Public art in San Francisco

I was just talking to my gorgeous friend, Annette, this morning and she mentioned how she had gone to dinner last night at Jamie Oliver's new restaurant in London which actually overlooks St. Paul's Cathedral. How gorgeous does that sound? Anyway, it got us both thinking that we often neglect the Cities that we live in and fail to take advantage of all that's around us.

San Francisco has a wealth of public art that's totally free for us to enjoy. No entrance fees.... Here are some of my favourites.

Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s "Cupid's Span" at Rincon Park

Ecstasy by Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito

Grace Cathedral has two labyrinths.
The outdoor labyrinth is made of terrazzo stone and is located
to the right of the cathedral doors. The indoor labyrinth is open
during cathedral hours. The labyrinth has only one path so there
are no tricks to it and no dead ends!

Doug Hollis' "Rain Column" at the Rincon Center

Masayuki Nagare's "Transcendence," at the
Bank of America Building also fondly known as the
"Banker's Heart." Picture courtesy of The Chronicle.

"Eclipse" at the Hyatt Regency.
Chronicle photo by Mark Costantini.

On 65th Street in Emeryville, Brian Goggin's
"Herd Instinct" includes steel sculptures of
Queen Anne furniture run amok.
Chronicle photo by Mark Costantini.

Crouching Spider by Louise Bourgeois.
Pier 14 San Francisco.

Finally, something to look forward to:
Tim Hawkinson's monumental sculpture to be installed
at the new Transbay Transit Center. The artist’s proposal is for
a 41-foot figurative sculpture made from the demolished remains
of the old Transbay Terminal and has been approved by the
Transbay Joint Powers Authority!


Please leave a comment and let me know some of your favourites and maybe we can find some hidden treasures for us all to share.

Bookcases

Anyone who has been to my house with tell you that I'm a huge book lover. Of course, my office is full of design inspired book. However, my living space is filled with antique hard-backed books which I have collected over the years and lots of coffee table art books!

I'm currently working on a couple of projects where we're installing built-ins - so I thought I'd share some inspirational photos which I use, along with sketches and discussions to help my clients visualize just what goes on in my head!!!

www.elledecor.com

www.elledecor.com

www.elledecor.com

www.elledecor.com

www.lonnymag.com

www.lonnymag.com

www.lonnymag.com

Fred from HR

As you know. I love posting about ArtHaus. Gallery owners, James and Annette represent the most talented artists I've ever seen. I used to think art galleries were a little intimidating and that I couldn't possibly enter because I would not be able to afford anything. This is not the case with ArtHaus, there's always a warm welcome, an educated chat about the artist and a wonderful tour. I feel like a kid in a candy store.

NOW.... what you don't know, and you're really missing out on, is their HR Director, Fred. He's a real charmer and will actually greet you as you enter the gallery! Fred was adopted from the SPCA 7 years ago, and is an avid collector of contemporary art.

7x7 Magazine are having a contest and Fred is in the running....

Please cast your Vote for #13, FRED:

http://www.7x7.com/2011-7x7-dog-poll-top-50-finalists

Fred sitting in front Deborah Brown's Hannah Double Portrait - Shelter Dog Series
48"x48", oil on canvas

Fred with artist, Franc D'Ambrosio


Fred with ArtHaus' owner, James Bacchi
Painting in the background is Karyn Scarpulla's Venus of Urbino
24"x30" oil and acrylic on canvas

Fred attending a premiere

Upholstered headboards

I really think a bedroom looks complete when it has an upholstered headboard. I especially like to use fun and bold colours, although you do have to be careful not to choose a fabric that's going to date any time soon - as it could be a costly mistake to make.

I love the bold green stripes in this bed:

Here a neautral colour is used but the height is wonderful:

I probably wouldn't use this colour but I like the cut out design - adds a little interest:

Beige and chunky:

Traditional headboards:

A little girlie and glam:

Beautiful fabric:

Nice duck egg blue:

A little too ornate maybe:

Elegant and chic one of my favourites - imagine crisp white sheets and a Hermes cashmere throw:I love the clean lines here and the fabric:
Please contact me if you would like to know where to purchase any of these beds or need help design the bedroom of your dreams!

Monochromatic design scheme

Give me a colour to work with or a piece of fabric and away I go. It's very exciting to be working on a monochromatic design scheme pulling together lots of earth and sky tones and incorporating natural materials.

Love the motif on this cushion::

Intricate Moroccan chest of drawers:

A French Louis XVI sofa covered in linen:

Side table:

Cocktail table with marble top and metal legs:Tall side chair paired with an industrial table for dining:

I love how all of the colours work together. It's a very soft palette and easy on the eye. This is a work in progress but I will be adding a splash of colour with artwork, some subdued lamps dotted around the room and soft woollen rugs underfoot.

Joe, my carpenter

This is Joe, my carpenter. We've known one another for over 10 years and I am amazed by him. I don't think my clients realize the amount of love, thought and dedication that goes into his work. I met him this morning to go over a couple of jobs he's working on for me. The first, shown in the picture, are some built-in book cases he's doing. He's spent the last week researching, doing detailed drawings, visiting stores and sizing up components and books that will fit on these shelves. He's very much like me when a project starts - he lives and breathes it and can't stop thinking about it.

Here he is, on the right, with another Joe (on the left) who is, in fact, a very successful private chef with his own line of rubs... check out his website at the bottom of this post.

Love you Joe.... thanks for all of your hard work.

He's the other Joe's website too..... and what a lovely, kind man! Check it out:http://www.chefbambam.com/

Sourcing around San Francisco

What a busy few weeks..... AND a couple of new clients.... so I thought I would share a few goodies I found here in San Francisco. These pieces are not all for the same space.... so look at each one individually ;o)

Don't you just love this "peace" chair?



Gorgeous antique red chest with gold detailing:



Glass lamp:

Stripped chest of drawers:

Fun bedside table:

Accessories:

Updated Louis chair:

Beautiful modern chandelier:

Finally - some lovely oil on canvas pieces: