Thought And Feeling

Axel Vervoordt is a man with many hats: art and antiques dealer, interior designer, initiator of groundbreaking exhibitions and an impresario of musical, artistic and architectural experiences. Central to all this activity is his long marriage to his wife, May. Their evolving interests have been the guiding thread in their esteemed family business. Whether in their private home, the 12th-century Kasteel van ‘s-Gravenwezel, outside Antwerp, or in their impressive business headquarters, Kanaal—a restored late-19th-century distillery and malting complex on the nearby Albert Canal—their shared aesthetic and philosophical values are expressed in every atmospheric interior and the juxtaposition of carefully selected artworks. It is appropriate, therefore, that as Axel and May celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this spring, they have created a book about their collecting.

Axel and May Vervoordt in their home near Antwerp

 Axel and May Vervoordt in their home near Antwerp

What has interested them above all on this journey has been a dialogue between traditions—the exchange between east and west—which is reflected throughout their home and in their exhibition-making. It is also expressed in this new book, which celebrates artworks from contrasting traditions to emphasize continuities of thought and feeling. For Axel, his touchstones include works by Kazuo Shiraga and the numinous Fontana sculpture Concetto Spaziale, Natura, 1959–60. May has a favorite painting—Urbino, 1978, by Belgian artist Jef Verheyen, known for his exploration of light, color and geometry. She also loves the Japanese Head of a Lohan, or Buddhist monk on the edge of enlightenment, in their library: “Every time I see them, I learn something new.”

This interest in Asian art can be traced to their friendship with Dr Jos Macken, a neurologist who was a great friend of Verheyen and a passionate collector of eastern art. Through Macken, Axel became interested in eastern philosophy, especially the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi: the wisdom of imperfection. Axel explains that his mother instilled in him a feeling for “the beauty of simplicity—she liked very humble things”.

A collection of figurines in the library

 A collection of figurines in the library

Axel and May had visited Japan before they married and, from their late twenties, traveled through Thailand, China and Japan, developing a passionate understanding of Zen philosophy, ceramics, sculpture and calligraphy. Furthermore, Axel eagerly discovered the East Asian idea of the “void”—a potent emptiness; a latent creative energy beyond human comprehension.

Through Verheyen, the couple discovered the broad network of European artists connected to the Zero movement in Germany, including the Argentine-Italian Lucio Fontana and the German Günther Uecker, who were exploring similar ideas. Axel remarks: “After the terrible destruction of the Second World War, the idea of starting again from nothing was very appealing.”

The “Oriental Salon” at Kasteel van ‘s-Gravenwezel, with a 17th-century Japanese folding screen by Tan’yu Kano (left) and Fusta i Marró Forodat by Antoni Tàpies, 1972 (right)

 The “Oriental Salon” at Kasteel van ‘s-Gravenwezel, with a 17th-century Japanese folding screen by Tan’yu Kano (left) and Fusta i Marró Forodat by Antoni Tàpies, 1972 (right)

These ideas were all percolating in the Vervoordts from the beginning of their relationship. They met when they were very young. May reports that Axel, then aged 21, “was a young antiques dealer,” while her interests, as a student of graphic design aged 18 or 19, “were more contemporary.” One of Axel’s early purchases—an oil painting by René Magritte of his famous motif, La Mémoire, 1948—suggests that he was always looking for a sense of “timelessness, the universal”. In addition, what was evident in their shared preferences was that, “the things we loved and bought, they had a sense of silence. They were never aggressive,” says May.

Axel Vervoordt seized upon dealing as a means of exploring his own interests in art. What he bought was always something that he and May loved: “I had to feel it in my breast,” he says.

The loft in the outer buildings of the castle. An Artempo disc by Axel Vervoordt hangs above painted works by Gutai artist Sadaharu Horio. Signal by Takis, 1958, is on the table.

 The loft in the outer buildings of the castle. An Artempo disc by Axel Vervoordt hangs above painted works by Gutai artist Sadaharu Horio. Signal by Takis, 1958, is on the table.

In 2005, Axel discovered the Gutai artists in Japan. Alongside Fontana, Shiraga in particular is an essential reference for them both. May comments: “You feel strength in this art, but with that, a meditative feeling. You see the movement in a Shiraga painting, but recognize the stillness that came before.”

