My Ranchburger

A History Lesson in American Industrial Design

2011-07-07T12:33:00.007-05:00

Here's a history lesson in American Industrial Design from an unexpected source: The United States Postal Service. Get your icon stamps at usps.com.

Designer Dog

2011-01-31T16:50:00.010-06:00

Scooter, a Malti-poo, is a Designer Dog...

...see how chic he looks with the gray Flor carpeting, the black and white color scheme...

...and the black leather Le Corbusier chair.

Also, note his obvious design savvy as he admires the functionality of an Eileen Gray table.

(Please ignore the puppy paw prints and dribbles, 'cause Scooter doesn't shed!)

Milk Bottles Out on the Porch

2010-10-18T09:35:00.008-05:00

Design Within Reach Goes Bungalow: British Green Adirondack chairs were purchased through the Houston DWR Studio.

Milk bottles out on the porch? Yes, each of these modern Adirondack chairs is made of 100 milk bottles, by Loll. They sit on the second-floor-screened porch of the Arts & Crafts style garage/studio out behind our 1920 bungalow.

Ligne Roset USA Closing Showrooms

2010-10-14T14:24:00.007-05:00

Antoine Roset (right), Executive Vice President of Ligne Roset USA Corporation, at the opening of the Austin Ligne Roset Boutique last year.

As a long-time customer and devotee of the Ligne Roset style, I am saddened and stunned to learn today that many of the Ligne Roset showrooms in the USA have closed, including the Austin and Houston showrooms. Read source here.

Art With an Edge

2010-10-10T12:56:00.005-05:00

Allegiance by Sculptor/Painter Patrick Medrano

Detail of Allegiance

The piece is mounted in it's own architectural moment with lighting. The pendulum is a percussion grenade.

Kimber Modern and a Tree Named Hillary

2010-07-10T11:24:00.028-05:00

The courtyard at Kimber Modern B&B.

The uncommon common room of Kimber Modern B&B. Architects: Burton Baldridge Architects, Austin, Texas

Guest rooms off the courtyard.

A tree named Hillary

This tree is named Hillary, as she is the namesake of another Hillary. Both were showing signs of losing during construction and recent primaries. The B&B co-owners passionately supported both and point out that both Hillary and Hillary are thriving and looking forward to the future.

If you love modern design, solitude, and pampering, Kimber Modern in Austin is the B&B for you. Tall Husband and I loved padding barefoot across the shaded courtyard to the common room to find a buffet from which guests could put together their own breakfasts. You could stay here for a week and not see staff, which you'll love if your are weary of all the fawning that occurs at most high-end establishments. You don't even have to check in or out or carry a key card. You make your reservation on line and choose your own entry code which will let you into the main entrance and your room.

Oh...if you do find yourself at Kimber Modern, give Hillary a hug for me.

Note: The photos above were taken at a recent party sponsored by Austin's Design Within Reach Studio, Kimber Modern and Tablet Hotels. Also, see my posting about the super cool Tax Trailer which is on the roof of Kimber Modern. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

The Birth of an Icon in Austin: The Kimber Modern

2010-06-26T16:16:00.028-05:00

DWR Austin Studio

DWR Austin, in partnership with Tablet Hotels, hosted a fabulous evening with the creators of that Über Chic B&B, Kimber Modern. So, Tall Husband and I had to hop into his red Porsche...my old Beemer just wouldn't do...and head for DWR and Kimber Modern in Austin.

Burton Baldridge, Kimber Modern's architect, and Vicki Faust, co-owner, dazzled us with the magical story of the collaboration that brought a unique, modern concept into existence.

Kimber Cavendish, (she's on the left in the middle, top photo) co-owner of Kimber Modern, drew names for free nights at the Kimber. And darn, we didn't win...!

Tall Husband and I arrive at the Kimber Modern...definitely not your grandma's B&B.

...but hey, we already had reservations at Kimber Modern, which gave us room-side seats to the great party that followed.

Note: I'll later post about the Kimber Modern party, bunnies, the Airstream trailer on the roof and a tree named Hillary.

Remember to click on photos to enlarge.

Thanks to DWR Austin Studio's Vickie Collins and staff for a great event.

Busy as a Bee

2010-05-18T16:46:00.009-05:00

Actually this is not a bee. It is a small nectar-eating wasp, caught feasting on an antique rose at My Ranchburger. That potted rose bush now blooms at a young friend's first home.

My Ranchburger has sold. The closing was this morning. Having cleaned out decades of memorabilia in just a short period of time (just under two months!) we are a one-house family again. For several years, we have had two homes in the same city: a main home (My Ranchburger) and a weekend getaway (The Bunny Bungalow.) Sounds strange, I know, but think of the short drives and the convenience.

We have great friends who have given a home to the Ranchburger's furniture and art, or have found others to take some of our things...the big recycle event!

So, you will find us fulltime at The Bunny Bungalow. Come back to visit this blog, for I shall continue to post about modern and contemporary design.

Putting All Our Eggs in One Basket

2010-05-05T20:22:00.022-05:00

Our Ranchburger is "Sale Pending." So it seems that we will be downsizing...from two homes in the same city, to one...a tiny 1920's bungalow.

I shall continue to write about modern design and the minimalist life here at this blog. It's just that I'll not have My Ranchburger - well it will be my virtual ranchburger. We will be taking our Le Corbusier furniture with us to the garage/studio that we are building out back of the bungalow. What a shock that will be for visitors, walking into an Arts & Crafts style building then finding oneself in a French modern space. I love shocks!

May Day

2010-05-01T06:08:00.003-05:00

Hibiscus at My Ranchburger

May will be our last month at My Ranchburger, so we take our memories with us, leaving only their footprints.

For Sale: My Ranchburger

2010-04-03T21:01:00.009-05:00

It's official. My Ranchburger is for sale. We are looking for a great family to fill the place with their belongings, to feel the warm embrace of this house, as they spin their own memories with which to fill every nook.

See the listing here.

Art Discovery

2010-03-27T18:50:00.032-05:00

3'x4' art piece that's been hidden away in the garage for ten years.

As I have previously written, Tall Husband and I are preparing to downsize from two houses to one. We are selling My Ranchburger and have moved into The Bunny Bungalow full time. In the process of cleaning out the garage at My Ranchburger, we found a piece of art by our twin granddaughters, Sofia and Andrea. I remember when the two found a blank piece of cardboard and decided on this joint project. They were four that summer.

At four, they were greatly influenced by Joan Miró, the artist and the Powerpuff Girls, a television action animation. If you look closely, you can see the little Miró stars and of course the twins' version of a Powerpuff girl. Sofia recently attempted to take full credit for the drawing, pointing out that only her signature is on the piece. I reminded her that her signature appears on many pieces that Andrea did solo when they were younger. Sofia admitted to the forgeries but defended the misdeeds, saying that she only signed the ones that "showed real artistic talent."

