Thanks to Margot for my questions to Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt of Whatever Martha!. These email “interviews” are always a little awkward and lose the flow, but I think it’s still worth sharing. For example,I really wanted to ask them if they had been Beavis and Butthead fans, because a lot of the times their shows sound like “heh-heh, heh-heh, she said ‘balls…’” but I felt like that might come across as disrespectful, when really I had been a a huge B&B fan back in the day and meant it as sort of a compliment. But whatever, here’s the interview:

How did you two meet? When did you know that the kinds of conversations you have would be perfect for your Whatever radio show?

AS: We met in the hallway at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and soon started ordering lunch together. We knew the radio show would work when we couldn’t get people to stop listening to our conversations.

JKH: We met while I was working for my dad at MSLO and Alexis was filming The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. (As for the radio show) I still don’t know!

Alexis, at what point in your life did you find yourself able to laugh at some of your mother’s projects? She seems to be a good sport about it! Is she really laughing with you?

AS: I have always laughed (OK, sometimes cried) at some of my mother’s projects! She doesn’t mind!

How do each of you pronounce “herb” -  with a silent “h,” or do you  pronounce it like “Herb” Tarlick of “WKRP in Cincinnati?”

AS: I pronounce it with a silent “h�, although to my horror, I have found myself slipping and occasionally Jennifer has caught me saying herb with an audible H! Ugh!!

JKH: I pronounce it with a silent “h.”

Have you seen any photos of Peanut Butter lately? I wonder what he’s up to. I was also wondering if any of his face-painting victims sued, or still have nightmares.

AS: WWW.PEANUTBUTTERPEANUTBUTTER.COM

Ironically, I watched your show right after watching “The Rachel Zoe Project” and found myself wondering if Martha had a stylist during these early socks with loafers and shorts days. She wore more denim shirts than Said on “Oz.” Does she have a stylist today?

AS: No, of course she had no stylist – she definitely thought her outfits were beside the point. I don’t know what to say about the denim shirts, but lots of people copied her and they were in fashion at the time. Today, I think she has someone buy stuff for her TV show because she hates shopping for clothes.

Do you do any DIY projects at home now? What kinds of Martha-esque projects do you enjoy? Which ones will you never ever do?

AS: I don’t craft much, but occasionally I will try something, try to get it right and then give it up forever when I can’t! But I do clean my house myself and I cook a lot (check out our blogs at www.whateverradio.com).

Have you two picked out one Martha segment that stands out as the most hilarious one you’ve ever seen? Do you agree on which one that would be? Do tell!

AS: So many of them are funny and we did so many, that I really can’t remember which were the best.

JKH: Recently on her daytime show, Martha sampled hot dogs with Kevin Sharkey. It was FANTASTIC and really funny.

Thanks to Alexis and Jennifer for taking the time to answer my questions. You can catch Whatever Martha! on The Fine Living Network.

images from FLN.com

The blogging girl

 couldn?t help but 

wonder

 what lay behind

 the pink door????

 Perhaps pots of Moroccan gold?

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, many design bloggers have decided to post Pink today. So, in support of a very worthy cause and in the spirit of camaraderie, I decided to mine my trove of vintage magazines for pink images. We've all heard that pink is a universally flattering color, and if it works on your face then why not on your walls, beds, and furniture too? And pink is not just for women either. Men seem to love it too.









Image at top courtesy of Conde Nast Store

I may use some of these in my daughter's bedroom redo. The pinks would be just right!

And this little bird seemed like he was posing just for me.

I was able to see alot of things that I will share with you in the next couple of days: historical gardens, restored theater in Monterey, a beautiful new antique shop in Carmel, etc. Check back!

Have a great weekend!

Floor to Heaven has done it again. I’m mesmerized by their rug-designing and making abilities.

http://www.floortoheaven.com

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Remember this?

Well, Crate and Barrel has this:

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Elle Decor, September 2008, Photo by Grey Crawford

What struck me about this space was not just the beautiful tub (Waterworks Candide tub), but the very beautiful and witty tub filler dreamed up by the home owners/designers Fisher Weisman. A stream of water flows down from a shell encrusted "chandelier" reminiscent of the unique creations of Tony Duquette. Question....just where does one turn it on? No matter...this is my idea of luxury.

Another of my favorite bath spaces was created by Vicente Wolf. I think that combining different styles and periods will always make a space more interesting, and Mr. Wolf accomplishes this with great style. His Baccarat sconces and English eighteenth century mirror are the perfect foil for the blue glass walls and contemporary concrete tub.

Another designer who never disappoints is Michael Smith. This example of his authentic style takes me to another time.... one where things were slower. And isn't that what one would want when trying to unwind in the tub? Look at the details: the basket of magazines, reading glasses on the stool, the fresh towels, slippers at the side of the tub. And of course Rover waiting patiently. Perfection. (All bath fittings and fixtures designed by Smith for Kohler).

