BEAUTIFUL BONES DESIGN

Les Folies Bergeres

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:54:00 +0000

It's not a wing chair, which stands stiff by comparison. And it's so much more than an armchair. Strictly defined, a bergère has a closed back. Its cushy, deep, wide, nearly over-upholstered seat cushion must remain loose. And padded or not, its elbow rests sit on upholstered frames. Made for lounging in comfort, its 18th Century French inventors wanted you to free the bergere from stuffy, formal arrangements. Let the fauteuils stand like soldiers against a wall. The beauty of this 360-degree sculptural form is that it looks lovely no matter where you push or pull it to catch the best light, or to draw in closer to conversation. Yes, the club chair in your den may be more plush. But can its clunky square silhouette negotiate the most luxurious of rooms with the bergere's finesse? No, only the bergère combines glamour and comfort in historic proportions which, I'd argue, make it the best candidate for contemporary homes where guests gather in the same rooms we slouch in. But how modern can it go? Change out its wood frame for steel and isn't Eero Saarinen's Womb chair a virtual bergère ? Loosen up your expectations. From transitional to the downright hip, we think the following beauties are truly folies bergères.

Usona Home Model #08147 (below)

Above, from left to right: Mrs. Godfrey Chair by Jonathan Adler, California Lounge Chair by Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture, Autoban 213 Bergere by De La Espada.

Above: Otto contemporary Bergere by Henredon; Below from left to right: Kalos Apta chair by Antonio Citterio for Max Alto,

Perla Chair by Jerry Pair

Mad for V&M

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:53:00 +0000

How sweet it is to be included among the Interior Design inSIDERS AT V&M.COM! We certainly shop here often enough to know its products well. The hard part? Narrowing our 'best picks' to 5. Here are the ones that made it on page, along with the runners up. And hurry...one already sold!

clockwise from top left: Crystal tri-band chandelier from Bibi Antiques and Lighting, Large industrial clock from Donovan, 1970s Overman sofa upholstered in white leather (sold!), 1930s American Art Deco Style Ornamental Cast Iron Elevator Grilles from Urban Remains, Vintage Moroccan rug from Nazmiyal Collection, Pair of 1970s Rams head white ceramic table lamps from Needful Things, Vintage Italian Robert di Camerino Style clutch purse, Ch'Ing earthenware Fu Bowl from Circa Trade, Vintage mosaic fire surround from R.T. Facts and Russell Woodard Sculptra patio armchair.

CLICKS AWAY! A NEW LAUNCH!

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Mouse is spreading the word. Karin H Edwards Interiors has launched its new website— with an essential link to our pet-friendly design blog, of course. Here's a sneak peek of the "About" page where our furry friends share the spotlight. For the rest, click here!

RUFF HOUSING

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:32:00 +0000

A collection of great architectural projects with pets in mind. Who wouldn't love this? Our favorites? Built in dens with sleek cutout portals at the KD House by Geneto in Japan (2011) and at Chico, a retail store for dogs in Shizuoka, Japan by Atelier Kuu. All from Architizer.

KITTY PLAY STATION

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:11:00 +0000

Yes, that is our very own Jasper (aka "Kitty Wearstler) you see romping, scratching, and batting for the camera on the Lowe's Creative Ideas website. Seems Mouse has started a trend of pets promoting good design in our family. Masterminded by the Lowe's team and with special make-do by Jasper's faithful friend, Wade Scherrer, this lovely earth-textured construction of hemp rope and springs is the cat's answer for a toy too lovely to banish to the basement. The only catch is, you have to make it. Fear not, the easy how-to is only seven steps to kitty heaven.

And puppy makes 5.

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:38:00 +0000

Looks like I caught even my own mother off guard...yes, as mentioned in a previous post..it's now two labradors in the kitchen. Jack has taken a wife. Her name is Violet and all her accessories shall be the same. Her favorite surface in the house is unquestionably, and unfortunately, a beautiful Bergamo wool that predates the gathering of our canine crew. Next time around...and we could be reupholstering soon...she says Holly Hunt's wears-like-iron "Take Direction" 100% mohair in aubergine will do very well.

