On a recent trip to Philadelphia, with its countless architectural marvels, historic monuments and an architectural heritage that spans centuries, I found inspiration around every corner.
Nearly 100 buildings are considered of such importance that they have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. This impressive architectural collection includes pioneering works by such notable architects as William Strickland, Frank Furness, Daniel Burnham, George Howe, Louis I. Kahn, Robert Venturi, I.M. Pei and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The city is also blooming with parks and gardens, many of which grace the city’s historic homes and art museums.
One unique museum that is a gem in the art-rich city – and is sure to live a full (maybe even historic) life – is Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, located on South Street in Center City. The “garden” is a mosaiced folk art environment, created by award-winning mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. His work is included in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.
On your next trip to the City of Brotherly Love, be sure to add Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to your walking trip through the city. It’s history in the making! ~ Vicki
Fortunately, the beauty of "things past" never goes out of style. For me, researching and preparing our September issue was an opportunity to embrace extraordinary eras where elegant, decorative design was stylishly stated and exquisitely represented.
Turn the pages of our September issue to take in the stunning styles that wove their way through the decades with impressive movement, shape and design. Our Obsession department is filled with spectacular examples of treasures to easily enhance even the most modern décor. In our local shops, we discovered art and antiques that are breathtaking and nostalgic at the same time. While chatting with Robert Morrissey of Clark Graves Antiques about the issue, we were both impressed with the idea that the South German walnut chest of drawers, circa 1790-1800 (on page 24), with its striking details and strong architectural presence, anticipates Art Deco by a century. It¹s paired with cherry wood Directoire-style chairs, circa 1890-1910, and their Art Nouveau style radiates the look of fashion for the home. It¹s all simply gorgeous.
We invite you to take a blast to the past in this memorable issue, with a modern loft in the historic Motor Parts Warehouse (now the Motor Lofts building). Our featured suburban home is a new residence in historic Webster Groves, where homes with age and history sit aside newer residences the historic homes of the future. And you¹ll love the overflowing beauty of our suburban garden a rejuvenated space with touches of history and magical charm. And did you know? In the garden, games are back in fashion! Be sure to see our wonderful Garden Gotta Have It products.
Enjoy what¹s new and remember the past. And even better, mix them together to create a home and garden that transcend time.
"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” This colorful advice, from the late comedian Danny Kaye, one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s and ‘50s, has come to mind on so many occasions. I especially think of it when I see the work of talented artists, from the most acclaimed in their genre to the youngest, most-aspiring artist, expressing him- or herself with little fear and endearing innocence. I find it thought-provoking, yet freeing – the idea of filling your blank canvas with all the zest you can gather and making a statement – because even if it is just for the moment – it is your own.
In this issue, we invite you to indulge in our magnificent feature stories. Let the collective passion for art that fills these homes, and the pages of our magazine, exhilarate you. Favorite artists and works of art are represented with distinctive and intuitive flair. In each home, the appreciation of artistic beauty shines brilliantly and makes a dynamic statement. Feel free to catch the enthusiasm and gather inspiration from the artful surroundings and the homeowners’ art-centered lifestyles.
And congratulations to our 2008 St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles Homes of the Year award winners. This year’s award-winning homes exemplify the best in building, interior, and architectural design in the St. Louis area. We hope you visit these stellar properties and consider building, designing or redesigning your own home, and we are happy to bring you the professionals and resources to do just that. Our Blueprint is your guide to your dream home.
I hope it is a happy, fulfilling process. Whether you are building and starting with a blank canvas or bringing new life to your existing home, bring as much paint as you can and make it your own.
Click the icon to subscribe or click the banner below to choose your feed reader. Click the bookmark icon to send this blog to your favorite social bookmark service.
