I'm BAAAAACK

Hello my fellow decour buffs!

I cannot believe that it has been nearly a year since I have posted on j'adore. I would like to apologize for my long absence without explanation. I took on a new job and moved into a new home...and unfortunately, I was unable to post the way I wanted to but my love of decor is STILL alive and aloft. In short, I'm back. I found the following photographs of some spaces that I think are just simple and wonderfully elegant from Architectural Digest.

What I love about these spaces is the subtle detailing and mixing of styles. In this first room, the element that was most intriguing for me is the earthen pot sitting at the base of the steps, adding a bit of texture to a room that is all smooth lines and angles. Also, check out the floating wall. This is a fantastic way to break up the space in a room without breaking continuity and creating the look of a larger space. Definitely going to experiment with this!
This next space I fell for because it seems to be the polar opposite of the one above. This room is all texture and earth with some clean lines added in for contrast with the bed, chair and flooring. Excellent use of contrast if you ask me!

The kitchen below is my dream country home space. Leaving the exposed beams is an excellent way to incorporate the country with the modern (not surprisingly, this was the name of the feature article in A.D.)

Well for my first post back, I hope that you enjoyed the spaces. You WILL be seeing me around again and MUCH more often with spaces J'adore!

That Side of the Mississippi - Spotlight Minnesota

Last year some die hard New Yorkers picked this gorgeous pad out in the Mid-West and worked wonders with it. The exposed wood, brick and steel of this old flour mill in Minnesota are complimented by sleek and modern style choices. I found this article in The Times and couldn't resist sharing.

J'adore that side of the Mississippi...
or at least this apartment and the genius that decorated it...

Santiago Calatrava - The Quadracci Pavilion

Tucked away in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is one of the most beautifully avant garde buildings I have ever seen. The Milwaukee Art Museum. It was completed in 2001 and designed by spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

The dynamic form, massive size and innovative structure are just the beginning. Calatrava designed the building to be a moving work of art. The 90 ton, 217 foot wings adorning the outside of the edifice, The Burke Brise Soleil, actually move... amazing.

See for yourself: