Thursday, 23 August 2007

Frescoes

After visiting the Getty Villa the other day I am still impressed by how current some of the design motifs of the ancient Greeks and Romans are. I was particularly struck by the colors used in their frescoes and mosaics. Any of the color schemes used in these frescoes from Pompeii could be used to produce a beautiful room today.

Classic design never goes out of style. Not even after 2042 years!

Tuesday, 21 August 2007

art, hotels

The Wynn Resort

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I was reading The Peak of Chic's post on using deep tones of brown to create "dining drama" and I was reminded of the brilliant use of the color brown at The Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. The designer Roger Thomas and builder Tony Marnell - both local Las Vegas boys - did a stellar job on the Interior. The entire resrt was themed around the painting Le Reve by Picasso. ( Yes this is the painting that owner Steve Wynn put his elbow through)

Le Reve
Every element of this property conveys the nuance of this painting.

The design concepts and the execution combine for a brilliant juxtaposition of rich browns and cinnamons and bright Marimeko styled primary colors. The base palette of the resort is deep browns against stark white accents.

The chocolate and white hallways are striking.

The attention to detail is amazing. Look at the tie backs for the drapery panels - WOW. The lobby table with flower arrangements packs quite an impact.

The lighting design throughout the resort is outstanding. Each fixture is unique and was designed specifically for its particular location. The designers raised the bar through their use of new, cutting edge and alternative materials .

The Country Club Grill

I love this vaulted ceiling and how the designer treated it.

When the resort opened it was met with mixed reviews. Local residences did not know what to make of it. I think the sophistication factor was just too high for them to process. It has since become world renowned for its style. Being a Vegas local myself I have been able to watch Roger Thomas' work as he has progressed from the renovation of the Golden Nugget to the Mirage, Bellagio and finally the Wynn. He is like a fine wine wine who has mellowed with age. I think he did a stellar job. I can't wait to see The Encore which is the sister resort being built on the same property as The Wynn

Saturday, 18 August 2007

art

The Getty Villa in Malibu

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Since I was in the neighborhood last week I spent a day touring the newly renovated Getty Villa in Malibu. Built in 1974, it was designed to replicate the Roman residence Villa dei Papirir, which was remarkably preserved after being buried in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Getty built the Villa to house his spectacular collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. When the Getty Center opened in 1997, the Villa was closed for renovations. It took nine years and a staggering $275 million to bring it to its current glory.

The colonnade and reflecting pool.

An interior anteroom.

The loggia

Artisits' renderings of the original villa in Herculeum.

The interior courtyard and herb garden.

The East Garden with mosaic stair fountain and traditional bronze fountain in the center.

Detail of the Corinthian columns and fresco work on the ceiling. They just looked too new to me. What do you think?

I was surprised at the pristine newness of all of the surfaces. It was apparent that the architects and designers were going for authenticity of how the Villa would look when it was first completed in 38B.C. To me, it seemed almost too polished and pristine. I would have liked to see some patina added to the surfaces. I realize this shows an ignorance on my part. Expecting to see a film of age on anything historic is something that is ingrained in my sub-conscious.

In my defense - viewing the many ancient relics, statues, frescoes, and mosaics housed within the Villa it was almost a shock to the system to view all of the buildings in their virginal, untouched, condition.

Despite this incongruity it is well worth the trip. The view of the ocean alone is spectacular. The Cafe offers a remarkably tasty menu with gourmet salads a specialty - It is California after all. Parking is $8 and admission is free - however you must reserve a ticket in advance as admission is limited.

Wednesday, 15 August 2007

humor

Vacation is for the Birds!

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A tropical paradise!

Just a quick post from Santa Monica CA. I've been spending some time reading second rate paper back novels by the pool. This morning I decided to go have a nice breakfast at one of the cafes at my hotel - the Fairmont Santa Monica. Its a lovely hotel, a bit past its prime but still getting a solid **** 1/2 stars for it's efforts. The outdoor cafe is a beautiful setting complete with waterfalls, koi pond with turtles, and a certain European sensibility that appeals to my snooty, semi-world traveler persona.

