tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84747175392244812242012-01-25T09:41:20.977-08:00notes on dec arts & design from the hinterlandsChrista Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-19873772108875774442012-01-25T08:45:00.000-08:002012-01-25T09:41:20.986-08:00

I am so excited to see the American paintings galleries at the Met are finally open to the public again, as of January 16th.  They are a wonderful complement to the American Wing with its period rooms and furniture galleries (of course my true love at the Met).  My only sadness is that it will likely be a while before I can make it to NY to view the galleries.  When I studied at

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-7061649540827379932012-01-18T08:28:00.000-08:002012-01-18T08:29:22.527-08:00

I love the ever increasing interest in Steampunk and Dark Nostalgia styles within the world of interiors.  If you are not familiar with these trends (you probably are even if you do not know the terms), well, that is a blog for another day...coming soon (but think updated Victorian, mixed with technology and a rough industrial element...the film equivalent would be the latest iteration of

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-22425072460688990662012-01-12T07:18:00.000-08:002012-01-12T08:00:05.891-08:00

I had the opportunity to work on a kitchen renovation last year, and it turned out it was an ideal project to create an eclectic, unique look with the cabinetry.  It has become more popular in recent years to stray from the typical matching cabinetry throughout a kitchen.  Using different finishes and colors can create a wonderfully fresh look in a kitchen, and can be very effective in older

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-57375724772260834472012-01-04T17:32:00.000-08:002012-01-04T17:33:34.170-08:00

I suppose since I went on and on about how great the Clift by Starck was a few weeks ago, I should also give you a peak at where I actually stayed in San Francisco, a hotel I would have blogged about first if I hadn't been staying just a few feet away from a Starck hotel.  The Hotel Monaco is a Kimpton Hotel.  Bill Kimpton is a man I have much respect for...almost as much as

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-9632617812528723662011-12-27T10:49:00.000-08:002011-12-27T12:52:22.951-08:00

It has been a great 'christmas present' to get photos of four projects from my photographer.  I hope you enjoy them too! As I said a few weeks ago, bathrooms are fun.  Here are 2 other great ones from the same house- the powder and the master.  It is so rewarding to take a pretty typical builder home and make the spaces feel custom and luxurious.  I would love to bathe in the master...I think it

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-78950889442350687312011-12-07T06:47:00.000-08:002011-12-07T06:57:00.125-08:00

Anyone who knows me or my design sensibilities knows that I LOVE the designs of Philippe Starck, that crazy, arrogant Frenchman.  And it has been a goal of mine to view as many Starck hotels as possible, even if not to stay in them all, which would be nice, but my pocketbook cannot afford too many nights in Starck hotels quite yet.  A few weeks ago I was in San Francisco and while I was unable to

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-60573935361769572362011-11-30T09:55:00.000-08:002011-11-30T09:57:12.113-08:00

Some months ago I had the great opportunity to help a friend rennovate her home office space. Jennifer Armitstead is a very successful small business owner working in job placement and career coaching- check out her business- JA Career Coaching- and website here. (And note the great job we did of incorporating her logo colors into her office space!) Jennifer needed a more professional space to

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-3940310148845821082011-11-24T12:07:00.000-08:002011-11-24T12:10:39.753-08:00

While I am thankful for lots of things in my personal life, today I wanted to share my thanks for my wonderful clients I have been privileged to work with this past year. I have been lucky enough not only to have (almost) more than enough work than I know what to do with, but also to have clients that have allowed me to develop projects I believe in creatively, and also clients that have been

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-79366788912953332262011-11-15T08:19:00.000-08:002011-11-15T08:32:23.897-08:00

I felt as a small business owner myself, I wanted to call attention to the 'Small Business Saturday' push that is happening for the second year during the biggest shopping weekend of the year.  I think it is a great initiative and a great opportunity to find great small businesses in your area.  Check out the facebook page if you want to find out more, and other small business owners- lets

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-55066107350461246952011-11-11T12:41:00.000-08:002011-11-11T12:47:41.061-08:00

I am currently working on a bedroom for an utterly adorable one-year-old.  It is a wonderful type of project that I don't often get to work on.  Kids rooms are often considered less important than the main living spaces in a home, and it is assumed the kids will pretty much destroy anything nice in the space regardless.  However, I would claim that a well designed children's room can mean a much

