art Archives - Page 11 of 12

Contemporary Dining Room

This dining room became one of my favorite projects.

When I meet with a client to present my ideas for a design project, I come prepared with samples, tear sheets, and specific products. This way, the finished room is true to the original vision. When working on this dining room, I was so fortunate to have a client who was open to unexpected ideas. While her style was reserved in many ways, she had a contemporary edge that particularly shows in the completed dining room. By giving me carte blanche with this room, my client pushed me to be creative in designing a strong, confident room that combines traditional elements for a funky effect.

After getting to know this client by asking questions and spending time learning about her lifestyle and tastes, I went back to my studio to put together a presentation. These are some of the individual elements I presented. Sometimes it can be difficult for clients to look at these separate pieces and create a mental image of how they will come together in the finished room, but in this case we had a perfectly shared vision.

Restoration Hardware chair, before staining and reupholstering.

Light fixture and Greek Key pattern for ceiling.

Fabric for window treatments and chandelier.

Carpet with gradated color and grasscloth wallcovering.

When I presented my ideas for the window treatments and ceiling, as well as the cool digital printing on the chairs, my client had faith in me that the installation would be cohesive. When a client and I work together like this, the outcome is always a truly special interior. That level of trust when working together produces the ideal collaboration. Seeing the dining room bring together so many eclectic parts and become a wholly unique, exciting room was a testament to the relationship between client and designer.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design — The finished dining room.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch dining room design 10 — Detail of finished chair.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch dining room design 6 — Greek Key wallcovering by Schumacher.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch dining room design 4 — Window treatments, light fixture, and grass cloth wallcovering in completed room.

One of the challenges in designing this room was finding the right dining table. My client wanted a table with versatility that would also give the room needed weight. After an exhaustive search, we were able to design a table similar to another style we liked, but using different materials to achieve exactly the right look. Brass bands were added to the table legs at the last minute to give the piece some needed jewelry. The chandelier by Tony Duquette adds a bit of glam to the dining room.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch dining room design 2 — The brass bands were the perfect finishing detail here.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch dining room design 9 — Same chandelier presented above in a different finish. Perfect vintage vibe.

One focal point of this whimsical room is the art, a piece the client found. I love it when my clients discover artwork; it’s such a personal, emotional choice and when the client has a hand in choosing the artwork, the room is a truer reflection of their taste and style. This piece enhances the room’s art deco edge with whimsy.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch dining room design 11 — Love the art my client chose!

Other fun details add to the personality of the dining room, giving it added color and visual interest.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch dining room design 3 — Bar cart with rivet details.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch dining room design 7 — Even the greenery is funky.

This dining room became one of my favorite projects. It is more artistic than most rooms I’ve designed and really shows the voice of the client as well as the result of an ideal collaboration between designer and homeowner.

The Art of the Brick

Artist Nathan Sawaya builds incredible sculptures using Lego bricks.

Artist Nathan Sawaya builds incredible sculptures using Lego bricks. His art has been displayed all over the world, earning him a huge following and well-deserved praise. His current exhibit, called The Art of the Brick, is running at Discovery Times Square in New York City. The exhibit opened in June and will be on display until Jan. 5, 2014. If you have not experienced Sawaya’s art, you still have plenty of time to visit this amazing exhibit.

The Art of the Brick features various aspects of Sawaya’s work. The exhibit covers several rooms, each with a different style and theme. Visitors are first presented with Sawaya’s Lego interpretation of well-known works of art. I really feel that people tend to revert to what they’ve been shown and taught when creating, and this section of the exhibit is a great example of that. Sawaya seems to understand that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just tweak it and do it your own way. His Lego versions of masterpieces present these works of art in a new light while opening the viewers’ minds to new possibilities. Try looking at the mosaic style images from a distance rather than up close. It’s almost magical how much clearer the picture is if you take a step back.

Vermeer's famous Girl with the Pearl Earring done as a Lego mosaic. — Vermeer’s famous Girl with the Pearl Earring done as a Lego mosaic.

Van Gogh's Starry Night — Van Gogh’s Starry Night

Sawaya also recreates significant works from antiquity. It’s difficult to appreciate the scale of these life-sized sculptures unless you can view them in person. The design of the exhibit lets you walk around each sculpture, looking closely from all angles. It’s impossible to avoid wondering how long it took for Sawaya to build each piece or how he is able to recreate his vision with nothing other than the same small plastic bricks you can buy at any toy store. He does not use any custom pieces or colors for his artwork.

Classic Greek sculpture; I really love the vase.