Note: The Twins have just turned fourteen and will be defending their title of district doubles champs in tennis next month. They move across the court as graceful as swans on water...then kill you at the net.

Chic French Lamp Finds Home

2010-03-19T10:12:00.011-05:00

It Isn't Easy Downsizing

Our Ranchburger will go up for sale soon, so we are finding homes for our treasures. Saara, our daughter-in-law, and Tall Son have always loved this Ligne Roset Lamp, so they took it home with them yesterday. Tall Husband and I have visitation rights.

Anyone want the 3.5' x 8' dining table with the eight Marcel Breuer chairs? They have seen hundreds of dinners and been privy to great conversations and secrets over the last thirty-five years...great vibes included.

My Ranchburger is For Sale

2010-03-12T18:45:00.009-06:00

My Ranchburger last Spring.

My Ranchburger will be listed early in April. Tall Husband and I are downsizing...from two homes to one and moving full-time to The Bunny Bungalow in Houston Heights. Our favorite Realtor will be handling the sale for us.

The Ubiquitous Manicure Cart

2010-01-16T22:16:00.014-06:00

Note the modern manicure cart in this scene from the 1940 movie, "The Philadelphia Story."

The manicure cart, painted red, in the window of Luther's in Austin, Texas.

The same manicure cart at My Ranchburger in Houston. The cart with a black Bakelite top is attributed to the designer Wolfgang Hoffmann.

We all love to see objects that we treasure in the movies. Maryanne of Beadboard UpCountry wrote a great post about seeing the Williamsburg glasses, which she sells in her shop, in the movie, "The Philadelphia Story." So, Tall Husband and I rented the movie and were watching it last night. We cheered when we saw Maryanne's chic glasses in a scene. But what a delight when...in the same movie...we spotted a modern 'thirties manicure cart just like the one Tall Husband and I rescued and refurbished. That little cart sure gets around.

Proust Would Be Proud

2009-12-14T17:34:00.012-06:00

Marcel Proust would be proud: Tall Husband and I made madeleines tonight. He browned the butter as I grated the lemon rind and mixed the batter. We always use Julia Child's recipe...we've tried numerous others but find that nobody does it better than Julia. After baking them in their madeleine pans and sprinkling with powdered sugar, we ate them warm with tea.

Note: This fragrant tea is from Beadboard Upcountry in Brenham, Texas.

Houston, We Have Snow!

2009-12-04T13:36:00.007-06:00

Snow at My Ranchburger

Can you believe it? It's snowing in Houston, Texas! Of course, we know that this doesn't qualify as Snow in more Northern climes but to a Texan this is reason to close schools and hunker down.

So, I'm off to hunker with Tall Husband!

Anne Breux's Tribute to Pierre Paulin at Ligne Roset

2009-11-05T09:29:00.059-06:00

"Pumpkin" chair by Pierre Paulin (Click on any photo to enlarge.)

Anne Breux, French Interior Architect, taking questions from members of her audience who are seated on Pierre Paulin furniture; A Pierre Paulin poster for her lecture at Ligne Roset, Houston, Texas

The dramatic video that accompanied the lecture

Guests at the Ligne Roset Lecture Series

Anne Breux, well known modernist French Interior Architect, was at Ligne Roset in Houston last night to present her tribute to the late French Designer, Pierre Paulin. Anne is an exceptional speaker, so her lecture generated great interest, culminating in a spirited discussion about Pierre Paulin's life...personal, political and professional.

Among the guests at Ligne Roset were Jean-Louis Breux, French Art Dealer; Jacques Barry, contemporary French artist; Frank Fuzzy, Parisian designer; and Gema De Santos, owner of the fine arts photography gallery De Santos.

Oh, I forgot to mention that rocker Rod Stewart arrived after the lecture...I lie...that's really Bruce Wolfe, owner of Ligne Roset Houston, in a Rod Stewart wig!

Note:

Pierre Paulin's designs can be seen at Ligne Roset, Houston , Ligne Roset Boutique, Austin, Texas.
USA Ligne Roset website.
Click here and here to learn more about Pierre Paulin, a favorite of two former French Presidents...Georges Pompidou and Francois Mitterrand.

See Anne Breux's work here. Anne was recently featured in Houston House & Home Magazine in an article, 15 Houstonians Who Make Our Homes a Better Place to Live; November 2009 Issue, Page 16.
Jean-Louis Breux Contemporary Art: 713.932.1505

Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge: Houston

2009-10-09T09:15:00.025-05:00

This isn't your grandma's bowling ball!

Click on photos to enlarge.

Felix Hernandez of Behind the Garden Gate here in Houston has connections, so he got my camera and me invited to the huge opening party at Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge. When Tall Husband saw the lines, he groaned that we would never get in. Not so...I flashed my blog card and before you could yell "Strike!" we were in the door sporting the orange wrist band issued to members of the press.

Lucky Strike is definitely not the bowling alley of your birthday party days as a kid. The place is all modern chic and hopping. There are lanes, lounges, pool tables, deejay music, drinks and great food. Oh, and it's a great people-watching place.

Links:

www.BowlLuckyStrike.com

Houston Pavilions

(Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge is located in the Houston Pavilions, Downtown Houston.)

Don't live in Houston? There are 21 Lucky Strike locations throughout the United States.

Viva Vitra

2009-08-31T09:35:00.033-05:00

Vitra Design Museum Miniatures Collection: LC1 Sling Chair (Photo by Annie Sitton.)

Don't you just love the Vitra DesignMuseum's Miniatures Collection? This tiny Le Corbusier is one of my favorite souvenirs and is from a visit to Corbusier's famous Villa Savoye near Paris. Cassina is the licensed maker of the daddy of this chair, Le Corbusier's Sling Chair, LC1.

Vitra's Miniatures Collection encompasses almost 100 designs. These miniatures are sought by collectors, as well as academics who use them in the teaching of design. And children love to offer a seat to Barbie or GI Joe.

Outside Link:
If you are a Lego Loony, go have a look at a wonderful Lego model of Villa Savoye by Matija Grguric, an architect student in Zagreb, Croatia.

Austin's Ligne Roset Boutique in Elle Decor Magazine

2009-08-09T12:51:00.017-05:00

Photo: Elle Decor Magazine cover, Photography by William Waldron

The chic, French Ligne Roset Boutique in Austin, Texas is featured in the September 2009 issue of Elle Decor Magazine in their What's Hot! shops, page 36. Congratulations to Ligne Roset, Bruce Wolfe and staff for the deserved recognition.

