The inaugural Brooklyn Heights Designer Show House merges old and new, to striking effect
Our first day in Boston might have fed my husband's love of revolutionary war history, but our second revolved around some of my favorite indulgences. A treasure trove of fine art and architecture to be oohed and aahed over lay ahead, and I could not wait to get started. Legging it across Boston's tranquil Public Garden on the way to our first port of call, we happened upon the city's famed fleet of pleasure boats. The Swan Boats have been a delightful fixture on the Public Garden's pond since 1877 Photo: Chronica Domus After sauntering past several wonderfully preserved picturesque streets on Beacon Hill, lined with handsome eighteenth and early-nineteenth century brick houses, and crossing into the West End neighborhood, we finally arrive at our destination. Otis House Photo: Chronica Domus Built in 1796 for Harrison Gray Otis, the Otis House is a grand Federal-era house that has been on my 'Must See' list for a number of years. The house, by the way, did not always look so grand. Almost unrecognizable, Otis House has endured a number of calamitous alterations throughout its history including the removal of its marvelous fanlight and Palladian window, and the addition of shopfronts lining its facade Source Here I was, at last, standing in a most impressively scaled hallway, absorbing the fine detail of architect Charles Bulfinch's work. It is hard to imagine that this house almost met with the wrecker's ball when everything else around it was being demolished to make way for "improvements" to the neighborhood. The grand scale of the hallway - which can only be realized when standing within it - is no accident having been designed to impress all who cross its threshold Photo: Chronica Domus In 1916, William Sumner Appleton purchased the house and began work to raise the funds to meticulously restore it. Part of that restoration work included moving the house off its foundation and setting it back from Cambridge Street which was slated to be widened by the city in 1920. There's much to be admired in the gentle color scheme and restrained furnishings of the hallway which stand in stark contrast to the vivid colors and sumptuous decoration of the principal rooms Photo: Chronica Domus I was rather taken by the elegant simplicity of the glass hall lantern which hangs from a hook and is illuminated by a lone wax candle Photo: Chronica Domus The view from the landing Photo: Chronica Domus The shutters of the restored Palladian window Photo: Chronica Domus The dining room, seen below, perfectly illustrates the Federal-era's love of vibrant color. This room has been accurately restored using research garnered from chemical paint analysis. Is anyone, I wonder, as bold today in their choice of paint colors? The Otis' dining room has been decorated as it looked when the family lived there - note the green crumb cloth, placed beneath the dining table to protect the costly carpet from errant morsels which might stray from the mouths of sloppy diners Photo: Chronica Domus Obviously I need to get with the program and add a similarly useful and beautiful tole bottle cooler to my own humble dining room Photo: Chronica Domus A cozy spot for taking tea in the drawing room Photo: Chronica Domus This Federal-era brass curtain tie back, employed in the bedchamber, looks particularly fetching against yellow silk and soft green paint Photo: Chronica Domus With all the sumptuous distractions of the interior of Otis House, it would be easy to miss the views from any one of the handsome sash windows. When I took a peek, the nearby Old West Church, built in 1806, was revealed. A most agreeable view Photo: Chronica Domus The room below may not be the most opulently decorated room in the house, but it was my favorite. The restful colors and spare decoration are a pleasing juxtaposition to the high drama created by the color and pattern choices within the principal rooms. The graphic wallpaper pattern, authentic to the period, would not look so out of place in a modern setting. No wonder this room housed Harrison Gray Otis' office; the soothing colors are certainly conducive to study Photo: Chronica Domus I loved this ceramic bough pot which rests upon the room's mantelshelf and was designed to sit flush against the wall Photo: Chronica Domus Visitors to Boston who have an interest in historic houses should certainly take the time to view this one. I would, however, strongly advise you check the Otis House website when planning your visit as the house is not open daily. One would hate to be met by a locked door and forfeit an opportunity of viewing the splendors of this fine Federal-era house. Otis House's handsome front door lock Photo: Chronica Domus Well, that was all so enjoyable but it was barely lunchtime. We were only half way through our day exploring Boston's first-rate cultural treasures. Hopping into a nearby taxi, we were soon deposited alongside the towering USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat (HMS Victory, which I visited several