Van Day Truex - The Man Who Defined 20th Century Taste & Style

Van Day Truex is widely regarded as the father of 20th American design. Under his leadership, Parsons School of Design became one of the most influential schools in interior design and fashion in United States, and his legacy as the Art Director of Tiffany & Co which "he transformed into a model of unprecedented style and grace."

1904 - 1979

" No one influences American interior design
more than Van Day Truex."
Albert Hadley.

I admired his impeccable taste and inspired by his timeless interior design. Below are some pictures of his interior works between 1940s and 50s, and they still look fresh in 2009!

An assortment of True designs produced for
Tiffany & Co

I recommend this magnificent book.

You can get it at

amazon.com,

Barnes & Noble or

Strand Book Store.

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Sunset

" When I admire the wonder of a sunset

or the beauty of the moon,
my soul expands in worship of the Creator"
Mahatma Gandhi 1869 - 1948

~ Sunset in Manhattan, New York ~
my favorite Central Park

" Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly,
and do every day what should be done,
and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal."
Elbert Hubbard 1856 -1915

~ Sunset at Angkor Wat, Cambodia ~
watching sunset with many other tourists ...


" What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which run across the grass
and loses itself in the sunset."
Crowfoot
~ Sunset at Oyster Bay, New York ~
at the sail boat sipping wine and watching sunset....

~ Sunset at Southey Farm, Devon, England ~
walking across the meadows, caught a glimpse of sunset ....

~ Sunset at The Strait of Malacca, Malaysia ~
on a cruise ship along the Strait ...

All photograph from

Christopher Ong

TRAVEL: Magnificent Angkor Wat

My footsteps...

Angkor Wat is the largest

religious monument in the world.

Architecturally, visually and artistically,
it is beautiful, magnificent and breathtaking!

Made by the Khmer kings in a process that lasts almost 4 centuries (9th to 13th century), with the fall of the Khmers Empire in 1431, this magnificent area were abandoned and recaptured by the lush forest and remained a hidden legend. The peasants said they had found "temples built by Gods or by giants." Their stories were casually dismissed as folktales by the pragmatic Europeans.

click on image to enlarge

Henry Mahout's discovery of the Angkor Temples in 1860 opened up this to the world. Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat, in the center is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by 5 lotus-like towers rising 213 feet from ground level.

Angkor Wat is now a World Heritage Site.

click on image to enlarge
All photographs from
Christopher Ong
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Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Traditional Way to a Man's Heart! - Leche Flan/ Caramel Custard

This is an elegant dessert for any occasion!
This is not your instant jello or pudding, this is a very rich and delicate custard.
It is said if you know how to make a perfect caramel custard, you can win a man's heart!

Custard:
3 1/2 cups cream
2 cups milk
1 1/2 tbsps flour
4 tbsps sugar
2 tbps vanilla extract
8 eggs

Caramel:
2 cups sugar
6 tbsps boiling water

Melt sugar in a pan over low heat; keep stirring the chucks of sugar until all turn into light brown syrups. It it very hot and can burn very easily, so remove from the burner and immediately pour it into a mold.

In a sauce pan, boil the cream, milk and sugar.
Beat eggs, flour and vanilla in a bowl.
Pour the cream mixture gently into the eggs and beat vigorously.
Then pour the mixture into the caramel-coated mold and bake at 350F until custard sets, about 60 mins.
Serve 4 - 6 persons.

Tips on baking flan:
- I usually put the mold into a bigger bake container, then fill the container with water to bake.
- To check if the custard is set, insert a thin knife and if the knife comes out clean! Voila!

For more info

Contact
info@christopherong.com

ART: French Block-Printed Wallpaper

Tours, France.

Atelier D'offard, a small company in Tours, France, specializing in traditional block-printed wallpaper. An ancient technique incorporated with new technologies allow the atelier to make exact reproductions of historical designs which are then used by private individuals, decorators, museums and public institutions to create or restore their decorative heritage. FRANÇOIS-XAVIER RICHARD, the director of the Atelier, was very passionate and enthusiastic explaining how the wallpapers are made.

With the improved technology, the process for Block-printed wallpaper is still very labor intensive, it is an art indeed! This Atelier also makes embossed and velvet flocked wallpaper. Every stage needs to be very precise and thus skillful workmanship is crucial. Each roll of wallpaper is 6 meters long. It was great to see some young French men picking up this skill again.

click on image to enlargeFor more info contact:
info@christopherong.com

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GIFT ideas ... Crystal Pitcher

Absolute a great gift item!

How about going to your friend's summer or house warming party
or birthday party with a pitcher of sangria
in this fine crystal as a gift?
Available in 2 sizes, 52 oz and 38 oz.

Mouth blown and hand cut crystal from Europe.
These are great for water or lemonade at home or in the office.

Absolute a great gift item!

Below items may interest you.
click on image to find out more

For more details on above items
please go to
www.christopherong.com

Art oF Living: Summer Floral Arrangement

Summer is here!
Many parties are going on in the city's rooftops or terraces, country or beach houses,
guests come in light linen or cotton gauze outfits or sarongs or Bermuda shorts,
plenty of white or pastel palette ...

a touch of tropical flair in floral arrangement
would be very chic.
Orchids, bamboo, elephant ears, hanging votive candles .....

Outdoor and Indoor.
Covered a long table top with wheat grass for food or desserts.

Draped a few ivy leaves. A huge Chinese clay pot bursting with tropical delights.
Detailed with butterflies.

Used a colorful straw mat wrapped around orchids, miniature pineapples and greens.
Hung it on a door or any spot that guests can envy your creations.

for floral arrangement contact:

info@christopherong.com

Elements oF Style: Colorful Side Tables

If you are looking for whimsical and colorful side tables, you may just find these fun stools from Bungalow 5 suit your finding! It comes in 7 colors. Lacquer finished. Dimensions 17" x 17" x 20" H

At the right spot, whether it is transitional or contemporary setting, these colorful side stools not only give some colors, they are versatile and fun in any living area.

For more information on this item
contact
info@christopherong.com


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