The Climb

The Climb

     “It is not the nature of man - nor of any living entity - to start out by giving up, by spitting in one’s own face and damning existence; that requires a process of corruption whose rapidity differs from man to man.  Some give up at the first touch of pressure; some sell out; some run down by imperceptible degrees and lose their fire, never knowing when or how they lost it… Yet a few hold on and move on, knowing that that fire is not to be betrayed, learning how to give it shape, purpose and reality.  But whatever their future, at the dawn of their lives, men seek a noble vision of man’s nature and of life’s potential.” (Ayn Rand, 1968)

     Life is good…. Life is really good… I mean sometimes it’s easy for us to look at where we are in life and think I don’t have the car I want, I don’t have the job I want, I don’t have the house I want… I don’t have… I don’t have… I don’t have… and forget about what we do have…

     I’ve been in Europe for almost a week now and as I take a break this week to train and collect myself, I can’t help thinking that I am fortunate to be a professional athlete travelling the world and competing at a world class level in a sport I love.  I mean I was almost 18 years old when I first learned how to high jump, discovered working at some McDonald’s restaurant and look at where it has lead me to.

     It’s no secret for anyone that has been following my 2010 outdoor performances thus far, that I have yet to have the performances for this outdoor season I am capable of having and should have, especially given my indoor performances.  And for a moment there I’ve been frustrated and annoyed… But, in retrospect I know I will be grateful and I am grateful for this outdoor start.  Because only through struggles can you truly be appreciative of performances that are stellar.  And that is what I love about track and field.  I don’t care who you are, the longer you are in this sport the more likely you are going to have performances that resemble a rollercoaster.   Great performances coupled with valley performances.  And only the face of humility will allow you to last in such a sport demanding a personal best, a maximal effort, every time you compete!  At the end of the day, the only opinion that should matters is our own.  And my commitment to this sport till 2012 (bearing in mind it remains fun and I am healthy) is to explore and understand this event called the high jump as it relates to me and my abilities.

     Too many times, I believe the spirit of man is easily broken when confronted with challenge.  It’s easy to look and see all the reasons why not, instead of seeing the one reason WHY it is possible.  So, for me, I know what I’m working on and my objectives for the season.  While my start may appear slow and inferior, as long as it gets me to my final destination, I’ve determined, I’m learning to be okay with what may come in the mean time.  For now, I’m enjoying my view from my room in Germany and the body God has put me in.  Because, Life is Good.

     My question for you, is if you were to consider the various true passions of your life, how have you been challenged in your pursuit?  How many of your passions have you pressed on and fully pursued and how many did you reconsider to redefine a new passion to fill its place?  Any regrets? 

     Life is good and can be as great as you shape it to be.  We all just have to be a little bit hungry, patient and persistent for it.

Climbing,

Nicole

Monday's Music Lyrics - Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson

Man In The Mirror lyrics, Michael Jackson
Songwriters: Ballard, Glen; Garrett, Siedah;

Ooh ooh ooh aah
Gotta make a change
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right

As I turned up the collar on
A favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin' my mind
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind
Pretending not to see their needs

A summer's disregard
A broken bottle top
And a one man's soul
They follow each other
On the wind ya' know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change, yey
Na na na, na na na, na na na na oh ho

I've been a victim of
A selfish kinda love
It's time that I realize
There are some with no home
Not a nickel to loan
Could it be really pretending that they're not alone

A willow deeply scarred
Somebody's broken heart
And a washed out dream
(Washed out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind ya' see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that change

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah)
I'm asking him to change his ways, yeah
(Change)
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
You gotta get it right, while you got the time
'Cause when you close your heart
(You can't close your, your mind)
Then you close your mind

(That man, that man, that man)
(That man, that man, that man)
(With the man in the mirror, oh yeah)
(That man you know, that man you know)
(That man you know, that man you know)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Change)
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself then make that change

(Na na na, na na na, na na na na)
Ooh
Oh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
(Na na na, na na na, na na na na)

Oh no
Oh no, I'm gonna make a change
It's gonna feel real good
Sure mon
(Change)
Just lift yourself
You know, you got to stop it yourself
(Yeah)
Oh
Make that change
(I gotta make that change today, oh)
(Man in the mirror)
You got to, you got to not let yourself, brother oh
Yeah
You know that
(Make that change)
(I gotta make that make me then make)
You got, you got to move
Sure mon, sure mon
You got to
(Stand up, stand up, stand up)
Make that change
Stand up and lift yourself, now
(Man in the mirror)
Make that change
(Gonna make that change, sure mon)
(Man in the mirror)
You know it, you know it, you know it, you know
(Change)
Make that change

"I don like no cheap cuhstahmahs"

One of the best shopping days of my life! Lauren and I exercised a great deal of restraint, but cute things and fantastic deals just kept coming...

