A MUSE ... awakens creativity.
... becomes the driving force behind a body of work.
... helps you see things through fresh eyes,
again and again.
What does this have to do with interior design?
Only everything.
When Mr. Farooq Kathwari, Chairman, President & CEO of Ethan Allen Global, and his team set out to make their new inspirational coffee table book MUSES, which is not a catalog but a journey of inspiration, it wasn't long before they realized that it was you, as readers, who are their muses. "You're Unique. Creative. Passionate." What inspires you- architecture, art, dance, drama, history, laughter, love, music, poetry and spirit inspired them to create the beautiful things you love to live with. This book is full of inspiration on living your best life and incorporating it into your home - really it's the art of living beautifully. It's full of design strategy, personal poetic advice, numerous style sheets, and a wealth of beautiful photos. Mr. Kathwari was kind enough to contribute his response for how he lives beautifully, and I would like to say thank you, I feel honored that he participated, but his new book MUSES answers the question in 324 glorious pages of inspiration. Come take a peek.
"Je t'aime I love you.
It's a promise.
It's a compromise.
It's the beautiful balance that turns "yours" and "mine" into "ours."
It's the joy that makes the work so worth it,
knowing that whatever you build, you'll build it together."
(It's also a darling block-printed Ethan Allen pillow.)
ART
CURATING A SELECTIVE EYE
habitual museum - hopper
well - read and well - heeled (only the best shoes will do)
on the pulse of fashion
obsessed with independent films
dreams in black & white
relishes lazy Sundays
has a soft spot for furry felines
would rather be wrong than predictable
ARCHITECTURE
BUILDING YOUR BEST LIFE
Leads with a strategic mind
follows a creative heart
has a way with words and with patterns
knows success lies in the plans
inspired by the art of dressage and the artistry of the Renaissance
indulges in spa days and opera nights
loves the feel of hand spun wool beneath bare feet
is sweet on tufting and decadent desserts
believes form follows function
but will never compromise beauty
"Design inspiration comes in all forms.
The elements of a well-dressed bed are a lot like the building
blocks of a good wardrobe: quality reigns supreme.
But colors, patterns and textures go a long way to guarantee
originality. "
MUSIC
COMPOSING A RELAXED RHYTHM
finds harmony in the simple life
considers homemade the ultimate gourmet
delights in the sounds of birds chirping at sunrise
adores the character in all things weathered and worn
regards comfort and happiness as one and the same
marches to a slower beat
believes in doing what's tried and true rather than what's easy
explore
dream
discover
"Living beautifully to me means spending time with my family and
enjoying the great outdoors. Natural surroundings offer so many
beautiful things - art, color, life, and comfort. Nature is both a
great teacher and a powerful muse, providing a sense of balance
and great design inspiration in its many colors and seasons."
- Farooq Kathwari, Chairman, President & CEO Ethan Allen Global
- And may I add visionary
Stop by your nearest Ethan Allen Design Center and get your free copy, (yes free) of this beautiful style guide MUSES. Or I have 5 copies available to me to send out. Just contact me by email or leave comment with contact info and Ethan Allen will mail one directly to you.
My sincere thanks to Mr. Farooq Kathwari, November Rawlings and Sandy Como Puswicz of Ethan Allen Inc. I wish you all the best of everything.
*All photos and text provided by Ethan Allen Inc.