Architecture Don't

Every month I look forward to receiving a slew of new magazines, including Architectural Digest.  I sat down this morning with a cup of coffee and the July issue anticipating a pleasant hour of looking at photos of gorgeous homes.  For the most part I was not disappointed.  Until I turned to an article on page 86 titled 'Full Spectrum.'  Ouch! My eyes hurt.  My soul hurt for the poor house.  Is this what happens when people have more money than sense or taste?

The focus of the story is a French-style mini-chateau located in River Oaks, Houston, an upscale enclave of massive homes.  The exterior and grounds look lovely.  The interior however has been transformed into a loud explosion of color, clashing styles and over-lapping eye-straining patterns.  The interior designer (Miles Redd) has taken a mansion with strong, classic bones and turned it into a carnival fun-house.

There are elements of his choices that are nice.  The wallpaper in the master bedroom (by Iksel Decorative Arts) is beautiful, but is eclipsed by bright red curtains and an 80's style shiny plastic four-poster bed.

 Architectural Digest, July 2014

The touches of class are unfortunately, overwhelmed by the tacky and tasteless.  The dining room mixes gentle silk wall coverings with a garish multicolor rug and electric blue curtains.  The elegant front entrance with its sweeping staircase is a taxi-cab yellow, which the designer proudly states inspired his being chosen for the job.

I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, however this beholders eyes are smarting from the clash of colors and styles in this home.

Holiday Shopping Ideas

In the lead-up to the holiday season pressure mounts to find the perfect present for loved ones.  Here are a couple of things that I have found that would make great gifts!

• This hobo bag is nice and comes in fun colors - it's also on sale, always a plus!

• Although it is slightly old fashioned in these days of smart phones, this is a nice bright red leather phone book to help store your family and friends contact information.

• These gloves look stylish, warm and cozy!  They would go well with this hat.

• What a quaint tea cup - perfect for a cuppa on a chilly day.  Especially when paired with a brownie baked in this cheerful brownie dish!

• Warm and comfy, these tartan flannel pajamas look perfect for a cold night.  Wear them while curled up in front of the perfect Christmas gift - White Christmas!

Blue and White

 

David Lawrence in House Beautiful

I would love to decorate my home, or at least a sitting room, in blue and white.  Specifically, I want blue and white striped armchairs.  I had seen something simple in Ikea a couple of years ago, but am not sure whether they still carry that line.  The pattern that I have seen now is quite a bit thicker than I the original ones.