beachbungalow8

The ABCs of Architecture

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:28:00 +0000

Clever + dare I say cute. If you're like me, you'll find yourself hitting that pause button over and over.

Doing good. Design.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:40:00 +0000

Mark your calendars, set your iphone alerts, for tomorrow's (May 8 | 2013) One King's Lane sale proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity, Los Angeles. The sale will feature items used in this year's, Legends of La Cienega Window, Time Capsule themed, designs. Doing good. Design.

And....just another plug... come see myself , Kelly Lee of Kelly Golightly, and Alissa Swedlow of The Goods Design at the event's blogger breakfast, Thursday May 9, at 8:30 am to kick off #LEGENDS2013: Time Capsule – The Past, Present and Future of Design.

tumblr 4 ya

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:50:00 +0000

Every once in awhile I'll pop on to tumblr for a little visual inspiration. One of my favorite tumblrs, TypeToy, is the visually inspiring collection of images by designer, Aaron Eiland.

Legends of La Cienega 2013

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:35:00 +0000

I just wanted to remind you all, or urge anyone considering, to join me at this year's Legends of La Cienega. For three days, May 8-10, stars of design, fashion, architecture and art will descend upon La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDQ) for the fifth-annual LEGENDS of La Cienega, which is themed Time Capsule: The Past, Present and Future of Design.

Windows of the 44 participating design shops and galleries that line the streets of the LCDQ will be imaginatively transformed by some of the nation’s most creative designers to reflect the Time Capsule theme. If anything, this is a must see as it is free to the public.

Thursday Morning, 8:30-10:00, I'll be joined by two other bloggers, Kelly Lee of Kelly Golightly, and Alissa Swedlow of The Goods Design at Stanton Court (765 North La Cienega) where we'll be discussing all things blogging. Please join us, and come say hello, I'd love to meet you in person!

A window designed by Peter Dunham at last year's LCDQ

If you're interested in the other events, Editor at Large did a really nice and comprehensive line up of the events for the 3 days. Check it out here.

Also.....

Legends VIP passes are on sale here. Proceeds from the sale of the VIP passes go to Habitat for Humanity. Last year about $40,000 was raised for Habitat for Humanity from the sale of the VIP passes and the post-Legends One Kings Lane sale.

house of cool

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:08:00 +0000

Tibi, founder, Amy Smilovic embodies the, 'Cool Mom' thing. Following her creative passion, she's created a killer fashion line, has a kick-ass house in Connecticut and, from the looks of things, none of this has taken away from her number one love, her boys. I gotta a mom crush on....

Wallpaper to die for in all of these rooms.

When I first saw these I thought (well first I thought, How cute are those boys styled?) I thought, is this the boys' room and they actually have an inspiration board with fabric samples? On closer examination I think this is Amy's home office. Love the Madeline Weinrib fabric on that royal blue chair.

These photos were plucked from the awesome website, The Glow, where celebrating fashionable + inspiring moms - is their dealio. Go check it out.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:25:00 +0000

Over the years I've collected entertaining books...and Entertaining Books. I find that the most, entertaining books, are those that are reflective of their region. Junior League cookbooks are always great for this ( a favorite of mine: Kansas City Jr. League's circa 1985 ) . Combining menus and table settings that reflect their respective environments, these books are great hostess how-to manuals. I think some of the best come out of the Southern states because there's such a definitive sense of tradition and particular way of doing things and let's face it - they know what's up when it comes to entertaining.

'Palm Beach Entertaining - Creating Occasions to Remember'

Then you have the coastal towns of Florida - practically a foreign culture to many of us West of the Mississippi and Rockies. Palm Beach with it's Caribbean waters and a world filled with a, seemingly, endless amount of outdoor soirees on balmy evenings. It exudes such an ease to the glamour.

