"The Glasses had a fifth-story apartment.....sunshine was very unkind to the room" - Franny and Zooey

I find inspiration down many different avenues. My creative juices are roused by movies, songs, poems, people, architecture, and novels, among many other things. This specific blog is here to pay a homage to the muse of prose.

I am inspired by a bevy of authors, and their astonishing ability to create interior spaces in which I feel that I can literally step into. Anne Rice is particularly good at describing grand old New Orleans architecture. The staunch Greek Revival home in Violin played a role equally as important as any of its main characters. F. Scott Fitzgerald has an amazing ability to describe interiors from the great Jazz Age, not only in New York, but also in Minnesota. And, perhaps one of my favorite authors, J.D. Salinger, possesses a genius of writing about interiors that captures my interest like no other author. Franny and Zooey is just one example of his great body of work which describes comfortable, well-loved, and much collected interiors. This may be due to the fact that I am truly enamored of America circa 1950's.

What novels/authors inspire you....?

Sustainability : Conserving an economical balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.

Alessandro for Baker console - 1970's The Far East Collection


Paul Tuttle for Baker - 1950's The New World Collection


Michael Tayler for Baker - 1950's slipper chairs


Baker Upholstery - 1960's flared arm sofa (reupholstered)


At a time when "green" design is almost overwhelmingly popular, I offer this advice.....buy vintage! There are so many important and amazing orphaned designs that need homes, and there is an equal number of important and amazing websites that offer these said goods. If shopping via the internet isn't for you, well I've got good news! Washington D.C. has a spectacular array of vintage shops, from very fine; i.e. very expensive, to some that are much more, shall we say, "economical".

Buying vintage is a very chic and responsible thing to do. In fact, it was common practice for master interior design legend Albert Hadley to include vintage and found objects in most all of his projects. There is no shame to be had in a purchase made from a seedy little shanty of a shop (that's a bit of a tongue twister!) as long as the purchased item is, to you, perfect. As a matter of fact, the thrill of the hunt will undoubtedly become addictive!

I'm a vintage addict myself, and my apartment is proof of that! I prefer to take an afternoon and hit all of my favorite local vintage shops. This weather, in my personal opinion, is PERFECT for shopping! My advice for your next free afternoon, bundle up, call a friend, grab a coffee, and check out these great local shops. You won't be disappointed!

The Greater U-Street Area:

-Good Wood: 1428 U Street N.W. WDC 20009
-Ruff & Redy: 1908 14th Street N.W. WDC 20009
-Millennium: 1528 U Street N.W. WDC 20009
-Miss Pixy's: 2473 18th Street N.W. WDC 20009

Georgetown:

Honestly I'm not as familiar with the shops in Georgetown. I do know that they seem to be concentrated on Wisconsin Avenue. I've found a few that specialize in "mid-century", most of the others seem to be a conglomeration of classic french and english antiques. BUT, hands down my favorite antique shop in Georgetown is Marson Luce Antiques located at 1651 Wisconsin Avenue.

If shopping around isn't your thing, or if you are really looking for something very specific, I suggest that you grab a cocktail, sit back in your favorite comfy chair, and rummage about the websites listed below. I was surprised to find so many awesome vintage Baker pieces! Prof that Baker creates lasting designs that are always relevant. You'll also notice how modern these pieces are, and this from a company that people generally associate with traditional furniture. Baker has historically offered, and remains to offer, truly modern / timeless pieces. Try mixing vintage Baker with your favorite new Baker pieces for a thoughtful and inspired "look"!

1stdibs
Ebay
Craigslist


HAPPY SHOPPING!!

*Note-all of the images shown above are vintage Baker pieces.

Repousse

Repousse (French - to push back) is a ancient art technique in which the artist hammers a design on metal from the inside of the sculpture. Perhaps one of the most recognizable examples of repousse is The Statue of Liberty. Repousse dates back to the 3rd century b.c., and has been used to create armor, jewelry, furniture, lighting, home accessories, and even bathroom fixtures. Although the actual repousse technique is very traditional, modern artists are creating repousse works that are anything but, and are certain to become heirlooms of the future.

Robert Kuo, one of the most noted contemporary artist, uses traditional techniques and materials to create very modern pieces. Through his collaboration with McGuire, Robert Kuo has offered this beautiful art form to the public. If you don't have the space or economic means to commission something like The Statue of liberty for your home, maybe a lamp or candlestick from Robert Kuo will suffice.