Classicism Redefined: Beverly Vosko
New York-born, interior designer and educator Beverly Vosko’s love of antiques spans countries, decades and years of study at the finest schools in the world. Between attending Harvard, Sotheby’s and Inchbald School of Design in London she lived around the world and became one of Houston’s finest designers and the country’s period design educators.
Today, she spends her time between designing in Houston and teaching Interior Design and Period Rooms in New York City and other states across the country. Recently, she graced us with a view into her busy and exciting life, read on to find out more about this fabulous and talented creative. She shared so many great insights and interesting stories we are going to do a two-part interview. Look for the continuations next week…
“I believe in taking my client’s dreams and desires and transforming them into reality and I work hard to make that happen! I am a very service oriented “Hands on” Designer and I love working directly with my clients on a one-on- one basis.”
What styles do you find are lasting and why?
I studied at Sotheby’s London and love classicism, which I believe is the most lasting of all styles! Classicism was created by the Ancient Greeks who existed from 2000-250 BC, developed and expanded upon by the Ancient Romans 700 BC – 400 AD, rediscovered during the Renaissance in 1500 and perfected during the Golden Age of Furniture which existed in France from 1660 – 1830 and in England from 1702-1830!
The great French and English cabinetmakers used these Greco-Roman designs as prototypes to create the magnificent English and French Period Antiques that gained instant popularity and have been reproduced ever since. The mere fact that Classicism has been popular for centuries and is still popular within reason today, proves that it has truly passed the test of time.
I have always said that Antiques never go out of style – but today clean lined modernism is more popular than Antique Classicism! While I do love the clean-lined look as well, and have decorated many clean lined – style homes because that is what most of my Houston clientele wants today.
I have done some research and discovered that relatively inexpensive modernism and clean lines are usually popular during a recession – because they are simple, can be produced affordably, and don’t require many expensive accessories to look finished!
In the Great Depression of the 1930’s Russell Wright, the Martha Stewart of that era, created affordable modern furniture that fit perfectly into that era’s informal lifestyle and in the 1940’s Charles and Ray Eames produced plastic, resin and plywood furniture that was both inexpensive and beautiful!
So today’s recession is no exception – affordable minimalist clean lined contemporary furniture – epitomized by Pottery Barn and Mitchell Gold Bob Williams is all the rage! But if you look carefully, much of today’s modern furniture is merely a pared down adaptation of Classicism, without all the carved detail, inlay and fuss!
“I believe that in the long run Classicism will return to fashion – because it is truly elegant timeless!”
Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs?
I believe people draw inspiration from their own experiences and I certainly draw my design inspiration from mine! Having lived in London for 10 + years gave me an appreciation for English Period furniture and Neoclassical design. Having a 2nd home near Gstaad Switzerland for 10+ years and researching, writing and teaching a CEU on Swedish Furniture gave me an appreciation for the painted furniture popular in Switzerland ( and Sweden) then and so popular in Houston today. Living in Europe and travelling to France and Italy the way one would travel from Houston to Dallas, gave me an appreciation for and understanding of European style in general and especially Mediterranean style, that has long been popular in Houston. I lived and breathed it – so I love it and can replicate it with ease.
Growing up in the 1960’s and 1970’s with my Mom’s 1950’s furniture gives me an appreciation for that clean-lined style that is being replicated today. And since I am a New Yorker, I love to visit the D and D building in Manhattan– both for a shot of adrenalin and to see the styles and colors that are shown there, because I then know what is “new”, “trendy” and coming to Houston in a few months!
I am blessed to have a multitude of diverse experiences from where I can draw inspiration. If you look at my website www.vosko.com you will see that I do not have “a style” but show photos of rooms done in many different styles that match my client’s dreams and desires. The great thing about having an interesting, varied past is being able to draw on all of it for my design inspiration, so I can do whatever style my client wants – and do it well – making their dreams become reality!
“Studying at Sotheby’s and the Inchbald School of Design in London, I draw my inspiration from European design throughout the ages, and my motto is “Interior Design with a European flair”!”
How do you first approach each design project?
