beachbungalow8

peace out

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

figsonplate, originally uploaded by danske.

::commune design::

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:38:00 +0000

a bit of textile love before I peace out on you for the weekend....wouldn't these be lovely on an old farm table set for a late afternoon, fall lunch.....

and then maybe spread some of these out on the ground for a little bit of a nappage under a big tree- dappled light and heavy lids.

commune design has some uniquely, commune-like wares for sale over on their recently updated site. Definitely worth a stop by.

weck glass containers

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Can you tell what's on my mind this week? I'm gearing up to create hostess gifts as the Holiday invites start rolling in and the calendar begins to fill.

I'm not about to pretend that, this holiday season, I'm going to create something that involves boiling and pectin. But I think these would be great containers to can all kinds of 'dry' gift items. Anyone would love to receive, cookies, homemade hot chocolate mix, spice rubs or even homemade bath salts. They have that great, simple, utilitarian vibe that makes them 'classic'.

Or grab several yourself and replace all of those plastic, mismatched pieces you have on your shelves. Weck canning containers via Heath Ceramics.

pom pilot

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Pom-poms are a great little embellishment to add to any package this time of year. I love the new candle line at Anthro. with a plush little trio of pom-poms topping off the lid. You could buy these at any fabric store {Hart's fabric has a nice selection}, cutting them off of the gimp and gluing them in groups on top of packages, wrapped with some of the great papers available at Paper Source . Easy and elegant.

or for a less formal, you can make it yourself, using a bit of yarn. The yarn gives it a bit more of a retro DIY look, but still cute.

ready to get started? here's a great little pilot on how-to :: domestifluff

fashion's one big mobius strip-mall .

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:12:00 +0000

Well first of all, it was only recently that my friends and I were laughing and laughing hard, about being in our 20s and running around the Lower Haight wearing our uniform: cutoffs, black tights and 'shoots' i.e. shoe boots. "oh my god, can you believe we wore that???" It, literally brought us to tears we thought it so ridiculous.

photo:: all the pretty birds

And now look what went and happened. The 'shoots' are back. Only now they're more like shooties . and we're wearing them with skirts. And I love them again.

J.crew has these {yes, even the conservatively creative J.crew has chimed in on this look- I suspect most of their customers will be wearing them with a 'sensible slack', though } at about $265.00.

But honestly, it's a trend, so when you can find the same look {and I like the suede against an opaque tight better} for $25.00.....why not just scoop one up in every color and go for it.

and yes, someday we'll be laughing again hard. but in the mean time, it's a great updated look if you can work it.

spotted in milan....

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Because I can never pass up a good photo of a woman of 'age' who's still rocking her personal style {seen here and here}. look and learn my friends. look and learn.

found on a new favorite, fashion-on-the-street blog: 'all the pretty birds'

glowing review

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Why didn't someone think of these ideas sooner?? Hable Construction's Glow in the dark bedding? come on, it's brilliant.

Joon & Jung's Bedskirt that, by day, looks ordinary while doing its job, catching dust bunnies and hiding boxes of out of season clothing or that errant shoe....

turns into a little, city sky line by night. Fabulously creative.

......................I could glow on, and on.

peace out

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:19:00 +0000

blue & brown, originally uploaded by Diana Martins.

coat du jour

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:21:00 +0000

The double breasted wool olga coat by red doll on etsy. Great for twirling.

I dare you

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Would you could you? "Not I" said the fly. I would rather sit on the wall and watch something like this go down.

I showed this series of spontaneous musicals to my girls yesterday and they begged me to help them do this. begged. me. Me of the, very self conscience when it comes to singing, to spontaneously, stand up in a crowded space and belt out a show tune about, lunch, napkins, fruit, whatever suits. They swore to me that they'd joined in. Knowing them, they'd chicken out and I'd be rushed off to the nearest hospital for observation.

Met Home:: from apartment dwelling beginnings to modern luxury living, ends

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:56:00 +0000

I'm sure at this point, we're all aware of the sad news that yet another shelter publication has called it quits. Metropolitan Home the harbinger of great modern luxury design announced it's closure on Monday.

