I think I've just died and gone to heaven. Anthropologie never disappoints. If you are ever able to visit one, it's almost always an out of body experience. Their visual design team is outstanding. These sofas are fantastic! I love the mix of the old and new. Color, color....that's the vibe of 2007. Mix it with black gloss.....grrrrrrr....yummy! http://www.anthropologie.com I have to smile at that because about a year ago when I designed the interiors of Palazzo Giuseppe's (a restaurant in San Luis Obispo) everyone gave me so much hardship because all my trim was black gloss...:-)
Moving on to tonight. Top Design on Bravo. I really hope they take these designers out of the Pacific Design Center and make them shop in the real world. My goodness, they are in LA. I'm sadly disappointed with the show but hopefully they'll prove me wrong tonight. Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!
Gee Gee Gorgeous!
My showroom is such a fun and creative experience but my design projects are starting to pile up, so back to business of design! I'm currently working on a restaurant remodel...way fun!...as well as a women's clothing boutique in need of some dire, design direction. Starting off with the window display, (it's my first area to tackle), so I've been looking for interesting panels to delineate the space between the store and the window. In my research I came across these beautiful, water-cut felt panels that are custom made by UK artist, Selina Rose. This design is called "Gee Gee" appropriately named after the frolicking horses. What's appealing is that the cut-out can be done on your choice of materials, ie.; wood, metal, rubber, etc. I love designers like Selina. She is taking textile design to an entirely new level. Kudos! http://www.selinarose.co.uk
Rare Devices!
Here's a fun little site to shop around on. This small vase is beautiful! I'm a true believer in always having fresh flowers in my home therefore I am always on the hunt for unique and distinctive vases. This one is simply sweet. There are lots of clever gift items on this site too. Fun! http://www.raredevice.com
Birds Birds Birds!
I have always loved the designer Ingo Maurer and especially his bird lighting! I appreciate and enjoy the whimsy in their designs. I know it won't appeal to everyone but I dig it! Maybe it's the wings....hmmm... http://www.divafurniture.com
Softer Than You Could Ever Imagine!
Just when you think minky is the end-all, be-all most snuggly fabric on earth (and Yes, it still is!!!)....out comes something new! Luxe....by Little Giraffe. I can't even stand it! These faux fur blankets are so soft, you can't get enough of them.....soon to be appearing at Mari Robeson Home! I just couldn't resist. This is something everyone must know about. Yum! http://www.littlegiraffe.com
Coral Comfort!
Lately I have been very into the color Coral. Even better, Coral and Steel Gray together.... Mmmmmmm....yummy! Every once in a while I check in at Anthropologie and to my delight I came across my two latest, favorite colors. These drapery panels are so pretty! Design Tip: Coral walls make everyone look soft and beautiful....just thought you might want to know. :-) http://www.anthropologie.com
Succulent Site!
This site is absolutely beautiful! The design alone is pure eye candy, coupled with the name, it's just too much fun! I was delightfully surprised by this silk butterfly collage. Being a big fan of butterfly's myself, I thought I had seen most everything out there. There are lots of fun items and gift ideas on this site. I have to give it an A+ for overall site design and original products. http://www.thesucculentwife.com
Lounging Around!
We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such good design. I don't see why man's best friend shouldn't deserve the same luxury. I'm really seeing this in your swanky living room Miss D! http://www.dogbar.com
Fancy Platter!
So original, neo-classical, funky and fancy! Love these platters. They are so clever and would be great to serve with or to hang on the wall. This is a cute site to do a little gift shopping. http://www.eggmercantile.com
Decorate Your Desktop!
Let's face it...we love our computers. Three years ago when we built our house I designed a desk in our kitchen so that the girls could do their homework while we cooked. That single design turned into us using the computer for our music, recipe's, and a million other things. Since it is plain sight (thank goodness MAC designs beautiful computers) all I had to do was put on the screen saver of my choice. I go through phases with this. I was really into the "Aquarium" for a while, the "New York" landscapes. Here is a link to some free downloads of winter scenes...in California by the coast where I am we don't see snow. I suppose if I lived in the snow I may want to look at Hawaii..ha ha. http://www.bhg.com
DIY Fabulous!
I'm back! My hook-up was down a few days but everything is running smooth again! Last night I met a lovely woman and her gorgeous daughter in my showroom. They were very interested in some chairs I had made. I told them they could do it themselves too! I purchased the Queen Ann style chairs from Beach House unfinished furniture in San Luis Obispo. I painted them hot pink and then reupholstered them with a yummy black and white Damask Pattern. Black & white polka dots would be very cute too! Have fun creating and have a very happy holiday! http://www.housefabric.com
Party Rox!