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-90888582677588676602011-11-02T06:18:00.000-07:002011-11-02T06:18:20.770-07:00

I just love designing bathrooms.  Especially when you have great clients who are interested in doing something unique and fun.  Bathrooms are not nearly as involved as kitchens, and there are such endless options for tile and fixtures these days.  I recently finished a particularly fun project with wonderful clients.  This is a secondary bathroom in their basement which will function as a 'spa'

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-55132838162796112152011-10-24T10:06:00.000-07:002011-10-25T07:34:22.585-07:00

I have been off line for a few weeks, being really busy with clients both old and new.  It has been great, but I regret having neglected my blogging duties.  So now I am back.  In addition to working like nuts, there have been some additional really great developments.  I have had 3 great projects photographed by a wonderful recent photography graduate from the Art Institute, Melissa McCafferty

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-64714627022787679722011-09-29T07:12:00.000-07:002011-09-29T07:19:23.605-07:00

Well, here is Salt Lake it is estimated to hit 90 tomorrow (only 88 today) and I am really missing fall weather as we approach October in just 2 days.  It is not only that wonderfully crisp air, but the fall foliage and weekends in New England that I miss...the historic homes, the stone walls and the overall ooze of charm.  Yes, I miss the east coast.  Sure, there are leaves and

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-23059770064696412402011-09-21T07:14:00.000-07:002011-09-21T09:58:35.676-07:00

Christie's has dubbed Liz Taylor's jewels "The Crown Jewels of Hollywood", and I can see why. And you have to get some sense of scale with this ring... Wow.  This is some pretty amazing stuff...certainly rivaling anything the British have on display at the Tower of London.  And despite the fact I am disappointed Sothebys

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-63475135094250506952011-09-11T17:01:00.000-07:002011-09-14T08:04:39.622-07:00

OK, so I am late to recognize the allure of Mad Men...I just started watching season 1 on netflix recently.  But it certainly has appeal in terms of the visuals, in addition to plot, charecters, writing...  And what I really enjoy is seeing that not everything in the era was eames and knoll.  No, the family home is full of antiques...got to love those federal dining chairs.  Anyway

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-85787131393805555432011-09-07T06:39:00.000-07:002011-09-07T06:39:17.391-07:00

Anyone immersed in the world of interiors is well aware of the statement made by the ever-present and highly prominent design-related coffee table book. These books can be seen in every single living room shot of any design project in any design mag. Aren't I right? Believe me, I love the look, but sometimes it is a bit overdone. Do these people (who are not in fact designers

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-66997795163564093932011-08-30T18:24:00.000-07:002011-08-30T18:24:39.478-07:00

There seems to be more and more 'exclusive' special sale websites popping up in all avenues of internet sales.  Recently there seems to be a plethora of home sites that have manifested, such as the Foundry and One King's Lane.  While they try to maintain an air of exclusivity and membership, they are still pretty darn open to the public.  But their main function is to offer up supposed

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-8455372960274867682011-08-24T19:33:00.000-07:002011-08-24T19:33:24.031-07:00

((Anyone know which house is shown above?)) I must say I am happy to hear that house sizes are decreasing in the United States. I understand a universal desire for more space, however, for me, there is some special quality to a small home that cannot ever compete with the cavernous. There is a usefulness to spaces that don't exist in large homes... in large homes there just seems

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-35084295403282226572011-08-14T07:27:00.000-07:002011-08-14T07:29:25.487-07:00

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-54433697563124112872011-08-10T21:41:00.000-07:002011-08-11T07:09:00.333-07:00

Calling all SLC followers... check out the Tribune this Saturday, August 13th, and look for an article about living in small spaces....I am in fact an expert contributor said article! I will post the article (if it does my design reputation any justice, that is) next week for those that do not have access to this fine Salt Lake rag :)   

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-26441998516709525362011-08-03T19:33:00.000-07:002011-08-03T19:33:59.641-07:00

It has been less than 2 weeks since the Norway attacks and the event is still fresh in my mind.  So I thought I would use Norway as my subject matter for this week's blog.  When I visited last month I was able to visit the Viking ship that is being built in Tonsberg as an exact replica - using all original tools and techniques that were used when it was made in 800- of the

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-85774436339478585672011-07-25T15:49:00.000-07:002011-07-25T15:50:36.696-07:00

Those of you who are in SLC, and in the design field in any way shape or form, I invite you to attend our Interior Design Guild Lecture Series this Wednesday at 6pm.  The school is located at 121 Election Rd in Draper just off 1-15.  I know it will be fascinating, with the knowledgeable gallery owner Maren Bargreen teaching us all about buying artwork for clients and such.