I got my first dose of New Yorker attitude (people have otherwise been so sweet, counter to the stereotype) this morning at this giant antiques/flea market somewhere Downtown. When I tried my hand at bartering, I got pummeled with "I don like no cheap cuhstahmahs" and a list of designers (some of whom have been long dead) who supposedly hail her as The Vintage Source. Lady, I don't think they would appreciate your selling fakes of their bags.
There was this gorgeous boxy Anne Klein purse in burnt orange. It resembled a camera case, actually. But alas! - overpriced.

Anyways, don't you love this book cover? My little brother used to watch Dumbo every day as a toddler. That drunk scene is so awesome. Come to think of it, Ratatouille must have gotten their fireworks tidbit from that, hm?

Alcoholism, Kessel and Walton

And on wishlist!:

 

Penguin by Design, Phil Baines, £25.00

"Ever since the creation of the first Penguin paperbacks in 1935, their jackets have become a constantly evolving part of Britain's culture and design history. Rich with stunning illustrations and filled with detail of individual titles, designers and even the changing size and shape of the Penguin logo itself, this book shows how covers become design classics. 

By looking back at seventy years of Penguin paperbacks, Phil Baines charts the development of British publishing, book-cover design and the role of artists and designers in creating and defining the Penguin look...

Filled with inspiring images, Penguin by Design demonstrates just how difficult it is not to judge a book by its cover." Penguin synopsis

True dat!

Last Call!!!!

Bunglow Hotel

I have been obsessed with a TV show lately....and usually that doesn't happen. I can miss a show here and there and really not care too much. But I have to say, the Novogratz family has just captured my imagination and my heart. Corny...maybe....but true. I have not missed a single episode. 9 by Design on Bravo has everything a good show needs....action, comedy, tension build-up, romance....and suspense (will they find missing son Wolfie in London? Will developer friend and client like his new pink refrigerator....or hate it?! Will they be able to find a venue for a book signing party supposed to take place in mere hours?). It also has design! And good design at that!

Well my friends....the last episode of the season is airing this next week, Tuesday June 1. What will I do this summer without them?! They have inspired me to get going on my own projects at home and with clients, to push the envelope a bit and think about design in a fresh way. I will be anxiously waiting the new season!!!

Until then....a few pictures of their latest project, the Bungalow Hotel.

Looks like a prefect Memorial Day Weekend Getaway!

Hope you enjoy yours!

(We will be enjoying our Alley Party Saturday afternoon with kegs of beer brewed by our very own alley neighbor, Rob....and a live band. Um....Bob and Cortney...if you don't have any plans yet...jet on over... and bring the kids!)

For some previews of the Finale click on over HERE. I love these guys.

Making Lemonade.....

Back Yard Concrete Block Wall, Fountain Under Construction!

When we moved in to our 1911 house, we were thrilled to have an old house with all of it's charm and quirks. But things happen over the years. Things get built that make you wonder what the owners were thinking. We inherited a decrepit carport that was attached to a massive concrete block wall (9-10 feet high?). We took down the lean to, but the wall remains. An eyesore with rebar sticking up from the top. I guess it was never finished?

We left it alone while we busily attacked the house remodel. But now we are tackling the yard. So....what to do about this wall? Should it come down? Or should we try to work with it? Our neighbor has one of the most beautiful rose gardens I have ever seen, and many of his climbers are on the other side of this wall. We hate to disturb the plants....or our very patient neighbor ( he has kindly put up with two dogs that love to bark at the squirrels that run across the top of the wall).

We decided to leave it where it is. I had designed a large wall fountain for a restaurant a few years ago, and Tim loved it. So...we are creating a smaller version to break up the expanse of wall that blinds us with glare almost all day. I sketched up our vision of what the "After" will look like ......soon I hope!

After!

We plan to use corten metal plates for the back of the wall of water, and stucco the rest of the wall to match the house. A concrete finish cap will go along the top. Tim is building the trough for the water with a seat topped with the same concrete cap. Trellised vines will cover the wall on either side of the fountain, and I am hoping Tim will agree to potted citrus tress on either side. This wall gets sun almost all day....so Mediterranean plants will do well here. We will be trying out water plants for the first time in the fountain!

