JWD

You may or may not remember a post I did a while back on hunky carpenters. It is ok if you don't, here is the link. Well one of those carpenters sent me a sweet email thanking me for mentioning him on my blog. I was wildly embarrassed since I was basically giving him a verbal whistle! Sooo, I decided I needed to give him a more legit shout out this go around.

Jared Walker Dostie is not just a TV host, he is a legit, licensed carpenter who has his own business in California. He has teamed up with Tom Filicia on the show Tacky House airing Wednesdays at 11:00 on the Style Network. He also designs a line of custom furniture. Want to learn more about him, go visit his website. Need a little more encouragement? Let me show you his photo again...

Dang, there I go again with the hootin'! Sorry Jared!

Let's get back to business...here is some of his custom made furniture.

REMINDER ABOUT MY CONTEST...DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY!

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Wild for Wallpaper

I have been a wallpaper fan for a looooong time now and am always game to slather a roll or two on to the walls of a project - but these guest rooms at Maison 140 in Beverly Hills have made my heart flutter like a only a new love interest (or design by Kelly Wearstler) can! 

Using wallpaper on all walls and overhead creates a cozy, cocoon feeling in these guest rooms, and I am LOVING it! 

{Maison 140 Beverly Hills, designs by Kelly Wearstler}

Sure, the furnishings are nice too. But the wallpaper really makes the rooms, don't you think?!

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Color of the Season - Huh?

I am always trying to determine the color of the season, both in fashion and interiors.  This elusive concept is never quite clear to me?  First, I see that gray is the "new" black.  I like gray, so I am ok with that.  Then, I hear that bold color is back - the brighter the better (especially seeing lots of yellow).  Honestly, I think it depends on how the wind is blowing or who you ask.  I can really appreciate all different kinds of style, but my own home tends to lean more neutral.  I think it allows you to add any color, as interest, and change it often (which is what I like to do).   Sort of like this.

http://interior.ihouse-designs.com/ideas-for-living-rooms/

I do love the pop of orange in this space.  I also like the fretwork pillow, but would have really loved a pair of them.

http://amydmorris.com/amydmorris.livingroom.1.html

I would have to say purple is my least favorite color, but Amy Morris, a fantastic designer in Atlanta,  can make me love any color!

http://www.womackinteriors.com/index.php/photos/5.html

OK, I'm not feeling the pink stool, but I love the blue/gray accents in this otherwise neutral space.  Also, the long sofa pillow is calling my name!

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=37529

Any accent color would work in this beautiful space, and that mirror over the sofa is stunning.

http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/chocolate-brown-living-room-00400000008942/

Chocolate is delicious, even on the walls. 

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storm thorgerson

i had the great pleasure of meeting the legendary artist storm thorgerson last week in san francisco at a small gallery on geary st. what a treat. storm is most famous for his work with the band pink floyd and is responsible for the majority of their most famous album covers including division bell, dark side of the moon, wish you were here...and on and on. enjoy. amanda

"Naivete and enthusiasm are great bedfellows. I plunged into the cover for Saucerful without a second thought. I didn't know any better and what doubts I had were soon engulfed by waves of keenness. I was so keen, it was sickening." - Storm T.



this is not a photograph! I learned that it is actually a print made of 21 different screens. each screen is made then printed layer on top of layer. Impressive!!! before photoshop folks!!!

some of these stories he told to me while i was visiting with him.

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MEANINGful Monday: Aubusson

Aubusson:

Refers to tapestries or carpets from Aubusson in central France (also refers to textiles in the style of genuine Aubussons). Their origins date back to the 14th century and are distinguished by elaborate patterns and a pileless weave.

Aubusson rugs’ history is rich and a significant part of the revival of the arts of the Renaissance period. They were hand woven flat weave wool rugs and tapestries originally based on Turkish designs. In 1665 and thereafter, Aubusson rug designs were based on the motifs of Savonnerie rugs. Prior to this time, Savonnerie rugs were only available to the King, with design and production overseen by the artists and weavers of the royal courts. With Aubusson rug designs mimicking those of Savonnerie rugs, they became available to anyone who could afford them, typically the upper class and sophisticated aristocracy of Europe.  {Aubusson ottoman image via House Beautiful, aubusson rug image via Country Living}

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Re-Decorating Contest

In today's economy, so much emphasis is being placed on decorating on a budget. Understandable, right? I feel that you can make BIG impact with small changes. Namely, by re-Decorating a space. You can give your home a fresh new look instantly by editing, moving some things around and adding a few new pieces.

