Alkemie

The Great Thomas Britt - Old World Flavour with Modern Color and Elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:10:00 +0000

I'm having a bit of technical difficulty with my scanner at
the moment. But it looks like Mrs. Blandings was inspired
by the same article as I. The December 2009 issue of
Vogue magazine has an article on the home of Alexis and
Trevor Traina of San Francisco whose home is designed
by design icon Thomas Britt. Isn't the above space just
simply jaw dropping?

Thomas Britt is one of the most prolific and well known
design icon of our time. I adore his style of marrying
old world flavour with brilliant colors and modern lines.
His designs are very distinctive.

Many of you have probably seen a photo of this famous
turquoise living room in a Greenwich Village apartment.
What some of you may not know is that this is also the
work of Thomas Britt.

I often wondered what the rest of the space in this home
looked like. Here is a before photo of that same turquoise
living room.

And a before photo of the kitchen.

Can't believe that space turned into this huh!

The apartment really went through a transformation.

This is the library/sitting area of the same apartment.
It's gorgeous isn't it? I love the dark blue walls and the
contrasting ceiling and colors in the furniture. He has
such a way with blending colors that you wouldn't think
to put together.

Yup, same condo. Totally different look. It looks like a
bedroom out of a fantastical dream. Britt literally covered
the walls and ceilings with a shiny patterned wallpaper to
achieve this fantastical look. It is so striking and original.

This is a different home that Britt designed in Tribeca.
The height of the ceiling is simply stunning.

The red lacquered walls are
completely stunning.

The bedroom is not as bright but still
littered with peacock blue.

I always dreamed of a canopied space like this as little
girl. This place is so perfect napping or reading. *sigh*

And here is Thomas Britt himself in the
striking space he designed.

So what do you think? Love it? Too much?

Photos from Architectural Digest and Vogue

Fashion Inspiration and Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:30:00 +0000

One of my other great passions are fashion and

photography. I love seeing great portraits and
photos that evoke a certain feeling.

This girl has an very sincere and powerful smile
that reaches her eyes. I love the combination of
feminine heels with a masculine shirt and tie. I've
always loved a woman in a suit or masculine
clothing. I think that the contrast is really sexy.

The angle of this shot is just perfect. I don't
think I'd wear these boots but how the skirt
lifts just to show a hint of skin where the boot

tops are is somehow very alluring.

Very cool photo. It's so hard to take a photo against
light - especially the sun. Such brilliance in the photo.

I must admit that I have a fetish for
gloves. I have a collection of them.

Sequins are really in right now - and in fact I'm hunting
for a sequined jacket. The feathers look so soft against
the shiny sequins. I think I'm just a magpie at heart.
Anything soft or shiny will always catch my eye.

More brilliance in a photo. The softened
light makes it look so ethereal.

Very romantic, chic, light and bright. Classic.

I think this dress and setting in Venice
is so romantic.

Aren't these pair of shoes the cutest shoes you've
ever seen? It's like the more feminine version of
Dorothy's shoes in the Wizard of Oz. By the way, if you
haven't seen the musical Wicked -- you absolutely
must. It's the Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch
of the West's perspective. Very Very clever, great
music and the twists will pleasantly surprise you. I
promise you'll never look at the story of the Wizard
of Oz the same again.

Dita von Teese - her fashion is the epitome

of old glamour. She always has impeccable

taste in dresses. I've always adored one

shouldered, assymetrical dresses and this

one is lovely.

Lounging in an exotic Moroccan room.

Probably one of my absolute favorite past times -
having tea or coffee outdoors while people watching.

I hope you've enjoyed the photos. The photos are from
one of my favorite pictorial blogs - Simply Seductive.

Cruising along the Mekong River in Style - Gorgeous Asian Chinoise Style Rooms

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:15:00 +0000

One of the countries I really love visiting in my travels

is Vietnam. Vietnam is still beginning to open up and

isn't to the point where it's over developed yet. It still

retains much of it's essence and unique blend of Asian

with French influences.

I think cruising is one of the loveliest ways to see a place

or country and what better way to do it than to do it in

luxury and style!

This boat is called The Jayavarman and it is run by
the Heritage Line. As you can see, the staterooms on
this little ship are completely luxurious and unlike
any staterooms I've seen before on a ship. It looks
like a high end hotel room instead of being on a
riverboat.

Each stateroom has a balcony with a table and

two chairs to lounge in while gazing at the scenery.

Even the bathroom has distinct

Chinese styled cabinets and doors.

They really did a fantastic job with blending modern

luxury with traditional Chinese and Asian aesthetics.

The wood work in the rooms are just amazing.

At dusk, the the lighting and the

scenery are romantic and peaceful.

The cruise either departs from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

and proceeds upstream to Siem Reap in Cambodia or the

other way from Siem Reap downstream to Saigon. I still

prefer the name Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon is so

much prettier.

There were no photos of the suite but I

thought this was a gorgeous rendering.

The open deck on top looks even better with daybeds,

gorgeous coffee tables and billowing curtains.

What you saw above was the deluxe room, this is the

superior room (or what you would call a standard room.)

Even the standard room is quite gorgeous. Take a look
out the window in this photo. Amazing isn't it?

I love the panels of plants and birds used

as a headboard in these staterooms.

It's tea time.

If you plan to decorate any of your rooms in Chinoise style,

hopefully this post has given you some great ideas on how

to blend modern luxuries with a more traditional asian look.

Wouldn't I love to be cruising down the Mekong in this boat...

Photos from Heritage Line

Ken Fulk Design - Dining Rooms, Kitchens and Baths

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:15:00 +0000

A little while back, I featured a loft that San Francisco
designer Ken Fulk had designed. I really love his work
and will be showing more of it in the future. I was totally
floored by the drama in this dining room. I am very much
so drooling over the floor to ceiling mirror. The lighting
in the room just adds to the romantic and mysterious
ambience in the room.

This is the same dining room during the day.
It feels completely different but I do really
enjoy the dark walls.

High contrast with vivid colors is always a welcome.

This is a more traditional sort of dining room that
Fulk has designed. I really like this style of dining
room as well. The chandelier really makes a
statement in this room.

I can see that Fulk enjoys using mirrors and
chandeliers in his dining rooms. But you know
what? It totally works every time - it can be
a different style.

Here's a modern kitchen that sort of has
a nostalgic feel to it somehow. Love the
cherry red accents.

I hardly see such deep basins for sinks - but I really like
them. They fit in this chic bathroom that has a lot of
clean lines and high end fixtures.

This spacious bathroom definitely has some plush luxuries
such as the reading chair and ottoman. Nice! I wouldn't
mind having a reading spot in a bathroom like this.

A smaller bathroom that has spared no
luxury with floor to ceiling marble.

Graceling
by Kristin Cashore

As many of you, my other great loves include
traveling and reading. I have been getting myself
in trouble by reading myself into the morning and
waking up with panda eyes (dark circles) to go to
work. I sure do pay for it but I just can't put a
good book down. I've been reading some young
adult books as of late and came across one that
I highly recommend. Totally appropriate for tweens
and your young adult. Couldn't put the book down
at all. If you're interested in a great story or if you
have a child who is a book worm - you won't be sorry
to have checked this book out.

