Be Right Back

Dear Readers,

I have been so busy with our new project in The Hamptons, I have not had a chance to update the blog. Don’t fret, I have not forgotten about you! Here’s a sneak peak to wet your whistle...
The studio has been buzzing with activity from early in the morning until late at night, and I look forward to talking more about this project as is progresses.

I also have a San Francisco Treat-Part 2 blog in the works, so stay tuned…we’ll be right back.

"San Francisco Treat"

When I travel I always make it a point to visit a local museum. This is by far one of my passions when traveling. This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting the MOMA in San Francisco. My passion for the arts might only be rivaled by my passion for dogs. Meet my precious rescue dog "McTosh" or "Toshi" for short.

So you can imagine my zeal when I saw my two great loves combined in "Country Dog Gentlemen" by Roy De Forest.

This piece from MOMA's permanent collection, is very captivating. The painting is presented in "video" form, enticing visitors into the "interactive" children's area. The wonderful dogs magically come alive, one by one, with instructions to the children on the many wonders of museum-going. I am sure McTosh would approve.

Magritte has always been a favorite artist of mine. I loved visiting this painting again, and will continue to do so every time I visit San Francisco. It might have SOMETHING to do with my endless fascination with "interiors"...

Ah, Avedon. His fabulous fashion shots are so very elegant and timeless. I am always inspired by the clean silhouettes of fashion masters like Dior and Balenciaga, which he masterfully captures.

I particularly enjoyed the exhibition featuring the works of Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Ansel Adams's photos were juxtaposed with O'Keeffe's paintings, and although the differences between the works are pronounced, you can see multiple instances where they are inspired by an identical element...a landscape, a building, a piece of aged wood...

Adams amazes us with his incredibly precise photos, perfectly poised and detailed, showing us more shadows and shades of light and dark that I can imagine exist...And O'Keeffe thrills us with her love of color, abstraction and expressionism in her trademark "bold" fashion.

The San Francisco MOMA is such a jewel!

"Fun Kravet Findings"

While Connie is in Carmel getting some well deserved R&R at Bernadus Lodge...

Photo Credit: Scott Davis

It is my pleasure to be your guest blogger extraordinaire. My name is Rachel, nice to meet you.

New furniture lines from Kravet are likely to raise cheers from designers and clients alike. Kravetdining lets you customize leg, top, edge, stretcher, extension, finish and distress levels WITHOUT raising the price point, and is available in custom sizes.

"HIP"...

Photo Credit: Kravet

Fluted legs and inlaid plank top in a medium distressed walnut finish make this Kravetdining table perfect for a traditional or rustic space.

Photo Credit: Kravet

Design elements like the "Simple Edge", and "Klismos Stretcher" combined with a lightly distressed dark ebony finish make for a sleek and refined transitional table.

"HIP HIP"...

Made in the U.S.A., these goods can be delivered in 6-8 weeks. The line includes dining tables, chairs, servers, cocktail and end tables. There is a variety of leg, top, edge, stretcher, extension, finish and distress levels to choose from. And Kravet's user friendly catalogue streamlines the entire process.

"HIP HIP HORRAY!"

I would love to cuddle up with a good book and some hot Chai in this Bellair chair from Kravet's Studio line.

Photo Credit: Kravet

With this line, what you see is what you get, however, I wouldn't change a thing. With 40,000 fabrics to choose from you should be able to find SOMETHING wonderful by Kravet.

"HIP"...

Photo Credit: Kravet

Exude "Modern Cleopatra" while lounging on this Salamanca Bench from the Urban collection.
Kravet's cushions are composed of soy based foam and recycled fibers. The springs are made of recycled steel. The wood for the legs and frame come from sustainably managed forests.

"HIP HIP"...

Let's head outside, shall we?

For those of who are already rethinking your "outdoor" living spaces for next summer, I recommend the Bimini chair set from Kravet Soleil.

Photo Credit: Kravet

The frames and finishes are treated with a protective compound that will withstand the elements, and Kravet Soleil fabric is graded into the price of these pieces.

"HIP HIP HORRAY!"

"What Is Your "Carbon Footprint"?

While the library at our Studio has been growing larger... I have been thinking about making the carbon footprint smaller...New materials from Ice Stone create a uniquley beautiful kitchen counter or fireplace surround.

With 70%-75% recycled content and no trace of VOCs (volitile organic compounds, of course!) you are on your way to "Reduce" and "Recycle".

We already have a poolside project in mind for this line of glass mosaic tile from "Trend USA"...

I think this would look fantastic in a pool. The textural pattern contrasted with the shimmer of the water...and it's made of 80% post consumer recycled content. So inviting.

Speaking of which, it's about time I wrap up and try a glass of this...

Yes...I know what you are thinking. But my friends, I must tell you,

this is no ordinary box.

Yellow+Blue is contained in a Tetra Pack, a lightweight package that holds more wine and uses less carbon to ship than a standard bottle.

How's That For Carbon Neutral?!

"Green With Envy"

This Week, we're thinking "Green"...

I'd love to own Philippe Starck's Mademoiselle Printed chair - the formal fabric's brocade pattern pairs artistically with the Lucite Legs.

Philippe's ultra smooth amorphous shaped Baobab Desk would keep clutter out of sight in my Studio, how about yours?

Now, down to "Earth"..."Green" thoughts also bring "Reuse" and "Recycle" in materials to mind as many sources are finally producing enviornmentally friendly products that are truly beautiful.

We're compiling a new "Green" Library so check back with us to hear about Kravet's new "Kravetgreen" program featuring fabrics in all-natural and sustainable yarns and recycled furniture components. We also love the new "Eco Linen" line from Calvin Fabrics. Our sample books arrive soon.

The "organic" pattern of Manuel Canovas' new "Fontainebleau" wallpaper in the Pastiche colorway fits into our "green" file today - the content is 100% paper, and we always install with non-toxic adhesive. We'll close for the day now, so breathe cleanly, think "green" thoughts, and check back with us soon for more "earth friendly" inspirations.

"Good Booking"

This Library is truly the "heart" of this Home,

as the "tower of books" line an interior stairwell which can be accessed

from the ground, the stairs, or the hoist suspended chair

in builder Sallie Trout's home.

Notes On A Chandelier

Check out these new Chandeliers I found...!

The "Lollipop Chandelier" from The Flemming Group in Los Angeles

just popped into my rep's hands...

LOVE IT for its playfully tilted interpretation of circles and arcs...

custom finishes and shades are available to order.

I was "wowed" by Zettel'z Hanging Lamp by Ingo Maurer

- it's even in MoMA's collection...

This chandelier comes with "notes", but its more fun

to switch out for your own, including theatre ticket stubs,

shopping list, newspaper clips,

anything that buzzes your interest,

to be changed out by anyone who

wants to "comment"...

Fun, Functional, Fantastic!

We'll finish up today

with a "Statement" piece that's

Graceful and Elegant,

Smooth and Serene...

and Wonderfully Chic.