blue munday: Driftwood and Seaside cottages

Happy munday. Summer dayz... remember those? If you're a slave to the grind like I am, then you'll understand my longing for ocean breezes right about now. Even though I live fairly close to the beach, I am not there at this moment in time, and would rather be, than here in front of this computer procrastinating from work, hehe. The August 2007 issue of Better Homes & Gardens has a great feature on the home of Boston based photographers, Amy and Joe Keller. Their home is a casual but modern take on the whole seaside cottage feel. I LOVE the driftwood starburst mirror they made, as well as the other driftwood acccents. That big white cabinet is gorgeous with the painted blue backing that blends in to the wall color, and I love all the white pottery inside. I'm also loving that little blue bowl/basket thing on the side table. Anyone know what that is? Funny thing is, here's another house with a globe collection- are they the next Foo dog? It looks great though, and adds depth and texture and a little bit of soul. I also love all the little bits of sea glass throughout. I've been very tempted to get one of these vases from Z gallerie that I posted about last week on AT:LA, but I'm resisting because along with pillows, I have waaaay too many. But I'm an addict. And admitting I have a problem is the first step to recovery right? Baby steps...

WYWO2.3 the next steps

So, color-scheme in check, the next step for the parental family room makeover was what to get rid of and what to get. Unfortunately, after a little reality check, I couldn't get rid of much. Well, at least what I wanted to get rid of, hehe. I had to keep the couch. I had to keep the TV. To make things more frustrating, I couldn't move the couch much nor could I move the TV. The cable box to the TV is actually right in that corner, and I couldn't move it without having all these exposed wires. The couch is so huge, placing it in any other direction would either not fit, or block the view of the TV, which I had to make sure you could still see it from the eating area and kitchen. What I could get rid of was the weird corner shelf, I could move the piano, and I could get rid of the existing coffee table and light. As much as I wanted to "re-design" the space, the actual layout ended up having to stay the same. But at least I could add a little color, and make it more cozy.

Time was of essence. I only had one weekend to pull this off because they were coming home on the following friday, and I knew I wouldn't have time with the busy work week. I conned asked a friend to help and we were off. First stop was Home Depot to get paint. I chose a darker purple-grey ish for the wall behind the couch. Then off to IKEA, cuz I knew they'd have the most affordable pieces (since I was paying for this as sort of a mother's day gift). I found this great rug that would definitely ground the space:It was the perfect size and brought in the colors of the living room. I also got some lower sized BILLY cabinets , a new coffee table with more storage, and a larger corner tv stand. That blew quite a good chunk of my budget (I comitted to not spending more than $1000- so Trading Spaces of me huh?) but I still a little for accessories. By the way, I discovered quite quickly that there is a reason why there are proffessional piano movers. That piano was ... HELL to move. Note to self. Don't do that again.

What I also needed was something over the fireplace. I felt like I needed some sort of sculpture or something dimensional. What I really wanted was some sort of C.Jeré type of thing. But I couldn't find anything locally. So, I got all crafty and made something. It turned out like this:Sorry for the long post, I'll have more details in the next one and the final result. To be continued...

Sunny Days

It's been so hot lately here in OC and So Cali, that I've got sun on the brain. Recently, as I browsed through Banana Republic, I spied their credit card application. I like the abstract sun that kind of reminds me of some sort of 50's vintage block print, but is really made up of silhouettes of clothing (so clever). This for some reason got me thinking about lemons. Do you enjoy iced beverages with lemon? My only pet peeve is when I suck up a seed while drinking with a straw. Grrr... hate that.
Anyways- Here's a couple fun sun-inspired things I've spotted recently:"radial pillow" from Hybrid Home

Utopia Sun ornament by Jonathan Adler"Starburst" (ok, not specifcally a sun, but the sun is a star right?)
mirror and bowl from Crate&Barrel
"Drawing the Sun" book by Bruno Munari

