The Weekend Design

A peak at a Sascha (Samuel) Brastoff vase that was given to me.  Unbeknownst to me, the vase is a collectible of sorts.  I had  admired its color, angles, and ‘cuts,’ prior to discovering its origin.    Sascha Brastoff was an actor, artist, and costume designer of the mid 20th century. His ceramic and metal work was discovered, promoted, and financed  by a Rockefeller, after which time its popularity greatly increased.  His work embodies the mid-century modern aesthetic.

Read somewhere of three rules (in no particular order):

1. A successful room is functional.

2. A successful room expresses a mood.

3. A successful room exhibits a sense of harmony.

Nearing nuptials for me, which I can’t believe, so, our future bedroom is the current project.  I’m attempting to express much of him, without the loss of me.  This has been less daunting than one might imagine, as he loves design and clean lines.  He is one of the few men I know that genuinely loves shopping–whether it be electronics, clothes, or furniture.

At present, I’ve addressed rule no. 1, the functional. Our bedroom has 2 large windows, facing east and northeast.  Mornings are bright.  Further, my next door neighbor is close; perhaps, too close.  So, one window will remain closed, while the other will be less constrained.  Blackout panels were our best option; found some at JCPenney on sale.  Do not underestimate the window coverings section at JCPenney.  To create symmetry, as well as the function, I snagged a pair of lamps that were on clearance (also at JCPenney).  These lamps are a deep favorite.  More to come as the room develops.

Captured by the cover of the July-August 2015 Verandah issue, I was inspired to learn more of J. Randall Powers.

I do not follow trends and do not like to be categorized by stereotypical whims of decorating.  I adore the irreverance of many different periods and find that the best rooms look timeless when they are layered with unique options and peppered with sentimentality.  I am an American and decorate like an American: very diverse and multiayered (emphasis added).

-J. Randall Powers

…Rembrandt has captured to perfection the moment with this wild and dangerous, wet and pitching storm. … Rembrandt did not know Galilee, of course.  But he was a Dutchman, and he knew about storms at sea.  He also knew the end of of this powerful story, and at the top of his painting, left, the sun is already breaking through.

Durham, John I. The Biblical Rembrandt. Macon: Mercer University Press, 2004.

Thinking about the days to come, or, rather, months, really, when my bedroom will adjust to a place for two.  Intrigued by the challenge of creating a haven of warmth, calm, ease, and strength–calling on the masculine and secure, while not losing myself in the meantime.  The master bedroom, unlike other areas of the home, should demonstrate the central relationship it houses.  And, yet, its often overlooked or de-prioritized for the venues of entertainment or play.  Let this not be the case!  Simmer on the mood to be achieved and execute.  Some inspiration:

Torn from the pages of Elle Decor; enamored with the richness and juxtaposition in color choice.  Age + Color + Wood + Fabric + Glass + The Living (and the dying – fresh cut flowers).

I’m becoming obsessed with his work, particularly that which was in print.  His work, as a graphic designer, as well as other disciplines, is timeless and restrained.  Practically defining mid-century, his designs have a touch of the approachable, along with the austere.

The “grid” has me reconsidering much in my house and garden.