Artistic Decay

And not quite the kind you would probably expect here.

Other than a few inches of snow, we have had the most mild winter I can remember. Today is like the first day of spring, with temperatures in the high forties, blue skies and brilliant sunshine. (I could get used to this.)

On a recent walk in the local park, we encountered a fair number of fallen trees which offer many opportunities for life to continue.

The textures alone are amazing.

Just think of the hiding places these fungi offer for those tiny critters we never even see.

Once again we are humbled by Mother Nature.

Collaborative Efforts: Salt Water Farm

Tempting right about now, no?

One of our favorite gifts for one another is to take a class together. It is so much fun not being the one in charge, meeting new people and learning from them. Before the holidays I ran across this article in Afar on Salt Water Farm in Maine and was just fascinated by their entire offerings.

Located about four hours north of Boston, along the coast in Lincolnville, Maine, Salt Water Farm sits on seventeen acres overlooking the ocean. It is a school for culinary and farm arts, founded a few years ago by Annemarie Ahearn and sous chef, Ladleah Dunn, who are dedicated to using truly local ingredients (most from the farm itself) and seasonal cuisine. 

The barn has been transformed into a professional demonstration kitchen, equipped with a wood-burning brick oven, an open hearth for roasting and various sausage and pasta makers. For the classes and workshops offered throughout the year, everyone troups out to the garden to survey what to pick and pluck and snip for that day's meal lesson and preparation. 

The teachers use the "hands dirty" approach, guiding students on how to roll the piecrust or bone the chicken or knead the bread.

After the meal prep is complete, your reward is to sit down with your fellow compatriots / new friends and enjoy the offerings. I could definitely get into that!

Click here to see their current class schedule.

What a wonderful way to honor my resolve to grow more food at home and use our little patch of earth to its fullest.
Honestly, it is inspiring me to even consider a mother -daughter class. 
Anyone want to join us?

[via]

Remember this?

In the spirit of following through with de-cluttering our home, I have been digging through the magazine piles that have accumulated and it is almost as fun as going through old family photos! Lots of cringing, a few laughs and much tearing out of pages (I know, I know....).

I just had to share a few with you. 

One of my favorite magazines of old was Traditional Home's Decorator Showhouse. I think it was printed quarterly (or was it biannually?). The Spring 2001 issue has been safely tucked away now for over 10 years, but it is now resurfacing for a bow.

I always loved this room designed by Barry Dixon for Diane Sawyer in the 2000 Traditional Home Built for Women Showhouse. While the wall finish is a bit dark and heavy for my taste now, I still like it and can definitely see it modified for today's decor.

 

I think the hanging frame/screen is a brilliant idea. A semi-sheer fabric stretched in the frame and you've got quite a statement.

And what a cool way to house the books... I need to figure this out for my own home.

Further on are ceramic tiles laid out on the floor to create a mosaic area rug designed by New York City designer, Kitty Hawks.

Check out this perfect lacquered wall finish that Mario Buatta included in his Showhouse design for Barbara Walters. Deep glazed plum- Hello Miles Redd!

What are some of your favorite no-longer-exist magazines?

[via]

Paneled

One of my favorite ways to add a design element into a room is to add a framed panel. It can range from simple to ornate, from an illusion to intricately carved. 

Here are Swedish versions as seen in this manor built in the 1780's. 

The framed panel can hold a painting or be painted. Or both.

How about wallpapered?

Outlining the frame adds a tailored element.

Pascal Amblard, the fabulously talented French artist, recently painted these panels in an early XVIIIth century castle. While they seem relatively simple, they are, in fact, delicate and perfectly proportioned.

Visit his blog, Demeures Peintes, here to see his description.

Just gorgeous!

This Russian version boasts a vibrant color.

In Florence's Palazzo Pucci, the plasterwork in the Wedgewood Room is ornate, the color combination one of my favorites.

The illusion of panels in this bathroom was created with different marbles. 

Stunningly sophisticated.

To create a paneled frame in your own home, visit Beaux-Artes for a wonderful collection of French wall panels and a video on their installation. They will even hand paint a canvas for the panel's center, as seen here.

Also, their blog, Classical Addiction, is a fascinating read.

  

Do you have any framed panels in your own home?

[1-4, 5-9,10,11,12,13]

Speaking of Paris...

If I was actually there... 
a must see for me would be the recently opened L'Opera Restaurant. 

Back in 1875, when French architect Charles Garnier designed the historic, 1,600 seat L’Opera Garnier, he fully intended to include a restaurant on the premises. His wish was not fulfilled until July, 2011, when the daring design by Odile Decq, of  Odile DECQ Benoit CORNETTE – Architectes Urbanistes, was revealed. The restaurant seats 170 at one time with the additional outdoor seating, weather permitting.

Initially, the restaurant concessionaire with the contract for the space held a design competition and actually selected another designer, but the Ministry of Culture rejected the winning design.  A cold call was then made to Odile Decq, who accepted the job. However, a dream job it was not. The many restrictions included: no touching of the stone surfaces, no blocking of the view of the ornate pendant suspended from the domed ceiling, and the space had to revert to its original state and every new element had to be removable at the end of the concessionaire's term.

One of the key features of the space is a magnificent glass curtain wall that protects the original stone, as seen above. The glass ranges from 26 to 28 feet in height and consists of two sheets of 0.4-inch-thick laminated glass. Silicone joints affix the top of the glass to the ceiling; a second steel band embedded in the floor secures the wall's base. Because the glass supports are invisible, it appears to magically float in place.

The mezzanine has a steel skeleton covered with molded white plaster. To offset the room's many hard surfaces, a porous, acoustically absorbent plaster coats the mezzanine's low walls and concave underbelly.The undulating structure does not touch the existing structure's walls, columns or roof. Its contemporary fluidity compliments the classical details of the vaulted stone ceiling without altering a thing. 

The mezzanine's walls, banquettes, chairs, and carpets are all a red that actually is between orange and red. The contrasts of the light stone and floating red spaces is striking.

I understand that the food is good, too...

[1-2,3,4-10]

Lunching in Paris

Welcome 2012!

And what a year 2012 is shaping up to be! 

I am starting it off by joining a group of my fellow bloggers at Marsha's virtual luncheon in Paris. She chose Le Pré Catelan Restaurant, residing in a beautiful historic mansion located in le Bois de Boulogne. I will arrive a bit early so I can stroll around Le Pré Catelan's garden, exquisite even on January first.

1,2,3

I admit, it took a while to decide on my outfit. Fashion is not my thing. Seeing what everyone else will wear, however, will be great fun. Here's what I went with: 

Kate Spade necklace, shawl collar top, silk pants with chiffon skirt overlay, leather lace-up boots, Stella McCartney faux python shoulder bag, earrings, Aqua Universalis forte parfum, chandelier, Tivoli woods wallpaper, glass tile background

As I join this charming group of women, I look forward to absorbing their enthusiasm and zest for life. Going forward is our theme for today and I intend to!

Going forward in 2012 means I will...

-First and foremost, love and treasure my family and friends

-Grow more food at home and use our little patch of earth to its fullest 

-Visit all of you more often

-Let go of inhibitions and just go for it

-Pick a volunteer project and participate

-De-clutter the house and build more bookshelves

What are your intentions for 2012?

Please join us and peruse the blogs of the Lunch in Paris. Visit here and scroll down to the bottom to link up to the party!