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Why Beauty Matters ∇ Roger Scruton BBC from Vue Fine Art & Design on Vimeo . "Beauty is the remedy for the chaos and suffering in human life...The beautiful work of art brings consolation in sorrow and affirmation in joy" - Roger Scruton Last night I watched this video by Roger Scruton from 2009 on his philosophical view of beauty and why it can make or break our lives.  The past decades have moved culture away from the centuries old 'cult of beauty' and Roger (and I) believe this only hurts our lives. Beauty has the power to restore our senses and bring meaning to our existence. Scruton's view of beauty may be rather narrow and classical, which I can appreciate, but the fact remains that one can find beauty everywhere in their life in small moments (something I celebrate on this blog and in instagram) and perhaps even in modern style (sorry Roger!). I would argue that there are many beautiful moments to be found in modern architecture as well, such as the...

Join the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the ICAA in welcoming Charlotte Moss to historic Dumbarton House on May 6, 2015.   Following a reception, Charlotte will speak about her latest book,  Garden Inspirations .  Afterwards she will sign copies of her books. It should be yet another great event sponsored by the ICAA here in DC! Hope to see you all there; be ready to be inspired by this fabulous taste-maker and don't forget to bring a copy of your book to be signed! Tickets are available on the website HERE . Images via Veranda Magazine and Charlotte Moss .

Located in Bathurst, Australia (about a 3 hour drive west of Sydney) is Abercrombie House . This charming English country house style structure was built in the 1870s for William Stewart, the Lieutenant Governor General, or 2nd in command. Since 1969 it has been in the hands of the Morgan family who have restored the house and have it open to the public to help with funding for further care of the house. Don't let "open to the public" fool you; this is a real family home which is probably the most interesting reason to visit the mansion.  Staid house museums can sometimes be a tad boring (even I'll admit that) and seeing an active family in residence and how they live in period style is the main attraction here. This Victorian house mixes elements from many genres but Gothic Revival might be an appropriate moniker if one must be chosen. Reminders of the Stewarts' native Scotland are abundant.  If it weren't for the sunny Australian weather one might imagine o...

Continuing the conversation from last week (Shades of Umber at the Thyssen-Bornemisza HERE ) another direction to go in an art gallery are black walls as seen here at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. My Australian Penpal sent these to me -what do you think?  I'm a fan of black (these almost look to have a blue tint to them in the lighting) as I think it shows all images in sharp contrast. Even at the small scale of these photographs the paintings are instantly recognizable and in sharp detail thanks to the black background. I hate the 'trend' (I even hate the word) for black walls in the home but I think in a gallery or retail space it's a brilliant idea. I wouldn't have kept the same black background here at ArchitectDesign for 9 years if I didn't think it worked!

Adjacent to Cleveland Park is a little wooded area which when one enters feels like the street that Washington forgot.  Springland Lane and the beautiful houses and gardens which have grown into it is a tiny alcove nestled just north of Cleveland Park that until recent times was a farm and vineyard (right near the heart of the city!). On May 23, 2015 the Cleveland Park Historical Society is cohosting a garden tour of the area which is an exclusive look not just at the 16 pretty houses and private gardens but a look at the not too distant agricultural past of the neighborhood. Tickets are available on the website HERE - I hope to see you there!

Who says art museums need white walls?  One of the finest art museums in the world, the Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, sports walls in numerous natural shades of umbers, orange, sienna, and yellow (see my recent post on the Givenchy exhibit in the museum HERE )  The pleasant shades complement the art and flatter the skin; great spot for a date! What do you think of this color palette? The great lighting helps as well. Thanks to my Australian Penpal as always for the photos!