We've Got it Covered

Barbara and I are happy to announce that a recent project has made the cover of the current issue of ASID’s Bridge To Design, the official publication and newsletter for the ASID, Northern California Chapter. The article, entitled “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day… It Took Nine”, is a segment in the ongoing “Tales From The Trenches”. The article gives a birds eye glimpse of this fast paced and exciting project which demonstrated our ability to design and furnish a household (within given parameters) in a very short amount of time. I will say this… it wasn’t easy.


The cover of ASID's Bridge to Design featuring a project we did in nine days.

The client, a busy executive who had arrived in town a few days before meeting us, required a fully functioning household up and running in 9 days. The scope of work included the design, specification, purchase and installation of all furniture and furnishings, down to linens and accessories and which would also include household staffing, fresh flowers and a stocked pantry.

A shot of the Living room featured in the article "Rome Wasn't Built in a Day...It Took Nine"

You might think the big prize on this job was knowing that we could do a smash up job in 9 days, but really, it was realizing first hand that all the great sources we’ve accumulated over the years were there for us and went out of their way to accommodate the deadline. It is them that we owe a debt of thanks.

The full story can be viewed on the ASID Northern California website here.

David Hansen

Georgian on My Mind!

Barbara and I planned to visit the 2009 San Francisco Decorator’s Showcase as we always do. For designers, this is our “Super bowl” as it were, and is always a must! This year would be a little different. We had done the walk-through in January to see the house, and find out if there was a space that inspired us into action. Sadly, we decided this was not the year for us to participate, but couldn’t wait to see the ways that other designers had transformed the beautiful Georgian mansion which was built in 1910.


The official image for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2009. Illustration by Clay Seibert

This year instead of just visiting the house during touring hours, we decided that we would attend the Opening Night party. The event was absolutely beautiful, and I was amazed to see the house completely transformed. The first thing I noticed (and loved) was that there were more spaces with a clearly contemporary bent than most years. I was so happy to see an ultra modern kitchen in this Georgian jewel, which strikes me as a more European approach to design. I think overall this Showcase is one of the best (as a whole) that I can remember in recent history. I guess the economic climate had a positive effect in this particular instance.


A shot I took of the house opening day Saturday April 25, 2009

My plan when I went to the party was to snap loads of photos with my iPhone to use for a blog post, but I was so dazzled by the rooms, seeing friends, the food, and the lively atmosphere that it completely slipped my mind until I was on the sidewalk waiting for the valet to bring my car around.

We had planned to go again (yes again) the next day (Saturday), because Barbara’s cousin Wendy was coming to visit from England. Wendy is also a designer, so it was a must for her as well. Seeing the house in the morning with less people was quite a treat. I felt like I was able to pick up on loads of details that I didn’t see the night before. We were also able to talk to some of the designers that we had not previously met to get their insights on inspiration and the design process.


A vignette from "The Dweller's Lodge" by Darren Geise at Coup D'etat

I thought I would snap some pictures on my return, but it was made clear that photographs were not allowed. I did manage to snap a couple of shots in the lower level in a room done by Darren Geise of Coup D’etat entitled “Dweller’s Lodge” which was amazing in its content and execution. This was a tiny room with a grand personality. Rustic wood paneling (clearly custom made for the space) and beautiful (albeit masculine) furniture and paintings gave this room serious “wow” factor. The room even smelled amazing. Coup D’etat always seems to get it right!


A view into the room "A Dweller's Lodge" by Darren Geise at Coup D'etat

I am happy to report that the San Francisco design scene is alive and well and producing beautiful interiors. To all my design industry peers who participated….Well done!

This year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase, which benefits University High School is at 2830 Pacific Avenue now through May 25th. Please visit:
www.decoratorshowcase.org

David Hansen

As The World Turns!

On Saturday, March 28, 2009, I was invited to “Wine in the Dark”, a candlelit evening hosted by friends to celebrate Earth Hour 2009. As it was my “first time” I didn’t really know what to expect. I had heard a few things, but hadn’t taken the time to "Google" it before I arrived.

The invitation said 8 o’clock. I arrived and found the property dark, but soon caught sight of twinkling candles illuminating a mossy brick path leading me to “Fallen Oak Cellars”, an ivy-clad former Guesthouse that had been transformed into a glorious “Wine Room”, the namesake of the 400 year old Oak that had fallen the year before.

