Seriously

I've been gone awhile.

It all started with a week of kids valentines parties that took more work than most design projects. Remember how fun valentine's day was when you were a kid? Making your mailbox and filling out your valentines. The good old days....

Then on the 13th I left for mid-winter break with the family where I was going to relax, read, snowshoe, eat and drink wine. My husband couldn't come at the last minute so I went with the kids by myself. Not the most relaxing way to spend a week.

My dad's cabin in Oregon doesn't get AT&T cell services so I'm disconnected from the world as I know it. I think my iphone was in shock. Really, I have a problem...

Then, I get one of the worst colds I've had in years. Seriously, I'm coughing up a lung and my eyes water all day. Needless to say, I've had it for almost a week and I still don't have a voice.

So, I apologize for disappearing. I hope to be back to my normal blogging self soon with some design inspiration for the rest of you addicts!

I know I'm in need of some inspiration right now.

What would your space say about you?

I think I almost ran my cart into an unsuspecting customer at the grocery store when I saw the new cover of the March Elle Decor. It knocked my socks off. Of course it's the work of Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle.

I love the juxtaposition of the dark walls with the modern art and eclectic, french furniture. This room is young and hip, yet so comfortable and inviting. I'd love to retire to this room to catch up on T.V. viewing.

I love the whole vibe of the whole house. It's so personal and looks like it was decorated over multiple years - not 20 months. I loved that the owner, the executive producer of the Oprah show, wanted a very personal space. She didn't want a house that looked like a showroom or a designers signature look. She wanted a space that was one part Babe Paley, one part Ralph Lauren and one part Twiggy. Now that's a woman I'd like to meet.

She turned her guest bedroom into a basketball court for her two boys. What a great idea if you have the space and the money. I made the mistake of showing this to my oldest son and he is determined to turn our guest bedroom into a basketball court as well. I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon.

I also loved their approach to the boy's bedroom. It's not overly designed and the space is usable and cool for a teenager. They can customize it any way they want so the room grows with them as their likes & dislikes change. Now, a wall of cork will be happening in my sons room. It's the least I can do since I can't do the basketball court.

Amazing closet door in the master bedroom. Dreamy. I could almost cry.

The dreamy closet. I could hide from my kids in here. Unfortunately, knowing them, I wouldn't be able to get them out of my closet. I think they would convert it into their bedroom. They love beautiful spaces.

The office space is another example of great design. A custom desk with space for two computers and separate drawers. Not over the top but beautiful and functional. The vintage Chippendale chairs and burlap covered bulletin board are a great contrast to the stainless steel counter top.

Elegant master bath. Again, so timeless. The paneled marble floor based on their stay at Claridge's in London adds a modern touch and reminds them of their travels.

Master bedroom. Classic and serene. The vintage chandelier is the star of the room .

Living room. This is the room that is the epitome of the blended styles that the owner wanted. I think Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle nailed it.

Dining Room. Definitely Ms. Paley walls, with RL table and Twiggy chairs.

Clean, modern kitchen. Great usable space. Love the modern table and chairs paired with the built in nook. A great place for families to connect. And in this digital age - we could all use a space like this.

So, while the cover of Elle Decor stopped me in my tracks - the rest of the house made an impression on me. I love that the owner could have had anything she wanted based on her position, and she wanted a personal and eclectic space that reminded her of family and her travels.

Isn't that what your house should say about you.

What do you want your space to say about you? What personalities would you design your house around? I'll have to think about that one as I think mine would change on a daily basis.

Today I'd be on part Suzanne Kasler, one part Kelly Wearstler, and one part ????

Again

If you've been reading me for awhile, you know I have an obsession with grass cloth. I can't seem to get enough of it. I think it evokes the summers I spent in Laguna Beach while also blending my love of traditional east coast architecture. It can transform any space with it's casual texture yet dramatic flair. It gives the room a warmth that regular wall coverings or paint can't.

I love how this house uses it in the main living room as well as the master bedroom. It helps highlight the beautiful woodwork and windows, while also making the space feel more intimate.

Photos courtesy of Traditional Home

Without it the house could look like another builder spec. The new craftsman development house that's cropped up all over Seattle. Decorated with pottery barn and mission furniture, and the traditional beige, yellow or red painted walls. Thank goodness this house didn't meet that fate.

There's a grass cloth color for everyone. Shimmery blue, silver, chocolate, light purple, dark purple, red, apple green, damask print, stripes...the list could go on and on.

While I love fun colors for spaces like dining rooms or powder rooms, I'm partial to the neutral colors for large open rooms.

I've finally convinced my husband to let me cover our bedroom in grass cloth. Now for the hallways, dining room and living room.

Wish me luck.

Weekend Score

I can't believe I found vintage 1950's Chippendale chairs on craigslist. Sometimes the pain of the search is worth it.

They need new fabric and a new paint job as it's a dull matte finish, but otherwise they are perfect. Now, will I be able to give them up to a client or do I need to keep them myself? The never ending challenge for a decorator.

Time to rent that storage unit.

Hope you had a good weekend.

picture from craigslist posting

Blackberry Farm

I've been reading articles on Blackberry Farm (www.blackberryfarm.com) for the last couple years. It's always piqued my interest by pulling on my Oregon grown heartstrings. But, now I need to go.



It's situated on 4,200 acres 25 miles outside Knoxville, Tennessee. It's a working farm with livestock, gardens, orchards, even an on-site creamery where cheeses, jams and pickles are made. You can take part in the farm activities or just sample the results in their outstanding restaurant. I love the concept of taking a vacation on a working farm. Learning about the connection between the food on your table and the land. It's something we take for granted by just walking into our huge mega food stores. Buying and eating locally makes so much sense.