'Palm Beach Entertaining - Creating Occasions to Remember'

I was recently introduced to the book, 'Palm Beach Entertaining - Creating Occasions to Remember' by Annie Falk. The book is a compendium of the relaxed and sparkly entertainment style for which Palm Beach is known. Beautiful photos of tablescapes and parties accompany menus and recipes to borrow and recreate. Making it the perfect planning book as we ease our way into summer.

Proceeds of the book benefit the Children's Home Society of Florida.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:54:00 +0000

Suzanne McGrath Design

Happy Earth Week. Gracie always gets it right.

Rifle Paper Co. //// best iphone covers

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:57:00 +0000

Dilemma-ing over the choices at Rifle Paper Co.'s line of iphone covers.

So, I just ordered these 4:

It's important to have choices.

Rifle Paper Co. as directed to by LONNY

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:46:00 +0000

ohmygodilovethishouse. everything. location, interior design, architecture, art. perfection for days.

more to be seen over at refinery29, from whence I heisted this post.

Meg Jannott::44 Presidents

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:55:00 +0000

I've been blessed with a few creative talents - that I take no responsibility for. They were just part of the package at birth. They seem to be floating around in my family's gene pool in abundance, most of which are akin to a good party trick although some I've actually been able to use to turn a buck or two. And I am thankful, don't get me wrong: I am thankful, everyday, for all that I've been given. But when I'm not navel gazing and my eye is drawn to somebody else's creative gifts I dare say, sometimes, I get a little envious. Singing. I can't sing for crap. I don't even try. Writing, like, real writing - so envious of the Nora Ephron and Ann Lamottes of the world. Because, to me they're like the rockstars, you sort of fall in love with them because they're so good at expressing what you're thinking.

Now, here's a sort of random one, graphic artists. A really good graphic artist can use shape, color and a good type to express EVERYTHING with efficiently and simplistically. I'm convinced it's the visual version of writing. This is all a very long prelude into introducing today's graphic art rock-star and get a little patriotism in to the day. Check out, Meg Jannott's series of brand each of the 44 Presidents of the United States of America.

A few of my favorites:

"This was created as a personal project to push myself creatively while also having the determination to keep up with a series of designs.

I wanted to do something different and came up with branding the Presidents of the United States. With each one being unique, I thought that this might yield some interesting results."

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:54:00 +0000

Happy Monday, y'all! For the first time in 11 years I had no, Coa-jelousy. Usually, when the desert music fest rolls 'round I have various conversations with friends and husband about why we didn't go and why don't we get a group to go next year. This year? Not really. Plus, I'm sort of thinking it's not as cool as when it first started. I mean, my eleven year old and friends are talking about wanting to go. Things become canned when they go suburban and you know it's become mainstream when little kids are talking about it. It's Urban Outfitters: Indy to those who don't know better and a corporate machine to those who do. But. Hey, what do I know. I just say No-chella.

...................................................

A few things on the week's to do list for you. I'm a contributor to Williams Sonoma's Designer's Marketplace which is an excellent resources for anyone in the design world. I sit with good company as several designer/design bloggers also contribute to great articles on all aspects of the business of design. Speaking of which, come check out my newest article which discusses: The real design challenge, running your own small business. I'd love to hear your thoughts as I think we can all be of great value to one another in this area. So come on over and give me some, unique hit love.

The other great news is that we have a new interview up over at, The Skirted Round Table. This week we sit down with the absolutely LOVELY, Carolyne Roehm. As always we get the inside scoop on her life's path from St. Louis to NYC from assistant to Oscar de le Renta to reknowned clothing designer, from interior designer to author of her newest book, Flowers. This is a woman who has, seemingly, done it all. Again, an inspiring interview that you wont' want to miss. Go here for the listen or, as always, subscribe to us on iTunes.

the dad pad

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:41:00 +0000

Who can forget this beautiful, digital canvas wall photographer Pieter Estersohn created for his son's room. The photo is one of his own; taken of his own bedroom when he lived at the Maharani of Deograrh's palace, outside Udaipur, India. There's nothing about that, that's not totally awesome.