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-53054154485837412492011-07-20T06:51:00.000-07:002011-07-20T06:51:56.306-07:00

Well, it will still be some weeks before my current design baby is ready to show off in full, but I could not help but snap a few photos on site this past week.  It is looking pretty great, if I must say so myself.  However it is certainly not all because of me- I must give lots of credit to a fantastic contractor and amazing client.  Without these two, the project would never have come together

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-27889821449809361762011-07-12T07:13:00.000-07:002011-07-15T06:21:09.099-07:00

Of course I had grand designs for my few days in NYC, but at the end of the day, I just enjoyed being there.  It was quite a treat just wandering the streets, doing some window shopping, and sitting in Central Park watching New York go by.  And the relaxing day was perfect on the eve of returning to teaching and several design projects in contruction.  I am now paying the price

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-29254053532496789472011-06-30T14:09:00.000-07:002011-06-30T15:01:56.814-07:00

While I must admit I am not much of a golfer, I believe I could be talked into loving the game if I were able to regularly hang out in this golf clubhouse close to my family's home in Norway.  The clubhouse is in fact a 19th century home that was owned by a poet in the 20th century which has been converted by a local that has a natural nack for

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-51746302084409057792011-06-24T02:46:00.000-07:002011-06-24T02:47:48.385-07:00

After a crazy whirlwind trip to good ole' NYC to visit a whole lot of friends and relatives, I am installed in Norway visiting a whole lot more relatives and just plain relaxing.  So much so, that my lovely intern is even supplying a blog for me this week.  Isn't that wonderful of her?  She is such a great help.  But never fear, there are lots of photos of charming Norway on their way. And here

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-74598019985365962572011-06-12T13:55:00.000-07:002011-06-22T06:25:34.421-07:00

Sorry for being so far behind with posts the last 2 weeks, but as I prepare to head out of the country for 2 weeks I am working on wrapping up several projects, and working ahead as to avoid too many issues on other projects....so hense the lack of blogging.  I love working on projects with a construction element, like bathroom renovations, of which I am currently doing 4,

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-24085735388572915802011-05-25T06:45:00.000-07:002011-05-26T05:40:10.660-07:00

I know, I know, everyone with a design blog has already ohh'd and ahh'd over the King's Speech sets many months ago.  While I shall ohh and ahh (ohh, ahh), I will also note how remarkably diverse the interiors and furniture was in this film.  So many production directors get obsessed with creating a perfect time capsule of a certain period, and loose sight of the fact that nobody (

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-52623956548132086742011-05-21T10:30:00.000-07:002011-05-21T10:31:04.911-07:00

As I get ready to make my annual pilgrimage to the world center of arts and culture and well, pretty much everything, (ie NYC), I decided to plan my usual trip to the Met, and see what exhibitions are on, and which really great ones that will already be gone by the time I get there (the inevitable).  Of course the rooftop exhibitions are always a summer treat, (really just an excuse to get the

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-83076621305662300002011-05-15T20:45:00.000-07:002011-05-16T20:15:07.325-07:00

It is finally spring in the Intermountain West (just a bit late and yes, it will be summer tomorrow), and I thought I would post a photo I took way back in 1999 while living in Paris and visiting Versailles.  Somehow, this just screams spring to me.  I am happy to see the bright sky these days, of course wishing Versailles was still only an hour from my apartment.  Oh well, at least it was once.