Ligne Roset Boutique, Austin, Texas: Opening Night

To see My Ranchburger blog coverage of the Ligne Roset Boutique's opening, click here and here.

Hometta Show

2009-07-31T16:44:00.024-05:00

Photo courtesy of Hometta

If you are in Houston this weekend, go see the Hometta Show, Welcome Hometta, at the New World Museum. This is the final weekend for the Show before it moves on to San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Boston.

Hometta is based here in Houston, Texas and is a collaborative of designers, architects, builders, writers and editors who care about modern architecture and access to great design. According to their website:

"Founder Mark Johnson and partner Andrew McFarland joined forces with four core architects and designers, whose vision has guided Hometta’s development. They, in turn, have helped recruit the several dozen studios who have contributed home plans to Hometta’s first stage of life (with more to come!)."
Hometta Show at New World Museum

5230 Center St.
Houston, Texas 77007

FREE! Admission to New World Museum is free due to the generosity of museum supporters.

Thursday - Sunday
Noon to 5 p.m.
You may remember My Ranchburger's coverage of one of Hometta's early projects. Click here to see a wonderful residential design on which they collaborated.

le cinéma

2009-07-25T18:01:00.038-05:00

The cinema ticket.

Our seats?

And le cinéma?

The other evening, Ligne Roset Houston had one of its really chic in-store cinema events. The cinema was À Bout de Souffle (Breathless) with Jean Seberg, Jean-Paul Belmondo and English subtitles. I know you've never had seats such as these in a theater or French spirits and hor d'oeuvres as you watched a hip black and white.

But who could concentrate on the movie...even if it's Belmondo and Seberg...while mentally redecorating one's pad with all those wonderful Ligne Roset designs?

harbenger.duo at DWR

2009-07-24T10:17:00.019-05:00

At the Design Within Reach Houston Studio last night harbenger.duo, AKA the Josh and Audrey Hardesty design team, exhibited their wonderfully designed and beautifully constructed line of contemporary furniture.

Spotted in the huge crowd (not seen here, as Tall Husband and I arrived early to shoot) at DWR were well known architects, designers, international retailers, plus one of my favorite Bloggers, Carolina of Carolina Eclectic.

Note: Click on photos to enlarge. These are only a few of the harbenger.duo designs. For order information go to www.harbengerduo.com. You can also follow this duo on their blog, harbenger.duo.

Adolf Loos and His House for Josephine Baker

2009-07-22T10:59:00.035-05:00

This tiny maquette of the never-realized house that Adolf Loos designed for Josephine Baker in 1928 sits on a bookshelf at My Ranchburger. It was to have been built in Paris on a corner of Avenue Bugeaud in the 16th arrondissement.

The facade was to have been covered in black and white marble.

The original maquette, along with a number of drawings, is in the Albertina Museum in Vienna. This above maquette: Model design: Paul Groenendijk and Piet Vollaard. Scale: 1:100; copyright, Elsie Altmann-Loos.

I constructed my little model from the pages of this book, Adolf Loos: Huis voor/house for/maison pour/Haus für Josephine Baker by Paul Groenendijk and Piet Vollaard. The publication was found at the Bookstore & Gift Shop, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston some years ago.

Josephine Baker has inspired generations with her great intelligence, talents and charm. Looking at this maquette of a house she inspired, makes me smile, as I imagine her living there, swimming in the indoor pool, dancing across marble floors in her banana skirt, or walking her pet leopard around the neighborhood.

Fete Nationale 2009

2009-07-14T17:57:00.003-05:00

Happy Bastille Day to all our French Friends!

Art Deco Redo

2009-07-13T15:56:00.047-05:00

This Art Deco console, attributed to Wolfgang Hoffmann, was found in less than pristine condition at a local antique shop.

Tall Husband and I collaborated on the refinishing of this Art Deco manicure table turned console. I had searched for a table like one that had been in my clipping notebook for years...then one day we walked into an antique shop in Houston and there it stood, doing duty as a place for the shop's business cards and signs. It was painted a bright turquoise with pink, white and black showing through.

The shop owner told us that the late 1920's to early 1930's piece had been a manicure trolley in a beauty salon and its design was attributed to Wolfgang Hoffmann, son of the famous architect and Wiener Werkstatte co-founder, Josef Hoffmann. Inside its small drawer was evidence of its previous life...numerous spills of nail enamel in various shades of red, hardened into a stubborn, bumpy veneer.

Discovering that there was Bakelite beneath layers of paint was a delight. Legs, hinges and pulls were re-chromed at a metal plating shop and reproduction casters were sourced.

The little trolley's chromed legs and pulls were beginning to rust through the chrome. A corner had been severely damaged and there was all that paint, inexpertly applied. It's casters were broken and crumbling. It was love at first sight. Once we got the piece home, I wondered aloud, "Whom can we trust to refinish this?" Tall Husband pointed at me. "Me!?"

A manicure trolley in the early decades of the twentieth century, it now holds drink coasters and gray linen cocktail napkins.

So with racing heart, respirator, paint remover, and proper ventilation, I began. Tall Husband did some research and found a metal plating shop that usually did chrome on antique car bumpers and motorcycles. Off came the legs, pulls and every little screw. At my request, Tall Husband constructed a metal angle and with it I began to build up a fine corner with wood filler. We tested several black paints and, surprisingly, the best looking one was a can of black spray paint from Sherwin Williams, called Almost Flat.

I tackled the top of the little table last, using a hand sander with a fine sandpaper. Well into the job, I smelled a strange odor and noticed that the surface was becoming mysteriously shiny. Throwing off my mask and gloves, I ran to my computer and searched for Wolfgang Hoffmann. That's when I learned that most of his tables were topped by Bakelite. Tall Husband came out to my work area and in one sniff identified phenolic resin, an odor that is emitted by Bakelite when its heated (e.g., sanded with an electric sander.) I immediately switched to fine steel wool and a gentler touch. At one point in refinishing the surface, the shine of the ebony Bakelite popped out in all its glory.

Returned to its original chicness, the Art Deco table now resides in our living room and stands ready with gray linen cocktail napkins and black coasters from Ligne Roset.

And would you believe it? There is another one like it, this time covered in paint the color of red nail polish. We spotted it in the window of Luther's, a hip boutique in Austin, Texas.

Pure Classic Benz

2009-06-15T12:35:00.005-05:00

While shooting at the Classy Chassis show in Houston yesterday, I thought of designer friend, Manuel over at Dear Diary. He loves the classic Benz. So these classy numbers are dedicated to him.

Hop over to The Bunny Bungalow to see more classic cars.

Mark Word at Hotel San José

2009-06-02T18:50:00.043-05:00

Hotel San José

Mark Word's famous landscaping at Hotel San José, Austin, Texas...as seen in the afternoon sun.