It's not exactly violet, but who wants to dress all matchy-matchy with the furniture? All this girl needs from her home, like any of us, is a suitable stage for her closeup.

KITTY CONFIDENTIAL

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:16:00 +0000

A friend reminded me yesterday, I used to have a blog. Before architecture school. Before moving to a new home and undergoing an extensive remodel. Before learning that the most difficult client is, as often claimed, yourself. (My husband agrees).

So where to catch up? Dedicated to animal-friendly interiors as we are, let me introduce you to a few new rooms. And a new occupant, with a whole new set of design criteria that even Mouse could not have anticipated. His name is Jasper (a.k.a. "Kitty Wearstler") Edwards. He sheds. He climbs. He scratches our favorite stain-resistant leathers with his back nails. He nestles to sleep inside cabinets and dresser drawers where he can get closed in for an afternoon or night. He prefers wool over cotton, and our new counter stools to his designated bed. And he's worth it....

Where will you find him? In the rooms we use most— where water runs, appliances are warm, and everyday traffic and divided attentions present entirely unexpected opportunities. In other words, in the kitchen and bath.

The extra wide counter stools are intended to share with Jasper or Mouse sitting beside us, or both. The upholstery, a soft nubby solution dyed acrylic by Holly Hunt Great Outdoors that stays posh and white. And the polished stainless front on the island? A play of light and reflections that although not chosen for this reason, keeps our two large labradors fully entertained. They can watch for food to drop and keep an eye out for intruders all at the same time. Which, of course, is not half as much fun as Kitty would have if he could ever figure out how to jump high enough to latch onto EviStyle's Fall Chandelier. Looking at him in that tub, looking up, I'm glad there are no Acme catalogs for cats, only cartoon coyotes.

CHIC ON THE CHEAP

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:55:00 +0000

We're on the hunt for crisp, graphic bedding and you'll never believe where these soptions turned up. Sears hasn't been cool since our last pair of Toughskins (admittedly, yes, I had a pair in burnt orange denim). But a new partnership with Country Living magazine may change our minds. The linens are as fresh as the book's redesign: pared-down and only part nostalgic, mixing the textures and traditions of times past into present day.

And cheap. "No more fretting over the Frette," says Mouse, "face it, living with me, linens must be replaceable." The quilt comes in a set with two shams: $62.99 for queen, $71.99 for king. But Sears? really?

Sure, if you pair it with the new Simply Vera sheet sets from Kohl's for a more contemporary vibe (above) and, while you're at it, why not pick up that little Elle Decor collection owl for the bedside table (also at Kohl's). Target, what have you started?

DOX-A-LANTERNS

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:03:00 +0000

Mouse would like to remind everyone that it's pumpkin carving season again. And, yes, that is

our little superstar modeling the latest dog-a-lantern stencils for Better Homes & Gardens.

If she doesn't look happy here it's only because

of her superior method acting... it's Halloween after all and she should show a good scare.

SWITCH HITS

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:02:00 +0000

Details, details. Why, when the nickel and brass light switches of a hundred years ago were so stylish, do we still find plastic, screw-on plates used in the finest of homes?

There are alternatives. Forbes & Lomax is our favorite of these, having pioneered the screwless, flush to the wall plate. Formerly available in Europe—in finishes from mellow antique bronze to sleek stainless steel— they're lighting up our shores with a sleek new design.

Called the Invisible Lightswitch, its flush acrylic plate allows the wall finish (or covering) to show through. I like its Deco-era silver toggles at center. Carrie Bradshaw found it perfect for her new home with "Big" in the Sex and the City sequel. Mouse, however, likes a little more edge. She also prefers dimmers, for around-the-clock ambience. And you know how she gets what she wants, shown here in luminous nickel silver.

