More Ways to Waste Time

Cool Stuff: Knitted and Crocheted Lightbulb Covers

2008-07-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

You guys know I'm a sucker for knitted and crocheted housewares ...

So of course I love these sweet light-fitting covers from Northern Ireland design studio Electricwig. Made to be slipped directly over a low-wattage compact fluorescent bulb and stiffened with sugar water to hold their shape, they'll soften the light's glare and add a touch of delicacy and femininity to those utilitarian bare-bulb fixtures.

They're 8,925 yen (or about $84) apiece from Trico, or 11 pounds sterling (about $22; orange, lime green, and brown only) from Thorsten van Elton.

Or, you know, you could just get out the knitting or crochet needles and make your own ;-)

(Via Granica Monotremata.)

Etsy Find of the Day: Kelly Packer

2008-07-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

These sort of part-deadpan, part-winking animal portraits get me Every. Single. Time.

I love the way that Missoula, Montana artist and Etsy seller Kelly Packer manages to give her drawn, painted, and collaged creatures personality -- and, dare I say it, a hint of humanity. Above: Brigid, limited-edition Giclee print, $27

Monopoly III, original acrylic painting and fabric collage, $225

Saint Billy on My Birthday, limited-edition Giclee print, $25

Saint Blixatomy, limited-edition Giclee print, $25

Packer draws actual humans pretty well, too:

La Lune Sur la Ville, limited-edition Giclee print, $27

And I really like her urban landscapes as well:

S Orange St, Missoula Montana, original oil pastel and colored pencil illustration, $75

Central and 18th Ave NE, Minneapolis I, original oil pastel and colored-pencil illustration, $45

Grenoble, France, original oil pastel and colored-pencil illustration, $45

See all of Packer's Etsy offerings right here -- and check out more of her work here.

More eBay Finds

2008-07-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

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Cool Stuff: Going Cuckoo

2008-07-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

They're not cheap, but these inventive, Italian-made clocks will bring humor -- and even art -- to your walls while helping you stay on schedule. Above: Albero Clock, $350

Tip Top Clock, $299

Tu-Tu Clock, $299

Black Forest Cuckoo Clock, $319

Cor_Nice Clock, $329

Sunking Clock, no price listed

See these and more modern clocks at Memento Italia.

Etsy Find of the Day: Vintage Union Jack Pillows

2008-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

God save the Queen.

Etsy seller (and Newcastle, Australia-based stylist) Tim Neve made these muslin pillows from authentic, vintage British Union Jack flags. Each is covered with fabric cut from a different part of the flag, so they're all a little different.

They're available in lumbar (top), small, and large sizes (above), and cost $30 to $55 apiece.

See all of the Britannia-inspired offerings in Neve's Etsy shop -- and see more of his work here.

House Voyeur: Art and Elegance in San Francisco

2008-07-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Nick and I drove over to San Francisco's Noe Valley to retrieve a slatted wooden bench that we'd found on craigslist. To say that we were blown away by the home of the couple we bought it from is an understatement. I was literally struck dumb by the wide-open, high-ceiling space, and by the wealth of pedigreed furniture and amazing original art all around.

The next day, I snapped out of my stupor and wrote the owners, Donald and Philip, begging them to let me feature their place on the blog. I'm so happy they were game!

Here, Donald leads us on a virtual tour through their art-filled home:

“My partner Philip and I purchased our place around two years ago, after searching for the ‘perfect’ space for almost two years. It's a 1906 Edwardian with two flats; ours is the lower unit. The flat was completely remodeled before we bought it, with the total size doubled to about 2,000 square feet. Our favorite things about it are the open floor plan and the mix of the Edwardian façade and the thoroughly modern interior.

We’ve tried our best to make our home a reflection of our personal style, which I’d say is classic contemporary with modernist influences. We love to mix newer furnishings, including classic styles from Williams-Sonoma Home (where I’ve worked for four years), with key vintage finds to create an eclectic perspective. We’ve also tried to maintain a neutral color palette for our base furnishings, since the art brings in the color and adds energy and excitement. Painting by Marcus Linnenbrink; circa-1950s architect's desk and Carl Jacobs chair for Kandya.

Painting by David Huffman; sculptures by David Ireland and Ann Hamilton; steel-and-glass credenza from Limn.

