La Maison Fou

i robot party bag

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:47:24 PST

Robotic bag it

A trip to Targay the other day rendered a quick look see thru the dollar and now $2.50 dollar bins as you enter the holy grail of doorways.

My nephew had a milestone 3 year birthday ahead of him at the most kid friendly and attended place on the planet Incredible Pizza.

Anyhow, he is a bit of a wrangler and Tom and I brought him some necessary cowboy gear on his birthday, but I was in need of a show up cute gift.

So, enter the Targay robot drink cup and magnetic number and letter refrigerator magnets.

Easy, and just to say Happy Birthday again!

A little cello and some Chinese red ribbon and we were in business.

3-dimensional like cup, so cute and colorful filled with alpha and numeric magnets.

My kiddos loved to play and spell with these.

The finished product, took all of no time and was so cute and colorful on an otherwise dark and dreary day (outside) lot's of colorful birthdays going on inside the I.P.

Brusha, brusha.

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:12:29 PST

Charcoal

This new bichotan toothbrush is made with charcoal to refresh and revitalize your mouth.

The famous toothbrush has bristles blended with high - quality powder of binchotan charcoal from Wakayama, Japan.

You can get them here:morihata

Fire and ice....

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:48:59 PST

A little fire......

Unfortunately and then fortunately we were out of power the other evening.

The other evening,half way into dinner we lost power in a small section of midtown for around two hours.So, after pulling the generator out (purchased after out massive snow storms a few years ago).

After the holidays,my candle supply was low and of small supply.

We did manage to power up the generator,finish dinner and we elected to dine by candle light.(Even after the power came back on)!

The kids were not sure why we did that, but it was an interesting way to dine,sip wine and really talk about our day without electronic distractions.

Shutter the thought of no t.v., Internet signal or charging capabilities.

Now, when it is avoidable that is one thing, but even after the fact we played along with the darkness.

To me it was the perfect ending to a very busy day!

Up to my .......

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:25:12 PST

Cramming session....

To think late nights and all nighters while studying Art history and finishing up on art projects well

into the night does not hold a candle to the past few weeks at La Maison Fou.

I apologize for my absence lately, but it seems that for a while I was not only taking care of my family but there were numerous hours running my father to and from Dr. appt's...

The good news is that we are working to get all things under a controlled and functioning level.

Yeah!

Now, as for the rest of the last few several hundred hours.......

Family, work, volunteer, & being completely consumed!

Con-sume >

3. To engross somebody or something - To fill homebody's mind or attention fully.

To my well evolved and sometimes trained eye, this is the section pertaining to design,work and creating new exciting treasures for my home,business and the homes of my clients.

As far as the design aspect of my days & (nights) ? an evolution in design and style which seems inevitably change and evolve whether you want it to or not.

I am famous for change and motion in and out of my home.

After 20 plus years together, Tom is never surprised as to what state things may be in when he arrives home at the end of the day.

I must say, that is what I <3 the most about him!

So, back to the consume situation; there apparently seems to be a movement within my four walls to simplify, create beautiful and simplistically rooms and doing all this within a working budget.

The challenge to integrate,coordinate and excavate along the way.

Enter>

The other love of my designer life..French design, with a Swedish twist and a pinch of Belgium flair complemented by reworked,re purposed and restyled treasures.

While I pour through my latest design books, magazines and favorite blog sites I will leave you with these images on my new direction in my own home.

Have a look see at this panoramic view of rooms at CH

Great hotel in Belgium style

Love the tinted plastered walls, industrial mix of pieces and simplicity in the rooms.

Though simplistic, the detailed finishes on the pieces in the rooms, lines and textures speak to me.

Loving this room as well.The finish on the wall is similar to the fireplace finish that I completed at my clients home.

Faux concrete...... below

Divine Exhaustion and maybe a little eye strain, sensory visual impact overload!

SVIO...

My horse and I

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:13:38 PST

Paris Mon Ami....

A game..

My horse and I is a Hermes site game in progress!

So, hold your horses...here's the deal.