I've been watching Sally Russell since I saw her at a gift show a few years ago. I'm happy to see she has expanded her art into wonderful, whimsical tea towels, aprons and bags. I think these party rox are too, too cute and fun! A great hostest gift or treat for your friends... http://www.sallyrussellstudio.com
Color Effects!
There's no doubt about it, color effects our mood, our appetite and the way we look at the world. It's been this funny little thing in the building I've moved into...one by one I've been asked to select their colors. (I love doing that by the way.) I love color and the bolder the better. Even people I know who are afraid of color are so pleased when they finally make the plunge. Just remember it's only paint and it's really quite easy to change. Domino Magazine has a great website for ideas and recently they've added a slide show of room color ideas. I love how they used black paint to create a graphic "frame". Very mod! Using paint in a contrasting color is a great trick that can also be done around windows and doors as an inexpensive way to create architectural interest. Fun inspiration! http://www.dominomag.com
Back To Design!
Back to the world of Design! I love these Udon Noodle bowls! What a great way to eat rice too! You also have to check out their Budha bowls. They fit in the palm of your hand and are great for anything from soup to ice cream to cappuccino. Very fun and thoughtfully designed...I like it! http://flavourdesign.com
As for the showroom, I'll be serving hot cider this weekend! Come on by and say Hello and warm your tummy!
Designing With An Old Friend!
What a beautiful Sunday morning! I'm heading down to the showroom to continue my set-up. I have this stunning cradle by Bratt Decor going in the window. I've asked my friend, Ken, to join me. Ken & I did the Visual Design for Copeland's Sports back in the early 90's. Almost 10 years ago Ken passed away from AIDS. He was way too young and fabulous to die. He's now one of my Spiritual Team members I call on all the time. Ken taught me about planting bulbs and pinching back geraniums and how to use monofiliment (a very fun way to say fishing wire) in displays. So today he and I are going to set up something magical... I carry the entire Bratt Decor line which is beautifully crafted and designed! 4 days and counting!
Marvelous Midori!
Count down to Open!!! I'm taking a deep breath, saying a little prayer (OK a lot of prayers) and still hoping that I will finally be Open on the 5th!!! Woohoo! I'm so excited because I have so many pretty little (and big) things to share with everyone, like these great nesting boxes by Midori... Gumps may have them, but I have them too and they are simply fabulous for gift giving. Fill these sweet boxes with soaps, candles, jewelry, any little treasure and you will be a star! Three marvelous sizes! http://www.midoriribbon.com
Outdoor Wallpaper!
Today was a good day! Bill and I finished the interior to the Showroom....now we just need power...oh yes, and a phone hook-up....gosh, new construction is so much fun! Ha Ha...
These large graphic motifs are very popular right now and my showroom is no exception. I have seen these large damask patterns as wallpaper, decals, stencils and now as outdoor wallpaper. How Divine! http://www.susanbradley.co.uk
Thanksgiving Tabletop!
I know I've been a bit sporadic with my entries lately. I apologize...it's crunch time with my showroom opening. The latest news on that is that we are still waiting for power to be turned on amongst a punch list of other must complete before receiving a final on the building...(hopefully completed by the beginning of December!!!) so I'm using the extra time to get organized and plan my Thanksgiving celebration...(the real trick will be how to make a beautiful atmosphere with stacks of UPS boxes all around!) One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is have my girls help make a centerpiece and table decorations. Children are great designers!!! Mine always surprise me in the most delightful way. I just put out the supplies and supervise a bit. This beautiful centerpiece comes with directions (how nice). http://interiordec.about.com I'd love to hear how you decorate for the holidays! Gobble! Gobble!
Lucky Cat!
I'd have to say my cat, Chloe', would have to fall into the category of one lucky cat. She's 19 years old and is the royal queen of my studio... Lately my oldest daughter has been expressing a keen desire to redecorate her bedroom and she's very into any of the Japanese influenced graphics which, good for me, I also find quite interesting and beautiful. So once I get my showroom open I will be doing a new room for my little lovey. She has a walk in closet with no door. Currently we have a beautiful drape there but I think for the fun of it we will do a beaded curtain which made me think of http://www.tesoros.com. This site has so many fun items to add a little kitch to your decor. I'm pretty sure Chloe will be OK with this other lucky cat in the house...
Wall Flats vs Stencilling...hmmmmm....
I have got walls on my mind lately...today I almost completed my stencil work in my showroom when I realized the last 11 stencils I did were with the wrong color white! Aaaaaaaarg! So I start thinking I should have used these great Wall Flats instead...ha ha....just kidding. Believe me, it would have been much easier though... I will fix it tomorrow and only you and I will know. For now you might be interested in checking out this innovative eco-friendly (made of bamboo pulp and feels like sturdy cardboard) wall treatment. While you're there you may want to cast your vote for the Great Pillow Contest. I did. Fun design stuff here... http://www.inhabitliving.com