I am looking forward to the sound of falling water and the thermal cooling when the temps get up to 100 around here!

Another project on the books.....(Tim doesn't know about this one yet!)....our front door! It is a massive four feet wide, and to replace it would cost a small fortune. Plus, most door companies do not warranty a door this wide. 42 inches, yes....48 inches, no. I would have thought that the front door to a house that is otherwise very charming would have had some character. But sadly, it is a plain slab door with wood veneer that has seen better days. It is heavily scratched and peeling away. Plus, the dark stain stops the eye dead in it's tracks in our white living room. And why someone would feel it necessary to add a peephole to a door with windows, I will never understand! Here she is....

Front Door..."Before"

So this is my plan....... I want to add battens to the door to add some architectural interest. The pattern will echo some of the other patterns throughout the house. like the wainscoting in the dining room and the beamed ceilings. The battens will also hide the flaws in the veneer. Then a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, and voila! I hope to have a much prettier door that will not break the bank!

After!

I will keep you posted on the progress......soon I hope! it is dependent on my "contractor" (ahem....Tim!)

you are the wind beneath my armpits

I just realized that for the last few days, I've been dressing according to the 10-day weather forecast of New York Mills, MINNESOTA rather than New York, New York.
You can surf the Interwebs efficiently with bookmarks, but you can't exactly breeze through a ninety-degree day in black pants.
(But to tell the truth, I'm really enjoying the warm weather.)

Monday's Music Lyrics -- I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Lyrics by U2

My favorite band is U2 and quite possibly my favorite album is U2's Joshua Tree. Among the songs found on this album is "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." A song who's lyrics demand deep introspection and passion, and is as popular today as it was when it was released in 1986. Enjoy....


"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2

I have climbed highest mountain
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you

I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls, these city walls
Only to be with you

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing in her fingertips
It burned like fire
This burning desire

I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone, mmm, hmmm

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I believe in the kingdom come
Then all the colors will bleed into one, bleed into one
Well yes, I'm still running
You broke the bonds and you loosed the chains
Carried the cross of my shame, of my shame
You know I believed it

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

San Francisco Decorator Showcase, Part VI: Third Level

The Aerie by Benjamin Dhong

We are heading into the last week of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, and there is still time to hop on over!

There was so much to see, I am not going to be able to show you everything, but I had to give you a glimpse into the third level! Some of the best work was up here.

The talented Benjamin Dhong created a perfect escape which he entitled "The Aerie". It is the perfect "refuge from the daily commonplace".

His mix of modern and traditional is always spot on. Familiar, yet unconventional....it is just the sort of thing I love.

The Aerie

Michael Burg also had a petite space which he called up images of a European hotel room....perfect for Sherlock Holmes. A mixture of quirky vintage furniture, fine antiques and modern edge makes this space so very cool.

Blakes, Room 27 by Michael Burg. Rare Louis XVI Secretaire and cow hide ottoman.

The perfect resting place.

Industrial Chic Tufted Daybed, Blakes, Room 27

Next up, "Poetry in Time, The Horologist's Laboratory by Brian Dittmar conjured up a time wizard's study. Full of clocks, watches, hourglasses and sundials....what better place the wile away the hours?

The Horologist's Library by Brian Dittmar. Brilliant Clock!

For a full study of how this room progressed in time from conception to fruition, hop on over to The Style Saloniste for the prefect recap!!! Truly not to be missed. I was so intrigued by the whole process from start to finish.

Custom Wing Chair by Brian Dittmar fabricated by Gilbert Herrara Upholstery. Note the etching in the mirror

A place for time, a time and place.

Blackman Cruz Lamp on the desk. Note the custom area rug with a quote by Rodin, "Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely". (I am putting that up on my inspiration bulletin board today!)

Brian Dittmar

I had met Cecile Starin at last year's showcase where I was enchanted by the Master Bedroom design she did. This year, Cecilie designed a room no less enchanting, which she entitled "Ivory Tower, A Room for Thought".

Ivory Tower by Cecilie Starin

Cecilie thought of every corner and every surface in this space. The daybed was the perfect fit between the window alcoves. There is everything here a person could want. Wouldn't this be the perfect design for a small New York apartment? A bed that doubles as seating, Storage in the coffee table, A dresser that doubles as a sideboard, bookcases for even more storage, and everything is so stylish and cozy! Take note, those of you in small spaces. This is how to make it livable!