Until I stumbled across this post on Milk, I hadn't see the rest of the Father and Son apartment that over looks, New York's Gramercy Park. And, while that wall still takes the cake, the rest of the pad is pretty sweet. (like, can we talk about that door??)

Completely adorable.

Photos : Karel Balas

LEGENDS of La Cienega May 8-10

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:27:00 +0000

Even in LA, where the weather seems eternally spring-like, come May a certain freshness seems to sweep over the landscape, dusting away winter and leaving the town with a certain extra bit of shimmer around the already vibrating edges. With Violet colored Jacaranda trees lining the streets and Bouganvialia vines bursting magenta against cornflower skies our normally smoggy conditions seem fresh, bright and renewed. The air conducts an energy that lends itself to warm evening cocktail parties and reuniting of friends making May the perfect month for one of LA's most exciting design events, La Cienega Design Quarter's annual Legends of La Cienega.

This year marks, LEGENDS 5th year. The 3-day celebration of design brings together VIPs and tastemakers from the worlds of interior design, decor, art, fashion and architecture for receptions, keynote panel discussions, cocktail parties, exhibitions, book signings, personal appearances and special events.

In other words, it's an event not to be missed. I for one love LEGENDS because it has a definitively hip, fresh vibe. The keynote panels are always a great source of inspiration, meeting the authors behind the books at the signings, is always fun and just the general socializing with fellow design enthusiasts is always great fun.

I also love the Window Displays, executed by note-able designers, each done revolving around a theme. This year's theme, will be "Time Capsule: The Past, Present and Future of Design". Along with the windows will be:

Keynote panels

Roundtable discussions

Showroom events

Book signings

Exhibitions

Open Houses

I've been asked to be a blog ambassador to the program and so will be updating, here, from time to time leading up to, and through the event. In the mean time, mark your calendars, you won't want to miss the biggest design event in Southern California.

LEGENDS OF LA CIENEGA

May 8-10

Erik Olson::Architecture of the Face.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:09:00 +0000

dude can paint.

To see more of his glorious talent go here.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I've got spring break with the girls, so forgive me if I start speaking in acronyms + hashtags.

#likeduhobvs.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:06:00 +0000

If you have a moment, or 16 minutes, treat yourself to this interview with one of my favorite people in the design industry, Charlotte Moss. Yes, her talent is beyond, but she herself is one of the coolest, most inspiring women in business. Love her.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Blowing stuff up? Still working for me.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:55:00 +0000

any one of these rugs >>>> with this art:

rugs : : artilleriet

art : : stephen croeser

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:33:00 +0000

This little farm house in the Catskills.....

old wooden and glass lockers salvaged from a highschool, serve as a china closet in the pantry (a pantry ROOM?)

Built in the 1840s and owned by Artist, Sean Scherer and partner Marc Mayer....

A birdcage sculpture by the Brazilian artist Vik Muniz. pages from the folio, "Birds of New York" covers the wall

Makes me want to paper my walls with things like, newspapers and bird art...

and....

old ledger paper...

an paint my walls the color of wet sidewalks set off by a mercury collection.

Inspirational living.

via Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

You may be familiar with their shops, Kabinett and Kammer whose website it like going to a natural curiosities museum while sitting at your desk.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:40:00 +0000

This is a great introspect of LA based visual artist, Geoff McFetridge's 'method'. If you're not familiar with his work, definitely worth checking out. He's a genius.

You may be familiar with Pottok Prints, a line of hand silk screened wallpapers that he and his wife (artist, Sarah DiVincentes) designed along with partner Yong-Ki Chang. My favorite of which is the Whale print:

And one more example of his multi-disciplinarian geniosity. (you know how I love myself a good stop motion film. They did this by lasering the design in over 2 thousand pieces of toast and shooting each one individually. Love that kind of thing.

