Wallpaper in Saratoga Springs

Intern at large Karli Hendrickson just sent me these photos from her jaunt to Saratoga Springs, NY.  First, in a women’s bathroom at restaurant Max London’s, we see lipstick on the walls — real lipstick.  Karli says, ‘the idea is for every woman who goes in to leave a kiss to add to the decor, but the walls are getting pretty full!’  (I hope the walls are clean!)

And then next store to the restaurant is Mrs. London’s bakery, where the wallpaper is as intricate as the fresh baked desserts.  Very Marie Antoinette.  YUM.

Thanks Karli!

Fabulous Fabrega

An amazing image of Miky Fabrega, one of the artists in Cavern’s Artist Edition Series, with a window display he designed for Life furniture store in Panama. Stunning!

A Good Taste in the Mouth

Just got these installation shots from the most styling dentist’s office I’ve ever seen.  Well done Dr. Tanz!

Installation Inspiration

Some of my favorite installation shots from the Cavern gallery…

State of the Wallpaper, Wallpaper of the State

Watching the State of the Union last night, my eye kept going to the wallpaper!  I sent a research inquiry to the art and history division of the Capital — they have lots of information online about the stuatues, friezes, and paintings in the building, but I didn’t see anything about this pattern.  Will let you know what I find out.

[photos from nytimes.com]

Designers We Love : Diamond and Baratta

I am pretty much obsessed with the New York design team Diamond and Baratta.  Their bold style, whimsical exuberance, and use of pattern are remarkable, whether they are working on a Miami apartment, a Hamptons cottage, or a Western ranch.  From rugs to wallpaper, pillows to fabrics, their spaces incorporate so many geometric patterns, stripes, and other repeats.  Most of the design elements are designed by the duo and custom made by artisans for each of projects, so you can’t really buy this stuff anywhere (unless you hire Diamond and Baratta!) but if you are interested in patterns and how to use them in a space, look these guys up — their portfolio is the best lesson book in how to do it.  A few photos from their website are below, but check more out here.  Truly inspirational!

Damien Hirst Wallpaper

Last month I posted about Damien Hirst’s work, and I just realized (via one of my favorite blogs, The Year in Pictures) that he has done wallpaper!  I don’t know how I missed it when I was at the Gagosian gallery shop; maybe it’s relatively recent.  In any case, talk about graphic wallpaper- wowzer.  The pattern seems perfect for a retail or public space; I can’t really imagine it in most home environments.  But it’s nice to see digitally printed wallpaper in a high-end context.  Well done Mr. Hirst!  (And thanks for taking the on-the-sly pictures, James!)

New Year, Old Wallpapers

Happy new year! To kick off 2010, here are some photos taken by the always fabulous Karli Hendrickson, Cavern intern at large, on her latest trip to the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic Connecticut.  These are from the Buckingham-Hall House, recreated to look like it might have in the 19th Century.

Karli points out (and I very much agree) that what makes the rooms so visually appealing is the combination of patterns: the delicate, even ornate wallpaper patterns mixed with the bold stripes in the rug or couch.

The patterns create a vibrant energy, a visual business for the eye to explore.  But through conservative color choice, framed pictures, and simple wood furniture, the rooms maintain a cohesive, balanced serenity.  All the elements fit together.

I can’t imagine designing my own apartment to look like a 19th Century coastal town house, but I find the mixing and matching very inspiring. Thanks Karli!

Respecting Our Elders: Dorothy Draper

The more I read about Dorothy Draper the more I am fascinated by her — both as an interior designers and also as an astounding lady.

Stylistically, she championed the Neo-Baroque style.  She became known for using splashy colors and dramatic features such as lacquered doors, elaborate moldings, black and white tiled floors, strong stripes, large mirrors, vibrant chintz.  Her color combinations were revolutionary at the time and still hold up today: turquoise blues, pinks, eggplant purple, chartreuse.  Fabulous.

As a woman, she seems to have oozed both sass and sensibility.  She became the first widely famous female interior designer.  A lover of travel and the enjoyment of quality life, she urged her followers to avoid the “will to be dreary,” the passive attitude of “being resigned to life and terribly serious about it.”

Her design mantra: “If something looks right, it is right.”

Carleton Vanery, her protege, channels her aesthetic and has produced tremendous work of his own.

A few of my favorites in his fabrics/wall covering collection:

Learn more about Draper and Vanery, and check out products here.  Very inspiring!

Cavern in House Beautiful Magazine

Just saw the November 2009 issue of House Beautiful — and Cavern is featured!  Love the “Blackbird” pattern in the bathroom.  Especially with the mirrors reflecting the graphic image and with the wallpaper continuing onto the ceiling, the room truly becomes unique and memorable.  Thanks Thom Filicia for thinking of us in your showcase!