METROPOLITAN MOXIE

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:54:00 +0000

It's day two of our staycation and today we hit New York, specifically 3rd Avenue. Click here to tag along on our visit with designer Karen Williams, courtesy of Decorati.

GARDEN DESIGN

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:35:00 +0000

Five glorious days off and no travel plans in sight. But why should that stop us from exploring the globe design-wise? So we've decided to blog where we wish we could dash off to—that is, if our very dashing Charlie were not obliged to stay in town this week. Here's choice #1, day #1:Nine magnificent gardens in the Cotswold Hills of Gloucestershire, where the partial ruins of Sudeley Castle will form a visionary backdrop for probably the best-ever selection of contemporary design pieces to be exhibited outdoors. Organized by Sotheby's and Carpenters Workshop Gallery, the exhibit is, of course, for selling (May 28-Aug 1). And that includes the Spaghetti Corten bench in corten steel and teak by Pablo Reinoso, above, as well as the lacelike Bon Bon Gold chair by Marcel Wanders, below.

A favorite of ours and very much a pioneer in the "design as art movement," we first fell for CarpentersWorkshop on seeing the limited edition furniture pieces of Sebastian Brajkovic.

Combining lathe-turned bronze or aluminum with exquisitely embroidered fabrics, his work

stretches today's fantasies of genteel, 18th Century Rococo.

With work of this quality, what could we expect to see outdoors? Rumor is this show will include a never-before-

seen piece by Brajkovic entitled Lathe X. I'm holding out for Marc Quinn's Mountain armchair and Lake table, an edition of 20 carved of pure white Carrera marble.

Other artists and designers (what is the difference in this case?) to watch out for include Lionel Scoccimaro, Wendell Castle, Robert Stadler, Vincent Dubourg, Jurgen Bey and Ingrid Donat.

Precedents for a show of this kind are the Beyond Limits modern sculpture exhibits at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, now in their fifth year. But can even the whispy, magical floating cities of Tomás Saraceno compete with Sudeley's history as the home of Katherine Parr, the only wife to evade the blade of Henry VIII? Who let everyone know of her own true love (Thomas Seymour) and managed to marry him once Henry's gout did him in? Let others dream of bigger things, the reluctant queen might say. Unlike the monumental works at Chatsworth, these pieces are in perfect scale for home collectors.

So walk up close. Like Donat's simple-from-a-distance console table, craftsmanship of this level excels in detail.

Okay, where's our ticket?

KNOW WHEN TO FOLD THEM

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:21:00 +0000

Mouse's ears are perked to news of Modloft, a stylish and sensible—not to mention affordable—line of furnishings now available through yliving. The choices are even more enticing when they offer, well, choices. Open frame bedside tables with nesting components (the Ludlow) and multi-tiered coffee tables with 360 degree rotating surfaces (the Crosby) bend to your every need. (I imagine Mouse negotiating with me to relax, put on a movie, and eat take-out on some of those lower tiers.)

STEAL THIS FRAME

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:07:00 +0000

The six-figure David Smith painting may be out of our league, but the frame is another story. So lovely, so simple and so easy to execute as a little D.I.Y. ourselves. The clever design is a reproduction of a mid-20th Century frame by Le Corbusier, which brings an even more beautiful picture to mind of art dropping unexpected shadows on perfect white walls. For this piece, contact Margo Leavin Gallery in Los Angeles. ("Only an art dealer with dachshunds at home could be this smart," says Mouse).

LOOK WHO'S GOT OUR GOAT

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:34:00 +0000

It's Lyle & Umbach whose Goat Leg Table in high-polish nickel conjures visions of oh-so perfect European interiors where contemporary furniture blends perfectly into traditionally paneled rooms decked in Old Master paintings. A Rubens with frolicking satyrs and nymphs particularly comes to mind. And for good reason. This table is a fresh, modern take on ideas tracing back to the days of Queen Anne. Its new hoof caps what's essentially a cabriole leg, whose outcurved knee and incurved ankle stylize the rear leg of a leaping goat (cabriole is Italian for "goat's leap"). Google "satyr table" and you'll see the style evolution from above to this beauty in carved wood by Niermann Weeks (available through Decorati, of course), and back to their 18th Century precedents.

WITH GRATEFUL THANKS

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:58:00 +0000

Our sincere thanks to AreaRugs.com for listing us among their Top Interior Design blogs. What can we say? Mouse loves a pat on the head every now and then. Just as much as she adores discovering a beautiful new find. With much gratitude, here's some of our favorites from their site. All affordable, and all up to our standards of worry-free luxury.

AND THE WINNER FOR BABY WILCOX IS....

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:30:00 +0000

There was the Kapsule chair by Karim Rashid whose womblike shape promised to hug this toddler's widdle bottom safely in place while teaching him, yes, to pick up his toys. (Its seat lifts up to reveal storage, available through Spacify). An accordion-shaped dresser from Posh Tots was equally creative while sending a message of appreciation for life's less-than-orderly moments. Then there was the classic, a little man's oh-so-comfy club chair upholstered in a chintz of planes, trains, and automobiles found, among other places, at Spoiled Rotten Too. But in the long contest to win Baby Wilcox's little heart (see our SLEEP WELL BABY post from August), it was the LouLou Ghost that won in the end.

Purchased at Kartell's North Robertson shop in West Hollywood, the chair was a big hit when we carried it—wrapped in a big bow—into the garden lounge of the Sunset Marquis. Positioned at the head of our table, a fellow guest even offered to buy the little guy a drink (juice, of course). Final satisfaction, however, came in the form of the above (top, left) photo courtesy of parents Dan and Maggie. Both hip and classic, this little treasure is a collectible piece of Stark-tacular style that Baby Wilcox can keep around forever, no matter how many soggy cheerios fall onto its seat in the meantime. No wonder he looks so relaxed.

TILE TIPS FROM BARNEY'S NEW YORK

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:14:00 +0000

The new Barney's in Chicago left Mouse and I simply floored. No, we weren't happy to see their home design department leave their former strorefront location (just across the steet) for upper story exile in this new building. And we missed how visiting the truly gifted Regina (famously this town's best makeup artist) once happened on a bustling ground floor location featuring spontaneous social gatherings and ample natural light. Larger decisions aside, we walked away with a mosaic of flooring ideas. Only ten steps inside their front door, our camera was snapping. Forget expensive materials. Like the best designs, these jazzy passages are a matter of sheer invention. White, beige and black 2x2 ceramic tiles sell for as little as $3 a square foot. But the graphic play of of these stripes, diamonds and chainlink patterns create a level of art that feels like sheer luxury.

SCARLET CONTINUED

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:49:00 +0000

More scarlet colored lighting and, this one, blooming perfect. Available via special order from Lightology. Table lamp versions also beautiful and, if you must, there's a white shade option.

BETTER THAN RED

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:01:00 +0000

There's red and then there's scarlet: Scarlet lips, Scarlet O'Hara, The Scarlet Letter.... From the Persian (säqirlāt) this hue is pure chroma on the color wheel. Redder than red yet softer than vermillion, it tempers the danger of flames with the sweetness of orange Even if it was Prof. Plum with the candlestick in the library, Miss Scarlet made him do it. And in our furious search for fixtures during the new house renovation, it's this color that's sparked our imagination. Whether the mix of scarlet and intricately rippled crystal on Eurofase's Luxuria chandelier above or the more simply tailoring on the Meridian Pendant from Lights Up, we just can't resist coming hither. Come to think of it, this is the same hue on Kitty's new collar from D.O.G. Boutique in West Hollywood as well as the Schumacher grasscloth we once papered onto a certain former bachelor's bedroom walls (yes, I married him), so I guess you can say Mouse and I have Scarlet to thank for a life so saucy-sweet.