I want my clients to have a home that reflects their personality and that they love. I tell them I can design a space in many different ways and make it beautiful – and I want to help them make their home into their version of beauty.
When I meet a client for the first time, I ask them numerous questions about their project to ascertain what their main intention is for the space that we are creating together… and what they want their project to really look like. I have them find and show me magazine photos that reflect the style or styles that they like – since “a picture says 1000 words”. Then if they have time, I first go shopping with my client and we just browse – looking at many fabrics and furniture styles, so I see what fabrics and furniture they gravitate to because surprisingly, most people do not know what styles and designs they actually love or want to live with. Many times clients will say that they hate flowers, and then gravitate to all the floral fabrics in the store, or say that they hate color and actually love it – or say they love Contemporary Dining Rooms and then choose primarily the Country French ones.
Most people do not know which style is which (and for example will say to me “You mean this Dining Room is Country French? – I thought it was Contemporary!) and by shopping together with my client and having them show me firsthand what they think is beautiful, I get to find out what they love far better than if they just tell me about it.
Once I know their taste, then we can either continue to shop together (this is how I become friends with my clients), or if the client is busy, I can shop on my own and will then be very service oriented and “bring the mountain to Mohammed” if they need me to, bringing them everything they need to together make the correct decisions and purchase items that will make their home both beautiful and a place that they love and enjoy spending time in. And I put everything in spreadsheets, to insure that everything I specify is carried out exactly as we intend it to!
I believe that an Interior Designer is a great asset to anyone remodeling or decorating a space. I remind my clients about Specialization of Labor. If I broke my arm, I’d go to a doctor to have him set it and if my boiler was leaking, I’d call a plumber. The reason that we are called Interior Designers is that we have studied how to create beautiful “Interiors” and can really help our clients do this.
For more information or to make an appointment Beverly she can be reached at the following phone or email.
Beverly Vosko Interiors, president
InteriorDesign-ED, president
Tel: 713 464-0055
Cell: 713 269-6909
Email: beverlyvosko@gmail.com
Websites: www.vosko.com
www.InteriorDesign-ED.com
Karim Rashid: Designer, Architect, Humanist
With more than 3,000 designs in production and more than 300 awards, he might be expected to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of his creative labors. But then, designer of democratic objects and modern interiors, Karim Rashid continually does the unexpected. His wildly popular designs, like a 2009 modern resin bathtub with built-in television for Saturn, Korea, never fail to surprise and please.
Television Bathtub for Korean’s Saturn (via)
He recently told designboom.com, ”People live too much in the past, they reference too much to past styles, and traditional behaviors and rituals. I’m only interested in completely contemporary living. For example, I only wear microfibers, its all grey, silver, and white stuff, its smart, its clothing that has to do with the time we’re living in, not trying to be something we’re not.”
Already in 20 permanent collections like the one at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, Rashid exhibits art in galleries internationally. He has collaborated on designs with makers of luxury goods like Swarovski, as well as household names like Dirt Devil and Samsung.
Karim Gallery Art Expo (via)
Not content to design only, Rashid’s published works include “Design Yourself” and “KarimSpace.” He also manages to fit in frequent appearances as guest lecturer at universities and conferences around the globe. In fact, he says that much of his designing is done on airplanes during his many travels.
Rashid is at home in many worlds. Born in Egypt and raised in England and Canada, he now lives and works out of New York City.
His passion is designing for the people and making a difference in society. He believes, “Design is about the betterment of our lives poetically, aesthetically, experientially, sensorially, and emotionally.”
Karim Rashid Designed Loft (via)
What else Karim Rashid is saying:
He recently told Interior Design,”I’m wearing purple for the first time in 10 years. Can you believe it?” and speaking about his opinion that all colors go together: “I don’t think there are rules anymore.”
What about his dreams? In an interview with MetropolisMag.com, he answered these questions: How about dream clients? “Fiat, Vespa, Trek bikes, Bose, Philips, Vitra, Motorola, Ikea.” Dream job? “Industrial designer or a musician or a prophet.”