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-78418958713245976582011-05-05T20:11:00.000-07:002011-05-08T09:38:33.154-07:00

Anyone who knows me (or has been taught by me) knows how much I love Philippe Starck as a designer.  And let me be clear here, love AS A DESIGNER!  I also think he is quite a self-centered, bizarre, overweight, ego-obsessed Frenchman.  Need I say more here?  I think not. I am quite confident that many of my design students however, consider him quite dated and very 90s.  But can I help

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-83482516139822264292011-04-27T11:12:00.000-07:002011-04-27T11:13:52.037-07:00

My lovely client really wanted to open up her living room and create a fresh light space.  She was very drawn to the warmth and brightness of option 3, and ultimately we went with mostly 3, with some touches of 2 to keep it fresh. #2: #3: Now before we do the 'before and after' shots, I must say there are still finishing touches to be had.  Artwork on the wall is still in progress, but will

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-82806964556406248552011-04-20T12:52:00.000-07:002011-04-20T12:52:11.727-07:00

One of my favorite phases in any design project is coming up with concept boards which give the overall look and feel of my design vision without having to worry too much about specifics of size, material, and practicality.  I guess I have a bit of a graphic designer's soul.  I love putting colors and forms together on a 2D surface.  Of course it is even more satisfying to see the whole thing

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-47552976350129629882011-04-13T11:35:00.000-07:002011-04-17T08:26:53.696-07:00

I knew I was on to something. I just knew it. An interior design degree and a master's in antiques. Well what do you know, Sotheby's Institute is now offering a program in New York that gets you a joint Master's in Decorative Art History as well as a certificate in interior design. Of course the certificate is a certificate and not a bachelors, and is not from Parsons. So I still have a

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-12368603146799585002011-04-10T17:04:00.000-07:002011-04-10T21:47:14.781-07:00

I must apologize to all my loyal followers for being out of touch for a little while.  But you see, blogging is near the bottom of the 'to do' list when visiting the pleasant isles of Hawaii.  However, I did manage to get off the beach for a few minutes to take photos of one of my favorite hotels in Waikiki.  Alas, Waikiki is a bit slim in the great designer hotel catagory, something that the

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-33247191889831327372011-03-24T09:26:00.000-07:002011-03-25T16:46:43.396-07:00

I was so thrilled when my husband spotted, on BBC.com, an image of a Prada store in Marfa, Texas (the home of Donald Judd's museum, The Chinati Foundation).  The image was in a section about odd roadside attractions in the US.  I knew immediately it must be installtion art.  There is NOTHING in Marfa other than the Judd museum.  And there is NOTHING close by.  Not even remotely close by.  This

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-66703911199862290362011-03-20T09:50:00.000-07:002011-03-20T09:50:57.872-07:00

In light of the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I thought I would share some images of the amazing architecture that has been produced by the Japanese.  The simplicity and grace of these structures speak for themselves.  Kumamoto Castle: Matsumoto Castle: Nijo Castle in Kyoto (one of the few I have been lucky enough to visit): Shofukuji Hall:

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-90337633660720882032011-03-10T07:51:00.000-08:002011-03-20T09:50:42.340-07:00

The Victorian era is such an odd time period for antique furniture.  Many find the furniture horrid and ugly, while others love it.  And really, the interest in the period only seems to be growing, but it still has a LONG way to go in the respect and price departments when compared to Chippendale or Federal furniture (or pretty much ANY other time period).  I was recently researching a set of

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-13280387084878896512011-03-04T09:40:00.000-08:002011-03-04T09:45:29.812-08:00

If you are an Antiques Roadshow groupie you likely have heard about Leslie & Leigh Keno's first line of furniture for Theodore Alexander. The furniture is exquisitely simple and elegant, and not (thank god) straight copies of early American furniture. While some are surprised by the styles, I am not. The craftsmanship, beautiful woods, and attention to detail both men find so attractive in early

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-89763139703216113632011-02-19T08:02:00.000-08:002011-02-19T11:50:27.447-08:00

Today would have been Brancusi's 135th birthday, and as he is one of my favorite sculptors, I thought I would share some of his works.  I was very happy to see him featured on google this morning: Brancusi was a great modernist sculptor, certainly very influencial on mimimalism.  I just love the simplicity of his forms and their overwhelming grace.  All of his pieces seem so carefully

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-76736387305837670882011-02-10T13:35:00.000-08:002011-02-10T13:36:04.457-08:00

Well, today I feel I have truely entered the design blogosphere.  Apartment Therapy has published my own home!  Please check it out...comments are most welcome!  http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/interior-design/interior-design-decoration-by-christa-pirl-professional-project-139032 And anyone wanting more images of the same project, check out my post from August:  http://