Mark Word Design

As dusk descends, let's stroll around the garden.

A century plant towers over Congress Avenue, as (left) The Birds, an Alfred Hitchcock classic starring Tippy Hedren, is playing at Jo's, a coffee shop next door to Hotel San José.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Mark Word at DWR Studio Austin

2009-05-31T16:15:00.046-05:00

Mark Word, Landscape Designer at DWR Studio, Austin, Texas

The National Planter Project in Austin

Design Within Reach Studio in Austin showed off their green thumbs with Modern Planted Pots. At this special event, Mark Word, Landscape Designer, discussed his creative and planting process with DWR Studio guests. Word is famous for his work in Marfa, Texas; Hotel San José, Austin; and Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin.

Tall Husband and I have followed Word's work via the media, but when we saw his landscaping first hand at Hotel Saint Cecilia recently, we knew we had to meet this designer. Then Vickie Collins, proprietor of DWR Studio in Austin, invited us to this event. We couldn't believe our serendipitous luck. We immediately RSVP'd an emphatic yes and booked a room at Hotel San José so we could experience, up close and personal, Mark Word's designs for that very different architectural style. Then we headed to Austin in my old Beemer.

Mark Word's landscaping at Hotel San José is magical. Trees, plants, shrubs, flowers and the occasional fountain create intimate enclaves, making us wonder why we couldn't just sleep outside with the birds and butterflies.

Mark Word's planting for DWR Orb Planter

Mark Word's plantings for DWR Gratia Planter, Square as seen at Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, Texas

Mark Word designed the landscaping for Hotel San José, Austin Texas.

Some of the guests at Mark Word's presentation at DWR Studio in Austin

Seen at DWR Studio in Austin. And who doesn't love orange wedges?

Note: Drop by later for a more in depth look at Mark Word's landscape design at Hotel San José and a peek inside the hotel.

Click on photos to enlarge.

All Photos by Annie Sitton

Salad: Bosc Pears and Stilton Cheese

2009-05-19T19:41:00.018-05:00

Bosc Pears and Stilton Cheese

Endive, Pear and Stilton Salad with Walnuts and Port Vinaigrette

¾ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons port wine (or dry sherry)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1½ tablespoons walnut oil
1½ tablespoons olive oil
Pinch of allspice
Salt
Pepper
3 medium endive, washed and divided into leaves (or use red leaf and green leaf lettuce)
2 small Bosc pears, cored and cut into thin wedges
¼ pound Stilton cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread the walnuts on a cookie sheet. Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly toasted. Let cool .
Blend together mustard, port, vinegar, oils and allspice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
On individual salad plates, arrange the endive (or if using lettuce, toss lettuce in a bowl). Top with pear slices, then crumbled Stilton cheese. Sprinkle with the dressing then with walnuts.

Note: Some recipes call for 3 tablespoons of walnut oil instead of the mix of walnut/olive oils but straight walnut oil is a bit strong for my taste.

Serves 4

Un Cadeau

2009-05-14T19:37:00.023-05:00

Reve D′ Édo water decanter designed by Peter Maly and Carsten Gollnick for Ligne Roset

When Bruce Wolfe and his staff at Ligne Roset Houston invited me to drop by their showroom to choose a gift from anything on the floor, I knew exactly what I wanted...the chic water decanter from their Reve D′ Édo collection.

If I were a bride, my groom and I would register at Ligne Roset so our wedding guests could experience the pleasure of choosing gifts in such a beautiful place. Anyway...I felt like a bride, or perhaps the proverbial kid in a candy store, when Bruce wrapped up my gift.

Gentlemen at Ligne Roset Houston, thank you for the excellent adventure! From your gift, I shall drink to your health, and of course to your success.

Studio 7 at Hotel Saint Cecilia

2009-05-07T15:29:00.033-05:00

These truffles awaited us, along with a handwritten welcome note.

Studio 7 was a magical, modern treehouse.

Studio 7's balcony

Studio 7's bathroom: love the ebony tile.

Last weekend while in Austin, Tall Husband and I stayed in Studio 7 at Hotel Saint Cecilia. The Studio decor, as you can see, is modern. This unique hotel was the best of both worlds for us, style wise, as we have an antique home plus another home furnished in classic modern. And Hotel Saint Cecilia indulges one in both worlds with cool funk thrown in for added excitement.

Over at The Bunny Bungalow, you can see the antique side of Hotel Saint Cecilia, along with its beautiful landscaping and night lighting.

Click on photos to enlarge.

DWR Presents: M+D+F 2009

2009-05-04T21:43:00.104-05:00

Persimmon: Lighting by Gian Calaci

M+D+F at DWR Austin Studio May 3, 2009

Design Within Reach Austin Studio presented the winners of M+D+F 2009, a juried exhibition of new and exciting designs by emerging designers from the Austin area. The judges for M+D+F were Liz Lambert, hotelier; Jack Sanders, founder of Design Build Adventure; Tracey Overbeck Stead, interior designer; and Steve Ross, professor of architecture at University of Texas and founder of Design Build Alliance. The exhibition was an impressive collection of furniture and lighting designs that were functional, esthetically appealing and crafted to perfection. Each piece in this collection exemplified what good design is about today: it's first of all functional, then beautiful and finally it is environmentally kind. Watch out Didier Gomez!

Vickie Collins, proprietor of DWR Austin Studio, hosted this important and wonderful design event. Thanks Vickie for a great afternoon. And congratulations to all the designers in this exhibition. Tall Husband and I loved meeting you and test driving your beautiful designs.

Click on Photos to enlarge and to read additional information.

Seen at DWR Austin Studio. And why the sandals? Just because they are great design and so cool and hip.

Links

Candor Wines

Andy Coolquitt

Chad Kelly
Delish Cupcakes
DWR Austin Studio
Henry Levine Design, Inc
Hotel Saint Cecilia (Just because Tall Husband and I had a wonderful stay there this past weekend, and because it's one of Liz Lambert's hotels. More about Hotel Saint Cecilia, later, over at The Bunny Bungalow. )

Pure and Simple

2009-04-30T13:43:00.002-05:00

Roses after the rain.

A Flower for a Minimalist

2009-04-27T10:23:00.014-05:00

Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile): About to bloom!

At My Ranchburger, we love Agapanthus for their lack of fussiness. They go so beautifully in a minimalist setting, as they are pure simplicity and offer a change from the omnipresent white Phalaenopsis. When these flowers are in full bloom, we will bring them indoors.

What to do this Weekend

2009-04-25T12:14:00.004-05:00

Click of image to enlarge and read details.

If you are in Houston or Austin this weekend, Ligne Roset is having a great sale.

Mercury Design Studio in Austin

2009-04-20T08:12:00.004-05:00

Hop on over to The Bunny Bungalow for a visit to Mercury Design Studio in Austin.