The garden was fully illuminated by hanging lanterns, votives and a blazing log fire, setting the stage for this evening of education and thoughtful conversation about Earth Hour and what that meant. Guests were handed “glow in the dark” necklaces, a glass of Cabernet, and a seat by the fire. We made ourselves comfortable and as the proverbial clock struck, there was a hush. This was a world event. It made me feel part of something bigger.

For those of you in the dark, I found the following about WWF online:

“…People of all ages, nationalities, race and background have an opportunity to cast their vote for Earth. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes by the time world leaders meet in Copenhagen for the Global Climate Change Conference in December 2009. This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.
Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Coliseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness. In 2009, Earth Hour was taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people casting their vote for Earth.”

Being avid “green people”, this was the perfect opportunity for my hosts Roxie and Garen to enlighten us (so to speak) about solar energy. They went into detail about how they have gone green in their home, installing solar panels and collecting rainwater. It was all very interesting, and even more so when they told us that their total electric bill for this rather large home was $175 for the YEAR! Makes you think about giving it a try, no?

The night went on well into the late hours with more logs on the fire, more wine, and more conversation. I had shared an evening with old friends, new friends, and a very bright little boy who held me captivated with his tales of daring do. I left that night with a sense of pride at being informed and at having taken part in a “world event”. This was definitely food for thought.

So now there’s an Earth Day AND an Earth Hour???

Bash me if you will, but forgive me please. Lightning has struck. I’m enlightened. I now realize that being a good “green citizen” means more than recycling, composting, and recycling rainwater. It means more than using green products on residential projects. I’m realizing that I’ve neglected my civic responsibility to volunteer, and that’s a very powerful word.

Years ago, I signed up with Friends of the Urban Forest, a local “beautification” project (shades of Andie MacDowell and Gérard Depardieu in the film Green Card) visualizing myself planting trees and flowers, making beautiful vegetable gardens for community sharing. Sad to say it’s been almost 2 years and nada, not a single event have I been able to attend. I’ve been so busy.

So here we come full circle. Firstly feeling absolutely shamed at my ignorance of Earth Hour and now I come to learn that there’s an Earth Day! Action is required here and I’ve decided that there may be one thing I could commit to - The California State Parks Foundation, a phenomenal group who can organize well meaning people like me with structured days and project sites where you can volunteer your time with others cleaning up the environment. Here’s a little bit about them…

Earth Day 2009
Restoration & Cleanup 
Saturday, April 25, 2009 –

Sponsored by California State Parks Foundation

"In 1998, the CSPF developed its Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup program to engage Californians of all ages and demographics in environmental improvement projects in their communities. It is also an opportunity to educate people about behaviors that will help sustain our planet for future generations. Statewide, thousands of volunteers plant trees, restore trails and wildlife habitat, and clean up beaches and parklands. Millions of others learn about simple things that can be done every day to protect our precious natural resources."

Wish me luck. This time next year I hope to have some very good things to look back on.

Barbara Ashfield

Mr. Smith Goes to San Francisco!

I am one of those people that qualify as an “Anglophile”. If it’s English, I love it! The Brits have an uncommon gift for mixing the new with the old and are able to take something quirky and make it serious business. One of the text book examples of this is the designer Paul Smith.

A fantastic vintage wing chair upholstered in a trademark Paul Smith fabric in the Men's suit area.

Since opening up his first shop in England in 1970, he has become a style icon and shows why Anglophilia is such a mainstay in popular culture. Mr. Smith’s style is the perfect balance of kooky and chic. His stores not only sell his trademark look clothes but new and vintage books, leather goods, luggage, vintage art, fragrance and accessories. Since the first time I visited one of his stores in Los Angeles, and then later in London I have been a huge fan. He treats his stores as a curated gallery featuring vintage finds such as watches, art and books from around the globe alongside his sportswear and accessories.

A collection of vintage art graces a wall in Men's accessories.

When I learned that he would be opening a store in San Francisco I was elated. I knew his style and approach to retailing would be a great match with San Francisco. The store officially opened on March 6th, but I didn’t make it there until yesterday. I snapped some pictures with my iPhone to show a few of the great features of the new store. That ingenious British style is hard at work in this latest incarnation of Mr. Smith’s vision.

I love how the heating and air conditioning ducts are done in copper!