Our vintage furnishings include a pair of wonderful 1950s stools by Charlotte Perriand, one of which is shown above. They came from the Marie Blanche chalet in the French Alps. The wood-fired ceramics are from Trax Gallery; the Gilda floor lamp is from Design Within Reach; the chair is Lignet Roset; and the ikat pillow is from Madeline Weinrib.

This painting is by Anne Rothenstein (wife of film director Stephen Frears); the bronze sculpture is by Peter King.

Our aesthetic is inspired by a mix of influences: Our love of art came from our days working at Gap, Inc., where the founder, Don Fisher, assembled a world-class contemporary art collection -- much of which was displayed at the Gap headquarters, so it was readily accessible to us every day. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some incredibly creative people, all of whom I’ve learned a great deal from, creating a strong point of view and an instinct for putting things together. The large pink painting to the right of the fireplace is by Isca Greenfield-Sanders.

Finally, I love to pour over home magazines and books. They’re a great reference point -- when you see something you like, tear it out and place it in a file. When you look back through the tearsheets, your own aesthetic begins to emerge.

Vintage tufted slipper chairs from Downtown, Los Angeles; Nassau bamboo coffee table and faux-zebra hide rug from Williams-Sonoma Home; low white leather table by Henry Beguelin.

On the coffee table: An antique African carved miniature stool, plus part of our collection of carvings by Alma Allen. (I can't stop bringing them home! I think we're up to 12 or 13 and I have another on the way. Brilliant work.) We found the African terra cotta ceremonial necklace at Martin in St. Helena. The magnifying lens on the stand is from Blackman Cruz in Los Angeles, and the shagreen box was from Williams-Sonoma Home.

When it comes to our home, Philip and I splurge on two things: great art and quality vintage furniture. Our art collection includes everything from students’ work to established artists from the Bay Area and the international arena. For example, we recently purchased the two lovely works above, which are by Christina Empedocles, a recent MFA graduate from the California College of Art in Oakland. That same week, we also bought a beautiful portrait by Chantal Joffe, a London artist whose work is in many of the world’s best collections. It’s about buying what you love and can live with every day.

Built-in shelves hold art and other treasures by Anne Rothenstein, Hermes, Joe Brubaker, Otto and Vivika Heino, Hugo Guinness, Deborah Barrett, Kathryn Spence, Roy McMakin for Heath Ceramics, Donald Baechler, Edward del Rosario, Scott Parody, and Jordan Taylor, among others.

We've purchased some wonderful vintage items from eBay, including a 1950s iron and string chair by Allan Gould. We’ve seen similar examples of the same chair at vintage stores in Palm Springs and Los Angeles for three to four times the price! There are still bargains to be found on eBay if you keep a watchful eye and know what you’re looking for. The wonderfully organic side table is by George Nakashima; it's something that I'd always coveted and finally found in L.A. More carved sculptures by Alma Allen. The wood-fired ceramic sculpture is by Akio Takamori.

The Wilshire sofa in our sitting room is from Williams-Sonoma Home, and the Tolomeo Mega lamp is from DWR. The wall behind them is cement, which took on the grain and knots of the wood that was used in the form when it was poured.

We found the antique Santo at Tail of the Yak in Berkeley; another Alma Allen wood carving; the small sculptural side table is from Jonathan Adler.

Photogram by Adam Fuss; Aorta vases (no longer in production) by Jonathan Adler; antique Santo from Colonial Arts; the credenza is vintage George Jensen from Monument.

More artful objects (clockwise from top left): Vintage bronze side table by Baker; wire sculpture by Blanka Sperkova; "Borrowing Owls" and "Mud Animal" sculptures by Kathryn Spence.

Since the flat was already remodeled when we moved in, there was no need for any additional work aside from changing out a few light fixtures. DIY is great for HGTV, but not for us. Being in retail for my entire career, I love ‘merchandising’ our space, but the minute a hammer or any equipment is involved, it’s time to bring in the professionals! The dining table is a Mies Van Der Rohe design from The Magazine in Berkeley; dining chairs from Flexform.

Jenn-Air refrigerator and Viking range/oven; pendant lighting by Philippe Starck for Flos; wood-fired pottery by Ben Waterman, Chuck Hindes, and Scott Parody; silver gelatin photograph by Brett Weston.

Pendant light by Philippe Starck for Flos; Walter Robinson sculpture; Eero Saarinen marble-topped dining table; the chairs were from Pottery Barn (similar ones can be found here).

