The Curves Have It

Why is it that 99% of homes in the U.S. have straight, narrow, boring moldings? Why must the door always be a rectangle?

Let's beautify our homes a bit! How about a few curves?

 Isn't this a spectacular view?

 The essence of a curve!

 Loving these arched windows...

The pièce de résistance! Amazing.

Have you incorporated any curves in your home?

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Walls: A Must!

I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

Seriously.

Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments, Florence De Dampierre's new book, is that good. It is not just for designers and painters, but should become a staple in the library of anyone who is interested in design, whether in their own home or elsewhere.

Any book that starts off with the villa of Livia's garden frescoes gets my attention immediately. (They are even more spectacular in person and can be viewed at the Museo Nazionale Romano in Rome.) 

Ms. De Dampierre takes us on a tour of the best of decorated walls throughout history. From the simplest of decors...

to intricate and detailed frescoes, the book's beautiful photography transports you into each room.

There is a fair amount of attention given to stenciling and trompe l'oeil, both of which are skillfully done by many decorative artists today.

Gilding and painted patterns combine here in a spectacular manner.

Wallpapers are also covered, from the flocked...

to the sublime, hand-painted landscape version by the Zuber company. 

Of course,  you can also view Toile de Jouy, tapestries, murals and wood panels.

One of the rooms in the Pavlovsk Palace in Russia. Check out that marble!

As a decorative painter, it makes my heart sing to see a book totally devoted to its beauty. 

Thank you, Florence!

The best part is that today's artisans and artists are just as devoted to their craft. If you would like to view some fantastic work by these talented folks, visit Regina Garay's Fauxology blog this week to see some pretty darn cool powder rooms.

Beautiful photography by Tim Street-Porter and Pieter Estersohn.

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