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Chaos, Progress and Mario Buatta
Between Naps on the Porch: Chaos, Progress and Mario Buatta

Between Naps on the Porch

Between Naps on the Porch is a lifestyle blog with an emphasis on Decorating, Tablescaping, Before and Afters, Thrify Finds, and Gardening.

Aug 20, 2011

Chaos, Progress and Mario Buatta

Today my house is completely topsy turvy. If you rang my door bell and I invited you in, you'd be here for about 30 seconds before you would suddenly remember you had a pressing engagement elsewhere.  And I wouldn't blame you, I'd run, too.  But I live here.



You know how something prays on your mind...something you've been putting off.  The weekends are filled with friends and activities, places to go and things to do.  But then a weekend arrives, and you know.  You know there are no more excuses...time to get down to it.





The office closet is finally getting painted,




As is the crown molding...



And the new baseboard and quarter round that was added when the hardwood flooring was installed.




With this new resolve and temporary burst of insanity energy, I decided to just make things as crazy and chaotic as possible, and paint the hall linen closet, too.



It's even getting new shelves...more on that later.



The office (Sewcroff) has some new additions (I'll share those soon) and they have me in a book ordering mood.  Today on a lark, I decided to look again to see if Mario Buatta had ever written a book.  I love Mario and not just for his decorating/design work but also for his sense of humor and for being a true gentleman.   Once before, while doing a search for any books he had written, I found a You Tube video where he had been interviewed many, many years ago.  The woman who was interviewing him seemed hostile at times, asking questions of Mr. Buatta that almost sounded like he had committed a crime and was being grilled for answers.

I was so impressed because never once did he show any irritation or lose his cool.  He was a complete gentleman.  I already loved his design work, but that day I knew I really liked the man, too.  So today, I looked once more.  Surely Mario has written at least one measly little book I could happily add to my new bookshelves.



Again, I was unable to find even one book on his amazing career and work.  I only found two books where he had written the introduction or foreward.  One of those I already own...the other has been ordered.

But I did come across this delightful interview in the Home and Garden section of The New York Times.  I'm happy to say, Mr. Buatta's sense of humor is still beautifully intact.  And he loves one of my favorite magazines, Garden and Gun!  Ha!  Who knew?

Now, please Mr. Buatta...won't you write a book for your loyal and book obsessed friends?  Pleeease?

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35 Comments:

At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

That looks like my house every time I start any kind of project. I am always amazed at the kind of mess I can make in order to just change a couple of things. How wonderful to have everything so freshly painted. Hugs, Marty

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Barbara F. said...

I believe Mario Buatta lives in my little borough of Staten Island. I had a friend a while back who used to go to dinner with him from time to time. He is a true gentleman. xo,

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Anonymous Scribbler said...

I love Mario, too. I think I published that link recently to the NYT article on my FB page. I don't believe that he has ever published a book. Many magazines have published his work, though. You can probably search the archives of AD, Veranda and Southern Accents, particularly.

I don't envy your mess but I need to do the very same thing!
ETS

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Susan, I know what you mean when it comes to a burst of energy and the touch of insanity that comes along with it.. You are a much braver soul than I am to show all the chaos involved when it comes to painting, I too am painting.. will have to rethink showing all the work involved prepping the area.. then again it would show how "all" the work involved.. good luck with your project this w/k and your book..love the new bookshelves.. hugs ~lynne~

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Patricia @ ButterYum said...

I love Mario Buatta's style... wish we were related so he would do my house! I'm off to search for that youtube video.

:)
ButterYum

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Divine Theatre said...

My fits of energy are more "bursty", I think! For example, I am sitting outside having my morning coffee. Suddenly I grab a can of spray paint and I am painting a template on the lawn. The shovel...call the landscape supply for compost...Home Depot...plants...at the end there is a garden. Who knew! LOL!
I am, however, all FOR organized energy bursts. I just never had one! Every time I plan something it never happens!
Your room is already lovely. I cannot wait to see the finished product!

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Heidi @ Decor & More said...

Wow! I'm impressed with your ambition for the weekend! And I think YOU should think about writing the book about Mario's life and design... just a thought. Happy Saturday. :)
Heidi @ Show Some Decor

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Lordy, I am the QUEEN of one project leadng DIRECTLY to another one!!!! I am insane too:):) But it feels SO good to get these things DONE! Your office is going to be spectacular and I am a BIT jealous....OK, ALOT!!!! XO, Pinky

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Babs said...

Mario Buatta, the Prince of Chitz? I use to see his designs back in the 90s and loved them. Couldn't afford him but loved his designs any way.
I looks like you'll have a fun weekend painting.

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sometime would you share your top 5 or top 10 decorating books you love? Good luck on the project. I see where Mario wrote a forward in 3 books on Amazon. Look forward to seeing the end results of your projects....as are you I'm sure!

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Blondie's Journal said...

I don't envy you...cleaning out an office must take days...all those files and papers and gadgets. The things you FIND!! But it will all be worth it in the end! Hang in there!

XO,
Jane

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Toni, that would be fun. I was just thinking about doing a book post since I just added some bookshelves to the office. I'd love to hear the top five for everyone!

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

You make me tired! I wish I had the energy to get up and start cleaning my closets, but I don't! Maybe I need some vitamins.

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger FABBY'S LIVING said...

