Saturday, May 31, 2008

APAD
This was the day many resolutions were already broken
Jan. 2nd 2008
(image:apad/alyssaschukar)

This was the day many had to pay
April 15th 2008
(image:apad/peterhoffmann)
This was the day I turned 32
Jan. 24th 2008
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This was a very sad day for me
Feb. 13th 2005
(image:apad/gregruffing)

Friday, May 30, 2008

TWO TICKETS PLEASE!



June is almost here...but I couldn't wait to change my play list! I think the Cocktails Al Fresco has left me a tad tipsy and now I am ready for a Summer Of Love. The kind of summer where you roll with the top down and the music blaring.  The kind of summer filled with a wink here and mad, crazy, crush there. One minute you are floating in the clouds and the next your heart is but ashes. And maybe, just maybe-- the kind of summer that leaves you with a picture  and the memory of the sand dunes where you and your summer crush had your first kiss. (I'm just saying- hypothetically, of course.) So here's to a summer full of life, laughter and,  one never knows, love. 

Oh, what a roller coaster this could be! 

(image1:dripping hearts/flickr:lexie)
(image2:flickr:clementsiscool)
(image3:flickr:janielizabeth)

TOTE-ALLY GOOD, TOTALLY PUBLICOLOR
jack-spade-publicolor.jpg
When you are an interior designer, as I am, then you know all to well about having to lug around bags upon bags of memo samples, finish samples, and Lord knows what else. I a,m always on the look out for a fab way to accomplish this-- hunting for a tote that has a bit of personality and presence.  So imagine my delight when I came upon this Jack Spade Publicolor tote via a search! It is vibrant--full of vim-- and, best of all,  it gives back! (I later come to find its no longer in-stock...but it does lead me to this.)

Intrigued, I find my way to the Publicolor site and find this:

Publicolor is a creative solution founded by industrial designer Ruth Lande Shuman to push back at our nation's growing drop-out rate and its ramifications for the future of the American workforce.

Publicolor is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1996. Our mission is to use color, collaboration, design and the painting process to empower students to transform themselves, their schools, and their communities. We do this by teaching innercity students the marketable skill of commercial painting, which itself can break the cycle of poverty, then uniquely empower students to transform their own school's environment and that of nearby community sites. To date, we have transformed over 84 school buildings and over 100 community sites, impacting the daily lives of 150,000+ teachers and students.

Fantastic! I know. And while I may have missed out on the Publicolor tote ...I could easily carry this one--which supports this.

RED, BLACK & BRILLIANT
Like I said, it has been far too long...so I am giving you a double dose from the inspiration pile. What I like most about this chic suite is the impact and drama that is created from using a restrained color palette. We see red, black and white.  I like the mix of the modern Barcelona chairs with antiquities of different origin and the inclusion of the time-worn zebra hide.  And let us not pass up the brilliant use of the black wall layered with black drapery panels and white sheers. Far too often, I think we shun dark colors (especially black) for fear it will make a space too dark or diminutive. Embrace the black friends.

ps. I am afraid I do not know where this is from in order to give proper credit
LET'S MINGLE, SHELL WE?
It has been a long while since I have pulled a little something from my pile to share with you, dear friends.  This morning i rediscovered  a little gem I had hidden away. The exact publication escapes me but I do know it is from an Italian shelter magazine. (Isn't it funny that art & craft is in English while the text is in Italian? I digress.) I think I am drawn to natural things that shimmer and sparkle like these glittering shells. I think the X's are nice but I would much rather have an entire wall swirling with shells like in the first photo. I can't recall when I pulled these images and put them away for safe keeping but, perhaps, I subconsciously remembered them when I did this.
VESSEL , DARLING!
While rummaging through my inspiration pile I came across an old list from this home magazine and spied this stainless tissue ring-- which I think is fantastic. I mean, really, have you ever seen a chic tissue box? I cringe at the sight of these cardboard boxes that have been marbled in shades of browns, teal, and peach with motifs of hibiscus or clouds. I say, set the tissues free! Anyhow,  I took a little trip to the source and discovered many fabulous finds beyond our  little tissue ring. Personally, I am smitten with the dishes. And who wouldn't want to keep a little bit of time in their back pocket? 
(all images: vesselstore.com)

Thursday, May 29, 2008

BOOKS, BEER & SAUCERS

Gosia, has done it again! These are some fabulous finds she sent to me from her shop... I particularly love the 1950's books. I would include one called  THE LIFE I LOVE...just a thought.  Gosia tells me this story about the beer glass:

This is a hand made replica of XVI century beer glass. The European artisans, who makes this glass use old beer and wine bottles in the glass making process to achieve the antique look. Each glass is signed.


ARMED AND FABULOUS
While dining here in Silver Lake, I snapped a picture of these gigantic mirrors with candle sconces. I love the industrial, welded, arm that juts out to the center of the mirror.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

WHAT TO DO?
While shopping in Silver Lake I came across these tiny ceramic vessels. I have not figured out what I will do with them yet. Any Ideas?
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

I am on the hunt for a fantastic photographer for my two San Francisco projects and I came across these images from Charles Michael. While these are not "interior" shots I feel like you can see inside the souls of the images. Today i feel like the last photo--running in a blur and not wanting to look the camera in the eyes. Do you have these days?
(all images charlesmichealphotography.com)


BOWLED OVER

Another fab find from here. I love these rattan spheres. Natural chic.
HERE BIRDIE!


I was not searching for lighting today. What I needed was a fantastic wall treatment. However, when I spied these fabulous lamps I had to stop and take notice. Sleek and chic, these polished stainless lamps form Blackbird are sure to please!
(image: blkbird.com)

Saturday, May 24, 2008

THIS IS FOR YOU
This fantastic arrangement of perfect buttery daisies is for you! Enjoy the holiday weekend...

Friday, May 23, 2008

A TICKET TO THE STARS
I picked these up at the Bacara gift shop... they  tugged at the little soft spot in my heart...the tag says: 

If I had a thousand wishes I would give them all to you. 

Now, that I have the thousand wishes I just gotta find the person to give them too! Ahh, life.
In my business as an interior designer, it is always wise to measure twice.  These fab finds, via Studio Creative,  from  Joanna Campbell are so chic.

I spied this pad on my friend's refrigerator and thought how interesting it would be to ask people what are the things they think they "need". So far I have received very interesting answers ranging from lists like the one from Erin at Design for Mankind,  above, to nifty little drawings.  Please enjoy!
DESIGN FOR MANKIND AKA ERIN E. LOECHNER
Today marks the first of (hopefully) many posts from people I --and many others-- consider inspirational, stylish, of exceptional taste  or, at the very least, fantastic! In my mind's eye--most are a combination of all three. My intent is to provide interesting and insightful little gems of information one might ordinarily get from your typical Q & A. 

I am starting with Erin E. Loechner the brains and brilliance behind Design for Mankind (DMK). Erin's blog was one of the very first that I stumbled upon when I began my little blogging adventure. 

A bite sized bio on the girl behind the blog:

A Midwestern gal at heart, Erin Loechner lives in L.A. with her two painfully adorable canines and one adorably painful husband. She is the writer/editor of Design for Mankind, an art/design website that currently brings in over 6,500 readers daily--- and counting. Her success is attributed to a passionate love for the arts, mixed with a fantastically supportive community.

I can not recall exactly how it happened but somehow I emailed DMK and that began a series of exchanges that were full of well wishes and great advice...flash forward to my idea to profile inspirational people and Erin was more that willing to help me test drive the waters. It is my hope that you, my dear readers, will enjoy this little Q & A as much as I have. 
Be well and best wishes always. 



DECOR FELLOW: WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR INSPIRATION?

DESIGN FOR MAN KIND: To be totally, 100% honest? My readers. Holy inspiration, James--- these gals [and guys!] are the most encouraging and supportive community around. I’m truly blessed. I’m of the school of thought that inspiration begets inspiration, so if I’m feeling a little low on the creativity, I tend to ask my readers for direction or insight. They haven’t failed me yet!

 

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER A STYLE MAKER?

Do you want a person’s name or my definition? If I should name someone, I’m going to go with Keri Smith. I’m a massive fan of Keri, simply b/c not only does she follow the beat of her own drum, but she consistently reinvents the beat altogether!

 

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL SUNDAY MORNING.

Ahhh, my favorite mornings. I sleep in with Husband until my two dogs simply can’t bear the thought of us depriving them of their much-deserved attention. We’re awakened by wet noses and tongues--- humanity’s alarm clock. Husband cooks breakfast b/c I have a habit of burning food quite often, and then we chat over breakfast for hours… simply HOURS. It’s wonderful.