New shades of grey

As many of you recall, my great Grey obsession of Summer 06-(and which still continues today)... well, I thought I'd give you an update as to how that has affected me. Here are a few new grey things that have recently somehow... miraculously...(hehe) come into my life... First, is my new print from Patent Pending Industries. Oh joy did a post about them awhile back, and I couldn't resist this one. Next up are these awesome glasses I got at Maison Midi, which is connected to the American Rag store. I got these at the one in Fashion Island. This was another example of weakness, but c'mon- grey with fluorescent orange trim detail? Wrap it up! Maison Midi is a great place for unique dishes and glasses. I wish they had a website, but alas, I guess they're keepin' it old skool. Finally, I had been longing for the Jonathan Adler Money tree platter from his Utopia Collection ever since I saw it at the NYIGF. However, it was just too much for me to afford. Then, they had that big sale recently, and lo and behold, the platter was on sale too! I'm so happy I got it, and it was a great deal cuz now it's not on sale anymore! It's not really techinically grey, but it looks grey-ish due to the finish. Speaking of JA, I have always regretted never getting one of his aorta vases, which he doesn't make anymore. If anyone knows where I might still be able to find one, please let me know.... Have any of you added any grey things into your lives lately?

I REALLY found it!

One of the columns I love about Domino is the "found it" where they try to find something they've seen and come up with either the actual thing, or a really close alternative. Well, this month's "found it" was a little dissappointing. The writer saw this leaf "garland" at a friend's house, and ended up finding this other garland, but honestly, the two are sooooo not the same.However, I am proud to say, that I actually "found it!"- Well, at least found something that looks very very similar to the original photo. Turns out it's not "garland" at all, but rather a metal sculpture. It's actually a little heavy, and I'm suprised that whoever owns the original was able to secure it to the mirror, but I guess it's totally possible. Anyways- I found this metal sculpture at a recent estate sale. It was a bit expensive, but I kinda just went for it. I don't think I'm going to have it in my house.. but I may use it in another project, or re-sell it... but anyways- what do you think? Did I "find it"?

all about lighting...

It's funny how lighting can totally change your perception of something isn't it? I was watching this new video for "Makes me wonder" from Maroon 5. I actually enjoy the song, but the video itself is what really caught my attention. I will forever have a thing for airports. I find a certain inherent glamour about it, and have always been attracted to the whole "transport" aesthetic, as well as all things airline/stewardess-esque. This video has all that, (as it's set in an airport) but what I found interesting was the lighting they used. There's a pink/lavender hue that's cast in several of the scenes throughout the video, and I can't help but think that the video wouldn't be as interesting had it not been for the lighting. With the pink/lavender hue, you get this sexy glamorous futuristic vibe, but if you can imagine it without it, it probably would just look kinda... normal? See for yourself:

Colored lighting isn't anything new, but have you considered using it in your own home? My downstairs guest bathroom is kinda weird. The toilet is actually in a separate little room of its own. It's a small..."water closet" and I didn't really know what to do with it. The rest of the room that adjoins it, as many of you have seen before, has this sorta vintage-y tropical feel. I ended up getting the bright idea (pun intended) to simply place a hot pink light bulb inside. It was cheaper and easier than paint, and it quickly transformed the awkward space and gave it fun unexpected character. Have any of you used colored lighting in your home?

UPDATE: just for kicks, here's another favorite airport themed video I love. (NOTE: turn down your sound, for some reason this one is louder than usual)

blue munday: turquoise fireplace

Happy munday. How was your weekend? It was another fantastic So Cal weather weekend here. I checked out the CA Boom 4 show, which I'll be posting highlights from on AT:LA. CA Boom featured tons of resources and vendors, and was the perfect place to outfit your home if you were planning a renovation. If I could build my own home, I'd definitely want to find a place for a cool turquoise fireplace, like this one from Sunset Magazine. I love how they juxtaposed it with the grey-ish tiles. The rest of the cottage this fireplace is from is pretty amazing too. Check it out here.

Throwing up some shade... finally.