Both agree that they will never stop collecting. May refers to one of her favorite works, a six-fold Japanese screen from the 17th century, decorated with round stepping stones, black and white, with the motto: “By this way, bring you luck.” Collecting has become a series of steps, May explains. “There is an evolution. You continue to look and to buy.”

Kazuo Shiraga, Suiju, 1985

 Kazuo Shiraga, Suiju, 1985

Photos: © Mari Luz Vidal for Openhouse; © Laziz Hamani; courtesy of Axel and May Vervoordt.

Spring 2022 Pantone Colors Of The Year

Originally Appeared on SothebysRealty.com

Color can set the tone for an entire room, whether you want to ramp up the energy for lively dinner conversation, or create a zen-like sanctuary for relaxation.

Pantone, the world’s foremost authority on color trends, has released their predictions for the top shades for 2022. Their palette brings together comforting neutrals and delightful pops of bold colors in unexpected ways. Pantone’s report showcases a diverse collection of color to reflect a global desire for calm combined with a sense of optimism, joy, and adventure.

Vibrant Brights

San Jose, Costa Rica | Elena ArayaCosta Rica Sotheby’s International Realty

Upholstery that pairs hot Poinciana red-orange with cool Spun Sugar blue creates a focal point in this seating area that practically vibrates with energy. The tailored piping ties the colors together in a joyful pairing, while the soothing ceiling shade of Basil adds a sophisticated touch that balances the entire scene. Walls are reminiscent of Perfectly Pale, an updated beige that creates the perfect backdrop for playing with bolder colors.

San Francisco, California | Mary Lou CastellanosSotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

The ombre carpet runner on the stairs is a sumptuous addition to this Parisian-style residence in San Francisco. It cascades in rich jewel tones that include trending Skydiver and Harbor Blue. The inviting accent chair with its nod to Gossamer Pink provides a truly unexpected contrast and proves that the pastels of 2022 can deliver rich context within a modern color scheme.

Madrid, Spain | Madrid Sotheby’s International Realty

If there was ever a color that injected both fun and regality into a room, it’s Dahlia. The deep violet-plum provides a refreshing focus in this inviting living room. Lush velvet pillows offer both comfort and luxury with a splash of Innuendo when the light hits just right, while the wood tones on the grand double-door keep everything grounded with the right balance of warmth and welcome.

Cool Classics

Shorewood, Minnesota | Kevin MullenLakes Sotheby’s International Realty

In contrast to high-energy primary colors and jewel tones, the other half of this year’s color palette focuses on restful neutrals for timeless sophistication. In this chic kitchen, the Snow White wallpops against cabinets painted the pale gray of Northern Droplet. This shade is matched in the bar stools and dining chair upholstery, where it plays against the deeper tones of the Poppy Seed-inspired island and cool metallic frames of the dining furniture.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico | Sheryl ClarkAgave Sotheby’s International Realty

This charming estate takes a cue from Pantone’s warm Coca Mocha for a natural exterior that harmoniously complements the property’s lush landscape. The earthy tone lends itself beautifully to contemporary Moroccan architecture and the front door’s impressive wooden carving. Whether strolling through the courtyards or relaxing poolside, the home’s espresso hue offers a welcome sense of calm, and proves that color trends aren’t just a consideration for interior design.

Newport Coast, California | John CainPacific Sotheby’s International Realty

Snow White shines in this bright living room, which gains interest from its playful use of geometry: diamonds on the ceiling, mod patterning on the tub chairs, and the hexagonal coffee table at the center. That pièce de résistance is decked out in this season’s best pastel, Gossamer Pink. The whole result is a mesmerizing study in texture and color that’s also highly livable.

Pantone’s color trend predictions for spring 2022 highlight what’s best about the current design moment: the timeless comfort of neutrals and the irrepressible joy of bright, bold hues. Taken together, the possibilities for creating a unique living space are endless.

Squaring Away Your Walls

When walls collide with geometric shapes, an uninspired space can suddenly have a strong point of view. Whether iterated as patterned wallpaper, mirrors, or artwork in shapely frames, the effect can be subtle or statement making.

“Geometric shapes are very dynamic and carry a lot of visual weight,” says New Jersey-based Jennifer Matthews, co-founder and creative director at Tempaper, a line of removable wallpaper. “If they are small, they can add textural interest, whereas larger shapes create bold movement in a room.”

