Getaways: Unionville, PA

Home of Kevin Roberts and Timothy Haynes
Photos by William Abranowicz
Weekend Retreats by Susanna Salk

Faces: Street Dance, Nolita

Green Inspiration

I came across a story called "Green Remodeling Ten Enchanting Public Gardens" this weekend on Elle Decoration.com. While they were all very interesting, two really caught my eye. They are Francisco Alvarado Park in Zarcero Costa Rica and the Topiary Gardens at Washington Old Hall, Tyne and Wear UK. You may add them to your travel list. Here is the link to the full story....http://www.pointclickhome.com/image/tid/5052?mag=PointClickHome&page=0.

Photos:
Photographer Costa Rica: Jamie Royer, Flickr.com
Photographer UK: George Cole

Art: GBC Gebrüder Bühler Corporation

GBC, Gebrüder Bühler Corporation is made up of two brothers--Andreas and Alexander
Bühler--who have composed the paintings above by taking turns painting on the canvas. This is a joint effort which concentrates on the concepts rather than the process. Andreas works and lives in Berlin and Intragna while Alexander lives in Berlin and Corapolo. When it comes to their paintings, everything is allowed. It is hard to distinguish where one begins and one ends.

Andreas Bühler
www.klw66.com/doc/Doc2004.pdf

Alexander Bühler
http://www.alexanderbuhler.ch/

Spaces: Kim and Dave West, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

Occupations: Kim West, Wholesale Marc Jacobs/Dave West, Real Estate

Kim and her husband Dave (not pictured) have a knack for buying and renovating New York apartments. In the last 3 years, they have made some key changes to their Cobble Hill hill two-bedroom apartment. They have remodeled the kitchen, repainted the entire apartment (painting the natural wood crown molding white) and converted the powder room to a full-size bathroom. The 2nd floor brownstone apartment still includes the Pre War details such as 2 fireplaces and quaint architectural elements, but when you walk in, it feels new, pristine and refreshing. To the right of the living room is a dining area/office which can also serve as a guestroom. How could I forget the flower-pot-trimmed terrace which is manicured to perfection? I still can't get over that kitchen. Finally, as you can see in the photos, their two pugs--Smudge and Bella--reign full court at the West's home.

Photo Contributor: Thakoon Panichgul

Faces: The Iowa State Fair, Des Moines

IInspiration: The Living Forest

I came across the Swedish holiday home of architects Hans Murman and Ulla Alberts in the July 2009 issue of Elle Decoration UK. A photograph was taken of the local junipers, blown up and printed on a netting which was stretched over the steel structure of the house. When you look at the landscape the house is nearly invisible in its surroundings. It is basically like wallpapering the outside of a house. The inside of the house offers a feeling of calmness and serenity.

Photos: Elle UK

Bikes: Wheels

Street Art: New York

Spaces: Lee Anderson, West Village, New York

Occupation: Design Consultant, Thakoon

Chicago-raised, Parsons-graduate Lee Anderson has shared her aesthetic strength with the likes of Ikram Goldman and Thakoon Panichgul. Lee's feminine, yet bold design aesthetic is evident in her personal wardrobe, design and home interiors. Lee puts a lot of thought into each decision and everything has a place and a purpose. Among my favorite details are the embroidered pillows which rest in a gathering on the wood floors and the disposable camera which sits on Anderson's console table--just in case her guests happen to be inspired while visiting. A mix of floral and animal-printed upholstery conveys the designer's fabric strengths and love of subtle, delicate print contrasts. You walk away feeling as if you have visited a friend's apartment in Paris.