'Last Leaf' by OK Go from NimbleBot on Vimeo.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:32:00 +0000

Currently tapping this:

The eclectic, creative decorating of Taylor Tomasi-Hill's Chelsea apt . Of course her living space is as cool as she is.

Tap It

This ingenious diy, coming on the aftermath of my 12 year old's birthday palooza. Make your own animal candle holders. Wish I had seen this last week. Such a great idea.

Tap It.

Vegan, Chick-pea tuna fish salad sandwich recipe. Not sure why this would be tuna fish, but it sure looks delish.

Tap It.

Beach meets Parisian fashion house when Van's collaborates with Kenzo this spring to bring us, great updates on old faves.

Tap It.

These, completely awesome water colors of interiors by artist Bella Foster over at Anthology mag.

Tap It.

From the Anglo Files

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:20:00 +0000

I love the work of London based architect and designer, Ben Pentreath. His eponymous shop is one of my favorites when in town. His aesthetic is right up my alley, piles upon piles of color, texture and intricate design. Every room , draws you in and beckons you to stay awhile, not wanting to miss a single detail. His little laboratory (let's say that the English way, "la-BORE-atory") is a 19th century Parsonage in Dorset, England. I've never been to this part of the country but it looks like an absolutely charming coastal town. He uses the property as a place to try things out but keeping it "simple" ( his word, which I think is sort of funny, as his work feels far from simple to me.) Oh, and his blog shows some beautiful, recent, shots of the grounds. Sigh, I love England.

layers, layers, flat weave rugs atop sisal, pattern on pattern, and that monogram! love a monogram.

I love how he styled this photo.

I want this office!!!

And this kitchen with it's butternut squash colored walls.

more layers, I love the ikat lampshades with the chinese urn lamp bases.

photographer::julie blackmon

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:28:00 +0000

Today, I am thankful for all of the super creative friends that I have who inspire me, spark creative ideas in me and pass along the best finds ever. Most recently, one of my favorite friends sent me a link to photographer, Julie Blackmon's website, merely suggesting that I might be interested in her work.

Ever since, I've had her website up, utterly enchanted and enrapt by her stunning portraiture work. I can look at each of these, forever. Every time I look at one again, I see something - a facial expression, a small detail- that completely draws me in, telling unraveling the story just a bit more.

When I first took a look, what immediately attracted me was the deep, deep color that seemed to go on and on. The word 'saturated' comes to mind. The next thing was the beautiful, mid-western antique architecture and landscape used as the backdrop for modern furnishings, clothing and activities. It's all so wonderful, I just couldn't keep it to myself anymore. So, as my friend did for me, I do for you.

From her Statement page: ( She's a beautiful writer. )

The Dutch proverb “a Jan Steen household” originated in the 17th century and is used today to refer to a home in disarray, full of rowdy children and boisterous family gatherings. The paintings of Steen, along with those of other Dutch and Flemish genre painters, helped inspire this body of work. I am the oldest of nine children and now the mother of three. As Steen’s personal narratives of family life depicted nearly 400 yrs. ago, the conflation of art and life is an area I have explored in photographing the everyday life of my family and the lives of my sisters and their families at home. These images are both fictional and auto-biographical, and reflect not only our lives today and as children growing up in a large family, but also move beyond the documentary to explore the fantastic elements of our everyday lives, both imagined and real.

The stress, the chaos, and the need to simultaneously escape and connect are issue that I investigate in this body of work. We live in a culture where we are both “child centered” and “self-obsessed.” The struggle between living in the moment versus escaping to another reality is intense since these two opposites strive to dominate. Caught in the swirl of soccer practices, play dates, work, and trying to find our way in our “make-over” culture, we must still create the space to find ourselves. The expectations of family life have never been more at odds with each other. These issues, as well as the relationship between the domestic landscape of the past and present, are issues I have explored in these photographs. I believe there are moments that can be found throughout any given day that bring sanctuary. It is in finding these moments amidst the stress of the everyday that my life as a mother parallels my work as an artist, and where the dynamics of family life throughout time seem remarkably unchanged. As an artist and as a mother, I believe life’s most poignant moments come from the ability to fuse fantasy and reality: to see the mythic amidst the chaos.

