FarmHouseUrban

colors on the cusp: gray + lilac

It's a beautiful thing when colors collide creating something completely ambiguous...

Vincente Wolf via House Beautiful

Blurring the lines and softening the edges.  

My current favorite mash-up is gray and lilac.

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Phoebe Howard

I don't often remember or even know where the seed that started the inspiration flower to bloom originated from, but this time I'm absolutely certain it was from the room below.

It's the nyc apartment of Canvas Home and Ochre owners Harriet Maxwell Macdonald and Andrew Corrie featured in Elle Decor almost two years ago.  It was the first time I recall seeing this sexy combination in a living room.

As a matter of fact, I've stared at this photo so often, I think I've memorized every detail.   

The bulletin board in my studio...

A vignette in the shop in gray + lilac + silver.

Have a wonderful Sunday and i'll see you at Alameda tomorrow!

The week in review

 

Wow, sorry for the radio silence.  It's been far too long since the last post and I feel way out of touch. Needless to say, things are hoppin' around here.  We (as in me and my new Assistant; Margaret who is AWESOME!!!) are busy getting the store Spring-ified, sourcing and designing the debut collection for the FarmHouseUrban Home Store online, working on several hefty design projects and... dare I say it... our house plans are...no, actually I won't.  I look forward to sharing all the details in the upcoming days and weeks, so please stay close by! If you care to subscribe to FarmHouseUrban and recieve every post in either your reader or inbox, you can do so by putting your email address in the box to the right.  ------------------------------------------>

Make sure to complete the process by opening the confirmation email that will arrive shorty thereafter. 

Anyway, onto the week's recap...

Despite the winter-like weather we had last weekend, our first seasonal market was a success!  A huge thank you to Jennifer of Sweet Life Bakery who provided a most delicious spread of breakfast pastries, artisan breads, cookies and cupcakes and the BEST almond croissant I have ever had this side of the Atlantic. 

My idea with the seasonal markets is to not only offer substantial discounts on items from the previous season, but also throw in some fun things that reflect the current season. So in keeping with the Spring theme, we set up a flower stand with fresh blooms for self-serve flower arranging.  I think just about everyone took home a big fat Spring bouquet!

Vintage pieces I've picked up at estate sales or antique fairs always seem to be the first to go. There are still a few pieces left, so I thought I'd share them with you. We ship anywhere in the US and Canada!

Red Wing urn. I believe it was a milk jug, but the seller had no knowledge of it's history. I originally thought I'd have it made into a lamp - wouldn't that be cool? But I love how the Cherry Blossom branches look in it, so I think I'll leave it as is.  These American made crocks look fantastic in a group or collection. Very FarmHouseUrban! Price $150.

Set of 8 vintage French linen napkins monogrammed with the initials "DH" or "HD". They are softened to perfection, creamy white and are absolutely lovely.  Price $50.

Blue Mason jars.  These are old! The date on one says November 30, 1858. Price $65 ea.

These old zinc buckets are from the Europe container sale that I went to a few weeks ago.  The small one sold, but the large and medium are still available! There are so many possible uses for these... They'd be great for kindling next to the fireplace, storage for rolled up towels in the bathroom, or a recepticle for cleaning products in the laundry room. Price $60 for the large and $50 for the medium.

Vintage ginger beer bottles from England.  I picked up a bunch of these awhile ago - I believe at Alameda.  The color combination is perfection. I have these two left.  As I took the picture I was thinking they would make great candle holders for an outside dining table. Picturing them with dark turquoise candles. mmm. Price $8/ea.

One of the highlights of the day was a visit from my BFF Cristine (the fashionista who I've been friends with for 20 years, who moved to St. Helena 2 years ago from Europe, whom I blog about often).  She brought her friend Heidi Godoff - my new friend too - who is also the designer/creator of the BFF bags that I blogged about here.  If Heidi's name sounds familiar, you may have read about her on the Remodelista blog.  She was one of the vendors for the Remodelista Market's in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

Heidi has a blog and kindly wrote about her visit to the store. To read Heidi's blog click here.  Thank goodness I happened to be wearing my BFF bag (made and designed by Heidi) that day!

