My Kitchen Pendant Lights

Pendant lights. They are like the icing on the cake, the last piece of jewelry to make the outfit perfect. When I was designing my kitchen, I wanted something simple, classic, and a bit on the casual side. I was going for a vintage farmhouse with a little commercial kitchen and Napa Bistro thrown in. We love to cook and spend a lot of time in our kitchen, so I wanted really good light. With the EPA standards in California, 50% of the wattage in a kitchen must be Fluorescent or comparable. This made it a bit difficult to put in any incandescent fixtures, but one must have something with some character! 

I found just the thing when I was picking out lighting at Lumens Light and Living here in Sacramento. These Pendants from Roost had just what I was looking for. They look a little industrial with their beaker shaped hand-blown glass, and I love the long filament bulbs. I also like the way the glass is held in place with the hand tightened screws.

I have received many emails requesting information about these pendants and if they are still available.I decided I should check and see! And YES! Lumens can still get them for you. They are not shown on their online catalog, so give them a call at their Sacramento showroom HERE and ask for Sean. Tell him you are looking for the glass cylinder pendant from Roost....he will know all of the information.

Thank you for all of your emails!

Are You a Wallpaper Person?

Ecuador Wallpaper and Fabric, Carole Fabric at End of Bed

I must admit, I don't immediately gravitate to wallpaper when I am hatching out a design plan. But when I saw this newest collection from Thibaut, this tiger may just change her stripes. The collection is titled Avalon, the island of Arthurian lore which, as fable has it, was able to produce fruits and flora at it's own whim.

This collection seems to take up the banner of Avalon, showing us a garden of vibrant color and bold flowering pattern.

Waterbury Fabric

Lucky for us, Thibaut also provides beautiful fabrics that I cannot wait to get my hands on. I especially like the Marathon fabric on the stool in this bathroom:

Candice Wallpaper and Marathon Fabric

And the Carole Pattern on the hallway settee (also in the first photo in pink and orange), a bit reminiscent of of David Hicks:

Hana Wallpaper and Carole Fabric

I don't think I would have thought to use this next wallpaper, but I really like it in this bathroom with the weathered wood vanity and Kelly green accents. (Not so sure about the pristine white wainscoting in this shot, but that is beside the point).

Butterfly Garden Wallpaper

I love the combination of elements in this next room (driftwood, white wicker) and I especially like the wallpaper! The room would not be as interesting without it.

Island Ikat Wallpaper and Marathon Fabric

There are so many more in the new Avalon collection. I hope you have a chance to check it out HERE.

There are a few other new collections as well. The Shangri-La collection is aptly named putting out such exotic patterns like these:

Ivanka Wallpaper and Devon Fabric

Kirkwood Wallpaper and Anafi Chair Fabric

Kirkwood Wallpaper and Malay Ikat Fabric

From the new Damask collection:



Antoine Trellis Wallpaper

Positano Wallpaper

And from the new Texture Resource: 

Greater Gator Wallpaper



Banyan Basket Wallpaper

Thibaut has convinced me. Someone is doing their job there. Not only do they have great product, but their website is very easy to navigate, there are easily downloadable wallpaper images ( the easier to use for a client presentation), but best of all, the beautiful room vignettes give fantastic ideas about how to use the products.

I'm sold. What about you?

A long time coming!

Suffice it to say that I LOVE the curtains and am so happy that I went through with it. Although I lament that fact that I live alone every time I come home to an empty room.

Plain Ikea curtains, pom pom trim purchased with MM at the jaw-dropping M & J Trimming on 6th Ave, a rod from Home Depot, and lots of might.

Having your bed alongside a window is fantastic, as I basically sleep in the windowsill and have a dreamy view of Sage Hall's dome and fall foliage.

I am really enjoying this $6 palm that Lauren and I both got, but I suspect that it's beginning to foster some little gnats (and possibly a maggot).

Since I've taken this (very dark!) image, Britte has painted me an oil still life which now peeks behind the left curtain panel. Includes one of the 300+ dried fish I used for a 3D Design project. (Now the sculpture is sitting on my floor in a trash bag. Have the gnats discovered it yet?! I guess I'll know when they do.)

East Sacramento Home Tour

Dean and Dean Tudor Revival

Last Sunday, the East Sacramento Home Remodeling Tour was the hot ticket....hot as in the high 90's hot. My designer friend Leanne and I were planning on walking the tour through this lovely Sacramento neighborhood, but the air conditioned car was calling our names.

But the houses were beautiful, as expected.

The first house was designed by architects Dean and Dean and constructed in 1925. A beautiful brick Tudor, I was excited to get to see inside! We swept through the interior to the backyard which had been redesigned by Landscape designer Michael Glassman, a Sacramento mainstay. I snapped one picture before I was told that this home was off limits to photography. Rats...I was caught in the act. So unfortunately, no interior shots (which was an "Old World" style in keeping with the architecture).

Michael Glassman Garden Design

East Sacramento is home to a neighborhood known as the "Fabulous Forties" one of the most desirable and upscale neighborhoods in the Sacramento region. This area is so named because the streets are all numbered in the forties.... this particular street being 45th Street. The architecture in this area was highly influenced by the architecture company of Dean and Dean which was immersed in the popular Revival Style of the 20's, 30's and 40's. Tudors, Arts and Crafts, and Mediterranean are all styles that can be found in this area. I snapped a couple of pictures of some of the other houses on this street to give you a feeling for this beautiful neighborhood:

The Tudor house next door

A Mediterranean across the street.