I mustn't forget the ceiling! Cecilie stenciled a caning pattern up there and the light fixture was brilliant!

Cecilie Starin

Level three was packed with surprises....I will have a few more for you before week's end!

And please hop on over to Tartanscot for Scot's own take on the San Francisco Showcase this year HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE! More fantastic pictures and always interesting to see through another person's eyes. (And he does have such nice eyes!)

Happy Monday!

Give Me a Break!

So, good to be home…. As a seasoned frequent flyer, flying to Brazil is a tough one for me. My travel time was about 24hrs, a much longer and difficult travel compared to my 7hr travel time to Europe. While the travel from Canada to Brazil may be long, it is certainly a beautiful country and one which I would recommend anyone to visit once in their life.

Competitively, Brazil was definitely a ground level performance, but as I said before and anticipated, this season is all about the climb. I competed in Fortaleza and Belem, producing less than desirable results, BUT, some positives to work with. The first competition was pretty challenging all around – an 8am start time, competing less than 15hrs after a 24hr travel, combined with a nemesis jumping surface. In retrospect, given my style of jumping, I’m not sure I could have done much better. The high jump shoe is designed with 10 spikes (4 in the heel and 6 in the front) to provide gripping. The heel spikes in particular, are essential for the gripping required around the curve and going into the take-off phase of the high jump. Moreover, the spike pins can come in different styles – flat, pyramid or needle. Mine are flat spike pins. On almost every other surface, I find these spike pins to be superior for me, until, I competed in Fortaleza. Because, the surface was so hard and slippery, my spikes were not able to penetrate the track, running and jumping off that track was similar to running and jumping off of ice. If you’ve ever seen a dog try to start or stop running on ice, you’d have an accurate picture of how I looked trying to run and jump off this surface. So, all in all, while I jumped an embarrassing 1.81m, I actually was just glad I didn’t injure myself!!! Oh well, it is what it is, and we have to have days like those, so we appreciate the great days!

The second competition was perhaps a bittersweet pill to swallow. I went into that competition truly trying to work on consistently executing 2 technical components… Which in the end, paid progressive dividends… While the performance was a mere 1.84m, technically I can work with this. I didn’t fail to clear the next height because it was too high a bar, but rather because of poor timing/spacing. This is a good problem to have. But, obviously failing to jump high can also make it a bitter pill to swallow, when the quality of the jump is not reflected in the end result…. I’m giving myself two more meets to get my act together.

Next competition – Ostrava, Czech Republic… ahhhiyaya… these 1.8Xm jumps are making my stomach turn. I think I’ve had enough to last me through 2012. My only solace is in knowing that in my best season thus far, my start to the outdoor season was pretty similar with a “No Height” and a 1.79m in there too! And that season took me to a few PB’s. It’s all about the climb, I guess. If patience is a virtue, it’s a virtue I’ve lacked, but I’m certainly developing it right now.

Kaizen,
Nicole

A Sad Day....

Many of you have enjoyed seeing the beautiful antiques Amy Perlin Antiques is known to have provided for top designers throughout the country. I was saddened to receive this announcement today.

Sending wishes of Peace.

For additional information...hop over to Stylebeat.

Nice Toss!

When I was in San Francisco for the Decorator Showcase (more to come on that BTW!), I had to do a little shopping, of course! We headed over to Chestnut Street in the Marina District to browse around and came across THIS gem of a shop!

Toss is a shop with a little of everything a girl wants.....cute bags and totes, cuter shoes, fun belts and hats, perfect tops and colorful scarves.....and lots of gifts perfect for your girlfriends, Mom's, daughters, MIL's and SIL's.There is vibrant color everywhere you turn. I absolutely loved how there were shoes and belts tucked into each color story area in the store.

Toss Design is a San Francisco design house founded in 2004 known for their travel totes and bags in fresh patterns and vibrant colors. There are now tunics and dresses in the same brilliant patterns in the shop.

See those cute orange flats on the shelf below? And I almost took the black sandals above home with me.

One of the nicest things about the shop is that the prices were very do-able. Cute, fun, affordable and lots to love here. What could be better?!

I am all over these sandals with the caning on them.

Hop on over to the Toss Website for a little online shopping if you can't get to the City by the Bay. Summer is a-comin' and a little travel bag might be just the ticket for you or that upcoming grad gift! (I have a grad of my own....so shhh! Don't tell her!)

