Inventive

"People go in, and a few minutes later I’ll hear bursts of laughter. To be honest, I think “she” likes it in there." - Thom Filicia on using his Emmy as a toilet paper holder.

I know this is an old photo, but I still think Thom Filicia has the best sense of humor. The rest of the house (as seen in Loft Life Magazine) is pretty clever too.

P.S. Does anyone know what kind of mirror (the larger of the two) that is? Or more importantly, where I might find one? It looks to be some sort of antique, reinforced safety glass. I am thinking that could be a good idea for one of my ridiculously tiny bathrooms.

Mad Summer

I. Can't. Wait.

Season Two comes out on DVD tomorrow (hopefully with more insight behind the fabulous mid-century production design). Season Three starts in 34 days. (But who's counting?)

Photo courtesy of AMC.

And Cue The Rainbow

Just a run-of-the-mill snapshot of the farm from The Martha Blog.

It Must Be Nice...

To be Jasmine and Philippe Starck. A glimpse into their fabulous & delicious summer as provided by the New York Times Magazine. Article & photographs here.

The Art Behind Up

If you have not seen Pixar's "Up" yet, all I can say is that you are in for an artistic treat.

Lou Romano, one of the films production designers from 2005 to 2008, has dedicated a fascinating and lengthy post about Up's artistic direction on his blog. It is incredible to see the amount of work that goes into this type of animated feature.

Without giving too much away, the illustrations above were done after a research trip the Pixar team took to South America. The point of the drawings was to convey the feeling and style of the proposed film. To me, it has a mid-century, Miroslav Sasek vibe. It's almost a shame that these are just for experimental, pre-production purposes since they are so beautiful. However, the second illustration did secure a spot in the finished movie as the mural Ellie paints above the mantel.

Hope you enjoy the film as much as I did. (Take a Kleenex).

Attention Shoppers

It's a good thing that the new ShopAD does not have a "buy it now" button, or I would be in trouble.


The same goes for ShopAD Fabrics. (All of the printed linens above are from George Smith).

Great idea brought to you by the creators of 1st Dibs.

Sunday Shopping

Remember this innovative dressing room? Well, the amazing space (and the grand, Yong Pak designed/Dan Carithers decorated townhouse to which it was a part) is priced to move. The 6,885 square foot home is on sale, currently marked down from $4.1 million to $2.85 million.

While it does not come furnished, many of the stylish finishes, like the cabinetry and wall treatments remain.

You can read Courtney's take on this Imperial Trellis clad room here.

Photographs from Southern Accents and the Regents Park website. A complete listing can be seen here.

Three Mediums

More goat painting sightings--I think I am on to something.
Photographs by Erica George Dines for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.

Kidding aside, more paintings by "goat lady" Helen Durant have popped up in print--most recently in the the very cool home of son-in-law and fellow Atlanta artist, Andrew T. Crawford and family. (More photos of their home can be seen Here).

You may recognize Crawford as the creative force behind several of Atlanta's sculptural landmarks, such as the Federal Reserve Bank seen here, as well as several of the gates at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

He also creates one-of-a-kind railings, furniture and fixtures. This rocker totally reminds me of something out of the creepy, but brilliantly artful Coraline film.

I don't think it is out on DVD yet, but I highly recommend a viewing for anyone in need of creative inspiration. (The stop-motion animation is simply badass). Just don't watch it at night by yourself.

Happy Ending

Yay!

Atlantan in the Hamptons

This month's edition of Elle Decor was so full of beautiful images that I almost missed this small photograph of a large painting by one of my favorite Atlanta artists, Carolyn Carr. The palette for the East Hampton home was designed with the painting's hues in mind...
The colors remind me of that moment when the surf meets the sand. More images from the portfolio of East Hampton interior designer, Robert Stilin can be seen here.

Modern Atlanta

Ansley Park Glass House, Atlanta

I know I have been all about cupcakes and magnolias lately, but in order to preserve what is left of my edge, I am also participating in MA09, a week-long celebration of modern design in Atlanta.

Out of the numerous events, of particular interest to me is the Modern Atlanta House Tour, happening this Saturday and Sunday. The tour will feature 13 contemporary residences in our city, including the Ansley Glass House pictured above.



I was also able to attend a screening of Objectified, an enlightening documentary about the humanity behind industrial design. This is the second film in a design trilogy by director Gary Hustwit of font flick Helvetica fame, which is now available for download on itunes or in DVD format.

Hope you are looking forward to your weekend as much as I am.

UPDATE: I just received my June issue of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and was thrilled to find a full spread of the Ansley Glass House and interiors--absolutely gorgeous.

Lovin' From The Oven

Option One: Spend $40 on a beautifully presented cake from Café Lapin.

Option Two: Labor over economically favorable Duncan Hines cupcakes.

Maybe I am just being thrifty, but I think they turned out fine.

In related cupcake news, Martha has a new cookbook coming out...



Hope you have a sweet Mother's Day!

Fresh Paint

I realize I have been bad about showing the "before" without the "after", so here is a glimpse of the freshly painted trim. (Pardon the weird upshade angle and the umpteenth use of Osa Johnson's book. Better photos coming soon!)

