A Thing of Beauty

Images above are from Jane Campion's production scrapbook for the upcoming film, Bright Star.

So excited--I am long overdue for a 19th century "corset movie". Trailer here.

It's Complicated

With Nancy Meyers directing, Beth Rubino as set decorator and Jon Hutman in charge of production design, the dream team that created the look we loved in Something's Gotta Give is back. (And even if the decor fails to live up to our expectations, we can still admire the scenery that is Alec Baldwin--I have a thing for him).



For movie stills visit Silver Screen Surroundings. For more on the original set that made us forget about the movie we were watching, be sure to visit this post at Cote De Texas.

So Eighties

This classic wallpaper may have been the only thing reminiscent of summer in the August issue of Vogue. While I am not fashionably sophisticated enough to care about winter coats in mid-July, I do love the backdrop Vogue chose for this eighties-inspired spread. (This print seems to define that era just as much as the 1940's when it originally appeared on the scene).

Of course, if I thought I could get away with putting tropical wallpaper in my own house, I might. Alas, this type of thing would look slightly ridiculous in our cozy little cottage. I will save it for that beach house someday...

Mad Summer

I. Can't. Wait.

Season Two comes out on DVD tomorrow (hopefully with more insight behind the fabulous mid-century production design). Season Three starts in 34 days. (But who's counting?)

Photo courtesy of AMC.

The Art Behind Up

If you have not seen Pixar's "Up" yet, all I can say is that you are in for an artistic treat.

Lou Romano, one of the films production designers from 2005 to 2008, has dedicated a fascinating and lengthy post about Up's artistic direction on his blog. It is incredible to see the amount of work that goes into this type of animated feature.

Without giving too much away, the illustrations above were done after a research trip the Pixar team took to South America. The point of the drawings was to convey the feeling and style of the proposed film. To me, it has a mid-century, Miroslav Sasek vibe. It's almost a shame that these are just for experimental, pre-production purposes since they are so beautiful. However, the second illustration did secure a spot in the finished movie as the mural Ellie paints above the mantel.

Hope you enjoy the film as much as I did. (Take a Kleenex).

Grey Gardens

A restored Grey Gardens Cottage in East Hampton, New York, photographed in 2005. The Beale family owned the famously dilapidated home from 1923 to 1979.

If ever a home could be considered a character in a story, Grey Gardens would qualify. Just in case you have not yet experienced the original 1975 documentary about the home and its lovably crazy inhabitants, there is still a little time left before the motion picture premiers this April.



It took me a second of watching this trailer to realize that this was the new version because Drew Barrymore's accent is so good. And while the original may be more inspirational for its message, the latter promises something stylish in its memory.

(Top Photograph from the East Hampton Historical Society)

Let's Pretend We Know What 1963 Looks Like

Congratulations to Mad Men on their Best Outstanding Drama Emmy. This has been one of my favorite shows as of late--in large part to the early 1960's set design.

In case you have yet to catch an episode, perhaps this little behind-the-scenes segment with set decorator Amy Wells and production designer Dan Bishop will put you in the mood for some good old fashioned television. The Season One DVD extras explore the design background even further.
For refurbished, mid-century modern antiques and furnishings, I love exploring Atlanta's Belvedere showroom. To date I have only been a browser, but one of these days...

Sex and the Sixties

Are you watching this show? Because until about 48 hours ago, I was not aware of the brilliance that is AMC's Mad Men. Now I am eleven episodes deep--thanks to the newly released DVD box set. (Thank you, TV Gods for sending me something good to watch this summer). Season Two starts Sunday, July 27. Yeay!!

For a small sampling of what makes this TV show so great, click here. (Photograph via Entertainment Weekly).