The Walker Residence

One of the greatest surprises during my California adventure was coming across a little known Frank Lloyd Wright house in Carmel directly across Monterey Bay from Pebble Beach.While I agree with many other architects that Frank Lloyd Wright is overly regarded in general, one can't help but admit he was a tremdendously talented architect.The...

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More treasures

While I further indulge myself in a much needed little blogger break (please excuse me!) let me share with you some more treasures from the musee des arts decoratifs at the Louvre in Paris. I loved these items best for the contrast they provided to the stark black background. Very modern, don't you think? The sumptuous bed, the ornate clock...

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The kids are all right

It's been awhile since I blogged about a movie, but after seeing 'The kids are all right' last night I knew it was time! Starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore as a couple raising their kids they had through a donor -the film tackles a lot of issues facing modern families today without being preachy. The movie seriously made me laugh...

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The Neptune Pool

The most well known (and beautiful) spaces at San Simeon are the pools. While the Roman Pool was abandoned by guests, the Neptune Pool , seen here, was the epicenter of the estate and continues to be used by staff!My favorite shot of the pool - the shaded loggia which surrounds the pool with views of the ocean, the mountains and up the Big...

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Have you Heard?

The inestimable Grant Gibson is having a sale at One King's Lane from July 24th-26th!I think many of us know and love some items from his own apartment that will be included, such as this oval portrait.Or this gorgeous dining room chair! Also included in the sale will be 15 beautiful b&w framed photographs from his travels. Probably...

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Queen's theater

I came across this delightful sketch by Elizabeth 'Beegle' Duquette of the Queen's theater at the Petit Trianon recently while reading More is More. Both talented artists, I'm amazed at the fascinating life they led. Click on the photos to enlarge and see the details. Have you read the 2 books on Duquette? Enjoy them?Photograph of the Queen's...

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An ornate ceiling

A taste of whats to come. San Simeon had some of the most ornate ceilings I've ever seen; Room after room after room. Many are ancient originals shipped from Europe while others are copies made for Hearst and designed by the architect Julia Morgan. This one in a guest house was custom, notice the medallion in the middle? It says San Simeon;...

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The most beautiful room

Throughout my art and architectural history education, I've always heard of the most beautiful room in the world. The pictures are famous, we've all surely seen them: the Roman Pool at San Simeon.Hearst had the indoor pool created between 1927 and 1934 for guests who didn't want to use the now equally famous Neptune Pool which was outdoors....

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Lanterns

One important detail to any space is lighting. Whether it be outdoor or indoor, why settle for something blah when something fabulous can do the same job? San Simeon was full of interesting lamps -such as the gilded wood figure above in a bedroom suite.The very streetlamps in Chinatown, San Francisco were works of art. I love the gilded...

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