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Monday, July 30, 2012

Frames for the artwork

I had shown you some great prints I had purchased for the basement from Etsy shop, Margin. I wanted to showcase them in frames that would not take away from the colors or patterns; ones that appeared lightweight and modern at the same time while being unobtrusive.

I have them up on the walls in the frames I found last year.



I found these acrylic frames at Muji. They come with wire for hanging in either landscape or portrait position. I bought four of the 10.6" x 14.2" (outer dimensions) Inner dimensions (from the metal bolts) - 8.3" x 11.7" which fit the 8 x 11 prints perfectly.



Some close-ups.




 
But as you can see, the wire is not the best for hanging. It is tough to hide and looks untidy.


I am planning on using hemp instead.

But for now, here are the four prints along the stripes I had painted on the wall.



 
I am happy with these frames. They showcase the prints  beautifully. Excuse the angle of the pictures. I was trying my best not to get any reflections off the acrylic frames.

I have had a couple of weeks to sort of recharge - more like catching up on paperwork, studying and other routine work after visiting family departed from NY. I have also been trying to get the kids' school supplies bought and sorted before the buying frenzy really being in August. We go back to school in early September but I feel more organized to get it out of the way once we have the lists in hand.

On another note, I need a new camera. I had been looking for one for a while and have found one but have not bought it yet. And on our road trip, while taking pictures inside the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., I dropped the point-and-shoot I have used for years. The zoom function is stuck. For now I am relying on my iPhone to take pictures like those above.

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Itzchak Tarkay Artwork and The Piano

Several years ago we bid on this large framed artwork at an art auction fundraiser for the kids' preschool. A beautiful cafe scene. It is so vibrant. For some reason, ' Silent Conversation' seems stuck in my mind as the title for this piece. I am not sure whether this was the original title - I cannot seem to find any evidence of that online. Nevertheless, I see energy and movement even though the women do not seem to be obviously conversing. This could be the result of the bright and bold colors and pattern. Perhaps I can imagine them listening to music that might be playing.




The artist is Itzchak Tarkay (1935-2012), a figurative artist who drew inspiration from French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism like Matisse, for the refinement in his use of colors and the drawing style of Toulouse-Lautrec. Tarkay has done many such cafe scenes.




He was a master at graphic art and with all of his talents, created stunning serigraphs like this one. (A serigraph is a silkscreen print on paper. They are not reproductions of an original). Tarkay created his serigraphs by layering colors one over the other to create texture and transparency.





This special artwork was hung in the dining room for a few years and then in the living room above the couch.  When the grand piano was moved to a more suitable spot in the living room about a year ago, it struck me that this piece would be perfect above it with its cafe scene and its size would balance that of the piano - typically artwork should be about two-thirds the size of that which it hangs above.



The artwork is now centered on that wall. It adds gorgeous color to that corner of the room.




I have come to realize that I enjoy different styles of art. It has to speak to you in some way. I love the colors, the patterns that have been achieved with this particular technique of painting and yes, the size at approximately 4.25 ft x 2.5 ft (framed) is phenomenal. This was a special purchase which will be appreciated and enjoyed for many years to come.
Are you a fan of such a style?

To learn more about Itzchak Tarkay go here.
 
 
If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.


Monday, July 23, 2012

Can You Guess What This Stair Railing Is Made Of?

This railing was created as part of a loft apartment renovation in Chelsea, Manhattan.

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If you guessed Lego® , you are absolutely right.
Nearly 20,000 Lego® blocks were used to construct this unique and certainly playful architectural element in a child's bedroom.

 

The owners of this apartment are creative professionals and worked with a licensed Lego® artist in determining the obvious pattern of increasing and decreasing run of colors after I-Beam Architecture had designed the stairs, structure and openings in the railing.


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Such a fun space!
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For more pictures and details go here.


If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.



I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Books As Decorative Accessories


I love books and am a huge fan of using them in pulling a room together. There are numerous ways to incorporate them and many reasons for doing so. They are a quick fix to add that much-needed pop of color, height for a vignette as well as to lend a layered look to a space. And it is always great when they are more accessible to read.

COBALT BLUE AND YELLOW ECLECTIC SITTING ROOM




Enhancing an already casual room while stacked on the floor.




 
Sumptuous setting


This room uses books as layers of artwork across the walls and is also obviously a library of sorts.





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via Elle Decor Photo Pieter Estersohn




photo Timothy Kolk

Are you a fan? Do you or would you use books in your decor?


On another note, I have been busy with extended family visiting from Canada and Australia. We did a road trip over a few days to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C. It was fun and hectic at the same time. Scorching temperatures exhausted us while we walked through the cities and took in many museums and historical landmarks but it was enjoyable, nevertheless. This trip was the first of its kind for us.
I did take along my laptop with the intention of posting as well as visiting blogs but internet connection was frustrating in the hotels we stayed at so unfortunately I was unable to accomplish anything. I have some catching up to do.

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.


I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.


Monday, July 2, 2012

Celebrating A Winning Color Combination

This week a lot of us will see much red, white and blue as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Many of us have decorated and will decorate as is traditional to commemorate Independence Day.

Today, I have chosen to share with you some red, white and blue inspiration. Clearly, this classic color scheme works in various permutations and combinations, is popular, and can be incorporated in different design styles throughout the year, indoors and outdoors.



May/Jun 2011


 

Elegant pastel living room | Summer living rooms | Living rooms |PHOTO GALLERY | 25 Beautiful Homes | Housetohome

Bold living room with fireplace | Living room design | Chair | Image | Housetohome


May/Jun 2011




Mar/Apr 2011

Mar/Apr 2011



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via
Dec 2010

via

Oct/Nov 2010

red-stools-checkered-floor





blue-striped-couch-coral-accents





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porch-wicker-chair-blue-door

via

red-new-england-bedspread

via

painted-floor-circular-staircase


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May/Jun 2011

 
Are you a fan?

Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations!



If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.


I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.