Thank you House Beautiful! Images yet to be seen

 A beautiful and cozy room designed by Kevin Isbell in the December/January issue

I'm happy to have been contacted by House Beautiful to write a post on Grass Cloth a week ago and very honored for the mention and link that will appear in the December/January issue.  If you have an iPhone you'll be able to link to Belle Vivir through the HB Connect app.  (correction Android phone users can download an free app called Digimarc Discover).  It's amazing how dynamic and personal magazines have become.
House Beautiful was kind enough to send me the article so I can see it and new watermarked images that will appear in the December/January issue.
Kevin Isbell knew how to make this1930's center-hall colonial home current by injecting warm and intrinsic details such as geometric trims to floral curtains, gross-grain ribbon tape to a plain white sofa and visually connecting two separate rooms by custom painting grass cloth walls the same color as the ceiling.  "Grass cloth has a warmth that paint does not, and darker colors are more cocoon-like" Kevin Isbell.  

I absolutely adore the contrast between the modern looking cocktail table and the wicker basket in the family room.  Notice the detail of the tape on the sofa.  It's all in the small details that slowly reveal themselves to you.  In this room the grass cloth used is a bit more textured than the one used in the bedroom above.  A very applicable difference, I think.

You know how I feel about any klismos and klismos influenced chairs, right?  It's forever my favorite chair.  And the contrast here between the lilac slipcovered chair and the leather brown on the klismos chair is the perfect union of masculine and feminine.  I didn't want to spoil the article so I'm only posting the three images above, the two below are from Isbell's website.  As they prove, he really knows how to cozy things up.  Enjoy!

 Top three watermarked images exclusive from House Beautiful, last two from Kevin Isbell website.

The Versatility of Grasscloth wallpaper

 

I said it before and I'll say it again, the versatility of grasscloth wallpaper is indisputable.  It adds coziness and texture to a bare wall almost instantly while the natural fibers provide a home with that perfectly imperfect patina.  I have used grasscloth wallpaper a few times in different projects, including my home and its easiness to either glam up or glam down a room never fails to surprise me.  In the second image below, the use of white washed wood, lush fur throw and seagrass wallpaper make the entire ambience glamorous and velvety.  
Long gone are the days when this type of wallpaper would only be available in solid colors.  Now you can find them with all types of hand printed patterns.  Ideal to take it all up a notch!

 Below, my powder room.

first four images via House Beautiful

The 2012 Kitchen of the Year

Mick De Giulio is the "go to guy" for excellence in kitchen design.  I have written about Mick before here.   His designs take kitchens to another level, like jewel boxes of luxury and efficiency.

Each year House Beautiful anoints a prominent designer or chief the honor of designing a kitchen in Rockefeller Center.  Once unveiled to the public, there are tastings, special events, and mixology classes.  My only complaint is, "It's not open long enough!"

This is one sweet kitchen, right?

I love the unexpected touch of blue ~ coupled with the gleaming surfaces, stainless steel, mirrors, and wood, it's classic and timeless.  The walnut and metal cabinet makes pots and pans sculptural in the hands of Mick.

It really should be called kitchen and great room/space of the year.  At 1,000 sq. feet I think that's a better description.  A few modern rustic elements mixed in keep things from feeling too formal.

Another great design Mick ~

Kitchen of the week: Kichens with TVs

Many people have a sort of TV aversion.  Kind of like the TV will slowly morph into their brains,  brain wash them, and wake up the next day as an even worse person.  Let's not forget that BALANCE! is a very, if not the most, important word in life.  I'm even guilty of turning it on and keeping it on while I work from home sometimes.  We all have an annoying friend who does not shut up but we don't want to live without, that's TV for me.  It keeps me company a lot!
TVs in the kitchens are loved by children and maids (hello soap operas) in countries where house help is affordable. Enjoy!

Herringbone floors and a minimalist kitchen island= perfect for a bachelor.

I'm not sure if this is a TV in this kitchen but it looks like one. 

I love the red in this kitchen where the TV is attached to the upper cabinets.

A glam kitchen also needs some company.

An "A~Ha" Moment

Last week during Blogfest, which I will go into further in my next post, Newell Turner of House Beautiful and a panel of guests including ~ Michael Herold,  Jane Goldenberg and Jon Call talked about their  "a-ha" moments; what inspires them and what was a turning point in each of their careers.

House beautiful asked each of us to share an "a-ha" moment. Here's mine.  I have told this story many times because it was profound .


I clearly remember being interested in participating in a community show house a few years ago. I felt like it was the right time in my career and I was excited about the idea of creating a show house worthy room but I was terrified!

I think the reality of putting yourself  "out there" to potentially be judged, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, all contributed to my high level of anxiety.

Edgcumbe House

I toured the house and made my selection.  I turned in my paperwork, hands shaking, and waited.  All the while questioning whether I was doing the right thing.  I knew I was being silly,  I didn't fully understand was I was so fearful!

Long story shorter ~ I created A Serene Salon in a small room on the third floor.

 I was inspired by a recent trip to Turkey.  I married that with the character of the historic home, as well as old and new, rustic and refined.  It was a hit!

 I enjoyed the process, the camaraderie with the other designers, and talking to those touring the house.  My little room was accepted into a book AND  I got a job from it, which almost never happens.  I learned NEVER to let fear be a deterrent.  If I am fearful ~ that's all the more reason why I need to plow through the task at hand.

I practice this philosophy often and have taught it to my children. I never want to look back and say, I should have...