Design Post Update

Do you think a magazine cover such as these would sell well today? No 'celebrity' Kardashians or overly air-brushed photographs of interiors; rather a well rendered image by an artist on a topic covered in the issue.
Imagine a special issue of Architectural Digest or Elle Decor on which Jeremiah Goodman produced the cover. Am I crazy or would this be a wonderful thing and have the design world abuzz? I'm not talking inside the magazine, just the cover; don't take away my pretty photographs!  If magazines are always looking for something new, isn't doing something this 'old' the latest thing?
Another 'old' thing I would love to see in a design magazine spread; Detailed floorplans (oh how a boy can dream.......). Everyone loves a floorplan! Yes or no, am I crazy (I realize thats a whole other question!)?

There are have been so many amazing interiors spotted around the web, and this week it seems to be all about the phenomenal bathroom spaces.  There are so many opportunities to make statements in your bathroom - whether it be modern fixtures or bold tiles. We've rounded up our favourite bathroom eye candy below for you to check out. Enjoy and happy Friday!

My favorite square in Paris is without a doubt the Place Vendome.  I even have a painting of it in my bedroom by Moura Chabor!
The storied square is actually 26 separate buildings with a unified front designed by Mansart.   Based on the success of the earlier Place des Vosges in the Marais (a similar concept of different buildings looking as one),  it was fully complete by 1720.
The Hotel Ritz, which occupies # 15 ( and possibly 17? ), is currently under renovation and is covered by the scaffolding seen above. This also includes a full restoration of the column in the center of the square originally erected by Napoleon in 1810.
 To the right of the scaffolding you can see what the original mansion fronts look like.
 This corner of the square is still open so you can see the original intent.
Above each archway is a different face -this guy looks a bit constipated!  Notice the lovely ironwork on the guard between houses.
But what lies behind these grand facades? Hotels and businesses of course but at one time they were all private homes.  Go through the vaulted archways and you still find very residential scaled facades.
This little courtyard above would make the perfect Paris pied a terre!
This very grand staircase leads one up into the buildings from the porte cochere.
All of this 'stone' is actually plaster scored and painted to resemble the stone the facades are built of. This is outdoor space but at the same time protected so it wears well.
And a very blurry picture looking into one of these historic building's stair - whats not to like?!

Today I bring you Oheka Castle through a music video by Taylor Swift.  Oheka Castle on Long Island was designed by Delano and Aldrich in 1914 for Otto Kahn. The structure happens to be the 2nd largest private house in the United States after the Biltmore estate. The house is gorgeous and the song is really fun; I'll admit to being a big Taylor Swift fan!  If you're not into the music I still encourage you to watch the video on mute for the images of Oheka Castle alone. Enjoy!

In anticipation of 'Black Friday' later this week I thought I would share with you some of my shopping from this past weekend. I stopped in one of my usual haunts on DC's U Street NW, Goodwood.
GoodWood used to be more of a vintage furniture store but has turned itself into an authentic version of what Anthropology tries to be. The styling in the store is always artful and really fun to walk around. As with most vintage shops there is something for everyone hidden around the next corner, no matter your taste.
I love this antique cabinet which holds antique china, tea, and teapots. I wish I had a cabinet like this in my apartment for my collection!
 These antique Minton cups and saucers were selling for only $8 a set and there were dozens of them.
One of the most interesting item(s) was this pair of faux "faux bois" French armchairs which are very Michael Taylor'esque.
Some details of the chair -really charming- I wish I had a place for these! Also notice the vintage carpet on the floor: lots of affordable antique rugs.
This lovely antique French mirror is deceivingly tall - it wouldn't look out of place in any embassy in town.
Unfortunately there was only one of these mid-century sconces with a Greek key motif or I would have snapped it up!  Someone had done an unfortunate paint spattering to the shaft but thats easy to undo with some sandpaper and a can of black spray paint.  Did you do any fun shopping this past weekend?

It is only in part an example only . If you want more , please browse to the internet . There is available a thousand kinds of photographs are also interesting.

 As I mentioned the grounds and gardens are immaculate and stunningly beautiful. One thing we didn't need was an umbrella -not even these amazing Senz Automatic Passion Umbrellas- which you can find at thestore.com. My preference is for Passion Red!
 Views of the mountains are found throughout the resort.
I mentioned that Frank Capra was a long time resident of the resort; he lived in the above bungalow with his wife each summer. A plaque and garden bench commemorate them.
This fun courtyard shown above surrounded by a few casitas is available for events; notice the strings of lights hanging over the space.
While most of the resort is lush and green this interesting desert garden above reminds one that we are in the desert after all!
I love how the fruit trees feature white painted bark about 30" high. While this has practical advantages against pests and also keeping the barks from splitting through the temperature differentials, it creates a beautiful contrast against the grass.
 Almost every tree was a citrus tree. It was citrus season during my visit and wonderful fresh fruit was available everywhere!
The newer structures feature great details just as in the older casitas. Notice the Spanish tiled steps and roofs.
 The turquoise shutters pair so well with the blue sky.
 The main clubhouse features a lot of common spaces and restaurants.
This fire in the main lobby is kept constantly burning with fragrant mesquite wood; a great place to spend a chilly evening with a glass of wine.
Even though they were past their prime ENORMOUS fragrant roses were to still be found throughout the resort.
 For those not interested in swimming pools or golf, the spa is a great way to spend a day.
The primary garden features numerous tiled water features so that you're never far away from the music they provide.
 Did I mention mountain views?
 This pool, one of 41, was where I spent most of my time as it was literally out my front door.
 Details wait around each corner.
I loved that some of the tiles featured paw-prints -just driving home the fact that they are handmade.
Ever thoughtful, wifi and cellphone repeaters are to be found dotted around the resort so that one can stay connected. Notice the palm tree above? It took me a few days but I finally realized these fake palm trees hide amongst the real ones providing the data to which we are all addicted!