Inspiration: Faded Grandeur

I've been pleased during the past couple of decades to see a growing appreciation for furnishings marked by age. Beauties such as this pink door in Havana add faded grandeur to our surroundings. Yes, there's a hint ~ sometimes more than a hint ~ of melancholia in the cracked and peeling paint, but the effect can be unquestionably pleasing. This is the effect I work to preserve in my finials and refurbished furniture pieces.

Inspiration: A Genius at Patina

I study patinas and am especially intrigued with the aging that occurs on old, ornate pieces ~ from the worn-off paints to deep verdigris on metals. It's no wonder I was artistically stunned when I recently discovered the finishes created by French artist and decorator Elise Valdorcia, who now lives in Provence.

From reading about Elise, I know she creates some of the forms herself using cartapesta, a particular form of papier-mache. She also uses polychrome, gold leaf, paper, wax, linen, glass and plaster. Beyond that, all I know is that her artwork on furniture and furnishings is impeccable.

Inspiration: A Rare Palette

Sometimes years of weather exposure and man's neglect can result in subtle shades of faded paint that are extraordinarily compelling. It would've been a rare artist who would intentionally create the palette that's displayed by this wall, window, and ledge in Rome.