If you find there is any copyright abuse, contact us as soon as possible, thanks.
Food Tour
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Bluelines
Posted by LenaI just got back from a quick trip to Portland, Maine. I was there to work, but spent a big portion of the time eating!
Dining in, dining out... both simple food and sophisticated... it was all so delicious.
Here are some snapshots of my meals in Portland, and a list of restaurants I highly recommend.
FORE STREET
Fantastic local, seasonal food in a beautiful old building.
288 Fore Street
BRESCA
A sweet, intimate restaurant with great Italian dishes, also made with fresh, local ingredients.
111 Middle Street
BLUE SPOON
The perfect place to get a really delicious soup and salad for lunch.
89 Congress St
FLAT BREAD COMPANY
Wood fired pizza with toppings like organic vegetables, homemade maple fennel sausage, and goat cheese.
72 Commercial Street
SARA'S TEA SHOP
This sweet little tea shop doesn't have a website, but the loose teas are wonderful and the homemade scones are to die for.
195 Congress street
adventures in beekeeping: flowers on the menu
05/01/2008, 15:30 | Original Site: shelterrific
Our bees are late. They were supposed to arrive last Saturday, but at the last minute we got a call saying they wouldn’t be available until this Saturday… something about the weather still being a touch too cold for them. We used our extra weekend to get our garden ready for our a buzzing friends. When we bought the place, the front garden was a bit of an overgrown mess. A wild vine was consuming the fireplace, and the little patch of dirt was an uneven cluster of flowers and weeds. Chad’s been clearing out the clutter, and this Saturday it was finally ready for some planting. We heard that bees really respond to purple flowers, so we put in some May Night Salvia, Emerald Blue Moss Phlox and my favorite, Provence Lavender. This will keep things pretty and tasty for a month or so. But what we need to do next is plant some autumn blooming flowers, so the bees will be kept busy for months and months. Something yellow, perhaps. Any suggestions? — Angela M.
Etsy Find of the Day: Niki Kelce Illustrations
04/11/2008, 20:21 | Original Site: More Ways to Waste Tim
I've been a huge flickr fan of I Can't Live Without a Poni (aka Brooklyn artist, Parsons grad, and blogger Niki Kelce) for awhile now. So I was thrilled to discover that she recently opened an Etsy shop to sell her mindblowingly intricate and beautiful original drawings. Above: The Seeds Are Thinking, $300
My Frustration, $250
From the Capsules Came a Garden, $400
Floating, framed drawing, $400
Family Portrait 1, $300Visit Niki Kelce's new Etsy shop right here -- and see more of her amazing work here.
(P.S. For those of us on a tight budget, Kelce promises to add prints to her shop soon. I'll let you know when she does.)
Mary Jane Pool and La Dolce Vita
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: The Peak of Chic
I really went gaga over legendary magazine editor Mary Jane Pool's apartment that was featured in the March Domino. I thought it was such a beautiful mix of graceful antiques, 20th century pieces, and gorgeous fabrics and wallpaper. So, while I was reading Tiffany Taste
According to the book, Ms. Pool has a fondness for all things Venetian (this is confirmed by the Domino article, which notes that Pool has a decent sized collection of 18th and 19th c. painted Venetian antiques). For a summer lunch, Ms. Pool would likely start with a salad of shredded celery, mushrooms, Gruyère, white truffles, and a vinaigrette of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The main course might be a pasta gratinée of green tagliarini, béchamel, prosciutto, and tomato. For dessert? Chocolate twigs or truffles, grapes, or strawberries accompanied by mandarin orange tea. Oh, and no wine- "nothing dangerous"- with lunch, only San Pellegrino. After all, when you're an editor of a magazine, you have to stay on your toes!
What I enjoyed most were the photos of Pool's Sutton Place apartment circa 1986. Author John Loring wrote that Pool "knows as much as anyone about the domestic pleasures that make life sweet." I wholeheartedly agree.
