Color Inspiration via Beautiful Gardens

Color Inspiration for Friday

Enjoy

Buckingham Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Saint Paul's Cathedral

ALL images by MGR

Marilyn

Geometric Beauties

As with any interior designer, the first thing I do upon entry of any building is scan the design/decor of my surroundings. It's a natural habit. I'm always on the prowl for inspiration. This guy caught my eye while enjoying porridge at a local eatery here in London. I love the details and the soft lighting. Can you see the origami-like shapes that appears like a bouquet of flowers......Interesting design!  

Have a great day everyone!!!

Marilyn

The WALLACE Collection

First Museum stop in my Survey of British Museums. 

Allow me to introduce you to the Wallace Collection. The Wallace Collection is a National Museum that houses many fine pieces of art of the 18th century. The pieces were collected between 1760 and 1880 by four Marquesses and Sir Richard Wallace. 

Gaudreaus and Caffieri, Commode, 1739

Like a kid in a candy store, I was excited to have a live view of history. To be able to recognize, look at and examine the details of a Rococo piece (as in this commode) was immeasurable compared to an introduction by powerpoint or a book. 

Stop for a moment and think about the time and effort that goes into caring for these pieces. Each and every piece is under constant observation. There's always someone around to make sure that none of the pieces are touched. The clocks are wound once per week. The temperature, lighting and humidity levels are feverishly monitored. Preservation for the next generation to enjoy is of utmost importance. 

Boulle, Wardrobe, 1700

This Baroque wardrobe is nothing short of stunning with its eloborate details and masculine features. What I found most interesting was to learn that the curvy detailing in the centers of the left and right doors are made of tortoise shells. 

All images by MGR

The awe-inspiring details of the textiles/fabrics on the walls and window treatments was sweet. 

Next time you're in London, drop by the The Wallace Collection, there's much to look at and much to learn. 

Marilyn

Saint Paul's Cathedral Gardens

All images by MGR

Marilyn

Saint Paul's Cathedral

Today we visited Saint Paul's Cathedral, which, by the way, was by sheer chance. On our way home from class (Survey of British Museums...pics will be posted of our journeys from this class for sure) via the Tube, we got detoured to another stop because our regular stop was closed. Low and behold we ended up at Saint Paul's Cathedral. 

Saint Paul's Cathedral by Sir Christopher Wren

The structure is amazing. The twin towers, pediment, corinthian columns, string courses, dentil mouldings and the details of every piece of stone is truly awesome. This great architecture is something to see with your own eyes. The grandeur alone is nothing short of spectacular. 

Check out the details 

I wanted to get up close and personal with Saint Paul's Cathedral. I've seen pictures of the entire Cathedral with very little focus on the details. Here was my opportunity. 

"The original Statue was erected on this spot in the year 1712 to commemorate the completion of Saint Paul Cathedral"

Francis Bird ~ Sculptor

All images by MGR

Look at the scale.

Will have to return for a tour inside for last entry for sightseeing is 16:00 and we were pretty late.  

Marilyn

Finally in LONDON....HOLLA!

After trekking through OIA (Orlando International Airport) for two days due to cancelled flights (because of severe thunder storms) and rebookings, I am in London. Special thanks to British Airways for getting us here safe and on time. 

This is our flat view...The London Eye (the big Ferris Wheel straight ahead)

. Our flat is in Southwark (please DO NOT say South-Wark), I have been corrected several times. All in good humor though. Just remove the "w" in your pronunciation of the word and say it real fast. 

I believe we are in Central London. One thing I love is that everything is either within walking distance or accessible by the tube. There's no need to have a car here. 

It is my mission to find out what that gilette-razor-looking building is. 

Loving the sunset, which was pretty late in the evening. I think it was about 9pm. 

Fascinating looking architecture. Looks like a big giant cruise ship. 

Having a peek of the London Eye.

Another unique-looking structure. 

Saint Paul's Cathedral 

Off to see the City today. Be back soon. Cheers! 

Marilyn

One of my new Loves

Have you tried Revit Architecture yet? 

No, well you should. There is a slight learning curve as Revit organizes construction drawings quite differently from CAD. It is the most user-friendly program once you're beyond your CAD-habits. 

While this project developed over a course of eight weeks, it was fun. Not once did Revit leave me feeling like I wanted to stab the computer as other programs. It's 3-D capabilities are fascinating. This program is the king of BIM softwares. 

Here's just a sampling of what Revit is capable of. 

Marilyn