American Art Icon, Hunt Slonem––On The Bayou

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Hunt's body of work is mainly comprised of exotic birds, bunnies and the occasional tiger. Read on to see how special it is for him to grace us with a rare collection of flora and fauna scenes created just for us in southern Louisiana.

I was thrilled to hear that my fair city would be hosting an exhibit of paintings from renowned artist Hunt Slonem. Hunt is the kind of artist that never stops working. Ever. Part artist, part historian, part antiquarian–– Hunt glides ever so easily between big-city life and the quiet life of Louisiana plantation country and we consider him a treasured neighbor. He purchased the plantation, Albania, a few years ago from the original family of heirs and in a swift and smart move, allowed the film company that filmed "All The Kings Men" take over for a while and shoot parts of the film at the home.  So, if you ever watch that movie, be sure to pay close attention to the scenes, and you'll be looking inside Hunt's home!

Lucky for me, I have a dear friend whom is a dear friend of Hunt's, and the rest is history! I had the pleasure of spending time with him at Albania, which is located about 30 minutes from Lafayette in a small community named Jeanerette. The scale of this place is almost incomprehensible. Its more than stately, it's beyond magnificent and immaculately well taken care of––Hunt would have it no other way!

Albania Plantation

Photo Courtesy of Nola.com

Photo Courtesy of Ellen Kennon

Hunt loves vibrant colors––his use of bold hues partnered with leaving the original millwork untouched makes for one enchanting combination. The walls are rich, vibrant and velvety; while the woodwork is aged and enameled with one-hundred-fifty years of layers.  

Photo Courtesy of Ellen Kennon

Photo Courtesy of Ellen Kennon

Hunt is no stranger to the deep south, having attended Tulane in New Orleans back in the 1970s–– and I think he's captivated by mystical quality of the Cajun culture; we agree with him very well––so in this exhibit, aptly named "On The Bayou" it appears that in a gesture of true southern hospitality, he created paintings specifically influenced by the swamps of Southern Louisiana. What a gift! 

This exhibit runs through December, so be sure to make it to the Hilliard Art Museum in order to view this wonderful collection of 9'x9' paintings by Mr.Slonem––we owe it to ourselves not to miss it!

There is also a beautiful 48 page book to accompany the paintings that can be purchased here. 

Hunt has published two other fantastic books filled with eye-popping color and images so irresistible, I say just buy them already. His love for Victorian and Gothic furniture is bizarrely intriguing and sheds a glimpse into to the mind and private life of one of America's most prolific artists. Well worth the read, I think!

xoxo,

Andrea

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This Kitch Ain't Missin' A Stitch

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Seriously? Looks like I may be saving up for a bit longer for the kitchen re-do now that I've seen this.

I will battle anyone to the bitter end who says that all white kitchens are a trend––I firmly believe that they are a staple in fine estates and the classic finishes will outlast almost any fly-by-night furor. My heart pittapatta'd when I saw this on Decorati today. What extraordinary talent Ms. Williams has! I LOVE that she respects tradition, yet blends a smidge of modernism into her interiors––a great approach to being ahead of the curve, agree?

I mean, this is probably hands-down, one of the most functional kitchens I've ever seen. What luxury! I'll remember this next time I bump into the dishwasher door while carrying a hot pot on the way to the sink, or shimmy my way between the fridge and the entrance into my kitchen when Mr. Hotpiece has it open scrounging for bachelor food. 

Notice the graceful curve of not only the island, but the corner curio piece. No space was wasted whatsoever and everything appears to have a place––large, deep drawers; two workspaces; plentiful seating. This is marvelous! 

To read the whole story {and it's written quite well thanks to Karin Edwards}, check it out on Decorati here.

xoxo,

Andrea

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Knock-down, Drag-out on the Campaign Trail

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Campaign furniture––have you heard of it? Did it perplex you when you first heard the term? I know that it confused me when I first heard of it years ago! 

Simply put, Campaign Furniture is {mostly} antique modular furniture made to be broken down and put back together with ease in case your family had to split town faster than Marie Antionette changed shoes.

This furniture became not only popular, but necessary in times of war. Families and military generals–– not to mention politicians truly on the campaign trail–– needed accommodations, and what better than to have all of the accouterments of the good life to take with you?

The joinery and marvelous craftsmanship within these pieces are second-to-none and the engineering is purely brilliant considering there were no machines, AutoCAD or schools teaching Industrial Design! All of these things had to be broken down quickly, compactly and still be able to ride in style after many miles and moves! From great big armoires to small benches, there wasn't a detail overlooked when designing the furniture.