Color Lover Karim Rashid’s Own Loft Unleashed (via)
Karim Rashid a Designer of Life (via)
The Great Libraries of the World as Art
The world’s libraries are extraordinary places. Though devoted to books, knowledge and learning some buildings housing libraries are works of art in themselves. With so many unique and amazing buildings to choose from, compiling a small list of favorite libraries is a very personal task. Each of us is drawn to a certain library just as we are drawn to a piece of art—because it touches us in some special, oftentimes indefinable way.
Opened to the public in 1897, the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, represents in its interior design the works of almost 50 American artists. These painters and sculptors created an elaborate interior fitting for the building’s magnificent architecture. The Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building offers a perfect example of the incredible work done by those privileged to work on what was then called an “unparalleled national achievement” and the “largest, costliest and safest” library in the world.
Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building Great Hall (via)
The George Peabody Library, affectionately called “The Cathedral of Book” because of its awe-inspiring architecture is part of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Opened in 1878, the library building was designed by Edmund G. Lind, a prominent Baltimore architect. Today, in addition to being used as a research library, it is available as an event space. Probably the building’s most recognizable interior space, the Peabody Stack Room features five stories with decorative railings from the Bartlett-Robbins Company. With gold-leafed classical embellishments this room soars to a glass-filled skylight 61 feet above.
George Peabody Library Stack Room (via)
The British Library in London, England, was officially established in 1973, but that date is deceptive because it was part of the British Museum dating back to the mid-1800s. The British Museum Reading Room with its magnificent architecture served as the main reading room for the United Kingdom’s national library until 1997. It is still open today and now houses the Library’s collection of books that focus on the British Museum.
British Library British Museum Reading Room (via)
Bibliotheca Alexandrina (New Library of Alexandria)
This last library is built in a totally different style. The interior of the Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt, mirrors the sweeping design of its modern exterior. The new Library of Alexandria is built on a location very close to the original library which was built in 290 BC and thought to have been destroyed by fire upon the arrival of Julius Caesar in 48 BC, although some scholars say the destruction came much later.
The cultural complex and the new library with a main reading room featuring eleven levels topped by a magnificent roof of glass panels was designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta and was officially opened in October 2002.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina Interior (via)
Top 8% of the World’s Wealthiest People
(Source)
Creative Gratitude and Giving
“There are all kinds of stats of use to all kinds of people. These are stats for the humanitarian and social conscious among the masses. These stats let us know how we are doing and to appreciate what we have. And they motivate us to find new avenues to give. Everything we have of value in life and every advantage has been hard won by those before us,” shares Cynthia, a 53 year old woman from Kansas, commenting on StumbleUpon.com about the eye-opening and mind-blowing social awareness statistics in the above graphic.
“I appreciate it, and teach and share it daily. I give by teaching, and teaching hands on, I’ve taught people and youth my trades, Printing, Graphic Arts, and Digital Music Composing. Yes I promote myself and others in the creative, as nothing gives the downtrodden more will to survive and accomplish than what they can produce with their own hands and intelligence. Make your how to videos, they will get to the furthest and poorest reaches of this earth if you can not give monetarily. Teachers and humanitarians are already everywhere teaching and using these videos. To inspire is a great way to give.”
What We Love: Modern Chandeliers
Traditional chandeliers have given way to a whole new wave of fantastic modern forms, shapes, and colors. From enormous hand blown glass sculptural designs to simple twig nests, no matter your taste or style these light fixtures will surely capture your imagination and even inspire a bit of awe.
Custom Blown Art Glass Chandelier (Credit)
Custom Blown Art Glass Chandelier Red (Credit)
Serien Poppy Chandelier (Credit)
Obe Chandelier (Credit)
Flos Zeppelin 1 by Marcel Wanders (Credit)
Coconut Bead Atlantis Chandelier by Z Gallerie (Credit)
Parakeet Dome Chandelier (Credit)
Recycled Spoon Chandelier (Credit)
Egg Branch Chandeliers (Credit)
Studio 1 Thousand Constellation Chandelier (Credit)
Dale Chihuly Chandelier (Credit)