House and Garden, December 2000, Photo by Melanie Acevedo

Veranda, January-February 2005, Photo by Hickey-Robertson

This bathroom has all of the elements necessary for a long relaxing soak. Designers, art dealers and home owners Cynthia Cage McClain and Robert McClain thought of everything: candles, reading material, a little wine, flowers. Mix these with such personal, beautiful art and photography, and one feels like this is really home.

House and Garden, October 2005, Photo by Francois Halard

Milan based designer Roberto Peregalli created this amazing Master Bath for Claudio and Maria Luti of the famous family firm Kartell, most well known today for the production of the Philippe Starck Ghost Chair. I love the Robust-patterned marble flooring with the striped Venetian stucco walls. The dramatic Carrara marble tub surround contrasts so wonderfully with the Kartell Eros chair here.

Veranda, September-October 2006, Photo by Alec Hemmer

This bathroom just says "California" to me. Designed by Napa Valley designer Barbara Colvin this space is beautifully done. I love the French Doors off the garden and the stone floors. The simple elegance and connection to the outdoors creates such a wonderful spa-like atmosphere.

House Beautiful, July 2006, Photo by Karyn R. Millet

One of designers I am following lately is Ken Fulk. This California designer created such a pleasing space here using the Vintage Bath form Kohler, the owner's leaded glass pendant, and the Greek Key trimmed Roman Shade. Victorian side chair from Swallowtail. Very pretty!

Southern Accents, September October 2008, Photo by Pieter Estersohn

I love this bath with it's Loius XIV mirror and antique Swedish chandelier. Designed by Amelia Handegan for a couple in Charleston, it has a very European flavor. The pale gray-blue and white palette with the pewter and gold metal colors seems to be something I am drawn to time and again.

Southern Accents, July-August 2008, Photo by Roger Davies

Phoebe Howard decorated this beautiful bathroom for a vacation house in Ponte Verde Beach, Florida. A custom mosaic floor and hand-painted mural are what make this bathroom unique. So very pretty. The tub in this room seems to show up quite often in bathrooms that catch my eye. It's classic style works in so many places. Like in this all white bathroom:

House Beautiful, November 2006. Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Sally Markham created this vision in white for a couple in Connecticut. White glass mosaic tile line the walls and the floor creating quite an ethereal effect. One could float away to dreamland here. The heart shaped chair becomes an exclamation point against this white palette. Lovely.

House and Garden, July 2005, Photo by William Abranowicz

In contrast to the more traditional western aesthetic, this bathroom incorporates a decidedly Eastern influence. The architect William McDonough creates a sanctuary in the style of a Japanese country house. One could sit forever in this custom tub from Concrete Works looking out at the meadow of native grasses on South Carolina coastal island.

House and Garden, July 2005, Photo by Jonn Coolidge

The Master Bath in this Spanish Colonial Revival home takes on the California Craftsman flavor through the artful use of custom tile by Ann Sacks. Designer Jarrett Hedborg created a wonderful, cozy bathtub alcove here. I love the arched window echoed on the interior with the tiled arch. Beautifully done!

Elle Decor, July-August 2005, Photo by William Waldron

This is such a fun loving design for a bathroom by designer Robert Couturier. He combines glass tile and mosaic pebble floors with fresh and vibrant colors. This tub is is the Paris tub by Water Monopoly.

Elle Decor, July 2003, Photo by Dominique Vorillon

Then we have the classic claw foot tub. There is a nostalgia about it that cannot be put aside. This beach house bathroom in Malibu designed by Kerry Joyce is brightened by the sunny yellow-painted tub. I love the mosaic floor with the label identifying it as the "boys" bathroom. The surfboard is a fun touch.

Elle Decor, August-September 2003, Photo by Simon Upton

Another example of the classic claw foot provides quite a contrast to the way it is used above. This elegant New Orleans bathroom was designed by Ann Holden of the two Ann's of New Orleans: Holden and Dupuy. I love the New Orleans feeling here of the rustic painted wood plank floors paired with the silk drapery panels. The claw foot here was found at a salvage shop. The sink and fittings were original to the house. I love the photo reflecting the room through the antique mirror.

This is a round-up of some of my favorite tubs and the spaces they occupy. To get going with your own private sanctuary, you can start by looking at the Waterworks website. Many of the tubs can be found there. And for those on a budget, salvage shops are a great way to go. I hope this room, one of the most often used, can become a place for more than just the everyday chore of getting "ready". I hope it can become a place to relax and spend some down time.

Joey’s Corner is a non-profit design firm founded by Michael Osborne. This dedicated group truly pours its heart and soul into the work. Thank you!

“There is nothing more gratifying than designing for these dedicated, hard working organizations doing the most important work in the world, with the most incredible people I have ever met.” - Michael Osborne

http://www.joeyscorner.org

http://modsf.com

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