To close out, let me know what you think of Ken Fulk's
dining rooms? Would you decorate your dining room
in such a style?

Photos from Ken Fulk Design

WallPaper Projects and Rooms

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:10:00 +0000

I absolutely adore the color of this room. Wallpaper does
not have to cover entire rooms and walls to be effective.
This room is a great example of utilizing wallpaper to
accentuate without covering all of the walls with it. If you
notice, this living room only has two panels of wallpaper.
The designer was clever in using the same color paint as
the wallpaper for the backdrop so the wallpaper blends
nicely. The white coffee table and fireplace is a good
contrast for this powerful shade of color.

Again, we see only one panel of wallpaper here. The panel
of wallpaper has become the focus of the wall and the layout
of the furniture is centered around it. Great contrast of
yellow and gray.

Wallpaper can be used to cover bulletin boards such as
in this office below. It blends perfectly as the wallpaper
used for the bulletin boards are the same pattern as the
rest of the room (with contrasting white walls.)

You can use wallpaper or reinforced wrapping paper to
cover the back of a book case for some pop and pizazz.

Another example of a single wallpaper panel which
matches the color of the curtains and the dishes on the
table.

Only wallpapering a recessed wall
space is a great way to go as well.

Wallpapering an otherwise bland clipboard is also a great idea.

Bet you never thought of wallpapering the top of your
table or end table? It's actually a great idea to give
some pattern to the top of a table.

Don't have enough money to buy and tile actual rock
tiles? A pictorial wallpaper can give a great effect too.

Most people don't usually think to use wallpaper in
the bathroom, but this graphic wallpaper really works
well here.

Hope you were able to glean some ideas for wallpaper
and pattern from this post. Do you have any wallpaper
projects that you're thinking about?

Photos from Ideal Home Magazine

Mae Brunken Design - LA, Santa Monica and a Moroccan Fantasy

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:10:00 +0000

Earlier in the week, I had a post showcasing Mae Brunken's
Hollywood Hills Mediterranean styled home. I would also
like to share some of her work. Her style is rich and homey.
I just love the colors in the living room of this L.A. home that
she designed.

I love this square coffee table and the colorful rug is a
really fantastic anchor and jumping off point for the entire
room.

The kitchen is modern with clean lines
and old school tiles for the flooring.

She blends vintage modern furniture wonderfully in the home.

Talk about earthy, homey with a touch of the exotic. This
is combination that Brunken dreamed up for this Santa
Monica home is killer.

The same theme is in the dining room -
rich and beautiful tones.

This room just makes you want to cozy up
in the bed and read, write and daydream.

I really like how she used small tiles for the
bathroom counter top which is unique.

Last but not least in this post is a Moroccan fantasy home
a client from Scottsdale requested. I'd say Brunken did a
pretty fantastic job. It feels authentic, lived in and luxurious.

Get a load of this fire place with stripes.

All of the arches really reflect classic
Moroccan and Islamic architecture.

This is a really neat built in bed with steps and storage.
What a wonderful use of space for a room with angles.

The dining room is every bit as rich
with tiles, fabrics and patterns.

Inspired?

Photos from Mae Brunken Design

L.A. Set and Interior Designer Mae Brunken's Hollywood Hills Home

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:30:00 +0000

Mae Brunken is a fabulous L.A. based set and interior
designer. Her mediterranean style home in the Hollywood
Hills has an extremely gorgeous courtyard as you can see
above.

Here is the facade to her home.

The front door opens up onto a very
impressive atrium with high ceilings.

Mae did something unique with the
ceiling of the atrium by covering it
with a pattern.

The house has been around for a long time and has history.

This is the exact same foyer which
a movie was filmed in 1954.

Here we segue into a spacious dining room.

The luxurious dining are has a
beautiful rug with a golden ceiling.

Here's another angle to the living room.

What a cozy living area. Love the pink and purple accents.

A photo of the entire living room during the day.

And a close up of shelf above her fireplace.
The color scheme on the shelf with the
gold camel is perfect.

The guest bedroom definitely has an old vintage feel to it.

The master bedroom is luxurious with feminine touches
that you can see in the rug and pretty pink lucite bench.

I'd say she put a beautiful array of pillows together
on her window bench in her master bedroom.

Her period bathroom has the original yellow
and black tiles that are obviously well preserved.

Here's Mae Brunken relaxing in her daybed in the
courtyard. I wouldn't mind having a Moroccan
themed courtyard!

So what do you think? There's more to come later
in the week of her portfolio. I really love her use
of color and vintage luxe.

Photos from LA Times and Mae Brunken Design

October 2009 Trip to Tokyo and Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Can you tell by this photo alone which country I'm in?
The cuisine of a country can say it all. My trips back
to Hong Kong and Tokyo allow me to visit with friends,
visit old haunts, eat wonderful food and of course...to
shop until I drop.

The first leg of my trip was in Tokyo and I stayed with
two friends. The first friend I stayed with is my friend
Jon whom I've known for a very long time. Originally
from California, he's spent almost 10 years in Japan and
has decided to make it his permanent home.

Jon prefers small neighborhood haunts like this one where
one can go for great food and drinks in the evening. He's
been here so much that he knows the family who owns
the place pretty well.

The others laughed at me when I took this photo but
it's to show how clean they keep the kitchen. The
Japanese are insanely clean people. Believe me, I
have no complaints about that. Years ago, on one
of my first visits to Japan - my friend Jon caught me
taking a photo of his toilet. If you saw the toilet, you
would have taken a photo of it too!

Father and daughter.

Jon and Taki

This is the family the owns the small but warm place.

In the winter, the Japanese eat something called Oden
(pictured above.) It has different ingredients like tofu
and daikon (white radish) that is steeped in broth. My
favorite is the white radish.

Favorite place to shop? Harajuku
and Shinjuku hands down. There's
a reason why Gwen Stefani is obsessed
with this place!

On this trip, I traveled with a friend named Lindsay. Of
course the first place we hit was Harajuku. I had TONS
of bags going home - always a chore when I finally remember
that I have to lug it all home. This was literally our only
nice day out of the entire trip. The rest of the trip was filled
with rain and a typhoon no less. Lindsay was smart enough to
stay home on the day of the typhoon. I ventured out to see an
old friend I hadn't seen in a while and half of the trains were
down.

Because I got a new camera, I was determined to try it out.
Although I wasn't able to take many photos outdoors because
of the weather, we did our best. Here's me in a Harajuku
cafe in the middle of the crowds and the shopping.

Here's Lindsay.

And I particularly love this photo
of her since it was so natural.

A fun photo in the train.