Monday's Music Lyrics -- Shape of My Heart by Sting

Monday's Music Lyrics conitnues this week with one of my most treasured songs.  Anyone who knows me, knows Sting is my favorite artist.   More importantly, I find his lyrics very deep, perplexing, debatable and often left to one's interpretation.  One such song is 'Shape of My Heart.'  This song has been samnpled, performed and remade by many other artistis over the years.  Combined by the sweet sound of his guitarist Dominic Miller and the perplexing lyrics "Shape of My Heart' is certainly a classic and one of my all-time favorite songs... I've determined my interpreation of the meaning behind this song, I wonder what yours will be?

Shape of My Heart, by Sting

He deals the cards as a meditation
And those he plays never suspect
He doesn't play for the money he wins
He doesn't play for respect
He deals the cards to find the answer
The sacred geometry of chance
The hidden law of a probable outcome
The numbers lead a dance

I know that the spades are swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that's not the shape of my heart

He may play the jack of diamonds
He may lay the queen of spades
He may conceal a king in his hand
While the memory of it fades

I know that the spades are swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that's not the shape of my heart

And if I told you that I loved you
You'd maybe think there's something wrong
I'm not a man of too many faces
The mask I wear is one
Those who speak know nothing
And find out to their cost
Like those who curse their luck in too many places
And those who fear are lost

I know that the spades are swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that's not the shape of my heart

out door wall mount lighting

Portfolio 1-Light Rustic Brown Wall Light, Lowe's, 20

Cute, hm?

Floor Depot + Flora Grubb

Best Saturday ever following my parents around. We hit up all the kitchen/bath/floor warehouses in the industrial area around Bayshore, searched through Building REsources (if my dad had a storefront for all his stuff, it would be BR), stared at the vertical succulent gardens at Flora Grubb, and checked out my dad's friend's workshop LatticeStix across from FG.



A very Mock day. Too bad somebody else had to stay at home because little Jolly Jowls fell asleep ;)

I've really been liking corrugated iron lately, particularly when colored, as above at Flora Grubb.

Images: Building REsources, Caitlin Atkinson/Flora Grubb Gardens by Kevin Smith

Let the Track & Field Season Begin!

     It’s been an incredibly long journey, but I’ve finally arrived in Fortaleza, Brazil…. Woo Woo!!! I have 2 competitions here in Brazil and I’m excited with no true clue as to what to expect.  After, my pride swallowing performance at Drake Relays, I’ve learned to check my overconfidence at the door.

     In truth, I am approaching this season like climbing the CN Tower Stairs.  To get to the Skywalk Level with the glass ceiling, I must climb step by step… one foot in front of the other… I can’t just fly to the top, it’s a upward progression – Kaizen!  Likewise to jump well I must master and consistently execute the various components.  While, indoors for me offered a solid start to the year, outdoors is a different beast.  It is much longer, the surface can be different and you are at the mercy of the elements/weather.  Moreover, it was just last June in Thessaloniki, Greece when I seriously injured my low back/glutes, eventually ending my season prematurely.  So, it really has been 2 years since I’ve had a solid outdoor season.  And like anything else, there is always someone there to replace you.  So, this season is a season of reaffirming my performances. 

    This year I have no plans to hold anything back.  I have a couple of large agenda items I need to take care of… Among them the Canadian Record – 1.98m, set in 1984 by Debbie Brill.  I’ve attempted and flirted with the Canadian Record far too many times.  In the past, perhaps my overwhelming respect for Debbie Brill may have shadowed my attempts.  I love what Debbie Brill has done but it’s time for that record to go!  I also have a score to settle at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.  The Commonwealth Games i(Melbourne, Australia, 2004)  resulted in a devastating and unexplainable no-height performance.  I’ve waited 4 years for this do-over! 

     But, achieving these objectives and others requires a process approach – building off each performance, no matter how small. Kaizen!  So, while Drake Relays may have been a failure to me, it also was a learning experience on overconfidence.   It’s all about climbing those stairs, step by step.

     Brazil marks the next series of steps in the beginnings of my climb this season.  Execution of certain key technical elements is my goal here in Brazil….trusting desirable outcomes/performances will follow.

Let the season begin!

Nicole

To follow my competition schedule and results visit my website.

Can I get an AMEN?

Tadao Ando (b. 1941), Church of the Light, Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan, 1987-89

I may have a favorite contemporary architect. More on this soon.