Ligne Roset Boutique: Austin Opening Part 2

2009-04-17T22:03:00.017-05:00

As promised...more photos of last night's Ligne Roset Boutique opening.

Jellyfish, ceiling light designed by Swan Bourotte for Ligne Roset

Gallery, just prior to the arrival of the crowd.

Ligne Roset Boutique: Austin Opening

2009-04-17T08:04:00.052-05:00

Ligne Roset Boutique, Austin, Texas

St-Germain Liqueur and French Champagne

Click on photos to enlarge.

The world-wide launch of Ligne Roset Boutique, a concept store, was held in Austin last night, with local and global design aficionados and professionals flocking to the event. Antoine Roset, Executive Vice President of Ligne Roset, USA flew in, as did Jessica Cairncross of Ligne Roset USA Corporation. Also, Houston-based French Designer Anne Breaux arrived for the opening. Bruce Wolfe, owner of both the Ligne Roset Boutique and Ligne Roset Houston, hosted the wonderful, artful evening.

Note: At My Ranchburger in Houston, I blog from a chic Ligne Roset desk, Hyannis Port,which the people of Ligne Roset managed to ship unharmed through two consecutive Gulf Coast hurricanes. The day it arrived at the port, Bruce Wolfe, of Ligne Roset Houston, telephoned with good news/bad news. "The good news is that your desk has arrived at the port; the bad news is that it's not perishable."

"Not perishable?"

"Correct! Because of the hurricane, the port authorities are only allowing perishables to be unloaded at this time. Your desk is not perishable!"

The beautiful desk sat on a ship for quite some time but was worth the wait. Plus, as you see, it has it's own story.

To come later: Additional photos of the Ligne Roset Boutique Opening.

Dig It

2009-04-14T20:41:00.010-05:00

The replica Grecian foot is from the Paris shop of Astier de Villatte; the signed Ming Vases are by Marcel Wanders for Moooi and were purchased from Mr. Wanders at Sunset Settings in Houston, Texas.

These wonderful vases by Marcel Wanders, the Dutch designer, are seriously whimsical. I just had to put them with a Grecian foot...sort of archaeological dig at the ranchburger.

Note: Marcel Wanders is taller than Tall Husband!

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T05:00:00.003-05:00

A gift from Mother Nature: an abandoned bird's nest found in a hedge outside my door at My Ranchburger, and now filled with two faux eggs.

University of Houston: Prototype 2: Chairs

2009-04-06T10:40:00.051-05:00

...In their words, this is how they collectively addressed sustainability.

"The prototypes are working study models of utilitarian objects such as the light and the chair. In the past, this project has been used as an exercise for the Senior Interior Design Studio at the University of Houston to understand matters of proportion and scale of objects in interior spaces. As the design community moves toward a more conscious effort to reduce our carbon footstep, this year's senior class has taken a more conscientious view and incorporated the principles of sustainability in the design development of our prototypes. We selected materials that were either renewable, recyclable, or environmentally friendly, such as organic cork, bamboo, recycled cardboard. Also the light prototypes were designed to be used with energy efficient light bulbs, such as LED light bars and fluorescent bulbs. We want to add our voice to the greater design community and demonstrate that sustainability can be achieved without sacrificing design. As future designers, we understand that it is our responsibility to create and promote eco-friendly environments and products that merge an aesthetic sensibility with sustainable practices. To stay abreast of a rapidly changing industry ingrained in innovation, we strive to create healthy and socially responsible designs that improve the quality of life and that serve the needs of society today and in the future."

Some wonderful Chair Prototypes not represented here, due to a glitch in this Blogger:
Crest by Dijana Handanovic
Swell by Kristen Cochran
Radius by Lam Nguyen

Click on each photo to enlarge and read design information.

Professor Catherine Cochran is with Design/Build firm Cochran and Cochran Architects.

University of Houston: Prototype 2: Lighting

2009-04-01T10:42:00.043-05:00

Design Within Reach (DWR) Houston Studio hosted Prototype 2, Bridging Design and Sustainability, an exhibition of lighting and chair design prototypes by students from University of Houston, School of Art, Senior Interior Design Studio. Presented here are photographs of the lighting prototypes from the exhibit last night. Photographs of the chair prototypes will follow. My congratulations to the students, faculty and staff of the University of Houston's School of Art, Senior Interior Design Studio. This was a most impressive exhibit, from venue selection, to display, down to the excellent catalog of the show. It was well attended by Houston's world-class architects and designers. Meeting the student designers was a delight. I have never seen such design/execution talent in a student show. If I were not familiar with the DWR line, I would have had difficulty in determining which were student prototypes and which were showroom items. Watch out Philippe Starck!

Click on each photo to enlarge and to read design information.

Light Prototype: Aeon by Ruth Kuo

Light Prototype: Artificial Intelligence by Nadia Tufail

Light Prototype: Thirteen by Dijana Handanovic

Light Prototype: Eclipse by Manu Sanchez-Lara (table and hanging versions shown); In the background: Light Prototype: Fuse by Kristen Cochran

Light Prototype: Grand Battement by Jossary Valdes

So, you're asking, "What's with the shoes?" It's just that expensive shoes are my favorite form of design and this glamorous young woman graciously agreed to let me photograph hers.

Living Big in Small Spaces

2009-03-30T08:33:00.027-05:00

Rice Design Alliance (RDA) volunteers at the 2009 Architecture Tour: Small Houses.

Above: One of the houses on the tour, an 1800 square foot residence and workspace that was designed by Dawn Finley and Mark Wamble, www.interlooparchitecture.com

If the choice were between style and space, I would take style anytime. Tall Husband and I attended the RDA Small House tour this past Sunday. Unfortunately, no camera's were allowed; though some attendees did have point and shoots. However, we respected their rules...well, except for this drive-by shooting of one of the homes. For years, we have been volunteer docents at this event, but chose to just leisurely tour this year.

Small houses are so appealing. Each home on the tour "lives large" as each is so well designed from a space, as well as an aesthetic perspective.

For more information/photos of the tour homes, click here.

Ligne Roset Lamp

2009-03-25T12:18:00.021-05:00

As promised in a previous post, here is the Ligne Roset lamp that Tall Husband could not resist when I was doing a shoot of Ligne Roset Houston's Grand Re-Opening party recently.

This floor lamp, La Chinoise by Pascal Mourgue, is so cool. It is of polished chrome with a white chintz shade, which is adjustable. The height of the lamp is also adjustable. So chic!

Click on photos to enlarge.

Spring at My Ranchburger

2009-03-17T16:09:00.012-05:00

Each Spring, fragrant Azaleas hide my ranchburger.