years ago, is technically older but is now permanently in dry dock preserved as a museum). We had a rare glimpse of 'Old Ironsides' in its entirety as it sat in dry dock undergoing restoration work to its hull (remember to bring your official photo I.D. with you if you too wish to hop aboard for a tour given by active duty U.S. Navy sailors) Photo: Chronica Domus The related museum across the way was filled to overflowing with interesting artifacts and information related to the ship. While my husband brushed up on his naval history, I distracted myself with this pair of covet-worthy porcelain urns. Commodore Isaac Hull who served aboard the USS Constitution during the war of 1812 graces this rather striking porcelain urn Photo: Chronica Domus Dashing Naval Commander. Oliver Hazard Perry, appears upon a second dreamy urn Photo: Chronica Domus Another taxi ride soon had us at the doors of our final destination, the Museum of Fine Arts. Photo: Chronica Domus I could barely contain my excitement at the prospect of spending a pleasurable afternoon visiting one of the world's most comprehensive fine arts museums. Aside from the phenomenal works on display - which I'll return to shortly - the museum building itself manages to successfully combine traditional Beaux-Arts architecture with modern additions. My photograph of the museum's dome, decorated with John Singer Sargent murals, does this stunning space little justice Photo: Chronica Domus The modern glass atrium is home to Dale Chihuly's 42 foot Lime Green Icicle Tower Photo: Chronica Domus As predicted, it did not take long before the oohing and aahing began. Barely stepping foot into the corridor headed in the direction of the Americas Wing, I was stopped in my tracks by this elegant musician... Joseph Dominique Fabry Garat Playing a Lyre Guitar by Adèle Romany, circa 1808 Photo: Chronica Domus and his lady companion... Portrait of a Lady at a Pianoforte by Adèle Romany, circa 1808 Photo: Chronica Domus Once in the Americas Wing the oohing and aahing intensified as we walked by such jewels as this: Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley Photo: Chronica Domus and, this: John Singleton Copley's portrait of John Quincy Adams, painted in London in 1796 Photo: Chronica Domus John Singleton Copley (1738 - 1815) was Boston's most prolific and talented artist. We viewed close to forty of his works which were nothing short of magnificent. Displayed alongside the paintings are silver, ceramics, and furniture of the period. Other galleries showcased works by Gilbert Stuart (1755 - 1828) whose unfinished George Washington portrait is recognizable to anyone looking at a one dollar note, and Thomas Sully (1783 - 1872) whose monumental work 'The Passage of The Delaware' dominates the gallery in which it hangs. What a remarkable treasure trove of jewels! A respite from the dizzying array of art was soon in order so we headed upstairs to the marvelous Bravo restaurant to refuel on delicious seasonal fare. The sophisticated and soothing environment of Bravo restaurant was just the ticket for exhausted and hungry art enthusiasts Photo: Chronica Domus After dinner, we made our way back downstairs to the Americas Wing to finish viewing the satellite rooms off the main galleries. These were filled with fine furniture and decorations of the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries. The dining room, parlor, and bedchamber - complete with contents - of Oak Hill, a house built by renowned carver and builder Samuel McIntire, is set up much like it was when it was built in 1801 Photo: Chronica Domus After a trek through the Art of The Ancient World wing where Patience's fascination with Egyptology was satiated, and a quick gander at the Greek and Roman treasures, we called it a day. It was, after all 10 p.m., time for the museum to close its doors. Walking back to our hotel, thoroughly exhausted but buoyed from our jam-packed day of cultural pursuits, we all agreed that Boston is indeed an exemplary city full of extraordinary treasures. How very fortunate are its fair citizens and visitors alike.
You may be wondering what a parlor room is? Well, me too. Parlour room is another name for a reception space. This would have been the first room visitors
Get the look of this modern dining room with vintage inspiration located on the parlor floor of a Bed Stuy townhouse in Brooklyn.
INSPIRATION PHOTO
Take a tour of this lovingly restored, 18th century Colonial Farmhouse that combines all the charm of yesterday with today's modern conveniences.
An AMAZING glamorous dining room makeover with a tree stump Cambria table, hardwoods, modern crystal chandelier, mural, moulding, Sulking Room Pink walls
If those walls could talk.
A New York City townhouse formerly owned by Michael Jackson was recently listed by current billionaire owner Marc Lasry for $39 million. Here's a look inside.
The miracle of paint and tile!
Explore gaswizard's 1674 photos on Flickr!
A Carroll Gardens townhouse at 396 Sackett Street, beautifully renovated by Baxt Ingui Architects, is on the market for $4.5 million.
