FarmHouseUrban

Moooi

Last week I posted some images from the Tyler Florence Shop in Mill Valley, and mentioned that my favorite design feature in the store are these spectacular chandeliers.

Well, imagine my surprise yesterday when I opened a promotional email about a designer boutique hotel in Paris with this photo!

 

The Mon Hotel in Paris is located near the Champs Elysees.

It turns out that the chandeliers are made by the uber hip Dutch design company; Moooi. 

 

 

Moooi designs a variety of lighting as well as a furniture line.  The fixture below is called the Random Light (as opposed to another one of their fixtures called the Non Random Light) because it is made from resin saturated yarn that is randomly wrapped around an inflatable sphere. It comes in three sizes and also in black.  Hanging one fixture above a dining or kitchen table would look simply beautiful.  I can also picture several groupings of varying sizes looking great in a large space like a lobby or restaurant.

 

 

Now here's something you don't see often... The Smoke Chair (as well as the other pieces in the Smoke Collection) are burned (yes, burned) then preserved with a clear epoxy coating creating an irregular effect to a classic style.  Curiously, each piece comes with "a secret repair kit underneath the seat in case of emergencies".  Hmmm.

 

Don't you just love this bench?  It's a modern take on a Shaker style.  It comes in a three or six seater, and numerous finishes as well as four lacquered color options.  I think it would look equally wonderful in traditional or contemporary interior in an entry way or as seating for a dining table.

 

I know how hard it is to find the perfect end table - especially when you want it to resemble a farm animal.  So here you go. 

 
 
 
  

Original House Sketches and Crazy Idea

Along with the documents written by the original owners/builders of our house that I wrote about in a previous post, were these incredible sketches done by (we think, because they aren't signed) the architect, F. Bourn Hayne of San Francisco.

I just love how they depict the vibe of Northern California in the 1940's.  

I included some current photos of our house to compare what they were considering doing, to what was actually done.

 

 

 

Clearly they didn't opt for any of the drawings above or perhaps they did but since the original house had several additions over the 60+ years they lived here it's hard to tell.  

Geno and I are really enjoying looking at these sketches and the many floor plan ideas - some that were actually used, and lots that were just part of the brainstorming process.  

We're still tossing around ideas for the exterior, much like what the original owners had done.  We are also still interviewing and meeting with contractors, which doesn't offer alot in the way of photo ops or interesting blog posts, so that's why you haven't seen much from me regarding the remodel.  But stay tuned we are making progress!

Anyway, getting back to these sketches and our vision for the exterior look of the house...  This morning I walked Penny (our beloved dog) through the neighborhood examining each house and which ones were original, new construction, or somewhere in between. I started noticing that many of the in betweens had stucco covering all or part of the exterior.  Stay with me here.  I could not have pictured this before I moved to California, when I only knew of Mediterranean/Spanish style or Tudor homes using stucco.  But there were several great examples that got my attention.  I even noticed a house that had both board and batten AND stucco!  As I meandered up and down streets stopping and taking mental notes (I contemplated taking pictures with my phone but then decided against it, as you just don't know how people are going to react) I got this crazy idea about what our house would look like with some stucco?  

A picture is worth a thousand words, so I will stop typing now and see about getting some actual photos to post!  In the meantime, any thoughts, ideas, stucco advice?

Serena  

  

Shopping Heaven - the Tyler Florence Shop in Mill Valley

A few weeks ago, I had an errand to run in the nearby town of Mill Valley. Lucky me!  A perfect excuse to pop into one of my favorite stores ever - seriously.  I know, for most women it's Barney's, but I think design bloggers will relate!  The Tyler Florence Shop is so jam-packed with goodies for the home, and in particular the kitchen, it is truly a feast for the eyes.  No only that, but the store is laid out almost like a living space - a magazine worthy living space filled with beautiful things that will surely enhance your culinary talents, or at the very least, have you looking like the domestic goddess/god you are!  Let me show you around.

Tyler's wife Tolan is the talent behind the incredible selection of merchandise. I had the pleasure of meeting her about a year ago when I was organizing a bake sale for the organization Share Our Strength. I asked Tolan if they would be willing to donate something (I was thinking along the lines of an autographed cookbook...) Without blinking she graciously and generously offered to put together a gift basket fully-loaded with cookbooks, baking supplies and kitchen gadgets.  We raffled it off at the bake sale with huge success!

When I was at the store a few weeks ago there were several beautiful Valentine's Day themed dispay's scattered around.  Tolan explained to me that they are working with a vendor who can copy vintage china patterns.  These floral plates and bowls are an example.

 

Sturdy pewter chargers and dishes are paired beautifully with the delicate butterfly glasses and linen table runners.

 

I just love these water dispensers!  There is always one filled with some heavenly combination of fruits or veggies to keep you refreshed while you shop.  The small one sells for $219 and the large for $269.  How fab for a summertime soiree filled with raspberry lemonade or margaritas!

  

My favorite thing in the store are these amazing chandeliers.  The traditional crystal chandeliers are wrapped in a smoky gray plastic shade.  

