DESIGN STAR'S ON TO SOMETHING

Emily Henderson Design Star 2010

An apartment that looks like Tom for the win!

I don't know about you but I LOVE my HGTV.  One of my favorite treats is the show Design Star, quickly followed by The Antonio Treatment, House Hunters International and sometimes Divine Design.  I digress.  The winning designer of Design Star gets their own HGTV show based on their unique concept.  This season's recently crowned winner was Emily Henderson.  Her concept is Style to Lifestyle, meaning she takes your own personal fashion statement and turns it into a lifestyle design statement.  For the win she interpreted Tom's look into an apartment decor.  

Tom's Look

It's all about the connection between fashion and interior design.  Yes, it's all connected.  One informs the other.  Another great example of that is the stylish plumbing fixture manufacturer Brizo.  

Brizo's signature kitchen faucet (posing as a flirty little dress?)

Jason Wu's flirty little dress!  Get it?

They are all about style and what better way to emphasize that than by connecting with the world of fashion design, which is just what they've done.  Since 2006, Brizo has partnered with fashion designer Jason Wu, a finalist in the CFDA/Vogue fashion fund and the designer of Michelle Obama's Inauguration Ball gown. As part of this unique collaboration, Brizo sponsors Jason's shows at New York Fashion Week, and Jason has designed dresses used in Brizo advertising.  Check it out at  www.brizo.com There's no reason not to add a little fashion to your kitchen. 

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL GOES GREEN WITH HOLIDAY!

House Beautiful Magazine featured Holiday Kitchens Cabinets in their May issue.  I wrote about the project in my May 7th blog post.  I love the Holiday Kitchens line because they are truly a great value for a custom US manufactured cabinet.  This Kitchen of the Month, which  happens to be in the residence of Robert Kennedy Jr. and his family, showcases green, eco-friendly products.  Designer Robin Wilson used recycled wood, formaldehyde-free glues, low-VOC paints and stains.  With a little bit of thought you can incorporate some or all of these things into your new kitchen.  The best news is that it is even becoming more affordable to do so.  If you're not ready for the "full-on-granola-lifestyle", you can go green at your own comfort level.  Even simple habits like turning off the the lights and recycling your cans and cardboard can be a good start.  If you want to go further, there's always a new Holiday kitchen! 

DESIGNED INTO A CORNER

This solution is a great example of efficient use of corner space.

One of our clients has a great house in one of those lovely historic neighborhoods in West Palm Beach. They have a spacious family room with lots of windows. Views of lush vegetation and palm trees complete the "old Florida" mood. So what is the problem you say? The rub is that all those great windows really cut down on the wall space you need for a TV or entertainment center. The solution is a unique custom built corner unit to house TV and necessary components. Corners can be tricky but we were able to add some open shelves around the TV and doors below to house components.  It is finished in a soft white paint.

A work in progress

The Final Answer!

KITCHEN BLING!

This track lighting system works great with a contemporary design www.brilliantlighting.com

Just as a beautiful pendant is a focal point for a necklace, a pendant light can add a little bling to your kitchen.  Light fixtures are a great way to add visual interest and color without a lifetime commitment.  After all, you can usually change them without too much hassle when you want to freshen things up.  Get that kitchen scrapbook out and take note!  Here are some of my favorite looks and where you can get them.

Kyoto Pendant Lamp by Meyda Custom Lighting

If you are a fan of the Asian aesthetic these lights are for you.  Beautiful in their Zen simplicity, they are also a great match for the stainless steel finishes you may have in your kitchen.

These whimsical light fixtures will make you smile even before you've had your coffee! www.coated.com These coffee lights  consist of light colored coffee cups with dark colored saucers. The light source is inside the cup.  Pretty clever, huh?  If you’re pretty good with handyman repairs and are comfortable with minor electrical wiring, this would be a nice DIY project. Not only would you save yourself a couple of dollars on the purchase of this unique fixture, but you’d be able to customize it with your personal preferences. Don’t like the coffee cups, no problem, change them. Don’t like the saucers, change them as well.The Coffee Lights sell through Connex for $199 US.

Finned Wine Bottle Pendants by Meyda Custom Lighting

These elegant specimens with their finned openings are actually made from wine bottles.  The deep jewel tones are a lovely accent for either painted or wood stained cabinets.

TILE STYLE

Today I thought I'd continue with the eye candy theme.  You see I'm actually helping you.  I parade all types of enticement across my blog so you can formulate your own kitchen creation strategy. So take note!  Today's yumminess comes in the form of Ann Sacks Tile, one of  the most cutting edge and innovative suppliers of tile, stone and plumbing fixtures today.  It all began in 1980 when Ann Sacks discovered a box of Mexican Talavera tiles being sold as trivets.  These inspired her to start her own company and open her first showroom in the living room of her home!  The rest is history.

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

Fritza by Ann Sacks

Inspired by the art of Gustav Klimt, Ann Sacks has recently introduced Fritza, a colorful mosaic run between strips of tetra slate and black granite. This is a great way to add a little art to your kitchen.  What a great backsplash this would make!

Another one of my favorites is this tile from the Forms collection by Angela Adams (left).  This is perfect if you're going for a mid-century modern appeal. 
 
Erin Adam's Facet Mosaic features a circle design in tones that blend beautifully with just about any wood grain

The stainless steel look is another interesting backsplash treatment for your kitchen.

IN THE KITCHEN WITH...MARILYN?

So today we'll go for a little fluff, a little dreaming and I'll tell you a secret.  After all, no telling where kitchen inspiration will come from!  Last week that nifty little news box on my Yahoo page popped up with a story about Marilyn Monroe's house being up for sale (3.6 million).  I must confess I've long had a secret obsession with Norma Jean.  Marilyn and I go way back. I've always been a fan of this tragic and probably very misunderstood diva and I've read a bio or two.  Marilyn aside, this Spanish Colonial Revival house is my dream home. Plain and simple. Lacking the ostentation of a typical L.A. starlet's abode, it's just so HOMEY.  I love the white walls, exposed wood beams, original teracotta floors, cozy reading space, pool and patio etc.  

Marilyn reportedly made a trip to Mexico to furnish her new home before she died.  Come to think of it, looks like Frida would have been equally happy with this house!  I know that since Marilyn left us in '62 there have been many remodels but this is the way it remains today.  

Take a look at this kitchen. Reportedly the original refrigerator was blue! Now great stainless appliances are a highlight as well as a terrific island.  These white painted cabinets fit right in with the style of the house and contrast nicely with the exposed wood beams..  Oh well,  a girl can dream...