Grains are good for you

Gothic Twig and Song Birds Mirrors

The beauty and detail of the mirrors from Carvers Guild are unsurpassed and are very special to me because they are made in the United States. Owners Carl and Carol Canner have created an internationally renowned company that fosters old-world craftsmanship and champions exceptional design. In a time of burgeoning imports, Carvers’ Guild mirrors have been proudly Made in the USA since 1970.




Two beautiful art pieces from Steuben glass.


The birch branch wallpaper from Cole and Sons available at Rose and Radish has been a favorite of mine for a few years. I posted it last year when I wrote about this ghost table. Wood grain designs and faux bois
(fake wood) have been showing up a lot lately. I think it is because of our growing awareness of our beautiful Mother Earth and being more conscious of eco products and design.

Table and chairs from Thout.
Stump stools from a previous post. By Thout.



Wood grain rug. West Elm.



Tree linens from Modern Tots

Faux Bois Mirror from Koo de Kir




Faux bois chair from Mecox Gardens.


Several years ago when I was still in design school I saw a fine example of a faux bois chair in a shop in Newport. I would visit it periodically and couldn't get it out of my head. It was such a deal- $350.00. A steal really. Even then I knew it was worth 2 or 3 times that much. Of course you know how the story goes. Eventually someone bought it. It will forever remain in my heart one of those pieces I didn't buy and will always haunt me. The fact that I was very broke at the time, going to school full time and working and had no money for extras should ease my mind but I wanted that chair to still be there when I finally got enough money together to buy it. I have never seen another one even remotely similar and will remain one of those pieces that got away and have obtained royal status in my mind. I know you all have things you wish you had bought and didn't and haunt your dreams.
Send me your story and I'll print it here.
Faux bois console table from Crate and Barrel.

I have had this picture for a long while saving it for when I did a post on faux bois. I had made a note that is from Rituals Decor, a site I think is wonderful for all things rustic. (Great tramp art). Anyway I looked today for info on this table but it isn't there. I am sure someone bought it . Probably the same person who bought my chair. Ha ha. Anyway there are other mushroom tables out there but none as detailed as this. I wanted it for a corner of my future garden to have tea parties with my future female children. Sigh. Pieces like this are not in style or out of style with me. Some things are just special and wonderful and are always cherished. This table would be handed down to each generation with a favorite story. Faux bois is an art form that has been around for several hundred years and is a much sought after category from serious collectors according to Donald Tucker a Texas based artist and sculptor. For more information on Faux bois visit his site, Faux bois in concrete.

Campaign Chair

This chair was featured last month on Point, Click, Home and they tell us that Anthropologie worked with South African furniture makers to recreate the classic fold able, adaptable hardwood Roorkhee chair. It is an example of Anthropologie’s recent efforts to support South African artists and their creative community.
Campaign furniture is a type of furniture that was made for travel. Much of it was made for military campaigns and includes folding chairs and chests that could be easily unscrewed and packed. It was designed to be folded up, packed, and carried on the march, used by travelling armies since the time of Julius Caesar, and even earlier. With the rise and expansion of the British Empire in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, as British gentlemen came to dominate the army, government and commerce in colonies throughout the world, the finest British furniture makers produced for this new class of traveller some of the most stylish pieces of portable furniture ever made.