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-40005702340411647912011-02-04T08:04:00.000-08:002011-02-04T08:16:51.818-08:00

Ok, so nothing can replace actually being in one of the world's greatest museums with your nose only an inch from a masterpiece, however, google has created the next best thing. Their recently unveiled 'Google Art Project' is essentially a high res interior version of their street views. This is a most amazing thing. It's not even really worth describing, just go. And enjoy. http://

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-1338801802176988162011-01-28T17:19:00.000-08:002011-01-29T09:24:32.517-08:00

A few weeks ago I was quite taken by the "Super White" interiors of Danish shop owner Tine Kjeldsen that were published on Apartment Therapy.  View them here.  I just love the freshness and light that oozes from this Danish home.  And the contrast between the crisp white and very textural, natural woods and woven sisal carpets.  I was so inspired in fact, that I dug out some Scandinavian home

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-78436497680865832462011-01-21T08:28:00.000-08:002011-01-21T12:34:56.804-08:00

Louis Mantin appears to have stepped right out of Against Nature, the wonderfully decadant novel about a Frenchman who desires only to live in solitude with his beautiful things.  This week Mantin's chateau was opened to the public 105 years after his death.  Mantin had no children and in his will, requested the house be sealed for 100 years and then re-opened.  In true French

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-91053112149536083612011-01-13T08:14:00.000-08:002011-01-13T08:19:31.074-08:00

On January 23rd, Sotheby's will be auctioning off the collection of Mr. & Mrs. Hascoe, he was an engineer (with many major semiconductor patents) and she a scientist. They sure had taste in furniture and art, these two left-brainers. A few of my favorite pieces are: this wonderful pair of Queen Anne chairs for $15,000-$30,000: A great little klismos chair

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-56567771480967626122011-01-06T18:32:00.000-08:002011-03-21T10:44:15.336-07:00

Well, as anyone that reads this blog or has ever employed me knows I love a good gallery wall with a well-arranged collection of artwork.  So why do I not have one of my own, one might ask?  Well, now I do.  While it is still a work in progress, I do enjoy it quite a bit more than the very large blank wall that existing in the spot prior.  My bathroom is pretty much the only drab room still in

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-44935058582685674712010-12-30T11:28:00.000-08:002010-12-30T13:50:24.497-08:00

My hubby knows me pretty well, and one of his Christmas presents to me this year, was Warman's Antiques & Collectibles 2011 Price Guide.  It is quite the tome of random items, some of which have sold for quite impressive prices in the recent past.  An ideal gift for a hoarder of all things old like me.  While I always enjoy reviewing the current pricing of fine antique

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-81823326551658257212010-12-21T09:27:00.000-08:002010-12-23T10:22:34.524-08:00

I know, I know, I am several days behind with this post, but you know how the holidays are!  So, I will merely say thanks so much for following my blog this past year (and your patience when I am late).  I really do appreciate the support and all the comments.  Have a great holiday season, and I leave you with a few shots of my somewhat low-key decor this year. We decided against a full-sized

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-71594336409940187092010-12-09T17:01:00.000-08:002010-12-10T15:05:02.841-08:00

Wow, life in France in the 1950s seemed to be all dancing girls, booze and cigarettes. Wait a minute, that is pretty much what France is like now too...except maybe for some extra student protesters and strikes...isn't it? At least seemed that way when I lived there a decade ago :) Some weeks ago I came across a wonderfully printed and presented French magazine from Dec

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-814082958474028862010-12-03T18:08:00.000-08:002010-12-06T15:11:48.627-08:00

No matter how great I know a piece will look after being reupholstered, I am still always utterly breathtaken at the first sight after the deed is done.  One of my all-time favorite clients just got this chair back from the upholsterer.  While it was a wonderful late Victorian chair to begin with, I knew a fresh layer of fabric would give it new life.  The pink was just not doing it anymore. Here

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-53446892480581706072010-11-25T21:23:00.000-08:002010-11-26T10:39:20.129-08:00

Hope you are all stuffed with really good turkey right about now! My final table arrangement before dinner: And after: Happy Thanksgiving!

