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.

Happy New Year (that is if you're still there)

Happy New Year and Happy week day back to work for many.

The Christmas season in my house starts at Thanksgiving and doesn't end until the 2ND of January. The joys of split families. The bonus is the kids get five Christmases! Thus, the reason you haven't seen a post from me since December 2. Between school Christmas pageants, shopping and holiday parties, all my energy went towards keeping my family fed and clean and my interior projects moving forward. Oh, I also forgot to mention that my kids wanted a puppy for Christmas so that threw a wrench into the holidays as well. Just when I started sleeping again (thanks to my sleepless 4 year old) I had to start doing the 2am potty break for the puppy. (the puppy didn't work out but more on that later as I search for a new puppy). On top of all that, the idea of getting up early or staying up late to post went out the window.

But if you've been following me at all, you know I'm not the best at balance. I seem to thrive in chaos and deadlines. While I may be thriving, something else has fallen to the wayside. So my apologies if you wondered what happened to me during this time.

2010 is going to be my year to create some balance in my life.

Here's how:
1) Set work hours and only work within those hours so I can spend time with the kids and my husband.
2) Not pick on my husband about every little habit of his. You know the ones. The ones that made you fall in love with him but now make you crazy. A happier husband will mean a happier wife. (This is not going to be easy for me. Type A married to Type A creates for some interesting scenarios).
3) Set and stick to an exercise schedule to release the stress. I'm one of those that stick to an exercise regime for a couple months and just when I start to reap the rewards I stop.
4) Spend time on the friendships that matter.
5) Concentrate on the big things. The small things will fall into place.
6) Accept that I am the only woman in a house of three boys. My life is and will be about ESPN, bowl games, potty humor and daily football and dodge ball games in my family room. (yes an actual family room with furniture. Not an empty rec room where nothing can break). You know the commercial where the men in the family are are playing "finger football" in the kitchen with a bag of Frito's. You should of seen their eyes light up when they saw it. A life of Frito's on the floor is in my near future. But hey, it's my life and I'm going to love it.

If I can do these things I should be able to simplify my life and have time I need to create the life I want.

2010, I'm ready for you.

What are your New Years Resolutions? I'd love to know.

Good Finds

If you love Barclay Butera's look but can't afford him (not many of us can) nows your chance to get a little of his look at a fraction of what it would cost.

He just launched an online pillow program. Now you don't need to be part of the trade to purchase from him. While they are still pricey, they are comparable to other decorative pillows sold online through specialty retailers.

They are typical Butera style. Lots of blue, classic stripes and florals. Of course he's also offering my favorite "B" pillow. However, that one will cost you a pretty penny.

Here's a little sample.

Check out his website for the full line of pillows. He's one step closer to being crowned king of the "lifestyle" design world.

Look out Ralph, Barclay's on your heels.

Comeback

First, I apologize for being absent from the blog for so long. The holidays just kick me in the butt every year. Add a busy work schedule onto entertaining every night for 4 straight nights (yes, that's how we do holidays in my house - not the one day and it's over method) and I'm a zombie for a couple days.

Enough said. I apologize. Please forgive me. I will try to make my comeback posts worth your time.

I'm working on a project right now that has tight spaces in a bedroom and family room. My solution - create a custom desk in the family room and a custom console in the bedroom. I'm using these two magazine tears as examples. There's nothing some legs and a solid core door can't solve. When their done they will look like custom pieces.

So easy, affordable and usable.

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart

Image courtesy of Coastal Living

I hope you had a wonderful holiday full of family and friends. Mine was crazy but filled with laughter and fun. Onto the next holiday. This time I only have 4 actual Christmases. Makes me tired just thinking about it.

Project Update

Just a quick project update. We are starting to make progress in the construction phase. Bathroom fixtures should arrive the first week of December. Grass cloth has been ordered. Things are starting to take visual shape.

The task at hand is picking the overall paint color for the entire downstairs. Picking paint colors in the Northwest is never easy. Especially neutrals as the tend to go pink or yellow. Unfortunately, I don't like either color. You can see all the paint swatches on the wall. Hopefully a new hybrid color tomorrow will make the final cut.

Here's a quick peek at the progress from the last post.


New staircase minus the slats. They should go in tomorrow.

Fireplace in progress. Still a lot of work to be done but still tons better than it was to begin with. This will become the focus of the family room. Middle compartment houses the T.V. We are going to age the brick white so it has a wonderful patina. No more 80's in this room.

Wainscoting before being primed and painted. Traditional yet casual. You can see the paint swatches above. We are leaning towards the lightest one of the right. Winter Wheat - Benjamin Moore.

I'll continue to update as new progress is made.

Matouk

I love these mongrammed bath towels from Matouk. They are 650 gram cotton terry and the monogram is done in the relief method.

While they are fabulous in a hotel, they would be extra fab in a home. They would be unexpected. A nice change from your standard guest towel.

They are the perfect gift for everyone on your list regardless of occasion. I would love to receive the quest towels for my powder room. It's the little touches that make a difference.
The boys could each get towels monogrammed with the first letter of their names. That way, there would never be fighting over who gets what towel. I can dream can't I?


Matouk has an amazing collection of bedding, bath and table top linens. They have the new Lulu DK line as well as a custom/couture "bespoke" line so you can create you're very own bedding assortment.

Good Finds

I am a department store make-up junkie. I think I've tried every skin and make up line looking for the perfect product to make me look like I have that dewy porcelain skin of all the cover girls and actresses. I know they are airbrushed, but it doesn't stop me from trying.

I've never found the perfect fix. But to my surprise, I've found a couple drugstore finds that are amazing and don't break the bank.

I was at a girlfriends and tried her Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush. I couldn't believe it. It went on so easily and gave me the perfect glow. My favorite color is "Rose Petal." Subtle and gorgeous.

Just opening it and looking at the beautiful mousse texture and color makes me happy. I've had better results with this than any department store blush.

If the blush is great, what could the foundation do for my skin? You can bet I'm going to find out. It's only $13.99 so what do I have to loose?

The other one that's always getting rave reviews is the CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Foundation. It's supposed to prevent the pigment from settling into fine lines, therefore make you look younger. Sounds good to me. But the packaging just isn't as pretty as the Maybelline version and I'm a sucker for packaging.

I love this Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara. I've always loved the classic Great Lash, but this one's brush is small and fine. Perfect for those hard to get lashes and it doesn't leave a clumpy mess. It comes in waterproof for people like me who cry when they laugh.

But maybe the best find of all, is this Organic line by Boots available at Target. Good day creams are hard to find as I have dry and sensitive skin. I've tried them all. Even the miracle La Mer. I love my Decleor, but at $65 a jar it's pricey. And really, who uses just one jar in their routine. This cream is almost as good and it's $12.99. It's fragrance free (unlike most of the natural/organic lines) and keeps me hydrated all day long.

This Face Super Balm is amazing as well. It feels like a sugar scrub and is slightly greasy but it moisturizes like crazy. For skin like mine, balms are incredible once you get past the texture difference. I use it as my night cream and on rough patches on my hands. It's $8.99!

Who knew recession beauty shopping could be so much fun.