R.I.P. Charles Gwathmey

Charles Gwathmey died today at the young age of 71, leaving the architectural community bereft of one of the pure modernists left. As a young architect in school, Gwathmey Siegel was one of the firms we studied and saw referenced constantly. He practiced a severe Corbusian modernism that while it has many detractors, still is an important style being used today.

Soho Mews, a recent project in NYC

Learn more about Mr. Gwathmey at the NYtimes.

Image at top of Gwathmey in front of the home he designed for his parents in East Hampton in 1967 which made his career. He owned the house after their passing and recently had been busy renovating and upgrading the finishes.

De Giulio Kitchens

I've always had a fascination with Degiulio Kitchens because I used to work with them at my old/first job. They have amazing lighting, and are very grand and top of the line everything. Designer, Mick de Giulio used to work as a craftsman so everyone of his kitchens is different and amazingly constructed.

This kitchen could so easily feel heavy and bulky because it is quite large but instead of a solid island, De Giulio used one with legs to bring it off the floor. GORGEOUS: potrack, subway tile backsplash, window, and shelf next to window.

He can work with a mini space too! This tiled floor is perfection.

Does anybody have one of these "flexible sinks" in their kitchen? Are they functional or a mistake? They look amazingly handy, and everything on it looks so fresh!

He doesn't believe in trends really and thinks a kitchen should feel like a furnished room, just like the rest of the house. Which brings me to the refrigerator which is disguised behind a faux Gothic tracery cabinet. I usually am put off by when people hide refrigerators but I really like these!

De Giulio says he doesn't do such things as "Italian kitchens" or "country kitchens" but he takes the needs and desires of clients and works that into his design. HOW NOVEL.

I've visited their showroom in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago and it's so amazing. If you live in the area you should take a walk through. It's clean, fresh, and uplifting. What do you think of his kitchens? Take a look at the website and Decorati's article on him as well.


Alicia B.

More wallpaper!

Adding to our turquoise Penguin wallpaper with this apple green colour. Waiting for the silver proof to arrive in the post too...

Hobbit House? I'll take it!

Absent mindedly flipping through the latest Martha Stewart I was astounded by this amazing fireplace!

The scale of it is so unusual and the way it is constructed is so beautiful. The linear arrangement of stones with a keystone shape in the middle is so amazing. This house is a hobbit house in Northern Michigan designed by a developer Earl Young in the 1940's. It is a rounded sort of house constructed of stones with a rounded organic roof. Kind of reminds me of a yurt, which I've done a blog on before HERE. Throughout the rest of the house I was continually surprised at the integration of modern and traditional and organic elements. I just love the name Hobbit House, too!

Alicia B.

New Stationery

These fab new stationery products will soon be available for retail and wholesale by us. Produced by teNues featuring Isak designs and patterns.

National City Christian Church

I am lucky enough to live across from one of my favorite buildings in the city -the National City Christian Church. Designed by prominent architect John Russell Pope in Neoclassical style, the central block which contains the sanctuary was completed in 1930.

night view from my roof deck

Because of the great depression, construction of the side wings which house a shelter and sunday school rooms was not complete till the 1950s. The church has led an important roll in the city through the years. In 1973 the state funeral of Lyndon Johnson was held here. Also, for years the church has had an impact on the musical life of the city both through daily concerts at noon and a weekly radio broadcast of its famous organ.

At night it's an impressive site, all of that white stone lit up, standing proudly on Thomas Circle. I'm always proud to see tourists snapping pictures! The shelter is entered from the side through a quiet, gated courtyard.

Beside the gate is this unusual baptistery. It has a ring of a neoclassical shell which matches the church around a brick core with stained glass. I wonder what the story behind that is!Even from a distance it is hard not to notice! In fact, it's one of the things that drew me to this neighborhood in the first place.

Isak top tip veg!

Beetroot & Carrots: Steam for 2 minutes, roast in the oven with olive oil, garlic, lemon and herbs. Mmm... Mackrel: Whack on the bbq with salt and pepper, a squeeze of lime... Mmm.
Dill: Butter and dill on steaming hot new potatoes. Peas: Pop them in a fresh summer salad or in a buttery mash. Mmm