Tomorrow, I'm going to post about where I wish I was traveling to this summer, but today I'm simply going to show photos that evoke the carefree spirit of summertime. Who knows? Perhaps they'll get our creative juices flowing.
PS- I can't talk about Summer and not mention Atlanta's own Marcia Sherrill and her Anabelle collection handbags...so perfect for Summer. I need to get one of her pineapple print totes to hold my papers between home and library. The collection has recently been mentioned in O Magazine and WWD. Looks like it's going to be a good Summer for Marcia!
This pool pavilion, located on the grounds of a Portuguese estate, was decorated by the late Valerian Rybar. The walls, you ask? What is up with those stunning walls?? Why, they're covered in blue and white Portuguese tiles that were decorated in a Jean Pillement-esque Chinoiserie pattern. Have you seen anything so beautiful?
Treillage at Duke Gardens, c. 1966.
A lanai, located on Gorce Island, FL, that was decorated by John FitzGibbons. Wicker chairs, shells, dining al fresco. Does it get any better?
What does a platter of crudites have to do with Summer? I don't really know, although I usually eat celery stalks with pimento cheese for lunch during the summer. I also like the surtout (replete with rosemary stalks) that surrounds the spread.
Jack Lowrence's pool Gazebo at his home in Woodside, CA.
Lowrance pool pavilion photo from Architectural Digest California Interiors
; Rybar photo from Chateaux and Villas (The Worlds of Architectural Digest)
. All other photos from various House & Gardens from 1966.
It is sad in so many ways that we no longer slow down for summer. I still maintain a summer reading list but I long for a few lazy days to enjoy simple summer pleasures. These pictures let me daydream a bit.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jennifer.... love them all. I think I agree, though...the tiled walls are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI do have young children, so my life does change some in summer, however I still have consulting work, blogging and a feeble attempt to work on my novel... so my summer will not be completely filled with long lazy days. This inspires me to make some of them longer and lazier, though!!
Valerian Rybar was such a creative decorator who never seemed to overlook the virtues of the dramatic interior. Since so much of his published work was so dark, it is refreshing to see this charming, whimsical example.
ReplyDeleteTrellis, trellis and more trellis - the universe is telling me something. Those tiles? The most amazing thing I've seen in a long time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for making me feel better. You are so right on about a crazy schedule and a calendar full of commitments can stymie one's creativity. That's why most of our work must be done after sundown--when the world finally leaves us alone. Unfortunately that can work against us when we go to bed late and wake up late. Then we're accused of being unprofessional.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog for a couple of years now, but this is my first time to comment.
i just purchased tove jansson's "the summer book" and i just want to jump between the pages. i want to buy it for all my friends! i want to spend the summer in scandinavia! lisa
ReplyDeletenow that's a platter of crudites!
ReplyDeleteI'm in heaven--those Portuguese tiles!! Also, the memories of the Duke Gardens. Great Post!!
ReplyDeleteThat pool gazebo is insane! LOVE
ReplyDeleteThis is a post after my own heart.I am so in love with those Portuguese tile walls I can't tell you. As you know from visiting me, I am smitten with the beautiful blue and white of these fabulous fabrications. And the trellis? What can I say - another timeless design classic!!
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