HEAVENLY LIGHTING

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

As avid stargazers who also hate the cold, we're thrilled that a little piece of the heavens has finally come indoors. One of our favorite lighting spots in the universe, YLighting online, is debuting the Raimond, a new suspended sphere of sparkling star shapes by Moooi. Designed by mathematics professor Raimond Puts, in association with OX-ID, the light's intricate inner and outer frames of stainless spring steel are joined at LED terminals. The driver is located in the canopy and the wire—as clear as the air for a floating effect. Oh, and YLighting also happens to be giving one of these $1626 value fixtures away for FREE via an online raffle now through December 31st. Click at the bottom of the product description to enter and, while you're there, check out a few of their other exclusive designs as well. I'm a fan of the Obi series lights while Mouse, a hopeless romantic, loves the mellow, black-pearl effect of the Kiss Table Lamp.

CAMEO CRAZY

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Our girl knows what she likes. A touch of George III hangs from Mouse's collar and if she had her way, she'd use the same cameo decoration on our walls. Oval bas reliefs, ribbon-tied bow knots, and berried husk wreaths... this collection of wall moldings inspired by the pattern books of Robert Adam would look correct in a Charleston townhouse remodel, and surprisingly modern used solo on a smooth lacquered wall. All are by The Rotshchild Collection, and surprisingly affordable averaging around $125 per piece retail. And, oh, of course, all are found on Decorati.com!

VACATION'S OVER! LIFE MOVES ON

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:52:00 +0000

It's been a few weeks since our yearly break and we have so much to fill you in on. I'm readjusting to architecture school and dreaming up new things to post on Decorati. And Mouse is gaining speed to weigh in on the remodel of our new home, closing date October 1st. Here's a sneak peek of our little gem, pictured in a 1974 Des Moines Register insert reporting on the "new" uncluttered look in design. It looks essentially unchanged today. Even when it's modern, our girl hunts the classic.

SLEEP WELL, BABY

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Another momentous occasion to catch up on: Friend and fashionista, the beautiful Maggie MacK, has blessed us with a new follower below who brings a host of design issues to bear on this blog. What color should his sheets be and how cuddly? What style of crib? His first chair? And as he's resting those beautiful cheeks against any of these, will toxins to permeate his perfectly soft skin or damage his small yet mighty lungs?True, it's difficult to think about this little fellow leaving a zero carbon footprint while measuring his daily number of disposable diapers. (Judging from his photo, even he's worried). But we've all got to start somewhere. Protecting his health today is protecting our future. But the best hemp hammock is just not a precious enough gift to send Baby. So we went hunting. And here are the contenders.

Since he lives in L.A., we began with AFK who recently opened their first flagship boutique on Wilshire Boulevard (see twin cribs above). Their classically styled, bench-made furniture features solid wood construction and artfully applied handwork, from intricately carved appliqués to exquisite, multilayered water-based non-toxic paints and finishes. Dreamy, but Baby's parents lean much more modern. And our budget leans more, well, lean.

Q Collection is a favorite of ours, their Abigail bench on our home's wish list for several years running. We checked their Junior Collection and found some super cute stools in our price range as well as a beautiful winged-back glider. And we learned even more about baby-safe construction. There's no formaldehyde in the glue that holds their wooden furniture together, no polyurethane in their foam bedding and plush toys as well as their wood stains and paints. This company goes so far as to consider whether pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers were used in growing the cotton of their generous-thread-count sheets. (Note: In California it is illegal to feed the leaves, stems, and short fibers of cotton to livestock because of the concentrated levels of pesticide residues. Meanwhile, this same residue is commonly used to make furniture, mattresses, cotton swabs and cotton balls).

