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THIS IS NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S CROCHET

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 Collection

If fashion is any indication expect to see a lot of lace hitting the home interiors market.  I see opportunity for many applications; bedding, accent pillows, table skirts or drapery would be amazing.  The look that hit the Spring 2012 fashion scene is modernized by color, thick crochets, large scale open needle work and Battenburg Laces.  Oh my, start your droolin’

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 Collection

Emilio Pucci Spring 2012 Collection

HGTV DREAM HOME 2012 – The Good, The Bad, No Ugly

HGTV is currently showcasing its 2012 Dream Home, located near Park City, Utah.   The riverside residence’s architecture is part mountain lodge, part English Tudor, with tons of great outdoor living space.   Grey panel siding, timber, and stone make up the exterior.  Its Utah Limestone embellishment sets the stage for a mix of yellow and grey neutrals used throughout the house’s interior.  It’s sure to be a “dream come true” for some prospective entrant in their annual contest.

My Designer notes on some of The Good:

Linda Woodrum, Dream Home’s designer in chief succeeds again with her “Rustic Modern Ranch” concept.  Lots of furnishings sourced at Ethan Allen’s New York showroom are at home in this ski town-adjacent abode.  Greeting visitors in the entry foyer are a pair of modern paintings (Architecture of Lines) that seem comfortably reminiscent of Aspen bark.  That foyer yields a peak into the Great Room where limestone is carried indoors accentuating the two-story space.  The walls are clad in the stacked material up to a standard ceiling height, then transition to creamy painted paneling that provides a nice backdrop for the exposed, grey washed trusses.  A series of French doors and clerestory windows provide good light and views.

The Great Room reflects the dominate color palette throughout the house; a sophisticated spin on red, white & blue.  The colors are toned down.  White is replaced with neutrals that range from cream, straw, goldens, taupes, & warm greys.  In lieu of the primary red & blue are clarets, burnt spice, indigos, and pale cottage.    There is a nice marriage of eclectic furnishings, mostly traditional with some modern, country & global notes.  Good use is made of pattern variety in fabrics; lots of stripes and checks with a good dose of paisley’s, and the über trendy Ikats.

The fabric in Bedroom One’s bold blue and white striped drapery with a hint of chocolate (chenille?) is so chic.  I’ll take yardage of that any day!  A great addition to this room is Ethan Allen’s Hyacinth Drum stool.  Casual yet very refined, its woven strands of hyacinth look like French braids.

Another good example of pattern and fabric choices is in Bedroom two.  A more masculine space but, not so much that us gals wouldn’t be comfortable.  Ticking stripe fabric is upgraded by its drapery treatment.  The combination of the stripes, bandana-esque paisley duvet, and the buffalo check carpet are very smart.    I’m a big fan of two choices in the room’s bath; 1. bringing the same drapery fabric into the bathroom makes a shower curtain elegant, 2.  an unexpected rich blue vanity is an excellent example of color in a neutral bath…its lovely.

I loved the shock of bright wall color in the Master Suite sitting room,  (Sherwin Williams’ Independent Gold SW6401- reads a preferable apple green on my TV & monitor), and that it was carried into the Bedroom’s quieter neutral palette with select furnishings.

In the family room:  Ethan Allen’s Triad storage ottomans, particularly useful for tucking away bedding for the sleeper sectional makes a big lounging space for TV nights – kick those feet up!  I’m crazy about the Chenille cut paisley circles pillow fabric.  It looks rich and dreamy against Ethan Allen’s Parker chairs in cream leather.

Another Ethan Allen standout in this room are the red pendant drum shades (unfortunately used in too great a number).  The often forgotten design opportunity in light fixtures is not missed in this home.  From the surveyors floor lamps in the great room, photographers pendants in the laundry, glitzy wagon wheel chandeliers in bedroom two and the grandly scaled but fine featured chandeliers in the garage & master suite, these lights proudly do double duty as room accessories.

Overall this is a great home but, Aaaah, just a bit of Not So Good:

Only one interior design note of merit was in the Dining Room in the use of Ethan Allen’s Burton Armchair at the heads of the table.  The beautifully over-scaled and lyrically lined version of a spindle chair seems out of synch in this dining configuration.  I love mixing chairs and playing with scale but, the great lines of this chair is hidden beneath the table – and more importantly dysfunctional as the high arms prohibit pulling it up to the table.