What better place to experience this connection than at a luxury resort. After you get dirty in the garden you can go to the spa. Not into taking part in the farm activities, Blackberry Farm also has you covered with the usual resort activities like golf, tennis, hiking, swimming and lawn games. What more of a sporting vacation - they offer fly fishing, horseback riding and clay shooting as well. Sounds like they offer a little bit of something for everyone.

Seriously, this wine cellar makes me want to hop a plane right now. ( I digress as usual)

While the scenery is breathtaking and the activities endless, what really caught my eye was one of the charming bedrooms. This is what I call a relaxing hotel room. For once, it doesn't look like a standard hotel room. Gorgeous four poster black bed, crisp white bedding, chocolate pudding walls, sea grass rug, linen drapes and fun graphic printed pillows and throws. I'd take this over the sleek, now so overdone, W decor any day.

A day of picking berries, sampling wine, making cheese or just going for a hike. Followed by a glass of wine with fabulous locally grown food and then a night of uninterrupted sleep in this fluffy bed. I can't think of a better day.

Thank you Blackberry Farm for putting a casual spin on luxury. I think I'm in hotel heaven.

Loring

I'm dying over this Loring Cocktail table by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair. While I love her style and her furniture collection , this little piece just speaks to me. It's the perfect transitional piece for a living room, study or family room. The lightness of the base makes it so versatile. The patina of the gold leaf makes it special without shouting for attention.

Now, if only they offered it in silver leaf. I'd be one happy girl.

Legacy

I grew up in awe of my grandfather's career. He was a man blessed with the talent and charisma to work in Hollywood for 55+ years as a production designer/art director. He had a career that was unparalleled to others in the industry.

There have been many times in my life where people have asked if I'm related to Henry. I've always replied proudly that yes he was my grandfather. The next question usually was, "did you inherit any of his talent". My answer was usually, no, unfortunately I didn't. He was untouchable when it came to my view of his talent.

While I've always loved architecture and interior design I never really made the connection between my passion for remodeling homes and decorating/refurbishing furniture to his talent as an art director. In my mind, I could never be as creative and talented as him. I viewed my passion as just that, a passion. He set the bar too high in my mind for me to ever compete. How do you compete with Hollywood and Oscars - the highest mainstream level of creative recognition.

So today as I was working on some interior layouts for a client, I decided to unpack his portable drafting table that I rescued from the goodwill pile when my family was cleaning out his estate.
Then the obvious hit me on the head. Creating beautiful and livable spaces for clients is similar to creating a scene or set for the movies. Each client is like a different film with a different plot and personality. Each room, a different set to create the mood and story of that person's life. I don't know why I never made the connection.

A small tear rolled down my face as I cleaned the drafting board. His pencil marks from his floor plans and drawings were etched into the board. These etchings will guide and inspire me as I work on honing my craft. One day I hope to be worthy of the high praise that was bestowed upon you in your career.

Grandpa, I hope I make you proud as you watch down upon me. I only wish I had followed my heart and passion when you were alive so we could talk about it.

I will honor and cherish your drafting board. This was an incredible, unexpected gift.

I miss you. Thank you for helping me see the creativity within myself.

Blended Kitchen

I'm pretty traditional when it comes to kitchens. I prefer very classic painted cabinets to the ultra modern or stained wood. But, when I saw this kitchen it made me catch my breath.

Image from Canadian House & Home. Design by David Powell of Toronto's Powell & Bonnell

It has the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary for someone like me. I don't think I'd get tired of being in this room 24/7. Which to me is the test of a great designed kitchen. It's the room we spend the most time in and one of the most expensive to renovate. Who wants to remodel every ten years?

I love that the homeowners didn't try to recreate a period kitchen, yet made sure it maintained the integrity 1855 Georgian style house. By using traditional shaker style cabinets they ensured continuity with the architecture. I think one of the biggest mistakes people make when designing kitchens is not considering the style of the house and just choosing cabinets that they like. Then that room sticks out like a sore thumb.

But what really stopped me was the 7 x 14 walnut island with the butcher block top. (The kitchen, by the way, is 17 x 42 ) It is the perfect spot for small intimate dinners, large family gatherings or buffets. What I wouldn't give to have a kitchen that size with this incredible island. Maybe I could actually make dinner without my kids right underneath me. I know, I know, I'm just dreaming now.

While the island is the first thing you notice, the hero of the room is that incredible light fixture. I love how it complements the contemporary island yet balances the traditional windows and cabinets. It makes a statement without screaming, "here I am. Didn't expect to see that in here did you?"

For me, this kitchen strikes the perfect balance of old house meets today's living.

Good Finds

This mercury lamp from Wisteria is an amazing buy at $126.75, regularly $175.00. The detail, proportions and gorgeous shade makes it look much more expensive. It's so versatile too. It would work in a bedroom, as a pair on an entry buffet, or in a living room. Add a fun colored or printed shade for a more modern look.

If you love it as much as I do, I'd hurry as I bet it won't last long. Happy shopping.




Have a great weekend!

Oh Ballard

When I was flipping through the new Ballard Designs catalog today some artwork caught my eye. Artwork is such an important accessory to any room. However it can sometimes be the component that's cut due to budget reasons. A room without art is like vanilla ice cream. Reliable and yummy, but boring.

These prints look expensive, are substantial in size, and add a modern element to a room. They don't look like a mass produced piece and could pose as the real thing. They would work in a multitude of spaces from contemporary to beach to rustic.

First Light Giclee Print by Julie Holland

Blue Reflections by Liz Jardine

The Space Between Giclee Print by Heather Ross

Cool Mist Giclee Print by Hilario Gutierrez

Ballard, there are always some treasures hiding in those pages.
I love the thrill of the hunt.