Diary of an Interesting Year

 

A Rendering of my Living Room given to me as a Christmas gift by Michelle Morelan.

2009 is a great year to reflect back on, now that it is almost over. Whew, what a turbulent year - full of challenges. I am not one to buy into the doom and gloom of the economic climate (I have weathered others through the years: early 80's, early 90's, late 90's), but this year was a year of an down economic climate that has seemed to have escaped no one in the 'world.'  There is a saying that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. It is hard to see when you are in the midst of chaos, until you have come through it.....hopefully we are through it!!! One of the benefits for me was that I kept busy and was continually looking for ways to recharge and re-inspire. I was fortunate to have four wonderful trips this year to do just that. It is very important when you are working in a creative field to be continually evolving and expanding your horizons, and travel helps me to do that. I also full filled a life long dream this year and went back to school and took two Art classes in Mixed Media Painting. I subsequently turned my garage into an Art Studio and have spent many glorious days there immersed in painting.

A trip to Palm Springs in the early Spring - where I became fascinated with and wrote a Blog posting on the Mid-Century Post Modern resurgence of 'screen block.'

Palm Springs Modern Architecture and the Use of Screen Block

A trip to the Okanagan with my Dad and a visit to the The Nk'Mip Winery and Resort in Osoyoss where I was inspired by the use of Rammed Earth in Modern Architecture.

 
Rammed Earth Wall NK'MIP Winery Osoyoos

A trip to New York in September and another in December.  What can I say about New York, other than that it is one of the most exciting and visually stimulating cities in the world.  Being able to see the artwork of great masters at the MOMA, Georgia O'Keeffe at The Whitney, and Kandinsky at the Guggenheim - it just doesn't get better than that. I shopped for clients at the D & D Building, A & D Building, and the New York Design Center, explored Soho, Tribeca, the Meat Packing District, Canal Street, walked Central Park, 5th Avenue, tried the Subway, enjoyed live theatre, ate at wonderful restaurants, enjoyed the lights and shop windows all decorated for Christmas, met new friends, and connected with old friends.

 
Kandinsky at the Guggenheim / The Meatpacking district and Highline / South Pacific at The Lincoln Center 

Mixed Media Painting Classes at Emily Carr University of Art

Frottage 1  24" x 36" Mixed Media: Pastel, Acrylic, Gesso on Glassine

Experimenting with Mono Prints

 
Acrylic on Canvas

The Salton Sea 23" x 36" Mixed Media on Paper

West Coast Landscape 24" x 48" Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas  

Triptych in My Living Room: Be Still My Bleeding Heart 72" x 36"'
Chinese Ink on Bronze & Silver Metallic
 
Diptych in My Living Room: Koi Pond 16" x 16" Gold & Pearl Opalescence (right)

 
My painting companion - Nicole

I am very honored to be on the 'Board of Experts' for LoftLife Magazine in 2009, and to have an article published in BC Home Magazine

I wish you all a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2010 and may all your dreams come true!!

Patricia Gray is an award winning Interior Designer in Vancouver, Canada who blogs about WHAT'S HOT  in the world of Interior Design.
2010 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

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European Style in the South: McAlpine et al

Chapel, east of Montgomery, Alabama via Garden and Gun

As I head back to Alabama for work this week, I reflect on "Alabaman" or Southern Style. What the heck does it mean? And what are the great modern-day examples? Southern is not limited to Greek or Classical Revival but rather-I think- encompasses a wide range of European influences. There's one architecture firm in Alabama that truly evokes Southern grace- though it's not what first springs to my mind when I think Southern. McAlpine Tankersly (and McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors). Honestly, my heart nearly stops- or maybe that's because it's beating so fast- when I look at their work.

As many of you already "in the know" errr know, McAlpine Tankersley is an architecture firm based in Montgomery, Alabama. There is also McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors, with offices in Atlanta and Nashville. While the firms are separate entities, apparently they do collaborate a good bit. Their work has been featured in just about every major design publication. Selecting a few favorite homes was nearly impossible, but I'm going to try.

First, a Birmingham, Alabama home. I believe this is all the same house. I found this on the Interiors website but couldn't help but notice all the architectural details here. Almost over the top... and I love it!

Every single ceiling seemed to have some sort of architectural detail- crown molding (dentil work?), beams, archways). And while a lot of the materials appear to be stone, the dark wood floors and lush upholstery doesn't leave you feeling cold.

Another amazing space in Montgomery, AL. I'm wondering if this is a private home or public space. Anyone know?

Again, lots of neutral tones, sumptuous fabrics, and dark wood. And fabulous light fixtures.

And heading over to Rosemary Beach, FL. This seems somehow more "achieveable" to an everyday person.

A little more color than the two previous versions with chocolate brown and hints of green, but still a lot of neutrals. But never bland! I could just move right in here.

And I'll end with one of my faves- though it's already been featured in three magazines. Unfortunately, much of the photos seem to be of the same few rooms and being the nosy girl I am, I want to see more!!

from British House and Garden Jan 2003

Home Style Feb 2002

All very European to me, but perhaps great examples of elegant, romantic, and in some of the spaces very welcoming- Southern space.

have a warm day!

-Emmie