Some of Nathan Sawaya’s most well-known Lego sculptures are his original pieces that illustrate his thoughts on human life and feelings. These sculptures are so pure and lifelike. The engineering that goes into these sculptures is just unbelievable. I love how the lighting around the sculptures is part of the art as well. This area of the exhibit showcases a different aspect of Sawaya’s art.

This sculpture of a woman swimming has fantastic lighting.

I think it’s no surprise that an artist who works with Legos would have a playful side. Many of the pieces show this and make it clear that while Nathan Sawaya takes art seriously, he is also appreciative of the playful roots of his favorite medium. After being impressed, amazed, and made to think by Sawaya’s art, you are made to wonder and smile. Visitors of all ages can enjoy and appreciate this unique exhibit.

A very large T Rex is both fun and impressive.

To learn more about Nathan Sawaya as well as see other examples of his Lego artwork, visit his website. You can also find him on Facebook. For tickets to The Art of the Brick at Discovery Times Square, click here.

Jessie Edwards Gallery

When we visit Block Island for vacation, one of the places I like to stop by is the Jessie Edwards Gallery.

When we visit Block Island for vacation, one of the places I like to stop by is the Jessie Edwards Gallery. Even while taking a break from work, I can’t resist browsing the artwork and hoping to find new artists or just the right piece for a client. On our most recent vacation, my visit to this particular gallery was rewarded with the discovery of three new (to me) artists.

The first is C. Sperry Andrews III. I really liked his scratchboard pieces. These amazing works are actually very tiny. The interesting thing about Sperry’s scratchboard art is the way they are created. He paints over gesso-coated canvas, then scratches away the paint to bring out each image.

Heidi Palmer is another artist I saw at the gallery and really enjoyed. Her paintings are so tranquil and have such perfect colors. I love the abstract vibe of the wave painting.

The third artist whose work I fell in love with is Susan O’Donnell Kearney. She creates these vibrant fish prints using an old Japanese technique. Each print is unique, and her work flies out of stock at the gallery. They are very cool! You can see more of her work at her website, Nantucket Gyotaku.

You can see more of the artists featured at Jessie Edwards Gallery by visiting their beautiful website. You can also find them on Facebook.

Louis Vuitton Travel Books

While browsing around Architectural Digest’s website recently, I came across a description of a new series of travel books from Louis Vuitton.

While browsing around Architectural Digest‘s website recently, I came across a description of a new series of travel books from Louis Vuitton. Each book in the series consists of full-color artwork showing a visiting artist’s vision of the area.

The books in the series feature Easter Island, New York City, London, and Paris. Each book is filled with beautiful prints detailing a different artist’s perspective. The Easter Island book contains the work of American artist Daniel Arsham. Congolese artist Cheri Samba created the prints in the Paris book, while art by Matsko Seki from Japan illustrates the London travel book. In the New York City book, we see this iconic city from the eyes of French artist Jean-Philippe Delhomme. Each book demonstrates a distinct style and unique outlook.

Matsko Seki's illustration of the Tower of London. — Matsko Seki’s illustration of the Tower of London.

New York City as seen by Jean-Philippe Delhomme

London's Bank of England by Matso Seki. — London’s Bank of England by Matso Seki.

Any of these books, or the whole set, would make great gifts or beautiful coffee table books. For pricing and ordering information, visit the Louis Vuitton website.

Inspiration from Clients

There is beauty in collaboration, and although I am surrounded by my own favorite and trusted sources, I appreciate being introduced to great resources by my clients.

When beginning a design project for a client’s home, I ask myself, “Who lives here?” It’s important for the design to tell the client’s story, not my own. With that in mind, I keep myself open to what my clients bring to the table. There is beauty in collaboration, and although I am surrounded by my own favorite and trusted sources, I appreciate being introduced to great resources by my clients. It broadens my horizons and adds to what I have to offer my future clients. Here are some examples of products, artists, and other resources I’ve learned about from clients.

1. Books by the Foot

Stocking a library or extensive bookshelves with antique books can be expensive. You also want to collect books you would actually read. However, putting together a set of books that also looks great with the room around them can be more of a challenge. A client introduced me to Books by the Foot, where you can order books by color, in matched sets, vintage books, wrapped books, and even faux books. This makes it possible to achieve just the pulled-together look you want in any style. This is an amazing site, even offering coffee table books and sets for commercial interiors!

books by the foot 2 — Vintage cloth books.