Introducing the Afralia™ Handcrafted Nordic Metal Pendant Chandelier-E27, a stunning lighting fixture designed for creating an ambiance of modern elegance in spaces such as kitchens, coffee shops, and dining areas. Crafted with precision and care, this pendant light is a perfect blend of style and sophistication. Illuminate your space with this exquisite pendant light that boasts a sleek and contemporary design. The handcrafted metal surface adds a touch of uniqueness and character to the room, making it a focal point of admiration. The painted technics further enhance its appeal, giving it a chic and polished look. Designed for easy installation, the Afralia™ Pendant Chandelier-E27 is ideal for various settings such as parlors, studies, master bedrooms, other bedrooms, hotel halls, and hotel rooms. Its cord pendant installation type ensures a hassle-free setup, allowing you to enjoy its warm glow in no time. This pendant light features LED bulbs as a light source, providing energy-efficient and long-lasting illumination. The dimmable feature allows you to adjust the lighting according to your preferences, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation or entertaining. With a warranty of 2 years, you can trust in the quality and durability of the Afralia™ Handcrafted Nordic Metal Pendant Chandelier-E27. Its lighting area of 5-10 square meters makes it suitable for various room sizes, adding a touch of modern style to your decor. Elevate your space with the Afralia™ Handcrafted Nordic Metal Pendant Chandelier-E27
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It's time for a new project reveal. Let me welcome you to the Victorian kitchen and dining room... the one with the yellow ceiling.
Rockwell mansion Beautiful wood wainscoting along this bannister stairway with an antique foyer table South Elliott Pl Brooklyn New York Mansion built in 1872 Mansion built in 1872 Queen Anne mansion built in 1882. Queen Anne mansion built in 1882. 'The Sanctuary' in San Francisco Traditional interior style Gothic tudor mansion manor interior bannister Tudor interior mansion bannister stairwell manor foyer Old tudor house interior Upper Normandy France Victorian stained glass windows interior New York upper west side Lincoln Park West 71st Street brownstone Victorian interior built in 1890. New York upper west side brownstone Victorian interior built in 1890. President Street Brooklyn New York President Street Brooklyn New York Victorian style kitchen Washington Avenue Brooklyn New York Washington Avenue Brooklyn New York browstone interior Washington Avenue Brooklyn New York brownstone Victorian interior Washington Avenue Brooklyn New York brownstone Victorian inerior Washington Avenue Brooklyn New York brownstone bay windows interior Nimes France built in 1850 Nimes France built in 1850 Boston Back Bay row house brownstone Victorian interior Victorian interior photos South Finistry France South Finistry France Old World castle interior Brooklyn New York brownstone interior Brooklyn New York brownstone interior 6th Street Brooklyn built in 1907 6th Street Brooklyn built in 1907 6th Street Brooklyn Brooklyn New York Union Street brownstone (next 4) Brooklyn New York Union Street brownstone interior picture Brooklyn New York Union Street brownstone Brooklyn New York Union Street Brownstone 19th century interior design Victorian interior built in 1898 Arts and crafts tudor mansion style interior Old Victorian mansion staircase interior picture Victorian dining room pictures Chicago brownstone Victorian interior with bay windows Built in 1908. Built in 1908 French Chateau built in 1820 Cote Des Neiges Montreal Cote Des Neiges Montreal Cote Des Neiges Montreal Cote Des Neiges Montreal Cote Des Neiges Montreal Cote Des Neiges Montreal
Speak Easy Parlor The Story Behind this Fabulous Space Inspired by a trip to New Orleans, our clients wanted to convert their formal dining room into a moody parlor room with a speak-easy vibe. We began by designing a custom bar with lighted glass cabinetry, and added some aged mirrors…
Here is the last of the illustrations from the April 1912 issue of the Ladies' Home Journal, "a good suggestion for the furnishing of the dining-room". This room carries over the green, gold, and brown shades of the living room. It's interesting that the chairs are not left at the table but are stored out of the way in the corners of the room. Another nice touch are the gold curtains at the door dividing the rooms.
I've got a new 10 Pins post on the blog today, and I'm sharing the best interior & design inspiration I found on Pinterest to kick off the week! Click over to discover new designers and to see what has felt inspiring to me this month.
How do you update a formal dining room with an antique French dining set and bring it into the 21st Century, without changing the character of the room? When we were called to give this room an update, we knew it would […]
Get the look of this modern dining room with vintage inspiration located on the parlor floor of a Bed Stuy townhouse in Brooklyn.
The Ebenezer Maxwell mansion had all the latest gadgets, including a call-system for the servants. According to an 1860 census, the Maxwell family had three live-in female domestic servants. I̵…
lemonadeandivy: “ the comfort of ornamentation. ”
You can literally step inside—during Mardi Gras or just about any time