What's a girl to do. There just aren't that many great magazines left for those of us with a ridiculous 10+ magazine a month habit. One of my favorite features of Met Home was the HIGH/LOW room.

This presented the readers with a room done using a large budget, then duplicated using less expensive products- a smaller budget. Sometimes it was just a stylish piece of furniture or a great product, priced from the high to the low, flirting with us to spot the 'steal'. I believe this was one of the reasons for Met Home's success, it offered something for all of us. The rooms seemed achievable.

Did you know that Met Home actually evolved from a, one issue, big page magazine called 'Apartment Ideas'?

The issue was a special feature created by Better Homes and Gardens. So successful, was A.I., that over the next 10 years {'69- '79} it was renamed 'Apartment Life' and garnered huge growth in readership and advertisers.

The magazine focused on, of course, apartment living and DIY. Really sort of the Domino of its time. For once I can actually say I was too young to remember this, but I know I would have saved every copy. I found some copies for sale on ebay with a few shots of the magazine's innards

{unfortunately you're forced to look at some ebay sellers, rumpled faded sheets while you're at it- gross. have some people no shame? }

To hear more about this facinating evolution listen in this week as we discuss it on The Skirted Round Table. There's a great background interview with magazine veteran Tom Troland over at Ready Made on A.L.

The high/low feature can still be found at pointclickhome.com

it's almost thanksgiving ~ are your holiday cards ready?

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:35:00 +0000

This is the time of year when I should be making arrangements to get my holiday cards in order. I have not. And probably won't get on it until the 11th hour. In the past, I've sent out 'Valentine Cards'. Mostly because I like to make my own cards. But also, I've actually convinced myself that people really appreciate them more, as it's been a month or so since they've received a festive photo of smiling kids to add to the bowl.

This year, I'm determined to get my act together and send my holiday cards out, oh, in the month of December.

In an effort to get things rolling, I may surpass the hand made route and go directly to stationers,

Petite Alma who have some great cards this year, simple with fresh art and reasonably priced- a no brainer, making it the perfect system for me.

condos on color.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Found, in the great city of Chicago, wonderful examples of small spaces making the most of style using COLOR.

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Benjamin Moore Whale Gray

Benjamin Moore Poppy

This bedroom, the same condo as the red library above,makes great use of space by adding the curtain to separate a sitting room from a bedroom.

all photos: Chicago Home + Garden

autumn leaves

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:10:00 +0000

ahh. fall. How I miss you so. Being surrounded by, decidedly, un-deciduous trees this is pure exotica to my eyes these days. I can almost smell the sweet fragrance of fallen leaves.

Zimtstern "Leaves" from Zimtstern Snowboarding on Vimeo.

From Swiss snowboarding company Zimstern via urbanoutfitters

peace out

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

BLOG OUT LOUD :: a few million flowers, cool parents and some very small horses in the name of art

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:32:00 +0000

I'm running around pulling all of the last minute details together for tonight's 4th, Blog Out Loud event in Santa Monica { 3rd and Santa Monica Blvd.} at the beautiful, ever-inspiring, Design Within Reach. If you're planning on coming or thinking of coming {do!} our panelists are fantastic:

>>PANEL Emily Goligoski of The SanFranista and Notes On Design Gregory Han of Apartment Therapy& Unplggd Laure Joliet of Apartment Therapy, At Home At Home & Dwell Alissa Walker of Gelatobaby, Fast Company, GOOD

Haily Zaki of American Express OPEN Forum, Curbed LA, Inhabitat & Secret Agent PR

Hope to see you tonight!

