Celebration of a Legend - Albert Hadley

It was on Thursday that design legend Albert Hadley passed away. Now this may be old news to many, but nonetheless I still thought it posed an opportunity for me to share what I found inspirational in him.

In a field which can often get wrapped up in names and labels, deadlines and schedules Hadley had the insight to what in my opinion design is really about. 

"But names really are not the point". It's what you can achieve for the simplest person. Glamour is part of it, but glamour is not the essence. Design is about discipline and reality, not about fantasy beyond reality." (Source)

He managed to transform spaces for many of America's elite, but still retained his humility. He drew on history and seemed to respect it while challenging it all at once - a dangerous dance that many do not get right. But he did. 


His work speaks of ease and elegance and is presented as beautifully uncontrived - statues of any great designer. 


How does Hadley's work inspire you?

Hadley's Design for a Colonial Living Room 

Hadley's Manhattan Apartment 

Diana Quasha's Manhattan Apartment

Hadley's Design for Brooke Astor's Library 

Further Reading

An amazing book published by Rizzoli - get it here

Image Sources 1/2/3/4/5/

Nourish - Super Soup to the Rescue

I have been a bit MIA - between a blog redesign and a feisty cold that I can't seem to kick, Blogging just hasn't been at the top of my list. Nonetheless I am going to need a dose of TLC tonight and I think that will come in the form of my kale and butter bean soup - or "super soup" as my boyfriend has coined it. It's a recipe that I adapted from a couple of different ones to suit my taste. Wrapped up in all that broth are some serious nutrients and vitamins which will hopefully get me replenished for the weekend!

As with most soups (and my general style of cooking) it's a dash of this and a slash of that until it tastes just right.

Ingredients

2 tbsp Olive Oil 
3 cups chopped Kale (feel free to add more or less to your preference) 
2 cans butter beans 
1 can chopped tomatoes 
4 -5 cups chicken  stock
1 onion (diced) 
1 - 2 cloves of garlic 
3 stalks of celery (chopped)
3 - 4 chopped carrots 
Salt & Pepper to taste 
Splash of Wostershire sauce 
Splash of Tabasco Sauce 
5 - 8 small round potatoes cut into 4


Preparation


In a large pot over medium heat coat the onions and sauté until slightly transparent (maybe 3 or so mins) add the celery and carrots and potatoes wait a couple of minutes then add in the garlic (this way the garlic is sure to not burn) and kale. Cook until the Kale has wilted slightly. Add a dash of salt and pepper (you can always add more later). 


Add the stock gradually (you can also add more of this later. Drain the butter beans and add them to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes and the splash of Wostershire and Tabasco. 


The broth will look a bit "foamy" (I think this is because of the beans) but not to worry. Place the lid and cook for about 40 mins, giving it a stir every 15 or so. Lift the lid and presto no foam! 


I like to shave some Parmesan cheese on top and serve with a little whole grain toast. 


And TA DA - "Super Soup" is served. 

Enjoy! 

Spring into Velvet

Velvet is one of my favorite textures. And it's no longer reserved just for cold winter nights, Louix XVI Settees or luxurious throw pillows - Velvet is getting a light and fresh opportunity this spring. Re-interpreted in the soft pastels which are trending this spring,  I think it's the perfect unexpected texture to bring into your interior. Here are some of my pics:

Chair
Album
Stools
Settee
Album
Belts
Pillow

Color Case 21: Got Mint?

Ok so looks like I'm not the only one jonesing for some mint green. It's everywhere! From nail polish to refrigerators this color looks like it will be taking spring by storm.  One of my fabulous ladies Erin at Apartment 34 has this color down pact! Check out her amazing mint mood board here.

And now for my take...

1 2 3 4 5

Getting a Talented Holiday in Italy

With February gone and spring right around the corner my dreams of a summer holiday are starting to take shape. I've always had a thing for The Talented Mr. Ripley - well the styling anyways. The smells of the sweet southern Italian coast are calling my name. I love associating smells with a specific memory or special moment and in this case I can see Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford being just that. It kinda has an aqua de Parma feel, but it's a bit lighter and slightly more feminine so pretty much just what I was looking for. 

1 part aristocratic rebellion. 

1 part unexpected ease

and a dash of  fresh italian romance. 

equals  a dream holiday fulfilled. 

Image Links: 1  2  3  4 5


Background Image US Vogue Nov 2005 - Josh Harnett & Gemma Ward. Photographed by Mario Testino. More images from the article here

So...Looks like a Cabin is on my wish list

I came across this website (http://freecabinporn.com/) this afternoon and instantly became obsessed. The notion of having a hidden, tucked away gem which is off the grid and transports you back in time brings out the pioneer in me. I was obsessed with Anne of Green Gables after all, but I diverge. I'm feeling totally inspired so let out the inner recluse and get into cabin style! 

Image 1: Image from Tom Fowlks http://tomfowlks.com/

Image 2: Photo by Anna Ådén

Image 3- 6: http://atelier-st.de/ 

Designer Spotlight - Philipp Mainzer

Simplicity, sophistication, clean lines and oozing craftsmanship these pieces have it all. German designer Philipp Mainzer definitely has the art of furniture design down pact and let's face it, his being German pretty much means it is in his blood. 

His pieces are transitional, quietly bold and would fit perfectly alongside both mid century and century old antiques. With customizations in wood, finishes and fabrics they are also easily personalized. There is something about them which to me exudes the comfort of home and curated forms which could grace a gallery space. 

Most of his pieces can be sourced through E15 (http://www.e15.com/) of which Mainzer is the managing and creative director. There website has some great images. Enjoy! 

The Byron Lounge Chair 

designed with Florian Asche, 1999

The Backenzahn Stool/Side Table 

Designed 1996

The Ponte Table 

Designed 1994

Habibi Coffee Table 

Designed 2008

All Images from www.E15.com