If you know me, or have read this blog over a period if time, you know how much I looooove 1stdibs. Now, {pretty much} every heavy-hitting antiques store is accessible at our fingertips. I could spend days looking at everything, dreaming up how I would use each piece in a clients home, lusting after all of the things that I want. You know––torturing myself and taunting my willpower at every turn.

I raked over the selection of Campaign furniture to offer of some tasty images for us all to drool over. I love the lines of everything. It's straightforward-meets elegant-meets functional-meets masculine-meets grace and refinement. What do you think?

All images courtesy of 1stdibs

Gorgeous!

I would love to use this in place of a sofa in my sunroom. Truly magnifique!

This daybed is SIXTY GRAND! Not kidding! I mean, it's a beaut and all.........

I love how this secretary pulls double-duty as a vanity and a desk. You know that this was commissioned by the owner to suit his particular needs. I love that!

If I remember correctly, I think this style is a favorite of Albert Hadley in his interiors. I think I've seen him use it in a few homes. I love the frankness of it. 

And every weary traveler needs a bar for a cocktail at the set of dusk, right? How about this cute portable bar to get the job done? 

They even thought about the girls! These are garishly precious aren't they? Like, hmmmm. Cugly. Cuteugly.

Stunning chest of drawers made of camphorwood––so masculine, you know this man handled biznass.

This rosewood bookcase has such and anglo-indian feel to it. What a statement piece. 

Have a great week everyone!

xoxo,

Andrea

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Have a Great Weekend Everyone!

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My weekend will be filled with family, some that I've never met, some that I haven't seen in years! Off to a family reunion in a moment. 

Enjoy the spring air and the baby-blooms of this hydrangea arrangement that I did up for my neighbors whom are continually so generous to us and love to spoil my husband and I. Great neighbors are such a wonderful thing to have and I'm so happy to live in a place where we all just adore each other and that our relationships are more than just a quick 'hello'  :) 

xoxo,

Andrea

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From Drab to Fab!

Pin It Well, not completely done yet, but I tackled this chair over the weekend and I have one more to do. These will reside in my husband's new office and serve as the reception area chairs. Upholstery is NOT for the faint of heart!!!!!!!! I went from thinking "Oh, yeah, I've got this. Going to take me two hours" to "Two hours have gone by and I haven't even started stapling the seat yet" to "Why did I EVER think that I could do this" to "Never again, that's what upholsterers are for!" Perhaps trying my hand at a chair with curves as my 1st foray into upholstering wasn't a great idea? I dunno. But I thought this was WAY hard!

I'm fairly happy with the results (sans a few bloopers) but I'm glad I got it out of my system  ;)

The chair before. I picked up a pair of these queen anne repros (a crude interpretation, I must say, but they were $45 a piece, and I saw prettypretty underneath the thick layer of 1990 tapestry)

I got busy sanding and applying a grisaille finish. It came out a little darker than I anticipated, but I really love it nonetheless. I used some simple ticking fabric that I had on hand, hunted down some twill-tape (which is INCREDIBLY hard to find, I must add....that surprised me b/c its so simple and such a staple, I figured it'd be everywhere, but no, of course not and definitely not in the width I needed) I ruined more nailheads than actually used! Blah! If anyone has a tip on how to set them in straight on the 1st shot, I'm all ears ;)

Here it is in progress! I still have to do the elbow pads, which I'm debating if I want to do them in a camel toned velvet vs. the ticking. We'll see :)

Notice that sexy fireplace surround! Whew! No, I mean, eww! 

I should be finished with the whole office soon, and I will definitely do up a whole post on how I manipulated a meager budget {and I mean meager y'all} to something that looks nicely high(er)-end! I'm excited to have it all come together.

xoxo,

Andrea

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They Don't Make Em' Like This Anymore

Pin It Four years ago today, my husband and I decided to go against the grain, buck tradition and elope. While not a decision that is for everyone, it was a decision that for us, made all the sense in the world. It resonated with our personalities which are fairly private, we are no frills folk and we tend not to make a big deal out of most things like holidays, birthdays etc. We'd rather celebrate just us two, quietly, privately and without all the pomp and circumstance. All of those things are great, of course, but not necessarily for us, so we went ahead, booked our flight, filed for a marriage certificate and had an absolutely incredible day filled with laughter, tears, smiles, bloopers and enough Veuve Clicquot to make a french woman fat ;)

I've been in love with San Francisco since I was a child, and when I found the website to San Francisco City Hall, I knew at that second it's where I wanted to be wed. Everything about it screamed elegance and history, so I immediately beckoned for Mr. Hotpiece to come into the room and check out my findings. He fell in love, I was in love and we knew that's where we were going to exchange our vows.

