ann kent

This Is True.

2009-10-21T06:11:31-07:00

I found a quote today on the finance and frugality blog, The Simple Dollar: "Good is the enemy of perfect." I actually prefer and find more meaning in "Perfect is the enemy of good." This idea resonates with me because I have a history of acting as if something not perfect is not worth doing or having at all. The result is that I ultimately give up potentially good experiences or ideas because they are not my idea of "perfect".

Perfection is a pretty tough standard to live up to and I need to find the merit in "good" because there are many times when the alternative for me has been "perfect v. nothing" rather than "perfect v. good." This applies to so many things in my life: my job, my career, my art, and my ideas. A lack of perfection throws me into a frenzy of stress and because whatever it is, is not perfect, I tend to value it less and ultimately discard it which has not served me well. Does this make any sense at all? I think today I've learned that "good" is OK because many times the alternative is nothing which is not good at all. Wow.

I love the image above via Holly at Decor8 from Tulu Textiles, a really fantastic shop located in Istanbul, Turkey.

Thoughts.

2009-10-10T11:21:50-07:00

The First Days of Spring Official Trailer from charlie fink on Vimeo.

I found a new photography blog. I really like it. While perusing that blog, I found the clip above and was transported.

Invitation To Spend A Weekend At Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater

2009-09-25T08:42:25-07:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? Unless you were well connected, you likely never had the opportunity, like me. Well, now, if you are fortunate enough in this economy to have a spare $1200, you too can spend a weekend at FLW's Fallingwater near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia and perhaps even dine with a luminary from the architecture world. See this article for details!

I Made A Mistake

2009-09-22T07:38:39-07:00

I recently viewed The Time Traveler's Wife and loved the movie for its majestic library scenes; the absolutely wonderful interior design of the family's home (this is reason enough to watch this film!); the actors; and of course, the classic and casual (yet lovely) fashion. And therein, lies the problem. Je suis desolee; J'ai fait une erreur.

In one of the earlier scenes in the movie, Rachel McAdams has her first date with the Time Traveler and she is wearing the most beautiful diaphanous, mint blouse. And when I see it, as I sit in the theatre, I gasp, for then I realize that the chemisier is a lost opportunity.

Last April, I discovered the same lovely blouse at TJ Maxx. The blouse was a mere $25.00 and when I brought it home, I noticed the Tahari tag - it was priced at nearly $300! No doubt, I had then in my hands quite possibly one of the most amazing finds of the year or well, my life. Nevertheless, my judgment lapsed - I ultimately returned the treasure fearing that it was too much, perhaps, for me. Well, no doubt, I erred. C'est la vie!

How To Decorate A Modern House, Ranch Or Split Level.

2009-09-15T12:19:27-07:00

If you read some of my earlier posts (e.g. this one about Amy Butler's home) you know that I grew up in a modern ranch home built in the sixties. Once I struck out on my own, however, my taste manifested itself in colonial design. I wanted all of those Palliadian references - symmetry; decorative molding; high ceilings; and tall, arched windows. Nevertheless, I recently arrived at a new appreciation for modern design in residential dwellings and have a burgeoning respect for my parents design choices back when I was a child. My new appreciation has been fueled in the last year by my visit to New Canaan, Connecticut to participate in the 2009 Modern House Tour where I met Toshiko Mori who spoke about modern design.

With my new near obsession with 1960s residential design, I often find myself thinking about how I would decorate a modern home or even my parents' 1960s ranch if I had the opportunity. I peruse new modern design magazines and blogs that showcase modern interior design. I see many homes faithfully following the 60s design ethic and owners even purchasing accouturements from the 60s on E-bay or Craigslist.

Yet, I find something wanting in those interiors. I find that I am missing a lightness, modern color schemes, and a reference to the past. I crave white interiors to maintain a bright, clean ambience. I find the color schemes of brown, orange, and mustard brought forward from the 60s to todays interiors to be saddening. Rather, I love pops of modern, bright colors against a neutral background. And I continue to have a passion for eclecticism - perhaps a modern interior with an antique or two to mix it up and make it real.

In any event, if you have a modern residence and are presently updating and sprucing it up, my recommendation would be to start with white walls, paper a wall or two with an interesting design, and use bright color in strategic places. Fill your home with modern furniture and light fixtures but mix it up with tasteful antiques. The classic lines of the antiques will provide a savvy guest with contrast that will emphasize your fine modern lines. So, try not to copy the 60s design aesthetic; strike out and create something unique, something of today, something clean and fresh. The results will make you happy!

Images via Sixx Design (1,2,7,8); Brocade Home (3,4); Chic Sensibility (5) Serena & Lily (6); Christina Lundsteen (9); Decorology (10, 12, 13); Anthropologie (11).

The Creative Life, Not Necessarily What You Think.

2009-09-13T15:35:32-07:00

I haven't blogged in some time. Summer fun and travel didn't leave much time. But I found a blog post recently and it speaks to me. I think I find it interesting because I am increasingly seeing the merit in a full time job with benefits. And having such a job does not necessarily preclude the living of a creative life. And that is the message of the blog post. The piece is from a very successful blogger, creative, and artist who was recently hired by Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores ever. The girl is Alex Beauchamp. Very smart move Anthropologie (owner of the image above) and many congratulations Alex Beauchamp!

Ted Kennedy

2009-08-26T18:02:02-07:00

I know that this man was not admired at one time and I understand why. Despite this knowledge, I admire him for his commitment, tenacity, professionalism and for his unwavering advocacy. I was privileged to be in his presence twice. The second time, I heard him speak to a small audience in a small room in support of a pending labor bill in Washington D.C. He was impressive. Perhaps this excerpt explains better than me why he is an example to others who struggle to transform their lives:

"Forty-seven years was long enough to transform him in popular vocabulary from Teddy to Ted.
It was long enough for him to bleach and in many eyes redeem the most garish stains on his public image. Twenty years ago Kennedy’s name tended to be invoked first in the context of personal excess and scandal, and only secondarily in the context of public service. In later years this order was emphatically reversed.

"From 1980 to this day, I know of no one who has transformed themselves – not overnight, just steady, year by year, bill by bill, problem by problem – to, what do they say - 'lion of the Senate,'" said former Sen. Harris Wofford (D-Pa.)

After the deaths of his brothers and his own disgrace in the 1969 incident at Chappaquiddick, Wofford said, Kennedy turned his attention to a sustained, deliberate effort to rebuild his reputation." Full article here.

Beautiful Style: Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

2009-08-25T10:13:55-07:00

Alberta Ferretti is a well regarded Italian fashion designer. I discovered these advertisements for her Philosophy line in Teen Vogue this month which prompted a website visit. I love her Fall line: the colors; the rounded, plain shoulders; and the clean silhouettes. Her line is available at Neiman Marcus. Simply lovely.

Peace (and inspirational blog!).

2009-08-20T07:50:40-07:00

Time off at the Beach from alex beauchamp on Vimeo.

Lovely Photographs

2009-08-19T04:34:09-07:00

Some days, I think it would be really great to be a photographer. These beautiful shots via Jonas Peterson.