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-43404304128482461682010-11-18T17:40:00.000-08:002010-11-19T09:21:09.959-08:00

Ok, Ok, so maybe last week's post was, in fact, a bit too disturbing.  But you have to admit it is fascinating stuff!  Let's change gears completely and talk about holiday decorating!  While I adamantly declared there would be no Halloween decorating tips on this blog, Thanksgiving is another thing.  Without children in the house, I find Halloween somewhat uninteresting.  However, Thanksgiving is

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-74256321199714303952010-11-12T15:14:00.000-08:002010-11-12T16:27:06.058-08:00

It seems as though the Halloween House was pretty popular a few weeks ago, so I thought I would share some furniture from the slightly distrubing world of another Art Nouveau designer: Rupert Carabin.  He is part of the Symbolist sub-catagory of Art Nouveau, a sub-catagory usually associated with the female figure and fairly obvious sensual overtones.  Carabin not only fits into this sub-cataory,

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-145151100802479632010-11-04T21:19:00.000-07:002011-08-21T08:58:39.294-07:00

Who would have thought the MoMA Store would be a great place to find affordable pieces of design?  Recently I have been working with some younger clients which is lots of fun.  Despite the fact they have somewhat smaller budgets, they are also very open to different design ideas and just having some fun with their space.  Often I troll the standards such as CB2 and West Elm, but

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-70057001813627610912010-10-28T08:55:00.000-07:002010-10-28T09:02:06.565-07:00

Sorry guys, anyone looking for fun and creative halloween decorating tips better head over to MarthaStewart.com.  However, if you want to see a spooky German version of the Art Nouveau style, stick around. I was recently lecturing on Art Nouveau to my interior design students, and while going through some old notes, I came across a little-known building called the Elvira Studio in Munich.  Built

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-58068884266451253112010-10-23T10:12:00.000-07:002010-10-23T10:18:39.331-07:00

My father has been collecting masks his entire life, and has ended up with quite an impressive collection.  Of course he had the benefit of travelling around the world on a regular basis for business, and was able to collect a most impressive mix of masks, heads, and relief sculptures from a wide variety of far flung places.  And what a great way to fill a large blank wall!  Of course proper

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-36916929323995114632010-10-14T08:51:00.000-07:002010-10-14T11:04:19.576-07:00

Many houses these days have living rooms with extremely high ceilings.  Often times such large expanses of wall created by these ceiling heights are left empty and a bit sad looking.  I am a huge advocate of the Victorian/European style of hanging art....the old school museum style hanging (otherwise known as filling up the wall space as much as possible).  While some might find it cluttered, I

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-715938132707935112010-10-08T09:52:00.000-07:002010-10-08T09:53:31.148-07:00

Sure, Victorian furniture is likely the absolute least popular of the historic styles, and probably rightly so.  Much of it is gaudy, overly carved and decorated, machine-made instead of handmade, yet, it has its own certain appeal.  At least after a while of looking at it and learning about it.  I absolutely dreaded my impending Victorian lessons during my

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-16695039844315366122010-10-01T08:52:00.000-07:002010-10-01T10:59:03.182-07:00

As you all know by now, I love anything antique mixed with the uber contemporary (or somewhat contemporary). I recently did a talk for ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) about using antiques in new ways, and I thought I would share some of the images I found which were most inspiring. Of course anything as elegant and refined as the below deserves a nod. Diaz-Azcuy is a very

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-75216704790223245732010-09-24T08:54:00.000-07:002010-09-24T08:56:01.425-07:00

Last weekend as I was perusing a local flea market, I came across the above architectural remnant which I could simply not resist.  For some reason any broken down somewhat classically inspired hunk of stone just calls to me.  Luckily, this hunk of stone was priced extremely well, at only $20! Sold.  How perfect, now I have a stately crest outside my front door, and a stately lion inside.  OK, os

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-19373084278011329302010-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:002010-09-18T16:30:29.724-07:00

I am currently teaching a 101 college level art history class, and many of these students have had very, very limited exposure to art prior to this class. Yes, this past Wednesday evening, as we discussed Environmental Art, I was completely and utterly thrilled when I flashed up this image by Christo (an artist none of them had heard of prior):  and several of my students happily exclaimed: "It's

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-81040173754480182182010-09-09T13:54:00.000-07:002010-09-09T16:19:47.661-07:00