The other day was a big one for me. (sorry, this may be a long post) I've been living in my house now for several years... got myself situated... bought "grown up" things, like a real couch... light fixutres... nice artwork... but there was one area that I kind of neglected, until now... proper window treatments. (gasp!) yes. I have been living without proper window treatments for years. But some who've seen pics of my place will say, but you have shades- they're white? Well, yeah... this is true. However, if you actually looked at what they were... you'd be surprised.When most people move into a new home, some people will throw up newspapers, or old sheets to act as temporary window coverings. Well, I used sheets of packing foam. With simple scotch tape, these sheets stuck to my windows. Because they were perforated, I could cut them perfectly to size. Because they were foam, they were semi-opaque, and let in nice diffused light. And frankly, they looked great if you didn't really examine them. So up they stayed... and never came down. Every now and then, the tape would wear out, or a draft would tear the foam or whatever, and I'd simply just roll out another sheet and tape it back in place!

I loved my packing foam sheet curtains. They were great. I highly recommend them if you are temporarily without curtains.

But there comes a time in everyone's life, when one just has to come to the realization that it's time to take some responsibility in your decor. You need to give the proper window treatments your house deserves. I'm not really a curtain/drapes kinda guy. So... I just went to the nearby 3-Day Blinds to see what they had to offer. Ok, one thing about 3-day blinds. It's not that you get your blinds in three days, but rather, it takes them 3 days to actually make your blinds (all orders are custom made). I did not know this. It didn't really matter, because I really wasn't in a hurry. (I waited this long right?) However, my 3-day blinds experience on the whole was a pleasurable one. In the end, I opted for the "dual" shade system. The "dual" shade is essentially two types of shades in one. They are the honeycomb type, but with both sheer and semi-opaque all in one piece. This gives you the flexibility to control how much sheer or semi-opaque you want. In the end, my windows are now properly covered. I feel better. It feels finished. My windows have... closure.

Marc Jacobs crystal flowers

I didn't realize that Marc Jacobs has launched a schmancy line of china via Waterford. The standout piece for me is this set of Crystal flowers. Gorgeous. A set of three for $165.

Blue Munday: What's up FOO?

Happy munday. I've been noticing another trend lately in all the decor mags, particularily in the accessories. Porcelain Foo Dogs. More specifically, turquoise porcelain Foo Dog bookends. Here is a pair from the March 07 Elle Decoration (UK) and one from the Feb 07 Elle Decoration (UK)and one from the March 07 House Beautiful (right) and a small tiny pair from the March 07 House&Garden (that I featured recently)
What's up with the Foo Dogs? Don't get me wrong, I actually love Foo Dogs. I have a pair in yellow in my downstairs guest bedroom. I found them at a thrift store during a trip to Palm Springs a few years ago, and snatched them up, (they were only $10 each!) It's interesting that they've been popping up in all these mags at about the same time.Looking online, I've found a few on ebay, but also found a source where you can get plaster ones, and then paint them any color you wish. Do you have foo dogs in your home? Does anyone know of any other sources for them?

fabric wall inspiration

All I can say is this is fantastic and gorgeous. Embroidery hoops are cool. A great idea for anyone who has a fabric collection. Sorry, its a long image, you have to keep scrolling...
(Found via the Freepeople blog via Love Forever) Happy friday!

Blue monday: bed side vingette

It's a blue munday. yay. yipee. To cheery up and get the week started, here's a lovely blue bedside vingette. This could be a great DIY project if you happen to have an old wood side table that needs some lovin'. Painting only the outsides in a high gloss turquoise, and adding a little collection of turquoise bits on top looks so fresh. I love how they paired it with the vintage-y seafoam background wallpaper (with the chinois medallions) This was taken from Los Angeles home of Robert Willson and David Serrano, from the March 2007 House and Garden... which I notice has changed their masthead logo (again)... There's also a great colorstory trends feature inside so pick up the issue if you happen by a newstand...

Butterflies Attack!

I don't have many (if any) butterflies in my home, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate their beauty. (Although, as I've mentioned, don't look toooo close at them!...) Anyway- the other day I noticed that the Isaac Mizrahi collection at Target has brought out a new design for their bedding collection. A pretty graphic pattern of scattered butterflies paired with a nice mossy green polka dot print.
And if you happen to have your bed in the same room as you eat, you could use these somewhat matching (but still goregous) dinnerware set from Anthropologie.