What a sumptuous mix of yellow satin curtains, yellow walls, and red satin(?) chairs. In fact, those chairs appear to be the same ones that were featured in Pool's Olympic Tower apartment, although at that time they were covered in orange cotton pique. The mirror is 18th c. Venetian. And notice the pedestal table, which Pool still owns today (see image of Pool at top). According to Tiffany Taste, the base is in the shape of a neoclassic Italian urn.
Another Venetian piece- this time an 18th c. painted commode. The tea service is Royal Berlin, and the silver Tiffany basket is filled with chocolate twigs.
Tiffany's classic "Chrysanthemum" flatware and "Nymphalidae" dessert plates adorn the table. Strawberries are nestled in a Tiffany sterling basket.
(Image at top of Pool- photographer Annie Schlechter)
41. To Purchase Or Not To Purchase.... That Is My Question!
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: let your creativity .... FLOW
see this lovely writing desk and upholstered stool...
i want it. i want to strip it, paint it white and reupholster the stool with a lovely textured pattern but i don't know if it's worth $200 up front.
should i? should i not?
it's going to cost me another $300 just to get it looking pretty!
suggestions???
my brain sister's very special day
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: studio wellspring
do you have a sister? well i am lucky enough to have two. one is biological {more about her on her special day} and the other is chosen. because we found each other in this lifetime {& perhaps previous ones too} by choices more than birth we call each other brain sisters. and, because our minds are so alike, we are such kindred spirits, the term "best friend" really wasn't adequate. so we made up our own description for our connection: brain sisters! we made this up when we were in middle school, so perhaps today we'd come up with something more eloquent, but i think the nostalgia of it is enough to keep it going for the rest of our lives.
in this stunningly beautiful, magna-cum-laude intelligent, unendingly supportive, creatively blissful woman i have found so much more than i could have ever predicted back when we first met in jazz dance class as pre-teens. even though for much of our lives we've lived in different towns, our connection has never swerved. and i fully believe that is a testament to her ability to grow, and let those she loves grow, without it going apart. . . . just a winding along side sort of growth that holds you through and through. now we are lucky enough to live 2 blocks away and it really is one of the most delightfully satisfying experiences to fulfill such a long-time dream of being able to walk over anytime to borrow sugar, give a surprise bouquet, or just to get a muchly needed hug after a long day.but when i reflect on what really makes jenni so special in my life it is this:
this woman understands me. all the way. and she still loves me for it.
i can't tell you how awe inspiring this is.
plus it’s not just any ol’ average gal we’re talking about here ~ this is an incredibly awesome lady! this is the type of woman who lights up a room every time she enters it, no matter where or when. if you need something, anything, done with the highest attention to detail, the most creativity and perfect punctuality then she is the one to call. if you’re in a deep dark pit of a hole and lost and scared and can’t even muster the concept of how to get out, she’s the type who won’t wait for your call but will recognize immediately what to do for you, and then do it {i still have the happy love notes she left all over my apartment for me to find as i went about my depressing daily grind when i was 22 and my whole life fell devastatingly apart}. she gives excellent advice because she’s very wise and insightful and observant. she is utterly inspiring because she’s so damn smart and creative and good with her hands. oh, and i haven’t even gotten around to describing her dance yet! she has been stunning audiences with her connection to music and graceful strength of movement for decades, and continually pushing herself to reach higher. she shines onstage and off in a way that thoroughly captivates.sure we’ve changed and shifted over the last 20 years in multitudes of ways but there is a constant thru-line, an inner core of our beings that has remained the same. . . and it’s been witnessed and nurtured by each other. there really is no greater gift than the gift of true mutual understanding because what that really means is unconditional love.
to say i am grateful isn’t enough. to say i am lucky to know her & be in her life isn’t enough. so i’ll just say, i see you jenni robin, and i love you for all that you are today and always.
Tiny Chairs - How cute are these!
