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.
The first bales of alpaca to reach Europe might have been sent right back to the New World if it hadn’t been for the keen eye of one Sir Titus Salt. This happy rescue was recounted in an 1878 New York Times article, recalling the adventurous leap of Sir Salt, so adventurous in fact he had to design machinery so that the precious fiber could be set to use.
Sir Salt was right to consider himself a pioneer in his hemisphere, but in the south where the Peruvian Incans reigned, alpacas had long been softly plodding the chilling heights 10,000 feet above the seas with only their exquisite fleece to guard against the sparse air. No wonder that the Incans domesticated them to shear and spin their lustrous fiber.
Closer down to earth, you’ll still have to catch your breath when you experience my Prima Alpaca’s unforgettably soft and silky hand. Prepare yourself for what Martha and Eche are going to do with the new colors exploding on the sensuous luster of Sir Titus Salt’s fantastic find!
I recently indulged myself and took a printmaking class at Crown Point Press. I had such a blast. I’m crazy happy with the way these aquatints turned out and can’t wait to use them in some upcoming installations. They say screaming good time had here.
Small changes can make a big impact. Let’s chat for a minute about styling a coffee table. If you haven’t already done so, please add it to the spring cleaning to do list pronto. I asked Eche Martinez, a styling maven from our office, to share his favorite pointers. Without further ado…
Start styling from the corners and work your way toward the center of the table.
A few large interesting objects work better than a whole bunch of small accessories.
One oversized tray and a luxurious scented candle always work well.
Try stacking a few big books but don’t go overboard. Three or four is more than enough.
Bring in a pop of color that relates to the artwork and/or main fabric in the room.
Avoid matching finishes. Don’t do lucite trays on a lucite table or faux croc trays on a shagreen coffee table.
Place small colorful bouquets in white glass or ceramic vessels to avoid seeing the dirty water and bring in more sculptural objects instead of clear glass.
We at Martha Angus Inc. love to shop. Lucky for us, we live in San Francisco, a city brimming with swoon-worthy home shops. Here’s a sampling of a few of our absolute favorites.
Start your journey along the notable Sacramento Street where you’ll find Hudson Grace, March and Sue Fisher King (we simply adore their yummy throws).
One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure and so you simply can’t miss a potential score at Past Perfect. There are two locations, one on Union Street and one on Lombard Street. Both are within walking distance of each other so long as you leave the stilettos at home.
Jay Jeffer’s Cavalier offers a sophisticated oasis in the midst of the gritty Tenderloin. We are coveting their vast collection of AVF acrylic ware in fun colors.
Hedge Gallery never disappoints and always leaves one feeling inspired.
Coup d’Etat is the real deal. It’s the spot for statement pieces.