Julie Blackmon

green by the beryl

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:08:00 +0000

1. A portion of Pablo Picasso's Tapestry, 'Paysage'

2. Azurite from South-West Africa

3. Dots Green Napkin - hand made in Ethiopia

4. Pilar Wiley ceramics

Color trend? I think not. ( Don't buy into the hype. )

btw. I'm on day 4 of nothing but green juice. Nothing. Needless to say my eyeballs seem like they're floating in green liquid and my mind can in only focusing on that which is green. 3 more days to go.

Scavenger hunt alert! c/o House Beautiful's, March "Color Combinations" issue

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:41:00 +0000

I'm super excited to have been asked to be a part of House Beautiful's social media/scavenger hunt event called, "Beautiful in Black & White". In celebration of House Beautiful’s March 2013 “Color Combinations” issue, the magazine is coming to Hollywood to launch its tribute to the most classic color combination.

And here's where it gets really fun: a scavenger hunt involving amazing furniture. Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt?? And, as you can imagine, when an entity like House Beautiful throws it, you know the treasure is going to be beyond bountiful. Let me esplain.

Starting on March 5th, the elves at HB will be placing chairs all over L.A. They and I, will then be tweeting clues as to its whereabouts. If you find the chair, you'll then have to answer a few trivia questions. He who gets the most correct first...wins the CHAIR!- so quick, click over to Twitter and add @housebeautiful and the hashtag #hbchairs, then come back because there's more.....

Back? ok, here's where I come in. A few other bloggers and myself, have been invited to choose a chair and relate it to a, classic black and white Hollywood film. Here's the chair:

Pretty sweet, eh? And if you live in the L.A. area? free. Well, free if you can find it first and answer some trivia questions, second.

Look at it.....SO classically handsome and fem-lovely at once.

(Here's a better shot showing the beautiful back detail. The hassock is not included in the hunt)

"A slipper chair with artisan roots, the Tori proves that long-lasting good looks are in the details. With a base that recalls a draftsman’s or architect’s desk, the chair and matching ottoman form a memorable team – or function beautifully on their own. Welting around the frame adds subtle polish, and cushions with no seams in the foam or seat underscore the clean lines."

And which film did I choose? I took, 'The History of Black and White Film' in college...but that was a very long time ago and frankly, after the lights went out in the auditorium I either slept or ditched. SO I had to do a little research and really, besides the obvious ode to architecture, ' The Fountainhead ' (which is too morose and heavy) I had a struggle connecting this, great take on a traditional-gone-modern, to a classic film.

Until I thought about, the relationship between Nick and Nora of the movie, "The Thin Man".

The relationship of the characters, at the time (1934), revolutionized the portrayal of marriage on screen- previously portrayed as earnest, virtuous, and staid - they invigorated it with youth, irreverence, and sex appeal. The Tori chair is exactly that. American Leather has taken the Slipper Chair and re-created the lines to resemble a youthful energy; making it modern and fun while remaining structured.

............................................................................................................................................................

You still with me? Good. Because you'll have a better chance at winning this awesome little perch. Once again, here's the 411:

March 5, 2013- I'll (and @housebeautiful) will be tweeting with exclusive clues that we will provide hinting where and when the fabulous—and free—American Leather Tori Chair will be placed.

March 6 or 7, 2013- the American Leather Tori Chair will be placed.

*hint*hint* trivia questions will be based on some of the details I've mentioned in this post!

ready? set? follow @housebeautiful, @beachbungalow8 and #hbchairs.

Happy Hunting!!