Well Susan, you're a woman of job started, job finished!, I don't blame you, it's awful to have something in the back of your mind that's not finished, I hate it too. I love Mario Buatta, the king of schintz! Can't wait to see this interview and thank you for sharing. Lots of hugs. FABBY

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger labbie1 said...

That looks like my place now--and I am not even in the middle of a project! LOL [sob, sniff]

I can't wait to see the projects you mentioned! I bet they will be great!

(waiting for my burst of energy!)

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Deborah said...

I agree with all the comments so far. My house looks like a hurricane came through, oh yes she did, 2 years old and named Abree Claire! Not that she needed much help!

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Anonymous Karin Şen Cankan said...

Can I give you a hand? Way to go Susan you the hardest and the best.

Easy come.

Have a good (work) weekend.

xoxo
Karin Şen Cankan
karinskairytale.blogspot.com

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Cindy said...

Everything always gets worse before it can get better. I hate doing big jobs like that because I know there will be such a mess. But once the work is finished and everything has been put back in place, your closets will be beautiful inside and so organized!
Your office will be very pretty, I'm sure, as well.
Hugs, Cindy

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger On Crooked Creek said...

Susan,
WoW! It must be the moon or something...."Mr. Ed" and I just did a makeover of the guest room closet!!! I'll post about that in the near future! Don't know if it was energy boost, boredom...or just time to get it done??? I'm already enjoying the transformation! The daughter~in~law said, "WOW"! when she opened the bifold doors! I'll be anxiously awaiting to see your finished project!
Fondly,
Pat

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger subgirl said...

Susan, be sure and show us you freshly painted closets and trim! You always motivate me!
Please do post your favorite decorating books. I looked for your list on the sidebar a couple of weeks ago, because I was in the mood for a new decorating book. I decided you must have removed it when you redid your blog design. I ordered some Nell Hill books last year that you had recommended. I have really enjoyed them.

Have a wonderful weekend of painting! That's right---get it all out of your system so you can just go antiquing next weekend!

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Thanks! It's almost done...and I'm whipped! Whew! Antiquing next weekend sounds wonderful!

 
At Saturday, August 20, 2011 , Blogger Envoy-ette said...

I'm actually relieved to see a little mess in your home! Now I know even a Wonder Woman like yourself has a day of mess! I'm sure it will be finished and even better in no time!

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger sweet violets said...

I love Mario...the king of chintz!! Everything will be fresh and clean when you are done.....creative disorder is necessary....hugs...cleo

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes said...

Susan, you have given me a new "excuse" for my mess, which sadly is not the result of a project, but is just a hot mess. From now on I'm saying, "Please excuse my mess, I'm in the middle of a painting project." They don't have to know the project is taking me ten years. :)

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger Unknown said...

I feel the same way about Mario Buatta, and also couldn't believe he'd never written a book when I looked him up some time ago. But I'll have to check out this interview, and the youtube video.

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Anonymous Tabitha O. said...

I love making a mess and then seeing the after of projects, getting ready to make a huge mess as we rip up the carpet and paint the cement floor! Your link to your favorite magazine just made me homesick for the South, I really miss it.

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger Gypsy Heart said...

Thank you for sharing! Looks like something I do when I start a project. I know you're going to be so happy to have all this completed!

Pat

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Projects always seem to make big messes, consume mammoth amounts of energy (and money),and make me want to tear my hair out and say a bad word... until they are done. Then they seem worth it. Sorta like childbirth, right?
xo Yvonne

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Yvone, that's a great way to describe it.

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger Lizabeth said...

Wow, I spent today going through my kitchen cupboards and re-arranging things. Since I've gotten this certain bug for dishes lately I've been needing more space! I had the luxury of a fun day yesterday, but today turned into my kitchen project. I think it's that time of the year...

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger Vicki said...

I am in love with your porch!! You did a fabulous job with it. I have a front porch and back deck. I spend a lot of time there.

 
At Sunday, August 21, 2011 , Blogger Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Thanks, Vicki! Porches and those outdoor spaces are the best! :)

 
At Monday, August 22, 2011 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Susan ~ We are in the process of finishing the basement in our bungalow walk-out. I don't let anyone in our front door. With all the stuff that was in the basement now in the living room, dining room, hall and family room we would qualify for an episode of Hoarders. I don't even want to come home after work. Now drywall dust is EVERYWHERE. Good luck with the painting, we are just starting the primer coat on the basement walls, then the 2 coats of good paint. I may be ready for a soft white room before this is all done. Perhaps you would like to visit and paint all the miles of trim still to be done here? I just popped over and read Mr. Buatta interview. He's a RIOT! I agree, he needs to dish it all out in a book. Patty/BC

 
At Monday, August 22, 2011 , Blogger Mikey Fuller said...

My house looks very similar right now! Of course, I've got to get it cleaned up b/c everyone wants to come over after my feature in Romantic Homes magazine in the September issue! Your beautiful white PB office is partially to blame for the mess! I bought a lovely white desk and hutch at the Habitat ReStore, and moved that in my office, moving the old bookcases and all on them into the living room and hall! Blah!!! Hopefully I'll get stuff put back together so folks can come over!

~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage
www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com

 
At Wednesday, August 24, 2011 , Blogger The Tablescaper said...

I have a couple of projects that need energy like that and I just keep putting them off.

Funny, I too have searched for a book by Mario Buatta. I was hopeful as I began reading. Too bad.

- The Tablescaper

 

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