Lindsay had never been to Nikko so I took her on a short
excursion to Nikko. Nikko is a wonderful 2 day/1 night
trip from Tokyo and is about 2.5 hours away. The round
trip train tickets cost about 5200 yen ($50-$60) which
is very reasonable. I always stay at a minshuku called
Rindou no Ie (family run Japanese style inn or their version
of the hostel or bed and breakfast.) It's owned by a wonderful
couple who have been running it for years. Look up Rindou
no Ie if you ever plan to visit Nikko.

Nikko is a national park as well as a Unesco World Heritage
Site which has many shrines including the shrine and grave
of Ieyasu Tokugawa (who was the founder and first Shogun
of the Tokugawa dynasty during the Edo period.) It is an
absolutely gorgeous place to go during the changing colors
of the autumn leaves. The best time to see the leaves in Nikko
are the end of October and the beginning of November.

We paid for dinner at the Minshuku and look at the
feast we got! In traditional Japanese style with little
plates of fish, tofu, pickled vegetables and more.

I thought this was an interesting function on my camera
that I found where you can overlay exposures into one
frame. Funky.

In Hong Kong, we were also hit with rain. I managed
to get some photos in before the rain set in (the rain
often comes and goes quickly.)

I bought a lens to go with my camera (the D300) that has
really great bokeh (the blurriness in the background) which
is really awesome for taking photos of subjects or portraits.
Here's Lindsay in the foreground with a gorgeous bokeh in
the background.

A little earlier in the day (like 20 minutes) where I was
using my wide angled lens which I also love.

It's amazing the angles you can get with a wide framed lens.

Here's a typical street market in Hong Kong.

Always busy busy.

Lindsay totally cracked me up. She had previously lived in HK
for about half a year as an exchange student and had loved an
eggplant dish that she had practically eaten every day when she
was there. Only she didn't know the name to the dish...The two
full days we were in Hong Kong, Lindsay literally ordered every
eggplant dish she could in hopes of finding it. On the very last
night of the entire trip, when it was pouring, I cornered the waiter
and asked him if he had an eggplant dish that had salty fish in it.
Lo and behold, Lindsay finally got to eat her favorite eggplant dish
before we left. Things worked out after all. Being able to converse
in the local language has its perks. Linds chowing down.

Street food is the best!

When I was trying to pack all of my contraband in Japan,
my friend Satoko whom I stayed with most of the time in
Japan helped me pack. I have this habbit of going to the
supermarket for a shopping spree in most countries I go to.
Not only can you find wonderful souvenirs there, but you
can foods you can't easily get home. She thought it was so
funny the stuff I bought that she made me lay it all out and
take a photo of it. So there you have it - magazines, teas,
Japanese wooden slippers, food products, etc.

And This is my dollar shop contraband. That's right, who
else can come out of a dollar store having spent $60. That's
right, that would be me. Cosmetics, bags, portable slippers,
ceramics, eye glass pouches, containers and bottles, pouches
for loose leaf tea...and the list goes on. Believe me when I say
that I identified with the book "Confessions of a Shopaholic."
Did I mention that I came home with 9 pairs of shoes (three
pairs of long boots, 2 booties, 1 pretty chic pair of rain boots,
1 pair of gladiator sandals, 1 pair of lace pumps and my first
pair of purple pumps.) I literally came home with another
suitcase and to weigh both of them to make sure I wasn't
overweight. It's not difficult to exceed 50 lbs!

Where do you like to travel? If you were to go to a place
like Hong Kong or Tokyo - what would you want to do
there? Nature? Hot Springs? Shopping? Culture? Food?
I'm curious.

A Gorgeous Rustic San Franciscan Loft - Ken Fulk Design

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:30:00 +0000

I've always thought industrial lofts were very very cool spaces.
This loft in San Francisco has a lot of wood in it giving it a rustic
feel. It is designed by San Franciscan design extraordinaire
Ken Fulk who is the designer of choice to many tech moguls in
San Francisco.

A kitchen complete with a full counter dining space.

The kitchen is outfitted with a very glossy
modern red look. The wooden barstools
soften the space with a natural element.

A second table that can be used as a meeting
or working space that is open to the rest of
the living space.

Here's another look at the table from another angle.

I especially love the look and feel of the sofas and
the coffee table made from reclaimed wood.

The loft has a fantastic view and the sofas look like they
were made to snuggle up in. I imagine that the sofas would
be very comfortable to sleep in as well as they are very deep.

A canopy bed was used in the bedroom.

Crisp white sheets and a clean white duvet
make the bed look modern and inviting.

The guest bedroom off of the main
living space also offers beautiful views.

I certainly wouldn't mind staying in a guest bedroom like this.

Another look at the guest bedroom.

A makeshift bars space with rustic accents.

Isn't the space fun in an eclectic rustic sense?

Would you live in a loft?

Photos from Ken Fulk Design

10 Fabulous Bedrooms - Color and Texture Inspirations

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:10:00 +0000

The bedroom is The Sanctuary. The place where you go to
hide from the world...Where you go to relax...read...and rest.
Here are 10 fabulous bedrooms that will hopefully brighten
your day and give you inspiration how you can spice up your
room!

We start with this gorgeous turquoise room. Talk about color,
texture and layers. It's got it all.

I especially love the delicate floral patterns in this room.
Where can I find such a gorgeous duvet cover. Making
two panels and covering them with a gorgeous wallpaper
or fabric makes a great headboard. What's neat is that
the panels are vertical while most headboards are tall
or horizontal. A pair of old and ornate doors would also
make for a gorgeous headboard.

Who says wallpaper is out? It doesn't have to be.

The wallpaper is too busy for my taste. However the color
palette and the room arrangement are spot on. Can't go
wrong with a symmetrical look.

I love how romantic this bedroom feels. It's
got a vintage feel to it in a feminine way.

A close up of the nightstand area.

A tufted duvet cover adds instant luxe and romance.

Here's a clever way to use stencils to frame the
bed. It gives a much needed focus on the wall.

This would be a wonderful guest room.
Gray is so very soothing. I've really come
to love the color Gray.

The butterfly stencils are so fun. This is certainly
a fun and modern bedroom with Zen lines.

I have to admit that my obsession with plaid makes me
Adore the flooring in this room. It really gives the room
some extra pizazz and reminds of Ireland and the UK.

Which bedroom is your favorite? What color and style
is your bedroom? There are so many colors and styles
I love that it's hard for me to choose.

Photos from Ideal Home Magazine

Bathing Culture and Fabulous Bathing Spaces (the Bathroom)

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:12:00 +0000

Sorry for the delay... I came home with an atrocious
cough which I've been nursing with Codeine so I can
get a decent night sleep.

In the mean time, I thought I might do a post on
bathrooms since I just came back from visiting Japan
which has a really great bathing culture. Due to the
number of volcanoes that litter up and down the land
of the rising sun, they have thousands of natural hot
springs. To this day, the Japanese are very serious
in their bathing rituals. It is quite the opposite in Hong
Kong or China where the Chinese don't really have such
a bathing culture. In Hong Kong, I'd bet 9 out of 10 pple
either do not have a bathtub -- and if they do, they don't
use it.