 

WHAT SONGS WOULD WE FIND ON YOUR IPOD?

I have a bit of an addictive personality, so you’ll often find songs on repeat. Currently listening to ‘Falling Slowly’ by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova. Holy obsession! I also love anything Cat Powers, Spoon, Joseph Arthur, Imogen Heap, The Shins, Tom Petty, Frou Frou, Simon & Garfunkel, and Emmy Rossum. See? OBSESSED!

 

WHAT EVERYDAY OBJECT COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

It pains me to say this, but my Mac. It’s my lifeline.

 

WHAT EVERYDAY OBJECT DO YOU WANT TO COMPLETELY OVERHAUL?

I would just love for a U-Turn turn signal to exist in vehicles. I mean, seriously, when I’m riding my bike and you have on your turn signal, how do I know if you’re making a U-Turn or you’re just turning left? I’m totally going to get hit one of these days for guessing wrong so many times.

 

PENCIL OR PEN? WHAT KIND?

Neither. I’m a marker fan, and it MUST be Sharpie Extra Fine Point. Don’t forget the EXTRA there, b/c the Fine Point just won’t do it. J

 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION?

My relationship with Husband.

 

BESIDES SIGHT, WHICH SENSE IS MOST IMPORTANT?

Touch.

 

WHAT WAS THE DEFINING MOMENT THAT YOU KNEW DESIGN WAS YOUR CALLING?

I’m not totally convinced that design is my calling, but it is a passion of mine. I have many, and I think the best thing about what I do is that I can combine as many of my interests all into one and tie it together with some yummy string.

 

WHAT ARE THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE WHERE YOU ARE TODAY EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

Introspective, willing and able.

 

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO WORK ON?

  1. Spending time offline.
  2. Not stressing out when I spend time offline.
  3. Not driving Husband crazy when I stress out when I spend time offline.

 

HAVE YOU EVER LOST THE PASSION TO CREATE AND IF SO WHEN, HOW, WHAT? HOW DID YOU GET IT BACK?

I don’t know that I would consider myself one who creates, but I do like to dabble into special projects for fun. My creations are more intangible, and yes—I hit that wall often. When I do lose the passion, I schedule a day off. I love the community that I’m involved in so much that I rarely use the whole day, but it helps to know that it’s there.

 

HOW DID YOU BUILD YOUR BUSINESS TO BECOME WHAT IT IS TODAY? (AFTER ALL SOME BLOGS TURN INTO BUSINESS.)

Hmm. I don’t so much consider Design for Mankind to be a business. I guess I could call it that, but I like to refer to it more as the love of my life. As in, “Mom, Dad--- Meet the love of my life! Design for Mankind--- meet my parents.”

 

FOR SOMEONE CONSIDERING GOING OUT ON THEIR OWN TO FOLLOW THEIR PASSION WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER?

  1. Choose a small, tight-knit support system who you 100% trust.
  2. Forget what everyone else says.

 

PR OR ADVERTISING?

Hmm. Neither. I’m going to go with marketing with a side of brand identity.

 

IN ONE SENTENCE DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE.

Constantly evolving. Ok, that was one sentence fragment, but whatever.

 

LOOKING BACK, WHAT ARE SOME UNEXPECTED TURNS THAT AT THE TIME SEEMED TO BE WORKING AGAINST YOU, BUT IN HINDSIGHT WERE ACTUALLY WORKING FOR YOU?

I’m a firm believer that faith will orchestrate your life, so this is a fun question for me. I was fired from a fantastic ad job in 2007 after two years of service to the company. It was so, so tough and I felt absolutely betrayed. Looking back, it was the inspiration to start writing again and I haven’t stopped since.

 

WHAT IS A PROJECT YOU STILL WANT TO DO?

Finally finish that book I’ve been working on.

 

CLOTH NAPKIN OR PAPER NAPKIN? OR NO NAPKIN?

Cloth if I have guests--- paper if not. Although I would love to eventually use cloth napkins and finer china for my everyday meals--- I need a clothesline and a backyard first, and then we’ll move on to hang drying!

 

FRENCH PORCELAIN OR FIESTA WARE? OTHER?

OMG I have no idea what either of those mean. Eek!

