Wednesday, October 27, 2010

wall flower

I am loving this idea!  Urban Outfitters sells these wall tapestries that can be used on a bed, on a couch, or--how the store has it displayed--on a wall.  What a great way to create an interesting optical illusion and cover a bare wall.  They offer a few varieties; this is the birch tree option.  I love Urban Outfitters, especially for their home collection.



Monday, October 18, 2010

fab finish


The Martha Stewart Living paint finish tool kit contains eight tools for creating twelve decorative paint effects.  It also includes a full color technique brochure and how-to guide.  A fresh coat of paint does wonders to a room, but to really breathe new life into plain walls and tired furniture, try giving that fresh coat a little something extra.  Eye-catching patterns and surface textures are surprisingly easy to create yourself, and you can see the beautiful results of your project in a single weekend.  This booklet gives you step-by-step instructions for producing a dozen professional-looking effects, including graphic stripes, rich textured linen, and my favorite, “faux bois” wood grain.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

put a cork in it

Product Image Naturals Adhesive Cork Shelf Liner - 18x4" 
When we first moved into our loft apartment, one thing I focused my attention on was the proper drawer liner for the kitchen.  With a cork self-adhesive drawer and shelf liner, you can gently cushion and protect fine glassware and dinnerware.  The roll of soft, pliable natural cork features a peel-off backing to adhere to a drawer or shelf.  The cork naturally resists mold and mildew and easily cut with scissors.  You can find this at Target, and other stores.

prized pottery


Since 1971, Guy Wolff has been spinning some of the most exquisite clay creations around.  Located in Washington, Connecticut, Guy Wolff makes his gorgeous pots at his studio.  I love his work, and I hope to collect many of his pieces.  The clean lines and timeless designs make for ideal choices for indoor and outdoor plant vessels.  I love his white pots--they have a green patina that makes them look mossy and aged.


Please explore his website, and keep him in mind this Holiday season.  Anyone could appreciate a well made work of art like this, that functions as beautifully as it looks.

Friday, October 15, 2010

fashion friday: Hermes

                                                     
With that classic orange "H", the absolutely amazing quality of leather goods, and impeccable style, Hermes has been consistent for decades.  I am an Hermes fan all the way! Each and every piece that comes bearing the Hermes name is 100% handmade.  These are classic pieces that will last more then a lifetime.  One of the most iconic pieces is the famous Birkin (shown here), so coveted that most Hermes stores have a waiting list to get one.  They range in price from $5,000-$25,000. Hermes is famous for their clever use of exotic skins, such as lizard and alligator.  If you ever have the chance to browse through an Hermes boutique, I highly recommend doing so; it is a heavenly experience.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

oh martha

Everyday Foods, Martha Stewart's latest publication, is a digest-sized meal planner for every day of the week, all year long.  Often categorized and featured with seasonal fresh ingredients, this is a great way to come up with a real good meal.  There is also an app available for iPhone/iPod touch that is my favorite!  I have used it at the market as my shopping list--perfect!

succulents

Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, and roots.  This gives succulents a more swollen or fleshy appearance than other plants (this is called succulence). 
Succulent plants have become my absolute favorite plant to have around the house.  They are very low-maintenance and require little watering.  Although they thrive in warm and sunny climates, setting them in a window or under a growing light for up to seven hours a day will allow them to flourish.  Their unique architecture and odd appearance add so much character and life to your home.  I have several succulent and cactus plants throughout my home, and they have become such a passion for me.
Succulents don't always have to be potted plants.  They are also great to use in arrangements, like this one above.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

texture

Texture is one of the most important design elements.  Adding texture adds interest and character to any space.  A furry sheepskin throw, like the one shown above, lightly thrown over a chair adds warmth and variety to a basic room.
Even adding a carpet with a print, like this faux bois by Martha Stewart, still adds the element of texture.  This also allows a break in the color palette and creates dimension.
Tired of your plain couch?  Add ruffled pillows, and you can basically reinvent your existing sitting space.

Friday, October 8, 2010

fashion Friday: logo refresh

So this week, Gap (one of our favorite stores) unveiled its new logo.  A new logo that replaces the iconic blue box design that Gap has had for more than 20 years.  The old logo:

...and the new one:
This font is the same font that Gap has been using in its marketing campaigns for a few months now.  They decided to update the logo to bring it into a new direction, in order to appeal to a younger, more modern customer base.  Personally, I think it would have been even just a little better without that silly blue box in the corner, which pays homage to the old logo.  Overall, online reactions have been pretty negative, mainly because of the simplicity of the design.  Maybe this could change though.  Remember "new" Coke from the '80s?  Nobody liked it, so Coca-Cola went back to the classic.  Maybe Gap will do the same?

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

book club

She is back!  Ina Garten's latest cookbook "How Easy Is That?" is available for pre-order on Amazon.com.  Full of simple, elegant recipes and entertaining ideas, this is a must-have for the modern home cook.  I love how easy-going Ina's style is.  She is all about simple, good quality ingredients, and making it fabulous!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

roy

Roy Lichtenstein was a prominent twentieth-century American pop artist.  His work was heavily influenced by both popular advertising and the comic book style.  Lichtenstein described pop art as not "American" painting, but actually industrial painting.

faux bois

The French term for false wood, faux bois is a technique found often in planters and garden accessories that replicates the look of wood grain, often made of cement.  There are very few known faux bois artists in the United States; but one Texas artist, Carlos Cortes, still produces custom faux bois pieces, which are considered to be highly collectible.  This fake-me-out woodland motif is timeless and adds interest to any room.  This is a picture of my faux bois planters.  I have gorgeous succulents and moss planted in mine.

frog


Floral frogs are small devices used to arrange flowers.  They come in multiple designs and sizes.  Some, like the one above, are metal circles with many spikes sticking up.  Flowers stay quite easily in them and appear more full and symmetrical.  They can be found at most potting sheds and florists.

Friday, October 1, 2010

fashion Friday: Lanvin

Jeanne Lanvin started in fashion by first designing clothes for her daughter.  Soon enough, she was designing for the children of many elite, and then dabbled with designing mother and daughter outfits.  This later evolved into Lanvin opening her own shops selling home decor, menswear, lingerie, and furs.  Lanvin is known for her use of intricate trimmings, elaborate embroideries, and beaded decorations.  Her creations led her to be one of the most influential designers of the 1920s and '30s.