The view from my breakfast table above was lovely and the sounds of the trickling waterfall drowned out the traffic noise and children screaming in the pool. All was right with the world. As I sat and soaked up this lovely scene, drinking my English Breakfast tea with a splash of milk, I pondered the thought of how fortunate I was to be able to enjoy such a splendid morning as this.

Just as these warm and fuzzy thoughts were soothing my over-worked brain I was brought back to the harsh reality of my life.

A large bird had just shit on my shoulder.

Yes I said shit as that is the only word to describe the goopy green turd that destroyed my peaceful morning. Now I am sure there are many different ways to react when a bird drops a giant load on you in public. My response was first one of disgust. Secondly, I became aware that my flailing of the arms and hands might alert my other diners to my predicament so I tried to wipe off the offending poo with as much decorum as possible. I waved for my check and proceeded to pretend that nothing had happened all the while dying to get back to room and rip off the poop stained shirt I was wearing.

I managed to wipe off most of the offense and I thought I had done a pretty good job of disguising my ordeal and I was sitting quietly waiting for my check. Suddenly, Rico Suave Italian dude tapped me on my shoulder. "Yes", I said demurely, pleasantly surprised by Rico's smarmy good looks! He leaned down to whisper something to me. What could it be, I wondered?........ "You missed some", was his remark as he pointed to my back. Yes, there was still a long green trail of bird crap all the way down the back of my shirt.

Nothing will bring you down off your lofty perch as fast as a bird dropping it's goods on you in public. And that, my friends, is my thought for the day.

Sunday, 12 August 2007

books, shopping

My Favorite Book Stores

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I'm heading out to California tomorrow for a week at the beach at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica. The hubby is working down there next week so I get to take advantage of his all expenses paid hotel room! One of my favorite things about Santa Monica is that it is the location of two of the best Art & Architecture book stores in the world.

The first is Arcana: Books of the Arts located on the Third Street Promenade

They specialize in rare and out of print books on 20th century art, architecture, design, & photography. They have an inventory of over 100,000 books which they are currently beginning to list on their website. They have many items that are one-of-a-kind, signed, limited or deluxe editions and extremely scarce.

This not a bookstore in which to sit and have a latte whilst paging through a new release. They are very serious about their product as you can see in this photo showing many of the volumes which are encased in plastic sleeves for protection. You can practically feel your IQ increasing just by walking across the threshold.

If Arcana is a bit to intellectual or intimidating for your taste you can walk about one block west to 214 Wilshire Blvd - the home of Hennessey & Ingalls Art & Architecture Books
In operation since 1963, this store is the largest art and architecture bookstore in the country. It is a landmark for the design community and a magnet for designers, architects, students, art directors, and anyone interested in the visual arts.

I can spend hours in here looking through the immense assortment of books and manuals. It is a cheerful, quiet, store staffed with knowledgeable employees who all seem to have a genuine interest in the books they are selling.

If you are looking for a book that's written about a subject that has anything to do with the arts or architecture and it's in print, it will be on the shelves of this store. If you are ever in Santa Monica you must treat yourself to a visit to these two establishments. You will never want to go to Barnes & Noble again!

Saturday, 11 August 2007

accessories

Crown Me Queen!

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I write this post today to confess that I have recently been harboring an obsession with antique crowns. I love to look at them, lust after them, and try to think of ways to justify buying them. I have tried to satisfy this obsession with fake antique crowns but they just aren't doing it for me. I think I must secretly believe that I was some kind of royalty in a past life (God knows I didn't make it to such a lofty height this time around) Here are my sad little imposters. I do love them but they are a reminder to me that I do not yet posses the real thing.

The real thing can be found at one of my favorite sites Alhambra Antiques
They are located in Coral Gables Florida and they offer a huge selection of antiquities and decorative arts.

Paris Hotel Boutique is another great source for decorative antiques and curious.

Tara at Paris Parfait has quite a collection of beautiful crowns as well as everything else under the sun - I am sick with jealousy! Check out her fantastic blog about life in Paris and scouring the city of lights for hidden treasure. She is a talented writer and observer of life.