Collections

When using the term Hoarder, one usually associates the use as a negative connotation.  But, in reference to the following pictures, the "Hoarders" of these "Collections," were able to turn hoarding into a positive term.   

To finish out our previous post on Collections, here are a few more images-

Stripes

As we continue the Stripe theme through the month of November, here are a few inspiring Interior Shots.

Miles Redd, an Atlanta Native, designed the last Interior Shot.  We recently attended his book signing at Travadavi for his new book, The Big Book of Chic.

Black Interiors

To end the month of October, we have a few more black interiors to share with you.  As we said before, black is technically not a color, it is a neutral, but we all call it a color for a ease of use.  As we focus on black interiors, I also have four interesting facts on the color black:

1)  In most cultures, the spotting of a black cat is considered bad luck, except in England, where it is considered good luck.

2) Black is associated with heaviness.  For instance, most people think a black box is heavier than a white box.

3) Black is associated with sophistication and power.  For example, tuxedos, limousines, judge's robes, and priest's wardrobes. 

4) An old wives' tale says that if a woman is buried wearing black, she will come back to haunt the family.



Black in Design

To kick off the month of October, we decided to showcase black interiors.  Black is not technically a color, it is a neutral, but we all call it a color for ease of use.  Being a neutral, it can team up with any color, and can have a striking effect as you can see in these photos below.

Faux Bois

Faux Bois, is French for false wood, and is the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains in several elements.  This artistry dates back to the Renaissance and trompe-l’oeil (deceive the eye), which is a technique involving realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that objects exist in three dimensions.  Joseph Monier, inventor of ferrocement (reinforced concrete), a combination of cement and sand coated over layers of woven steel mesh, designed the first bridge of reinforced concrete over the moat at the Chateau Chazelet in France in 1875. It was carved and molded to look like timbers and logs. In Mexico and Texas, this craft is sometimes known as “El Trabajo Rustico” (The Rustic Work) and has a more realistic look as compared to European work.  Dionicio Rodriquez, a Mexican who moved to Texas in the early 1920s is a highly regarded artist who worked in this technique and his works have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

End of Summer

Listen the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves.  We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves.

- Humbert Wolfe

When summer gathers up her robes of glory,
And, like a dream, glides away.
- Sarah Helen Whitman

Gone are the birds that were our summer guests.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Badminton

Badminton anyone?  Badminton is a racquet sport played by singles (two opposing players) or doubles (two opposing pairs) on a court that is divided by a net.  Players score points by hitting a shuttlecock, a traditional feather ball, with their racquet over the net on to their opponents side, and aiming to make their opponent miss hitting it back over the net.  The game is played to 21 points, with players scoring a point each time they win a rally. Badminton has been an Olympic sport since 1992.  Badminton dates back to mid-18^th century British India, where it was created by British military officers stationed there. Though it began with the British, Indonesia, South Korea, China, and Malaysia along with Denmark are among the nations that have consistently generated world-class players over the past few decades with China being the greatest force.

 

 

Summer Celebration

"Teach us delight in simple things"

Rudyard Kipling

Our summer celebration continues.  Here are a few more images of what makes summer so enjoyable.

Summer Celebration

The joy of summer continues.  Take a peak and then tell us if you don't want to go outside this weekend!

Summer Images

As we continue to celebrate summer, here are a few images that come to mind as ways to embrace what is left of the official summer of 2012.  Take a swim at night, hold an outdoor dinner party, enjoy a rocking chair and yes, maybe even a little camping somewhere cooler. 

"Warm summer sun, shine kindly here. Warm southern wind, blow softly here. Green sod above, lie light, lie light. Good night, dear Heart, Good night, good night."  
-Mark Twain

"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." 
- Sam Keen

Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball is a game in which the objective is to throw or roll heavy balls, called boules in France, and bocce in Italy, as close as possible to a small target ball. The game is similar to games played back during the Roman Empire. Bocce is typically played on soil and asphalt courts and bocce balls, called jacks, are typically made of metal or plastic.  Bocce Ball has been very popular in Europe and has become increasingly popular in America.  Many believe that Bocce Ball has become popular in America, because it can be played while holding a glass of wine, and domestic wine consumption has gone up dramatically over the same period.  In addition, Bocce Ball courts also provide very attractive landscaping.

Summer Olympics

In celebration of the start of the Summer Olympics in London, enjoy a few interesting views of the British flag and all things British.