The Irish Eyes are Smilin'

Flavor Paper's Nouveau Riche wallpaper out of New Orleans 9th ward.

I wish I could remember. Pulled from a wonderful blog.
From Lulu DK's new contract line- "Rope"


Lulu DK's Madison fabric

Here in my city of Scranton, we celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a big way. We are the third largest Parade, and we expect well over 100,000 revelers tomorrow including one Senator Hillary Clinton to march amongst our finest ( and Barack on Monday). In honor of our fine Irish heritage (being from County Cork myself), I wanted to post some of my favorite greens.

Dreams Do Come True (ha ha!)

The original picture that caught my eye courtesy of Habitually Chic's scan of Vogue Living.

The gorgeous cottage from the water.

That amazing lattice- clad dining room that I keep thinking about. I believe it was originally done by Sister Parish and then re-discovered.

Gwen on the porch in that fabulous orange dress.

I love the mounted sailboat. Do you think that was Windsor Smith's idea?
One of Gwen's adorable daughters in a vintage swim cap. Sofa now available at Windsor Smith.

A huge thank you to Heather at Habitually Chic and Courtney at Style Court for coming to my rescue on the search for Gwen McCaw's Maine House (see last post) featured in Vogue Living. These two powerhouses in the design blogging world went above and beyond to help me find and locate these pictures Thank you ladies, its nice to have blogging friends! And the pictures are just as fabulous as I remember!

This House.....

This house has been on my brain lately. Let me explain. I remember reading an article about this Islesboro, Maine cottage (yes, cottage) that was built by a Philadelphian named J. Kearsley Mitchell (1871-1949). This wealthy businessman earned his fortune by selling his rubber works business to B.F. Goodrich. He then went on to marry J.P. Morgan's business partner's daughter, Edward Stotesbury. I can't find her name. Their wedding gifts, according to The Summer Cottages of Islesboro, by Earle Shettleworth, Jr., included "a diamond necklace, a diamond tiara, and a string of pearls valued at $500,000." In addition, a big check for 1 million.

Ok, here is why I know and think about this house. It was featured in a magazine article (Vogue Living, maybe?) with this fashionable, young family. My goal was and still is to find the great, interior shots of the renovation. I remember the first picture of the story was the woman in a row boat with one of her children in front of the house. The story went on to say that she retooled the house after purchasing it from Kristie Alley and Parker Stevenson. I remember giggling at the fact that the new owner had to strip some of the frilly details from the celebrity couple. I think she said Kristie tried to out-Parish Sister Parish ( in Kristie's defense, it was the 80's).Sister vacationed in these parts and had worked on the house, including a lattice filled dining room. Is this ringing a bell for anyone? I'm obsessed. And if I had any sense, I would have just torn the article out, but I never do. I always think I'm going to save the magazine and catalog it. Yeh, right. So upon searching everything from Sister Parish, to Islesboro Inn (it became one for awhile) to Kristie Alley (boy, they had a nasty divorce), I only found these two photos from Around Maine. But I love the awnings on the porch picture, I don't think it holds the same design, but doesn't it look so current? I hope you can help me.

****UPDATE****

Courtney of one of my all time favorite blogs, Style Court, remembered the article from the first Vogue Living (remember Jennifer Lopez on the Cover??) I'll have more info to come! Thanks Courtney!

Don't you just love a picture that makes you want you to live your life a bit better? I remember saving this picture from one of Kate Spade's ad campaigns. I think its just the pairing of a terrific couple ( ok models) set against a wall of beautiful china. Yes, as much as this makes me want to run to Kate Spade, it also reminds me that you can mix your casualness with your fabulousness. You don't need to pick one or the other. Living well and authentically, that is my goal in 2008!

Yellow, not so Mellow

Do you all remember this picture from Blueprint Magazine? I just never got over this yellow door. I'm thinking about painting our new front door on our very old house a great yellow. I'm sure my Scranton neighbors are getting very nervous if they are reading this. But I think if you paired it pitch perfect, it would be sublime. Not easy right? So what shade?

Maybe Cane by Farrow & Ball

http://www.farrow-ball.com/productdetails.aspx?pid=0053CA&cid=PC&language=en-GB

Or Sunny at Heart by Mythic Paint (gotta love the name)

http://www.mythicpaint.com/

What about Ralph Lauren Bicycle Yellow

http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/paint/items.asp?haid=83

By the way, Blueprint's door color is the following:

Hollandlac Brilliant paint, $95 per 2.5 liters,finepaintsofeurope.com

Moss strikes again!

