Design Envy: Fox Theatre Atlanta

“If I ruled the world/Imagine that/I’d free all my sons, I love em love em baby/Black diamonds and pearls/Could it be, if you could
be mine, we’d both shine/If I ruled the world/Still livin for today, in these last days and times” ~ If I Ruled The World by Nas

It was a hot Sunday afternoon in Atlanta when Bestie and I decided to take a stroll down Peachtree St.  to the Fox Theatre. When we got there, I was fascinated by the architecture and decor and immediately started taking pictures. There was something about it that drew me in but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Fast forward a few weeks later, the nerd in me (I was a history major in college) decided to Google the Fox Theatre Atlanta and I discovered that the interior and exterior is a mixture of ancient Egyptian and Islamic architecture. I was amazed at how these cultures influenced the design of the Fox Theatre which is also a historic landmark in Atlanta and listed on the National Historic Register.

The Fox Theatre was built in 1929 by French architect Olivier J. Vinour.  Vinour designed the building using Middle Eastern motifs. The Egyptian Ballroom is designed after a temple for Ramses II.  The ladies lounge  features a replica of the throne chair of King Tut and makeup tables feature tiny Sphinxes while the men’s lounge includes hieroglyphic adornments.

Trompe-l’œil, an art technique that makes images appear 3-dimensional, can be found on the ceilings throughout the building.

I am in love with the windows above the doors.

Here’s a glimpse of the Fox Theatre’s exterior. The architecture looks like an Islamic mosque.

The side of the building reminds me of ancient Egyptian pyramids.

Next week I will do a post on the Fox Theatre Detroit or St. Louis. A design comparison would be fun and educational.  Design Minds can pick the best design. Stay tuned.

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Think Outside The Box

“Summer summer summertime/time to sit back and unwind.” ~ Summertime by Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff

Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. As temperatures start to rise, people will begin spending more and more time outdoors eating, entertaining, reading, and sipping lemonade under the shade. Therefore, outdoor living spaces should be a reflection of the style, comfort, function and aesthetics found in the inside of our  homes. Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular over the last few years. During the summer season, stores are filled with a variety of outdoor  furniture, bedding, lights, rugs and accessories to help homeowners bring  interior design to their home’s exterior.  Here are a few photos of what I consider to be cool outdoor cribs…follow me outside.

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Design Envy: To Sit or Not To Sit, That Is The Question

“Now keep in mind I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my ish…” ~ Tyrone by Erykah Badu

I took a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and came across a few treasures. If you have never been to the museum, I highly recommend it. It’s a designers paradise and Art History 101 class under one roof.  Anywhoo, I wanted to share a few pictures of “art” that inspired me.

Isn’t this chair sexy? I can picture it at a trendy hotel lobby or martini bar.

The King of Castle. This is an African handmade chair. Look at the basket weave detail. A-ma-zing!!

Function follows Design. I could point out something I love about each of these chairs.

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Design Envy: Africa Meets The Western World

I first discovered interior designer and furniture designer Alain Michel Fagnidi a couple of years ago on Myspace and immediately fell in love with his work.  Fagnidi merges contemporary styled pieces with his West African heritage to create high-end luxury furniture and home accessories. The company is based in Montreal and New York and has been featured at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC.

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