As for the building; some flow seems a bit awkward.  In an odd choice for privacy, stairs off the entry foyer lead directly into the Master Suite.  Another dedicated staircase near the Family Room leads to Bedroom Two Suite. There is no access between the two spaces on the second story.  Additionally, some space seem wasted; a sitting room off the Master Suite (don’t know a soul that uses one) and a potential fourth bedroom that was sacrificed for a “Changing Room” by converting its closet into a dry sauna.

Mostly these space issues reflect a little feeling of guilt – celebrating the building of a 4000 SF spec home in the middle of undeveloped land in Midway, Utah.   HGTV touts the builder kept a clean construction site so as not to disturb flora and fauna.  It is inexplicable what difference a “clean construction site” makes, during the presence of earth movers, trucks, and heavy equipment used for months during the erection of this large building.  Did they not disturb flora and fauna?

Efficiencies were considered in the HVAC system, insulation, etc. as well as, some environmentally friendly materials (i.e. the locally sourced stone, for one) and I applaud HGTV for doing so.  I wonder if they would consider taking a more significant initiative in the next Dream Home or Green Home.   Could the foot print be much smaller or even better, build in an urban infill location or re-adapt an existing building.  This would be a wonderful way for HGTV to really show its environmental interest.   Sign me up for that project!

BEYOND EDISON – CAL 2012 Light Bulb Standards

This week the nation took its first step toward a more energy efficient lighting policy, lagging a full year behind California standards.  On January 1^st, 2012, the U.S. banned the manufacture of the traditional (type A, identified as the Edison) 100 watt incandescent light bulb.  The reference to this as the “Edison” bulb is accurate in its nod to 100 year old technology.   The carping and dithering that’s met this advancement in policy is bizarre.  None of us would accept 100 year old technology in our telephone, television, or any other electronic device.   Yet Congress tacked on to the spending bill last month a ban on enforcing the policy.

I’m proud to say, as usual, California is forging the path to a more efficient energy policy ahead of the rest of our nation.  Some would decry even this… insubstantial effort.  This week we put the next chink in the armor of phasing out low efficiency lighting by banning the manufacture or sale of the 75 watt Edison bulb in this state.  (FAQs CAL Light Bulb Standards)

Last year the death of the 100 watt went with a murmur, and I suspect the 75 watt’s end will be met with little fan fare.  The reason being is the ample supply alternatives and increasing improvement of both fluorescent and LED lighting.

As a residential Interior Designer, the biggest issue with these energy efficient changes was the lag in available lighting fixtures that accommodate a different type of bulb base.  (Even though the halogen incandescent and compact fluorescents use the same screw base as the Type A bulb always has.)  I’m pleased to say that in 2011 major strides were made and the variety of fluorescent and LED fixtures coming to market are truly exciting.

So for the naysayers to regulation  - I say phooey!    Remember when it used to be a positive thing to say “there ought to be a law”.  Well that’s because sometimes there ought to be one;  because it’s better for us, it’s better for our pocket books, better for our planet and I suspect making all those cool new products created a couple of jobs!

IMBIBING FOR DINNER

De rigueur of the progressive watering hole’s marketing campaign over the past couple of years has resided in the Personnel Department, which was to covet the best “Mixologist”.

I found the idea of this initially intriguing.  I give props to anyone that innovates something we ultimately consume.  I’ve tried my share of cocktails that were creative and best of all delicious. But, after some recent experience at various establishments where I tossed down beverages laden with curry powder, lemongrass, cilantro, cucumbers, and chunky fruit,  I’ve called a hiatus (or at least boundaries) on the Mixologist.  It’s not that all of these drinks were not tasty, it’s just that rather than feeling hydrated, I felt I had dinner all over again.  I’m going to go out on a limb here and say mostly, I don’t get it and I’m beginning to wonder, has this gone too far or has this trend “jumped the shark” yet?