Have a fabulous Monday everybody! The sunshine's shining here - yay!

Sausalito 60's Mod Pad Unveiled in Rue Magazine!

This past November I finished working on a very special project. I mentioned it briefly here, but haven't shown 'after' photos since it took almost a year to put all the final touches into place.  In December I had the space photographed by the incredibly talented Sean Dagen of whom I've been a fan since I first noticed his work in the Serena and Lily catalogs. During the shoot, Sean's agent Traci mentioned that she knew the ladies at Rue Magazine and wanted to show the photos to them!

Fast forward to today -- I am beyond excited to say that the project was included in the March/April 2012 issue! Thank you Rue!  

For those not familiar with online design magazines, they have filled the void left by many of the shelter magazines no longer in print.  Once you subscribe (by clicking the button on the front page) you will receive a copy in your inbox.  The great thing about online magazines vs. print is the 'click thru' capability.  If you see a product you like, often you are able to click on it and be directed to the source. It's also so easy to forward photos or articles to facebook, twitter, Pinterest, etc.  You can check out Rue and subscribe by clicking here.

   

Traci, Sean and I setting up.

 To see the rest of the Sausalito apartment and article click here.

I thought you might like to see some before photos of the apartment.  Keep in mind it's a rental, so there were limitations in what we could do to the space itself.

The budget was not big, but there were specific higher end pieces that my client really wanted. When we splurged, we had to find a way to cut back somewhere else.  It's amazing how many inexpensive but stylish options are out there. You just have to dig around!

There were pieces that just had all the right elements and for those there was no compromising.  Some of the higher end items... 

Eames Chair - Design Within Reach

Dining Chairs - Bungalow 5

Blue Writing Desk - Chelsea Textiles

 There were some pieces that we were able to find at substantially lower prices because they were not authentic, but the remake was so close that even a trained eye wouldn't know the difference. Some of the lower priced alternatives...

(Faux) Saarinen Dining Table found on ebay 

(Faux) Noguchi Coffee Table found on ebay

We filled in with some pieces that could easily blend in...

Daybed- West Elm

Bed - Ikea 

Many of the accessories and accent furniture were found at antique stores, estate sales and flea markets.  

Please let me know if you have questions about specific pieces.  Happy to share the sources.  Again, the link to the article and photos is here.

Thanks again to Rue Magazine!

New York International Gift Fair: Part Two

There were so many lighting options that I was looking up almost as much as down. This was one of my favorites. I like the industrial chic + wine barrel look.

This amber glass lamp with matching hurricanes is even more beautiful in person. I love this color with dark grey.

Not the best photo, but I wanted to remind myself of the broad spectrum this line carries.  If there was only one booth I could buy from at the whole show, it would have been this one. I just wish they would respond to my inquiry!  

Walking through the aisles, the opportunities to be inspired are endless.  These batik fabrics didn't just catch my eye for their beauty, but the knotted display got me thinking about ways to hang fabric samples in the studio.

When I saw these denim and chambray pillows at the Pinecone Hill booth, I immediately pictured them on a white slipcovered sofa or a gauzy bed and was transported to a beach house in the summertime.

A trend that was apparent in many collections, was jute accessories. 

I really like this jute mirror, but don't have a place or client for it. Debating whether or not...

These baskets made of rubber tubing are great for bathrooms or outdoor areas. 

Saving the best for last... simply perfect in scale and proportion.  Coming soon to a store in Marin!

Have a great long weekend! 

New York International Gift Fair (in two parts). Part one

I've been going through my photos and brochures from the NYIGF that I attended a few weeks ago, trying to decide what to order for the store. Thought you might enjoy seeing some of the many great selections from the show!

If you have never been, it's really fun and incredibly inspiring, but it can be overwhelming too - especially without a strategy. Maybe telling how I do it, will be of some help to those thinking about attending the August show...

The main building - The Javits Center - is a three story Convention Center with aisle, upon aisle of vendors.  In a separate location that requires taking a shuttle bus, is the Piers which is where the majority of the Home Furnishings vendors are located. I have found that focusing on only those areas that are relevant to home decor, is the only way I can get through the show in two days.  