One of my favorite past times in Japan is to go to the
country side and seek out an onsen (hot spring.) It's
really not a great idea to find one in the city - it's really
not the same as it's probably not natural and without
the natural scenery, it just isn't the same.

There are so many styles a bathroom and bathtub
can be. In the end, it's all about what soothes you
and what relaxes you.

There are no rules. (What a fabulous view.)

If pink is what suits your fancy, then by all
means - do your bathroom up to be pink.

If you're into darker and something more
masculine, here's a great example.

This bathroom is defined by its crisp
clean lines and streamlined fixtures.

Want a little luxury? You really can't go
wrong with Carrara marble.

This reminds me of a posh 1930s hotel bathroom.
By the way, did you know that the word posh came
from the acronym P.O.S.H.? I'm obsessed with
etyomology. The word POSH stood for Portside
Out Starboard Home. It was for the upper class
when booking tickets aboard a cruise. Taking cruise
from England to India in those days meant that the
cruise ship would not stray far from the sight of land.
In this case, the better view would be the side of the
ship that could view land -- better known as Portside
(Left side on a ship) Out and Starboard (Right side)
Home. Because only the upper class could usually
afford these cabins, the word P.O.S.H. eventually came
to be used as a word to mean rich and luxurious.

The small round faucet gives a feminine
touch to this simple but airy bathroom.

Carrara marble + dark wood finish = POSH

This bathroom has a super tall ceiling. It's
neat how the counter space and faucet is
one continuous piece.

This is definitely a zen moment.

Small doesn't mean it can't be pretty.

And something special for last, I quite like
concrete as a finishing material. I rarely
see a bathtub encasement in concrete. This
is quite nice.

If you could design your bathing area, how
and in what style would you design it in?

Photos from Canadian House & Home

I'm off again ~ to Tokyo and Hong Kong...Images from Nikko and Tsukiji

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Well, I'm off again... This time to Tokyo, Nikko and Hong Kong.
I'm making this trip for fun to visit friends, sit in natural hot
springs, eat and shop till I drop. Did I mention that I need to
buy a box of trouser socks in Hong Kong?

My trip is for 13 days with the majority of it spent in Tokyo and
two day one night trip to Nikko where I'm taking a friend. I only
get two full days in Hong Kong -- in hindsight, I should have
scheduled and additional day, oh well. My friends an family are
making fun of me that I'm stopping by Hong Kong just to buy
my blasted socks. Doesn't that sound ridiculous? But it's probably
partly true... About 3 years ago, I moved from Hong Kong back to
California with no less than 7-8 dozen pairs of socks. I now have
only one dozen left. I have no idea where they go. Paul seems to
think I eat socks but I'm convinced there is a black hole in the
dryer...Anyhow, I am bent on buying a LOT of socks in Hong
Kong. How can I help it when socks here are about $3 a pair
and I can get a dozen good trouser socks for $2. It's the Chinese
cheapskate in me - always looking for a bargain :P

These are some photos I took in Nikko Japan in 2006. We
were really lucky in that it was a festival night as they usually
do not light up the shrines at night. Nor do they have beautiful
ladies in full kimono garb out on a rainy night all gathered
together.

Alas, I've seen the weather forecast for the next 10 days in
Tokyo and it's supposed to rain almost every day :( I was
planning to take some beautiful photos with my new camera
too. I suppose they will just need to be rainy photos.

I lived for almost 2 years in Japan. It really is a fascinating
country. If you've ever had the chance to visit, I must
insist that you put Japan on your list of places to experience.

And I say experience -- not just see.

The world's largest fish market is in Tokyo, Japan and it
is called Tsukiji. The market is busiest between 5AM and
6AM. To get there at 5Am, you have to arrange alternative
transportation as the trains in Tokyo do not start until 5AM.
We got up at 3:30AM to get ready and drive there to arrive
at 5AM.

The most fascinating event is the fish auction that occurs
during this time. I'd seen photos of Tsukiji before but
nothing really prepares you for the sight or size of the
tuna that are auctioned every morning. They have tuna
from all over the world. The yellow tags denote where
the fish are from.

Many of the buyers would cut into the tail of the fish to
look at the meat. I suppose it's like knocking a watermelon
at the supermarket to see if it's any good.

The auctioner stood on a crate and started waving
his arms and belting out fish lots and prices. A crowd
of buyers stood in front of him with little signs and flags
to signal whether they were bidding or not. I'd never
seen such incredible hand movement in my life -- the
auctioner literally looked like he was a chicken in the
way he was crouching and flapping his elbows up and
down at his sides. I really wish I had taken a video.

Now once you buy the fish (which are literally thousands
of dollars which might explain the not so cheap cost of sushi),
you are definitely on your own in getting the fish from the
market to where you need it. Look at this man wrestling
to get this giant tuna he won onto a wheel barrow.

This photo might give some perspective to the size of
these tuna. Makes me wonder how they fish and catch
these fish!

The fish can be cut up into smaller chunks. I saw one
seller in a stall take out a sword to cut the fish. Using
a power tool as you see here is not a bad idea...

Other than fish, you'll find seafood of all kinds for
sale. Octopus is another common item in Japanese
food.

I hope I haven't put any of you off with my "fishy"
topic but I will certainly endeavor to bring fun
photos back from my trip.

I'll be back in 2 weeks. In the meantime, I pose
this question to you. Have of you been to Japan or
Hong Kong? Is it a place that you would want to go
or not? What about these places fascinate or repel
you?

Photos from Alkemie (Karen Olivia)

Traditional French Upholstery ~ L'Atelier du Cap Gris-Nez

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:10:00 +0000

I posted about Pascale's wonderful workshop
about a year ago. It's definitely time to revisit
the work she's done since then. To recap, Pascale
owns her own upholstery shop in France. She uses
the traditional methods of upholstery and does
absolutely beautiful work. Her workshop is called

L'Atelier du Cap Gris-Nez.

Pascale is here hard at work in her workshop.

The fabric on this chair is simply gorgeous.

This chair looks traditional and a little
run of the mill until you see what is
used as the fabric.

Who would have thought to just use lace
on the back of the chair? This chair
definitely belongs into a sultry boudoir
if I may say so myself. Absolute genius.

Some fun play with polk-a-dots.

Velvet striping, how luxurious.

I especially love the plum tones.

Can't beat antique french furniture.

How gorgeous is that?

This is an old telephone bench. Here's the before photo.

After everything has been stripped off.

Now that it's been painted, the fabric goes on.

What a transformation!

Simply dramatic and gorgeous.

Last but not least, a vivid purple chair.

Hope this gives you some ideas for your
upholstery projects. Aren't Pascale's
creations divine? If you're interested in
more of her work, you can see my original
post from last year here.

Photos from L'atelier du Cap Gris-Nez

David Carter Interior Design of London

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Some of you may remember the post I did a couple weeks
ago on the small boutique hotel by David Carter called
40 Winks. I really wanted to showcase a little more of
David's work and not just his boutique hotel and home.

