Nina Petronzio » Blog

Sweet Magnolia

admin_nina — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:39:30 +0000

The magnolia tree was named after a French botanist from the 1600s named Pierre Magnol, and is a tree that has 90 different species in the U.S. alone. I saw these beauties at Rendezvous Flowers on third street (ask for Joe).

Edith Piaf – La Foule

admin_nina — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:04:00 +0000

The goal of most artists, including interior designers, is to seek to bring out a particular emotion or mood. Edith Piaf never disappointed…

First Non-Utilitarian Chair…?

admin_nina — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:22:27 +0000

One need look no further than ancient Egypt for the earliest surviving physical examples of the Western world’s use of chairs. Egyptian tombs that have been unearthed contain chairs and stools from as far back as the Egyptian Old Kingdom, about 2680 B.C., well preserved by Egypt’s dry air. The most famous example dates to 1352 B.C.: the ornate throne sealed in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen, or King Tut. There is, however, hieroglyphic evidence of chair usage by all strata of society—though certainly not as pervasively as in modern society—dating back at least to the third millennium B.C. (Crantz 1998). These early examples demonstrate basic woodworking skill, which gradually gave way to advanced techniques in woodworking, including sophisticated joints, veneering, ivory and precious metal inlays, and cushioning of virtually all available materials. Indeed, “Egyptian craftsmen…created the fundamentals of all seating furniture,” including folding furniture (de Dampierre 2006).

- Random History

Child's Chair, Tomb of Tutankhamun, around 1325 B.C.E.. Child's Chair

Before Star Maps

admin_nina — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:34:33 +0000

Believe it or not, before there were star maps there were postcards featuring the homes of our beloved silent film stars…

Sleeping with the Fishes…

admin_nina — Sat, 05 May 2012 22:23:34 +0000

Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) is developing an underwater hotel in Dubai. Hmmmm…..

Van Gogh Butter Yellow

admin_nina — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:38:10 +0000

I often use Van Gogh’s chair as a reference for the perfect butter yellow.

Not Just Another Appetizer…

admin_nina — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:46:49 +0000

Not only are artichokes a fantastic source for nutrition, but they really are a beautiful looking vegetable. I will often use them in kitchens, breakfast nooks, and dining rooms in lieu of a floral arrangement. Whether displayed with their stems in a large vase, scattered on a low tray, mixed in with other flowers, or stacked in a deep bowl, artichokes offer a fresh, organic, and clean design element.

Every Girl…

admin_nina — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 22:29:40 +0000

…deserves a gracious ottoman to try on her shoes.

Sophia Loren

Hanging Pretty

admin_nina — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:17:47 +0000

I’m thinking of using this La Murrina chandelier for a project. Love the detail of the leaf designs – a nice blend of sophisticated and organic.

Classic, Classic, Classic.

admin_nina — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:32:30 +0000

Isabella Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman