Thankful to be featured by Adeeni Design Group

It was brought to my attention that our Thanksgiving table was featured on Adeeni Design Group’s blog back in November.

http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/2011/11/23/bloggers-thanksgiving-tables/ 

Thank you Claudia for the mention!  I am honored.

The universe works in mysterious ways as I have been admiring Adeeni Design Group’s post on Downton Abbey this weekend.

I finally watched the first season and I am absolutely riveted.  I was thinking it would be wonderful blog post but I now realize that other bloggers have fully covered the topic.  My favorite post (and most comprehensive) is from Claudia at Adeeni Design Group.  If you have a moment, go check it out!

http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/2012/01/20/downton-abbey/

Fun new stock at Past Perfect in San Francisco

One of my favorite haunts, Past Perfect, is filled with fab merchandise for the holiday season.  Perfect for entertaining or holiday gifts.

 

Aren’t these old bowling pins in fun candy colors amazing?

These lavender slipper sofas are tres chic.

This 1940′s Paul Frank Credenza is perfect for a dining room, bedroom, or as a base for a television in a media room.

These French industrial light fixtures are outstanding.

I adore the green painted interior of this French bamboo piece.  I think it would be absolutely incredible for a home office or library.

Past Perfect also had lots of wonderful mid century barware, ornaments, and even ice buckets.  It’s a truly great local resource!

I’ve been featured on Houzz…how exciting.

I recently discovered that some of my work has been featured on Houzz.  For those of you who have never heard of Houzz, it is a wonderful source of inspiration for homeowners and designers.  Building industry professionals are able to upload photos from their portfolio and homeowners looking for great ideas can search by room type and keywords for inspiration.

Houzz has contributors that put together idea books based on trends and topics that they would like to highlight.  Recently, two of my projects have been featured.

Spice Up Your Kitchen Island With Color

Small-Space Secret: A Great Big Mirror

I highly recommend Houzz as a resource for design ideas and inspiration!

Rustic Elegance, Jackson Style

The gorgeous Grand Tetons.  I was just there a few weeks ago.  The colors, light, and rustic architecture are a refreshing antidote to urban living.

Menor’s Ferry Homestead in present day Moose, Wyoming is a charming collection of buildings built in the late 1800′s.  

Unusual architecture in that classical forms are applied to the rustic log construction and the whitewashing is also interesting.  Today, it houses a souvenir and antiques store.

Menor sold to Noble in 1918 and the Maud Noble Cabin was moved to the property at that time.  Here is a view of the interior of the Noble Cabin which has been renovated several times over the years and operated as a tea room in the 20′s and also in the 50′s.  The cabin was the site of the 1923 meeting in which representatives from Yellowstone National Park, businessmen,  and local ranchers  began the process of creating the Grand Teton National Park.

Just across the road is the darling Chapel of the Transfiguration.  The land the chapel was built on was donated by Maude Noble.

The chapel was built in 1925 by St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jackson to service guests and employees of local dude ranches.

Hard to see in this picture, but the chapel was built for the alter area to frame the view of the Cathedral Group of peaks in the background.

There are two beautiful, yet simple stained glass windows at the entrance of the chapel.  This one depicts winter.

And this one summer…Perfectly rustic and elegant.

Mixology at Gumps

 

 

I popped into Gump’s this past weekend to check out their “Mixology” display installed through October 2nd.

Described by Gumps as ”a curated installation called Mixology where we celebrate the mix of Asian Antiques with 21st century American and European contemporary fine art, furniture, sculpture, tableware and decorative accessories. In a store where good tastes costs no more, we also have an excellent mix of price points, from the accessible to the precious, all with a focus on great design sourced both globally and locally.”

Lots of terrific colors, textures, and shapes.

Metal sculptures, feathers, and decorative vases…

Asian case goods, metal stools, and boxes…

Intriguing abstract oil paintings…

I also discovered these adorable horse themed bags by Rebecca Ray Design  This one reminds me of a grain sack.  Each have equestrian details…

This one is my favorite made from Hudson Blanket and finished by Amish artisans.

I encourage you to see for yourself.  Lots of eye candy at:

Gumps

135 Post Street

San Francisco, CA

Missoni for Target for eBay…

Missoni for Target for eBay.  I heard this on Twitter this week but I can’t remember who said it?  Pretty accurate.

I (like the rest of the world) anxiously awaited the arrival for Missoni for Target on Tuesday.  I know that some people don’t get it but I love Target and I love Missoni. What I love most about this Italian Fashion house are the gorgeous patterns.  Some think the patterns are crazy but I love them.  I find them timeless, fun, and so perfect for a variety of occasions.

I was excited about the rugs, throws, and stoneware.  I checked the website starting at 12:00am EST on Tuesday, the 13th.  Nothing.  Saw that lots of Target Style fans were getting restless.  When I woke up on Tuesday morning, the website had already crashed.  So off to my hometown Target to see what I could find.  I arrived at 8:10am.

The housewares shelves were pretty empty with the exception of decorative vases.  I was tempted, but I don’t really need anymore vases.  So onward…

Lots of fun framed tiles.  Would be really cute for someone decorating a new space.

What’s this?  The bike?  I can’t believe it was still here.  Not the fun colorful bike seen in so many ads, but this black and white version is darling with the basket and white leather details.

While waiting for the clerk to unpack more housewares, I checked out some accessories…These ponchos were sold out within 15 minutes.

Onto clothing, where I found good selection and breadth of sizing.  I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the knitwear.

Even the men’s selection was looking good!

The bedding was cute but I was really after the towels and throws.  The towels were sold out immediately and I never saw a throw in any of my fellow shoppers baskets so I think this store did not receive the throws.  Too bad.

Feeling pretty pleased with what I scored, I went home to check online for items that weren’t at the store (rug, throws, etc).  Seeing that the website was still crashing I decided to check out another store a couple of hours later.  The selection was even better at this store!  I found tights and socks!

The selection of dishes was pretty good here.  I didn’t see the stoneware dish sets, but I did pick up the only espresso set that I saw the entire day.  I was hoping to find it!

Here it is in my kitchen.  So darling.  I feel special drinking my morning espresso from the colorful cups, saucers and petite spoons.

After my shopping expedition I heard about the craziness that other shoppers experienced.  Fighting in the stores, crashing websites, canceled orders, items showing up for resale on eBay for 3 times the price.  Hopefully these eBay resellers aren’t successful and wind up returning their wares in a couple of weeks so that true fans of Target and Missoni have a chance to buy the merchandise at more accessible prices as it was intended.

I was thankful for my luck and very happy with my purchases.  If you are interested in Missoni for Target, I recommend that you keep checking your local Target for a restock or returns.  There are lots of fun items and I thought in general that the quality was really compared to some of the other designer collaborations.

Happy hunting!

Happy Birthday Chez Panisse!

Last week I had the great pleasure of co-celebrating my birthday (with a friend whose birthday is 2 days before mine) at Chez Panisse Cafe.  This month, Chez Panisse is turning 40!

The entrance of Chez Panisse in Berkeley has a charming arts and crafts style in an understated style.

Here the menu is displayed street-side on lovely custom ironwork.  Subtle, yet so effective.

I thought the interior is whimsical with menus from the past papered onto the walls.  The food was fresh and delicious!

Our waiter graciously presented our dessert with two candles and two birthday wishes.  A lovely fruit galette presented on this pretty artisanal plate.  (I think the plate may be from Heath Ceramics).

To coincide with Chez Panisse birthday, I’ve noticed a lot of press coverage.  If you would like to read more about Alice Water’s and Chez Panisse check out some of the Chronicle’s coverage Alice Water’s Chez Panisse Turning 40 and Alice Water’s Chez Panisse Built on Simple Success (I found page 4 documenting where Chez Panisse alumni have gone particularly interesting and inspiring as some of my favorites began at Chez Panisse).

Alice Water’s has focused recently on admirable pursuits with The Edible Schoolyard.  Levi’s is teaming up with Alice Water’s, Sophia Coppola, David Byrne, Dave Eggers, and Myra Kalman who have designed a t-shirt for The Edible Schoolyard.  The shirts went on sale yesterday.  Proceeds go to The Edible Schoolyard.   If you would like to get one, visit Levi’s .

Have you been to Chez Panisse?  I’d love to hear about your experiences there.

July’s Cooking Club -Can you change your perception?

July’s cooking club…so happy to finally all be together again!  Stephanie hosted at her beautiful new home (we’re talking brand spanking, pre-furniture new!).

This month’s theme, pick a celebrity chef that is not such a favorite, select a recipe, and see if you can change your mind about that chef.

Stephanie’s beautiful summer table featured herbs from her yard tucked into posies.  So fresh and lovely.

First up…Shannon’s delectable appetizers from Rachel Ray.  Bacon wrapped shrimp, one with pineapple and one with sage.  What’s not to love about anything bacon wrapped?  http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=4061

and

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/bacon-wrapped-pineapple-shrimp-recipe/index.html

Ok, how great are these Pellegrino bottles?  They are a limited edition label designed by Missoni!  Love ‘em.  (Can’t wait for Missoni’s collaboration with Target in September by the way).

Katie’s beet salad with goat cheese was a Guy Fieri recipe.  I have to admit, I didn’t realize that Guy was also a chef besides his hosting gigs.  It was delicious.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/beet-salad-with-goat-cheese-recipe/index.html

The main event.  Stephanie’s main course, a pork tenderloin with fig and port sauce from Giada De-Laurentis.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/pork-loin-with-fig-and-port-sauce-recipe/index.html

The gang together again with a sneak peek into Steph’s fabulous new kitchen!

Nicole’s side might be the most decadent, delicious thing I’ve eaten in quite some time (1 pound of Brie, oh my!).  Emeril  Lagasse’s Savory Spinach and Artichoke Stuffing.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/savory-spinach-and-artichoke-stuffing-recipe/index.html

Selena made a refreshing and flavorful side of green beans with pancetta from Lucinda Scala Quinn.  http://www.marthastewart.com/350409/steamed-yet-crispy-string-beans

To finish, I made a Sticky Toffee Pudding from Nigella Lawson accompanied by Ciao Bella Vanilla Gelato.  It was easy, and quite tasty.

http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/easy-sticky-toffee-pudding-180

So there you have it.  Everything was actually DELICIOUS.  So the irony here is that even if a personality doesn’t sit well with you, give the recipes a go.  They may just be fantastic.

San Diego Design “Walkabout”

What a great day I had in San Diego exploring the design district in Little Italy!  The temperature was lovely, the sun came out to greet me.  I walked from my hotel in the Gaslamp district to Kettner Blvd. in Little Italy.
My first stop was Mixture for home furnishings.  This is a large warehouse type space with lots of merchandise.  Fun “mixture” of modern and sculptural elements.  I really loved the artwork and driftwood sculpture on offering.

Okay – how crazy, fun, cool is this pig table?  Every room needs a touch of black right?

Or how about a life size horse lamp?  I think the horse would be my pick if I had the space…maybe a loft?

I thought these sweet driftwood bird sculptures were just precious…

This wall desk is very clever for a small, clean space.  Loving the impact of the artwork that is reminiscent of graffiti.

As I carried on north on Kettner from Mixture I started seeing these great graphic banners on the street in Little Italy.  No question what neighborhood we’re in!

I stumbled upon Antiques on Kettner.  Display case after case of antiques.  All grouped by item type and color…

Isn’t this a fun vintage electric sign?

I’ve been wanting a cake plate and dome for a while now.  I was so tempted to purchase this vintage, etched piece but couldn’t figure out how I’d get it home without shipping it.

My favorite find was Architectural Salvage.

Upon entering, I didn’t know where to look.  Everything is so GOOD.

Great salvaged tiles.

Intricate register covers.

Bin after bin of cool hardware.

Wow, what a selection?

Sorbet colored light globes.  Divine.

The proprietor, Enrique, is incredibly friendly and helpful.  There is even a sweet store kitty, Patina.  She’s a calico!  I love her name.  Such a fun and inspirational browse.

Walking back toward the Gaslamp district, came upon this darling neighborhood sign on the main drag of Little Italy.

Stumbled upon a darling local church, “Our Lady of The Rosary”.

I popped in for a quiet moment and to take a quick peak.  Such a sweet place of worship.

Beautiful stained glass windows.

Nice pottery…

While I was looking around the church, guests for a wedding started to arrive.  I quickly departed…didn’t want to interrupt.  It was a fun end to my design “walkabout”.

 

San Diego Design Itinerary…Advice Welcome!

So I’m planning a trip to San Diego.  Growing up in California, I have been before.  I’ve seen Balboa Park, Old Town, Horton Plaza, La Jolla, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park….etc.  I’ve heard that the city has undergone quite a transformation in the last 10 years and I’d really like to find the hidden gems and great design resources.

Photo Courtesy of Westin Gaslamp

I’ll be hanging my hat at the Westin Gaslamp.  Without a vehicle, it looks like the perfect spot for exploring.  I am looking for local favorites in the area.  For dining the names that keep coming up as local favorites are:

Pokez Mexican Restaurant http://www.pokezsd.com/

Cafe Chloe French Food http://www.cafechloe.com/

Neighborhood Gastropub http://www.neighborhoodsd.com/index.php

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge  - For happy hour…http://www.eldoradobar.com/

I have a whole day to explore.   I’m thinking of focusing on a charming design neighborhood, such as Little Italy.

Klassik  for Danish Vintage Modern pieces.  I’m going to have to pop in for inspiration.  http://www.klassikdesign.com/

Mixture – Photo from Mixture website

Looks like a stop at Mixture for modern and contemporary furnishings is a must.  http://www.mixturehome.com/about_facts.php

Architectural Salvage – San Diego.  Photo courtesy their website.

Super excited about Architectural Salvage.  I can’t wait to look for inspiration for my Pacific Heights project.  Maybe I’ll see the perfect salvaged fireplace mantel? http://www.architecturalsalvagesd.com/about-us.htm

If I’m feeling hungry or thirsty, I think I’ll try The Waterfront, San Diego’s oldest tavern, for refreshments.

Walkabout South Park – Photo Courtesy Southparkscene.com

South Park is another hood that looks absolutely charming.  North of Little Italy, they have quarterly events called “Walkabout” coinciding with my visit!  How perfect.  Shops open later, live music, food and drink specials…sounds right up my alley.  http://www.southparkscene.com/whats_happening.html

While I’m in South Park, I’m definitely visiting Progress for inspiration for my mid-century Burlingame project.  http://www.progresssouthpark.com/

There are so many cute looking restaurants in South Park too:

Vagabond San Diego.  Photo source unknown.

Vagabond looks like quirky fun.  A “global” kitchen.  http://www.vagabondkitchen.com

Alchemy looks YUMMY!  http://www.alchemysandiego.com/  Their site references squash blossoms are in season, LOVE those.

Station Tavern – San Diego  Photo courtesy Station Tavern website

Perhaps most intriguing for casual dining is Station Tavern.  http://stationtavern.com/

Cinema Under The Stars – Photo courtesy Cinema Under the Stars Website

I’m thinking that Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills looks perfect for a night-time activity http://www.topspresents.com/  ”All About Eve” anyone?

What visit to San Diego could do without a trip to the beach?  I’m thinking Ocean Beach where “Almost Famous” was filmed.  If I’m at Ocean Beach, I’ll have to check out Newport Antiques Market, right?  http://www.antiquesinsandiego.com

What do you think?  What did I miss?  Would love your feedback on great, not to be missed, local finds in San Diego …