The store sells several consumable items such as Tyler's own label salts and spices, Dean & Deluca dried herbs and spices, Barefoot Contessa baking mixes, and Stonewall Kitchen beverage mixers just to name a few.

Among the shelves of white serving pieces, everyday stemware, copper cookware and just about every cooking and baking gadget you could imagine is a selection of vintage and antique items, like these salt boxes. Tolan and her mother search flea markets, ebay, estate sales and pick things up on travels abroad to create these charming collections. 

At the far end of the store there is a drop-dead gorgeous kitchen where Tyler occasionally cooks for private events.  The kitchen is angled from the corner - not a typical kitchen layout, but one that works well for such purposes.  Standing in the space, I also find it extremely efficient.  The sink and cooktop are almost directly opposite one another, while the other appliances, storage, etc is all within a few steps. 

The coolest thing about this kitchen (and if I had known it when I was at the store I would have taken a close-up) are the counter tops.  They are poured concrete tinted charcoal gray with ground up oyster shells!!  They are spectacular. Tolan mentioned that they loved the look so much, they recently put a lighter version in their home.

The show-stopper of all - and if you ever go, leave yourself extra time to indulge here- is the back room.

Comfy leather chairs, fireplace and floor to ceiling shelves of cookbooks - sigh.

Perhaps you'd rather curl up on the couch?

 

  

You can purchase many items directly from the website, as well as go on a video tour of the store.  Check it out here.  But if you have the opportunity to visit - take it - you will not be disappointed. Time to go cook dinner!

Serena
            
  
 

 

If these walls could talk

Like most home buyers, we knew little about the previous occupants other than that they were the original owners of the land, built the house, raised five children, and lived here until they were in their 90's.  All we knew that is, until recently when we opened what we thought was box of old appliance manuals... Well.  What was buried inside that box were the most incredible documents written in 1941 by the couple themselves.  

The documents, all typed on tracing paper, yellowed with age, are the thoughts, wishes and reflections for their new house and the new life they were about to start here on this little hill in the shadows of Mt. Tamalpais.  

Reading through the documents and the accompanying sketches (done by the architect) of their dream house was more than poignant for my husband and I as we are about to embark on a major remodel ourselves.  Of course, the question we immediately asked was, will the changes we make impact the home's original purpose so carefully thought out and planned almost 70 years ago? 

We decided to make our own list - not nearly as extensive and charming as theirs, but still a surprisingly satisfying and worthwhile exercise.  Here is what we came up with (in the same manner as the original):

'Our House'

1.  Lots of light in all rooms

2.  Great entertaining space(s)

3.  Ample room for kids and their friends

4.  A good size kitchen 

5.  A guest room

6.  Connection between the outside/inside

'Dad's Needs'

1.  2 car garage - preferably one bay with a hoist

2.  Place for tools/work area (hahaha says me:)

3.  Soundproof music room/recording studio that opens to larger space for friends, etc

4.  Bar area centrally located near kitchen/living/dining room for entertaining

'Mother's Needs'

1.  A killer stove

2.  A garden for vegetables,  flowers, and some grass

3.  A master bathroom with a bathtub

4.  Office space

Thankfully, we realized that much of what matters to us is exactly the same as what mattered to the original owners!   Lots of light and windows, leisure time centered around cooking and entertaining, and kids having their own space were clearly very important to the them as well.  

The bigger realization, however, was that this discovery made us aware of how our wishes  - what we think we really want - can so easily be influenced by external factors rather than asking the question, 'how does this decision/item serve our family's purpose?'  

If one were able to cast back to pre-internet (pre-design blogs gasp!), pre-tv, pre-shelter mags, etc., what shaped home design?   I now suspect it was lists like these:

 




     

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the look back.  We sure have.  Original exterior sketches - in crayon! coming soon.

Enjoy the rest of this Valentine's Day!  Mine is flying to Australia!

Serena
 
 

 

 

  

XOXO

I recently discovered the amazing lighting creations of German designer Ingo Maurer and in honor of Valentine's Day, wanted to share one in particular.  The Zettel'z chandelier is constructed of a wire frame scattered with tiny light bulbs and attached to the frame with small binder clips are love notes, drawings and poems. Blank pieces of paper are also included to write your own... 

So incredibly romantic.

One of the reasons I like this fixture so much is it reminds me of the last event I planned before I closed the doors after eleven years owning and operating an event planning company in Seattle.  The event was a wedding held at the Sun Valley Lodge in Idaho.  The couple was so wonderful to work with (not a single Bridezilla moment!), and the event a beautiful celebration. 

Instead of providing guests with a guest book to sign, we decided to tie pieces of pink card stock to willow branches so guests could untie them, write a special note, then put the notes into a beautiful keepsake box.  The bride's colors were pink and brown - a gorgeous combination and perfect fit for the lush green backdrop of the mountains surrounding Sun Valley in August.

 

photos by Kirsten Schultz

Those who have an inner Martha could go crazy with DIY project ideas.  Perhaps a Valentine's couples party could have a love note written ahead by each person and put in a wire stand at each place setting. Guests would then have to find their place by locating the note written by their significant other!