Soooo, I am holding a lil' contest folks! If you have an area of your home that you want to re-Decorate (mantle, foyer table, bookcase, etc.), email me a picture of your space and give me a few thoughts on what you would like to achieve. I will pick one space to give free design advice on and this space will be featured on my blog next week.

Here is an example I have shown before of Rita Konig's living room. See, what I mean? Quick fix! (Well, apart from the re-upholstery!)

The deadline is this Friday, September 3rd so hurry up!

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Let's Talk Ottomans

Growing up, the only recollection I have of an ottoman was the one that my Dad's feet generally covered up.  It was strictly for practical comfort.  We have certainly come a long way.  Ottomans can accessorize a room and create a soft cozy feel that you can't achieve with accent pillows alone.  This amazing space by Betsy Burnham (who is now in LA but grew up on the East coast) speaks to me.

http://www.burnhamdesign.com/beverly_hills_livingroom2.htm

At first glance you notice these amazing stools and all their nailhead glory, but then look beyond to the oversized ottoman with its tufted goodness.  It is the perfect alternative to a coffee table.

"So," you say, "What are my options?" Well look what I found!

1. Layla Grayce; 2. Jayson Home and Garden; 3. Modern Dose; 4. Ballard Designs; 5. Wisteria; 6. & 7. Jayson Home and Garden; 8. Ballard Designs; 9. Wisteria; 10. Room & Board


Now, relax and put your feet up!

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ferry building marketplace

the ferry building market place is one of THE best places to visit while in san francisco. it is the land of all things yummy and natural . although i did not get the chance to drop by on my recent visit to the city, i have been many times in the past. i've posted a few of my favorite vendors for you below. the best thing of all...the samples. it's monday again. enjoy! amanda

The Marketplace is the only place in the Bay Area -- other than Acme's original Berkeley location -- that carries the full selection of Acme's nationally acclaimed artisan breads. Steve Sullivan, owner and co-founder, says that after all these years Acme’s foremost goal remains the same -- to bake outstanding bread.

Stonehouse California Olive Oil is located in a Nave Shop where it sells its signature, certified extra virgin olive oils in both bottles and in bulk. The company is best known for its citrus oils, produced by crushing fruit along with olives, thereby flavoring the olive oil.

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker is a mecca at the Marketplace for chocolate lovers. The shop carries the full line of Scharffen Berger and Dagoba (its sister company) chocolate, cocoa powder, nibs, and baking products. One special feature of the Ferry Building store is the Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker's Series - a special series of limited edition single origin chocolate bars available nowhere else.

Cowgirl Creamery Artisan Cheese is a full-service, European style cheese shop offering Cowgirl Creamery’s own cheeses and artisan farmstead cheese from some of the most distinguished cheesemakers in America and Europe. These include Jean d'Alos in France, Neal’s Yard's English Farmhouse cheese, and artisanal producers such as Jasper Hill in Vermont and Sally Jackson in Washington State.

Culinaire is a unique antique shop specializing in the culture of food and wine --- from tools for planting and harvesting to the exquisite silver and crystal for the dining table.

Ciao Bella is a classic Italian gelateria. The beautiful shop, complete with Italian stainless steel displays, tempts visitors with 36 flavors of gelato and sorbet every day.

Heath Ceramics, one of the few remaining mid-century American potteries, has been making tableware and tile for over a half-century in its Sausalito, California factory. In 2003, husband and wife team, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey purchased Heath Ceramics with a mission to revitalize the company, by placing a strong emphasis on design, handcrafted techniques, and the re-invigoration of the company’s designer-maker legacy.