Mouse, however, took one look at Mom and Dad and came to another conclusion. "This boy will be a chick magnet. He needs a chick chair from the ever eco-conscious Roebuck Studio. Maybe a few in different colors to share with his many future fans and friends." Look out, Hollywood. She could be right, but I'm still searching. (Forgive me Maggie). We'll let you know the fabulous result soon.

MATERIAL WISDOM

noreply@blogger.com (Karin H. Edwards) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:29:00 +0000

How do bloggers go on vacation? We throw each other a helping hand. Recently, while the talented kitchen designer Paul Anater was soaking in some Caribbean sun, we had the opportunity to post on his informative site,KitchenandResidentialDesign. Although tempted to take our "we only had a staycation" envy out on someone, we resisted and stayed on topic with kitchen wisdom. ...But.... this is the voice of a girl and a dog who wear matching jewelry, so a little fashion had to play into the topic as well. I reprint it here while Mouse and I take a long awaited break this weekend. Thanks for the soapbox, Paul, much obliged!

*****

You know the expression "It's not the clothes you wear but how you wear them?" Well it's the same with kitchen design. Materials only make the difference if you know how to parade them, play with them, and, ultimately, push them to your best advantage.

So let's stop thinking what comes next after stainless steel. Because the answer is more: More stainless steel, more wood-stain cabinets, and more stone. Knowing this..Can we be as innovative as the Romans? or Corbusier? Some of the greatest contributions to architecture, after all, owe to rethinking the most traditional materials. The art lies in the application. So let's take a closer look at the most commonplace kitchen materials, one at a time.

WOOD

Wood is easily cut, carved, pierced and joined. So why not manipulate the same wood in different ways, as seen in this highly textural kitchen by Jim Livingston of Livingston Kitchens in Deer Park, Illinois? Lattice work, decorative aprons and baroque corbels are lively layers when harmonized with the same wood stain.

Grain is another consideration. The fewer seams, the stronger its graphic impact. Try matching long expanses

of grain from surface to surface, as seen on this zebrawood island by Zack Simmons of CKS Design Studio in Durham. Or consider how distinct grains can be artfully combined with shape and volume, as on this complex edge profile by Craft-Art wood countertops.

MARBLE

Anyone with deep pockets can impress their neighbors with a huge slab of beautifully veined

marble. But who would think to bookmatch smaller slabs into a butterfly pattern? The cost of the material is often less and any extra installation time minimal. But as Bethesda MD designerBradford Creer proves in this marble-clad kitchen, the return makes a one-of-a-kind pattern out of a naturally varying material.

Now up the ante a bit more. Marble isn't quarried by the slab. It comes in blocks that can be cut into several slabs of the same grain.

Karen Williams ofSt. Charles of New York shops this way, always on the hunt for blocks of stone that can be cut into slabs of different shapes and thicknesses and installed one luxurious layer over another.

Combine the potential of nature and technology, and you haveStile Artistic Designwho create intricate inlays of aluminum in marble using laser-jet technology.

STAINLESS STEEL

As restaurants have known for years, this cool industrial surface is virtually impenetrable, easily cleanable, and therefore both safe and hygienic for use on hardworking countertops and appliances. But why lay it flat only? It can be quilted (as seen in 1950s diners), woven in strips, or manipulated in more painterly ways as seen on the Coquille hood byCheng Designs. Here a 16-gauge stainless steel is hand burnished with a ribbon finish that brings hard steel the look of streaming water.

Another cool option is to juxtapose machined steel with its thermal opposite—natural, warm-stained woods. The pairing is even more striking in the kitchenbelow, another bySt. Charles of New York, where the choice to wrap wood cabinets with a steel toe kick makes every use of the material appear purely decorative.

And speaking of decorative, the ever-practical stainless steel sink is also available with couture touches. Among the many new customizations offered by Elkay is a new etching technology. Choose a greek key border design or your own monogram—however the surface is etched, its smoothness (as well as durability and longevity) remains the same.

Some may say what's old is new again. Cliché or truly unique, even when using the most common materials, the choice is up to you.