The Grand Entrance - Architectural Digest - February 2014

A theatrical term, Grand Entrance, can be defined as an outstanding, attention-grabbing introduction to a character. As a verb, entrance is to to fill with delight, wonder, or enchantment.  Without qualification, both apply to the settings featured in the new Architecture Digest Magazine, particularly the entrance hall recently re-decorated by Mariette Gomez. 

WOODARD WEAVE Stair runner Norfolk #270 adds a strong counter-balance to the dream-like quality of this 1754 Georgian residence in Washington, DC. Old flooring with rich patina is deliberately left bare, a striking contrast to the exotic French scenic wall paper panoramas, as well as the softening texture of the WOODARD WEAVE striped runner on the grand staircase. 

Ms. Gomez has managed to fine-tune a flawless, classic setting, mixing a bit of history with a healthy dose of Hollywood glamour. Reminiscent of 19th-Century American muralist Rufus Porter, the romance of the French wallpaper captures the colorful excitement of historic decor confidently at home in any time period.  WOODARD WEAVE historic designs are inspired by that same vitality. Timeless. 

Image published in February 2014 Issue of Architectural Digest. Article: American Heritage by Douglas Brenner. Photography by Scott Frances. Produced by Howard Christian.

Architectural Digest "Likes" a Woodard & Greenstein Hooked Rug

Woodard & Greenstein's hooked rug collection has  found its way to the dream-like pages of Architectural Digest Magazine this month.  The magazine, under the innovative leadership of Editor-in-Chief Margaret Russell, is leaving no leaf unturned in what's wonderful in home design.

Speaking of leaves, look for Woodard & Greenstein's hooked rug, Riverton, a traditional leaf pattern on Page 169 of the latest issue (September 2013). Fashion designer Lorry Newhouse's Park Avenue duplex is featured, with mixes of the sublime with the even-more-sublime. Collaborating with designer Rain Phillips, Ms. Newhouse created a sophisticated living space that follows no rules, other than to make certain that everything is "gloriously eccentric" - and elegant.   

Our own hooked rug adds a rich warmth to the entrance hall's exposed floor boards, and feels very comfortable with the old hand-painted doors from Italy that open to treasure filled living and dining rooms. Putting together old and new pieces found in the U.S., England, France, and elsewhere, the designers brought the rooms to life with surprising combinations of styles and colors, daring to do the unexpected. Ingenious.

AD re-discovers WOODARD WEAVE®

The new Architectural Digest (June 2013) features WOODARD WEAVE Stair and Hall Runners (Pages 14, 28) in the upstate New York  “period-perfect weekend retreat” of decorator Bruce Shostak.  “A Federal Case”, Mitchell Owens'  eloquently written piece, accompanied by William Waldron’s beautiful photographs, offers an insider’s peek at a remarkable Federal house, circa 1817.  

Mr. Shostak and Craig Fitt renovated the structure with an elegant mixture of respect for the building’s history and an affectionate nod to sublime enjoyment.  For example, the chic, royally austere dining room easily becomes a dance floor when the furniture is pushed back and an iPod provides music!)  

What a wonderful way to have it all – a classic, historic house to live in that also offers warmth and comfort in every room.  And what a thrill to see the vitality and energy that lives on in this extraordinary restored home, every rich detail showing a restraint that seems effortless, truly a magificent labor of love.  AD's Editor in Chief, Margaret Russell, has devoted the entire issue to  saluting "the new country chic".

(Restoration Consulting by Jeremiah Ruscani.  Styled by Howard Christian.)