Our Monthly Newsletter

PROMISE OF A GRAND OPENING

Let the Dream Begin!

We find ourselves in a season of change. Nature is unfurling, as are we. We are so proud to announce our participation in this year's San Francisco Decorator Showcase. A prestigious San Francisco design event that event raises over $600,000 annually for under privileged college students... And features a who's who of American Interior Design in chic San Francisco interiors.

This year, we've got the living room and we are crafting a space to be remembered. Rich textures and bold style are par for the course, but most of all, we are ecstatic to have such an amazing list of artist and partners to features. They include: Maya Romanoff's real wood veneer wallpaper. The Rug Company, Farrow and Ball, Pierre Frey, Jonathan Browning sconces, lamps from Entler, and a chandelier (more on those later!) from McEwen Lighting Studio.

Grasp it. Sense it. Or at the very least, take a look. That's all we ask of you.

FEATURED PIECE: FORCE NOIR

Where in the world have you been hiding? This month we are shining a light on a lesser known variant of an old favorite, THE FORCE NOIRE. A larger, darker, take on our Force table, this impact piece captures all the nuance of a classic broadway anti-hero whose actions you abhor, but still can't help rooting for. With a solid steel base and dark oak legs, it would make the perfect stage for a candelabra rising from the mist, no?

LESSONS FROM A GRAND CLOSING

Nights in Manhattan have lost a bit of their magic. This past Sunday, Phantom of the Opera, arguably the greatest piece of theater created in the 20th Century (nuanced, challenging, radically empathetic, completely enthralling, oh so romantic) closed on Broadway after 35 tremulous and tender years.

Most shows close with a whimper, but not Phantom. The last weeks were completely sold out, the final show was a bigger event than any Broadway opening this year, with a star studded red carpet and key to the city given to the show's composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber. The uniqueness of the moment got us thinking, perhaps the ghost of so many years ago still has a few lessons left to teach us as he vanishes one last time.

1. "YOUR DAYS AT THE OPERA POPULAIRE ARE NUMBERED"

At Communique, we strive to shine a light on art that moves us that may otherwise go overlooked. As we do, we are occasionally struck by the fact that while things are often overlooked because of their obscurity, they can also be overlooked because of their popularity. The lesson here: popularity alone does not preclude excellence. But even the most popular things eventually fade. So enjoy them, while you can, even if everyone else does too.

2. "HIDE YOUR FACE SO THE WORLD WILL NEVER FIND YOU"

That lyric means one thing to revelers in the act two opener, Masquerade, and something completely different to the Phantom, alone and having lost everything in the show's closing moments. The same is not always equal, and in order to be able to treat someone with kindness, we must understand where they are coming from. If this shadow-laden spectacle has one message, its that compassion is the antidote to hate, and that's a lesson still very much worth learning.

3. "THE POWER OF THE MUSIC OF NIGHT"

Looking at things from another perspective, the Phantom shows up in the middle of act one, kidnaps Christine (twice), sings 1.5 (admittedly very catchy) songs, kills at least two people, smashes a chandelier (actually that part is quite thrilling) and in the end, we all feel sorry for him. For better or for worse, that's the power of art.

4. "WISHING YOU WERE SOMEHOW HERE AGAIN"

Phantom of the Opera was an artistic landmark in New York City, like the Brooklyn Bridge or the Empire State Building, that has now disappeared. The music will live on, but the play's legendary Director, Hal Prince, its choreographer, Gillian Lynne, and designer, Maria Bjornson, are all gone. This closing will make way for another opening, to be sure. But a once in a generation talent like Andrew Lloyd Webber, working at height of his creative powers, with the mega-star level production support that he had following Cats and Evita, hitting it just right, is not likely to happen again anytime soon. Unlike buildings, Art is ephemeral by nature. The lesson here is that if you value art you must become a patron of it. Otherwise, it will cease to exist. It's a fitting final message for the Phantom to leave us with.

FEATURED ARTIST: MAYA ROMANOFF

Just as the music of Phantom of the Opera was elevated by the production's incredible direction, design, and acting, our work as designers would be only a shade of itself without the contributions of other artists. Maya Romanoff, creator of handcrafted wallcoverings, is one such collaborator who we feel particularly grateful to be working with. With their unique blend of quality materials, transformative ideas, and unmatched craftsmanship, they are truly elevating the form of wall covering. Materials like glass beads, gold leaf, seashells, and wood with pigments, blend seamlessly to create enchanting spaces heretofore unimaginable. Best of all, to experience the unparalleled delight of their work in person, you need only visit our aforementioned living room at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase.

NO MORE TALK OF DARKNESS

We'll be back next month, to guard you, and to guide you, to more comfort, culture, and style. Until then...

Stay Chic,

Kimberly + Laurent

Vol. 23 - Grand Openings, Grand Closings