Piano Forte

houzz. Isn't this glorious?

I've been accumulating a lot of images of pianos of late, for no other reason that I like the way they look. For some reason I feel like pianos are disappearing from design; I see them so rarely. I realize that not many people even know how to play the piano anymore (kids these days, what are we going to do with them!?), myself included. I was forced to take lessons and practice but to no avail; I was just terrible. Anyway, as a designer though, I think they're so beautiful. There's something about having a grand piano in your living room or hall that is so romantic.

Isn't this so glam/a tad ridiculous (in a good way) ? I love it though--how many times have you seen a fur covered piano seat? I suppose if you can't play the piano you can have one of those automatic playing ones! BNO Design.

If you have a large hall such as this one, it is a perfect spot for a piano. You also have to take acoustics into account. Who will be able to hear this? I'm sure this is a great spot though--it looks delightful. Jamie Kerns Design Theory.

I love how the light is streaming in on this corner of the room like a spotlight on the piano. It's important to choose a good light for the top of the piano as well. By Joe Lucas.

This is so tranquil looking but can't you imagine some perfectionist evil genius playing some 20 minute long piece on this piano? Somebody had to say it! By Hordon Cherry Lee Architects.

This was one of the rooms at the Kips Bay Showhouse this year that I was in charge of. Designed by Charles Pavarini. While this wasn't my favorite room at all, I found it incredibly inventive and well done. This piano off to the left was custom made for the showhouse and is a white crosshatched design. Pianos can be custom designed to pretty much anything you want, they don't always have to be white or black!

If you do have a piano, you're very lucky! There are many things to think about--space planning, situating it for acoustical reasons, and definitely don't just hide it in a corner! If you don't know how to play it anymore, just learn or hire someone to play it for you!


Alicia B.

Tortoise shells are the new...

Everyone knows (if you read this blog) how much I adore fur. Well, I've taken a liking to another home decor item that comes from "nature:" tortoises! The shell of a tortoise is very beautiful in color and texture and has a certain richness and depth. They can be hung on the wall, or you can use the shell itself in an accessory.

My, that's a substantial shell! Susan Chevalier leans this one casually (but obviously thoughtfully) on this folding chair. The swirling pattern mimics the deep dark floors, too.

This one is hung on the wall. The lamp right next to it reflects light on it showing the curve in the shell. By Joe Nye.

Inspired by a turtle, this lovely drawing or print shows off the gorgeous pattern on the shell. By Joe Lucas of Lucas Studio.

In this very open room by Celerie Kemble, she uses this sideboard to display many beautiful objects and tops it off with a large tortoise shell!

My design hero, Albert Hadley used this Schumacher tortoise wall covering on the back walls of this cabinet. The light reflects off this wall paper so beautifully. What a genius.

Another aspect to this accessory is the idea of collecting. It's not as if you can just pick one of these up off the side of the Third Ave in Manhattan so I think it gives the look of traveling to an exotic location, being well traveled, and a more eclectic look. Thoughts? Also, sorry for the brief silence, I took a three-day weekend and then I'm back in classes for the Summer so I'm pretty busy SO BACK OFF. Just kidding, come back to me!

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

Take a deep breath. Take these AMAZING interiors in and savor them. Yeah. This week has gone by quickly despite the fact that it has YET to stop raining. Thanks to everyone who told me to get over myself and embrace the rain. So now I'll tell you to embrace these amazing interiors!

Joe Nye has completely sucked me in with the amazing contemporary painting and fresh color scheme in this sophisticated living room.

Joe Lucas had me at the nightstand. NOT meant to sound dirty.

What draws me to this beachy looking room by S R Gambrel is just how unpredictable it is. The stool/bookcase at the foot of the bed is so unexpected and the desk with two chairs. Also, nothing gets me quite like a map (the wall paper) and a green glass jug made into a lamp.

I love how light this room by Kari McCabe is. Could there be more angular elements in here?? The sofa frame, the thinly framed pictures, the wood floor JUST to name a few. The main thing that drew me to this room was that fabulous window in the back though. So simple yet so perfect.

Happy Friday everyone! If the rain clears up, the bf and I are going to walk on the new High Line Park over on the West Side apres work! Have a great weekend.