"Studying . . . "

Greetings,

Quite often I'm asked from where these little musings come.  And, of course, there's rarely an easy answer to that question.  Sometimes it's an interesting trend that I've noticed in a design magazine.  Or a movie or concert that I've recently seen.  But, most often, it's directly connected to things happening here in the office.

Sometimes we're measuring for light fixtures.  Sometimes I'm toiling at my desk, designing custom furniture for a client.  And clearly, sometimes I'm just staring at the grass outside - lol.

But, for the last few days I've been researching traditional English studies and libraries.  I have two current clients in need of the classic style and easy elegance of these amazing spaces.  A place to retreat from the hectic day.  Escape into an amazing novel.  Or just sit and survey the memories of a lifetime of travel.

Chatsworth House, 1995

SMW Design, Nob Hill (photo credit - Nicolas Smith)

Ralph Lauren Home Collection, Fall 2008

SMW Design, San Francisco(photo credit - Nicolas Smith)

The Library of Gil Schafer

Duff House, Scotland

Ralph Lauren's home, from Architectural Digest
(photo credit - Durston Saylor)

SMW Design, San Francisco
(photo credit - Nicolas Smith)

Darin Geise, for San Francisco Magazine
(photo credit - Philip Harvey)

SMW Design, Nob Hill  (photo credit - Nicolas Smith)

Cheers,

Scot

"More Cream than Coffee . . . "

Greetings,

It's a new year (well, it's been a new year for several weeks now, but as previously mentioned in this same space, I've been kinda busy - as in totally busy.)  And one of my favourite aspects of the new year is the new business that always seems to greet me as January begins.  Something fresh.  Something bright and clean.  Something like coffee - but, with a lot of cream.  Heavy cream.

Barbara Barry, for Metropolitan Home

So most of my days are filled with combing through new tile samples, carpet samples, and (my favourite) tons of textile swatches.   Searching through lighting catalogs.  Shopping for bathroom fixtures.   Always focused on my task.  Always on the look-out for something unexpected.

Polished Chrome.

Ivory.

Cream.

Tan.   

Linen Velvet.

Wool Gaberdine.

Grasscloth.

Marble.

Ralph Lauren, 72nd Ave at Madison Ave, New York

Oscar de la Renta, Spring 2011

Robert Passal Interior Design

Katharine Pooley Interior Design, London

Chris Pine, from GQ

Scot Meacham Wood Design, San Francisco

Michael Smith Design

Ralph Lauren, 72nd Ave at Madison Ave, New York

Katharine Pooley Interior Design, London

And the beat goes on . . .
Scot

"A Chill Descends . . . "

Greetings,

Well, it finally happened.  Upon waking this morning, it FINALLY feels like fall here in San Francisco.  That familiar nip in the air.  A early morning spent looking for a favourite cashmere scarf.  And treasuring that first sip of hot coffee.

And that feeling reminds me of the beautiful work of London interior designer, Katharine Pooley.

Brrrrr . . .
Scot

"That Certain Feeling . . . "

Greetings,

And I know you know what I'm talking about.  You've most likely felt it yourself.  Spending a lazy Saturday in bed - flipping through inspiration files.  Seeing a room.  And needing to know more.  Not just examining the academic elements it is composed of . . . but, wanting to hear it whisper its secrets.

Or maybe I just need to get a bit more sleep . . . lol.

blogging and napping,
Scot

from the beautiful work of Jeff Andrews. 

"Design, in Flight . . . "

Greetings,

My sweet friend, and amazing designer, Benjamin Dhong just sent the most exquisite images of his room at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase - and I just HAD to share them. His space was in this marvelously tiny room up on the third floor, with beautiful views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge . . . and a wonderfully intricate roof line of slopping eaves and dormer windows. He was "inspired a chic Parisian garret," and the idea of "flight."

Let me introduce you to . . .

"The Aerie"

- a meditation on winged flight -

by Benjamin Dhong

Beauty, by reflection.

"What could be more wing like than winged victory?

She’s perfectly placed in the dormer window and looks

like she just flew into to room. It’s quite dramatic and

it takes the room to another level."

I'll have to admit, I actually missed one of the best aspects of the room the first time I visited - and frankly, I was on the press tour, and the room was incredibly busy. But on my next visit, during a quiet weekday, I saw it - and it's truly breathtaking. First click on the image above. Then slightly *blur* your eyes.

"To make the room cozy and nest like, we commissioned

decorative painter Linda Horning to paint the most subtle chalky

mural all around the walls and ceiling. You’re sitting under a

canopy of trees…. in the fog. The effect is totally serene

and hypnotic. Restrained and subtle. People’s jaws

drop when they enter the room."

-Benjamin Dhong

And I so love the addition of the Arne Jacobsen egg chair to the room, covered

in a cut velvet from Manuel Canovas. Adding a strong, iconic piece of modern

furniture gives the classic space a great energy. And, for me, it also recalls that image of

being enclosed within wings.

and in what might be the most perfect piece of music to accompany this 'room in flight' . . .

"Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine" by Eric Whitacre.

(seriously, @5:50 second - it's actually flight set to music . . . chilling)

Cheers,

tartanscot

for more information on Benjamin's amazing work, click here.

"Twilight . . . "

SMW Design, San Francisco

Greetings,

I'm often asked from where my inspiration comes. And frankly, there's never an easy answer. I always schedule a series of meetings with all new clients - we talk about the space, review aspects of their home that they love, identify the specific challenges we need to solve, and deal with the nitty gritty issues like budget and schedules . . . but, my favourite discussion revolves around "tell me how you use your home . . ."

And I tend to hear the most fascinating stories. Stories of friends gathered around a piano during the holidays. Stories of quiet nights at home - toasting the end of a busy day with a glass of champagne. The desire for a retreat from the hectic bustle of the day.

And one evening, we were having a late meeting, as they both had long days at their offices . . and we all noticed the beautiful twilight stretching across the night sky. Of the brilliant hues on the horizon. And the lights of the city dancing across the view from the 22nd floor. And in an instant, I saw their new home. Saturated royal and navy. The warmth of camel silk-velvet and mohair. Silk. Leather. With the gleam of polished chrome.

Rich mahogany. Nubby silk. Candlelight. And intimate dinners overlooking the city.

On a table - all ready for entertaining.

Cheers,

tartanscot

all photography, Nicolas Smith, for SMW Design

"Ready. Set. Summer . . . "

Greetings,

Thought I'd share a few pictures from my visit to the Hamptons this week. The weather was beautiful every day. And a few days visiting with friends in these delightful little towns was the perfect way to get me in the mood for summer. Enjoy.

in Southampton.

Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton.

Excellent homemade desserts and pastries. And amazing fresh fruit.

After a day of antique shopping we needed a stop

for lunch at Lobster Roll.

Yummy.

In Sag Harbor.

And a beautiful afternoon at The Surf Lodge in Montauk.

And hours spent looking out at the vastness of the Atlantic.

slightly sunburned,

tartanscot

all photographs, Scot Meacham Wood