Horton & Co.: NY NY

I stumbled across my happy holiday snaps from a trip to New York and New England and found a few treasures of inspiration

Ok, I know it's a little weird to have this as No1, but the Mens toilet in Fours Seasons Restaurant by Philip Johnsons and Mies Van Der Rohe is truly stunning.The finishes are of such high quality most expensive houses wouldn't be built as well.

This apartment building on the Upper East Side had the most amazing mid century landscaping. Tiering courtyards and planters (which obviously would never be used by the tenants) cleverly connected two streets on a gentle slope.

The "Folk Art" Museum (now defunked) had the most beautiful displays. So clever mixing the crafty design with such an ustere modern build.

The Museum of Modern History had an incredible selection of Early American furnishings. I particularly love the yellow Klismos one pictured. V unusual.

Skipping over to Boston, the Massachusetts civic building, clad in Italian Marble, was quite a site to see. It reminded me of when the US invaded Iraq and were aghast to see Saddam Hussein’s gold tapware in his Palace, like he was the only one to display hideous amounts of wealth. Having said that this building, which is also lined in Italian marble inside, is an amazing thing of beauty.

I tried to avoid putting in typical American architectural shots as they are everywhere but i am a real sucker for ivy covered buildings.

The First Lutheran Church in Boston was so chic. I would live here.

This crazy little house was literally squished between 2 massive apartment buildings.

A random electrical substation in Boston to charming effect.

Couldnt resist this one. I have a knack for photographing houses the globe over with cats sitting in the window. Usually i dont even notice until i get home and browse though the shots.

Not sure what this was, asuming a jewelry store or the such. Love the quality and simplicity. I am also a sucker for a good herald, especially anything in gold.

The Natural History Museum in NY was so retro and faded but the exhibits were so well done in their time they still inspire. Still shocks me that so many Americans are young earth creationists yet their biggest museum is a shrine to reason.

The MET had the most wonderfully light filled courtyard which i spent more time in than the building itself. The Carrera Marble tiles were so lux and this sculpture in the garden was amazingly disconcerting....