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

and now, a few things found while swinging around from blog to blog:

Color Fields- Tulips are better than none.

beautiful tulip fields in the Netherlands shot from above. I'd love a flat weave carpet like this.

found courtesy of flavorpill

My Parents Were Awesome

Everyone I know thinks their parents looked cool 'back in the day' - before we made them into some kind of uptight, example of middle age squaredom. Finally someone has started blog where we can send those old photos of our parents being totally awesome with their vintage selves. Proving that they didn't always wear holiday sweaters and bifocals. And apparently drove the Mystery Van from time to time:

myparentswereawesome.com more on this site and its creator at NPR's Morning Addittion

The Portland Horse Project

In 2005 Scott Wayne Indiana put to use the unused horse rings that are seen all over Portland sidwalks. After a few months, he expanded the horse project and asked for some help. Now these horses are showing up all over Portland. You can find them in most parts of Portland now. You can find more photos on here.

that's all I've got for now....off to Santa Monica...

This Week:: Margaret Russell on The Skirted Round Table

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:44:00 +0000

This week we are so honored to have Margaret Russell chat with us about Elle Decor's newest book, 'Style and Substance'. We ask about her esteemed, 20 year career as Elle Decor's Editor-in-Chief and dig into some of her favorite rooms from the book {not an easy request when every page has something you want to bookmark} We even touch on blogging when we ask her directly, how she feels about blogger's using the Magazine's photos.

I have to say, in doing this show, I've been continually surprised {although I don't know why I should be} by the graciousness, the lack of ego and the general, down to earth attitude of our guests. Ms. Russell has all of this and more.

If you're like me, you'll be left with not wanting the conversation to end. I know I say this about all of our interviews, but you really don't want to miss this.

The Skirted Round Table

Thanks to Elle Decor, a signed copy of this inspiring book was sent to me and has not been out of my hands a single day since.

Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:20:00 +0000

I have an old dictionary that I found in the basement of a house I once owned. The book sat packed away by a previous owner, at the back of what had once been the coal room of the house. Being of curious mind and not especially wanting to live with some one's left over junk, I took it upon myself to clean out the space; sorting through boxes of old letters, canceled checks, candles still in their yellowed, cellophane sleeves, a stack of old greeting cards, carefully torn so that only their fronts remained, and boxes of books. Books with great titles such as 'The Dictionary of Poisons'. {which now sits on my coffee table} , 'Sex & Marriage' {which sits on a book shelf in my bedroom, of course} and "A Child's Canadian Alphabet" - which is another post in itself.

Among the books was the 'Webster's New Standard Dictionary', with a 1911 copyright. It's yellowed pages,with their marbled edges, is fragile and well used. The broken spine holds the dark and mildewed cover together by tenuous threads; however within the battered cover, is a collection of gorgeous, fine-line engravings that are scientific and naive in a curious but visually compelling way.

When I first discovered this film, of John M. Carrera's story, I was awestruck that someone else {and it seems a lot of 'someone else's' } was drawn to these Victorian artifacts. The following film is an incredible documentary based on Carrera's story of creating a limited amount of, fine press editions, of The Pictorial Webster's Dictionary. The final product, complete with gold leaf engraving and hand sewn spines, is if anything, an incredible look at the art of book making - it's mind blowing.

Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion from John Carrera on Vimeo.

Fortunately, Chronicle books is selling an affordable version of the effort at a mere $35.00

In celebration of the book's release, Chronicle books is giving away a fine press edition of the book. Enter to win here.

grass or donkey

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:09:00 +0000

although, i'd prefer 'grass', i'd love to own an article of clothing colored, 'donkey'

found at saltwater

shopping losts

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:33:00 +0000

Graphic artist, Simon Atwatter takes found grocery lists and turns them into art. Found: Outside Sainsburys, Dog Kennel Hill, Camberwell, London

boo.

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

::ann wood handmade::

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I felt this to be the perfect week to share with you these exquisite pieces by artist Ann Wood. The owls, with wonderful names like, "Iago", "Mr. Guppy", "Pecksniff", "Rodrigo" and "Henchard" are made using found, vintage bits of Japanese boro textiles, paper mache´, Victorian bodice fabrics, Vintage buttons, World War I army blankets, even vintage threads. All are stuffed with wool and stand approx. 9"

I love this photo, depicting one of the owls in mid-creation. He looks as though he's wearing a monocle!

That face! and check out those talons. incredible.