You work out the best look of your 4 legged friend and your fav Hermes scarf...

From Breyer horses, to my little pony, to the real deal trotting along or standing still for a pose!

Upload your pix here:Hermes Equestrian

Join us in our Hermes ‘My Horse and I’ search. Share your adventures, your friendships and your style! Show us why you make the most stylish equestrian pair – and stay tuned as we post the best pairings here online!

Neigh... we will stay tuned!

Day in Provence

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:52:11 PST

Pack your bags!

At least for the day or for the next few minutes while you sip your coffee, tea or that favorite diet soda.So, get your day bag, your sunnies and put on those walking shoes (or at least your readers) this little villa nestled in Provence, France is a whole lotta Bon weekend ......

Grab your nearest bike or cab and follow your way to Chez Jean Claude,Provence France.

This is the wandering view as you roll up to the grounds.

Enjoy the cool water flowing into the spacious pool alongside the

chaise lounge basking in the clear bright French sunshine.

The two story living room area would be a perfectly suitable place

to put up your feet while you fill your time slots with errands and places to pick up a few things.

Sunshine flooded into the arched windows reflected in the mirrored doors on the built in armoires.

Cool footings underneath the artisan tiled floors,just enough space to keep your gear in check and ready for the next transition of the day.

Recharge your batteries and grab a bite in this French kitchen.

I love the open island and the baskets.The rattan chairs are a welcome and

warm place to sit and look over your next conquest.

Grab your drink and wander outside for a little sunshine.

This courtyard is another perfect space for grabbing a moment of fresh air and

taking in the fragrant smells of rosemary,thyme and lavender.

And if you are in need of a rest before your next adventure.This seems like the best place to steal some more sleep.

The iron bed is softened with curtain panels and layers of linens...

If you require a little more room or a larger place to put your bags, look no further.

This little room is just the ticket, set the alarm and rest for a short bit!

On closer inspection, the doors can be cracked open and you can smell the fragrance from below.

The plastered room walls, rustic doors and the linens......

the perfect imagery for a daydream.

I have to say, this is the perfect place to splash some water on your face and refresh for a full afternoon.

Open the shuttered doors, splash your face and refresh for a full afternoon.

The bath is such a refreshing place perfectly placed for a rest full awakening.

The long banked vanity with sinks on the upright, long tiled floors bathed in lighting shining thru the casement windows.

Perhaps as the evening comes along, you may decide to linger a bit longer.

Having traveled through the villa in and about the grounds.....

Ponder the thought, shopping in the morning and into the following day?

The market is calling, you might put your plans on hold....

waiting for another day and a restful nights sleep in a little villa bordered by olive trees, cypress trees and all equipped with i phone or i pad capability.....if you wish!

Retire to the basement in the evening and enjoy the fully equipped cinema.

Enjoy the trip, if even from your settee this morning!

Bon Voyage

luxury retreats.com

P&L choice?

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:26:22 PST

Dark Greis

Light Greis?

Light or dark, shiny or mat?

So many choices available for four simple walls and sub walls.

My kitchen renovation begins to evolve and I am loving this kitchen from Atlanta Homes Magazine.

Rest....

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:37:42 PST

R&R

Sometimes there is nothing like a little R & R to soothe the soul!

Imagine Design Blog

Post it

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:17:07 PST

Note too self- Realized this past week how very much ones health should be tended,cared for as much as deeply appreciated. Many types of obstacles will come and go,with that there is a keen sense of respect for how one avoids or faces their obstacles head on.Count your blessings,appreciate each moment and realize it is the moment that makes a memory. Friday is here,another week is past leaving a long weekend,full of challenges and opportunities! Good fortune and Bon weekend all... L.

Happy Monday...

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:26:27 PST

Wash it away...

A great little kitchen or laundry room sink idea by 79 ideas

Love the integrated sink design and the wooden shelf above.

Happy Monday!

Bon weekend

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:39:54 PST

Bon weekend, I will be returning the first of the week. Happy Birthday to my nephew and my daughter.. Has it really be 19 years, and I would not change a moment! Many, many, more! L.