2. Artists Ben Ham, Vik Muniz, and Eric Zener

Ben Ham Images — Plantation Road by Ben Ham

Art changes the dynamic of a house and makes my work speak better. It creates a visceral reaction that varies from person to person, which is why art choices sometimes have to come from the client and not from the designer. When a client introduces me to an artist I am not familiar with, it’s such a gift! The photography of Ben Ham (who I’ve written about in the past), Eric Zener’s paintings, and Vik Muniz’s eclectic modern art, were all brought to my attention by clients. Expanding my knowledge of artists and having a relationship with a local gallery such as Samuel Owen Gallery, helps me collaborate with clients to find just the right art for each project.

Vik Muniz Zebra — Zebra, after George Stubbs by Vik Muniz

3. Trainspotters Industrial Lighting and Salvage

Trainspotting Lighting UK — Opaline drum pendant salvaged from a chapel.

A client from London who bought a house here in the US sent me a link to Trainspotters website and I fell in love with their amazing lighting. They have great scale and colors — I’d use these products in my own studio! This lighting, salvaged from a huge variety of places around Europe, are authentic and interesting. We used lighting from Trainspotters in my client’s kitchen and the results were fantastic!

Trainspotting Lighting UK 3 — Lighting salvaged from a hangar at Heathrow now installed in a hostelry in Portugal.

Trainspotting Lighting UK 2 — Czhech arms factory lights.

4. House Beautiful’s Colors for your Home

House Beautiful Colors For Your Home — Colors for your Home

This book is a great resource I first learned of from a client. As a guide to color and creating a palette for a room, it’s an invaluable resource to share with clients. With actual paint swatches from a variety of manufacturers and beautiful examples of rooms, Colors for your Home makes it easier for clients to visualize an unlimited number of color schemes.

Ben Ham Images

I was first introduced to Ben Ham’s photography when three large pieces of his work were installed in a client’s double story entry.

I was first introduced to Ben Ham‘s photography when three large pieces of his work were installed in a client’s double story entry. Ben himself traveled from South Carolina to supervise the installation and I am so glad I had the chance to meet him. Not only is his work stunning, but he is such a likeable and down to earth guy. It’s amazing to meet an artist who is clearly not only gifted, but really loves his craft.

My clients found Ben’s work while visiting South Carolina and fell in love with a series of photos of Live Oaks in sepia tones. They hung three enormous pieces in their entry. The frames on these large scale photos are so thick, each one weighs over 100 pounds.

ben ham photography 8 — Observers in Time: Live oaks draped in Spanish moss.

Ben now lives in Hilton Head, South Carolina, but often travels out West to explore and search for compositions. His highly collected work includes subjects like South Carolina’s Low Country, the Rockies, the Southwest, and the Pacific Coast. His art has been featured in numerous magazines, events, and shows and been added to private collections around the world. I feel so honored to now have a signed copy of his book Vanishing Light.

I love the dramatic landscapes Ben chooses as his subjects and the amount of patience it must take to create such artwork. Ben’s photographs aren’t digital; they’re taken with a wooden field camera and printed on black and white sheet film. The patience and passion that go into these breathtaking, large scale images is incredible. He seems to capture the light at just the right time.

ben ham photography 5 — The Bowling Balls

It really is a gift to me when clients find an artist like Ben Ham. I can add this work to my repertoire and introduce it to other clients!

ben ham photography 1 — Early Morning Clouds

ben ham photography — Storm Over the Sound

To see more of Ben Ham’s photography and learn about his work, visit his website. You can also find him on Facebook.

Black and White Photography

My favorite black and white photographs have to be those of iconic celebrities.

One of my favorite things to do is find just the right artwork for a client’s home. I’m always on the lookout for a sculpture, painter, or photographer whose work would be a perfect fit for a particular client or space. There are certain types of works I seem to naturally gravitate toward, such as black and white photography. The dramatic contrast of this medium is something I have always loved.

zebra black and white photo 2 — Zebra photo by Jenvanw at Deviant Art

annie leibovitz black and white photo — Photo by Annie Leibovitz

black and white photography 2 — Vintage dancer photo

My favorite black and white photographs, however, have to be those of iconic celebrities. These instantly recognizable faces are legendary in their own right, but when captured in a black and white photo, whether it’s a posed shot or a spontaneous moment, the result is a fascinating piece of art.

elvis presley black and white photograph — Elvis Presley, a major music icon.

sophia loren black and white photo — Sophia Loren, photographed in Rome by David “Chim” Seymour

audrey hepburn black and white photo — Classic Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

james dean black and white photo — James Dean: Ultra sultry and one of my favorites!

marilyn monroe black and white photo — The one and only Marilyn Monroe.

jackie o black and white photo — Another favorite of mine, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, photographed by Ron Galella.

Interior Design Trends for 2013

I’ve seen quite a few lists of design trends to watch for in 2013, and several of them really resonate with me.

