Interior Landmarks - Treasures of New York

 Everyone is familiar with the many landmarks of New York City, but thanks to Judith Gura and Kate Wood (courtesy of the Monacelli Press) we are all about to become familiar with the landmarked INTERIORS of the city. 

Since 1965 the New York City Landmarks Law has been protecting significant spaces across the city ranging from classical architecture to more unexpected masterpieces of the modern era.

This book includes 120 landmarks and their locations which can be used as an architectural tour guide of the city as most spaces are open to the public.

The projects range from the expected such as the Metropolitan Museum by Richard Morris Hunt seen below -

 To the lesser known such as the Loews Paradise Theater in the Bronx by John Eberson.

The re-release of this book includes updated information with new additions so that you can explore these landmarks for yourself.

I think a copy of this book is a must-have guide to the city with more interesting venues than the typical tourist guidebook but can also be used for more serious research. In a city that is constantly changing the struggle to preserve our architectural heritage is in more need of support than ever! Happy Reading!

All images courtesy of Larry Lederman and The Monacelli press

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Sophisticated Simplicity with Suzanne Kasler, Jeffrey Dungan, and a booksigning!

The great designer Suzanne Kasler is at it again with her 3rd book from Rizzoli, Sophisticated Simplicity, sharing more of her timeless projects. This new book looks at a number of her recent projects ranging from town to country, mixing high and low, and with a lot more modern than we're used to seeing from her!

The project below in South Carolina had the homeowners taking Suzanne out of her comfort zone with their love of bold colors.

Many of the projects however feature Kasler's signature of beautiful neutrals with light-filled interiors.

The project in Maine, seen in these 2 photos, showcases the homeowners' love of blue &white and is what relaxed coastal living is all about!

But the event I'm excited to share with you is a booksigning with Suzanne Kasler, Architect Jeffrey Dungan, and photographer William Abranowicz, that I'm hosting through our chapter of the ICAA in conjunction with Circa lighting with whom Kasler has a lighting line. Dungan is a talented architect out of the South who recently released a monograph of some of his impressive work to date. This book is not to be missed!

The free book-signing event will be hosted at the Circa showroom in Cadys Alley, DC on the evening of Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018.  The first 75 attendees will win copies of the books courtesy of Circa!  A fun giveaway raffle from Circa and the ICAA is yet another reason to come! Kasler, Dungan, and Abranowicz will all briefly speak about their work featured in these 2 interesting books.  Books will be available for sale in addition to the free copies.  I hope to see many of you there! 

All images courtesy of RizzoliUSA

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Making LA Modern: Craig Ellwood architect

While I rarely feature modern design here at ArchitectDesign that does not mean I don't have an appreciation for the style. Rather I think as in anything, quality matters, and so much of what you see that passes as 'modern' is just poor and lazy design.

However there are modern architects whose work makes my heart swoon: one of these is mid-century LA architect Craig Ellwood.  Ellwood took the formal modernism of Mies van der Rohe (another architect I greatly admire) and added some California casualness.

Next month (April 2018) Rizzoli is releasing a new book on this modern master entitled Making L.A. Modern: Craig Ellwood - Myth - Man - Designer by Michael Boyd with stunning photography by Richard Powers seen here in this post.

Modernism is rooted in details and that is what so often breaks a design for me.  These houses built by Ellwood in the 50s and 60s have all of the warmth of more traditional architecture and all of the detailing of grand classical architecture; you want to spend time in these spaces.

Ellwood was a great self-promoter; had he been practicing today I'm sure he would be an instagram darling.  He was larger than life and no book about him would be complete without the juicy details!

I think we all have a few things to learn from this purist perfectionist and luckily this book can help!

All photography by Richard Powers - Making L.A. Modern: Craig Ellwood was edited by Michael Boyd, Rizzoli New Yori, 2018. Images may not be reproduced in any way, published, or transmitted digitally, without written permission from the publisher. 

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Gil Schafer, A place to call home

The most highly anticipated book this year has got to be architect Gil Schafer's "A Place to Call Home" from Rizzoli.  His first book, 2012's "The Great American House", was a huge hit and is one of my top favorite design books in my library. The book is split into 2 parts: the first he discusses what resonates with him when designing a house for a client (or himself) and the second part takes an in depth look at some of his more recent projects. 

I think one of the reasons Schafer's work is so popular is that he believes in the maxim God is in the details. In no project is this more important than in a home where someone lives with and physically touches each design decision on a daily basis. Schafer is a residential master; the projects in the book range from the traditional architecture he is known for to more modern styles.

The book is written so conversationally one walks away feeling you've made a new friend!   It's easy to form a connection to Schafer as he begins the book with stories of his childhood of different family houses: the sites and smells he remembers. I think we all have those memories of grandma's house!  

