Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/520425
DECORATION CHIC FOR CENTURIES In 1986, when Englishman Claud Gurney couldn't find the kind of hand- painted Chinoiserie papers he wanted for his home, he sought out artisans in rural villages in China for help. He got his wallpaper, but he also sensed an opening in the market, launching what has since become one of the best-loved wall covering companies in the world. De Gournay — the original French version of his family name — now has showrooms and representation across the globe and is cherished for its exquisitely rendered traditional Chinese landscapes and natural motifs, inspired by those found in 18th-century English homes. Everything is painted by hand by artisans in remote villages in China, where Gurney has set up workshops. Now, Gurney's 20-something daughters Rachel and Hannah have joined the company and are infusing its designs with modern looks. De Gournay's new Metallic Plains collection, its first-ever foray into contemporary wall coverings, debuted in May and includes a bas-relief method of raising geometric patterns out of metal leaf (such as real gold and silver) to create a three-dimensional, carved effect. The squares, discs, dots and swirls are over-scaled, which makes them feel even more contemporary. Another new line, Cupid & Psyche, calls on the most classical of techniques for inspiration, grisaille, an ancient method of painting in gray monochrome (a method often used as under-paintings for oil paintings by Rubens and for frescoes in 16th-century churches). De Gournay's grisaille Cupid and Psyche figures are destined to become chic mainstays akin to muslin-covered antique gilt settees and chairs, which manage to be both modern and traditional at once. To the trade at Culp Associates, culpassociates.com. Rebecca Sherman D e Menil progeny and architect François de Menil, designer of Houston's Byzantine Fresco Chapel and Manhattan's Museum Tower Roof Terrace atop MoMA, returns to town to tackle the challenge of housing for working artists. De Menil and Boulevard Realty's Star Massing teamed up this spring to develop and market a community of nine homes of varying design in the Acres Homes neighborhood, a historic African-American community just north of 610 where the land was originally divided by acre rather than lot just after World War I. De Menil closed on a three-acre tract on Mansfield Street in April, and architectural drawings will be completed this month. The resulting residences destined for creatives — six have already been reserved — will list for under $400,000. Stay tuned. Information, Star Massing, stmassing@gmail.com. Catherine D. Anspon L ongoria Collection has expanded yet again, after taking over the space of a former salon next door. The boutique now spreads over 6,500 square feet, which means more room for furnishings and accessories from new arrivals Aerin Lauder, Ralph Lauren and Kelly Wearstler (the latter's new furniture line debuts in the fall). 1101-02 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.621.4241, longoriacollection.com. Anne Lee Phillips SWEET GEORGIA BROWN DE MENIL ARTIST RESIDENCES A n intriguing addition to the West Alabama design corridor will be antiques haven Georgia Brown Home. Taking over a nearly 4,000 square-foot aerie at 3502 West Alabama (northwest corner of West Alabama and Edloe), the new emporium will occupy the building that was long base to the Cokesbury Bible store, followed by antiques purveyor Jas Gundry. Georgia Brown, named for owners Christine and Shane Brown's younger daughter, will be the couple's fourth location and the first in Texas; it's slated to open later this summer. Expect dramatic architectural flourishes; intriguing 19th- and early 20th-century finds from European, Asian and American sources; authentic industrial objets and even movie props. Catherine D. Anspon DESIGN BUZZ CUTE CUBIST A s every designer worth his chintz will tell you, a meaningful light fixture can make a room. We think Arteriors' new Noel, a Mondrian-inspired lighting pendant made of stacked iron cubes, finished in antique brass is a shining example. $1,050, at Area; to order at Boxwood Interiors, Longoria Collection, Mecox, Vieux Interiors, Weidner + Hasau Design. Rebecca Sherman of FORTUNE MORE LONGORIA TO LOVE De Gournay Cupid & Psyche panels hand-painted in grisaille Alexander Girard's Color Wheel ottoman in three colorways De Gournay Discs wallpaper in deep rich gilded gold A lexander Girard is known for his fine hand in color and textiles, but what jump-started that fame was his 1952 hire at Herman Miller, where he was brought into the fold by Charles Eames to become the new director of design for textiles. Fast forward to 1967, when he designs the Girard Color Wheel Ottoman for Herman Miller, which serves up his adage: "Art is only art when it is synonymous with living." Thus, the ottoman is proportioned to serve equally as footrest, extra seat or coffee table. In four pinwheel colors, $2,099, at Design With Reach. Arteriors' Noel Mondrian-inspired pendant