the land and act as a counterbalance to the sweeping scenery. I immediately wanted to get on a plane and head to Utah!
At Amangiri, the pool alone is amazing enough to tempt me to Utah. It is so serene and allows the soaring plateaus to be the star of the scenery. The idea of going to rest in a place like this, miles from civilization, is so appealing to me. Amangiri Resort is uncluttered, natural, and simple, while still being posh enough for guests to feel luxurious.
I love unexpectedly coming across something beautiful like the Amangiri Resort. Have you discovered anything new lately?
Architect Bio: Ken Tate
Ken Tate’s work draws upon a wide range of influences, from ancient to modern, and high style to vernacular.
Architect Ken Tate established his firm in Mississippi in 1984 after gaining experience with architectural visionaries Bruce Goff (Texas), Richard Davis (also in Texas), and Sam Mockbee (Mississippi). He attended Auburn University and is the recipient of the Institute of Classical Architecture’s 2008 Shutze Award as well as three-time winner of Southern Progress Corporation’s Southern Home Award. Ken Tate’s work draws upon a wide range of influences, from ancient to modern, and high style to vernacular.
I really like the touch of Southern charm you see in Ken Tate’s work. His homes look a little stately, but the thoughtful, intimate details impart a subtle European flair. The overall impression is one of clean lines and beautiful proportions.
Ken Tate’s use of historical details with his own subtle twist gives his work an added unique element. These are the kinds of details I just love! They give each residence a finished, layered feel.
To see more of Ken Tate’s projects, visit his website or pick up a copy of A Classical Journey: The Houses of Ken Tate or New Classicists.
Amazing Doors
Your front door is not only the opening to your home. It’s also the first thing to greet guests when they arrive at your house.
Your front door is not only the opening to your home. It’s also the first thing to greet guests when they arrive at your house. The door can make a big statement or have a quieter impact. Details such as carvings and nail heads form intricacies that tell a story and hint at the personality and style of your home’s interior.
I love the idea of using a unique door, maybe something reclaimed or salvaged, for the front door, a wine room, or a butler’s pantry. I once worked with a contractor who had a collection of such doors. They were all amazing, which made it so hard to choose! You can modernize a reclaimed door or dress it up with stained glass or antique mirrors. Turning the door into a work of art is a fun way to make something special out of a prominent feature of your home. If you need further inspiration, try looking at elaborate doors from around the world!
What kind of statement does your front door make?