I just started reading Devil In the White City by Eric Larson for the second time (one of my all time favorite books- please read) and just cannot stop thinking about all the great architectural detailing by Louis Sullivan and the like in late 19th century Chicago (not to mention all the weirdo exhibits at the world's fair). I happened to take some photos of said detailing that has been

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-78390158920238404622010-09-04T10:00:00.000-07:002010-09-04T10:01:06.646-07:00

I am sure the Oval Office redo is already old news, but I feel I need to throw my two cents in anyway.  First, I must say that I DO understand it is the Oval Office and therefore needs to be somewhat restrained.  And I also understand we are in the greatest recession since the Depression and no one wants to see Obama spending a fortune on an elaborate Oval Office redesign.  However, why bother at

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-86478194859024273412010-08-28T14:49:00.000-07:002010-09-09T13:13:32.471-07:00

I recently wrote a short article for a local Salt Lake antiques magazine (Wasatch Antiques & Collectibles)  about getting the younger generations interested in antiques. I was responding to this article: The article notes that baby-boomers cannot interest their children in their precious, long-loved antique collection built up over a lifetime.  No one under 50 has

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-75799129930880581892010-08-18T14:02:00.000-07:002010-08-18T14:04:17.627-07:00

 Due to the popularity of the posting of my own home, I thought I would feature another one of my design projects, even though its been on my company website for some months. Blogging is always a different experience, right? So here is the lovely home of a great client in New York City, completed in 2009. Of course its always good to start with a nice space.  And this certainly was, in

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-67657033475254088832010-08-12T11:48:00.000-07:002010-08-12T11:59:41.805-07:00

  As the design of my home finally pulled together after months of work, it was finally time to consider those last minute touches which can be so much fun and so frustrating at the same time. When looking for interesting vases in various consignment and thrift shops around Salt Lake, I found a nice large round one, almost a pure sphere, with a lid. I purchased it for $12 and thought it might be

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-59406157276490782492010-08-05T09:56:00.000-07:002011-10-24T10:05:37.277-07:00

Well, it's finally time. I am finally letting you into my own home in hopes that everyone will want my unique style sense and will flock to Christa Pirl Interiors in droves. Well, maybe one or two of you? Designing one's own place is always a challenge. Many would think it would be completely liberating for a designer...to have complete control....to create a space that embodies your every

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-82780327391680162332010-07-30T09:29:00.000-07:002010-07-30T09:29:58.406-07:00

I have always had a fascination with guardian lions. Despite the fact lions are quite violent creatures that likely caused much havoc when we humans roamed the African plains, we seem to be drawn to their form. The oldest known lion depiction is a 32,000 year old cave painting in Germany. Apparently the Europeans have always loved the lion. Of course the Chinese have used lion

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-59308174354849929302010-07-22T20:17:00.000-07:002010-07-30T10:11:56.716-07:00

Sure, those of you outside of the land of Zion are wondering why the 4th is being celebrated so late on this weird blog from the hinterlands. Well, that is because in Utah no one cares much about our national holiday. That's right. The 4th? Nope. The real holiday is the 24th, the day the first Mormon pioneers arrived in Salt Lake: Pioneer Day. Much more important than any signing of any kind of

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-85760816490558459522010-07-15T09:32:00.000-07:002010-07-15T15:51:31.699-07:00

Those of you from the West likely did not experience the joys of Epcot as a child. What kind of parent would take you all the way to Florida when there was a perfectly good Disneyland over in California. Well, let me tell you, there is a difference. As an East Coaster, Epcot was always an integral part of any Disney World (not Land) trip despite the strong yearning for the fun rides of the Magic

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-64758830261807121242010-07-08T11:24:00.000-07:002010-07-08T15:57:25.226-07:00

Well, as you can imagine, my clients must take precedence over the blog this week, as I am just back from a very nice vacation and have neglected them for almost three whole weeks. So, today you will have to go without much of my usual witty and highly informative commentary and just enjoy the photos....hopefully you will be missing the wit:) As requested, here is a bit more Norway charm. It

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-73179322697071641992010-07-02T04:27:00.000-07:002010-07-02T06:02:24.524-07:00