David Carter has very diverse style. As you can see above,
the room looks like it has a lot of age to it. David has a
unique specialty in using paint finishes of all kinds. The
room above genuinely looks old but in fact, it is not.

Here's a closer look at the aged and distressed paint job
in the room to give it patina. Isn't it amazing?

David also has works a lot of traditional styles
that are a little updated by color - without
sacrificing the luxury and old world feel.

I quite like the contrasting striping in this kitchen.
I had to look at this photo twice to realize it was
a kitchen. I thought it had been an office of some
sort at first glance. One thing is for sure, he never
gives up elegance.

This room has a modern feel with the walls
looking like iron. It's quite a cool effect.

I totally want to steel the chair.
The green velvet is absolutely
yummy.

David is very good at blending modern with
the old for an eclectic but unique and
luxurious look. I absolutely adore mirrored
tiles. He layers a large mirror on the mirrored
tiles with an impressive but heavy console
table. The light fixture is just stunning.

If I can ever afford this kind of mosaic
tiling for an entire wall, I would certainly
indulge.

This is what the entire wall looks like. The left is a mirror
version of the right by the way. Makes a cool effect for
the photo. All those golden and glimmering tiles makes my
eyes twinkle just looking at the photo.

What did I say about David being a master of using paint
finishes on walls? Here's another fantastic example. Don't
forget the ceiling!

I heard it through the grape vine...

I really love the huge cellos painted on the walls
of this music room. It's whimsical yet not little
kiddish.

As you can see, David uses very saturated
and vivid colors. I totally fell in love with
this particular hue of blue.

A closer look at the wall murals.
Isn't it just gorgeous?

A totally Crimson room if I've ever seen one.

I hope you enjoyed more of David Carter's
designs and work. What do you think of
his use of paint finishes? Isn't it amazing
what you can do with just paints and a brush?
A cool paint job can totally transform a room,
make it look decades old or make flat walls
look like it's got architectural details.

Photos from David Carter Interior Design

Glorious Plaid and the Scottish Tartan - Clan Pride

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:10:00 +0000

I am a huge fan of plaid. But it needs to be
the right plaid to suit me...When I think of
plaid, I think of the Scottish tartans and clan
pride since each clan had it's own color and
design. I also think of decor in Scotland and
Ireland where plaid is often used in home and
castle decor (not that I can afford one.)

I really like the room above from the Ralph
Lauren collection because of the walls. The
entire wall is covered in plaid which I've is
quite luxurious. It makes me think of a
library or a gentleman's club.

The use of plaid in this guest bedroom is just
perfect. The plaid perfectly complements the
rustic nature of the room with the gorgeous
ceiling beams and wood floors.

Here plaid covers the table and chairs. You'd
think using red would make you think of
Christmas but it really suits the space to give
it some life.

This is a more feminine plaid design which I adore
because you don't see many plaids in feminine colors.

This is one of the guest bedrooms for one of the past
HGTV dream houses. Covering all of the walls in fabric
is super luxurious and gives the room a really cozy feel.
It's the perfect place to settle in after a day in the snow.

Sometimes you don't need a lot of plaid to make a statement.
In this room, the only thing that is plaid is the bed covering.

These passport covers from Room Service
are a lot of fun.

I don't see a lot of furniture in plaid much less
a chair in a modern design. From Kenneth
Brown Designs.

Now That is a statement if I've seen one!

Alexander McQueen

There is a lot of plaid that is still used in modern wear.

Plaid is a lot of fun and definitely adds character.

Now that is a gorgeous ball gown. I adore
the fabric - the color and pattern are so
pretty.

Tartan: Romancing the Plaid

I own a couple of books about plaid
myself since I like it so much. This
book is a lot of fun with plaid found
in fashion and in the home.

Here's a little peek at the inside of the book.

Tartans by Brian Wilton

This is the other book that is
loads of fun that centers around
plaid and tartans.

If you like plaid or tartan - definitely
check them out. In the meantime,
do you like plaid? Would you use
plaid in any of your decor?

Photos from Ralph Lauren, HGTV, Vivienne Westwood,
Country Living, Kenneth Brown Designs, Room Service,
Country Living UK.

The Crosby Street Hotel in SOHO NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Tim and Kit Kemp of London who are celebrated
for their hip and chic hotels in London are now
opening up hotels stateside. Their first project
in SOHO of NYC is due to open later this year.
The 86 room new hotel will be called Crosby
Street Hotel. As customary, their taste and
design is fun, chic and hip.

They are retaining the floor to ceiling
windows in this gorgeous building.

Love the furnishings and the striped dark walls.

Of course all of the modern conveniences are included.

The bathrooms are luxurious with
a very fun neon green stool.

Like their other hotels in London, their hotel
will have different themes in the rooms.

The midcentury inspired lamps are spot on.

The green and chartreuse theme is refreshing.

The suites are well appointed.

And spacious...

A common or lobby area in the hotel.

Here's a closer look at those gorgeous
windows from the outside.

What do you think? Chic hotel or what ^_^

Photos from Crosby Street Hotel

Decorating with Beige & Neutrals

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:05:00 +0000

I must admit, that being the color fiend that I am -
I tend not to gravitate towards beige and neutral
tones. I'm usually the girl who's picking out vivid
jewel tones because I can't resist them. But I must
say that there is something to be said about the
peacefulness of a neutral room. I truly love the
rustic room above with the gorgeous wood floors
and trim for the tan colored headboard. It's quite
a beautiful room.

Here is a truly relaxing but beautifully
appointed beige and neutral room. No
color at all but still intriguing just the
same.

Just because you might paint your walls in a
neutral tone doesn't mean you can't accent
with richer colors like this velvety chocolate
brown couch.

The above design by Danielle Mac of Fuse of Ireland
is such a gorgeous guest room that I think one would
be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn't want
to stay in a room like this. It has such a relaxing
atmosphere. I could totally nestle in a room like this
and read all day.

If beige is too light for your taste, a golden
caramel can add a little richness to any room.

Beige walls with orange as an
accent - it definitely works.

The red pair of chairs really pop
against this neutral colored room.

This room looks super comfy and lived in.

You don't need to stick to one color for your entire
home. As you can see here - the dining space is
quite a strong brick red and it's adjacent to a living
space that is done up in neutral tones. Neutral tones
are not necessarily for dazzling the eye but it soothes
the eye instead (which is something that everyone
needs as well.)

Beige organic cloth like the sheers above are
gorgeous in so many rooms including this
kitchen.

This is a neat space with a turquoise ceiling
paired with beige walls. It's not jarring to
the eyes but rather a unique combination.

Another gorgeous neutral bedroom!

Neutrals does not simply mean beige or tan.
It could mean any hue of color really that
can serve as a calm backdrop. In this case,
it's a neutral green color that graces the walls
of this living space.

Although the backs of the bookcases are painted in
a rich brown color, the rest of the walls are painted
in a tan color which brings the brown contrast out
of the book cases. The layered effect is sophisticated.

Do you prefer neutrals to sooth, or perhaps
sharp colors to dazzle the eye?