Last summer, I tried to make a headboard for the bed in my old room. Then a twin. But I wasted one upholstery nail for every successful one. Crooked rows. This is what it ought to have looked like but in gray:


And I'm not even going to take a picture of mine in its half-done state. (In fact, I have no idea where it is now. And good for me! - I refrained from any jokes about nailing.)

Image: CasaSugar

Mein Bett

I'm so excited to decorate my room next school year! I'll be in a west-facing room, so I'll get a lot of warm afternoon light.
I've been planning on doing this:


But with cream curtains and trimmed with 1.5" black grosgrain ribbon? Probably can't afford dupioni silk, but oh boy that would be nice.

This canopy headboard might also be a good idea:


I just had a crazy moment. S-i-l-k? Looks so strange.

Images: Stephen Stubel for House Beautiful, Xavier Béjot/L'Hôtel Récamier

"What have you been up to? What's new?"

How the hell is my life? I realized today that I have no idea how to answer those questions. I always have to think about my answer, deriding myself for a while before I blurt something out. Whatever I'm doing, I only ever feel a collision and a flurry of activity. I lack that degree of external perspective of self and I just don't have a prepared elevator speech. If you ask me what I AM doing, I can tell you: I am using the excuse of not having summer clothes to go shopping. I am dousing these two crickets in calcium and multi-vitamin powder and feeding it to the gecko. I will lie here on my belly for a long time until it eats all of them. I am reading Norwegian Wood and let's just say that HM has really developed his storytelling abilities since then.

But I notice that I always start out my conversations with those questions. Poor Ethan - I think it drives him crazy, too.

Perhaps I am just anxious because no one else is off yet?

San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2010, Part V.... Jewel Box Spaces

Art in the "Modern Talks Back" Bath

Sometimes a smaller space might get overlooked in a Show House. At the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2010, this couldn't be further from the truth! This Showcase puts the "Pow" in Powder Room! I wanted to show you some of the amazing things that can be done in smaller rooms that can make them oh so memorable!

Shower tile detail in the Modern Bath

Right off of the "Elemental Luxe" Room designed by Marion Philpotts-Miller and Jonathan Staub, there is a bathroom entitled "Modernism Talks Back". Designed by Gregg de Meza, this space certainly spoke to me! In the shower was a message that said "wash behind your ears" in mosaic tile....very graphic and so much fun. The mosaics seemed to spill out onto the floors under the vanity. I loved the fact that this room was quite modern, but the designer kept the original detailed arched opening...such a great contrast! Loved it. The art was chosen after the design was done....it was kismet. The swimmers depicted in dark watery charcoals and reflected yellows are perfect for the room!

"Modernism Talks Back"
Charles de Lisle was in charge of a small-ish sitting room which he cocooned in yards of shirred black and white gingham. Another room that was graphically witty.....cozy yet also modern.

Sitting Room

Charles has been on my radar for quite a long time. He thinks outside of the box and tends to be at the forefront of creative ideas which seem to catch on just as he is on to his next adventure in design. Be sure to check out his website HERE for a peek into this designer's mind at work.

Sitting Room
The splash of citron against the black, white and foggy grey adds a bit of jazz and pull the trees outside the window right in!

There was another stylish space just off of the "Guest Quarters at Mongibello" by Wick Design. "Le Suite" designed by George Brazil and Cecilia Sagrera-Hill is the perfect place for us girls to get our day started! Beautifully Chic, there are custom details throughout....like the brilliant ceiling light fixtures created by the designers, and the book matched marble in the shower with a niche for the necessities!

Bathroom Vanity Details in Le Suite


Bathroom Vanity in Le Suite


Shower Details in Le Suite
I think what I liked most was the vanity with the mirror placed before the window. All women know that natural light is best!

Le Suite Dressing Room
This space was so well thought out, there is even an ipad with outfits catalogued and ready to go for any occasion! How smart is that?

Vanity Details in Le Suite

Here are the clever pair, Goerge Brazil and Cicilia Sagara-Hill....very stylish themselves!

George Brazil and Cecilia Sagrera-Hill

Another unexpected and very pretty space was the Second Floor Kitchenette designed by pretty Anastasia Faiella. She used Carerra for the counters and subway tiles in a grey marble for the back splash. I am a fan of open shelving, so appreciated it here as well!

Second Floor Kitchenette Details

Classic and fresh....both the kitchen and Anastasia!

Anastasia Faiella

If you have not had a chance to get over to the Showcase, you still have time! It is not to be missed!

It runs through May 31st. For more information, click HERE!