Esther Pottery was created by landscape designer Steve Siegrist and his wife, sculptor Renée Lotenero. Both avid collectors of rare cacti and succulents, the couple have always been searching for the "perfect pot" that they could use for their ever expanding plant collection. Unable to find exactly what they were looking for, Steve and Renee began creating their own pots along with the help of their 12 year old son Ethan. Soon, friends and fellow plant collectors began requesting pots and before long, a family business was born. (Named Esther, as a phonetic blend of all their names, Ethan, Steve and Renee.) Each pot is unique and created by hand in their Los Angeles studio using high-fire clay and glazes.

The pots come in a variety of one of a kind shapes and sizes, and are also available as bowls. Bowls are fully glazed inside and come with or without a drainage hole.

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Inspiration - Jonathan Adler



New York Apartment - note the TV as part of the art arrangement



Palm Beach House with Liberace the dog.



New York apartment

I visited my friend, Vanessa's, house this weekend. Her house is a fantastic late sixties house that is work in progress. Vanessa has great ideas and willing to make some bold interior design moves - so she asked me over to help her create the 'big' overall plan and tie her ideas together. I told her that her place has a real 'Jonathan Adler' feel - which she was delighted about.

Jonathan Adler was previously and still is famous for his luxury and modern pottery. Now he has expanded his empire and his whimsical style to interiors - including a humorous and clever book called 'My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living'. Check out his website here to see all his great products.

Photographs via Jonathan Adler.

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Where Will This Take Us!?

Today is a new chapter for me.  I have decided to start this interior design blog.  For the past year,  I have been including a monthly "Tip of the Month" on my staging/design website, www.interiorstagingservices.com.  I found myself thinking about the posts constantly and wishing that I could post daily.  So, here I am.  This is my outlet for daily thoughts on design and other cool stuff.  Let's see where this takes us!

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Welcome, welcome!

Hello to all of you visiting via Better After! 

I am so thrilled to have been featured on Better After yesterday for my bedroom mirror project. Thank you so much for all of the thoughtful and positive comments - it is so nice to hear what other people think of my bedroom! I think that everyone is their own worst critic, so it is great to hear words of encouragement from others. :)

Hope you all have a great weekend! I'm spending my last day in vacationland (Maine) tomorrow and will hopefully fill you in on my fun trip out East next week!

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spread the good word.

in less than three weeks from today, rue magazine will be making her first appearance. rue will be an online source for trends, design, and inspiration. it's so exciting to see the blogging world is really making a difference in assisting with the loss of such great publications. we are so very excited to see this new addition to the design family. thank you rue for understanding our needs. we can't wait for your birthday :) jolene.

check out some of the latest PR from the design community.

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Hammocks

I am exhausted and I want to take a long nap in one of these...

And preferably in a location like this...

If you see me, please don't disturb me.

Since I live in the Lowcountry, I would feel remiss if I talked about hammocks without mentioning the Pawley's Island Hammock and sharing a little bit o' history. Christopher Columbus gets credit for discovering the hammock as he brought back boat loads full of them from the New World. But those hammocks were originally made of canvas and were rough and very hot! Many, many years later and many, many sleepless nights later, Captain Josh (Joshua John Ward) conceived the rope hammock which allowed for better air circulation. There was still the problem of the large knots so he continued at the design eventually coming up with the lattice style webbing as well as the spreader bar that kept the knots away from the body which allowed for a both a wider laying surface and much more comfortable for sleeping! The Original Hammock Shop, started in 1935 by Cap'n Josh's immediate family is still going strong today along the main road through Pawley's Island, South Carolina! Holla!

Happy Weekend!

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rios clementi hale.

you know, i feel like yesterday was one of those days. i got one piece of good news. then bam. minutes later here is a large piece of bad news. i am hoping to take everything in stride and get through it by learning from all opportunities (i refer to 'problems' as opportunities. that was a great piece of advice from gensler) that happen in life, good or bad, but it's still hard not to be upset by certain things. on that note. really, the only thing that will make me happy during times like these is some mid century architecture and interiors. does it every time. check out this hollywood hills home designed by rios clementi hale. this does a body, and soul, good. jolene.

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