How to choose the right size area rug

Emma Gardner rugs are like a piece of art for your floor. Truly, she designs some of the most vibrant beautiful rugs I have ever seen. The rugs are certified by Care&Fair and Rugmark, organizations that work to end child labor in the carpet industry.
Buying area rugs for your home is a large purchase so shop around and take your time until you find the right ones. Make sure you can return them if they aren't the perfect fit and color for your room. Remember these rugs will last for many years and can be moved from room to room and house to house so buy the best quality rug you can afford and you'll enjoy it for a long time. If you buy a quality rug, with good care it should last longer than most anything in your home. Most rooms benefit greatly from the addition of an area rug. So many of us have large expanses of wood or ceramic flooring and an area rug provides warmth and comfort underfoot, sound absorption, floor surface protection and adds color to pull a room together. They can also hide unsightly flooring, such as worn hardwood or carpeting. Designs range from more traditional Persians and orientals solid color textures, fun shags, natural fiber, and bold modern art rugs. Rugs of varied sizes tend to go together best- same sized rugs tend to divide a room in halves but keep them in the same colors and design type-don't mix a bold oriental rug with a woven cotton rug.
How to choose the right size area rug for a room
Here are some hints to pick the right size rug for your home. These sizes are for references only- most rugs come in standard sizes and your rooms don't. The best look is to leave 18-36" of bare floor around the rug. If your room is small or an entry foyer or hallway then you can get away with less than 18" all the way down to around 8". For a dining room the rug should be large enough to pull out the chairs and have them still be on the rug. That's about 24" from the edge of the table out on all sides. Measure your table top. Add four feet to the width and length to find the minimum size of your dining room rug. For under a bed the rug should extend beyond the sides of the bed approx. 18" for a king and 12" for a full or twin. Of course you can go bigger but don't go any smaller-the rug will look undersized and skimpy.
For coffee tables typically a 4' x 6' or 6' x 9' area rug will work well. The size you should choose depends on the size of your coffee and should be large enough to accommodate all four legs of the table. For an entire room try to leave an equal amount of flooring exposed as a border on all sides-the rule of thumb is 18-36". If that is not possible, try and have the borders on parallel sides of the rug an equal size. If the front legs of the furniture are on the rug and the back legs are off the rug that is fine as long as the piece is stable- you may have to put furniture coasters under the back legs to raise them to the same height of the rug.
Hallway carpet runners should be about four inches narrower than the hall and 18-24" shorter. We always recommend using a rug pad under all rugs – this will help keep your rug in place and also save the life of your rug – rugs wear from the bottom not the top. The friction is on the bottom when being walked on and using a rug pad will help keep your rug in good condition and last for many years –
Rug material types
Wool —dye ability, durability, softness and clean ability make wool the superior fiber. Wool is the standard by which all other carpet fibers are measured. Pure wool has the following benefits:
It is warmer than acrylic
It is naturally fire resistant
It is less likely to pill than an acrylic, though the more advanced (and more expensive acrylics) are also less prone to piling
It will usually last longer and can handle soiling better
In general it rebounds to retain its shape better
Our choice - Wool.
Acrylics are being improved all the time, and they are now closer to wool in terms of feel and quality then ever before, but they are still a way behind. They are vibrant and colorful. One undesirable effect that acrylic suffers from, is the dreaded piling .
Acrylic has the following benefits:
Cost - most acrylic fibers are cheaper than wool.
It is moth proof and storage for an extended period of time will not need moth balls.
Acrylics suffer from the static electricity problem.
Most people are not allergic to acrylic.
Cotton — softer than wool but less durable. Available in a variety of colors. Most people are not allergic to cotton. Generally less expensive than wool.
Jute — the softest of all natural fibers. When exposed to direct sunlight, jute may fade or darken in color. Prolonged exposure to moisture will cause the fiber to disintegrate.
Sisal — stronger and more durable than any natural rug fiber and since sisal is static-free and colorfast, it makes it perfect for just about any area.

Etro

Etro began as a clothing design company in Spain in 1968. They started producing home furnishing fabrics in 1981 and the paisley motif soon became known as Etro's hallmark. Handbags, luggage, accessories for the home, duvets, quilts, frames, lamps, cache-pots, all carry the beautiful design of the Etro brand.

Paddywax

Excess packaging is starting to be a BIG pet peeve of mine. All the cardboard, tags, and plastic we throw out just to get to the item inside that is sometimes half the size of the box. I saw this line of candles at Paper Source at South Coast Plaza and I was impressed with their packaging. They use soy-based inks, hemp twine, and recycled paper. The chlorine-free paper pulp box is biodegradable in 3-6 months and is wrapped with a 100% post-industrial recycled paper label awarded FSC-certification. Each candle is poured with soy wax and natural fragrance oils. But the real test is the fragrance. No matter how eco-friendly the product, if a candle doesn't smell good then what is the point? You know how sometimes in a shop you'll see a candle with a wonderful name and a yummy sounding fragrance and then you pick it up and there is no smell? Not these candles. The fragrances are rosemary and citrus, Bergamot and Tobacco flower, Mandarin and Lavender , etc and they are strong and clear scents. They are available online and at shops around the country which are listed on their website. Paddywax.

