Long gone are the days when having a summer cocktail outdoors meant subjecting yourself to some unsightly, not to mention uncomfortable, perch for an hour. The furniture that now graces our outdoor spaces rivals anything that you would find inside a home. Nowhere was this more evident than at the recent Salone del Mobile in Milan. Handwoven twists of brightly colored hues, foam tubes covered in acrylic for a look resembling a chunky hair braid and clever takes on the time-honored Adirondack chair bring a whole new level of sophistication to the patio. Indeed, you’ve come a long way baby!
As if I needed one, I have yet another reason why the Napa Valley makes my heart go pitter pat. If you haven’t already seen it, you really must pick up the newest edition of the Scout Guide Napa Valley. It’s gorgeous. It’s true that we are somewhat biased and we’re thrilled to be among such fine company. The Scout Guide boils it all down to a local level and it’s one percolating scene. Enjoy!
Let’s face it there are days when we all need a little refresh. The same goes for your home. A few small changes can go a long way:
Start by moving your artwork around and please don’t be shy about it. Those small holes can be patched and painted in no time (and that’s if they show at all). Start with the walls which may then inspire you to trade out your throw pillows or accessories.
Swap shades. Get beyond white, ivory and bisque lampshades and add some color. You can go custom or for a simpler move make it a DIY and knock yourself out with some Montana Gold Spray paint.
Scrap the more delicate bud bouquet for a bigger, bolder arrangement. Look no further than the trees in your backyard (or local park–I jest). Place a few large branches in a vase and voila instant drama!
Wow, it’s tough to believe that Decorator Showcase has come and gone. What a month it was. We feel beyond honored to have been amongst such talented company. Thanks again to everyone at University High School for the opportunity. Now it’s time to kick back and rest for a minute (or if we’re lucky perhaps two). In preparation for our brief moment of r&r we selected a few of our favorite places to perch our feet. All were directly sourced from Showcase and did we mention that we adore them!
The “other” Bay….why of course we’re talking about the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. May is the month when interior designers create their best impressions at show houses around the nation. If you happen to be in New York now through June 4th, I urge you to checkout Kips Bay. Truthfully, if no plans are underway a jet-set to the other coast might even be in order. This year it’s all going down at the Sharp Townhouse located at 161 East 64th Street. I promise you it’s $35 well spent.
At this point I think everyone knows that I adore (and I mean adore) Modern Art. Eche and I had the great fortune of attending the SF MoMA Art Auction a few weeks ago and it was fab-ulous. I became so enamored by a particular piece that I kept raising my arm until I looked around and realized that I was going to win the bid. Out of nowhere some gentleman swooped in and claimed his prize. With the closing of our beloved museum I’ll have to wait several years until I can raise my paddle again. Until then, I dream.
At last year’s Design Miami we could not take our eyes off the work of Belgian artist Marteen de Ceulaer. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones. Fendi commissioned him to create something based on their handbags and the mesmerizing Transformations emerged.
We feel incredibly lucky to have several of Marteen’s pieces in our room at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase. These jaw-droppingly stunning foam ball chairs hail from his Mutation Series. We’ll take that kind of mutation any day.
What’s that buzz in the air? Might it be the clickity clack of keyboards after a packed media day at the Decorator Showcase? We’re pretty intent on not spoiling the surprise but you might see a few pictures circulating after this week’s frenzy. “Fun and wow” were two words we heard a lot of as the media mingled through our room at the Pacific Heights Manse. We couldn’t agree more. Doors opened to the public this Saturday. Now don’t be late!
You may have heard that San Francisco Designer Showcase is right around the corner and that we’re doing a room. We have been rather hush hush about it all because we love a good secret. We will share that we had an absolutely epic time designing custom scones that our friends at Urban Electric then created. Thanks UE!! Picture polished chrome and enamel backlighting a singular perch for whatever swoon-worthy thing makes your heart pitter pat.
