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| NORD east HOME |
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| NORD east HOME |
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| NORD east HOME |
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| NORD east HOME |
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
The Historic Mansions of Summit Avenue | Saint Paul, Minnesota.
It was one of the last weekends of late summer in Minnesota, when the heart yearned to spend every warm minute outdoors soaking up the beauty of the season.
The Twin Cities which consist of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have distinct personalities. Saint Paul is influenced by early Irish, French & German Catholic heritage.
We decided to explore Summit Avenue which is the preserved heritage neighbourhood of Victorian mansions. It extends from the very majestic Cathedral Of Saint Paul with it's copper dome to a 5-mile length of the avenue.
There are many organised tours held by the Minnesota Historical Society, since ours was an impromptu trip we just decided to walk as far as our legs would take us, enjoying the weather and marvelling at the 19th century architecture.
Most of the mansions were built in 1860's by Railroad and Lumbar Barons.
The gateway to a bygone era.
As we passed each Victorian style mansion, we realised they very so unique and distinct in design.
This mansion covered with vine was built 1858 and probably one of the oldest in the neighbourhood.
Our vibrant path.
There are many notable buildings like the James J. Hill House, F. Scott Fitzgerald House and Frank B. Kellogg House in the neighbourhood.
The George W. Freeman was built in 1884. The blended style of the orange stone home is called Romanesque Revival, but they took it to a new level replacing stone columns with white Corinthian period Roman columns and even capped it off Spanish style red terracotta roof. For its day the blending of this many differing styles must have made the house a great statement piece of art.
The famous F. Scott Fitzgerald row house. This is the place where he spent most of his youth and apparently wrote his first novel 'This Side of Paradise.'
The House of Hope Presbyterian Church
Hope readers of Rang Decor liked the historical walk on Summit Avenue with it's rich 19th century architectural styles. While researching I learnt a lot about the Victorian, Colonial Revival, Classical Revival styles.
Do click on the links to read in detail about the history of various mansions. If you find yourself in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The historical tour of Summit Avenue is a must do:-)
(Photographs by Arch & are copyrighted. Reference from Wikipedia, Minnesota Historical Society)
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Farrow and Ball Parma Gray: Colour Study
Remember this dresser from this Victorian conversion I shared a while back?
{As if you could forget...}
It's painted in Farrow and Ball's Parma Gray.
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray Dresser |
Yes, once again, the English company have, in their wisdom, chosen to spell their greys the American way....
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray Dining Room |
If you're shying away from all the greys and neutrals that have been flying around then Farrow and Ball's Parma Gray, despite its name, is definitely a paint to consider.
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray looking particularly blue! |
Be aware that Parma Gray is one of the biggest culprits, in my opinion, for having images that don't do it justice - sure, they look pretty, but if you buy a tin of paint based on images like this front door....
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| A misleading image of Farrow and Ball Parma Gray front door |
...then you're going to be disappointed. The lighting of the camera has made the image distort a little. This is what you should expect with Farrow and Ball Parma Gray on a front door...
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray front door |
It's listed in the blue spectrum by Farrow and Ball because in most lights, this shade most definitely shows up as a colour. Yes, it's gentle; yes, it's sophisticated. But don't go this route if it's a grey you're looking for.
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| Soothink and elegant! - Farrow and Ball Parma Gray |
And, if you can get your head around this idea, Farrow and Ball Parma Gray is a paint colour that gives the same feeling as a grey. I know that sounds odd but it gives the same elegant, restful vibe.
| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray coordinating with the table football! |
The only way that Parma Gray will look grey is if there is very strong, white light that will drown out the blue tones: for example, halogen lighting....
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray looking rather grey under the strong white light |
...or from strong natural light that's still cool....
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray looking greyer with the cool natural light |
...or a large flat surface, such as a floor...
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| Floor painted in Farrow and Ball Parma Gray and Cook's Blue - plus a cupboard in Farrow and Ball Manor House Grey |
...but, otherwise, expect the blue notes to shine out...
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray |
...and to contrast beautifully with chalky whites...
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| Gorgeous roll top bath in Farrow and Ball Parma Gray |
I think my favourite way to use Farrow and Ball Parma Gray is on furniture...
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| Dresser in Farrow and Ball Parma Gray |
...such as this stunning chest of drawers painted in Parma Gray with the backdrop of Farrow and Ball Hague Blue on the walls...
| Chest of drawers in Farrow and Ball Parma Gray |
and specifically kitchen cabinets, where it contrasts stunningly with cooler white walls....
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray kitchen |
{For information on my other Colour studies, click away...}
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| Farrow and Ball Parma Gray kitchen |
Farrow and Ball Parma Gray is a firm blue: soft without being twee, and gentle while still making a statement. A perfect Modern Country paint colour!
Imagges via Period Living, Secrets D'atelier, Desing sponge, Cute Decor, Remodelista, unknown, We Bought A French House, Celia Bedialia, unknown, Farrow and Ball, unknown, Country Living, Country Homes and Interiors, Kyra Algazi, Landmark Kitchens, Peter Henderson Furntire,