Interior and Architecture Ideas

San Simeon: Hearst’s library

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:01:01 +0000

Located off the bedroom’s sitting room in the Gothic suite is the private library. Here, Hearst kept his impressive personal book collection as well as conduct business meetings as his office was next door; the man and his work were never seperated!

The focal point here is again the ceiling. Polychrome wood ribbed arches are seperated by Moroccan lanterns which are barely needed during the day with all of the light from the gothic transom windows. I think I could work here, don’t you?

As with all of my San Simeon posts, written permission was kindly granted to post my interior photos of the estate on this blog only. Please respect that and do not copy. Thanks!

Beauty from nature

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:37:40 +0000

The January 2010 issue of the World of Interiors featured a stair that I just couldn’t get out of my head; it looked so familiar. The Copenhagen police headquarters is a masterpiece of modern Neoclassicism from the 1920s that contains this gem.

This image looking up towards the skylight finally reminded me of where I had seen this before. Nature!

The spiral stairs perfectly mimic the shape of a chambered nautilus shell. Does this prove that most beauty is derived from nature? Perhaps not, but it sure is an arguement for the statement!

Photographs from WOI, January 2010 by James Mortimer

An Eye For Simplicity.

electronic — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:52:38 +0000

The world seems like such a complicated place lately. I’ve decided to dedicate this week to true simplicity. Being a minimalist at heart, I find peace and rest in simple and uncomplicated things. I think its easier to see their true beauty that way. Over the weekend I discovered an amazing artist who captures quiet moments with amazing detail. The sand and sky in these photos are hypnotic.

Artist: Rebecca Villarreal

National City Christian Church

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:51:56 +0000

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.

Barry Dixon at Timothy Paul

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:48:57 +0000

This past thursday I attended the DC launch party of Barry Dixon’s rug collection at Timothy Paul. I had been in the bedding and home store of Timothy Paul up the street but had never been into the carpet showroom so I was excited to see it! I had always admired their throw pillows they had in the window, I was happy to see them up close -so beautiful!!

We got there really early, straight from work, and got to take some pictures before the party started and talked to Barry Dixon a bit about his inspiration behind most of the collection. All of the different designs are very personal to Barry, picked up from his travels. Ideas came from pieces of tooled leather picked up in bazaars and the pattern of leaves on a forest floor.

The colors are all beautiful, muted tones without being bland. Many of the rugs are available in different color-ways as well.

His beautiful book was also on display: I was at the book launch party for that and blogged about it HERE.

While Dixon’s were the primary focus, a few others not by the designer were also featured. I loved this deep rich reddish-orange rug.

If you’re ever in DC, visit Timothy Paul -the rug showroom is only a block away from the bedding and home store. Visit them online HERE.

Soundtrack for a Long Weekend.

electronic — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:40:53 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgQJpTtQwzI]

I think I may be overdoing it with the videos this week, but I had to post one more. I just found this new album from a band called Pacifika. They have a very eclectic sound. It is flamenco, jazz, electronica all blended together. For all of you with time off for Memorial Day, this is a great soundtrack to listen too (especially if you’re lounging by the pool!).

Happy Friday!

Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree

electronic — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:05:00 +0000

Patricia Gray Inc is honoured to have participated along with Linda Sale Interior Design in their 3rd Annual “Home for the Holidays” fundraising initiative benefiting Canuck Place Children’s Hospice at Sutton Place Hotel. This festive fundraising initiative partnered with local Vancouver businesses to create signature trees that are showcased in the lobby of The Sutton Place Hotel for the month of December. Please drop by and feast your eyes on the beautiful trees and cast your vote for your favourite. Thank-you to everyone who voted for their favourite tree and helped us raise proceeds for this important cause.

The tree is decorated with handmade Canuck Jerseys for each team member, and Gingerbread Cookies to represent the Children of the World dressed in their native costumes with each holding the flag of their Country. Click here to see more pictures of the decorations. For more information, please visit Canuck Place Children’s Hospice or Sutton Place Hotel Home for the Holidays.

Photos top left to right: Patricia Gray with clients Arnold & Audrey Armstrong; Patricia Gray with client Linda McGibbon; Patricia Gray with Sara Tye, Creekside Tile; Patricia Gray with Hanan Arabatlian, Aura Interiors.

Patricia Gray Inc is an award winning Interior Design firm in Vancouver, Canada who blogs about Lifestyle and WHAT’S HOT in the world of Interior Design.
2010 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

I’m A Photography!

electronic — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:18:46 +0000

I’m still reminiscing a bit about Liam. Several months ago, I noticed he started showing interest in using my camera. I’m sure it isn’t because I carry it with me all the time! So, I hesitantly let him use it. I was surprised to see how wonderful his photos were! I mean his point of view is so different than anything I would imagine. His pics consist of his favorite things like puddles and toy trucks, but also of curious places he is unfamiliar with and little moments that only children notice. The title of this post comes from something Liam said after one of his photo shoots, “Mama, I’m a photography”.

This boy’s most loved possessions are his toy cars.

This is the ceiling of an elevator. Love the abstract feeling of it…unfortunately, I forgot to turn off the date feature. (I bought a small point-and-shoot camera for him to use instead of my Nikon)

Have you ever looked closely into a Lego house?

In Liam’s shoots, there have been many unfortunate pictures of me. So, now I’m reluctant to let him take more…too scary!

I think these are my favorite. Sometimes while scrolling through the camera memory, these funny self-portraits pop up. They make me laugh every time!!

Dream Land

electronic — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:10:13 +0000

I feel these photos were taken in a dream. This is the work of Sarah Jones.

French Pink

electronic — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:29:17 +0000

I found this wonderful blog by Melanie who lives in France and has a shop in Provence “LE PETIT CABINET DE CURIOSITES” I love all things French and I was fortunate to have studied Architecture in Paris and Interior Design at Le musée des Arts décoratifs through the Parsons School of Design. However you will have to bear with me on the translations, as my French is a little rusty. I was captivated by the charm of Milani’s shop and the pink caught my eye as I have been seeing this color becoming quite popular in North American Interior Design. But in France it has always been in Vogue, particularly since the reign of Louis XIV and his wife Marie Antoinette. Milani’s father is an Upholster Extraordinaire. In France it is a noble profession and one that requires schooling and proper apprenticeship under a master. I will do a further posting on Melanie’s Father’s work which is quite incredible.
The entry to the shop – L’entrée de mon magasin en étage. I love the pink stairs and the geometric design in the floor tile. Notice the brass ball finial on the balustrade.

a small “chauffeuse” (fireside chair) and a “commode” (chest of drawers)

Modern Ambience: Murano glass lamp, Plexiglass console, Designer Guild wallpaper

Pierre Frey cushion, Architectural Element lamp, Linen and organza tablecloth . I love this whole tablescape!

Poteries Ravel & une ” duchesse brisée ” de jardin en fer forgé 1900

dans un coin du salon , un endroit propice à la prière …. prie dieu en noyer XIX , pelochon en issus vintage et cadre …

A collection of 19th century frames

After I had done this posting I got this lovely gift from Melanie:
THANK YOU PATRICIA TO HAVE WRITTEN A NOTE ABOUT ME
I’M VERY HAPPY AND VERY PROUD
THIS IS FOR YOU

Thank-you Melanie