 

COFFEE OR TEA? HOW IS IT PREPARED?

I wish I would answer tea, b/c I’ve been trying to become a tea drinker again. BUT, it’s coffee. Preferably with a LOT of sugar and cream. Oh gracious, I’m going to give myself an ulcer.

 

WITH REGARD TO YOUR DESIGNS/WORK, WHAT IS ONE “I CAN’T BELIEVE I ACTUALLY DID THAT” MOMENT?

Hmm… totally not a designer, but in the context of my blog, I can’t believe I revealed that my stretch marks mapped out the entire urban sprawl of Boston, MA. 

 

IS GOOD DESIGN INNATE OR CAN IT BE TAUGHT?

You know, I really think it’s a mix of nature vs. nurture. I know lots of very talented artists who have had zero schooling on the subject but are masters at the craft. On the other hand, my mother [and I mean this oh-so-lovingly] keeps her snowmen figurines displayed year-round, so can it be strictly hereditary? Eek. I hope not. J

 

A DESIGNER IS… FILL IN THE BLANK.

A valuable commodity.

 

A GREAT DESIGN IS… FILL IN THE BLANK.

Sometimes underappreciated.

 

I MOST WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR… FILL IN THE BLANK.

Inspiring others to live.

 

IF YOU COULD DESIGN A ROOM FOR ANY PERSON LIVING OR PAST, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT ROOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

My aforementioned mother, with the caveat that the snowmen are NOT involved in the design aesthetic. Oh gosh, could I choose every room in her home?

 

I’M A BIG BELIEVER IN LIVING A WELL-LIVED LIFE--- AND AT ANY BUDGET OR POSITION. WHAT ARE A FEW KEY ELEMENTS FOR YOU THAT EQUAL A WELL-LIVED LIFE?

  1. Waste nothing ---  including moments.
  2. Slow down.
  3. Follow a path that makes sense for you --- even if it doesn’t yet exist.
  4. Love others--- truly love them.
  5. Use what you have been given --- your talents are unique gifts.

 

WHAT ARE THREE SMALL INDULGENCES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE LIVING THE GOOD LIFE?

  1. Crisp white sheets.
  2. Sweet tea [I’m a total Midwesterner].
  3. A change of scenery.

 

PHOTO ALBUMS OR PICTURE FRAMES?

Picture frames, hands down.

 

WHEN SOMEONE WALKS INTO A SPACE YOU’VE DESIGNED/OR LOOKS AT YOUR WORK-- WHAT WOULD YOU WANT IT TO SAY/HOW WOULD YOU WANT IT TO FEEL?

Umm, the only space I’ve designed would be my own home, and I love telling people that I designed it utilizing things I already had and altering them to create something completely new to me.

[link from design for mankind’s recent bedroom on design*spone:

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/03/sneak-peek-design-for-mankind.html]

 

IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ANOTHER PASSION TO FOLLOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

That of a novelist. It’s still such a dream of mine.

 

WHAT QUESTION WOULD YOU LIKE TO ASK THE NEXT STYLE MAKER?

If he/she owned a brick and mortar shop, who would he/she commission to paint the signage? Design the storefront? What brand(s) would he/she carry?


TUNE IN NEXT MONTH WHEN THE Q & A WILL FEATURE INTERIOR DESIGNER KENNETH BROWN!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

FOUNDATIONS AND VALLEYS
This past week, I was able to--FINALLY-- see the progress on one of my current projects. It always amazes me what actually goes into the buildings and rooms I design or decorate.  I look at the concrete foundations, steel beams, and timber frames of a home with the same wonder as I do with all the separate parts that make us who we are.  The snapshot above is a view of what will eventually be the kitchen on the first floor and the view that one will have of the valley beyond. I'll cook -- you clean?
Personally, I love pink. And I love this muted silvery lilac.  I think, all too often,  that people dismiss  pastels as juvenile and girly--only to be saved for children's rooms and vanity areas. However, I disagree. As this fab  photo (From Paris Flea Market) shows pink and lilac can be oh-so-chic and totally grown up. The key to a sophisticated pallet is to choose pastels that have grey in them.  Balance them with bold strokes of white and black--keep lines clean and simple and areas uncluttered. It, undoubtedly will take many attempts to find that perfect shade of pastel but in the end it will so be worth it.  I mean, after all, couldn't you live in the room above?
(image: Paris Flea Market)
THOSE WHO KNOW, KNOW THE BASKETBALL
I snapped this shot just a few days ago--while visiting my client's in Sonoma County. I was very excited to see the completed bed treatment in the guest bedroom... especially the basketball pillow! My friend Kelly (co-designer for JAK furniture) and I are mad crazy about these pillows. You should be too! I love the combination of all the textures and subtle variation of color in the blue-green pillows that pop against the rich chocolate brown. And take note...see how the top of the lamp shade is even with the finished height of the headboard.Oh, yeah!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