We believe your home should reflect your life and your travels. It should have a point of view, but one that's developed over time. Keep your furnishings neutral in color, classic in design, and of the best quality you can afford -- that’s your 'base.' Then layer in great accessories and decorative accents, bringing in a bit of color. And, of course, buy art that you love! Clockwise from top left: Artwork by Deborah Barrett, Nigel Poor, Lucy Puls, Adam Fuss, Mirko Baricchi, and Adam Fuss again.

These are some of our favorite sources:

• Williams-Sonoma Home (of course!): Classic styles that will last a lifetime -- and custom upholstery in 45 days.

• 1stDibs: A wonderful place to find quality vintage furniture and décor. Even if you can’t afford it, it’s a great resource for learning about designers, styles, and periods.

• Tradesmen: A little gem of a storefront. The shop is rarely open, but you can see everything from the front windows. The owner, Marc, has an incredible eye for great vintage finds and if you see something you like his phone number is on a little card in the window -- give him a call!

• Patricia Sweetow Gallery: Patricia has a genuine interest in the work and development of the artists she represents, and she creates an open and inviting atmosphere for her clients -- what more could you ask for?

• Gallery Paule Anglim: A great stable of Bay area and International artists. Ed, the director, has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is a joy to work with.

• Gregory Lind Gallery: Gregory offers well-priced emerging artists and is one of the nicest people in the business.

• Fraenkel Gallery: The BEST in photography.

• Stephen Wirtz Gallery: Great gallery with a heavy emphasis on Bay Area artists.

Painting by Yi Chen; sculpture by Joe Brubaker; watercolor portraits by Billy Sullivan and Stella Vine.

Iron-and-wood chair and nesting stools by Luther Conover.

Portraits (including one of Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, top left) by Stella Vine; painting by Aya Takano; sculpture by Yoshitomo Nara.

Mies van der Rohe Barcelona stools; zebra crewel rug and throw pillows from Williams-Sonoma Home; artwork by Barry McGee; quilt and shams from Crate & Barrel.

Pottery by Otto and Vivika Heino; painting by the late Margaret Kilgallen; Chelsea wing chair, silk Greek key pillow (no longer available), and cashmere throw from Williams-Sonoma Home; another Gilda floor lamp.

This lamp is a vintage Barovier & Toso found on eBay; bedding by Matteo.

Sculpture by Joe Brubaker; vintage Danish armchair from Tradesmen; stainless steel medical cabinet from The Industrialists; artwork by Asuka Ohsawa; task lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos.

Believe it or not, we’re now leaving our 'perfect home' behind. After four years as a VP at Williams-Sonoma Home, I’ve accepted a new job at Burberry, the British luxury house -- which means we’ll soon be starting a new adventure in London!”

Donald and Philip, thank you so much for sharing your amazing home with us! Bon voyage as you begin your new lives in London. (And consider this official notice: I'm expecting a full update after you're settled into your Sloane Square cottage!)

P.S. Want to see more? Click here for a peek inside other readers' homes.

Shameless Request: Want to Show Off Your Home?

2008-07-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Calling all creative homeowners and renters: Show off your deft decorating, renovation, and garden design skills here!

Your house or apartment doesn't have to have grand architecture or be done to the nines to be considered. Small and modest is great. Budget decorating is great. The key components are creativity and freshness.

Hell, you don't even have to show off your whole place -- I'd love to see a single room, a completed renovation project, or even a small area that you've decorated and are particularly proud of.

If you're interested in offering up your abode for one of my "House Voyeur" tours, please let me know!

More eBay Finds

2008-07-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

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eBay Find of the Day: Vintage Letterpress Blocks

2008-07-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

What would you do with this assortment of 65 vintage wooden letterpress blocks? Spell out your name on the mantel? Compose cryptic messages according to your mood? Pop random letters atop stacks of books on the bookshelf or into various vignettes on the coffee table, dresser-top, and other lonely surfaces around your home? Maybe even make something with them?

Whatever you decide to do with them, the letters (which range in size from a wee half-inch to 4 inches apiece) would certainly be fun to play with.

Current bid: $61. (Hurry -- the auction ends Monday afternoon, July 21.)