“When mixed with more traditional motifs, they lend a freshness to the designs,” says Los Angeles-based designer Stefani Stein. Meanwhile, the repetitive nature of geometrics lends an organization to a room, so there’s an automatic symmetry.

“Don’t be afraid to use geometric shapes, regardless of your overall style direction,” says Tulsa, Okla.-based designer Mel Bean. “An all-neutral space with limited layering of geometric shapes and patterns is an entirely different experience from a colorful, complex, extensive use of pattern and color.”

SHIFT SHAPES

Combining different shapes creates an interesting tension, Matthews says, like pairing oval sconces or circled mirrors with scalloped wallpaper and a diamond rug or bold-tiled flooring. New York-based Barbara Karpf, founder and president of DecoratorsBest, an online retailer for high-end textiles and wallpapers, recommends mixing different geometric patterns together when they have varied scales. “A small, tight pattern works well with a large open geometric—one pattern could have a touch of a color that is prominent in the other pattern,” she says.

Marimekko wallpaper, from DecoratorsBest in New York, adds a chic geometric look to a living room space.

WORK WITH WALLPAPER

The easiest way to apply pattern to walls is by using wallpaper. “Geometric wallpapers range in effect from youthful to sophisticated,” Bean says. “The iconic Hicks hexagon wall covering is an elegant classic. And for a bold, modern approach, I love Cole & Son’s Geometric II paper,” she says.

“A wallpapered statement wall can form foyers from simple hallways, home offices from cozy corners, and separate dining areas from living spaces,” Karpf says. Keep in mind, a small, repetitive pattern works everywhere, whereas a big, bold pattern will work best on an accent wall, she says.

And, when considering color, generally, the lighter the hue, the subtler the experience, says Newton, Mass.-based designer Liz Caan. “Geometric patterns with high-contrast colors will always veer into bold and graphic territory, so be mindful when choosing your palette.”

Using geometric prints has another benefit: They can hide a multitude of sins. For one project, Manhattan-based designer Timothy Brown used a multicolor tonal stripe to hide some millwork he didn’t want to remove but also didn’t want to highlight. They also “allow you to control the direction and flow of a space, whether you want to cast focus on an area or guide the eye away from a less savory spot,” he says.

A bathroom with Tempaper wallpaper, a bathroom designed by Alison Pickart with patterned walls.

MIX MEDIUMS

Combining geometrics with other patterns adds interest and can balance out the look. “A stripe or geometric pattern on a printed grasscloth wallcovering can soften the crisp nature of a bold print,” Stein says. She suggests trying a variegated stripe, monochrome geometric, or tonal variation for a dramatic backdrop that won’t overpower the other elements of the space. Caan prefers to play with “opposites” when it comes to wallpapers, such as mixing a bold stripe or geometric with a floral. “When the colors are copacetic and the scales are varying—creating some relational value—the end result can have a dramatic effect, but one with a softer edge thanks to the floral balancing the sharp lines of the geometric,” she says.

A bathroom with Tempaper wallpaper, a bathroom designed by Alison Pickart with patterned walls.

THINK BEYOND WALLPAPER

There are other mediums in which to shape your walls, too. “Our favorite method, which introduces rich texture and architectural interest, is through applied moldings,” says Chicago-based designer Tom Stringer. “We’ve used a repeating geometric motif at various scales in applied moldings, and then again in other areas in carved screens to layer pattern and texture into a stark white interior.”

Stringer has also utilized painted designs, which he achieved by taping off patterns and then painting in contrasting colors to create geometric motifs on walls.

Geometric shapes, when applied to upholstery, help create depth, says Chicago- and San Francisco-based interior designer Alison Pickart. “I’ve used ceiling-mounted drapery in hallways that have utility and closet doors that needed to be concealed yet still be accessible,” she says. She also loves to use tiled geometric patterns, whether on kitchen walls or bathroom backsplashes to incorporate interest.

A kitchen designed by Liz Caan features geometric tiles.

STRIKE A BALANCE

“The biggest impact comes from either using them in excess or very thoughtfully in small, understated doses,” Caan says.

Brown considers every aspect of the room when working with geometric shapes to create an overall symmetry.

“Any room is a mix of geometric shapes—from added furniture to the decisive lines of windows and doors. Focus on the scale of any pattern or shape so that it all works together,” Brown says.