Nama Rococo

Artist Karen Combs says that her approach to making wallpaper is rooted more in fine art then in wallpaper production. At Nama Rococo they formulate and mix their own paint and all paper is hand-painted and hand-screened. This is another company whose website opening page is one of my favorites.

Kithaus

How fabulous is this Kithaus from DWR. Designed by Tom Sandonato and Martin Wehmann, this 9'x13' structure is quick to set up, economic and practically waste-free. Kithaus can tuck into any area, even remote locations, without needing ultra-heavy equipment. All of the lightweight, anodized aluminum pieces are pre-cut and drilled in Southern California and shipped to you for on-site assembly. Installation is fast, taking only a few days, and Kithaus is built with eco-friendly components.
Wouldn't this be a wonderful backyard office or retreat? It is fully insulated and pre-wired. I love the fact that it can also support a solar package.

The complete Kithaus, including decks, canopies and louvers, is $44,900. A base model is available for $29,500.)

Paper lions and elephants

Not just for the kiddies. This menagerie is a great idea for the kids rooms but I might like the crocodile on a guest bathroom wall or in the kitchen. Starting at around 80.00 each they are a great alternative to doing a whole wall. Hand- cut from vintage and reprinted wallpaper, they will bring any wall to life with a modern twist and retro charm. Each animal is available in several different patterns per animal. From Romp.

Carrie Bicycle Basket

How cute is this bicycle basket from the SFMOMA Museum store. Now that we are finally getting a few sunny days it makes me want to buy this for my bike. Throw in sunscreen a water and you look so fashionable wheeling down to the beach. I like the green color the best but it also comes in black or white. So glad they didn't do it in pink. It would have make it too cutsey. White would get dirty pretty quick, but green or black-just perfect.

Emery & Cie

I ran across this company the other day and find their wallpaper designs very inspiring. I like the idea of wallpaper and there are so may great designs that I find it hard to commit to a paper for very long before I fall in love with something else. Emery & Cie shows how to use panels in a way that makes it more art than just wallpapering a wall or room.

of the young and the restless

I was intrigued when I read about this company on the peak of chic blog. With a name like of the young and the restless I had to check out their website. They didn't disappoint. You have to see their opening page. (Move your mouse over the image).I really like the modern rendition of their houndstooth pattern in black and would love it paired with the thorny rose pattern on a small Louie chair or a footstool. Of course I am always taken with anything woody and the pattern named old money and new money is right up my alley. I am collecting all matter of woody things to post soon so I was happy to see these fabrics.

Put your hands up!

Gun lamps from Philip Starck available at likecool.com
Gun vase from uncommongoods.com
Bags that pack a punch or knife styledash.com
Egg fryers urbandtrend.com

I have always said that every room needs a touch of humor, something to start conversations, a little quirky item or art. I have loved the gun lamps from Philippe Starck the first time I saw them. If the lamp it too much for you, then here a few other amusements that will definitely start talk at your next party.

Coleen and Company

c. 1980's, painted on canvas material and floated in a Plexiglas box. With lots of movement and color, this is an exciting painting. Signed "Thomas #12" on the back.



We have never seen a Murano lantern like this. Absolutely stunning! Made to resemble a Japanese lantern, the opaque white glass glows beautifully when lit. Notice the delicate detail of the metal bands around the top and bottom of the fixture.
c. mid 19c., this bench is absolutely stunning! Featuring gorgeous old grey/blue velvet upholstery, tassels and mother-of-pearl inlay, and a well-worn original ivory finish.

Beautiful vintage fainting couch, c. 1950's, upholstered in a nubby and strong dynasty yellow silk. In excellent vintage condition, featuring dramatic tufting and a painted cream color frame. See detailed photos for one crack in the arm which does not detract from the look or effect the structural strength. Doesn't the sunny yellow make you happy just looking at it?

New lovlies from my friend Coleen in Newport Beach. Lots of new pieces in the shop and online. coleenandcompany.com

Win these lamps!

Swank lighting is having a drawing for these lamps! Go to Swank and register to win this pair of beautiful of Barovier & Toso lamps. They are a rich, deep raspberry at the bottom with a creamy white at the top, and loads of 24 kt. gold dust sprinkled throughout. The solid wood bases have been gold leafed. They’re priced at $3,400, but if you’re the lucky winner they’ll be yours for free! Just fill out the simple registration form and your name is automatically entered to win. The cut off date for registration eligibility is January 15th 2008. The drawing will be held at Debris Antiques in Dallas on Friday January 18, 2008.

