simple of blogs

Monday, July 27, 2009

The Phillips Collection

This past weekend I visited the Phillips Collection, a private museum here in Dupont Circle, DC which has an enviable collection of modern masters. Founded in 1921 by Duncan Phillips (a fellow Pittsburgher), the museum remains small but incredibly important. Works by Renoir (seen above), Paul Cezanne (also seen above) and Monet sit alongside very contemporary art. The museum was the first modern art museum in the United States which explains the incredible collection.

I was drawn to the museum for the 'Paint made Flesh' exhibit which I highly recommend! Seen above is the new addition which houses the entrance. It quietly fits onto a small street, respecting the stately townhouses and embassies that are neighbors, just 3 blocks from the metro.

Here you can see the original structure, a 1897 Georgian revival townhouse which was Duncan's home. After the deaths of his father & brother, Duncan and his mother dedicated the collection to their memory. In 1930 the collection was becoming so large that they moved out of the house and devoted it entirely to the museum.

Above is a work by Paul Gaugin -I just love the colors and besides, the meal just looks delicious. At the top of the post is of course 'Luncheon of the boating party' by Pierre-Auguste Renoir(1880-1881) which Duncan purchased in 1923 -the museum's most well known painting to this day but surely not its finest.

A painting by Chagall (my favorite artist).
The museum is known for its unusual approach to displaying the works. The collection is not shown in order by date or artist, but by similarities seen in the works themselves. This makes for a really enjoyable visit (as does the intimate scale of the space). I hope on your next visit to DC you visit the Phillips!

Dear Anthropologie, I'm back.

Yesterday I was downtown (yes, during the huge deluge/thunderstorm/tornado) with a friend and we were on an Anthropologie mission. I used to absolutely adore everything Anthropologie, then I thought "I can't pull this off, its too indie for me," but now the tables have turned and I'm in love again. Don't you hate when you want every single thing in a store? It's maddening. Well, when the recession clears up slash I win the lottery, these are a FEW of the things that I was loving.

I would have bought these at the store but they didn't have an "A." Monogrammed Sticky Notes $14.

Nothing gets my heart pumping faster like a striped nautical rug! The Nautical Stripe Dhurrie starts at $78.

Pretty pottery vase for $14. It's mini but so cute!

I don't know WHO I think I am, but I think these are just plain practical! I love them! Magnifying glasses starting at $68.

I think these are quite possibly the most genius thing I've never seen. They are PRETTY measuring cups! I have about 300-400 sets of measuring cups which I love of course but none that come close to how pretty these are! They also have some that are flowers. Feminine and perfect.

If I were to get this bedding, I'd have to change my entire identity/personality/move into an old Victorian home but it would be SO worth it. Featherfew bedding starting at $268.

Somewhat by accident I've started to collect really pretty bowls ( I like cereal okay??). I have some blue and white ones and I think these would be a good addition. Cordoba Bowl $10.

My friend pulled this apron out and said, "Alicia, this is so you!" and I'd have to agree with her. I love Anthropologie aprons (already have one from another friend!) but how can you resist this one--it has smocking!! Comfort food apron $38.

I have to say I didn't see this chair coming from Anthropologie. Usually it is much more "distressed" in appearance. I love the classic traditional style and caning but painted black. Lovely. Bachelard Chair $298.

I don't have to wait to win the lottery, I'm open to donations as well. Thanks!

Alicia B.

Our Owls!

Lovely Erica has kindly let us use these images from her son's room over in Sweden. What a lovely room it is! Erica also has a blog. Check it out! http://thereisnoplacelikehome.blogg.se/

Saturday, July 25, 2009

New small house plan available today!

You have got to check out this new home design by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture. The "PACO house" offers complete self contained living in a 3 square meter cube.

The Paco House is available in four basic plans. Plan A features the kitchen, shower, bathroom, epoxy painted floor and ceiling lighting at a total price of 6,300,000 yen. Plan B boasts a kitchen, epoxy painted floor and ceiling lighting at a price of 5,250,000 yen. Plan C features the epoxy painted floor and ceiling lighting for 4,725,000 yen. Plan D is the home’s basic shell, which you can customize to your needs and interests, selling for 4,200 yen.

Clearly much time and money have been spent developing the prototype. Indeed this is one very well thought out box. But I have one question. Who is actually going to buy this thing?

more information:

Simple,Unique, Small, Creative and Green House Plans

Hus

A house is a hus is a home. Home is where the heart is. Finns det hjäterum finns det stjärterum. Mi casa es tu casa....

Friday, July 24, 2009

New Cottage House Plan

Larson Brenner Architects (Stillwater, MN) is creating a new Cottage House Plan design for Kyle Hunt & Partners. The design is characterized by a dramatic steep front gable roof line and will feature a modern open floor plan.

Kyle Hunt & Partners is a builder that specializes in crafting Architect designed homes. They have created strategic partnerships with several Architects including Larson Brenner to provide services for their clients. This design will be featured at their Locust Hills neighborhood in Minnetonka, MN.

The two images below depict the design in two color studies.

Simple,Unique, Creative and Green House Plans

Sketching

With Habitually Chic 's and my trip to Paris fast approaching, I've been thinking about what to pack. Naturally, as an architect, my sketchbook is one of the first things I thought of. Now, warning -I am not a gifted sketch artist, I'm obviously no PVE! Rather, it's a way for me to work out what I'm seeing and take time to concentrate on the details - whether it be ideas in my head, something I'm seeing in my travels or sometimes even an image from a magazine.

I've used these Rhodia pads for years now,the 6"x8" size: this is my actual sketchbook scanned in! I love the Rhodia pads because they have graph paper, I love a straight line and need all the help I can get! This one is not too banged up yet but wait till after Paris. I typically fill up one a year but I may need a new one just for this trip! So here is a little tour of some of the highlights in my current sketchbook.