I have only admiration for the skills of a good bartender.  Beyond a potentially hazardous work place of  inebriated clientele, it takes talent and a knowledge base to consistently blend a quality drink.  Borrowing a quote from an anonymous blogger’s comment thread: “A Bartender is a person who engages in the noble and storied profession of mixing and serving drinks.  A Mixologist, on the other hand, is a (women’s hygiene product)bag”.  That’s a funny quote but, I wouldn’t go quite that far.  This is entirely subjective, I know.  But, I’m done experimenting.   From here on out;  I’m saving the saffron for my entrée and limiting my cocktails to something light & refreshing or the faithful glass of wine.

PRETTY IN PINK (& a few more than Sixteen Candles)

For most my adult life I’ve had a restrained relationship with pink.  I’m pretty sure this is as a result of an over abundance of it as a child.  My Mother did not have a fortunate childhood so the caring parent showered her daughter with the things she didn’t have; a pink canopied bed, white tiles with pink and gold metallic flecks, buttons and bows and pink clothes.

Like most female juveniles, I probably loved the color at least until the age of five.  Somewhere along the way, I went into pink reject mode.  Mom remained an ardent fan of the color throughout.  Even today her home has more than its fair share of pink and each year, at this time, I select a birthday card for Mom, spying the racks and aisles for a suitable pink one.

They say “the only thing static is change” and I’m willing to admit my mind has been changing over the years too.   Mom, you’ve won.  As in much every other aspect of your life lessons; you’ve worn me down, convinced me of your wisdom…I’m telling the world, I have reconciled my relationship with pink.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not painting my walls pink but, here today I’m sharing the genius of pink (in doses), and wishing you a Happy Birthday!

Here Are Some Pink Things to Love:

Alexandra Von Furstenberg XOXO Acrylic Table

Tetris Tile Mosaic

 

Battery Square UK – Smoothie Pink

                     Pablo Lamp

Moroso Bouquet Chairs designed by Tokujin Yoshioka

Graham and Green, Pink & Mother of Pearl Chest

THE NEW MODERN RUG

Once upon a time the few modern carpets available (AKA area rugs) were limited to large color blocked geometric patterns in a garish palette.   But, the modern carpets of late have turned that notion on its head.  Their level of sophistication and artistry are truly a joy to behold.

Overriding themes seem to be either “Sophisticated Subtleties” or “BAM! In-Your-Face”.  But, there’s ample variety to suit anyone’s taste.  I’ve narrowed them down to three primary categories:

The Neo-Traditional Patterns:   The market has been saturated the past couple of years with modern spins on traditional elements that include over scaled florals, scrolls & damasks.  The stylized traditions are migrating to obscured, warped or color muted animal prints, hyper-delicate Asian inspired motifs like the wisp of cherry blossom in this Hokku Designs Inari rug.  Ikats and global prints are in big time!

Clockwise from Top: ABC Rug's Ikats, Hokku Design's Inari, Oscar de la Renta's Spain,Victoria Hagan's Shagreen Leopard

The Sophisticates:  There is tremendous beauty in the subtleties of tone on tone, color graduated ombreys, and weaves that look like water color paintings.  Subtle color striations and woven loop or cut patterns with height variation.   A nubby wool sweater and the popular mosaic jumps from tile to the loom in this Calvin Klein Prairie rug.  These moderns reek of class!

Clockwise from Top: Calvin Klein's Luster Wash, West Elm's Sweater Rug, Calvin Klein's Prairie, & Safavieh's Soho

The Graphics:  The Graphic Design profession has soared in our age of technology and they are bringing their talents under foot.  Iconography, graffiti, surrealism, and typography leap off the page to your floor.  Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby’s designs for The Rug Company are stunners. Oh what fun a carpet can be!

Clockwise from Top Right: Queen Elizabeth Icon Postage Stamp, Kate Katie Ulanov Designs, Linus Dean's Typography, Henzel's Graffiti, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby's Puzzle Rug and center Lourdes Sanchez for West Elm's Bulls Eye

HOME RETREAT

If you need a really convenient space of refuge, Architect Eugene Stoltzfus has designed a quiet place, based on his own experience, for individuals to escape steps away in your own home.   The ZaZen, is a place for meditation or some peace and it’s small enough to fit into almost any living space.   The ZaZen is an engineered space where the aesthetic, seclusion, and the acoustics work harmoniously to give you an opportunity to truly rest or take a break.