Photos from Domino

Open Space Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:05:00 +0000

Although I love furniture from many periods, when it comes
to space planning for common areas - I love open space
planning hands down. It lets you decide how you want to
use the space and there are no real rules. It opens up a room
to have a spacious and more airy vibe.

Photo by Steve Giralt via DTI Open

Many people would probably look at a huge room like this
and just panic because they don't know how to use such
a large space. It's all about vignettes and how you want
to carve out and divide the space. I wouldn't have
necessarily used the space this way, but that's the beauty
of it. There are endless combinations and variations one
can find to suit the individual and unique needs. There's
a myriad of ways one can divide a large space from using
sofas and chairs to area rugs and book cases.

Doesn't this sitting area and kitchen look grand? High,
vaulted ceilings with an beautiful and gi-normous kitchen.

Via Marie Claire magazine

The furniture and accessories in this room really brighten
up the space. The space is also well divided into functional
areas. Using area rugs are a great way to outline an area.

When ceilings are low, being able to see straight across
a space gives the feeling that it's larger than it actually is.

If you're running a professional kitchen, you probably want
a separate kitchen so one can see the mayhem and mess that
is being made. However, most of us enjoy leisurely cooking
where we like to have friends or family over and having an
open plan kitchen with dining area allows the cooking to be
done while still being able to mingle and converse with
everyone.

via Shoebox Decor

Open space planning is huge for smaller spaces - it's the
single biggest element that make smaller spaces look
larger.

Via HGTV with Benjamin Moore Paint

Here we have a very modern open kitchen and living
room plan. I adore the dark floors and the kitchen.

I'd say most Manhattan apartments are laid out as such
with the dining and living room in one room. It would
terrible to have a closed off space in such a tight place.

Windsor Smith

The furniture is so cozy but the open plan
makes the space feel comfortable - a place
where one feels like they can breathe.
Such a beautifully done space.

What are your thoughts? Is open space
planning a must for you or do you prefer
the traditional way of separating rooms?

London Interior Designer David Carter and 40 Winks ~ Not your Average Boutique Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000

When I found this boutique hotel called 40 Winks, I
must say I was absolutely enchanted by the decor.
40 Winks is probably the world's smallest boutique
hotel as it only offers 2 versatile rooms for customers.
40 Winks is actually the home of David Carter.

I think the moody walls above are to die for!

David Carter is an immensely talented interior designer
based in London. He opened 2 rooms of his historical but
elegant four story Queen Anne town home built in 1717
so staying at 40winks is almost like being one David
Carter's guests. Rooms in his home are often leased for
fashion and style shoots. Because he rarely uses these
two guest rooms, he has opted to use them for 40Winks
instead.

I totally fell in love with his chic but eclectic blend of
east and west. 40 Winks is located in Stepney Green
in East London. The house is just a four minute walk
from the Stepney Green underground station.

109 Mile End Road, Stepney Green
London E1 4UJ

It's so cool how he the windows have an
oriental pattern to them.

I love the illustration of the Chinese mandarin
on the wall against the black lacquered walls.

David Carter holds events at his home called
Bedtime Stories where pajamas are compulsory.
Bedtime Story events include an evening of stories,
wine and reading. It sounds like a fantastic way
of meeting new people and spending a civilized
evening.

If you're curious about his events, check out this
great interview with David Carter by the London
Word.

I could never own a piece like this but
I can sure dream!

I've always loved the Union Jack - it's a nice touch.

40Winks does offer a full continental breakfast but no
lunch or dinner. Guests can make themselves comfortable
in the kitchen for tea or coffee. What a rustic kitchen!

Even the hallways are lovely with floor to
ceiling wood paneling in David Carter's
home.

Here is the first of the 2 rooms available at 40 Winks.
this room features a single bed with a small writing desk
and goes for£65 per night or £390 per week (which is a
steal in London). The rooms do not have any televisions
in them but there is a common room that has a T.V. with
a dvd collection that is available for use.

Love the striping on the walls.

Here's the small but pretty writing desk.

The 2nd room is much larger and can be used for photo
shoots as well. This room features a double bed and goes
for £80 per night or £470 per week or £95 per night or
£560 per week for two people sharing.

The room has a lot of character.

With clean and crisp linens...

And of course, wonderful decor.

I'm saving the best for last - it's the
guilded bathroom.

Get a load of this bathroom with a wonderful
tub! The walls have such a wonderful patina
on them. David Carter can really create mood
and fantasy in his home.

If you are in London, I would definitely check
40 Winks out.

Photos from 40 Winks

Wallpaper is Back !

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Wallpaper was definitely out for a while but it is definitely
back. Well placed wallpaper in the right pattern and colors
can definitely give some pizazz to any room. I hardly ever
see wall paper used that is black - I must say that it is pretty
striking.

If you can find a huge print like this,
it can really make a big statement.

Using glass on top of wallpaper is a wonderful idea when
you have such a vivid color in wallpaper such as this green.
It really brings the color and pattern to life - it's also not
a bad idea to use this idea if you want wallpaper in a
bathroom or kitchen.

I don't like yellow that much but I have to say that
this wallpaper is actually stunning. It's sort of a
golden rod color with a loose and gorgeous floral
pattern it. It's stunning.

Peacock feathers anyone?

What a wonderful shade of plum for a wallpaper.

This wallpaper is modeled after Japanese fabric.
I can just see this pattern and color in a kimono.

It's very difficult to go wrong with
Periwinkle blue ^_^

Up for a puzzle anyone?

I have an obsession with the written
word and so this is right down my alley.

What a refreshing color for a room -
I can just smell the garden already...

The color of the wallpaper and the greenery
match so perfectly. The floral arrangement
really further brings out the contrast of the
wallpaper.

How about you? Would you consider using
wallpaper for your walls?

Photos from Domino, Deco Detective and more

Bedrooms Full of Color and Life

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Not everyone may be comfortable with a bedroom
full of color - but they sure do make for fun and
interesting rooms... Rooms full of life.

I have a soft spot for rooms with dark colors because
they usually feel cozy and have a certain atmosphere
to them - a certain ambience if you will.

Flowered wallpaper isn't usually a favorite of mine,
but I have to admit that the flower print looks fantastic
in this room. The flowers are larger and not too busy
making it a perfect backdrop for the clean white bedding.
Simply gorgeous.

Green is such a soothing color - with the right
hue, the room can also feel fresh and alive.

The greens, chartreuse and yellow really liven
up this attic bedroom.

Monochromatic rooms can be really fun to put
together when there are so many shades to work
with!

Here's a sweet room done up in a dusky rose.

This blue and white reminds me of
blue and white chinaware.

A rainbow of colors.

The same dusky rose with a different look
simply by swapping out blankets and
cushions.

I absolutely love how rustic this room looks with the
wood paneled walls. The deep magenta really gives
the room a nice pop of color.

Greens, blues pinks and yellows - who says
one has to stick to a monochromatic scheme?