I am trying...I am trying really hard to keep my Norway blogging to just one week. However, that seems to be an impossible task. We may be in the hinterlands again, but there is lots to cover. So today I will show you two extremely different buildings, and if anyone wants more, I will do another round of Norway pics next week...just let me know....or I may just decide to do it anyway. 1. NEW IN

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-65380219214742212152010-06-24T11:58:00.000-07:002010-06-24T14:51:33.586-07:00

Well, I must say it's very good I no longer live in Manhattan because I fear I would abandon all my clients just to blog about exhibitions, buildings, and random design events ALL THE TIME! There is far too much going on here, and I must say I am almost looking forward to the slower pace of Utah, where there are, of course, always things to blog about, but maybe just one or two things per week

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-46268567064897710172010-06-17T18:19:00.000-07:002010-06-27T04:39:41.513-07:00

Designers and architects often become fixated on one type of furniture, and often, it seems, it is the humble chair. And amazingly enough, I am no exception to that rule. I LOVE all chairs...the more bizarre, the better. Well, to some extent. I am not too sure about these..... (Mathias Bengtsson's 'Slice' armchair ca. 1999, sold at Sotheby's for $42,500) (Jon Brooks 'Styx Ladder back', 1985, 

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-35615727798476655072010-06-10T22:19:00.000-07:002010-06-27T03:00:10.526-07:00

Today, as I sit watching the rain and hoping for a fabulous and fierce thunderstorm I know will never come to this high desert, I am feeling somewhat introspective. I thought we might revisit the ideas I touched upon briefly in the first blog and maybe I could better explain my design philosophy- if anyone is interested. And I also feel as though I am waiting. Waiting for a number of highly

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-71254741789615236082010-06-03T22:19:00.000-07:002010-06-27T02:37:31.691-07:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit a little-known sculpture park in Salt Lake City. As I wandered, I could not help but think of my favorite sculpture park, in some ways quite similar, and in others, well... not. I thought that despite the detour, it would be interesting to spend this week comparing and contrasting these two. Just for fun and something just a bit different. We don't

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-66732905864013772642010-05-27T18:36:00.000-07:002010-06-27T02:59:23.623-07:00

Well everyone (9 followers allows me to say everyone), lets wander (yes, we are wandering today instead of strolling) back in time again, to a time before Salt Lake (city that is, not the actual Salt Lake, that was here long before Drayton Hall).... Starting roughly where we left off...the height of American design, that is... 6. DRAYTON HALL Of course, photos do NOT do this Georgian home

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-48415930409471666042010-05-20T21:41:00.000-07:002010-06-27T02:40:43.403-07:00

I thought we would digress this week from the treasures of old and focus on a few treasures of Salt Lake. For all of you east coasters, hopefully this will broaden your view of Utah (as it did mine). For the locals, hopefully this will open your eyes to some beauties you are privileged enough to have in your own back yard. We will return to more of my favorite things next week. Let us explore

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-18562021701825762862010-05-13T21:04:00.000-07:002010-06-27T02:59:10.841-07:00

Before we delve too far down the rabbit hole of design philosophies, I thought we should have a nice relaxing stroll through history and take a brief look at the things that stir my very soul the very most. So why not start at the very beginning? Just as Fraulein Maria did. A very good place to start indeed. 1. THE GREEK TEMPLE It is impossible to speak in any sense about minimalism and

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-71918338252131927932010-05-06T15:02:00.000-07:002010-06-27T02:38:36.817-07:00

Hi there blogger world. Although I imagine most interested parties perusing this site will already know me to varying degrees, I thought I would give a brief introduction, or shall we say refresher or clarifying review. I am an interior designer and decorative arts expert in love with two opposing forces: minimalism and anything antique. While many may wonder how these sensibilities meet,

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-32016303028962201502010-05-05T08:16:00.000-07:002010-05-05T08:19:44.209-07:00

Please check back tomorrow, Thursday May 6th for my first post. And the thrusday after that...and after that. You get the point- thursdays will be our day. Looking forward to followers and comments.

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8474717539224481224.post-31044428972169555542010-04-24T09:18:00.001-07:002010-04-24T09:18:51.406-07:00

Please stay tuned, thoughts on dec arts & design from the hinterlands are coming soon.

Christa Pirl Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821133019661076626noreply@blogger.com0