Tinkering With the Ghosts of Tailors (Published 2013)

Idarica Gazzoni, an Italian artist turned textile designer, began her journey into decorative arts two decades ago while transforming an 18th-century Milanese palace apartment into a family home. Faced with challenging, stiff Lombard furniture inherited by her then-husband, Gazzoni opted to redirect attention to the walls and ceilings, embellishing them with fantastical trompe l’oeil scenes. Her living room was reimagined as a Napoleonic military headquarters, complete with campfires and tiny soldiers. The sitting room took on the ambiance of an exotic boudoir with a ceiling painted in Cintamani symbols, while the bedroom was transformed into a Scottish woodland, featuring shimmering foliage in the mist. Her unique approach quickly garnered attention, leading to numerous commissions worldwide. These projects included a Mondrian-inspired room in an 18th-century country villa in Parma, a Pierre Loti-inspired Turkish salon in Tel Aviv, a bedroom in Venice reminiscent of a Fabergé box, and a wine bar in Florence adorned with floor-to-ceiling decorative motifs based on vine leaves. Three years prior to the article's publication, Gazzoni decided to pivot from large-scale wall painting to designing her own line of printed fabrics. She established an atelier in her home and named her fabric company Arjumand, a tribute to the Mughal empress whose story of deep love inspired the Taj Mahal. Gazzoni explains that the empress's story resonated with her during a personal period of transition, helping her reconnect with the idea of romance. Arjumand's legendary travels also influenced Gazzoni's creative process, inspiring distinct collections. Her Russia Collection draws from the 17th-century palaces of the czars, while the China Collection is a deep dive into the vibrant culture and colors of southern China's Miao people. The Japan Blue Collection emerged from her exploration of Japan's late-19th-century fascination with indigo blue. Beyond her fabric designs, Gazzoni continues to undertake interior decorating projects globally. She recently completed the interior design for Liza, a prominent restaurant in Beirut, in collaboration with decorator Maria Ousseimi. She also decorated a house in Patmos, Greece, incorporating fabrics from her latest collection. Despite her focus on textiles, Gazzoni admits to a continued inclination for painting walls, even finding herself back on scaffolding for these projects. Her fabrics are available through harbingerla.com. #IdaricaGazzoni #TextileDesign #PatternDesign #InteriorDesign #MilanPalace #TrompeLoeil #ArjumandFabrics #GlobalInspirations #HomeDecoration

Martyn Thompson, a New York-based artist and the creative force behind Martyn Thompson Studio, has discovered an innovative approach to repurpose discarded materials, transforming his used drop-cloths and rags into a collection of woven tapestries and fabrics. This initiative, aptly named ‘The Accidental Expressionist,’ debuted at The Future Perfect in New York. The collection is notable for its jacquard-woven textiles and murals, which reimagine the incidental marks and stains left by the artist during his previous projects. Instead of being mere by-products, these elements are elevated and given new significance, becoming the central focus of the final artworks. The essence of ‘The Accidental Expressionist’ lies in its celebration of often-overlooked details and the expressive traces of the artist's creative process. Each piece in the collection encourages viewers to engage in close examination, revealing layers of colors and stains that coalesce into Pollack-esque splatters. Thompson meticulously collects and photographs these incidental marks, transforming them from discarded elements into purposeful components of his art. This process not only breathes new life into otherwise waste materials but also redefines their aesthetic and conceptual value within a fine art context. At The Future Perfect’s showroom, the versatile applications of this collection were showcased, demonstrating how these unique fabrics can serve as upholstery for furniture, be crafted into pillows, and even form bespoke lampshades. A standout example is the 'Quarry' lamp, a collaborative effort between Thompson and artist Dove Drury Hornbuckle. Hornbuckle hand-crafts the lamp's structure, which resembles stacks of ceramic shards, while Thompson’s studio provides the distinctive bespoke shade, featuring the collection's unique textiles. The 'Quarry' lamp is also available in a cast bronze edition, offering a variety of patinas. ‘The Accidental Expressionist’ collection thus embodies a powerful narrative of transformation and artistic vision, converting what was once considered refuse into objects of beauty and design. It highlights the potential for creativity to find inspiration and value in unexpected places, challenging conventional notions of artistic materials and processes. The collection offers a fresh perspective on sustainability in art and design, illustrating how an artist's personal history and working methods can be intimately woven into the fabric of their creations. The exhibition at The Future Perfect provided an immersive experience for visitors to witness the innovative use of these transformed materials in various interior applications, from large-scale murals to intricate lighting fixtures. #MartynThompsonStudio #AccidentalExpressionist #TextileArt #SustainableDesign #WovenTapestries #ArtisanCraftsmanship #InteriorTextiles #TheFuturePerfect #CollaborativeArt

