Spotted: Paul Villinski & Beer Can Butterflys

My sister called me after Monday's episode of Gossip Girl raving about the new bedroom that (most likely) Christina Tonkin created for Serena's new college bedroom (let's look over the obvious fact that this is NO college bedroom) and instead I want to bask in all that is wheat colored grasscloth, wainscotting, upholstered green and white fabric bedframes and the most noticeable thing... art by Paul Villinski, commissioned for Gossip Girl

Please excuse the TERRIBLE iphone shot of the TV on "pause." It kills me because it's not even the best view of the installation, but that damn DVR refused to stop on the best millisecond of screen time and the episode is not available, nor are any pictures on google -- it also kills me that the walls read as pink, because they are the most wonderful, inviting wheaty-gold.

When I first saw this particular piece, I was reminded of the artist Andy Goldsworthy. If you're familiar with his work, he uses materials in nature to create a pattern like this from found and natural objects. A few examples are below, but really, photographs are all that a person could take home because it's all temporary and created in the environment.


So when Villinski's artwork was shown on GG, I was totally bananas for something that uses this design on a wall and is 3-dimensional. I think artwork in residential homes is so predictable sometimes, but something like this, it's amazing. Seeing his portfolio, it's pretty incredible what he does with (drumroll) aluminum cans. Yup, he makes every one of these butterflys from our old D-coke cans, using some metal snips and a lot of filing.

Wouldn't this be amazing in a child's bedroom?

This one above is actually made from vinyl records

A similar application as to Gossip Girl, but the difference between how the two rooms read is amazing: one comes off as potentially a little cold, whereas GG's was totally warm and chic.

So there it is. My mind is already spinning as to how I could do something similar in a room, potentially on wood panel for portability. Of course it's not Paul Villinski, but then again, I'm no Serena Vanderwoodsen, maybe someday, right?

p.s. I'm going to keep a lookout for photos of the bedroom from Episode 3, season 4 and update this post in the future if something turns up. I'll keep you posted.

Fall Weekend

It feels like Fall here in the Pacific Northwest. I love Fall. Don't get me wrong, I love Summer and this year I'm sad to see it go. Actually it never really came but that's another post. Fall is the time for me to organize the house, watch football and movies with the boys, and start my cooking marathon. I love to cook in the Fall. Maybe it has to do with the ritual of drinking a glass of red wine while I cook. Regardless, I love to make hearty fall and winter foods. Butter, salt and cheese are my middle name. Bottom line is I love to hunker down and hang out without feeling guilty that I should be outside.

What better place to do nothing and escape your everyday chores than a weekend getaway or 2nd home. Since I don't have a 2nd home so I thought I'd create my own mountain hideaway. I can smell the stew and the crackle of the fire (over the wrestling of the kids )

My dream mountain escape vehicle. These are a classic. Wish our Michigan friends still made them.

Home sweet home

Designer - Susan Tully

Dreamy mountain living room for when I need a serene moment...

But, being a Gemini, that mood can change in a instant and I'd want a more vibrant living room.

Designer - Ray Booth

Dream rustic, modern kitchen

Designer - Tom Shearer

Designer - Meg Braff

The perfect place to relax after a long day of snowshoeing or cooking. Not to pretty for my husband or the house.

Designer - Phoebe Howard

Bedroom for the boys. Yes, I would really make them sleep here. I want my boys rooms to be designed for me - not for them. Sorry boys.

I'd wrap up each night with friends and family at this magnificent outdoor fireplace.

Here's to dreaming.

Surprised

So, last night was the first reveal of the Oval Office that was redecorated by famed interior designer Michael S. Smith. I have always admired Michael Smith for his warm, layered yet understated rooms. He has created a name for himself by creating homes that feel lived in and warm but not decorated straight from the showroom. I couldn't wait to see what he did for the Obamas.

Here's the oval office before the redecoration.

And after...

I have to same I'm underwhelmed. I'm the first to admit that I love a neutral palette. I've never been one to turn away a creamy caramel or taupe as the basis for the large pieces of furniture. But, I'm so surprised that there isn't any pop of color or his signature layered fabrics. Did the Obama's worry that the oval office would look too ethnic and therefore pulled Michael back? This room is crying for some pillows at the very least to infuse some personality. Or even some more texture. The start of the room is there but it just doesn't look finished.

I want this room to show some optimism and some fun. Right now it looks like the Bush's are still in the white house. Not the Obamas with their love of fashion (okay Michelle's love of fashion - Barack not so much), culture and the arts. This room is just too uptight for this young family.