04/21/2008, 07:02 | Original Site: ::Surroundings::
Miniature Chairs Set
Dimitra & Bill of Up To You in Toronto sent word of these cute - and tiny - reproductions that they are carrying. There ar four different designer sets (9 chairs in each set,). Designers represented include: Eames, Mackintosh, Mies van der Rohe, Prouve, etc. Each set of nine chairs is $95 and there are a total of 36 chairs available at $12 each.
These are great alternatives to the Vitra chair minis, which I saw at Conrans in Paris a couple of months ago. (I've been waiting for a chance to use these images!)
What is it about tiny things? So cute!
See You Soon!
04/21/2008, 21:07 | Original Site: decor8
I've been battling the flu for over 10 days now and the doctor told me that I won't kick it until I stop working and just sleep... So that's what I plan to do. But I should feel better soon and when I do, I'll return with lots of lovely product submissions to share along with another office redux so I'll meet you back here in a few days. Thank you so much for understanding!
(image by holly becker, a woodpecker outside of my bedroom window taken last week.)
Truely Postmodern Architecture
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Design Mind
Postmodernism was originally a reaction to modernism. Largely influenced by the Western European disillusionment induced by World War II, postmodernism tends to refer to a cultural, intellectual, or artistic state lacking a clear central hierarchy or organizing principle and embodying extreme complexity, contradiction, ambiguity, diversity, interconnectedness or interreferentiality, in a way that is often indistinguishable from a parody of itself. The home entitled Bunny Lane is what I would call true postmodern architecture. With a mix of style and no central aesthetic principles, it is a home that encompasses two unique homes under the roof of a third. It is wildly unique with lots of contradiction and ambiguity and breaks the boundaries of residential architecture as we knew them to be. Bravo to Architecture & Hygiene for this fabulous design.heaven on earth
03/28/2008, 05:23 | Original Site: red.house
: : I spend my days longing for this place. the view from the sauna at my family's summer house. it's heaven on earth : :Another Week Begins
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: absolutely beautiful things
I love filling my blue and white ginger jars and vases with fresh pretty flowers just the way Meg Braff has done above - so pretty!! I hope you all had a great weekend! To start the week here at ABT I would like to thank Grace over at Design*Sponge for featuring my 2 wing chairs in her before & after series - thanks Grace for your continued support. I'm looking forward to lots of great posts here this week so stay tuned!!
Thos. Moser Handcrafted Furniture
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Design Mind
Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers is guided by their mission to: build furniture that celebrates the natural beauty of wood; is of simple, unadorned, graceful line; and is crafted for a long, useful life. While their furniture comes in many styles, modern design fits this mission quite well.Outdoors: Artisan Shepherd’s Huts
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: RemodelistaFrom Julie:
Houseguests, anyone? We love this idea, spotted on Apartment Therapy: Artisan Shepherd’s Huts. Paulus Smith has been a specialist joiner for over 25 years, working on listed and historic buildings. He now spends his time creating meticulously crafted shepherd’s huts from his medieval barn workshop in Sussex; wheels are cast from molten iron using original patterns, floors are solid oak, and all fittings such as door handles and window fastenings are high-quality reproductions. Can be used as garden retreat, spare room, studio, or office. Prices start at about ÂŁ11,000; go to Artisan Shepherd’s Huts for more information.
Adventurous Spirit: Mrs. Tependris
03/28/2008, 19:08 | Original Site: style courtI leave you with the grand salon of globe-trotting, art-collecting, adventure-seeking Mrs. Tependris. Created by artist Konstantin Kakanias, she's the stylish illustrated character who searches for enlightenment.
This opulent room represents her past. Notice the walls painted -- or papered -- with a chinoiserie motif? The animal prints and the masses of Asian vases? Most of all I love how Kakanias has interpreted the numerous French chairs as almost abstract little blips of color.
All images above from Mrs. Tependris: The Contemporary Years: The Adventures of An Art Collector.