This article explores the New York home of Mark and Renee Rockefeller, focusing on its unique interior design that blends classic elegance with modern and eclectic elements, despite a predominantly neutral color palette. The residence is the former Park Avenue duplex maisonette of William F. Buckley and his wife Pat, a space originally known for its high style and entertaining capabilities. The current inhabitants, Mark and Renee Rockefeller, have transformed it into a lively family home for their four young children, challenging its conventional layout by, for instance, combining maid's rooms into bedrooms to accommodate their family life. This transformation highlights a design philosophy that prioritizes coziness and functionality while maintaining aesthetic sophistication. The initial planning for the renovation was conducted with Annabelle Selldorf, who contributed to the design of a family kitchen. Subsequently, architect and decorator Daniel Romualdez, a previous collaborator with the Rockefellers, took over the project. Romualdez recognized the inherent qualities of the Buckley maisonette and aimed for a subtle, layered interior rather than a complete overhaul. The design concept revolves around a light and neutral palette of beige, cream, and bone, which serves as a backdrop to the family's art collection and vibrant daily life. This approach counters the common perception of neutral interiors as predictable or bland, instead infusing the space with a sense of boldness and adventure through unexpected combinations and textures. Specific design choices illustrate this unique approach. In the living room, original moldings are preserved but abstracted by covering the entire room in faux suede, inspired by historic upholstered rooms. The dining room, grand in scale, was made more intimate through the use of upholstery. Romualdez commissioned textile designer Carolina Irving to create a custom fabric for the dining room walls, enlarging a tiny Javanese batik print to a monumental scale and complementing it with a diagonally printed border, giving the room the discipline of paneling with a unique textile application. This detail-oriented approach ensures that even with a neutral base, each room presents a distinct and engaging character. The apartment also houses significant artworks and furniture, many of which are heirlooms from Nelson Rockefeller's legendary Fifth Avenue apartment, designed by Wallace K. Harrison and Jean-Michel Frank in 1937. This collection includes pieces by Giacometti, Matisse, Léger, and a centerpiece Picasso tapestry of “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” commissioned by Nelson Rockefeller himself. The tapestry, created with Picasso's direct involvement in selecting wool tufts, is one of three versions made, reflecting a blend of artistic vision, business acumen, and political strategy. Further inspirations come from other Rockefeller family homes, such as David Rockefeller's library, known for its welcoming English pine paneling. Mark and Renee's library features oak paneling with intentionally chosen imperfect veneers, a decision reflecting a willingness to embrace perceived flaws for a more authentic result. The article emphasizes that the apartment's distinctive outcome is a collaborative effort, much like the Modernist designs of Nelson Rockefeller's era, showcasing a taste for adventure in interior design. Despite housing priceless art and residing in a superb architectural setting, the apartment maintains a strong sense of being a functional family home. This is exemplified by anecdotes of children playing lacrosse in the entrance hall, underscoring that the space is lived in and enjoyed, carrying forward a family tradition of warmth and usability amidst grandeur. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryLiving #RockefellerFamily #ArtCollection #ModernistDesign #NeutralPalette #NewYorkRealEstate #ArchitecturalRenovation

Catherine Martin, an Oscar-winning costume designer known for her work on films like "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Great Gatsby," has collaborated with Anthropologie to create a new Halloween collection. Martin describes the collection as cinematic, drawing inspiration from "the dark beauty of nineteenth-century scientific illustrations," particularly moths, which she refers to as "the butterflies’ nocturnal counterpart." This influence aims to invoke a sense of "dark elegance" rather than typical Halloween motifs. The designer expressed a desire for homeware items to have longevity beyond a single holiday, emphasizing their role in an individual's ongoing personal narrative rather than being disposable. The Anthropologie collection offers a sophisticated take on Halloween decor, appealing to a broad audience, including both adults and children. It incorporates traditional spooky elements such as spiders, scorpions, and crows, but presents them within a muted color palette of deep red and inky black, enhancing the sense of elegance. Martin provided insights into hosting a perfect spooky soirée, highlighting the importance of good company, food, and lighting. She suggested incorporating both elaborate and simple decorations, like pumpkin carving for children alongside an elegant buffet for adults, ensuring that all guests feel special. Key to her decorating philosophy is transforming a tidy, clean space into an atmospheric setting through strategic lighting. She recommends dimming or turning off overhead lights and utilizing table lamps and candles to create a warm, inviting glow, noting that everything appears more appealing in candlelight. For table settings, Martin advocates for dramatic flair, achieved through elements like flowers (including dried ones), varied heights, and improvisation. She encouraged using items like cake stands, bowls, and drinking glasses to create different levels, prioritizing stability over perfect matching, as long as the color scheme is cohesive and macabre. The collection features various pieces, including coupe glasses, wine charms, stoneware dessert plates, dish towels, a cocktail shaker, and a tassel pillow, all designed to subtly incorporate the Halloween theme. Martin emphasized that the pieces in her collection are versatile and can be used beyond the Halloween season. For instance, black wine glasses can be repurposed for New Year's Eve, and red champagne coupes for Christmas, challenging the notion that Halloween decorations are solely seasonal. The article also provides specific examples from the collection, such as the "Midnight Creatures Coupe Glass," "Midnight Creatures Wine Charms," "Midnight Creatures Stoneware Dessert Plate," "Midnight Creatures Moth Dish Towel," "Midnight Creatures Moth Cocktail Shaker," and "Midnight Creatures Tassel Pillow," detailing their design and potential uses. The cocktail shaker, for example, is described as suitable for subtle Halloween decor and even spring use due to its brass finish and moth motif. The article concludes by recommending restraint in food preparation, suggesting that the focus should be on the overall ambiance created by the decor. #CatherineMartin #Anthropologie #HalloweenDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TheatricalDecor #HolidayDecorating #SpookySoiree #DesignCollaboration