My routine has been to visit the Javits Center on the first day, and if I have energy and time after that, make a stab at a few aisles of the Piers. Then get an early start on the second day and tackle the rest of the Piers.  If you have only one day, and really want to take in the most home furnishings as possible, then just go to the Piers.

Once you veer off and visit, say the fashion accessories section for example, telling yourself that it will refresh your perspective and give you more ability to focus on what you came 3,000 miles to find, you will be sucked in,  get completely confused, probably say the hell with it and leave early, then go have a drink with your friend who you've convinced to leave work early.

Anyway, there were so many gorgeous things, that I thought you might like to see what caught my eye. Here are some of the things I'm ordering for the store and website or am considering for client projects.  What makes your heart skip a beat?

This was one of the first booths that I fell in love with.  These gorgeous towels from Japan are made of terry cloth on one side and soft cotton on the other.  I've never met a stripe I didn't like, so I was in heaven with their selection.

Moving on, these absolutely gorgeous bottles, grouped by color combinations to work with your decor are a great way to fill an open shelf, coffee table or mix into your barware.

These beautiful natural sea fans have been on my mind since the show... I can picture them in so many spaces and remind me that summer is not too far away!

These John Derian trays are always a draw for me.  They are sold at a few home decor stores near me, so I probably won't get them for the store.  Their booth is always filled with fantastic inspiration.

The Oly booth is one of my favorites. I have a client I was shopping for and saw several things here that she will love. I'm thinking of the daybed mattress in the blue and white fabric with the natural burlap on the base.

This past holiday season, I got my daughter one of these old school Pop Phones to plug into her cell phone.  She loved it and I like it so much better than her talking directly into her phone. I took these pictures for her...

She loves anything with an animal print - clearly did not get that from me!

Another booth for the teen in your life is this one. These puffy frames (they're not inflated, but stuffed) are kind of fun and silly. 

Please share your favorites! I'd love to know what you like and what you don't!

To all designers/decorators, retailers and design bloggers - I would love to hear about your experiences with this trade show.

What are your strategies for tackling NYIGF? 

Do you have a regular routine?

How many days do you spend at the show?

Do you order at the show or wait for it all to sink in and order after you get home like me?

Do you go twice a year?

Where do you eat lunch?

I'll have more photos from the show in my next post, but i'm running out the door now!  Have a great day.

Tangled Up In Blue

It seems fitting to be thinking blue in January... I've been away from the blog for awhile - had a moment or two of questioning the whole thing...  Got all weird and existential and thought too much about purpose, audience, voice and blah blah blah. But after some time passed, I stopped and realized I just plain missed it (and you), so 'the only thing I knew how to do was to keep on keepin on'.

I've been thinking of ways I'd like to incorporate blue into the design plan of our new house. I save images that I might not immediately know what about them I like, I just know that I do.  Here are some I've been smitten with lately.  No rhyme or reason, they're just purdy. 

 

Sweet little bright bedroom. The chair is the perfect scale and the color is so fresh.

This powder blue cabinet with cream walls and furniture creates a much softer feeling.  I just love natural linen with just about any color blue.

Great beachy bedroom. 

These pillows are by les indiennes. Mixed patterns, but same colors.

The former event planner in me looks at this photo and thinks how fantastic it would be for a party! This look could easily duplicated (in any color or in several!) with inexpensive, unpainted furniture from Ikea and a visit to Cost Plus.  

Beautiful color combo for a bedroom.

source

 I would personally not be able to go this bold in a living room, but the color would be amazing in a powder room.

Kay Douglass

This bedroom is designed by Windsor Smith using Peter Dunham's Samarkand fabric in a big way. This fabric comes in many color ways and is one of my all time favorites. 

Have a great week and GO 49'ers!!!!

xo

Serena

Simple Greens

I just discovered the most beautiful fresh holiday wreaths I have ever seen and wanted to quickly share the source with you!

The wreaths are made by Wintersteen Farms - a family run business on a 36-acre Douglas and Noble tree farm in Oregon.  The wreaths are $34.95 and come with a 2' piece of cream satin ribbon for hanging.