A little wintery touches with bithday wishes wrapped in pics and glittered giftcard holders.

A cute and natural way to eat smore smores

Loving the natural seating

south of market

One beat at a time.....

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:50:02 PST

Mr. Heartthrob

Interesting title? Not one that would normally be associated with such a Spanish styled home with corridors and understated style.A new year brought not only a new vision and new opportunity to myself and my business growth.I was reminded of life and the ever pressing thoughts of reality, health and family values, once more.

I found myself pulling this film from the filed DVDs in my lot.I was having a similar situation and on a daily basis referring ever so paralleled to Ms.Eve Marks and her situation with her father, minus the alcohol and adding a heart condition to the plot.

A safe looking facade,overgrown with color and textures,many like our characteristics and mannerisms that we carry with us on a daily basis.Not to look too quickly passing the thorns which are too quickly placed to prick and cause wear and tear and possible bleeding along the way.

I love this film, it parallels my life as one of three sisters.I can relate to this in and out state of caring for the daddy and all the while trying to stay on the fore front, tend the family and be successful at the career.All the while there are gorgeous scenes,detail to the interiors and even the perfect orange roses throughout the film.

Here there is more added to Eves plate, but as the solid sister, she takes it on and in the end is glad for doing so.

This by the way is a favorite entryway.

I believe that I could have taken this picture last week.

The phone really needed to be surgically attached to my hand.

There go my roll over minutes!

Notice the floor, the arched and painted doorway, and the chevron floor pattern?

This one scene is a particular favorite of mine.

Notice all the detail is on the dad?

Everything else is pale in comparison, from his attire to his stance it is all about him, much like his situation and the time of their lives in the film.

The artwork is almost ethereal in nature.

I love the look and feel against the chalky textured walls.

How about this place of rest?

The unmade and unorganized bedding,though restful it is a mess and almost would swallow you up if you were to stop and sit a spell.

How about the artwork? KEEPING YOUR HEAD ABOVE NOT BELOW THE CLOUDS?

Enough room to move around but centered on a place of ethereal resting.

Another kitchen shot,ice cream in the bowl?

Eve is oblivious to ordinary moments in this part of the film.

Yet life is still going on and time will not stand still. Love the look of this kitchen, the simple and trim free door ways in and out of the space.

Clean and yet enough for living and living in a stress free environment.

In the closing of the film,though the beloved has moves on...the three find solace in each other.

Learning to cherish the every day and to not take it for granted.

My own story was one of happiness and extreme luck.

New and scientific breakthroughs my own loved one has been spared for the time being,a reminder to not only love life to the fullest but to not ignore ones limitations or faults.

Two different worlds,yet so parallel each with a common thread for a life lesson.

Good weekend,

Sony Pictures / Hooked on Houses pics....

Drop the ball

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:27:04 PST

Welcome 2012

Here's wishing you a prosperous New Year, wherever you are tonight!

vintage 1907 Times Square Ball

LMF.

Winters rest

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:38:43 PST

Put to bed

A truck full of ravaged, worn and weary tendrils of stalk and leaf left for the farm early this a.m.

Time to let the beds rest, the black golden soil rest with a layer of pine needles for cold and damp wintry Evenings.

The beds remain, tucked in for a long sleep only to be renewed in the spring with an abundant and vast crop.

Long winter days ahead are perfect for planning and making new spring arrivals feel at home.

Dreaming of seedlings, rows of herbs and stacks of inspiration.

I am imagining this type of look on the side yard

Beds surrounded by pea gravel

This modular look is finding by inner geometry interest

Raised desking,modular seating and a splash of orange.

This type of seating would really suit the spring 2012.

Remodelista pics

Enjoying the time off

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:30:21 PST

Taking the time to smell the roses at La Maison Fou, ready to close a full year and welcome a new one too! Enjoy, L.

snowlines

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:57:05 PST

Not So Very Long Ago

Our January around here would have served this image well.

Although it is cold,we have not had any of the "white stuff" yet!

