February 14, 2014

This geometric screen holds the dining room in while still keeping an openness to the space. (Folder of Ideas)

Screens are a versatile design element I like to use as much as possible because of their multiple functions. They are a versatile tool that delineate rooms, create zones for privacy, add texture and often have a decorative quality. They originated in ancient China, eventually spreading to East Asia and Europe, and were first used primarily to help prevent drafts. In classical times they were used as dressing screens in ladies change rooms (think Downton Abbey). Today they can be purely functional, solely decorative or both. Here are some of my favourites. Enjoy!

Jaw dropping Art Nouveau door to the former C.D. Peacock jewelry store on State Street at Monroe in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. Divine! (Flickr) — Jaw dropping Art Nouveau door to the former C.D. Peacock jewelry store on State Street at Monroe in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. Divine! (Flickr)

Contemporary space that I would love to work or live in with textured wooden screen very effectively adds richness, separation and filtering of light. (Flashdecor)

These Art Deco bronze screens were salvaged from the original Toronto Eaton's department store for my own home.  A great find, especially since the cabinetry had all ready been built and they fit perfectly! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - P… — These Art Deco bronze screens were salvaged from the original Toronto Eaton's department store for my own home. A great find, especially since the cabinetry had all ready been built and they fit perfectly! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by ted Yarwood)

I found this door image with a grill pattern very similar to the ones I used above for my cabinets.  Someday I will have my own doors created for a similar affect (this is when a small home becomes a challenge!) (HomeDSGN) — I found this door image with a grill pattern very similar to the ones I used above for my cabinets. Someday I will have my own doors created for a similar affect (this is when a small home becomes a challenge!) (HomeDSGN)

Walk in closet screen nicely divides space and adds richness and texture. (Studio Annetta) — Walk in closet screen nicely divides space and adds richness and texture. (Studio Annetta)

Screen with De gourney wallpaper can be used in the corner of a living room for height and drama, a master bedroom for private dressing or in a  ladies' private sitting room. I would love to feature this in an ultra contemporary white interior.… — Screen with De gourney wallpaper can be used in the corner of a living room for height and drama, a master bedroom for private dressing or in a ladies' private sitting room. I would love to feature this in an ultra contemporary white interior. (Belgian Pearls)

For a different take on screens, here I used vintage letter press storage boxes for this dining room buffet. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc - Photos by Michael Graydon)

January 30, 2014

My kitchen is inspired by luxury ocean liners and features custom cherry wood and brass kitchen cabinets with marble counters and walls. I never grow tired of coming home to this! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

I have been having an unabashed love affair with unlaquered brass finishes for over ten years. It started when I was doing research on the designs from the 1920's, 30's and 40's for a residential project. I then began collecting wonderful design books from all the great designers of that era: Jacques Quinet, Andre Arbus and Jean Royere. These designers used unlaquered brass as accents on cabinets, as one of a kind hardware, on screens, you name it.

Not long afterwards my husband and I purchased a 1930's house and renovated it, and used brass throughout as one of the main materials. I even went so far as to have chrome bathroom fixtures stripped of their chrome finish as I knew that a beautiful brass finish lay underneath. I love brass' warmth, it's patina and unlike the shiny tacky glossy finish on brass you find from the 80's, this is like an aged wine - timeless and deeply satisfying.

Divide and Conquer: Screens and Room Dividers

February 14, 2014

Brass Tacks

January 30, 2014