I gather armloads and arrange them in my favorite vases, such as this French design that looks like appropriated test tubes.

Is it any wonder that Spring is our favorite time of year?

Note: Indulge in Houston has the French "Vase D'avril" by Tse&Tse. Get the large one!

Ligne Roset: Grand Re-Opening Party

2009-03-13T09:16:00.029-05:00

Last night, Ligne Roset Houston held their Grand Re-Opening party to celebrate their move to the new River Oaks location. Their new showroom is drop-dead gorgeous. Styling by Anne Breux. Photography by Annie Sitton.

Bruce Wolfe, owner of Ligne Roset Houston, with a party guest. (Bruce does the best Truman Capote!)

Ligne Roset Houston: New storefront.

All of Ligne Roset's events are attended by an interesting mix of Francophiles who happen to be French design aficionados, and last night was no exception. The conversation flowed as freely as the French wine.

Ligne Roset Houston has a line of chic accessories to complement their furniture, including an impressive selection of items for table top. That trivet, above, composed of forks, knives and spoons, is as functional as it is witty.

Note: Tall Husband, who says, "One can never have too many chairs," did resist buying more chairs last night; but he couldn't resist a certain floor lamp. You'll get to see it later.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Flowers with a French Accent

2009-03-10T16:54:00.010-05:00

Vase: Vapeur D'O designed by Adrien Gardere for Cinna (Ligne Roset in the U.S.) The Faith roses are from Ecuador.

This French design is the most functional and beautiful modern vase around. It looks wonderful holding one flower or an armful. The frosted, blown glass base is so chic with the expandable metal top, which is reminiscent of a vegetable steamer. The French do that industrial/chic thing so well!

Rice Design Alliance Home Tour

2009-03-06T16:16:00.002-06:00

Rice Design Alliance of Houston is having their annual home tour, "Small Houses," on Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, 2009. 1p.m. to 6 p.m. Tall Husband and I can't wait.

Muse

2009-03-04T20:30:00.030-06:00

A tiny muse.

Golden stars that once decorated a box of French candy.

Reproduction of an 18th century, Italian terracotta cherub found years ago at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Everyone who writes...whether it be reports, books or blogs...should have a bit of whimsy about. Happily, a tiny cherub has taken wing above my desk and above him hang golden stars. One does not have to be a child to feel the magical effect of this little muse.

Note: Over at The Bunny Bungalow blog, there is a New Year's Eve card that this little muse inspired.

Stainless Steel for Modern Crafts

2009-02-27T10:08:00.020-06:00

Above is a bud vase of glass and stainless steel screen. The screen is so fine that it looks like gray silk.

Are there crafts for people who live in modern digs? Yes. Think steel. Or specifically, stainless steel screen. Having seen items made of this material in high-end shops, I wanted to try my hand at making them. Tall Husband sourced a local company that would sell me small rolls of differing gauges of screen, which are usually used for industrial applications.

For the above bud vase I used:

An inexpensive bud vase with waited bottom
38 gauge stainless steel screen
Rubber gloves (working with steel screen is like working with fiber glass...it cuts your skin.)
Jewelers shears for clean, straight cutting of the steel
Metal ruler for measuring and making/pressing hem
Pencil for marking cutting and folding lines

After marking with pencil, cut a square of stainless steel screen, while wearing gloves; then hem the edges by folding over a quarter of an inch; then fold that hem over again, as you do not want to leave any raw edges, for they are dangerous. Next, make small diagonal pleats to the square...think Fortuny fabric. Hem a steel strip for tying the pleated square onto the bud vase. Finally, center the bud vase in the middle of the pleated steel square and gather and tie in place, as in photo above.

Fly in the Face of Reason

2009-02-24T18:01:00.017-06:00

Shh, I think I hear a fly.

You get this one; I got the last one.

Oh. So that's what's on your face!?

These fly swatters, by the French designer Philippe Starck, bring out the kid in everyone...even kids. Besides being witty, this swatter follows the rules of good design: looks good and is useful. I guess that's why this swatter has been around for twenty years.

Fly swatter: Dr. Skud (1989): with the image of a face imprinted on the business end.

Ligne Roset Houston: Opening Day

2009-02-16T16:12:00.007-06:00

Bruce Wolfe, owner of Ligne Roset Houston, arrives with French Champagne to toast the new showroom. You know there will be the perfect ice bucket in which to chill it.

Day one: the paper has come off the windows and the showroom is looking so very Ligne Roset.

These chairs are the most wonderful, dark leather. Nobody does leather like Ligne Roset.

Ditto!

Click on photos to enlarge.

Ligne Roset Houston: Moving Day

2009-02-15T20:29:00.024-06:00

For Ligne Roset, Houston, Sunday was moving day. They moved from their showroom on Kirby Drive to 1992 West Gray Street, The River Oaks Shopping Center. Ligne Roset will open for business on Monday February 16th in their new, larger showroom.

The moving trucks backed in early Sunday morning to begin the move of the chic French furniture and accessories line from the Kirby showroom.

Meanwhile, at the new location, Dakota, the Lab with a nose for design, awaits the arrival of the first truck...

...Karl of KVM Design completes the installation of a modernist Ligne Roset lighting fixture.

The plans have been drafted...

Plenty of hot French roast and croissants, along with classical music, fuel today's creative activities.

Consultants and principals of Ligne Roset of Houston confer while waiting for the arrival of the next truck-load of French furniture.

The placement of the furniture begins according to plan. Anne Breux, a top French Designer, is in charge of showroom design. She will use mainly whites, greys and blacks with just a hit of red and that wonderful orange that the French do so well.

The Ligne Roset Team will work well into the night to ready the new showroom for Monday's opening.

Stay logged in for a look at the finished showroom. I promise, it will be cool, minimalist, chic and very French. Oh, and you will get to see what Bruce Wolfe the owner of Ligne Roset Houston has brought to the new showroom to celebrate the move. Ahh, Le Style de Vie!

Housewares by Architects

2009-02-12T13:38:00.013-06:00

The china above is Tuxedo from Swid Powell and was designed by Gwathmey Siegel, the architect. At My Ranchburger we have numerous household items, collected over the years, that were designed by architects. The appeal of these pieces, I believe, is that their designs are so intelligent and therefore functional. I cannot afford to live in a house designed by one of the great architects of the world but I can still have something their work. There is a certain snob appeal in that small ownership.

Note: This design, which Tall Husband and I purchased from the Houston Museum of Fine Arts Gift shop, has long been out of production. "Tuxedo," along with many other Swid Powell designs by architects, is represented in the Yale University Art Gallery collection.

Zamore Homes Open House

2009-02-07T20:15:00.023-06:00

The Design Within Reach furniture and accessories used in styling the Zamore Homes event were a perfect combination.