Did you happen to catch this article in W magazine about design charmer Charlotte Moss in this month's W magazine? If you don't get it, or would like to read the article, check it out here:

http://www.wmagazine.com/celebrities/2008/03/charlotte_moss

What I so appreciate about Charlotte is her ability to balance business with design. She is a brilliant merchandiser, always cognisant of the bottom line as the article reveals. Admittedly tough, Charlotte has also made a few blunders along the way (such as a mismatch with another high profile designer), which makes me like her even more! I think I'm going to pre-order her new book from the website, "A Flair for Living". What is your take on Charlotte?

David!

Jen, David, and me at the Campbell
Walking out to insanity of the Giant's win in the Super Bowl in Times Square. Some crazy fan took our picture.

And yes, we did find David Jimenez in the Big Apple!!! David had Jen and I him at the Campbell Apartment, in Grand Central Station. It couldn't have been more pitch perfect. If you don't know about the Campbell, its this tucked away, magical spot that was originally the office of 20's mogul, John W. Campbell. I found this information about John and his misnamed "apartment"-

"Not until 1999, long after his death, was the office of John W. Campbell restored and renovated into a public bar and lounge called the Campbell Apartment. The name is apparently a misnomer, people having assumed that such a grand space was an apartment, not an office. The walls and ceiling were brought back to their former glory and the original steel safe, once hidden behind a wall, now sits in the massive fireplace as a reminder of Campbell's wealth. The renovation cost $1.5 million.
In 2006, Mark Grossich, who restored the leased space and owns the bar, decided the Campbell Apartment needed further updating. He hired Nina Campbell, an interior designer in London, to spruce it up. She replaced a largely blue palette with a largely red one, including new carpet, bar stools and chairs. To avoid closing for even one night, the renovation took place in less than 12 hours and cost $350,000". *taken from Wikipedia

Ok, now about David! He battled for well over an hour to get a cab from the Bronx due to the Super Bowl to meet us. Within 5 minutes, you are so smitten with David's ease and generosity. And can I mention how handsome he is? We learned how David earned his star creative status through hardwork and determination, and innate talent. His candidness about his early days at the Gap, right out of school winning competitions in the store, is h-i-l-a-r-o-u-s. But David just has that "it" factor that you immediately can't deny, and neither could the Gap. And after moving up, up, up, the corporate ladder, he seamlessly transitioned into world of home design for both Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. And of course he conquered that world as well, and now working his magic for Hallmark Inc. He says there are big changes to come! So, a girl can't give away all her secrets from a fantastic night in Grand Central Station, but I can predict David's full impact on the interior design world has yet to be seen.

New York Gift Show

It's Lulu of Lulu DK fame! I think she may have thought I was slightly psychotic for asking her to take a picture for the blog, but she was lovely about it which makes me believe she's a great girl. Pre-order her highly anticipated book, Lulu! And honestly if we all didn't love her fabrics so much, I would never had put this awful picture of myself (does anyone have lipstick and some powder?) Her baby and bedding line for Matouk was terrific ( and Mr. Matouk was really nice as well.)
Jen checking out some adorable napkins we picked up for the shop.


I thought this line ( I'm still digging through my paperwork for who it is, sorry) was really interesting mixing metals and wood.

I really wanted to see Bungalow 5 in person, and it didn't fail to impress. Really quality construction with fun colors and shapes. Great scale, I love their tables. I see one in my friend Kathy's living room project.
Their new Berkeley collection was lovely


A wall from Two's Company, a monster accessories company. Jen and I thought this was wallpaper at first, but its actually a real wood installation. I thought it was really inspiring.

What a great time in New York City this weekend. Jen and I headed to the Javit Center to see what is new at the Gift Fair. I admit that it is so overwhelming and there are so many great designs and lines. The Wearstleresque influence was so apparent in many of the accessories. But also I felt there is a forthcoming American nostalgia. Pillows with needlepoint, colorful chests, and nods to Old Glory. Love it or hate it, its coming! I would have taken more pictures, but not all retailers are down with that and I didn't want to get us thrown out. Overall, a nice show. But I know you all are waiting for the best part.......

New York City

I'm excited to be heading in to New York City with my great pal Jennifer Davis this Sunday. And guess who we are meeting up with? No other than David Jimenez, our last post subject! How fun!! Jen and I are attending The New York Gift Show. So I hope to have some great photos for you all. Can't wait to see you all next week!

