As Steve and I started to develop our presentation for our Patina Style event in Atlanta in September, we asked ourselves "How did our design philosophy develop?"
For Steve, it all began at Giannetti's Studio, the ornamental plaster company that his Grandfather founded when he moved from Italy to Maryland.
An early photo captures a moment: Steve's paternal Grandfather talking to one of the ornamental plaster workers while Steve's Dad, Bob works on another project.
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Steve's Dad and Uncle John took over the family business, and Steve spent his summers working in "the shop" alongside various artisans.
Steve took these photos of the shop during his trip to Maryland a couple of weeks ago. I think these images will help you to understand where Steve's love for classical architecture as well as his appreciation for the industrial workplace began.
A variety of "Egg and Dart" casts hang underneath a collection of column capitals.
An assortment of decorative rosette wood patterns cover one area of wall.
The shop has an atmosphere filled with history and romance.
You can feel the creative energy in the elegant pieces as they are in process of being completed.
The layers of chalky plaster create the perfect patina on all of the work surfaces.
Some of the most beautiful discoveries are not the final pieces themselves but the working models, created by the artists that rent space at the shop.
These nude figures are sculpture studies by Frederick Hart, used while he was designing the Creation Sculptures for the National Cathedral.
Even the broken pieces create a beautiful vignette.
A group of historical busts populate the shelves.
Classical medallions and ornate molds cover the rough cement walls of the industrial building that houses the shop.
Steve captured his Dad at work during his recent visit.
A couple of my favorite images...
A piece from Westpoint Military Academy hangs above Roman themed wall plaques.
A beautiful variety of ceiling medallions rest in a stack, waiting for installation.
Only at Giannetti's Studio can you find people from completely different periods of history hanging out together.
This is the magical place that shaped Steve's design philosophy....
The things he loves that shape the way he designs.
This recent article by Jan Horn in the Los Angeles Times also discusses Steve's design philosophy.
Where did your love for design begin? What experiences shaped your design philosophy? I'd love to know!
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I wanted to take a moment to thank Joanie Ballard for letting me know that Patina Style is now available at R.H. Ballard online as well as at her shop on Main Street in Washington, Virginia! Thank you Joanie!
xo
Brooke
If you would like help creating the home of your dreams, email me about our design services. You can also purchase many items found here on Velvet and Linen as well as "to the trade" furnishings through Giannetti Home. Email Kelly about the details.
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