UP IN ARMS
This week the vintage find is a crest of arms. How regal would you be with this on abover your mantle? I think it is fantastic!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

WHEN GARNISH IS GARISH


Saturday morning, the gang and I decided to indulge in a tasty breakfast at the Spa Cafe at the fab Bacara  resort. The Spa cafe was decidedly tranquil in tones of silvery blue, natural stone, and fabulous McGuire Rattan and laced rawhide chairs. The details of the table were equally great-- tiny pots of silvery succulents; grass cloth wrapped menus; and even this fab earthen-ware  vessel to hold the artificial sweeteners. This was my kind of place for a great start to a fabulous weekend. It felt like a wonderful, peaceful, sun room.  

I ordered my favorite breakfast combination:  two poached eggs, medium ( so that the yolk is firm but still the tiniest bit liquidy); rustic whole-grain toast;  a side of fresh avocado; and a double Americano with a just splash of cold soy milk. Delicious! I was ready for a fantastic meal...and, then, this plate came. 

Do not get me wrong, the food was excellent but since when is it appropriate to have a color photocopy of parsley on a plate? Especially a really poor quality --pixilated-- reproduction. Much less at a 5 star resort where a two poached eggs set you back twenty dollars. I get the entire "spa" theme but for myself this little addition took the chic factor down many a notch. 

I say, when in doubt, plain French White porcelain is the perfect plate. 

This disturbed me so much that I thought of calling this new post "DECOR DISASTER"...it was one of those things that is so bad that you have to take a picture...but perhaps I am being too harsh...So I ask you-- what do you make of the  parsley plate?


While I am away in San Francisco with clients, here is another tasty treat contained within Paris Flea Market, from Stewart, Tabori & Chang and photographs by Rene and Barbara Stoeltie. I particularly love the bottom left photograph. I wonder what secret is locked behind that key?
DINNER IN FIVE
This past weekend was spent at the fabulous Bacara Resort in sunny Santa Barbara. (Yes, we were pampered!) My freinds had brought along a few snacks to enjoy for our first evening spent there-- an impromptu cocktail party for the gang. Well, you could imagine my reaction when I saw that they were just going to put the good out in the plastic packaging it came in! Cheese still in its saran wrap ; crackers in their molded plastic trays; gourmet deli meats laid out on their wax papers-- PEOPLE PLEASE! Decor Fellow quickly stepped in and  averted the near tragedy.  One of my golden rules is when ever possible never serve anything it its original container. As you can see with a few hotel amenity trays and a bit of magic you can easily create something fantastic.  As Ina Garten would say, "Now how bad can that be?"

Friday, May 16, 2008

This Friday marks the beginning of a , somewhat, long trip up north to San Francisco and Sonoma. It is time to check the progress of work on a clients home; see rooms of furniture that were installed while I was in Los Angeles; and pick a couple of fabrics and maybe a lamp or two.  What I am most excited about is seeing the foundation laid for my Geyserville project-- a sprawling 16000 square foot estate built upon 36 luscious acres of wine country! Yummy! So until my return, I will do my best to be diligent with posting entries but I make no promises.  Be well my friends!
THE GENIUS OF STOELTIE
One of my favorite books is Paris Flea Market, from Stewart, Tabori & Chang. The photographs by Rene and Barbara Stoeltie are fabulous! (Barbara and René Stoeltie both began their careers as artists and gallery owners. With René as photographer and Barbara as writer, they have been collaborating on interior design articles since 1984, contributing to such influential magazines asVogue, The World of Interiors, AD, Elle, House and Garden, Country Living, andHouse Beautiful.) This duo is also responsible for another of my favs...Style By Saladino. I love the shift in scale in this photograph. What you might think seems out of place actually works perfectly.
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