The unit is portable too!  Its stainless steel construction sits on four recessed rollers and the bead-blasted powder coat means it serves indoors or out.    Cushion and mat are included.  The ZaZen is available in Silver Sparkle, White, Black or Light Blue.  Custom colors are also an option for an nominal upcharge. 

So whether you’re a practicing Zen Buddist, noodling with your spouse, or just trying to escape the kids, the ZaZen could be your retreat.

OFFAL or AWFUL GOOD for the us

A Partial Solution for the Omnivore Environmentalist……

For those of us carnivores who subscribe to sustainable living there are mixed emotions about eating from the animal kingdom.  Yes, I get it; the American factory farm is abhorrent.  The feed factories that produce all the product (and waste) for your grocer’s refrigerator case should hardly be called a farm as they bear little resemblance.  My grandfather was one of those old-timey cattle ranchers that rotated their stock from 40 acre to 40 acre grassland in a reasonable and renewable way.   Yet, even the responsible practice does produce a sizeable amount of methane and water consumption, all for us meat lovers.

Yet, I cannot help myself.  I can no more see giving up meat as giving up water.  I believe we are omnivores by nature.  I believe that red and white meats are absolutely a healthy part of our diet when consumed in moderation along with all other important food groups.

So I propose a partial solution to this omnivore’s dilemma –- eat offal.  Why?  Because offal is delicious.  Plus if we’re going to create an environmental impact why waste a single morsel of the animal we have slaughtered for our pleasure.  If you don’t quite understand what offal is, I recommend you visit Chef Chris Consentino’s site which explains it well, “all those parts …that are not skeletal or muscle”.  In addition his menu descriptions will leave you drooling, so visiting his restaurant, Incanto should you find yourself in San Francisco, would be a treat.

My childhood introduction to offal was Mom pan frying giblets leftover from the Thanksgiving bird.  Wasted in gravy, these were our amuse-bouche to the family meal.  The pinnacle of my offal experience (& yet to be outdone) was sweetbreads at La Folie which literally made me swoon.   So whatever your organ (or parts) preference, eat your offal.  Eat a little less meat, try to obtain your animal product from responsible, local farms, and you can take some solace in your minimized impact to our home, our planet.

PRECIOUS METALS – Mixing Metallic

If there ever was a “Golden Rule” it may be “no gold goes where silver goes”.   But, then “Rules are mostly made to be broken…” (Thank you Gen. Douglas MacArthur for your consent!).   Lately everywhere I turn, I see silver & gold – together.  In fashion apparel or home products, Designers are mixing metallics right and left.  Even Pantone’s Home + Interiors 2012 features Pale Gold and Silver within their Reflections palette.

I’m on the same page as the General – that is the “mostly” page.  The combination of metallics makes sense in the — they’re both neutrals, both spell luxury sense, not as much in the grey and yellow are not the best of friends sense.  But, the mix can be achieved quite successfully.  I’m thrilled to be in the process of a metallic mix installation myself and can’t wait to see final result.  Pictured here are tile and wall covering; a few of the materials we’re using.  The entire palette looks stunning!  So I’m advocating a well thought-out use of the metallic mix.  After all, isn’t champagne kind of silvery gold?  Cheers!

BISTRO COMFORT MENU

Ever see those “Gel Pro” mats.  The solution to aching feet if you’re standing for prolong periods of time while slaving away in the kitchen.  Practical absolutely, but attractiveness –not so much.  Most of the colors seem like they are more suited to the Army-Navy store than in your stylish kitchen.  Even the new textures leave something to be desired.

The folks at the powerhouse on-line store, Ballard Designs,  have offered up an appealing alternative, the French Bistro Comfort Mat.  It’s a mock bistro chalk board menu, so cute for a traditional or  trés chic room.   Available in a demilune and two rectangular sizes.   Let’s hope this new entry of “comfort mats” is signaling the beginning of more stylish models to come.   Some modern versions are sure to be big sellers.