The most common response we received was "City Hall?" said with a wide eyed stare and look of disappointment "WHY would they want to get married at City Hall......???"

What few were realizing is that this isn't any ordinary City Hall where we would go in our Sunday best, a faux-floral bouquet and call it a day. This is a grand building drenched in marble, granite, bronze and gilt with the most marvelous and awe inspiring craftsmanship this side of The Louvre.

Completed in 1915 by the revered architect, Arthur Brown (SF City Hall, Coit Tower, SF War Memorial Opera House), the current City Hall replaces a former which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1906. Since Beaux-Arts (one of my personal faves b/c of the classical proportion and ornamentation) was de rigeur at the time, Mr. Brown set out to create a masterpiece of only the finest materials around. It is said that he commanded full control of the project, having a say in everything right down to the signage. (My kind of guy!)

Look at the massive scale of the building!! Impressive, isn't it?

Photo Courtesy of Thomas Hawk Photography

Fortunately for us, we were able to be married in the coveted rotunda, straight up from the stairs, beyond the 1st set of columns. There were no guarantees that we would have been able to have that space, and in the case where we wouldn't, we would have been relegated to the paltry staircase to be married in tandem with several other couples who didn't 'make the cut.' But alas, luck was on our side and we said our I do's as privately as we could up there in the intimate rotunda.

                                                    

     Photo Courtesy of Harold Davis Photography

Doesn't this blow your mind? I always like to think I could take my creativity to this level, but most of the time, I am just awe-struck by the sheer magnitude of talent and brains of the designers that are capable of this level of skill. Not to mention the brilliant artisans that are so committed to their craft and complete works of beauty as such. This is not easy, folks!

A few little snaps of us on the day of. What a day. I mean, we truly had a blast, and I can, without hesitation, say that this was the best day of my life. I married way up! 

**Also: There aren't many pictures of SF City hall on the interwebz so, you'll have to deal with my vulgar display of self-indulgent pictures ;)

Incredible and massive sheaths of sandstone comprise the interior, as well as impressive detailed marble floors, most of which the marble and granite were sourced in US of A. That is almost unimaginable nowadays. 

At every turn the lighting details were breathtaking. Even these simple sconces and pendants were in cast bronze and reeded glass....they looked so timeless and sophisticated. 

These 'lamp posts" were dotted the whole 1st story of the building...absolutely gorgeous. Possibly 

10-11ft tall and made of gilt bronze or bronze d'ore, whichever tickles your fancy. They were truly breathtaking.

Just to give you an idea of scale, do you see us next to the urn? Phenomenal!

If you are ever in San Francisco, City Hall is a must see on your list. I highly recommend it, and I literally cannot wait to visit the fair city again, perhaps for our 5 year anniversary next year?? Maybe so! 

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A Chance Meeting and Creative Inspiration For The Day

Pin It Today is a gorgeous day! Crisp, sunny, cool, and believe me we need it b/c our weather has been nasty lately. This pretty day got my creativity riled up and while looking for lighting inspiration for a project I am working on, my ADD kicked in and I couldn't help but pull together a room based on my mood. The *real* work can wait, I suppose ;)

I've been wanting to introduce everyone to Erin Chance Fenstermaker, a truly gifted up and coming artist in Lafayette. She's absolutely adorable, demure, and playful. Her artwork certainly exudes her vibrant persona, yet at the same time her pieces have a quiet contemplative quality to them, which I love.  

Comfortable working within abstract and figurative, she does a wonderful job parlaying her point of view in a way that I feel many can appreciate and admire. The color composition she chooses is what really does it for me; not afraid of color one bit, she uses chroma in an approach that rouses a harmonious interplay between many strong hues, and the final product is just breathtaking! 

Starting with this modern interpretation of a buillotte chandelier, I quickly layered a room that would make me happy to be in it, knowing all the while that I wanted to incorporate a painting of Erin's. I feel that her pieces work well within traditional, contemporary, eclectic, anything. My personal taste is more classically-eclectic if that makes sense. I wouldn't call it funky, per se, more streamlined and tailored with the unxepected thrown in for good measure. In fact, this is what I'd love for my living room to look like! Trust fund? Anyone? Bueller? 

