magicalandsomeweirdhometours: When people drive by Cary and Simon’s 1830s farmhouse in Ghent,
magicalandsomeweirdhometours: When people drive by Cary and Simon’s 1830s farmhouse in Ghent, New York, they usually think it’s a restaurant b/c of the façade. The Façade, by artist Robert Venturi, was inspired by the Halfpenny Brothers chinoiserie pattern book from England. Believe it or not, Dollar Store finds mingle with the art and antiques. The mushroom center hall table is from a discount store children’s garden set.Their house exudes a madcap whimsy- in a sitting room, rainbow streamers hang from the ceiling, leftover holiday trimmings were strung up by Simon. When they started drooping, he was going to take them down, but then strung a streamer across the middle instead. This Empire sofa has Grandma Moses fabric and a Doggie doll pillow by Peyton Jefferson. Then there are the giant corn-on-the-cob side tables (I have one!) Wing chairs are upholstered in Obama fabric. They share a wicked sense of humor, and it shows throughout the house. Flip a switch on the wall and that painting begins to spin.I’m obsessed with the big pink faux fireplace made by artist Robert Venturi. Chairs and table are by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown. In the powder room; plaster figurines of U.S. presidents. The house itself is a wonderful mishmash of old and new. Collection of group photos around “Mount Vernon with George Washington,” 1975, by Alex Katz, in the center. Going up the stairs, they hung a purple flower garland from the Dollar Store to soften the look. This guest room features a giant packet of Sweet ‘n Low. I thought this was a pony tail, but it’s called “Endless Column.” The suitcase belonged to late actress Carol Channing. What great decor.https://www.upstatediary.com/cary-leibowitz -- source link