I just love the fullness and simple mix of greenery and pinecones. 

I found these wreaths on the blog Dreamy Whites.  Another wonderful new find!  By the looks of her blog, I think the above photo is from her home. Isn't it beautiful?

To place your order for Wintersteen Farms Wreaths click here.

Another wreath variety that I really like is dried.  I especially like that they're meant to be used year after year.  This year, I ordered these beautiful dried magnolia branch, pomegranate and twig wreaths for the store.  We have sold out of all but one!  

Here's a photo I looked hi an lo for and couldn't find for my last post on holiday decorating.  I just love the simplicity.  What do you think?  

In the store, we have the sweetest little living pine trees.  They make great teacher and hostess gifts. All packaged and festive in burlap and velvet ribbon - they're ready to go! 

Still working on my list, how about you?

vitamin i

For those of us whose job requires creativity as well as those who appreciate being surrounded by beauty, we all need regular doses of inspiration to keep the juices flowing.  A shot in the arm of something beautiful whether it be a swatch of fabric, a meaningful story, or a pretty photo just makes us feel better. 

I thought a good way to start off the week is to share what has given me inspiration in the last few days - my 'vitamin i' - so to speak! I hope they inspire you too...

I've had this photo for a really long time and don't have any recollection of where it came from.  If you do, please do tell!  It's so fairytale-like isn't it? A reminder to look for opportunities to be whimsical in design and in life.

I'm going to nyc in a week and just started to think about what to pack. Last January when I went, I did not pack my Wellies thinking they would be too un-chic for nyc and I so regretted it! It snowed and the puddles at the curbs were like a foot deep.  I found this photo after I got back and saved it to remind me of how cute (and yes, chic) they can be and how everyone wore them with thick leggings and parkas. I realize it won't be snowy by next week, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't giddy about the cold weather outfit options!  

This is - ok brace yourself - pear, almond and chocolate cake!  Sin on a plate I tell you. I discovered this recipe and this gorgeous blog Honey and Jam recently and am hooked on the recipes and the amazing photography.  My own food photos are usually pretty bad, hard as I try to improve, so my appreciation for good food photography is quite high. This blog doesn't disappoint and has great props too!!  Do me a favor and don't read her "About" page until after you've looked through her blog. You won't believe how old she is!

Does anyone else get the Flor catalog? I've been getting it for years, although I don't usually pay much attention to it until something on the cover recently caught my eye. When I opened it, I was quite literally "Flor-ed".  The styling is superb.  Made me actually want to buy those carpet squares for a second! To get inspired, click here to see their online catalog.

Have a wonderful Monday, and as I tell my kids every morning 'be your best self', and of course, don't forget to take your vitamins!

Industrial Barstool - the search is over

I think I've looked at every Industrial style or Draftsman style barstool on the planet and finally found it! 

Introducing the latest addition to the FarmHouseUrban Home store...

Black iron base, and swivel wood seat with just enough back to feel comfortable but not too high to hit the counter top.

It comes in two sizes - 28" counter height/$380 or 34" barstool height/$440.

We can ship anywhere in the US.  

Oh, and we finally have a Facebook page!  Click the link at the top of the post to follow along.  I will post about what goes on behind the scenes, more photos and I can be much sillier there!  

Have a spectacular weekend!

Neutral and Black

Lately I've been noticing how adding a touch of black to a neutral room can make a dramatic statement. From walls to floors to kitchen cabinets, it appears that black is the new black!

Lonny

Lonny

Erin Martin

Jennifer Backstein

Anthony|Wolf

Atlanta Homes Magazine

Here are a few pieces that would be perfect for achieving this look.

 Bowfront Chest - Wisteria $1,399

Caio Fonseca painting - 1st Dibs

Clievedon Chair - Ralph Lauren Home $2,985

Still Life by Andrew Ren - Allposters.com $29.99

Windsor Bench- GreatWindsorChair.com  $795

Nate Berkus Fringed Dhurrie Rug - HSN $230

Twiggy Lettura Floor Lamp - Ylighting $1,895

Black Pom-Pom pillow - CB2 $24.99