Bodie and Fou: bottles and plants

I'm sure many of you have seen Love is Blind's "bird on a wire" window blind (such a clever name by the way)- However, they just released these other two designs- "bottles" and "plants"- I really love these two! Would also be great for those that use blinds to cover up bookshelves or closets. Available at Bodie and Fou in mid April 2007.

Trina Turk + Jonathan Adler

Over the weekend I spotted an article about the new Trina Turk store in NYC that opened last December. Trina Turk, known for her laid back and lovely "California-chic" style, has two amazing stores here in So Cal, both of which were designed by Kelly Wearstler, so I found it very interesting that she chose Jonathan Adler to do the NY store. I wonder if there is any weirdness between Kelly and Jonathan, since I do see some similarities between the two, but at the same time, there are a ton of differences. I'm sure they're BFF since they're both on Top Design now. Regardless, the NY store looks amazing with lots of fun and color. Apparently, Trina gave Jonathan the direction of "hipster, 1970's, kind of crafty..." and I think they totally achieved that and more. It's a great extension of what he did for the Parker. The only thing that is a little funny is how much JA product he put in there, but then, I guess, it wouldn't be JA without his own stuff. I love it all. I found these pics of the store on JA's website. There is a rumour that she is considering opening a store here in Orange County! That would be fun! If there are any HappyMundane NYC'ers, I'd love to hear your first-hand review of the store if you've been there! I can't wait to check it out in person myself...

Bird branch on a table

I thought this was a really nice DIY idea for a table, featured in the latest Rachael Ray Magazine. They asked designer Angela Adams for a table centerpiece idea, and she painted a branch and put little birds on it. I like how everything is pretty white, making the branch really striking and then they just added simple red accents to coordinate. You could probably glue on other things besides birds too.. buttons, silk flowers, butterflies... lego action figures? (I'd probably paint mine blue though.. hehe)

Top Design...

I'm so excited to watch design heroes, Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler on Top Design tonight! (hopefully I can stay up!) It will be nice to see Todd Oldham on TV again too. There's some preview clips floating around YouTube, if you haven't already seen them- here and here- So far from the clips, the one thing that already annoys me is that theme song! but the rest of it looks interesting- It will be neat to see where they shoot as well, since it was filmed in LA. Speaking of Jonathan Adler, have you seen the interviews with Tim Gunn on the Bravo site? There's 6 of them and they are hillarious! But there was a phrase that Jonathan said that I found quite brilliant- he said "...start with a classical foundation, and end it with playful punctuation." That is so true, and I think are words to live by for any type of design challenge you may face. You can get more info and insights at the great BloggingTopDesign blog. So who's going to watch Top Design tonight?

walmart update 1.2007

So, some interesting things at Walmart.com for Spring 2007. They've got some pieces in the Black and White scheme that still feels strong in decorland:

I like this "Trees" tabletop set (online only, 4 place setting and includes a runner)...or this "Moonlight Tranquility" 16 piece dinnerset
They have apparently channeled their inner classic Jonathan Adler and offer this ceramic table lamp (nice that they kept the shade brown) (UPDATE: I just looked on the site again and it's kinda funny, at least they're admitting it, as the description reads " Recalling the work of today's most sought-after ceramicists...",) and 3 piece vase set (which is on sale! $27 for the whole set of three! I may need these...)And finally, this "Lauryn" Sateen bedding set could be an affordable option if you're looking for something a little more glamourous.

I haven't had a chance to stop by in person and see if any of these are in-store, but I'll report back if/when I do...

Met home: Todd Oldham

I posted this on AT:LA today. I love the feature on Todd Oldham's house in the February 07 Metropolitan Home. I especially love the wall of Charley Harper bird prints. I also love the fact that he put his flat screen tv on the picture rail/shelf thing, and it totally blends in with the other paintings he put on there. Such a clever way of disguising the normally obtrusive television. His colors are so fun, and I love that he has paintings from Megan Whitmarsh, and a Gamma-Go club/log pillow! I'm really looking forward to the Charley Harper book coming out later in May. It will be edited by Todd. You can pre-order now!