Right now you are probably thinking, "White. How creative.", but toning down the yellow really did make a huge difference and was well worth the hassle. Have not decided on a wall color yet, but for now I am not minding this creamy shade of neutral.

Beyond the Garden

Speaking of having such a style-conscience neighborhood, I recognized this home front while perusing my latest issue of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. I have often walked past and admired this house as one of the prettiest on the street, but who would have guessed that such a classic exterior would encase this modern mix of texture and light...

Of course, it makes sense upon learning that this home belongs to Kay Douglass, creator of the South of Market mini-empire. For those unfamiliar with SOM, the shops in Charleston and Atlanta are known for their unique collection of contemporary upholstery paired with rustic, repurposed accessories.

An example: a collection of salvaged french hangers at South of Market, framed for a modern effect.

More photos of her home and the story behind the renovation here.

Top three photographs by Mali Azima for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, Last photograph is from the South of Market website.

Garden Party

One of the things I love about my new neighborhood is that it is comprised of early 20th century homes surrounding a picturesque park. But because we are in the city, our yards can be somewhat limited in size (and mine is on the extreme end of that spectrum).

While the occasional outsider may scoff at our lack of acreage, my neighbors take great pride in cultivating their private gardens--some of which overlook the downtown skyline through 100 year old oaks. And as part of the neighborhood's Centennial Celebration, ten brave homeowners will open their gates to the public and nosy neighbors like myself for the Duck Pond Garden Tour.

In case you are wondering why we did not get the invitation to be part of the tour this year, it's probably because our yard looked like this...

If anyone could use some landscaping inspiration, it's the people that live here. Stay tuned for how this mud pit turned out.

The Duck Pond Garden Tour will be held on Sunday, May 17th. Tickets Available Here.

Max Preppy

We should probably all keep an eye on this guy.

Photographs of Maximilian Sinsteden’s dorm room by Dean Kaufman for New York Magazine.

Ranch Dressed

When I think of chic getaways, Central Florida does not immediately spring to mind. However, the Creek Ranch on Lake Hatchineha puts a Babe Paley-esque spin on the swampy south. Since the early 1960's, this 400 head cattle ranch has been in operation, but only recently has it become available for group rental. Anyone up for a blogger convention?

Among the accommodations is "Fanny's Room", named for Atlanta art supporter and local flea market founder, Fanny Floyd Cocke. Her family now runs the ranch and leads year-round outdoor activities for visitors including cattle driving, horseback riding, bird watching, fishing or just lounging in style. If you must, the theme parks of Orlando are also just an hour away.

There are too many fabulous images to try and post, so for a for a full gallery of accommodations, visit here. Happy trails!

Update: Thanks to a tipster, we learn this bedroom "wallpaper" is actually upholstered fabric, "Fretwork" by Michael Devine.

Trad Floral

While I am not exactly Eddie Ross when it comes to creating flower arrangements, I did learn a ton of helpful hints from his You Tube tutorial on the subject. And since I usually go with a single type of cut flowers thrown in water, I thought it would be fun to take a stab at making a "traditional centerpiece" using the Oasis foam method. (I know, so 1980's).

My first attempt was for brunch at a friend's house (above) and consisted of about $25 worth of pink and white tulips, green spider mums and belles of Ireland. I can't wait to try it again--although next time I hope my arranging skills yield something more like this...

Photograph and flower arrangement by Eddie Ross

Portrayal

I am part of the portrait party over on Style Court today. Come visit for the story behind this one.

(And, for those of you who have been paying attention, that is my yet to be painted, exposed brick wall. Still weighing my options on that one...)

Grey Gardens

A restored Grey Gardens Cottage in East Hampton, New York, photographed in 2005. The Beale family owned the famously dilapidated home from 1923 to 1979.

If ever a home could be considered a character in a story, Grey Gardens would qualify. Just in case you have not yet experienced the original 1975 documentary about the home and its lovably crazy inhabitants, there is still a little time left before the motion picture premiers this April.



It took me a second of watching this trailer to realize that this was the new version because Drew Barrymore's accent is so good. And while the original may be more inspirational for its message, the latter promises something stylish in its memory.

(Top Photograph from the East Hampton Historical Society)

Saving Face

I saw this pillow on The Today Show and am wishing it had been invented ten years' worth of fine lines ago.

I also wonder how it would look with a Leontine Chopstick mono--even if that defeats the skin smoothing properties of the original product.



Speaking of Leontine Linens, how cool is Kim Hastreiter, co-publisher of Paper Magazine's collection of assorted monogrammed guest towels. I love the idea of having more than one design in a single setting (and the funds to make it happen).

via Isaac Mizrahi.

Design With Silex

And you thought they only doled out helpful fashion and parenting advice! In case you had your doubts, here is clip of Simon and Alex trying to impress/belittle their poor architect with their design concepts. Watch them explain the latest trends in kitchen design as the champagne flows. (I love how these two always have to bring out the bubbly whenever it's time to write a check).