David the Goliath

I'm so fortunate in the last few days to have struck up a conversation with design giant, David Jimenez. This Bronx born designer began his career with the Gap, worked his way to the top with his immense talent, then moved on to play a big part in the visual aesthetic of both Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, shaping the landscape of American homes today. He currently serves as the Vice President of Visual Merchandising for Hallmark Inc. in Kansas City. He has shown up recently in design blogs for very good reason. Did you catch his amazing home in House Beautiful's August edition? It's one of my top favorites and it doesn't leave the nightstand. His designs have a wonderful sensibility to them, and I think his ability to layer with such warmth and effect matched by few today. I've got to dish David is as sweet as he is talented. I'm honored that David has agreed to a Question and Answer Session and here it is!

House and Life:

David, I'm a bit embarrassed to say I'm having a love affair with your Kansas City home featured in this August's House Beautiful. My husband is ok with it, he loves the house too. Can you tell me something you did small design-wise in the house that has been big in terms of impact?

David Jimenez:

I can't tell you how flattered I am that you like my home as much as you do. It's been such a personal project for me, to get that kind of response is very meaningful. The single most impactful thing I did design-wise was to shop thrift stores, antique shops and estate sales looking for interesting pieces with great lines that moved me. The house was being upgraded for a year and a half. In that time, I filled a large storage space full of wonderful finds that I later had reupholstered or painted. Now, every room has an anchoring piece that has been lovingly tweaked in one way or another. It was an effective way to fill the house with furniture that has unique style and great character.

House & Life:

When I read the article, I felt the house was a great entertainer. I don't always get that sense, even though a house may be beautiful. Can you give any of your secrets away on how to put people instantly at ease when they enter a home?

David Jimenez:

The house has a wonderful vibe to it. The architect was also the first owner and he put a lot of design details into the house that reflected how much he cared and it shows. In a similar way, I think preparing before guests arrive is as important as a warm greeting when you open the door. Making a signature cocktail ahead of time, playing great music, lighting a scented candle and dimming the lights, all send the message that you care about their experience and will go far in making them feel welcome.

House & Life:

As much as I thought I had you pegged as a neutral palette guy, I saw a picture of your Palm Springs Home. The yellow and black is so striking. Did you approach the colors with a bit more of whimsy, or could you be equally happy living with that palette every day?

David Jimenez:

The palette was heavily inspired by one of my favorite designers Kelly Wearstler. I chose that palette because it's a nod to the past while feeling fresh and bold. In order to ground the space and connect the rooms visually, I had the Spanish tile floors epoxied white. There's something luminous about all-white floors and the contrast with the colors throughout the house feels very sexy and fitting for Palm Springs.

House & Life:

Can I ask you your favorite restaurant?

David Jimenez:

I have two favorites. My absolute favorite restaurant is called Zuni Cafe, a beloved San Francisco institution with amazing food and a wonderful crowd. If you have the opportunity to visit, I would strongly recommend starting with a mound of fries, the Caesar salad and their world famous-chicken for two. These are classics Judy Rogers created and has had on the menu forever. I found another equally chic restaurant here in Kansas City called Le Fou Frog. It's a diamond in the middle of what seems to be a deserted block in downtown Kansas City. When you walk in the door and draw the thick velvet curtains, it's magical. You feel like you've been transported to a bohemian cafe in Paris; the food, the people, the music- truly amazing.

House & Life:

In a world where an interesting and effective decorative item becomes popular and eventually it shows up in most catalogs, do you hang on to it because you love it, or is it jinxed forever? In other words, do you take all the white coral and put it on a raft with a Suzani sail, never to be seen again?

David Jimenez:

Working in retail for as long as I have, it's easy to burn out quickly on trends. Things that you love today that are unique or special can become so overexposed that you tire of them. Similar to fashion, I think that there are some classics that stand the test of time and never lose their appeal (Chippendale or wing back chairs and camel back sofas are good examples). But just as clogs seem to come and go, at some point, so should the coral. Accessories are the least expensive way to update a room and rotating them keeps a home looking fresh and inspired.

Thank you David! I'm thrilled to call you a friend and I know this isn't that last we'll be seeing you. I have one picture from David's private collection of his gorgeous pool that I'm hanging on to and soon to post! For more of David's home in Kansas City, check this link from House Beautiful.

He was also kind enough to leave his email for readers: d.jimenez1@mac.com