This is a super inspiring room for color if I've ever seen one.
You'll notice the walls are white and all of the color comes
from everything else in the room - the curtains, bedding,
pillows - right down to the super fun striped chair.

Hope this post has given you some inspiration to bring
some color into your bedrooms.

Photos from Country Living

Balck & White Photography and a Simply Seductive Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I simply adore black and white photography. Close up faces
in black and white get me every single time - especially the
ones that show such amazing details.

Her eyes look so luminescent in this photo.

Now this is a striking composition of a feminine face.

The lips are actually the subject in this photo by J.
Borodina is cleverly framed in a way where the photo
evokes class and mystery since the photograph only
shows the lower half of the face at an angle.

Even grainy black photos can look very
good when exposed correctly.

I found these gorgeous photos on the blog
Simply Seductive. There are many beautiful
fashion photos as well, this blog is definitely
worth checking out.

I love this photo of a gorgeously clad woman
in mid stride.

An utterly enchanting photo.

A beautiful street scene of a woman in the fall.

I hope you've enjoyed these photos as much as I have.
Do you prefer color or black and white photography?

All photos from Simply Seductive Blog

Sugar Plum Fairies, Juicy Black Currants, and the Rich, Deep Color of...Why of course PLUM!

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:30:00 +0000

As many of you know, purple is one of my favorite colors.
Purple is the color of royalty...of mystery...and of cassis
(black currant) macaroons ^_^

Of the many shades of purple, Plum is one that can be used
diversely. Plum is deep enough color to have depth. It can
easily be used as the main color in a room or as a great accent
color. Flat, lacquer or satin finish? Plum can be great in all 3
types of finishes.

Here, a muted plum color is paired with grey
for a very chic and refined palette.

Rococo furniture? No problem. You can
pair plum with it as well.

This entire living room is colored in a deep
plum color. The shiny and mirrored finishes
give the room a level of sophistication and luxe.

Here it is as an accent color in a very modern
room. As you can see, plum can go very well
with a bright pop of yellow. Who'd of thought?

This whole entire home has plum and yellow
accents. It's a lot of fun!

And here we are in the same home - in the
living room. Plum and yellow accents all around.
The yellow really makes the plums stand out more.

This shade of plum has some burgundy in it.
It's a surprising choice of color for an entry
room but it's rich and very nice.

Plum and brown - also a nice combination.

A rich dose of plum for the bedding anchors this
colorful and eclectic room.

Plum on the walls, plum for the accents...
Why not indeed?

Somehow, this matte purple paint goes wonderfully
with the neutral whites, linens and beiges in this room.

Plum accents galore...

What do you think? Beautiful color? Too dull? Too feminine?
Or can it be a unisex color? Now one thing that I haven't seen
is a Plum colored kitchen to go with those Sugar Plum cookies...
That would be interesting.

Photos from Domino, Elle Decor,
Trine Thorsen, Amanda Nisbet

A Chat with Nancy Van Natta: A Wonderful Teenage Girl's Bathroom for the 2009 San Francisco Decorator's Showhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:30:00 +0000

On Monday, I showcased the teenage bedroom's room by Palmer Weiss.
Today, I'm following up with the en-suite bathroom for the same show-
house that was designed by Nancy Van Natta and her time designed to
match the bedroom. I must say that the bathroom is every bit the smashing
success the bedroom was. This bathroom is chic, sophisticated, functional
and you cannot mistake that it's for a girl. Girl Power! One look at those hot
pink lacquered cabinets with a marble counter top and I was drooling.
Everything in the bathroom down to smallest detail was thought out. Beautiful
shades, high end materials and fixtures, and a seriously cool photo illuminated
illustration of the silhouette of a woman.

I posed the same questions to Nancy as I did to Palmer and she was
also gracious enough to share with us details about the bathroom.

Are there any particular styles or designers that you would say has
influenced your design sense?

I like working in many different styles. When I have an Art Deco project
I’m in love with all things art deco. And the same for Arts and Crafts,
Modernist, Mediterranean . What I look for consistently in all styles is a
sense of symmetry, a beautiful line and elegant proportion. I love interiors
that reflect the Japanese definition of beauty – Wabi – tranquil simplicity,
Sabi – patina of age, and Suki – elegance.

In the spring, you completed a project for the 2009 San Francisco Design
Showcase. The project was a teenage girl's bathroom. There's been a lot of
excitement about the bathroom and I had some follow up questions for you.

What was the initial inspiration for the room?

I was inspired by Coco Chanel who as a teen had virtually nothing –
no money, no family support, no prospects – and who went on to create
a style empire based on her own talent and hard work. I wanted my
room to celebrate Chanel and her amazing style.

Do you have a process that you go through when putting a room like this together?

My ‘process’ is just an uncomfortable muddle for a time with many random
ideas all stepping all over each other as I gradually refine and refine. I always
try to put a lot of creativity into a showcase room – details that people have
never seen before – and this provides a lot of added pressure.

The bathroom was attached to a room that Palmer Weiss did. Did you
collaborate with her to make sure there was a uniform look between the
adjoining spaces?

It was very important that my room coordinated well with Palmer’s. I
looked at her board and got a sample of her fabric to use for color check.

I think many readers would be interested to know about the sourcing for
the items in the bathroom. Can you give us information about where you
procured the items in the room?

- The paint color used for the cabinets (absolutely gorgeous.)
The paint is Benjamin Moore Pink Ladies in a gloss. I thought it was fun.

- How you achieved the lacquered look on the cabinets.
I had no time to spray. I hired a good painter and he brushed the cabinet.

- Where you got the light fixtures attached to the mirror?

The light fixtures are from Emanuel Morez through
Wroolie & Co. I think his lighting is fabulous.

- Where you got that fun painting with the luminescent girl's face on the wall
(a stroke of genius I think as I love lighting and silhouettes.)

I created the wall panel. The face was carved glass based on a photo of my
granddaughter, Bailey. The panel was something of a technical feat with
portions backlit and others done with glass inlay. The finish was a hand
rubbed white lacquer.

- How you put the Chanel images on the shower doors? (tons of fun)

We created a stencil of the Chanel perfume bottle and used a Rus-Oleum
spray for the ‘etching’. Then we applied vinyl labels for the wax seal and the
name.

- Did you create the frame for the large mirror?
We had the mirror made with a traditional frame that we sprayed white lacquer.

- Anything else you would like to add about he bathroom?

I really liked the room when it was done. I loved working with the stark white
walls and intense pops of fuchsia and lilac. I also felt good that my backlit panel
looked good – and it has opened up a new area of portraits in glass and light.

I’m proud of the work my team and I are doing right now. Everything is
very tuned to the clients – their color palette, their furniture preferences.
But wabi, sabi, suki prevails!

I just can't get over the fact how perfectly lacquered these cabinets
are when they were brush painted! It looks like a spray finish.

I don't know about you but I'd venture to say that Nancy Van Natta
definitely has the philosophies of Wabi, Sabi and Suki down! She and
her team obviously pay attention to details as she crafted this bathroom
to match the teenage bedroom based on a sample board and fabrics only.
They truly look like they belong together.