Diwali Ki Shubhkamnayen: 5.11.2007
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Rang-Decor {Interior Ideas predominantly Indian}
This is an out & out traditional arrangement. Beautiful green beetle leaves arranged in a circular fashion with festive, cheery yellow marigolds and pink buds giving it that colourful contrast.In the center is a mini traditional Kerala lamp lit with wicks dipped in oil. Shiny brass diyas complete the outer circle with their festive brightness:-)
(Images & ideas by Arch, feel free to get inspired and link to me but if you want to use my photographs for some other purpose please send me a mail)
in the kitchen with: mod green pod
04/04/2008, 18:00 | Original Site: Design*Sponge
today’s in the kitchen with belongs to designer nancy mims of eco-friendly design company, mod green pod. if you’re new to the site, via new york magazine, each friday we share a recipe from one of our favorite designers. today i’m thrilled to share one of nancy’s favorite recipes, beet risotto. if you’re looking for a way to take advantage of spring’s green markets or just create a meal for vegetarian guests, this is a fantastic weekend meal. nancy has included some gorgeous photographs, as well as the full recipe instructions- click here for the full post, or just click “read more” below. [thanks, nancy!]
When color studies aren't real
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Hue
For example, I was at a lecture the other week, listening to an eco-friendly company rep talk about using green products for building. While he had a captive audience of color consultants in the room, he asked our opinion about a specific paint color chosen for a doctor's office.
The architect of the project had supported his color choice by declaring that "studies had shown" that this particularly dreadful shade of diarrhea green was calming and soothing to patients. I wish I had taken a picture of this color sample- it was SO awful!
This "study" comes from CNW Marketing Research where they evidently asked nearly 1,900 Americans about their attitudes toward their own lives at several points over the course of a year. They also asked each participant the color of the car they drive most often, which allowed the researchers to develop a kind of color-confidence index.
According to CNW, here's what the color of a car says about the person who bought it:
They were also able to calculate the "moodiness" of drivers—how widely their confidence varied from one extreme to the other, in the course of a year.
What do they mean by "confidence"? See what I mean? Recipes involving colors just don't work. There's no validity to that. What if a subject chose their particular car, not based on a color, but instead based on availability of that model? My car is silver gray. Probably one of the last colors I would have personally chosen, had I had options.Well, that's my take on this, in any case. Anyone share my sentiments?
ADSPCAD
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: katiedid
Photo by Scott Francis
Michael Schaible's stunning retreat on the North Shore of Mexico's Lake Chapala. Amazing.
Photo by Durston Saylor
The very glamorous New York apartment of the very glamorous Geoffrey Bradfield. It is worth a look just to see Mr. Bradfield in his pastel pink suit!
Photo by Mario Ciampi
The flat in Venetian Palazzo owned by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt. There is so much in this article, I can't even begin! It is a breathtaking masterpiece, and this piece alone is worth the full cover price.
Photo by Scott Francis
The Mid century Yacht design of Mitchell Turnbough. This is a nice break from the unreachable over the top luxury yachts you typically might see. It is so well done in a more understated way, and something that takes me back to my "sailing" days. There is something reminiscent here of the yachting days of the early 20th.
Photo by Derry Moore
The Spanish country house of Jaime Parlade at Alcuzcuz in Andalusia. There were so many beautiful photos here, it was very difficult to just choose one "teaser". I thought this bedroom was a very personal space that let Mr. Parlade's personality shine through. It is a smile producer.
Photo by Leigh Brown
The Sonoma County Craftsman Hillside Farmhouse of Jacques Saint Dizier. The interiors keep to the Craftsman roots without becoming expected. Loved it!
Photo by Durston SaylorThe Manhattan apartment Of Francine Coffey. A decidedly different look from the other choices for this issue, it is a very boldly colored Neoclassical design she refers to as "nouveau Federal". Hmm. There is alot of plaid. In this particular photo I could be sold. I would love your thoughts on the rest of the apartment!
Photo by Mary E. NicholsThe Pacific Heights home of Banana Republic President, Jack Calhoun. I thought many of you would be very curious to see this home!
