Friday, October 14, 2011

Classic glamour - Biedermeier furniture

If you're an antiques junkie like me, you'd perhaps unravel every facets of the elegant French Louis period furniture, or the regal Italian rococo style, or the austere English Georgian look. I, however, rarely hear about the remarks on the German Biedermeier furniture. In fact, I wasn't really a fan myself until lately - simply stunned to see a gorgeous Biedermeier secretary featured in a beautiful Veranda spread.



Biedermeier style was introduced in the early 19th century, influenced by the French Empire period, I guess it's reasonable to say they share similar characteristics in terms of design, whereas the former depicts a more masculine take. A lot of cherry, burl, ash woods are used, the look is usually minimal and clean, but should not be mistaken to be tasteless. I'd say Biedermeier style is a perfect blend of historicism and utilitarianism, the result is classy and glamourous.



Source:
www.1stdibs.com


xoxo,
beibei

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Farewell Steve Jobs!



R.I.P. Steve Jobs, you will never cease to be one of the most inspiring individuals in our hearts, for your endless creativity and remarkable contribution to this generation, you simply made our lives evolve around cutting-edge technology. The world has the most superior intercommunication and social networking tool because of you. I can proudly say that, I am a MAC girl!

My favorite quote from Steve:

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma -- which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." -Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement speech '05.

“我们的时间是有限的,所以请不要浪费时间去过你不想要的生活。不要被教条所迷惑——它诱使你按照他人的思维定势生活。最重要的是,要有勇气追随你的心灵和直觉。它们会知道你真正想要做一个什么样的人。其他的一切都是次要的。”

beibei

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Christie's Oct. Interior Sale Preview


What's more pleasant than strolling in Manhattan on a beautiful Sunday? The early Fall's refreshing and crisp weather reminds me just how much I miss antiques hunting in this season. So here I am, here in New York city, antiques hunting!
Well not exactly, except I decided to go preview the Interior Sale at Christie's. I always find it a fulfilling learning experience visiting auction houses, Christie's is one of my favorite. Aside from the fact that it is located in one of the most popular landmarks in NYC (Rockefeller Centre), I find its preview setting especially tasteful. Every piece is exhibited to show its best character.

Like this parcel-gilt scagliola and composite center table,


A pair of French Art Deco rosewood cabinets,


A vibrant oil on canvas by Raymond De Botton, signed and dated 1970.


A plush upholstered double-sided confidante sofa,


A Baltic faux-marble top wall-mounted console,

A free-form chrome (or aluminum) lounge chair,


A beautiful pair of marble top gilt-bronze end tables,

After hours of burying myself into this big pool of antiques and, of course, fantasizing the profit-making aftermath, I had to get hungry. Thanks to my friend's early dinner reservation at TAO, I ordered my favorite Miso glazed chilean sea bass and we enjoyed a lovely meal together. Just a perfect ending to a perfect day! :)

XOXO,
beibei