The upside

Last week I was in mourning for the magnificent spruce tree that has been the focal point of the property since the lots were divided in the sixties. I couldn't imagine what the house would look like without the tree it was designed around. Being a glass half-full person so I knew there would be more light both inside the kitchen and the bedroom above as well as in the yard. What I hadn't understood was how the removal of the tree would allow us to see for the first time the design of the house from the north-west dining room to the southern garage side.

It's possible to stand on the far side of the front lawn and truly appreciate how the house nestles into its surroundings, a testament to Andrew Geller's unique architecture. At last we can fully compare this side with the backyard facing east side. Definitely the upside of losing the tree.

Andrew Geller: Deconstructed at Nassau County Museum of Art

Author and documentary film maker Jake Gorst, grandson of iconic architect Andrew Geller, will be talking about his grandfather and signing copies of his book Andrew Geller: Deconstructed, at the Nassau County Museum of Art on Saturday, September 26th at 3pm.  The event is being held in conjunction with the Museum's current exhibition The Moderns, Chagall, Degas, Léger, Miró, Picasso and more...

Do not miss Jake Gorst's unique presentation which is full of stories about his grandfather, the "architect of happiness", and his influence on architecture and design from the 1950s onwards. Tickets available here

Andrew Geller Beach House Sagaponak Long Island 1966 (Elkin House)

Andrew Geller: Deconstructed

As most readers of this blog know The Cool house was designed by iconic modernist architect Andrew Geller, best known for his geometric Long Island beach houses and design work for Raymond Loewy.  Sadly Andrew Geller passed away in 2011 but he left behind a treasure trove of blueprints, photographs and documents that his grandson Jake Gorst has collated and preserved to ensure his grandfather's legacy.

From these sources and the interviews that he recorded over many years, Jake Gorst has lovingly produced a tribute to his grandfather.  Andrew Geller: Deconstructed provides readers with a unique insight into the mind of an artist who over a fifty year career impacted the course of design and architecture.  I received my copy yesterday and it is delightful, full of images never before published. 

Jake is currently promoting the book at a series of events including a book signing on April 13 2015 at 7pm at the Book Revue in Huntington.  Andrew Geller worked throughout the twentieth century mcm design revolution, his architecture can be found from Montauk to Texas and his commercial work took him from the restaurants on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center to Israel.  I can't wait to get my copy signed and listen to Jake share personal anecdotes about "the architect of happiness".  See you there?


Images from Andrew Geller: Deconstructed by Jake Gorst copyright © 2015, published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com 

Classic Miid-century Furniture Reissues

Great news for fans of classic American furniture by designer and manufacturer Harvey Probber. Until now his furniture has been out of production since the 80s, the only way to find his modular sofa has been the occasional sighting on ebay or 1stdibs. This Fall, M2L, a New York distributor of authorized modern furnishings catering to the design trade, has been licensed to produce new editions, including the 1947 Sling Chair above and the iconic 1972 Deep Tuft sectional below. 

Prices for the Deep Tuft Sofa start at $15,000 in plush fabric for a 5 piece or $19,000 in leather. It may seem a lot but this furniture is so well made it will last a lifetime. 

Here at The Cool House we inherited a 1968 12-piece sectional sofa that's still as comfortable and sturdy as ever-although it was reupholstered four years ago. As Probber once said "the true test of great design is time".

Other pieces to be reintroduced include sleek, wood wrapped casegoods and seating from the Architectural Series that were originally produced inFalls River MA in the 1960s.

It's been 10 years since Probber's death when an retrospective of his work was held  at Baruch College in Manhattan. it's certainly time to give these gorgeous designs another, closer look.

Cool House Panorama

Dining Room

Great Room

Kitchen

Playing with the Panoramic feature on the phone.

Through the windows

Integrating the outdoors into the interior design is a fundamental part of mid-century architecture; strategically placed windows enhance the views, banks of clerestory windows allow light to flood rooms, low ceilings draw the eye outside, sliding doors open to patios and gardens. This house was designed around an enormous Mountain Pine that dominates the west-facing side and the landscape enhanced by judicious planting. Every window captures a specimen tree, shrub or planting, an aspect that serves to bring the outside in. It's especially appreciated at this time of year when the deciduous trees have opened up and the azaleas are in full bloom but the chilly wind makes it too cold to sit outside.
Looking East

 
Facing North

 
South-West aspect

 
Facing South

 
Kitchen-facing West

 
Den-due East

   
Living room to the East

R.I.P. Andrew Geller

Genius, a photo by modernemama on Flickr.

Mid-century architect, designer and artist Andrew Geller passed away yesterday leaving a huge legacy. He will be greatly missed by all. Our condolences to his family at this sad time, we are thinking of you.
Andrew Geller, April 17th 1924-December 25th 2011

Cool off

The obligatory pool shot: inviting and so irresistible, especially as we're into a streak of hot summer days.