The first aspect of this store (as with all of Paul Smith’s stores) is that it is a little off the beaten path. Instead of front and center in Union Square, it’s down Geary a block or two tucked away from the main shopping commotion. A great feature of the store is that it goes through the entire block, and has an entrance on Maiden Lane as well…very San Francisco! Along with the great mix of merchandise and hip design elements I was amazed by the selection of out of print and vintage design books (something I love!) combined with an equally fantastic selection of new and current books.

A tremendous collection of new and vintage design books...I'm sold!

If you’re looking for a great place to go clothes shopping with lots of style or you’re in the market for a great gift, the new Paul Smith store is worth the trip.

A terrific French style chair upholstered in trademark Paul Smith fabric in a fitting room.

Paul Smith is located at 50 Geary Street in San Francisco or visit: www.paulsmith.co.uk

David Hansen

Pure Magic, Pure MÄDDERLAKE

Spring has sprung – and my first glimpse of that presented itself last week as I peered into the window at my favorite neighborhood flower shop in San Francisco. I was taken in by a window filled with grape hyacinth, ranunculus, daffodils the color of egg yolks, and, standing like soldiers against a myriad of color, magnificent branches of flowering Quince, a personal favorite.

Image from the book Flowers Rediscovered: New Ideas about Using and Enjoying Flowers

Seeing that window made me think of the once great Pure Mädderlake, (now since closed) a world-class, high-style New York City florist whose carefully wild aesthetic spread like wildfire among the city’s upper crust. It has been said that Pure Mädderlake single handedly changed the flora arena - where lavish was out and natural was in; where twigs, flowering branches, berries, roots and vegetables took center stage. They were also known for pairing flowers and plants with unusual containers like moss and lichen-covered pots, old wood crates and cans.

Image from the title page of Flowers Rediscovered: New Ideas about Using and Enjoying Flowers showing the Madderlake paint color tube.

The original shop opened in New York City’s Greenwich Village in the 1980s, it’s namesake a paint color. It was the brainchild of owners Tom Prichar, and Jay Belecki and together they pioneered what became known as the “American Natural” style in floral design, creating a Movement according to The New York Times. They taught us to change the way we see and buy flowers and, through example and through their books (Flowers Rediscoverd: New Ideas About Using & Enjoying Flowers, Pure Madderlake Trade Secrets & Natural Christmas), they encouraged us to refine our palettes and expand our minds in the floral arena. I can’t help but compare Pure Mädderlake’s “American Natural” Movement to Alice Waters’ Slow Food Movement. Though decades apart, both continue to teach us that pure, natural, unadorned nature is what’s best, and most beautiful, for us in mind, body and spirit.

Image from the book Flowers Rediscovered: New Ideas about Using and Enjoying Flowers

Image from the book Flowers Rediscovered: New Ideas about Using and Enjoying Flowers

These days, Prichard and Belecki reside in Tokyo and are teaching classes in flower arranging. Apparently they have quite a following… and I am sure they are still creating magic, Mädderlake style.

Barbara Ashfield

It's All in the Hand

Recently I have been inspired by the illustrations of the late, great Mark Hampton. Much has been written in the blogosphere about him and as you probably know, Mr. Hampton was an incredibly talented and very prolific designer who sadly passed in 1998. During his career as a “Decorator” (something people used to be proud to be called) he worked for some of the most talented and well-known firms of the day including David Hicks (with whom he was in partnership), Sister Parish and the prestigious McMillen & Co.

Portrait of Mark Hampton by Henry Koehler which graces the back cover of the Legendary Decorators book.

Mr. Hampton wrote two books; Mark Hampton on Decorating, published in 1989, a collection of essays and illustrations largely drawn from his columns in House & Garden magazine and Legendary Decorators of the Twentieth Century (there is that word Decorator again) published in 1992 which profiled everyone who was anyone in the decorating world from Elsie DeWolf and Billy Baldwin to Madeleine Castaing. Sadly, both books are now out of print but widely available from used sources online. I was introduced to the Legendary Decorators book by my business partner Barbara, who had used it as a text when she was studying at the New York School of Interior Design.

An illustration by Mr. Hampton from the On Decorating book which talks about "The Incomparable Reds" *Notice the Modigliani painting reflected in the mirror that belonged to the owner's grandmother.

