A Passage To China

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

In my mind I am a mental traveler…to paraphrase the words of Isak Dinesen who wrote Out of Africa, a favorite of mine. Today I am traveling to China via my hometown Chicago. There are many reasons China can be too far a journey. As an interior designer I would be happy to hop on a plane! However, I am in luck today, all I had to do was drive fifteen minutes from my previous appointment to Pagoda Red’s new location on Morgan Street in Chicago. Come along, I think you will enjoy it!
I was full of anticipation as I pulled into their convenient parking lot. I had not visited since Betsy Nathan moved her shop a year ago. Upon entering I was struck by the glorious pieces sitting on a dark and sexy vintage tile floor imported from Asia. What a warm welcome I received and I suspect you will too! You will see a handsome array of modern pieces as well as artifacts that a scholar would love. Since I am not a scholar of Chinese Art I will merely say the mix is wonderful.

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

What A Glorious Array!

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

19th Century Courtyard Panels backed with “Utopia” fabric from Pierre Frey. Look at these gorgeous 18th Century Hand Carved Lion Dogs and Fabric Draped Stool

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

Love the modern Painting paired with the Chinese Half Table and Shanghai Deco Arm Chairs

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

Jade Meditation Stones lead you out to the Asian Garden

As I toured the gallery I was in for more than I bargained for. Betsy took me to see the mature Asian garden, this in itself is a feast to behold. I was literally transferred to another place and time, you must see this garden to believe it. I am a big fan of gardens in general so you will not be disappointed.

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

Carved Lion Dog Markers standing tall, so proud & inviting!

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

Sadly I didn’t get to take any photos during my garden tour. The day began scorching hot and sunny, but that changed after the garden walk when the weather changed dramatically. The heavens burst with a symphony of lightning and thunder which turned this visit (originally scheduled for an hour) to well over two hours, it was still pouring when I left. No worries, I made it out unscathed. I drove home happy in a pounding rainstorm, I had lots of things to daydream about and present to clients.

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

Carved Hitching Post From Northern China, 19th Century

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

When Worlds Collide:  Boho Meets Deco

I sat for quite a while in this room and watched the rain pour and pour. Thanks for your gracious hospitality Betsy, I enjoyed the Prosecco and nibbles too. Inside tip: it is always wise to feed the hungry interior designer my little crocodile. We do get hungry!

Chicago Interior Designers, Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design

The mesmerizing power of crystal, made of rock crystal as old as the earth

I don’t need a crystal ball to know you will enjoy taking a trip to Pagoda Red. Happy Hunting, and a big thanks to you for reading my posts, your comments delight me!

Big Hugs,

-Ken

 

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6 Comments

  • Rachel Rovay
    August 31, 2016 at 4:48 am 

    First of all may I commend you on the great photos you have taken Kenneth. Your blog left me with a visual ecstasy, a great passage to China.

    • Jill Maremont
      August 31, 2016 at 5:50 pm 

      Rachel,
      Thank you for your most kind and generous comments. You warm my heart my dear. What a talented artist you are. I enjoy seeing your beautiful work on Instagram each day, xx!
      Ken

  • chimesatmidnightblog
    August 31, 2016 at 4:02 pm 

    Hello Kenneth and how lovely to discover your blog after seeing the wonderful photos on Instagram. It really is a great pleasure to travel with you to China and I feel like I have seen so much. You are a true poet with your words and pictures – thank you! Emily, xx

    • Jill Maremont
      August 31, 2016 at 6:11 pm 

      Emily,
      Thank you for your wonderful support. I am awestruck by your comments. My blog is a labor of love I fret over each month. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. I love your superb gallery on Instagram as I am obsessed with film, xx!
      Ken

  • Ellen Burson
    August 31, 2016 at 11:44 pm 

    Ken…great pictures and a wonderful trip to end my work day…Love it…Ellen

    • Jill Maremont
      September 1, 2016 at 2:02 pm 

      Thank you Ellen,
      I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the post.
      This comment means a lot, xx
      Ken

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