Time to don the Oliver Peoples sunglasses and dive right into the pool

Soft Geometrics

Warp and Weft, the luxury custom rug manufacturer, has launched a new collection of silk and merino wool hand-tufted designs. The Organica Collection features bold geometric prints with a soft color palette like the Arch Marscapone pictured above and these beauties selected below:


Mum Gilt


Echelon Gilt


Ophidian Orbit Smoke


Yumi Slate
The rugs carry the Goodweave seal certifying they were manufactured free of child-labor. These sumptuous Warp and Weft rugs can be fully customized for color, size or texture and are available to the trade only.

Kickstart the Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film

An important message to all fans of mid-century modern architecture, lovers of iconic design and readers of this blog: there's an exciting new fundraising venture to support the project - Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film. Andrew Geller designed our house in 1968 but his work spanned the entire mid-20th century and he has amassed a library's worth of blueprints, models, sketches and notes that represent an invaluable resource for designers and enthusiasts alike.
Kickstarter creatively boosts projects by asking for pledges and rewarding donors with gifts for their support, in this case all proceeds raised go to fund The Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film. Please consider pledging and remember it's win-win as all donations are tax free.

Green Guest Bedroom

New roman blinds and pillows brought to life by The Awesome Designer.


Arts and crafts inspired, uniquely modern Robert Allen fabric - Celtic Knot in a lovely green colourway called Kelp.

Black & Grey with a Touch of Pink

Verity's room recived a mini makeoever this fall - new grey hex patterned rug, black and cream drapes and a new pink Tribeca pillow by Designers Guild. I'm still searching for the right duvet cover to replace the Marimekko one so we can call this room done.

Googly-eyed

This is how I feel most mornings

The Eye Clock by Suck UK via Moss $40

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! This year I am thankful that I beat my neighbor to the finish in the great ground floor renovation: New kitchen; redone floors; moldings; windows; paint; bathroom for her, laundry room for me - the same upheavals and stress. She started long after me, but her crew is bigger. We were both behind schedule but the last coat of paint dried on our back stairs while her guys were still going strong. November 11 2010 at 4 PM was the exact moment I closed the garage door on the last contractor, which marks the official end of the project. Unless, of course, you count that missing baseboard in the closet...

Orange and Blue

I don't know whether it's the time of year or the design zeitgeist but I'm pretty obsessed with this Termez Crewel Oscar de la Renta fabric for Lee Jofa


Of course orange and blue is a color scheme I have used before. I chose it last year for the great room.


Now I see it everywhere: Fresh and smart in this kid's room by Erika Ward via Houzzz


and in this mouthwateringly delicious scallop on ice

After a very long wait George* stopped by last night. He was supposed to come with Warren but he met with an accident and we decided to postpone his visit until the kitchen was renovated and he had a safe place to hang out.


I think he'll be sticking around for a long time.

*George Nelson Sunflower clock

Preserving the Andrew Geller Legacy

Jonathan Pearlroth, owner of the Pearlroth House

A warm October evening in the city brought out a good-sized crowd to the Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation Projectat DWR East 62nd St NYC. Many Geller homeowners were there to lend their support as well as architects, authors, academics and assorted enthusiasts.


Fun facts and memories were shared by the original beach house owners at the slideshow presentation of Andrew Geller's life and work. Afterwards I met Philip Monaghan and learnt that he used the reputed first gay porno film, which was shot in the Frank House, as a resource to restore it to its former glory.


Fundraising took the form of a Silent Auction (rear of photo) and an entrance fee for which there were door prizes. Ironically The Guy won Can't You Hear Me Callin' Blue Grass: 80 Years of American Music produced by Gregg Geller (left) that I mentioned here.


It was great to see so many fans of the iconic modernist architect and I was thrilled to finally meet Andrew Geller's granddaughter jewelry maker and rabbit rescuer Nancy Schindler (left). I've been a fan of her blog The Rabbit Muse for years. Though I'm sorry about taking the prize you had your eye on, Nancy!

For more information on the Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation Project or to make a tax-deductible donation visit here.

Everything AND the kitchen sink

This bugs me on so many levels


Take the back wall: The sink off-centered between two windows - although the faucet seems dead centre; the tiny backsplash that serves no purpose. But most egregious to me is that the windows are cut off a few inches from their base. This looks odd from the interior and will look even more bizarre from outside. Believe me, I know; I lived this in the original kitchen, it's why I fought the carpenter to get zero backsplash on the new sink wall and at least my windows were sealed units.


Then there are the finishes. There is so much going on in this room: saltio floor, Calcutta Gold marble, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel, white and Anigre cabinetry, glass pendants, drum pendant, suspended pan rack and two kinds of wood furniture. Contemporary/traditional, cool/warm, square/rounded - this kitchen doesn't know where it's going.


Individually I love most of the fixtures and fittings but together it doesn't work for me. It's tagged as a Showhome Kitchen. Would you go for it?
via Houzz

Big, Bold & Blue

I would. Would you? Ghislaine Viñas, Benjamin Moore's Hue 2010 Residential Award Winner designed a townhouse in Tribeca that's full of bright color. See the entire townhouse here.
via Herman Miller