There is hope for snowmen, snow angels and local X-Games on side streets, vacant lots and challenging hilly driveways.

Many a hat will be worn,many a phrase will be sworn and the best est holiday ever is about to unfold to young and to old.

School is almost out, gifts are getting wrapped and the magic of Christmas is upon us.

This far away place seems so very peaceful and serene.

cdecor via pinterest

It's starting to get serious!

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:51:24 PST

UP TO YOUR WELLIES YET?

The official wild rumpus has begun and the countdown this week could get rather sticky at times and depending where you go!

You had bettah shop around.

Remember when you are in the wrong line, the slow lane or the parking lot with no spaces...

Merry Merry!

LMF.

JOY IDEAS

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:50:36 PST

Holiday ideas..

Spell out your message in exterior illumination

Flea market vintage globes,too worldly to say.

An entire year of collecting these little pretties...

Taking time to appreciate the sights, sounds and surroundings of the Holiday and all the magical additions to the end of the year.

Hot Haute Hot

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:16:25 PST

H-H-H

A little hot and haute design from the strip district in PA.

World finds and eclectic mixes of old and new.

Sounds like my kind of place.

d.Sponge

Cleaning Up..

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:35:07 PST

Cleaning Up

We are well into the merriment, while I wrap up work this week and my own personal shopping days.

I am loving this enduring quote, and how great does this rug look underfoot?

Keep Calm this week and Carry Home those treasures

Houzz

JOY

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:47:05 PST

JOY

THERE IS SIMPLE JOY IN CLEAN EVERGREEN LOOK OF WREATHS,

GARLANDS AND THESE LOVELY WORDS TO LIVE BY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

joy to your world today!

Jill Brinson's Home and facade as seen in Atlanta Homes magazine 2011

Pic by Bill Brinson

Top bunk

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:31:37 PST

Top or Bottom?

Loving these adult sized bunk beds.

A little modern cozy...

The Aestate

under the weather

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:49:02 PST

Cold.

Excuse me while I take a day or two off as I have let a cold catch up with me!

Drats!

Feeling bettah soon,

Vitamin C, stat!

Gilding the Lily

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:28:30 PST

Saturday

The first of many weekends before the Christmas Festivities are indeed here.

I can hear the cracking of cellophane, see the wide eyes of a child glisten as the last ornament is hung,smell the homemade treats that so abundantly appear this time of year.

As we send our loved ones out into the thick of things armed with lists,heavy winter coat for hand to hand standing in line combat,facing the weight lifting required for extra package challenges we must remind them to be kind and grab a seat when need be and rest those weary feet.

Happy Weekend Running......

An extremely inviting place to sit down but up those feet,cause your dogs are barking.

CEverard

Christmas Walk Home Tour

noreply@blogger.com (La Maison Fou) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:58:20 PST

Walk and Talk....

If you live in the Tulsa metro area this weekend is the annual Cascia Christmas Walk 2011.

A visual treat to walk from 4 homes decorated for the holidays.

I personally have a custom kitchen highlighted in the home tour and some additional accents sprinkled around the home.The second home is also a favorite and also has some custom pieces that I was commissioned to create as well.

Looking forward to a little Christmas this Sunday 11 - 4 p.m.

Tix still available.

For more information click here: tulsapeople.com

The living room of one of the homes on the tour.

The charming and always gracious homeowner is as bright and shining as her home.

This is a must see on the tour, inside and out.

The same home in the dining room.

The snowman was a commissioned piece for the homeowner, made from paper mache and sprinkled with silvers and neutral sparkles.

The main living area in another of the homes on the tour.

This home is full of visual surprises inside and out as well.

The fireplace in this room is very unexpected and really frames the entire room.

Lovely family room is serene, comfortable without just the right amount of holiday.

A guest room in the same home.

The sleek sleigh bed frame was commissioned and hand finished to specifications of the homeowners.

Love that pic of jolly St. Nick!

Mark your calendar's and enjoy a couple hours of design and decor as you tour!

Photo credits TP Tulsa People