Posts under ‘Architecture / design’

Crisp, Clean, Clear Color

Jun 4th, 2012

James Andrew - photo Gabriel Everett

While designing at Parish-Hadley Inc., I learned a great deal from my friend and mentor Albert Hadley. First and foremost was the importance of establishing a point of view, an aesthetic, (and then to hold to that initial point of view throughout the process!). One would then proceed by getting the “bones right,” that is, by creating a great architectural foundaton before beginning to decorate. After this, one would develop a color palette, using “crisp, clean, clear colors,” as Hadley put it, to dispel “gloom,” and to guarantee a fresh look and a pleasing environment. Of course this is not to say that there was a limited set of prescribed colors one was to choose from. On the contrary, Hadley used a full range—from soft neutrals (he loved beige) to dark creosote brown, and from vibrant reds to aubergine and dark leaf greens, all wonderfully juxtaposed and perfectly balanced to create some of the most iconic interiors of our time.

Building an interior methodically like this, one can be confident of success. These days, I’m proud to reference these vital lessons and many more Hadley shared with me in creating soothing, joyful, and beautiful interiors for my own clients!

A Don Robertson painting from the 70’s provides a rather vibrant backdrop for today’s photo by Gabriel Everett. I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Spencer” jacket in tangerine silk basket weave, lavender micro herringbone weave silk pants, sand colored suede loafers and a abstract silk floral pattern pocket square, Turnbull and Asser purple gingham cotton shirt, Gucci python belt with silver buckle, vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch and my fragrance is Creed Orange Spice.

Jeremiah Goodman

Apr 2nd, 2012

by WIJW.

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Speaking with Jeremiah Goodman - photo Gabriel Everett

As you have probably gathered by now, I have a particularly voyeuristic fetish when it comes to the lives of iconic figures, especially if their interiors were created by equally major designers!

Enter the legendary artist, Jeremiah Goodman, with whom I recently had the most marvelous meeting. You will recall his work from the covers of a multitude of magazines (Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Interior Design, etc., etc.) showcasing the rooms of nearly everybody who was/is anybody; from socialites to creative figures, including, but in no way limited to, Edward Albee, Yves Saint Laurent, Mario Buatta, Billy Baldwin, Elsie de Wolfe, Diana Vreeland, the Duchess of Windsor, Rose Cumming, Sir John Gielgud, Greta Garbo, Cecil Beaton, and Bruce Weber—the list goes on and on—and it is no wonder why. Goodman’s work not only creates a palpable descriptive reality, but through an energetic stroke and rich palette he conveys actual presence: an added dimension of emotion and a dramatically heightened sense of place that one would be quite hard pressed (ok, let’s just say it would be nearly impossible) to capture photographically.

Jeremiah Goodman - The Duchess Of Windsor, Country Bedroom, France

Jeremiah Goodman, Chateau Moton.

Jeremiah Goodman, Elsa Schiaparelli.

It may come as no surprise to you that I often look to the celebration of life and beauty in Goodman’s work for inspiration when embarking on my own interior projects (a sort of art imitates life imitates art scenario). Needless to say, my meeting with Goodman was filled with deep rapport—and as if oft the case when meeting such genius, I’m left feeling wildly inspired.

A selection of his fine paintings in limited edition prints as well as note cards are available through Dean Rhys Morgan’s, Works on Paper.

Also, do watch the video with Goodman talking about his work and career in our previous post!

Enjoying a few of Goodman’s splendidly edifying stories (top), I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Buckingham” jacket in black and ink wool wide twill damier, indigo plaid cotton shirt and brown leather tasseled loafers, Gucci python belt, J Brand “Kane” jeans, Charvet silk pocket square, vintage Rolex Perpetual watch and my fragrance is Creed Spice and Wood.Works on Paper

The NYC Metro Show

Jan 20th, 2012

by WIJW.

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James Andrew at Stephen Score's Metro Show booth

During my time as a designer for Parish Hadley, the emphasis was on marrying pieces that shared a “sympathetic spirit,” rather than matching periods and styles. Needless to say, this approach allowed for some wonderfully playful and unexpected juxtapositions, and was very much at the heart of Parish Hadley’s most innovative and dynamic interiors.

Happily you’ll find a similar approach at the inaugural Metro Show where dealers and designers have brought together an exciting and eclectic mix of fine collectibles from a wide degree of time periods and styles, both new and old. In fact, it may surprise many to know that this is not a particularly new design trend! As Leigh Keno notes, “… the term ‘modern’ apparently originated in the late 16th century. Even in the early 17th century, a room filled with ‘modern’ furniture and accoutrements very often had ‘antiquities’ mixed in, whether collected or inherited.”

Wherever your specific interests may lie, I’m certain you’ll find some tantalizing object to admire at the marvelous NYC Metro Show. But hurry, it’s only open until Sunday January 22 (the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, NYC). I had the great pleasure of exploring the show’s special preview, and I was so thrilled with the selection that I’ll be returning this weekend with some of my clients in tow.

I’m pictured (top) at the booth of Boston dealer Stephen Score, sporting a Tom Ford “Buckingham” jacket in black and ink wool wide twill damier, pale blue mini herringbone cotton shirt with French cuffs and a black silk pocket square, Gucci black flannel pant, black and gray micro stripe tie and black leather tasseled loafers, black alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, vintage Rolex oyster perpetual watch , amethyst sun glasses Tom Ford era Gucci, Hildestahl Medium III bag in purple leather and my fragrance is Lorenzo Villoresi’s Garofano.