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Open House: Do You Know Anyone Living in a Design Time Capsule?
The New York Times article Living in a Design Time Capsule discusses those homes "that have gone untouched for decades and give visitors the sensation of being in a décor-warp." I've seen many of these in my day, including those of several friends and family members. One Su Casa member even shared photos of her parents' plastic slipcovered sofa with me.
How-To: Renovate an Apartment For $10,000 or Less
Over the course of the past two years, graphic designer Russell Lewis and his girlfriend, design assistant Gemma Ahern, renovated their 1200-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment. Located in Leigh-on-Sea, a village an hour outside of London, the apartment was overhauled for £6,500, or $10,300. You can check out their entire apartment in this New York Times slideshow.
Before and After: John Jacob Astor IV's Heavenly Pavilion
The New York Times has a jaw-dropping article, "A Fixer-Upper to End Them All," and coinciding slideshow about the 1902 Stanford White-designed Beaux-Arts sporting pavilion in Rhinebeck, NY, which was purchased and renovated by Kathleen Hammer, a retired producer for Oxygen Media. The building was originally designed for John Jacob Astor IV, great-grandson and heir of the fur and real estate magnate, and originally served as a weekend retreat and entertaining spot.
Astor's elder son Vincent inherited the property, and his third wife, Brooke Astor, made it more of a residential spot.
Would You Get Married on a Farm?
According to a recent New York Times article, farms are quickly becoming a popular wedding venue for many couples. There are many advantages to a farm wedding, including a reduced price tag. According to the article, "Farms Are For Lovers," "Farm weddings can cost a fraction of nuptials at more traditional sites, because couples usually take care of services like catering and music.
Would You Hire Someone to Coordinate Tunes With Your House?
The New York Times article "Does This Song Match My Sofa?" reports on homeowners who hire DJs to make custom mixes that coordinate with different rooms of their homes. One music stylist said, “Our clients are the type who send people all over the world to find the perfect spoon, or doorknob or type of marble.
Cool Idea: Light Bulb Candle Holders
The New York Times article "Thinking Like a Student" takes a look at the thrifty, creative home-design moves college students, particularly architecture students, are making during these difficult economic times to make their homes a better place, aesthetically and functionally.
Along with the article is a wonderful slideshow showcasing many of these "on the cheap" tricks. One of my favorites was a set of candle holders fashioned from recycled light bulbs by Lauren Chapman, a student at Yale School of Architecture.
Nice and New: T Magazine's Design Issue Is Now Online
T magazine's Design Fall 2008 issue is now online! Among other things, the issue takes a look at provocative new design trends, profiles British editor turned designer Ilse Crawford, tours the design scene in Philly, visits Mario Bellini's Milan palazzo, looks at some inventive coat trees and umbrella stands, and sneaks a peek at a monochromatic loft and an Upstate New York steel-framed guest house. The cover, shown here, which features a chest of drawers that slide in opposite directions, is an allusion to the different directions design is taking today.
Cool Idea: String Theories
I'm always keeping an eye out for unexpected centerpieces for your next party. This pretty alternative to flowers, which was created by New York event designer David Stark, was fashioned by first shaping wire into floral shapes. Then, biodegradable sisal twine was carefully wound around the wire forms.
Midday Muse: Ocean Views
Clingstone, a 103-year-old mansion in Narragansett Bay, which was recently featured in the New York Times, sits on a rocky island that's barely bigger than the house. While this situation leaves very little room for a yard or garden, the ocean views make up for it, don't you think?
Eric Jacobs for The New York Times
In the News: Philippe Starck's Democratic Ecology
Back in March, in an interview with German publication Die Ziet, prolific industrial designer Philippe Starck admitted to feeling "ashamed" for being "a producer of materiality," saying, "Everything I have created is absolutely unnecessary." In shock, the design world was buzzing. Would this mean retirement for the can-do-no-wrong designer?
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