Kelly Rene Jelinek, an artist operating out of Little Stag Studio, creates life-sized faux taxidermy animal mounts using upcycled fabric swatches. Her work offers an alternative to traditional taxidermy, providing a cruelty-free option for interior decoration. Jelinek's creations, which include deer, caribou, and moose mounts, blend traditional folk art with a whimsical aesthetic, serving as unique conversation pieces for any home. The artist's process involves meticulously crafting these animal forms from old scraps of upholstery fabric. This method not only gives new life to discarded materials but also transforms a traditional household item into a contemporary work of art. Jelinek expresses that her artistic journey began with a passion for repurposing old upholstery found in thrift stores, leading to the development of her distinctive style. Her inspiration is deeply rooted in her rural upbringing in Wisconsin, where taxidermy deer and game mounts were common household decor. Jelinek found these items fascinating rather than unsettling, a sentiment that evolved into her current artistic practice. Her interest in old upholstery and her fascination with animal mounts converged during her college years, resulting in the creation of her first upholstered animals. This combination of interests highlights a creative approach that reinterprets conventional decor through sustainable practices. The faux taxidermy pieces are designed to add an animalistic touch to interior spaces. Each mount is custom-made, emphasizing individuality and artistic craftsmanship. Jelinek's work represents a fusion of art, design, and environmental consciousness, offering a unique decorative solution for those seeking ethically sourced and creatively imagined home accents. The artist's commitment to using recycled materials also promotes an eco-friendly approach to interior design, aligning with broader trends in sustainable living. #FauxTaxidermy #UpcycledFabric #EcoArt #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #AnimalArt #InteriorDesign #CrueltyFree

Sartoria, a renowned restaurant located on London's Savile Row, has recently reopened its doors following a comprehensive renovation. The establishment, which draws inspiration from its Savile Row tailoring heritage and Italian roots, has been transformed into a sophisticated and romantic dining space by designer David d’Almada. The design palette is characterized by creamy ivories, oxblood accents, and rich walnut tones, complemented by antique copper and nickel details. The interiors are meticulously crafted to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, featuring plush carpeting, enveloping chairs, and cozy velvet and leather booths. The tables are tastefully set, creating an ideal setting for guests to enjoy the culinary offerings. The refurbishment aimed to create a space that perfectly aligns with the upscale ambiance of its fashionable neighbors on Savile Row. Chef Francesco Mazzei, inspired by his native Calabria, presents a menu that offers a balanced selection of meat-based dishes, fresh fish, and seasonal vegetables. Highlights from the menu include burrata with tomatoes, smoked aubergine, and basil, as well as expertly prepared home-cured baccalà marinated in liquorice. For dessert, the theatrical marsala zabaglione, poured from an extravagant copper pan at the table, provides a memorable conclusion to the meal. In addition to the refreshed interior, Sartoria now boasts a new outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. Guests are encouraged to begin their experience with a vermouth at the Libare Bar before moving on to their meal. The redesign emphasizes an elegant dining experience, blending the restaurant's Italian heritage with the sartorial legacy of its location. Sartoria is situated at 20 Savile Row, London. The restaurant's website is sartoria-restaurant.co.uk. The article is authored by Lauren Ho, Travel Director of Wallpaper*, who specializes in luxury travel, architecture, and design. #restaurantDesign #LondonDining #ItalianCuisine #SavileRow #interiorDesign #DavidDAlmada #FrancescoMazzei #luxuryTravel #restaurantRenovation