I’ve seen quite a few lists of design trends to watch for in 2013, and several of them really resonate with me. Some appeal to the traditionalist in me, while others are a bit riskier. It will be interesting to see which of these trends get the most attention over the upcoming year or beyond, and which turn out to be more short-lived. Here are the predicted trends I am most excited about!

1. Brass: This is a metal I’ve seen come up on more than one list. This warm, ’70s inspired finish is something I’m already in love with.

2013 design trends brass — Brass staircase designed by Kelly Wearstler.

2. High Gloss: Nothing compares to the shine and polish of a high gloss lacquer! Lacquered walls really stand out and, when thoughtfully combined with more traditional elements in a room, create an unforgettable look.

j bilhuber high gloss lacquer 2013 design trends — Incredible lacquer walls, design by Jeffrey Bilhuber.

3. Art: Selecting just the right piece of art for a client’s space is one of my favorite things about designing. I am always on the look out for an artist whose work appeals to me and fits perfectly with one of my projects. I love that this is a trend for 2013.

2013 design trends art — Octopus sketch by artist Tierra Connor.

4. Antique Furniture: The trend here lies in mixing antique furniture with more modern elements, something I always enjoy doing. In fact, hunting for just the right piece until I find exactly what I’m looking for is so exciting.

amy aidinis hirsch greenwich connecticut interior design — This gorgeous antique piece I found for a client’s entry used to be part of an 1800’s bar in the south of France.

5. Embellished Walls: I have long been a fan of custom wall coverings. There are so many amazing options available to suit the needs of nearly any client in nearly any space. From grass cloth and linen to hand painted and beaded, wall coverings are as varied and unique as the spaces they decorate.

greenwich connecticut interior design amy hirsch — For this client, I covered the walls of their home theater in Ralph Lauren Mahogany Yacare Crocodile.

6. Lace: If the word lace makes you think of your grandmother’s doilies, think again. Like other old-is-new trends, using lace in unexpected ways can bring a lot of beauty and character to a room. Think of combining it with more contemporary designs or using it in small, non-traditional ways.

2013 design trends lace — This pillow features black lace accents. From the Jason Wu/Canvas line.

Which trends for 2013 are you most excited about?

Bob Tabor Images

I first saw some of Bob Tabor’s photographs at Samuel Owen Gallery, which led me to look into his work. His seascape photography in particular really struck a chord with me.

Photographer Bob Tabor is best known today for his incredible equine portraits. His horse photos are currently on display in Polo Ralph Lauren Home Showrooms and retail stores around the world. His work is also available at Mecox Gardens design stores throughout the United States and at the Tulla Booth Gallery in Sag Harbor, New York.

I first saw some of Bob Tabor’s photographs at Samuel Owen Gallery, which led me to look into his work. His seascape photography in particular really struck a chord with me.

Tabor’s seascapes are so gorgeous. I love the way he catches the light and the dynamic movement of the rambling waves. I can easily imagine being on the beach with these waves breaking along the sand. Bob Tabor’s graphic seascapes are simply phenomenal.

For more examples of Bob Tabor’s photography, visit his website. You can also find him on Facebook.

Peter Beard

I fell in love with Peter Beard’s photography when I saw his work in a client’s home.

I fell in love with Peter Beard’s photography when I saw his work in a client’s home. The images themselves are beautiful and striking, but each piece is surrounded by a fascinating collage of handwritten memories, found objects such as feathers, and colorful, dramatic swatches of ink. His work elicits excitement at the thought of being so close to these incredible animals.

Born in New York in 1938, Peter Beard traveled to Africa as a young man first in 1955 and again in 1960. He later returned to Kenya and worked in Tsavo National Park, photographing the demise of thousands of elephants and rhinos. Dismayed at the mass hunting of these animals for sport and the lack of conservation and regulation at the time, Beard published two The End of the Game books. He was ahead of his time in drawing attention to hunting for sport without limit or consequence. The End of the Game is a great collection of images and a book I love to put on coffee tables.

Peter Beard’s work appeals to me not only because it is real, but because the layered, collage effect of mixed mediums brings a textural experience to his art. His use of these mediums is clever and fascinating to me, making each image seem like a personal memory from his own journals. Although the photos are mainly from the 1960’s and 1970’s, his work is still prominent and quite impressive. You could curate a room room around this stunning photography.

Not all of Peter Beard’s photos focus on animals and people he encountered during his time in Africa. A rather privileged young man with a trust fund and host of interesting celebrities as friends (including Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa), he once turned his lens on the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy in Greece where, he says, he taught her how to properly use a camera. To see more examples of Peter Beard’s work and publications, or to learn more about his fascinating life, visit his website or find him on Facebook.