Michael, please tell me you aren't finished... I want to see some of your fabulous signature Indian prints and florals.

A Reminder of Beauty

While looking through 100 Layer Cake's blog today I was struck by how beautiful the simplest things can be. It's always been what I'm drawn to, but seeing it done so well makes the hairs on my arms stand up. Isn't it so inspiring to see something like this? Just when I start to get down on design, or feel like no one is getting it, or me, I see beautiful cakes that I just want to put on my coffee table they are so pretty.

The cakes are from Magpie's Cakes in Washington, D.C.

Thank you Veranda

Okay, so I know this house by Melanie Turner has been out in the blogger sphere for awhile now but I can't help posting on it.

Dara, thank you for publishing this gorgeous house! I can't wait to see what's next for Veranda. This gives me high hopes.

Love, love, love the neutral warm palette with pops of yellow.

Hello gorgeous floors. What's for dinner?

So pretty, I had to show another angle.

This kitchen is beyond. It will never go out of style with it's clean lines. Again, love the continuity with the pops of yellow.

Hello hallways. Love that she used different wainscoting treatments throughout the house. Some are casual and beachy while others are more formal.

Simple and relaxing master bedroom. I was expecting a little more pomp - but I love that she did the opposite of what I expected.

The daughters bedroom. The blue and green combination is so fresh. I'd love to add this green to my pale blue bedroom. This bedroom is dreamy - feminine yet tailored. Honey, what do you think?

The family room off the casual eating area and porch. This is one of my favorite rooms because of the color and energy. The Pottery Barn rug is fabulous. Wouldn't see any spills on that rug in my house. They'd be there, you just wouldn't see them!

Casual dining room. So serene. Perfect for my crazy boys!

Porch. Need I say more?

Lovely. Thanks again for pulling this off the shelf Veranda.

Flipping Out

Okay, so I'm dying to see the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year by Jeff Lewis from Flipping Out. It's in Rockefeller Center from July 19th - July 23rd.

Flipping Out is one of my true evening pleasures. No one makes me laugh like Zoila. Well, Jeff and Jennie make me laugh just as hard but in a different way. I can't wait for the show to start again. I'd kill to hang out with that crazy man on a daily basis. Now, that's my idea of fun!

But since that won't be happening anytime soon, the show will have to support my need for sick humor, fab design, and the perils of managing a construction project. It's always satisfying to watch Jeff yell at the contractor since I can't do that on my jobs. But in the meantime, I'm super excited to see his modern take on a kitchen and outdoor living space. It will be so different from the gorgeous Ina Garten kitchen of last year, which is one of my favorite kitchen spaces.

I can't wait, Jeffy. I know you won't disappoint.

Ina Garten's 2009 Kitchen of the Year

Bedford Brown

Last week I took a little trip to one of my favorite Northwest cities, Portland, Oregon. It's such a great city. Great shopping, restaurants, hotels, and a fun urban vibe, yet a real sense of community. Being an Oregon native, the city always makes me feel like I'm home.

But one of the best parts of my trip was the incredible shop, Bedford Brown. Part home decor, stone yard and greenhouse - it's more like stepping into a store in Paris than Oregon. I was instantly in love. The owners are interior designers which is obvious by the attention to detail and sophisticated, edited lines they carry. The rotate inventory in and out so no visit is the same. I love it when retailers give you a reason to "pop by" every week so you don't miss something fantastic.

Here's a couple picks I snapped with my phone. Enjoy

The outside of the store.

This is the fence outside the store. Gorgeous way to create atmosphere and a brand on a traditional wire fence. I couldn't contain myself as I was driving up.

Picture of the stone yard with the beautiful Portland bridge in the background. This image is from their website as the sun is shinning.

My picture of the stone yard. Yes, it was raining. But it didn't dampen my excitement.

Another image of some of their garden inventory. This is the best edited selection of statuary items I've seen. No tacky birdbaths or gnomes here.

Inside image of the greenhouse.

Another greenhouse interior with a selection of fabulous slip covered furniture. These ticking striped club chairs by Lee Industries were to die for and on sale!

An assortment of home decor accessories. This store is chocked full of them. Everywhere you turn is something fabulous.

Another inspirational vignette in the store.

And yet another one...

While most of the store has a subdued European flair right now, there is this great black and white stripped contemporary room at the front of the store. A great classic look.

This store really has something for everyone. I couldn't possibly take a picture of every vignette or item in the store - there was something great in every inch. It's so unique and inspiring. I can't wait to visit again... and again.