Enjoy, and be sure to check out Erin's website! She's a doll! 


**My ADD is really bad today. I realized I should have added more paintings from her website to illustrate how talented she is! Forgive me if you came, saw, left and now I added more! 

Aren't these colors incredible?

I want this one! 

Would you ever know that this is a marsh scene? I love that about her work!

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I'm feeling this lately

Pin It Not the guys in drag. The Michelle Shocked song. I love her anthem about embracing growing older. Most of us (myself included) cringe at the thought of aging, but here, she approaches maturation as something to be revered, to be cherished and basked in. And you know what? That's exactly how I'm going to change my tune about it all.

And a very, very special shout out to my grandmother, Margaret, who turned 85 on Friday! She's so incredible that two years ago, she decided she wanted to change her life, so she sold her house and moved cross country to 'retire' to Florida with my mom. At age 83, she took up painting and is creating beautiful watercolors and acrylics which she sends to my sister and I every chance she gets.  Can we say inspiration? Indeed!   She taught me how to sew, how to cook, and has made countless handwritten cookbooks for me. She's just so wonderful and I am so fortunate to have her in my life! Love you MawMaw!!!!

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A Joni Inspired Post

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I just read a new post on Cote de Texas, a wonderful blog written by a very dear friend, Joni Webb. If you have never heard of this blog (hard to imagine because it might just be the most widely read design blog on the planet), check out the link and visit her!! She's a JEWEL of a person and a very talented writer not to mention an incredibly gifted designer.

Joni has just discovered Art for Kids, a maker of gorgeous children's furnishings for the discriminating tot. Up until a few months ago, I wrote a column in a local magazine and our focus in one particular month was babiesbabiesbabies! So I took this theme and ran with it, setting out to design a dream room. I had a BLAST and without a client or budget, I was able to create something that was purely indulgent, quintessentially girly and completely from my point of view. Now, all I need to do is have a babygirl to truly live out this fantasy room. (Calm down, Joni, Momzie & Mary.....we're still holding out and have enough with the dog and two cats so don't get any ideas just yet ;)

Starting with the Cherubini crib from AFK as my main inspiration, I was able to pull together a room that our babygirl could grow with over the years. I feel strongly that investment pieces will carry you through a lifetime and I built the room around select pieces that were 1. timeless and 2. didn't scream babybabybaby. This way, the room can evolve over the years without multiple major overhauls-- only with a few minor adjustments as needed, which is most cost effective in the long run. Plus, when babygirl grows up and gets a home of her own, these great furnishings can easily be worked in to her new digs.

Enjoy the eye-candy, and HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!!!!!!

xoxo,

Andrea

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If This Doesn't Move You, Then Honey, You Ain't Got No Soul

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Oh, my. Louisiana is in a FRENZY right now. Mardi Gras always gets us a little more excited than Christmas, but the SAINTS GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL PLUS MARDI GRAS???? Now that, my friends, is something so special, so long-awaited, so integral to our spirit and culture, I can't even describe it to you if your are not from here.

It's as if all of our worries have melted away, our pride is up front and center and we want to show the world and everyone in it just how much we love our state, our team, our culture.  I mean, it's so serious that Monday is an unofficial holiday; schools are closing and some businesses have granted employees a day off. Not to mention that people are changing their Facebook names to things like Andrea Whodat Veron; updating their statuses from single to "Married to Jeremy Shockey" and creating fictitious Facebook pages to validate this pretend marriage.  Serious, y'all!

I'm not a big football fan, but you can bet your rusty doubloon that I am watching this game. With players being donned monikers like Breesus Christ and all of the days of the week changed to: Mondat, Tuesdat, Wednesdat, Thursdat, Fridat, Saturdat and Sundat, could you resist??


Enjoy this lil' diddy by the GREAT Professor Longhair, a man that has channeled the whole spirit of Louisiana into his songs. If you want to come to Louisiana, but haven't made it here yet, then listen to this and know what your experience will feel like. Put Louisiana on your list of "MUST DO before I die". Trust me!

Happy Mardi Gras and GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!!!!

Andrea





I had to add this today (I forgot about it) ------ I hear that our Msgr. Derouen of St. Johns Cathedral wore all white vestments with a Saints jersey on top for 11 o'clock mass! WHO DAT! Lawday! 

Isn't this sign just the cats pajamas???

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