Art and Interiors: Abstracts

My love of abstract art is no secret.  I love the colors and movement of the paintings like the one in Kelly Wearstler's home above.  I think a lot of people see abstract art as just paint slapped on a canvas but a lot of thought usually goes into the work.  Abstract Expressionist artist Joan Mitchell once said, "The freedom in my work is quite controlled, I don't close my eyes and hope for the best."  It's also clear from these examples that they can add life to any room.  I especially love abstract paintings from the 1960's mixed with furniture from the 18th-century.  Don't forget to visit the Abstract Expressionist exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art to learn more!

David Collins London flat.

Suzanne Kasler

Elle Decor, March 2008

David Hicks, 1964

Joan Mitchell painting from March 2010 Elle Decor.

Will Wick from Western Interiors magazine.

Elton John residence.

unknown

Celerie Kemble

Valentino's New York apartment.

Stephen Sills

Isabel Lopez Quesada

Stephen Elrod

Morris Louis painting in room by Stephen Sills.

Morris Louis on Reed Krakoff home.

Franz Kline in room by Miles Redd.

Courtney Giles

David Hicks

Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline paintings in Eastman apartment by Billy Baldwin and photographed by Horst.

Steven Gambrel

Heather Clawson

The International Fine Art & Antique Dealer Show

I had the pleasure of attending an interior designer breakfast this morning at The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show.  The event was sponsored by Michael Bruno, President and Founder of 1stdibs, and Michael Boodro, Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decor, and included a wonderful group.  It was fun touring the fair with my fellow colleagues such as Matthew Patrick Smyth, Philip Gorrivan, and the ever chic Kristen McGinnis.  I've said this before and I'll say it again, these types of events are a great way to see the best of the best and to train your eye and educate yourself.  The caliber of artwork, decorative arts and furniture is top notch and a mix of all periods and styles.  Some of my favorite dealers include H.M. Luther, Maison Gerard, Jill Newhouse, and Axel Vervoordt. 

It is worth attending the show just to see Axel's amazing space above.  The gorgeous abstract painting by Kazuo Shiraga, a Japanese artist who was friends with Jackson Pollock, was actually created with his feet.  (That is definitely a story for a future blog post!)  Axel really is a master at mixing the most amazing pieces.  "I mix things from every age; it's like bringing friends together, " he said on 1stdibs.  He is also releasing a new book Wabi Inspirations in February 2011.  According to the description, Wabi was developed in the twelfth century, and "advocates simplicity and humility, the rejection of all that is superfluous or artificial. Through extraordinary photographs from Japan and Korea to Belgium and Switzerland, Vervoordt invites us to explore the elements that inspire him: natural materials and time-worn objects that evoke the essence of Wabi."  Sounds interesting.

The show runs through October 28th at the Park Avenue Armory.  If you check out coverage of The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show on 1stdibs, you'll find an offer for free admission!  Bon Weekend!

Abstract Expressionism New York

Since I've been posting about art, I figured this would be a good time to tell you about a very exciting exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art this fall. Abstract Expressionism New York will trace the development of the artist movement from it's beginning in the 1940's through to the 1960's when it reached its zenith. The exhibition will be compiled from the museum's holding and will include over 300 works by such illustrious artists as Jackson Pollack, his wife Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning (above), Mark Rothko, Arshile Gorky, Robert Motherwell, and Joan Mitchell. I know Abstract Expressionism doesn't appeal to everyone but it is one of my absolute favorite art movements. Since most of the works aren't representational, each person who views them can see something different or just appreciate them for their expansive use of color. Abstract Expressionism New York will be on view October 3, 2010 through April 25, 2011. See you there!

A Fashionable Townhouse

The mood board that I posted yesterday with the Rothko painting reminded me of Allison Sarofim's amazing West Village townhouse. I just came across the article about it that I ripped out of the February 2004 issue of Vogue so it was perfect timing.

I was under the impression that David Netto had designed the entire townhouse but turns out that he just helped design the modern white basement room for watching movies and hanging out. Allison actually worked with her friend Miles Redd to design the other four floors of her townhouse. I also found out that the previous owner was model Linda Evangelista. So it really does seem like a great space to post on the first day of fashion week.

This photo of Allison gives you a better sense of the color of the living room. The entire home was inspired by many sources including by the de Menil house in her native Houston which was designed by Phillip Johnson in 1950. Another inspiration was the film Bell, Book and Candle which I have never seen but is going at the top of my queue now!

In the Vogue article by Hamish Bowles, Allison says, "my main objective was to create a subtle, clean-lined backdrop so that the artwork and interesting pieces of furniture would really pop." The living room color also matches the paint color of the walls of Marc Jacob's Paris apartment.

Allison originally trained as a chef so a lot of thought was put into the design of the kitchen and dining room. She also contributed to Domino magazine and acts on occasion. I couldn't find any good photos of the garden which was modeled after the garden courtyard at the Museum of Modern Art, right down to the Bertoia chairs.

I don't know why I was surprised that the interiors are so traditional but they way they are designed with less furniture and "stuff" make them very modern.

This room is one of the most simple but it's definitely my favorite. But then again, how can you go wrong with a room that contains a Twombly, a Vuillard, an antique daybed and a vellum table. I also love how the soft silk rug looks layered over the sisal carpet. It probably also feels great under your feet when you get up from a nap on the daybed!

Less is more in the office area as well.

The master bedroom was upholstered in soothing blue silk just like Allison's mother's bedroom.

I'm surprised I didn't realize Miles Redd had a hand in this home after I saw the mirror and marble bathroom!

I know furniture and art can be tricky in the bathroom because of the steam but I love treating them like the other rooms in the house by adding them in. You just might want to make sure they aren't priceless antiques and artwork!

The basement is where designer David Netto lent a hand. All the areas, including an extra bedroom are clean and white.

I just had to research screens and projectors for a project and I can tell you that they aren't cheap! But it would be fun to have a basement screening room to watch movies.

Even though the room is white, it's not boring since all the pieces are varying shades of white.

I like that the back walls looks like it's the original brick. The Chuck Close work isn't too shabby either.

The zebra rug and fur throw also help to warm up a white space that could end up looking very cold.

I wish I had the information about the artwork. If anyone knows who it's by, please let me know! Funny how the coffee table looks blue in this shot and clear in others too.

I don't usually like such modern looking rooms but I actually think it would be fun to hang out in this one, especially since the rest of the home is more traditional. I think it's also fun that they styled the room as an homage to Eileen Gray, below, for Domino. Since they are no longer around, I hope Vogue will continue to feature fabulous and fashionable homes like this one each month! Happy Fashion Week!

Art in Design

One interior designer who I think has a great eye for art is Atlanta based Suzanne Kasler. I've always admired her work but have surprisingly never profiled her on the blog. Her style is definitely traditional but never stuffy and I think sometimes that might be due to the modern abstract art that either she chooses or her clients collect. Either way, I love it and all the interesting details in her interiors...even the all the pink!