My favorite section is called 'the spaces in between' which are so important to a home; Linen closets, mudrooms, butler's pantries; etc.  Some great tips to pick up from that chapter!

Clients today rarely ask for formality and Schafer addresses this intelligently. It's possible to have functional spaces in a more traditional design aesthetic; candlelight and dressing up are not required!

This book is a must have for any design library and will bring a smile to your face. I promise you'll return to it again and again!

All images taken from the book, published by Rizzoli, and photographed by Eric Piasecki.

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Out East: Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons

Just in time for summer living Vendome Press is releasing Out East, the houses and gardens of the Hamptons, by noted author Jennifer Ash Rudick.  This beautiful book covers all the bases from modern beach shacks to more formal homes. If you don't find your dream Hampton's pad in this book you're not looking hard enough!

The relaxed vibe found in all 30 of the houses with open windows and cool breezes have me longing for a little away time myself.

The houses that appeal to me the most have a relaxed European casualness that embrace outdoor living without giving up any creature comforts.

Of course my preference is for the more traditional houses in the book with an eclectic 'real' mix of furnishings that highlight the personality of the owner (not designer).

And my favorite room in the entire book is this lovely screened porch found in a charming house designed by David Netto;  I could park myself here for days with a stack of books and pitcher of iced tea. Imagine riding out a rainstorm here too; perfection.

 And I can't forget the gorgeous gardens in the book;  Afterall that's what summer living is all about!

Thanks to Vendome Press for this book with lovely photographs by Tria Giovan, this is one not to miss!

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Robert Adam: new book release!

Another book which makes its debut this spring is on an architect who needs no introduction. Robert Adam, Country House Design, Decoration & The Art of Elegance by historian Jeremy Musson from Rizzoli is really the definitive book on the Scottish architect who transformed the face of Neoclassicism.

The photographs by the late Paul Barker are among the best I've ever seen of these oft-published projects which defined a style; the Adam Style. The architect was truly a Renaissance man designing parks, buildings, and furniture; an entire environment really, while also serving as a member of British Parliament (1768-1774)!

Nearly 250 years later his projects still astonish with their use of ornament and color in revolutionary ways.

These iconic spaces are instantly recognizable as the work of one man. This volume which covers many of his remaining projects have miraculously not changed centuries later -a testament to their timeless design.

Robert Adam delves into his design process, with many reproduced drawings, which is a must for any modern designer. How does one design for the long term and what is the thought process? This book is a must-have for any reference library as the definitive collection of this master architect, Robert Adam.

© RobertAdam: Country House Design, Decoration and the Art of Elegance by Jeremy Musson, Rizzoli New York, 2017. Images may not be reproduced in any way.  

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A House in the Country: Peter Pennoyer & Katie Ridder

With so many book releases this fall in time for the gift giving season (doesn't everyone else fill their Christmas wishlist with design books?) there was only one I was eagerly awaiting. Husband and wife team Architect Peter Pennoyer and designer Katie Ridder just released a collaborative book on the design process of designing their own house in the country, simply entitled A House in the Country. 

Fans who love both the classical, almost intellectual, architecture of Pennoyer as well as the stylish comfort of Ridder's interiors will not be let down by this book. In addition to chapters on both Exterior and Interior, there is an extensive chapter on the Gardens including planting lists and plans. And what would this book be without drawings which help so much with the understanding of any house (realtors take note - FLOORPLANS!).

Peter starts the book with their quest to find the perfect property which rarely has the perfect house. This talented duo of course were looking for a 'fixer-upper' or in this case a 'tearer-downer' (is that a thing?) to make their mark.  They took this golden opportunity to create a truly personal (terribly over-used term but fits here) home for themselves and their family through the gardens, interior, and exterior all lovingly laid out in this tome.  I say personal here because there are elements here that aren't 'good for resale';  purple tile floors, small bedrooms, tons of wallpaper, and a formal dining room, but thats exactly what makes this house (and book) so special. Talk about getting ideas.....the book is full of them!

Pennoyer has been sharing the house all through development and construction through social media and it was a treat to see the final result all in one beautiful book. My favorite view, and one I hadn't seen before, was the rear elevation with the large back porch, particularly charming in winter. What is a country home without a covered porch!

One of the children's bedrooms features a built-in bed nook, modeled on Thomas Jefferson's at Monticello, which Katie decorated with striped fabric and red tape. This is everything for me.....

A surprise in the book is rather than decorative endpapers the COVER of the book (under the dust jacket) is the 'Scraffito' wallpaper Katie designed for the house's entry hall; now available on her website here. You may just want to place this book on your shelf without the dustcover and you will most DEFINITELY want a copy of this book for your design library. Order yours today!

Many thanks to Vendome Press for the opportunity to review the book and to photographer Eric Piasecki for his beautiful photography! All photos from 'A House in the Country' and all rights are reserved.

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