Both books are filled with grisaille (monochrome) and full color watercolor illustrations done by Mr. Hampton in the most delightful manner. These illustrations give credence to the fact that there is nothing more beautiful than something done by hand. In this age of mobile phones, email and Twitter, it is rewarding to look at something that is clearly not rushed or immediate. It is apparent by looking that these illustrations that it took a great amount of time to convey the feeling of the space in a far superior way than any photograph or computer illustration would allow.

An illustration of the dressing table belonging to Mr. Hamptons wife in their New York residence from the On Decorating book.

An illustration of a room done by the master Billy Baldwin from the Legendary Decorators book showing Baldwin's trademark etageres.

I have only included some of my favorites from the two books here and encourage you to seek out these books and experience the magic or Mr. Hampton’s hand for yourself. I will post more of these fantastic images as part of another post.

David Hansen

A Bit of Sophisticated Fun!

Bonaldo Multi-use Chairs

The Italian company Bonaldo, which was started in 1936, has always been dedicated to experimentation and innovation. Like most Italian furniture companies they are not afraid to push the envelope when it comes to trying new and different approaches to furniture. One of their credos is ”Furnishing items that express design and emotion for the contemporary home”

As part of their range they produce fun, versatile polypropylene chairs that are stackable and have been produced for indoor and outdoor use. These chairs which have the versatility to be used in both commercial and residential applications are, some would say the future of design as they are as affordable as they are beautiful.

Many pieces have been designed in collaboration with Karim Rashid, the international star of Industrial design. Mr. Rashid has worked for numerous clients globally such as Prada, Giorgio Armani, Foscarini, Guzzini, Zanotta, Estee Lauder, and Issey Miyake.

The company’s “Poly” chair which was designed by Mr. Rashid won the prestigious Red Dot award in 2008 for furniture design.

The "Poly" chair

The "Poly" chair in color range shown stacked

Another one of their great designs is the “Viento” which has either a solid or perforated back, and has an amazing range of colors including gold and silver.

The "Viento" chair

The "Viento" chair shown in Silver

Their most recent and notable design, which was introduced in January is the “Giuseppina” chair, which was designed for Bonaldo by Giuseppe Viganò. The “Giuseppina” recalls a paired down “Shaker” style of furniture in it’s simplicity, and moves the idea into the present in a way that the “Louis Ghost Chair” became a modern interpretation of a classic French style.

The “Giuseppina” chair

As always, I have my eye on the Italian design firms to predict the future of contemporary design. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

David Hansen
All photos from www.bonaldo.it

A Touch of Blue

I have had a lifelong love affair with everything “Holland”, and more recently with Delft tiles.

On a trip to Munich in the late 90’s I found myself absolutely mesmerized with the most sumptuous “bath” I’d ever seen. It was a bathing room in the Badenburg Pavilion on the grounds of the Nymphenburg Palace. Imagine an entire room with walls and ceiling all in Delft tile, not to mention the elaborate faucet fixtures in what I am sure was 24k gold. Transom windows were perfectly positioned, allowing the tiles to glisten and sparkle in the sunshine. The bath itself was monstrous in scope… and divine. A large indoor pool if you will, and really out of this world.

Since that time, I’ve ventured out with more practical uses for Delft tiles. In my design “past” before Ashfield Hansen, I’ve used them as a fireplace surround in an East Coast sitting room done ALL in blue and white and as a baseboard in a kitchen room with strong olive green walls. I would love to do a “firebox” in Delft but unless the fireplace was purely decorative, the tiles would only end up with a “sooty” covering, altogether hiding the glorious color. We have yet to design a “bathing pavilion”, but I’m not giving up hope; even if it’s for me.

In my research on Delft tiles, I’ve discovered that … “Delft tiles have been produced in Holland since the 16th century. At the time, the tile culture flourished in The Netherlands and the Delft tiles were used for interior design on a large scale”.

Another point of interest, as for the color, would be that Delft tiles are found most frequently in blue and white. It’s true that the shade of blue influences the ambience of the décor; where pale powdery tints create an airy ethereal or cool mood; deeper values soothing and serene. The brighter blues range from vivid and acid and electric for powerful, playful or dramatic. Dark blue/black shades create an authoritative look for a feeling of dignity, stateliness or polish. I’ve often paired Delft tiles with blue and white Export Porcelain which makes the tiles look even more fabulous… if that’s possible.

Barbara Ashfield