Guest Blogger: Patrick J. Hamilton Discusses the 'Little Moments' at Holiday House (Part 1 of 2)

Guest Blogger and AskPatrick writer Patrick J. Hamilton is sharing his highlights of Holiday House 2011 with designer's who best captured the magical 'little moments' of design and the design opportunities often missed. Here's more from Patrick at Holiday House.

By Patrick J. Hamilton

Some of my favorite moments in show houses are exactly that: moments. A bit of art or room glimpsed through a doorway; a tiny space made grand; a perfect light fixture; a showstopper painting. There were much more than just a few at the 2011 Holiday House.

Charles Pavarini’s “Opening Night” moment, a celebratory tableau (bon) vivant tucked beneath a grand sweep of staircase is one of them. Just a few pieces paint a vivid picture, a place to gather after an opening night success, martini in hand.

A stunning, grand-in-every-sense-of-the-word (and high tech) piano paired brilliantly with two Jean Michel-Frank chairs, for the perfect Brothers Gershwin collaboration, a brash swath of art against given limestone walls, and an elegant cabinet, sharing a mirror-like ivory to the piano’s ebony, hold their own against the space’s architecture and circulation. The piano’s notes flowed through the house and set the party tone even during a daytime preview, so fitting since Pavarini is the event’s designer event Chair.

Another moment made perfect, in a space and for a holiday somewhat less than, was Bryant Keller's, of Bryant Keller Interiors, take on Columbus Day. A stairway landing/hallway, and a holiday not necessarily known for its decorative sense came to lovely life and managed to enchant with muted color, a stairway-sweeping grisaille mural, drop-dead shell chairs, and exquisite tabletop styling.

One can almost see Mr. Chris himself making the pitch to Isabella to fund his travels, across this very table, in the glow of candlelight and one more glass of Rioja.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo next week for more from Patrick on the 2011 Holiday House when he discusses more on the designer's who took advantage of every tiny detail.