Category: architecture
Day Trip: Malibu
| October 24, 2011 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under antiques, architecture, art, Design, design history, Eat, Explore, fashion, food, interiors, Outdoors, Places, plants and gardens, Seasonal, See and Do, travel, vintage, weekend fun |
With my plans foiled for a romantic weekend in Big Bear (fires, fog and bbq), we needed to come up with a backup plan for our mini-vacation last weekend. So we decided to dive up PCH and spend the day in Malibu.
I was expecting a bit of a beach day but got my wish for gloomy and foggy along the coast (part of the romantic fall trip I so badly wanted). The fog was so low it actually brushed past you when walking in or out of doors. Eeery and so cool.
First stop was the Getty Villa, a place I have had my eye on since before it opened in 2006 when I studied the remodel during design school. I have a whole other post planned later in the week so I won’t tell too much now, but I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and found lots of architectural inspiration there!
Afterward, we headed a bit further up the coast to grab lunch at Malibu Seafood Fish Market. The fish and chips (and Diet Rite) hit the spot and we got to watch people surfing just across the street. The people watching in Malibu is great too…
Especially at our next stop. The Lumberyard, the Malibu Country Mart and Malibu Creek Plaza. Lotsa lotsa moola here. I almost stole some ladies ‘cheapo’ Kate Spade sunglasses (totally by accident, of course) at the J.Crew.
And casually posh people like to chillax here by the aquarium and sip their lattes while enjoying an $8 cupcake (then head upstairs to Pilates)
We took in the scene, tried on a few obscenely priced pairs of clothing and then drove to a more affordable area - Santa Monica. There, hubs found a vintage pair of jeans for $7 and I played dress up with thrifted Marc Jacobs tops (which didn’t quite fit right). We picked up some spices at Penzey’s and then grabbed coffee and crepes to wrap up the day. Delish.
We came home worn out and happy, and to a very excited pup who thought we had left for good. Happy daycation.
Photo credits: lumberyard images from their website
Design: Even More Fabulous Biltmore
| October 21, 2011 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under antiques, architecture, Design, furniture, interiors, Places, textiles, travel |
Last Friday I shared photos from my trip to the Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara. I was totally taken with the interior, a mix of historical mission and traditional rustic design. If you also remember, I had a bit of a tragedy in the photography department. So I was really happy to get ahold of some images I shot with a companion’s camera because there were several things I wanted to share that didn’t make the official website.
Here they are:
The ethereal ambiance of the restaurant.
The intricate structure of the grand entrance.
A better view of the fresco map mural.
This adorable antique chest with fancy little doors and drawers…and something I wasn’t supposed to see hidden behind that door!
And this Am-ahhhh-zing upholstered chair. Officially the Biltmore is my happy place.
Design: A Day in the Life of Luxury
| October 14, 2011 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under antiques, architecture, Design, design history, design obsession, doors and windows, entry way, Explore, furniture, hall and stair, interiors, lighting, Places, textiles, travel |
Yesterday I got to spend my afternoon at the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore resort in Santa Barbara. I went nut-so over this place; No detail went overlooked in the interior design. Built in 1927, this is classic Mission architecture and I Loooove it.
An ocean view from the patio
Unfortunately for you, my pictures turned out pure crap due to my inability to operate a camera and the harsh contrast between the bright sunny sky (shining through walls of glass everywhere you turn) and the dark, romantic interior. Alas, this poor excuse of a photo was salvaged from my phone because I simply could not skip pointing this out. These are the air vents throughout the building – no cheap looking metal grates here, no sir.
It would be mean not to show a couple good pics, so here are some professional shots of this lovely place…trust me, it looks even more like this in person 
Images from http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara
This was the side entrance, which you come upon after walking through several dramatic archways. What I love most is those thick wood doors, with intricately carved posts and no glass (because there’s no such thing as bad weather). Loving that sunny yellow.
Hallway lounge
This photo is well done, but kind of misses the gloriousness of the details that I loved so much. Like the gorgeous chevron patterned wood ceiling with rustic exposed beams. And the textiles appear a little dated here but were quite the the opposite – lush and inviting antique fabrics – the place is filled with antiques. Very warm and romantic!
I don’t think I need to explain why I could spend a few hours in here…
In the lobby, look over to the right, where you’ll see a fresco of an old world map behind the check-in counter. Yum.
image from 2blowhards.com
Okay, I’m waiting to get some photos I took from another camera so I promise there will be an update with a few other cool spaces soon. Stay tuned.
Solar Decathlon 2011
| September 27, 2011 | Posted by Lauren Moss under architecture, Guest Bloggers, Inspiration, Sustainable Living |
Last Friday kicked off the Solar Decathlon in Washington D.C., a week-long event established by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2002 celebrating innovation, energy conservation and sustainable design. The biennial competition transforms a portion of the National Mall into a solar village in West Potomac Park with twenty concept homes, designed and built by university-led teams from across the globe, on display and open to the public for educational tours.
Credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
Per the rules established by the Department of Energy, teams are judged on ten criteria, including energy, appliances, hot water, home entertainment, comfort zone, affordability, architecture, market appeal, engineering, and communications.
The final winner will be determined after the completion of judging for all criteria is complete and announced on October 1st. So far, the following three teams are in the lead, based on scoring from four of the above categories.
Inspired by the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay, the University of Maryland’s WaterShed addresses water conservation and energy efficiency with greywater system, a constructed wetland, edible wall and green roof.
credit: University of Maryland Solar Decathlon team
Ohio State University’s enCORE is based on the concept of increased efficiency while providing functional, livable spaces, including increased outdoor spaces.
credit: Ohio State University Solar Decathlon team
Purdue University’s INhome is focused on passive strategies and cost-effective measures targeting the typical Midwestern consumer.
credit: Purdue University Solar Decathlon team
In a few days, the final scores will be released, determining this year’s winner. Check out the other entries at the official Decathlon website, and let us know which are your favorites!
Also worth noting is that the public exhibit is supplemented with free workshops and presentations for both consumers and design professionals. By creating an inclusive and accessible forum for individuals to learn about energy and new technologies, the Decathlon gives visitors the inspiration and opportunity to take action and implement these innovative strategies in their own homes.
And what could be better than that?
Design: Historic Minnesota Part II
| August 26, 2011 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under architecture, Design, design history, Inspiration |
Last Friday I highlighted some beautiful historic homes in Minnesota. Later that day I spent some time roaming downtown Minneapolis and decided it just wouldn’t be right to skip the subject of commercial buildings of the area.
I love these triangular buildings, so perfectly designed for the mid-western metropolis…This is the Lumber Exchange built in 1885.
It’s got the classic brick facade with a double story arched entrance and revolving door.
Another arched entrance, this one a lot more Italianate in style. This building currently houses the Hennepin Center for the Arts but was originally a Masonic Temple built in 1888.
One of my favorites (mostly due to the memories, and the interior) is The Orpheum Theatre. This building was constructed a little later, 1921, which is why the sign has a distinctly Deco feel to it.
When the theatre opened it looked like this.
image courtesy of grossmanproject.net
A few other places that I didn’t get shots of, but are worth mention
image from WikiMedia.org
The SOO Line Building, built 1915. My favorite part of the building is the clock.
image courtesy of skywayoflove.blogspot.com
City Hall was finished in 1905
image courtesy of flickriver.com
And last but not least, the Gluek Beer Building from 1902.
image from flickr.com getfitmpl
Hope you enjoyed your historic tour on downtown Minneapolis. For more information on these or any other landmarks in the area visit Heritage Landmarks. Happy Friday.
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