And if this weren't enough, there are several captivating hotels from around the world...each very different and unique:
Photo by Tim Beddow
The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. The Ceiling!
Photo by Scott Francis
Huntley Santa Monica Beach. So very cool.
Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa. Ready to go?
There are, of course, all of the extras that you would normally expect from AD.
On top of that you can see the first four homes of the Open Auditions which AD began in October of 2007. Over the next seven months, the AD panelists saw over 1000 projects and have narrowed the field to 50 that have been chosen for publication.
I may be taken in by the quantity of very good stuff in this issue, but it also seems that the photography is fresher, brighter. Scott Francis, I have been informed, has been shooting for AD for many years and has a number of projects photographed for this issue. Very beautiful photos all around.
I just know I was very pleasantly swept off my feet by this issue. I think you will be too. Let me know what you think!
Coleen's Back!
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: The Peak of Chic
(Image at top: In addition to her custom Chinoiserie panels, Coleen has now added the Orange Tree topiary and the Kumquat Tree topiary panels to the collection- sold separately.)
Italian Gilt Barcart with Tassels
Pair of Faux Painted Obelisks
19th c. French Damask Linen Screen
Vintage Tole Fruit Centerpiece
KID Friendly & Unique
07/21/2008, 22:20 | Original Site: MadeByGirl
*above, Pamela's daughter , invited her classmates to decorate their sofas by using paint. What an interesting way to spice up a living room! As for me, I haven't decided what fabric to use on my new sofa, but this is kind of neat! Maybe I could invite some neighborhood kids over to do this for me. Just kidding! Although, I think it looks great! What do you think of this idea?? Would you let your children in on the decor of your home like this?
affordable art that?s worth admiring
04/29/2008, 15:15 | Original Site: shelterrific
We recently visited online art store Petaline and were pleased by their selection of affordable art. Most work hovers in the $100 range (and there are plenty of pieces for far less). Best of all, however, is the quality — these aren’t mass-produced mall-store posters but beautiful and engaging original paintings and limited-edition prints. We especially like the rogues’ gallery of giclee prints from Chris Crites — last-century mugshots that he originally painted on paper sacks. Elizabeth Soule’s “Little Zoo” series of photographs are colorful and fun, while paintings by Irene Wood are soothing and serene. See all of Petaline’s affordable art offerings here.
Update: Check out Leah’s expanded post on more of Chris Crites’ work.
eiCrate
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Design Mind
Now you can crate your pet in modern style with eiCrate. It comes in five colors and has several accessories. The only negative, limited sizing.Color Catastrophe
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: HueShe got this image in some product literature that a carpet rep brought in and wanted to share it with us.
Can you imagine sitting through a meeting in that conference room? It seems like it would be very agitating. And then the hallway...the complete opposite extreme! Grey upon beige upon taupe?I concur, this space would not be one I would want to spend any period of time trying to concentrate in. Yikes! It would be fun to see what other horrible color mishaps people can find. Let's start a collection of what not to do with color- send in your best examples and we can vote on the worst!
Mid-Century Inspired Custom Home, Dallas, by Greico Designers
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Design Milk
  
I really enjoyed checking out this house by Greico Designers/Builders. I get a lot of submissions with magazine-ready photos, but these non-professional photos are endearing because they are much more realistic. I like the “what you see is what you get” or “celebrities without makeup” approach.
Post-Modern Economy
04/23/2008, 15:39 | Original Site: designer's library
Just some quick Modern Economy-related updates:
-Congratulations to Hae Min Cho of SF for winning the $150 prize package raffle!
-Thank you to Jane Maynard for posting about the sale on her blog and for taking great pictures of the sale. We brought our camera but forgot the all-essential battery so we didn't have any images from the event.
- And with all the busy-ness preparing for the sale, I didn't realize that tickets went on sale for the Flight of the Conchords concert in SF. And now, the all the tickets are sold out. Not cool.
(Image above: ©2008 jane maynard design)