More dirt and much wittier observations on the Real Housewives can be found via the truly brilliant, SGM.

Photograph by Gillian Laub from New York Magazine.

Update: "News flash, granite is way more "In Vogue" then growing mold on your ceiling." - A note to Alex from OC Tamra's blog

Spoiled

I want to be here...

Reading this....

With este lugar as my home for the weekend...
All photos with the exception of Caitlin Macy's Spoiled from the Viceroy Mayakoba, opening in 2010.

What To Do

Tom Scheerer would paint the bricks.


So, here is a blurry camera phone photo of my yet to be decorated office. What was once a screened porch will soon become my cozy work space and I am still debating whether to paint over the brick or keep it exposed. The minimalist decorator in me imagines how nice it might look under a coat of White Dove, but I worry I may be losing one of the few interesting elements in our otherwise architecturally bland home.

According to Dara from Domino, exposed brick can "suck the life out of a room", but I am still not 100% convinced.

Once you commit to painting brick, there is no easy way of going back. However, a white background would give my growing art collection a lift.

Decisions, decisions. Any advice?

Top photo from Tom Scheerer, Third photo from Domino, December 2006, Fourth photo from Living Etc. by Penny Wincer

Happy March

It's blizzard city outside. So much for early spring in the South!

Snakeskin in the Grass

Cute. Wait a second--when did J. Crew start charging $450.00 for shoes? Grrr.

Headboarding

After 10+ years of having only a mattress on a metal frame, the search for a proper bed begins...
First thought? No. Too masculine. But after seeing the way Phoebe Howard has styled the same bed, it kind of has a yessy aftertaste.

The Layla Bed as seen on Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper.

And The Award Goes To...

any year but this year.

NPR has a funny article on why Sunday's Oscars are going to (for lack of a better word) suck.

By the way, am I the only person in the free world who didn't love Slumdog Millionaire?

Ah, the good old days...Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando at the 1954 Academy Awards.

Watching Paint Dry, Part II

While I can't brag about getting a lot done this weekend (other than finally seeing The Reader) I was able to choose a paint color for the trim. The blogosphere did not disappoint as Benjamin Moore White Dove (far left swatch) was the big winner. Thanks for the suggestions!

Happy Valentine's Day

A big, breathless hug to you all from Atlanta, GA!

To celebrate, I am marking my calendar for Atlanta's 70th Anniversary of Gone With the Wind. The April 19th event, which coincides with the Atlanta Film Festival, will include discussion panels, multiple receptions and concludes with a screening of GWTW at Atlanta's historic Fox Theater.



The premier of Gone With the Wind in 1939 at the Loew's Grand was considered to be one of the most exciting events in Atlanta's history. In case you are wondering why the anniversary celebration is not being held at the original theater, please refer to the link in my sidebar regarding historic preservation.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tickets (at $10-$15) will be available via Ticketmaster beginning February 16, 2009. For more information, visit the Margaret Mitchel House website.

Scott Antique Market

I am sad to have missed the great Eddie Ross Atlanta Flea Market Crawl a few weeks back, but I was knee deep in paperwork and packing tape. The Atlanta Journal and Constitution has full coverage of the event in today's Lifestyle section.


(Photo by Elissa Eubanks for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution).

Like Watching Paint Dry

Perennial decorator go-to hue, Benjamin Moore's White Dove. (Interior by James Radin, via Milk and Honey)

The moment I have been dreading has arrived--it's time to choose the trim color. Why paint at all? Well, because the previous owner left us with absolutely every surface coated in a shade that looks like a manilla folder that was left in the smoker's lounge at the airport for 20 years.

I am ready for things to start looking fresh and clean and not so much like this...



Or this...

But even with all of those semesters of Color Theory behind me, I still believe that choosing the perfect white is a mind-numbing crapshoot complicated by a myriad of latitudinal factors. The only thing I firmly believe, is that better quality paint yields the best results (unfortunately for my wallet). So, back to the paint store I go for more samples.


(Extra points if you can name those teeth).

Moving On

Anybody still out there? I know it has been a while since my last post, but I have a good excuse (for the last few weeks at least--before that it was simply year-end blog fatigue).

So far, 2009 has been all about packing and stressing over moving into a new house. Even though we have done this a few times, I forget how physically and mentally exhausting a move can be. I don't know how Jeff Lewis does it again and again. For the first few weeks, it feels like you are camping and lost in your own house (and not because it is too big, as this one most certainly is not). We have spent hours searching for missing electrical cords to hook up computers and are currently watching the laundry pile grow until our dryer is fixed (damaged in the move, natch). At least we finally have hot water--and more importantly, cable!

Anyway, I hope everyone out there in decor blog-land is having a wonderful new year despite all of this depressing shelter mag news. (Domino, wtf?) I know my list of home projects just became a lot longer, so hopefully I will have something to share soon. If I could only remember where I packed my camera...

See You Over There

I am sharing all kinds of Christmas House details over on Style Court today.

I would like to thank Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Editorial Director Clinton Smith for the amazing preview and Courtney for entrusting me with her readers. The Christmas House is a knock out--go see it!