AESTHETICALLY THINKING: September 2010

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

A VOTRE SANTE

In the old days, cellaring wine was relatively simple, even if the rules were iron clad. A good wine cellar had to be dark, because light could cause changes in wines. It had to be still and vibration free, because even small amounts of motion or shaking could speed up the wine's process of maturation, stir up its sediments, agitate it, and cause who knows what undesirable chemical changes. It had to be a constant 55 degrees (or 45 degrees - experts disagreed), because heat is the great enemy of wine, causing it to age much too fast and unpredictably, and also contributing to undesirable chemical changes. It had to have constant 35 percent humidity, to prevent corks from drying out, which would destroy the wine by leakage, oxidation, and - you guessed it - undesirable chemical changes.

The purpose of cellaring wines was exclusively to mature them for drinking - and by God - we do love drinking that beautiful aged bottle of bordeaux in a cool cellar any day!

Steven Gambrel

Chateau Marquis

Chateau Margaux

Chateau Lascombes

Chateau Lafon Rochet

Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Chateau Gruaud Larose

John Minshaw

Desloover

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

PATINA

"Patina is everything that happens to an object over the course of time. The nick in the leg of a table, a scratch on a table top, the loss of moisture in the paint, all these things add up to create a softer look, subtle color changes, a character. Patina is built from all the effects, natural and man-made, that create a true antique."
Israel Sack

It is such a pleasure to work with amazingly talented people and additionally, fabulous product. Thank you all for making us the best we can be!

Beth Webb Interiors/Peter Block Architects

Beth Webb Interiors/Peter Block Architects

SAN MARCO USA
San Marco lime washes and mineral paints are beautiful traditional materials that mellow gradually while they wear away, and over time develop the extraordinary patinas that characterize the old-world charm of Europe.

Liming is a highly fashionable means of revitalizing the look of surfaces giving them a comforting, time worn appearance.

http://www.san-marcousa.com/

RAY GOINS
Raymond Goins, dubbed "Idea Man" by Atlanta Magazine and "Furniture Maverick" by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, is an artist, designer and creator based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Originally hailing from South Carolina, Raymond moved to Atlanta, the cultural center of the South, with intentions of an active career in art. He opened his first studio in 1996, and since then has established a reputation for his fanciful, authentic and innovative designs. Raymond's recent solo debut at the 2010 ASA Decorators' Show House in Atlanta "stole the show," according to The Atlantan, and introduced visitors to unexpected color palettes and rare finishes not typically seen in Southern interiors.

Exhibiting raw talent and relentless spirit, Raymond Goins' has gained the notice of a wide range of design enthusiasts, publications and blogs.

R.L. Goins Studio

Thursday, September 23, 2010

UTILITARIAN SPACES

The mud room originated out of necessity on farms and ranches as a specified place to shed muddy shoes and clothing when coming in from the fields and pastures. This back entrance kept dirt and grime from being tracked through the house, usually with a sink or basin for washing up before meals. The mud room remains a perpetual favorite of mine as "necessity is indeed the mother of invention."

Peter Block Architects

Villa Olmaia

Gil Schafer - Town & Country

Dana Abbott - House Beautiful

Cousaert - Van Der Donckt

Monday, September 20, 2010

COVETING CLOSETS

Oh dear - how I love great closets, probably mostly because I have none! Not a one - at least one that works. Don't get me wrong, I adore my house, but the closet situation is dire! So I covet, I mean covet, and dream about someday having a beautiful closet of my own...