Over and Out

2008-07-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

Photo by girlhula

Apologies for the light posts today -- I had to pick up my 13-year-old at the airport, after he spent almost three weeks with his classmates building a rancho in Boruca, Costa Rica. So wonderful to have my boy home. (He may be 6 feet tall already, but he'll always be my baby!)

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Cool Stuff: Bamboo Trio Mobile from Petit Collage

2008-07-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

I spotted this wooden bird mobile at Lorena Siminovich's Petit Collage booth at Renegade last weekend, and was instantly smitten.

Though it's perfect for a nursery, it'd be equally sweet in a more grown-up space as well. The laser-cut bamboo plywood mobile is $76 right here.

(P.S. Here's another great alternative.)

Etsy Find of the Day: YooLa Crocheted Metal

2008-07-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Using a tiny crochet needle and coated copper wire, Etsy seller YooLa -- aka Israeli industrial designer Yael Falk -- creates the most intriguing and ethereal objets.

I especially love her abstracted pomegranates, which mimic the form of the fleshy fruit, but do it in an airy, almost ghostly way.

In fact, these remind me a little bit of Ruth Asawa's amazing crocheted metal sculptures.

Prices range from $42 for this vase to $65 to $95 for the pomegranates.

Check out all of YooLa's crocheted metal designs (she has some gorgeous jewelry, too) right here.

Good Reads Redux: Project RunGay

2008-07-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Kittens, report here immediately.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, click here for my slobbering love letter to TLo of the brain-meltingly awesome Project RunGay -- and the equally hilarious Tom & Lorenzo, where they dish on Shear Genius and (soon!) Top Design 2, among other things.

P.S. And if you're following Flipping Out, don't miss the show recaps (and Jeff Lewis psychoanalysis) over on Scented Glossy Magazines.

The Artful Home: Kelie Bowman

2008-07-17T04:40:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore these pieces by Kelie Bowman. They're funny, for one thing; I love the mix of literal interpretations of everyday phrases and the outrageous, surreal images created as a result (see Temporary Home, above). But they also make you stop and think -- about domesticity, relationships, family, community.

Bowman, a transplanted Floridan living and working in Brooklyn, has a collection of originals and prints available through Williamsburg's Cinders Gallery, which she co-founded with her partner, Sto. Her paintings "address the struggle to keep stability in one's life by way of the community. The idea of home is on Bowman's mind, as are the fragile moments of our existence. Subtle humor and violence creep into her soft and warm palate, giving a razor sharp edge to the work's gentle nature."

Take a look:

Self Storage

Made of Stone

Scarecrow Haven

Curb Your Dog

Escape

Nesting

Merger

If Worse Comes to Worst

Bowman's watercolor and gouache originals start at about $150 and go way up from there. But her super-limited-edition screenprints can be had for as little as $30, and she also has a selection of equally limited-edition handmade books and 'zines starting at just $5 in the Cinders Shop:

We'll Keep Watch, $60

Ghost#1, $40

Crooked Smiles, Steady Voices and a Trunk Full of Cash, $30

See all of Bowman's currently available work right here.

Cool Stuff: Spoon Lamp by Studio Verissimo

2008-07-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hmmm ... crystal, glass, maybe Lucite?

Guess again. This super-luxe-looking chandelier, by Portugal's Studio Verissimo, is actually made from recycled plastic coffee stirrers.

It's $300 right here.

Cool Stuff: Industrial Chic from CB2

2008-07-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

I'm finding myself more and more drawn to items with a rough, industrial vibe these days -- whether they're vintage workshop finds with the wonderfully battered patina that can only come from being well-used, or new furnishings that take their inspiration from the factory floors and shop classes of days gone by.

I love to picture a brick-walled converted loft accented with pieces that allude to its previous life, or a spare, serene, and quietly feminine farmhouse with just a few notes of masculine industriousness injecting a bit of aesthetic tension.

So while I was flipping through the latest CB2 catalog last night, my eyes immediately lit upon these new items from Crate & Barrel's hipster younger sibling. Clockwise from top left: Wire and rattan Contour Baskets, $60 and $80; steel Industry Pendant Lamp, $199; Track Brass Wall Strips, $129 for three; chromed-steel Mantis Floor Lamp, $119; welded-iron Spool Coffee Table, $449; and wood and steel Alchemy Stool, $129.

(Hint: If you crave the real thing, trying running a search for "vintage industrial" on trusty old eBay.)

More eBay Finds

2008-07-16T05:13:00.000-07:00

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