These are just amazing. And, mostly sold, but you can get on Ann Wood's mailing list to be notified of updates. It's well worth hopping over to her site just to see the full breadth of her work.

a foolish costume is the hobgoblin of little minds

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Why don't kids wear homemade costumes anymore? What's cuter than the scene where Scout's wearing her giant ham costume?

If you answered this, no need to continue reading.

I can remember seeing The Dime Store window filled with boxes of costumes. The kind with the plastic eye-less faces staring out from the cellophane window. The one piece , non-flame retardant, tie in the back costume, folded up beneath.

Row after row of "Princess", "GI Joe", "Hobo" {'Hobo' how's that one for, vintage non-PC. These days would you really feel good about sending your kid down the street as 'homeless guy'?} , "Gypsy", "Clown" vacant, holes staring back at me. This may have been the beginning of my DIY attitude. Because even back then, holding my mom's hand as we'd walk by, staring back over my shoulder I'd think to myself, "I can totally make that. And so much better"

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

by the way, if you can get your hands on this book:

Do. It's a classic by Louis Slobodkin {'The 100 Dresses' } I ended up with the copy that was in our family, growing up. I still bring it out every year. Wonderful illustrations and story.

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

whoa. careful there, fella.

But I digress, let's get back to the matter at hand. At our house, I'm declaring this the year of the no-store-bought-costumes. I'm tired of parents feeling the need to shell out major money for a COSTUME to be worn ONE night {oh, ok and maybe in the school parade }

I sort of want to be hard core and tell every kid that comes to my door, no candy if your parents paid some ridiculous price for that costume { from halloween express or any of those mail order catalogs encouraging your daughters to look like hookers} but then I realize that's more about the parents than the kids. Above: my mother's masterful work . She made the entire costume, wig and all by hand. { That's red electrical tape wrapped 'round my tights - clever } And the she did the same for my 4 other siblings.

So in the spirit of DIY and Halloween being the ultimate holiday of self expression, this year, get creative. Make-up can go miles {look at little skeleton boy up there}, Goodwill can be a design lab of great ideas. This year, think out side that little cellophane box.

Suzanne Kasler on The Skirted Round Table

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

This week designer, author, Suzanne Kasler drops by The Skirted Round Table. Another great interview with a great talent. Ms. Kasler's newest book, 'Suzanne Kasler, Inspired Interiors' is a topic of conversation as we each go through and discuss our favorite rooms in the book.

If you don't have the book already, I recommend it. Kasler has an innate sense of color and balance that throws all rules out the window, keeping an interior fresh, full of movement and continuity.

I chose the farm house photos to discuss with her. I love the play of the rough-hewn structure against the fine antiques, art and textiles. { That green velvet sofa! } Now this is the way a mountain house should look in my book. Not a Navajo blanket in the place.

anyway, go listen, I think you'll be every bit as inspired and enlightened as we were.

The Skirted Round Table.

Blog Out Loud + Design Within Reach

noreply@blogger.com (beachbungalow8) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:55:00 +0000

Date: 11.04.09 Where: DWR/Tools For Living - 332 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles

Who: YOU!!!

If you're in Los Angeles next week, we'll be teaming up with Design Within Reach/Tools for Living for another Blog Out Loud event! For those of you unfamiliar, we {co-founder Rebecca Orlov of Apartment Therapy and loving.living.small} loved the idea of creating a blogging symposium for people share their ideas and experiences.

By putting the idea out there, we've watched it grow and blossom on its own, and with that has come a fantastic group of sponsors, panelist and friends. again we have a fantastic line-up of panelist:

Emily Goligoski of The SanFranista and Notes On Design

Gregory Han of Apartment Therapy& Unplggd

Laure Joliet of Apartment Therapy, At Home At Home & Dwell

Alissa Walker of Gelatobaby, Fast Company, GOOD

Haily Zaki of American Express OPEN Forum, Curbed LA, Inhabitat & Secret Agent PR

**We'll be pouring Frey organic and biodynamic wines www.freywine.com and serving light appetizers. So come mingle with friends and fellow bloggers! Let me know if you're coming, I'd love to meet you in person