Tuesday, April 7, 2009

SomeONE's Gotta Give...

Last night I curled up with a cup of tea to
watch one of my favorite movies:
Something's Gotta Give.

I noticed again how incredible the set design and decoration is
in this film, and how the perfection of design
makes me lose myself in the story that much more.




Doing some research on the topic, I found that a lot of
blogs have approached the subject of who is actually
the genius behind this incredible 'house in the Hamptons';
James Radin (Nancy Meyer's designer) or Beth Rubino (the set decorator)?

I am starting to see that good design isn't about
who takes credit for it,
its about the imprint it leaves on those it touches.


Barbara Barry has captured this perfectly:
"I envision more people experiencing the feeling of how something done well
feeds the soul. That, in turn, brings us to the realization that we need less.
And that leads to an appreciation of the beauty in simple things-
things that exist freely in our world
like lemons growing on a tree,
air that is fresh
and the color of the sky."

and


Isle Crawford:
"Feeling nurtured, comfortable, protected, and loved
is all part of what goes into making spaces seem right..."

It is this quality that makes me work so hard,
to create spaces that evoke these feelings,
and begs the question:
What, as designers, can we GIVE rather than get?

Sure, I would love to have my name
splashed across the cover of Elle Decor, who wouldn't?
But the true accomplishment for me comes from
the notion that I've improved the quality of someone's LIFE,
not just their home,
by creating a space that soothes them.

And I'll humbly accept credit for THAT.

xx

Monday, April 6, 2009

Sohn Song.

I met a lovely woman last September
through a random set of circumstances
(I bought a gorgeous desk chair from her off of CraigsList)

Her name is Heather Taylor and she co-owns
my favorite gallery in LA:


Heather and her partner Alex De Cordoba
have the most incredible eye;
my favorite being Jeana Sohn's work.

Jeana grew up in Korea and studied graphic design at CalArts,
and has the most ethereal, delicious pieces.

Her 'Collected Feathers' is my favorite piece of art in the city...

and her other works calm and move me.



She even does individual hand-painted wooden eggs
that are too remarkable to even try to describe here.

Please visit the gallery, and keep an eye on Sohn,
I know I will.

xx

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Market-ing 101.

Was up at the crack of dawn this morning to head
to my favorite flea market at the
Pasadena City College.

On the hunt for more fantastic dressers
(to no avail)
I found a few interesting items...
Nothing I had room for necessarily, but enough to catch my eye.


I did end up with another grey linen-covered book
to add to my burgeoning collection...
(I don't know what it is about them,
I just love the feel and color of the linen)

My boyfriend STOLE ($35- I know, he's a tough cookie)
an original Plycraft Wing lounge chair (with label!)
that my upholsterer will be thrilled to get ahold of...
(grey burlap or navy linen perhaps?)

It was then off to the Hollywood Farmer's Market
for an individually-brewed Peruvian coffee and
more of my FAVORITE bread from
Bezian's Bakery.
This handmade bread,
made with sourdough culture rich in micro-flora,
is the best bread I've ever had.
My favorite is the Date-Pecan.
Delicious.

I also picked up some fresh carrots
(something about eating them with the greens still attached
makes them taste better)

And some blood oranges and tangelos- so ripe and juicy...

All in all, another great Spring Sunday in sunny SoCal.

Hope you enjoyed yours!

xx


Saturday, April 4, 2009

Dress-er up...

My new bedroom requires a new dresser.

(Oh, how I always love when I actually NEED
to find some perfect piece for myself...)

While sourcing, I have developed this
new fascination with highboys.

This beautiful alternative to the typical
credenza-style set of drawers is equally as functional,
takes up less space, and looks so pretty with a small lamp
and tray of oddities.

There is the one I found from the 1920's
at an Antique shop in Santa Monica...

The amazing 1940's Widdicomb I discovered on 1stDibs...

And of course the GORGEOUS new
Ralph Lauren Modern Equestrian. Yummy.

Now the problem is choosing just one...

xx

Friday, April 3, 2009

Spring has Sprung...


I woke up this morning to the season's first Poppies
growing in my new cottage's back garden.

The climbing roses are in full bloom outside my guest house,
in the most perfect light pink hue...
(I am painting my bathroom Ralph Lauren's Resort White
this weekend, and it is nearly identical)

Fresh mint is growing in droves!
The perfect tea awaits...

I am so happy to live, in the midst of the Los Angeles chaos,
in such a tranquil and flourishing haven.

I can't wait to grow my tomatoes and eat them with fresh mozzarella
outside by candlelight this summer, under the grapevines,
with friends and a glass of Prosecco.

The finer things in life truly are those
perfectly and effortlessly designed by nature.

What a wonderful reminder.

xx


Thursday, April 2, 2009

Sniff.


It's official.

Domino Magazine has finally died.
They took the website to our favorite
shelter magazine down today, and replaced it with
Architectural Digest.

I cannot tell you how much inspiration I received from this
incredible publication, and would have to say
that it was one of the first pieces of inspiration
that made me realize that I really wanted to be an
Interior Designer.

The DIY projects, the gorgeous- yet approachable- layouts,
the brilliant photography...
I feel like I've lost a dear friend.

I think I will have to go through my collection this weekend and
see what issues I don't have so I can buy them on Ebay.

And we'll always have the bible.

RIP Domino. Thank you for creating another inspired
young woman hoping to create beauty in the world and
make it a better place, one perfectly chosen paint color at a time.

xx

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Escape Artist.

With so much going on lately
(the wedding, the move, WestWeek)
I'm ready for a break.

My favorite little spot to escape to is in Palm Springs:
Korakia Pensione.


These beautiful Mediterranean and Moroccan villas
house beautifully simple rooms, poolside, at completely reasonable rates.

I think I should probably book a little time away,
to read a good book, get some sun, take a much needed nap,
and get into all things Spring.


My eyelids are getting heavy just thinking about it.
xx