Zamore Homes of Houston held an open house today to show off their Kit Collection 2009. On display were two homes on Center Street, one furnished and the other unfurnished, plus a small guest house. (By the way, the two homes are for sale and the guest house is for rent.)

The Architect's models for Kit Collection Homes were on display in the guest house.

The unfurnished house allowed one to appreciate the absolute perfection in the execution of a perfect minimalist design. The real luxury in these kit houses, aside from built-in quality, is the use of high ceilings and the abundance of natural light.

Every entrance was an exercise in minimalist drama. The stylist used a light touch to continue the theme.

This is perfect, affordable minimalism; and you thought that was an oxymoron.

Barbara Hill's Pulpoetry

2009-02-06T11:19:00.014-06:00

Pulpoetry pillow by Barbara Hill, punctuates vintage Roche Bobois black leather at My Ranchburger. Pulpoetry at Found for the Home.

Modern Rubber

2009-01-30T13:14:00.019-06:00

The gray and white rubber pots are from Ligne Roset.

The pale blue rubber vase (above) was found at Galeries Lafayette in Paris. When I spotted this vase, I thought it was blown glass. As I gingerly picked it up, it folded in my hands and the bottom fell to the floor...talk about feeling as if you're in the twilight zone!

The cinnabar rubber pot (above left) is from Conran's in Paris and is made by cutting edge "potters" Charlotte Arnal and François Fevre in their atelier in Paris. The black rubber bowl is my jeweler's bowl for mixing investment plaster for casting and is available from jeweler supply shops.

Designers have been producing hip looking rubber products for quite sometime now. Besides exuding modern cool, they turn out to be great room accessories to have around if you have children or clumsy adult visitors.

Click on Photos to enlarge.

The Dark Side of Design

2009-01-22T12:30:00.018-06:00

Image from The Museum at FIT website. Evening dress and cross necklace: Christian Dior (John Galliano); Red coated silk, black ink, & metal; Spring 2006, France.

Are you wanting to go to the dark side? Want to find your inner Goth? This is the place to begin your search: The Museum at FIT's Gothic-Dark Glamour exhibit or if you cannot get to New York City visit their very dark website. See the video below for a sneak preview.

The Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York
"Gothic-Dark Glamour" September 5, 2008-February 21, 2009

The Confidence of Youth

2009-01-07T05:00:00.004-06:00

This is not a lamp; it's a symbol of youthful confidence. Three-year-old Andrea and her twin Sofia were visiting when the lamp sputtered and the room went dark. It was unplugged and placed out of the way, in a corner of the kitchen. Andrea immediately pulled a kitchen stool alongside and climbed up. From the stool she looked down at the lamp, then announced, "I can fix this. Bring me a hammer and some tape!"

The girls are about to be teenagers now but we, their grandparents, haven't forgotten that display of utter, unwavering confidence. Whenever anything in our lives is screwed up beyond belief, we say, "I can fix that. Bring me a hammer and some tape." And somehow the situation doesn't seem so dire. Youth can be a wonderful teacher.

Classic Cool

2009-01-05T16:21:00.009-06:00

My vintage radio has got its cool back, thanks to Classic Cool!

I'm in love! With Classic Cool Radio which has just made its debut here in Houston on 650 AM with longtime Houston radio personality Ronnie Renfrow and his Classic Cool team. At this moment, I am listening to the debut show as I am blogging about it. Harry Connick Jr. is front and center now. Cool!

Classic Cool: 650 AM. Tune in at 4:00 PM Central Time starting today! Monday through Friday.

All White

2008-12-31T15:28:00.007-06:00

If you don't have a subscription to Metropolitan Home, don't walk but drive (fast, faster!) to your nearest magazine shop. If you love the chic calmness of all white, if you cannot get enough of minimalist modern, you will want to see every home in this January/February 2009 issue. This is Metro's best issue to date.

Go! Be the Queen of Pristine!

And to All, Goodnight

2008-12-25T22:08:00.003-06:00

Holiday hugs to you all!

Guess Who Came for Dinner

2008-12-18T18:06:00.002-06:00

Red-tailed Hawk
Now he's got me wanting a new lens for my camera, so that I can get a better photo of him.

Tall Husband spotted this dinner guest sitting in our pecan tree at My Ranchburger this evening. Watch out little squirrels! I think you're on the menu.

Confessions of an International Maison Stalker

2008-12-17T20:42:00.000-06:00

The photo is from Vivre Côté Paris Magazine Advertisement.
Click on photo to enlarge.

Some years ago, in the late 'eighties, I was watching television. ( Yes, I would occasionally watch T.V. until reality shows reared their ugly heads.) Elsa Klensch was interviewing Philippe Starck, the famous French designer-of-everything on her show, Style. (God, I miss that show and have not tuned to CNN since they canned Elsa.) Anyway Elsa was featuring a most unusual house that Philippe had designed. All I knew was that I had to see this house and that it was somewhere in or near Paris.

Through French design books and the Internet, which was rather feeble back then, I located the house, Maison Lemoult, on Ile Saint-Germain in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a short metro ride from our hotel in the center of Paris. So, one sunny November day, Tall Husband and I stood feasting our eyes on the Starck master piece. As the house sits between the Seine and a street, we saw it from the front and the back. I shall never forget the thrill of that day. The owners, Dr. and Madame Lemoult, were home and were nervously peeking out at us, which did not perturb us in the least. We did notice the new house next door and commented that it was a shame that such an ugly house was built next to the chic Maison Lemoult. We were later to learn that the ugly house was Philippe Starck's studio and home, which he had designed.

Now my fantasizing begins anew, as this wonderful house is on the market, according to an advertisement in Vivre Côté Paris magazine. You can see Maison Starck as long as this link is active: http://www.architecturedecollection.fr/starck/flash/home2.swf

French Internet lesson so that you may enjoy your house tour:

precedent=previous
suivant=next
retour=return or back
accueil=home
loupe=enlarge (photo)

Oh, did I mention the price? 2 490 000 euros. Ouch!

P.S. I am thrilled to see that there is the same Italian floor lamp, Gilda, in the living room as we have. We got ours from Design Within Reach.

French Enamel Signs

2008-12-08T12:55:00.000-06:00

These signs are on doors at My Ranchburger. I think they lend a touch of French wit. We purchased them several years ago from a tiny shop in Paris, Papeterie Moderne. The original owners, the charming Joseph and Jacqueline Bakerdjian, helped us choose our signs.

When Papeterie Moderne first opened, it was in the middle of the largest centralized food market in Europe, Les Halles. They sold string, paper wrappings and stickers to merchants who were selling poultry, meat , eggs, cheese, butter and vegetables to all of Paris. When the central market moved to the suburbs of Paris, Joseph and Jacqueline morphed their business into a sign shop to serve the small shops that sprang up around them. Their enamel signs became popular with tourists like us and Papeterie Moderne became known around the world for its French Enamel Signs.