Since no Valentine's Day is complete without chocolate, I had to include a mention of one of my favorite San Francisco sweet shops - Miette.  Even the name is sweet!  Part of the charm of this patisserie is that it is located in the Ferry Building - aka Foodie Nirvana. I can't think of a better way to peruse the Ferry Building while contemplating lunch options than with a macaroon from Miette and an espresso from Blue Bottle (also in the Ferry Building).  

    

photo credit: paris hotel boutique

Miette has recently started shipping their delicacies, so wherever you (or your sweetheart) may be, you can enjoy a beautifully packaged sweet treat! 

  
Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo

Serena

   
   

 

Alameda Antique Fair

When I set the alarm clock last night for 5:30am this morning, I really wondered if it would be worth it. I had to be back home for kids' sports, so I only had an hour and a half to get through hundreds of vendors. My 'always up for an adventure' friend and next door neighbor Sara and I headed out in the dark, fully loaded on caffeine ready for some speed antiquing at the Alameda Antique Fair. 

We didn't get through even half, but it was still SO worth it!

 

Antique subway signs.

 

French mattress ticking made into pillows, bolsters and cushions.

 

I bet this looks amazing at night!

  

Sorry for the blurry photo, but wanted to include it since two of these lamps came home with me :)

Even though it means giving up precious sleep and Sunday morning pancakes, this will definitely be a regular trek for me!

Serena  

   

Industrial Chic Part 2: Get this look

As I mentioned in my last post, the Industrial look is very in right now, a Revolution perhaps?  Of the design sort anyway.  My own opinion on design is first and foremost go with what you love, but a close second is to self edit.  I read somewhere that every woman should take one piece of jewelry off before she leaves the house, because so many of us have a tendency to OVER accessorize.  I believe the same is true in our homes.  Point is, not to go too far with any one trend or look.  It's too literal.  A home should look like it's been layered with pieces over time, otherwise it looks like it's staged and no one really lives there. So, here are some great Industrial finds , some fun stuff to mix with them and where to get everything!

  

On top is the classic Navy Chair by Design Within Reach; price $415.  Below, the Crate & Barrel Delta chair; price $149.  We have 4 of the barstools from Crate & Barrel in our kitchen and I love them!  This chair is so timeless, indestructible and easy to clean.  If you live in a colder climate, and/or you want a softer seat, I recommend  the cushion.

 
 

 

On the left is the Titan Pendant light fixture from Design Within Reach; price $450.  On the right is the Outlaw Pendant from Barnlight Electric.; price $159.

  

From what I can tell, the only difference between these two are the colors.  The one on top is from Design Within Reach; price $250 and the one on the bottom is from Pottery Barn; price $225.  Pottery Barn only offers the painted version and DWR only the unpainted.

   

This cool drafting stool on the left is from Ergstore.com; price $360.  The one on the right is from Wisteria; price $159.  
 

  

If you are a regular reader of design blogs, you'll know that the table on the top has certainly "been around the blog" so to speak!   And with good cause.  It looks absolutely fantastic in just about every living/family room.  For those not familiar, I'm talking about the Brickmaker's Table from Restoration Hardware; price $1350.  The table on the bottom is the Ballard Designs version of a Brickmaker's Table; price $350.

 

The above three photos of vintage baskets were found on Etsy.  

 

This fabulous daybed is also an Etsy find!  

 

Since there is only one of the antique daybeds available from Etsy, I thought I would include another one of my favorites from Oly.

 

And the 'piece de resistance' - this handsome hunk of a chair.  It's from Etsy, and an antique and pricey. But if you go with the lower priced options above, it all balances out, right?

 

And because paint is the ultimate room transformer, here is a selection of Farrow & Ball from House Beautifull.  Clockwise from top left; String, Stony Ground, Chemise, Satin Slipper.

Have a Super Super Bowl weekend!

Serena

 

 
   
    
 
  

 
   

Industrial Chic Part 1: Trend Setters

Usually houses come with their architectural identity clearly established.  Since ours didn't and we're now in the process of refining the drawings for the exterior and deciding on layout and materials for the kitchen, we need to come up with one. A very hot trend of the past few years that seems to be everywhere these days is the Industrial Look.  I'm drawn to elements such as rough hewn beams, zinc topped tables or counter tops, antique factory finds, reclaimed wood furniture and nubby linen slipcovers. So, many of the images I've collected would fall into this category.  The rooms that I find really work are the ones that balance a just a few of these pieces with others that are a bit softer.  Big pillows and/or upholstered furniture, smaller scaled French or Swedish antiques, light neutral wall color and a glam light fixture here and there seem to create the right yin/yang, leather/lace or Industrial Chic look.

The gorgeous barn belonging to Ina Garten and inspired by Belgium antique dealer Axel Vervoodt was when I first remember falling in love with this decor style.  The following four images are from House Beautiful and photographer Simon Upton.

 

  
 

 

Interesting how the sink is at the far end of the island.  I like it, but wonder where the dishwasher is?

The two photos above are from House Beautiful.  The designer/owner is Amy Neunsinger.

 

The above three images are from House Beautiful and designer Kay Douglass and photographer Simon Upton.

Next post, I've found some great sources for getting this look!

Serena