Legendary Hollywood Stars at Home
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
Marilyn Monroe in her Beverly Hills abode.
Elvis Presley sitting at his Memphis, Tennessee, mansion Graceland on a 15′ sofa, in the 1960′s.
Even the celebrities among us share in the common thread of homemaking. Architectural Digest this month shared a peek into some famous folks private spaces. I found it interesting to see the styles of decor, and the element of privacy and comfort we all need from time to time. The colors and styles of midcentury design is present across the board, but each space is uniquely personalized to reflect the individual style of the homeowner. I enjoyed this peek into the private spaces of these very public figures, and their reflection on ‘home’.
Asian art picked up on worldwide travels is tacked to a wall of actor John Wayne’s living room in the San Fernando Valley.
Joan Crawford and her fourth and final husband, Pepsi-Cola CEO Alfred N. Steele, relax on the plastic-covered sofas of their 18-room New York City duplex penthouse in the 1950s.
Images sourced at Architectural Digest
Tags: Architectural Digest, Celebrity Homes, Elvis Presley, interior design, Joan Crawford, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Midcentury Modern, Modernism
Adam Levine’s Hollywood Hills Home
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
Adam Levine seems to have it all- Talent, good looks, and what? A strong design sensibility. One might guess I suppose from his understated public persona, but as stated in a recent article in Architectural Digest, this “Maroon 5 front man’s California pad combines midcentury sophistication with a shot of bachelor attitude” I have to agree. ”His immaculately refurbished 1940s ranch-style dwelling, suspended high above the city, in the Hollywood Hills, and outfitted with classics by Jean Prouvé, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Arne Jacobsen, and other 20th-century-design icons, has a quiet, meticulous air.” Mr. Levine worked with designer Mark Haddawy, a midcentury collector. From the looks of it, they created a home for entertaining, as well as an environment offering a bit of respite from the limelight. The depth of color of deep purple and burgundy is moody, and plays against the monochromatic background of the interior, whether crisp and white in the public spaces, or dark and reclusive in the private realm of the house. The bathroom is elegant yet simple, a relaxing surround on all surfaces, bathing the space a warm white marble. Quite lovely indeed.
Images and excerpt sourced at Architectural Digest.
Tags: 20th century collecting, Adam Levine, Architectural Digest, architecture, interior design, LA modern, Mark Haddawy, Midcentury Modern, Modernism
Elton John and David Furnish’s Family Home
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
The recently published home of Elton John and David Furnish is a classic modern 1960′s California Ranch. The interior was designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, creating an environment appropriately sophisticated and personalized for entertaining, but also functioning as a comfortable family home for ’two year old Zachary, and a newborn son, Elijah, who arrived just as the Architectural Digest issue went to press.’ Drawn to the livability of a ranch, it provided ‘indoor-outdoor’ connection and the benefit of being all on one floor, with plenty of room for the kids to run around. The couples art collection enjoys a gallery like display space, and the bold blocks of color on the primary furniture adds definition and great visual punch. Absolutely lovely.
Images sourced at Architectural Digest
Tags: Architectural Digest, architecture, David Furnish, Elton John, interior design, Maryn Lawrence Bullard, Midcentury Modern, Vintage Furniture
Color Block
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
A startling display of color. This Spanish building demands the attention of the passerby as it jumps out from its neutral surroundings. Although the use of Color Blocking is visible in modern day architecture, the use of bold blocks of color is not new. Take the groundbreaking example of the work of Charles and Ray Eames below. The Eames House, also known as Case Study House No. 8, is a landmark of mid-20th century modern architecture. It was constructed in 1949 by husband-and-wife design pioneers Charles and Ray Eames to serve as their home and studio.
Similarly, these two examples express their modularity and create a dynamic visual punch. Of late, it’s a colorful modern expression being seen all the world around.
Images 1 and 2, sourced at Trendland
Image 3 sourced at mimoa.eu
Tags: architecture, Charles and Ray Eames, color blocking, Eames, interior design, Midcentury Modern
City Circus Hostel
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
With the rapid growth in the boutique hotel market, it seems appropriate that a hip and happening designer Hostel would be of great interest. A budget friendly option for the well traveled, providing all the the comforts of hotel living. In a difficult economy, a welcome respite. City Circus in Athens, Greece is filled with only necessary, simple, comfortable and well designed objects. Vintage and reclaimed furniture, and local artist’s work fill the rooms. The vibe is thoughtful and inviting, suggesting gathering of family rather than strangers. The environment designed to foster a very real essence of community. Lasting memories, and many return trips.
Images and excerpts sourced at Yatzer
Tags: architecture, boutique-hotel, City Circus, Designer Hotel, interior design, Midcentury Modern, Vintage Furniture, Youth Hostel
