"Shell, Sweet Shell" : Mies Van Der Rohe

"Home, sweet home"--or better yet, "Shell, sweet shell".  I am obsessed with the idea, lately, of living space that is open and sparse.  I have always appreciated the architecture of masters like Mies and the like (see earlier post:  Philip Johnson's Glass House).  I love the tranquility that the clean lines and open space creates, not to mention the incredible connection to the environment these houses allow.  And, isn't this really what architecture is all about?  I also like the idea that houses like these are "shells", that could accommodate dwellers that have different tastes.  After so many years of working with clients to renovate and re-decorate homes they purchase, and after doing it myself several times--it hit me.  You don't ever really get to build or buy the house you truly want.  There is always that "RESALE" word in the back of your head.  You are outfitting the house with the finishes that the next buyer will want.  (Of course, there are exceptions to this idea) What if the market was flooded with homes that were simple open structures with tons of light that allowed the buyer to just "move in".  No worries about not enough closet space, I don't like that wall, there's not enough light, the kitchen's too closed in....., etc...I may not ever get to experience this type of living (since my wife has very traditional housing ideas), but every time I gaze out of the window at sunrise (while in the country), I try to imagine myself standing inside an I-beam structure surrounded by glass and nature, and I always say, "maybe, some day..."

'Tis the Season--well, almost.

Over the past couple of years, I have felt the need to make my own Christmas cards.  So, in trying to come up with a interesting idea for this year, I am looking back to my last two efforts.  

Giacometti, Alberto

...came across this in The Artist in His Studio, by A. Liberman.  Art imitates life.

Studio Art Show: Sonya Edwards (Unofficial Announcement)

Studio Art Show

New works by Sonya Edwards

December 3rd  6:00p to 9:00p

More information soon.........

Philip Johnson's Glass House

Glass House 1949

Heaven in New Canaan, Connecticut.  If only we could drop away just a portion of the "stuff" we house in our spaces--we could live like kings...

Custom Armiore

Cube Armoire

We at DUHON AND RICHARDSON are proud to introduce our Cube Armoire--just one piece in our small line of custom furniture.  Our focus for our case pieces is on great style, useful function, and solid wood construction.  This particular armoire is constructed of solid Mahogany, a open steel base (great for storing an ottoman or baskets for storage), and custom solid brass cast handles.  

T-Minus.....

I have had the pleasure to be in Titusville, Fl. this week (sans computer) to view a spectacular American event....the launch of the Space Shuttle.  As of today, the shuttle has not launched due to several delays to the countdown--computer problems, then bad weather...
But, being able to tour the Kennedy Space Center and the like, it really makes me proud of our space program and what has been achieved so far--as well as what will be accomplished in the future, even though the shuttle program (as we know it) will be going away.
So, T-minus 24 hours until the next attempt to launch....