Inlays.

Lately I have found myself obsessing over inlays, partially due to my furniture class. I have been doing so much research on art deco pieces, and the inlays is really one thing that draws me in like a moth to a flame. Here is a beautiful inlaid box with mermaid. This piece is Scandinavian and from the 1930's. Isn't it lovely?

Otto Bettmann

Ella Fitzgerald, who was known as the "First Lady of Song.

I have recently stumbled across a wide range of amazing black and white photos which all beared the name "Bettmann/Corbis". Curious I did a little research and found a treasure trove of images. 

Born on October 15, 1903 in Leipzig, Germany, Dr. Otto Bettmann began his professional career at the Prussian State Art Library in Berlin as a curator of rare books.

When his career path was foreshortened by the rise of Nazism, Dr. Bettmann packed his belongings, including two steamer trunks full of pictures, books, and films and moved to New York City in 1935.

His arrival in New York coincided with the dawning popularity of photojournalism. Movie newsreels and pictorial magazines had sparked what he called "the beginning of the visual age." Speaking of his good fortune, Dr. Bettmann said, "Everybody wanted pictures, and I had two trunks full."

Dr. Bettmann soon created an industry for himself, collecting and classifying images for publication. His first clients included Look Magazine , LIFE , and the Book-of-the-Month Club. And public demand for images grew, fueled first by World War II, then by television. But it wasn't just serendipity that marked his success. Dr. Bettmann selected his pictures with an amazing eye for historical relevance, artistic composition, drama, and humor.

By 1938, the Archive comprised 15,000 pictures, and today it contains more than 11 million, many of which are more than 100 years old.

Please visit the website, and I hope you are even 1/2 as inspired as I was.

J.Crew August Windows.

1,200 books and eight hours of hard labor later the J.Crew windows were completed.  I am so pleased with how they turned out- and thankful that although times are tough, creativity still thrives in the retail industry.

(Sorry the image is not spectacular, it was taken from my iphone).

Sid Mashburn.

Sid Mashburn is a men's specialty clothing store in Atlanta and was voted as one of GQ's 100 best men’s stores in America. It is a perfect blend of all- American tradition, southern charm, and metropolitan chic. Akin to a modern-day gentleman’s club, every piece spread throughout the dark-stained wood shelves and tables reeks of quality and has a classic sensibility. 

I must say, that doing visuals for J.Crew has me appreciating a more traditional and sophisticated style than I have been accustomed to. This is more of my parents taste, and I think that I had been weary to appreciate something lacking of eccentricity; But I must say- I am changing my tune indeed.

Bedroom inspiration.

My bedroom has been in need of an update. But being more of a collector, it is something that transpires over time. I saw these pictures and just absolutely fell in love. Its classic, simple, clean, and cozy. I myself will have a few eclectic pieces thrown in, but you get the picture. And believe me, I have never been one to be drawn to purple- but there is just something about it. It will go amazing with this olive throw I have. Who knew I would be drawn to something so traditional? 

Magnum Dining Bar - Hillery Priest Architecture

The Magnum Dining Bar is inspired by the geometry and stylized patterning of the Art Deco period and represents a haven of luxury and comfort. Cavernous in volume, the low-slung diamond shaped crown and lowered bar provides a luminous focus for diners, while surrounded by an interior which is highly crafted and elegant. Dark oak cabinetry, delicately engraved timber wall paneling and polished brass metalwork mixed with soft metallic furnishings set the scene for a memorable dining experience.