Joseph and Jacqueline later sold their shop to Josette Samuel who is a potter. Josette renamed the shop Plaques et Pot and sells her pottery along with the famous French enamel signs.

Machine Lights: Sublime

2008-12-03T14:08:00.000-06:00

Click on Photos to enlarge.

Photographs of all Maschinen Leuchten (Machine Lights) are used with permission of Frank Buchwald, the Designer.

Frank Buchwald's Maschinen Leuchten, Machine Lights, are exquisitely handcrafted and utterly magic. This is machine cum art. This is art that lights up the imagination. Here are timeless constructions: are we thrown back in time or thrust into the next century? Think of these light objects as you will, there is no denying that they are uber chic.

To learn more about the manufacture and history of these light objects and about Frank Buchwald, the Berlin designer, go to Maschinen Leuchten.

Art Display

2008-11-30T15:02:00.000-06:00

Hollow Upbringings by Mindy Herrin; ceramic, vintage suede; silver, cheese cloth. The raven was found in Paris one Christmas season, displayed with its flock on a white tree.

This figure, more homunculus than baby, was originally displayed on a dark metal stand. We wanted something that did not require a table for display. A catalog came to the rescue again: Pottery Barn Kids arrived with a photo of this French highchair for a doll. We thought the chair would soften the edginess of this piece of art; however, Tall Husband's sister informed us that the contrast "disturbed" her "even more." Since I delight in disturbing her, I added the French corbeau (raven). It worked!

Displaying Unusual Art

2008-11-24T12:26:00.000-06:00

Persecution Remembered by Mindy Herrin; silver, fabric, parchment; wood; glass. The poem on a parchment scroll rolls up via a tiny crank on his side and the small silver door in his belly closes to hide the poetry behind a small pane of glass.

This small figure (approximately 8'' tall) came with an unanswered question: how does one display an edgy, serious work of art? The piece was kept in his box for quite some time while we explored methods of display.

One afternoon, I took my grandchildren to the local science museum. I noticed that small, ancient pieces of art were effectively displayed on small white wooden cubes within a case. That night, as I lay falling asleep, the trip to the museum and our little figure came together in my head.

The next day I found cubes in a West Elm catalog and showed them to Tall Husband and told him of the idea for our figure. He liked the solution and when the cubes arrived (they come in a trio), he fabricated a metal stand and attached it to the cube. Now our little guy can be easily removed for cleaning, then placed back on his cube, where he looks as important as he is.

Philip Johnson: Chapel of St. Basil

2008-11-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

This is an exterior shot of Philip Johnson's Chapel of St. Basil, University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas. The Chapel, though small, is awe inspiring due in part to its soaring walls, utter simplicity and natural light that enters through various architectural openings.

Geometric placement of bells

Note the contrast of materials: the white stucco wall, gold dome with cross and charcoal stone of the bell tower.

Just as you enter or exit, if you look upwards, you will see the perfection of combined geometry and light.

The interior of St. Basil has the simultaneous feel of ancient and modern, possibly due to the use of ancient materials in a modern design.

As you leave the Chapel, take a moment to experience the volume and light in the vestibule.

Philip Johnson (July 8 1906-January 25, 2005)
Recipient of the first Pritzker Architecture Prize, 1979

Tall Husband and I visited the Chapel of St. Basil at the University of St. Thomas last weekend. It is one of my favorite Houston buildings by the Architect Philip Johnson. With its gold dome, it looks like a modern jewel dropped adjacent to the mid-century-modern campus mall that he designed earlier.

Johnson has always been a favorite architect of mine, so when I was invited to the dedication of his building at the University of Houston, back in the late eighties, I was excited to have the chance to finally meet him. Alas, Tall Husband and I came down with fever and flu on the day of the dedication, so we never met Johnson. Later, a French modernist designer who met him that night, gave us a colorful report of the event.

There are several of Philip Johnson's buildings in Houston. Here is a partial list:

The de Menil House, 1950
Pennzoil Place, 1973
Republic Bank Tower (now NCNB Center), with John Burgee, 1984
Transco Tower (now the Williams Tower), 1983
University of Houston, College of Architecture Building, 1985
Rothko Chapel, 1971
St. Basil's Chapel, 1995
University of St. Thomas Campus Mall, 1985

Banana Bunkers

2008-11-06T10:05:00.000-06:00

Click on image to enlarge.

Banana Bunker®
Paul R. Stremple, 2000

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has these available from their on-line store. I love bananas and wouldn't want them bruised; though, I think these Bunkers® look like too much fun!

Weekend Modern

2008-11-05T14:58:00.000-06:00

Click on image to enlarge.

If you're looking for a hip, modern venue this weekend, you might want to check out Peel Gallery's show with Dror Benshetrit, a New York based designer. The event is Saturday November 8, 2008, from 6-9 PM at 4411 Montrose, Houston, Texas 77006.

Yes!

2008-11-04T10:07:00.000-06:00

Yes room at My Ranchburger

Say it with letters: when typography accomplishes more than mere decoration.

Knoll: NeoCon 2008

2008-10-30T21:01:00.000-05:00

Knoll's Chair at DWR, Houston.

View a great video with the design team from Knoll here. The video runs just under 15 minutes. You will get to see some of Joseph P. d'Urso's new designs for Knoll, as well as designs by Ross Lovegrove.

The first design I remember from Joe d'Urso was the apartment he did for Calvin Klein back in the mid seventies. That was when I fell in love with minimalism and gray; and I still can't get enough of black leather and the whole d'Urso industrial look. Who can forget that Ross Lovegrove, the British industrial designer, made our Sony Walkman look so chic? Wait till you see his new Knoll tables in this video.

An Autumn Gift

2008-10-25T23:01:00.000-05:00

A gift of fresh flowers and fruit arranged by Felix Hernandez of Behind the Garden Gate is magical. Thank you Felix for the thoughtful gift. What a fantastic way to celebrate Autumn!

Red Gun

2008-10-21T11:57:00.000-05:00

Red Gun, a photogravure by Dan Mitchell Allison

Tall Husband and I have collected Dan Mitchell Allison's art all during our marriage. In fact, my wedding gift to Tall Husband was a piece of Allison's work.

In the above triptych, from the top down are: Bit Part, Red Gun and Face the Music.

The hit of color that Dan Mitchell Allison's triptych gives the white, gray and black living room at My Ranchburger is invigorating. For this series, he used old movie stills of the film noir genre and added his own unique range of color. He placed the images on canvas and overlaid each with text, a mere story link that one must decipher in order to complete the story.

Click on each photo to enlarge.


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