Swanky

I want these...
and these...
and these...
these...
these...
all of these...
well, just say I would have a hard time choosing from all these gorgeous Venetian and Murano lamps.


If you are looking for glass lamps you won't find anything more beautiful than these vintage beauties from Swank lighting. It's a great story how these guys have all these lamps to offer on their website and ebay store.
When Ed Sexton and Doug Taylor happened across a long hidden, nearly forgotten treasure trove of handblown vintage Murano lamps from the 40s, 50s and 60s, they bought the entire inventory and SWANK LIGHTING was born.
The Edward P. Paul Company originally imported these gorgeous high-end lamps from the finest Venetian glass houses and were offered at fine department stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Marshall Fields.
Changing tastes and mass production techniques in the 1970s compelled the Edward P. Paul Company to focus fully on their gilded iron furniture business, leaving hundreds of beautiful Murano lamps crated, untouched and all but forgotten in an east coast warehouse.
When Ed and Doug came upon what can only be described as a 20th Century archeological find, they purchased the entire contents of the warehouse. They took seven months to uncrate these timeless works of art from Murano and Venetian craftsmen. They then completely restored the Murano lamps using UL Certified hardware.

Century Furniture

How crazy cute is this chinoiserie inspired footstool! I would probably do it in a gold finish like the pair below from 1stdibs.



French Bergere Settee by Kelly Hoppen for Century Furniture.



This extraordinary chair is a classic example of what happens when old meets new. Based on the classic French Bergere, this chair has received a face lift through decorative metal fringing. Kelly Hoppen for Century Furniture.

Ikat

Ikat Fabric from Madeline Weinrib.

Daphne Brown chair from Madeline Weinrib

Vixen rug from Georgia Chapman, the Melbourne-based designer and maker of Vixen textiles, fashion and homewares.
Italian chair in Blue Mu Ikat from Madeline Weinrib Atelier
Black Luce Ikat Bolster Madeline Weinrib




Madeline Weinrib pillows

Ikat is a very ancient way of creating designs in fabric by resist-dyeing the threads before the fabric is woven. Traditional Uzbek Ikat cottons are often dyed in lively and engaging motifs representing the village life and beliefs of the people. Ikats are often symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige. Ikat fabrics are woven by hand on narrow looms in a labor-intensive process. Uzbek Ikat fabrics are generally 15.7”to 23.6”wide. Hand wovens, free of the chemical additives and stresses of power-loom production, are vastly different in appearance and feel from machine-made fabrics. Plain weave Ikat fabrics, due to the unique weaving, look the same on both sides of the fabric; there is no right side and wrong side to the cloth. The Uzbek typically have 2” to 3” solid borders along each selvage. Because of their narrow width it is good for pillows or table runners etc. Modern Uzbek Ikats in cotton and silk are brightly colored with good imported natural dyes.
Today the Ikat patterns have inspired many beautiful upholstery fabrics and rugs. The vibrant exotic nature of this style of fabric lets it look wonderful in contemporary, Asian, and Mediterranean settings, or on a Louis the Umpteenth chair.

Starck

Phillipe Starck products are often stylized, streamlined and organic in their look and are also constructed using unusual combinations of materials such as glass and stone, plastic, and aluminum. His designs include a multitudes of products- everything from toothbrushes, to motorcycles to furniture, and hotels and these stunning crystal vase chandeliers. Cicatrices de luxe for Flos.

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Beautiful Photography from Irene Suchocki Montreal, Quebec Canada

Inspiration

Gorgeous color inspiration from Designers Guild. Color is a living energy and has positive effects on how we feel in a room.
RED stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respiration's and blood pressure. Too much red can over stimulate so it's a good accent color.
ORANGE is the color of joy and wisdom. It gives an energy, stimulates appetite. Spiritually it is the color of joy.
YELLOW energizes, relieves depression, improves memory, stimulates appetite.
GREEN has a calming effect and balances the nervous system. Green color is soothing and relaxing.
VIOLET It is cleansing, strengthening, and awakening, suppresses appetite and provides a peaceful environment.
BLUE Blue is calming. It represents water and coolness.