Hope you enjoyed the interview and especially feasting your eyes on
this wonderful bathroom filled with fantastic ideas and creativity.

A Chat with Palmer Weiss: Fabulous Teenage Girl's Bedroom for the 2009 San Francisco Decorator's Showhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Alkemie) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Many of you have already seen this scrumptious bedroom,
but in the case you haven't - you're definitely in for a treat.
Palmer Weiss is the designer of this teenage girl's bedroom
for the 2009 San Francisco Decorator's Showhouse. The
room has an en-suite bathroom that was designed by Nancy
Van Natta who is also a bay area based designer.

I would have died for a room like this when I was young...
Actually I really wouldn't mind having a room like this now!
When I first saw photos of this room, I loved it so much I
made it the wallpaper on my computer at work. I mean...
what girl Wouldn't want to hang out in a room like this? It's
chic, sophisticated, fun and comfortable. I can totally imagine
myself curled up on the bed - reading a book.

Palmer Weiss was kind enough to take some time out to
answer some questions about this room.

Although Palmer Weiss' talent for design clearly shows,

she did not start out as a designer. My questions to her
are as follows:

I noticed in your profile that you used to be in investment banking.
What made you decide to change your career to interior design?

In high school and college, I had studied a great deal of art
and photography and then went on to pursue a number of
careers in business – retail merchandising, internet consulting,
banking, etc. I could never quite get the mix of left and right
brain right in a job and felt unsatisfied. I also felt strongly that
I wanted to find a “calling” not just plug away at a paycheck.
I had grown up with a mother in design and a father in real estate
development and always been drawn to those professions. Finally,
I decided to just go for it!

Are there any particular styles or designers that you

would say has influenced your design sense?

Of course! I always cite the architecture and style of Charleston
(where I grew up) and the inhabitants there as a huge influence
on my work. There is such a deep respect for tradition, quality of
furniture and architecture, combined with a healthy dose of eccentricity
that makes for one of the most beautiful and charming places on earth.

My style is a more modern and colorful take on that tradition. Some of
the key designers that influenced my work are: Jonathan Adler for his
emphasis on happy décor, Amanda Nisbett for her incredible sense of
color, Ruthie Summers for her Southerner goes to California general
fabulousness, Miles Redd for his glam use of surfaces and materials
and Jeffrey Bilhuber for his incredible gift with the details.

In the spring, you completed a project for the 2009 San Francisco Design Showcase.
The project was a teenage bedroom's room. There's been a lot of excitement about
that room and I had some follow up questions for you. I love the room so much (even
though I'm 31) that I put as my wallpaper on my desktop.

That is so flattering – thank you!! Obviously it was a pretty sophisticated
room for a true teenager - I tried to design a room that would work for my
young girls and that adults could enjoy too. I think people should not
underestimate teenage girls – they can rock out to the Jonas brothers
and still like want a pretty room that they treat with respect. They turn
into young women in no time at all and it would be nice for their room to
make that transition with them.

- You had a really great photo on the wall of a woman in what looked like a Parisian
store, is that a print from a particular photographer/where did you find this print?

This is an archival photograph from Conde Nast. It is called At the
Patisserie Cador in Paris and was shot by Arthur Elgort for the March
1999 issue of Vogue.

What was the initial inspiration for the room?

It seems like so long ago now, I can barely remember! I know there
were many images that helped guide the design - a shot of a patent
leather chair, a picture of Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively perched on a bed
with laptop and cell phone in hand, a few dramatic bed canopies, etc.
In general – and this goes to your next question – I almost always
start with a great fabric and a color combination. I loved the China
Seas Robin’s Egg Blue paisley and wanted to see as much of it as
possible. I think fabric walls (not padded, but applied as wallpaper)
are the world’s greatest luxury and one I have yet to afford myself
so this was my chance! I love the blue/lilac combination and
playing with different tones and textures of similar colors.

The scone lighting really gives an intimate and cozy
feel to the bedroom.

- What kind of floor covering did you use?

Tibetan Jute – I love the look of this natural fiber, but unlike the other
ones like sisal, seagrass, etc, it is very soft on the feet and better suited
to a bedroom.

Do you have a process that you go through when putting a room like this together?

Again, 99% of the time it starts with fabric and color for me. Many times,
I know the window treatments before I have chosen a stick of furniture.
Then I layer in floor plans, individual pieces – upholstered and case, art,
rugs, etc. I always like to leave about 10-15% until the very end to see
what is needed to round things out in terms of composition, color, etc.
This can be a bit of a gamble – especially when on a Showcase deadline,
but it is the only way I know how to work!

There was a bathroom attached to the room that was done by Nancy Van Natta. Did
the two of you collaborate to make sure there was a uniform look between the
adjoining spaces?

It was sort of a one-way collaboration. The committee had chosen my design
for the bedroom and then asked Nancy to design a bathroom that would
coordinate with it. She did a great job!

I always get frustrated when I see a really great room and have
absolutely no idea what the sources were to design the room. Palmer
was kind enough to answer some of these questions as well. Her
answers have been threaded through the post with more below.

I think many readers would be interested to know about the sourcing for the items in the room.
Can you give me information about where you procured the items in the room? In particular:

- The fabulous upholstered bed frame with the sofa arms (I thought that was genius.)

Thank you! I designed it and my wonderful upholsters fabricated it for me.
It is an antique size ¾ bed which is between a twin and a queen – perfect for
teen slumber parties or a comfy lounging space.

- Fun netted chandelier.

Vintage find locally.

- The vinyl or patent leather chair in the corner. What fabric did you use
and where did you find the chair?

I was going to design a chair but the cost was a bit prohibitive so I decided
to look for a frame. I found this at a local vintage shop and loved the lines
on this! It was better than what I had even imagined myself. It had to be
completely rebuilt and was upholstered in Keleen’s Chocolate Brown Patent
Leather.

- The fun, small squiggly squarish end tables.

An inexpensive local retail find.

Just so all of you know, there will be a follow up post about the
en-suite bathroom for this room ( you can see a little bit of it int
the photo above.) Nancy Van Natta, whose firm designed the
bathroom had also been kind enough to be interviewed about the
bathroom. The bathroom is every bit as fantastic as the room
itself so stay tuned!

Over at Decorati, they also wrote a piece on Palmer Weiss
with great comments from Jennifer Boles of The Peak of
Chic who has wonderful taste. Do check it out.

I find Palmer's style and taste to be the perfect balance between
chic eye candy, practicality and functionality which can often be
a difficult blend to do -- Especially infusing it with the right amount
of color and character. Although it's beautiful, her room looks like
it wants to be lived in and not something so beautiful that it's not
practical to live in. I'm definitely a fan.

In the mean time, I hope that this in depth article and mini interview
with Palmer Weiss about her fabulous room had good inspiration for
all of you. I wanted to ask what you thought of Palmer Weiss' teenage
room, whether the interview was helpful and whether the sources were
helpful.

Photos from Palmer Weiss and Godutchbaby