The next house on the tour was one I have had the pleasure of working on over the last few years. It is a classic Monterey Revival built in 1927.

I redesigned the back portion of the house a few years ago, which originally housed a maid's room, small den and kitchen, into a larger kitchen and family room combination. Here is just a peek at the kitchen:

Kitchen

And this is a little of the Guest Room we just finished recently:

Guest Room

I will have better pictures before too long of the whole house, so stay tuned!

Next on the tour, we moved to another neighborhood in East Sacramento which was developed a little later in the 40's and 50's. There are some very cute craftsman houses here, as well some Ranch Style homes. This next house was very cute:

Remodeled Cottage

This 1941 cottage had the front porch remodeled, and the owners incorporated craftsman details into the new cabinetry on the interior. My friend Ted Smith was the architectural designer here.

New fireplace mantle and built ins

I think we all like a pretty white kitchen, and this new kitchen was no exception.

Cottage Kitchen

I liked the Caesarstone Blue Lagos counters, and the grey limestone back splash with the white cabinets and the wide plank floors.

Caesarstone Counters

The owner had the greatest idea to show off her collection of vintage kitchen tools:

Cute Display

Next up was a house that was built in 1895, an original farmhouse style. These owners transformed the 1,305 sq. foot cottage into a 2,906 sq. foot family home.
This photo is of the new addition which is at the back of the house:

The kitchen was the highlight of the remodel with it's red AGA stove. The feeling was bright and happy....the great windows let in so much light and yellow, white, black and red color scheme was charming.

The last house was originally intended to be a remodel, but the structural constraints led the contractor/owner to start over. I must say the new facade looks very much like the original, in keeping with the neighborhood style. I was not able to get a good shot of the exterior, but I did get some interior shots:

This kitchen also has a farm house sink and white cabinets like the last two houses, but these home owners went a little more contemporary with a glass tile and Carrera marble back splash. The cabinets that had glass doors had a pretty apple green painted in the back. The counters were a honed black absolute granite.

The owners created an open plan with a large Family Room adjacent to the kitchen. I liked the school house light fixtures over the island.

The house is occupied, but still in progress. I think a TV is slated to be put in above the Family Room cabinetry.

So that's it!

One of the things that interested me on this tour was the architectural diversity in East Sacramento. The houses were built from the late 1800's to the 1950's, and that accounts for much of the variation. People that live in this area have an appreciation for older homes, and for the most part try to maintain the architectural integrity of the area. I like that.

Well...THIS is fun!.....Blue Carrot Shop

I just got an email from Alexandra, Graphic Artist, and hunter of nifty stuff. She has just opened a fun little online shop called Blue Carrot Shop where she sells her whimsical wares.

I picked out a few of my favorites here, but there is so much more!

Handmade Blue Carrot Bag....perfect for makeup, receipts, coupons...

Letterpress numbers and letters

Kitchy Bear Tray...so cute.

Who doesn't need a Pretzel and Chip container?

I think my Barbie had one of these Skotch Koolers!

Hop on over and say "hello" to Alexandra and check out all of the goodies HERE.

And leave her a little comment or two HERE on her blog.

East Sacramento Home Remodeling Tour

I love a Home Tour, and what better way to kick off Fall than the East Sacramento Home Remodeling Tour? I have a remodeling project on the tour, so I am especially excited about it. The East Sacramento Fabulous Forties neighborhood is most definitely one of the most beautiful in the Sacramento region. Homes were built from 1910 on, and there are homes designed by such notable architects as Greene and Greene, Julia Morgan and Squeaky Williams.

So, get out and about this weekend....take a stroll through historic East Sacramento and enjoy the day!

Chinoiserie, Designers and Table Settings....

Gump's Table

......was the recipe for a perfect party at Gump's last Tuesday night! The event, in support of the 2010 San Francisco Fall Antique Show was hosted by Marta Benson, CEO of Gump's and Suzanne Tucker, Chair of the SFFAS Designer's Circle.

Top San Francisco designers were invited to design Chinoiserie inspired dining tables, and the creativity was flowing! Ann Getty, Douglas Durkin, Andrew Fisher and Jeffrey Weisman, Jay Jeffers, Barbara Scavullo, Suzanne Tucker and Gump's all contributed stunning table displays. I could have spent much more time savoring every detail.

Gump's Table

Gump's table captured the flavor of the Orient with their twin pagodas which flanked a gorgeous floral display of roses and artichokes. The lush color palette was gold, black and hot coral pink. I loved the back painted glass table top with silhouettes of the East in pink

Gump's Table

The gold tea pots and pretty pink and gold place settings were perfect for a chic afternoon tea party.

Such a gorgeous display....the flowers, the glass decanters in amethyst and teal, the black lacquer trays and bronze hurricane candle holders....I was enchanted.

Gump's Table

The creative forces at Ann Getty and Associates put together a beautiful table set under a black pagoda pavilion. Acrylic bamboo chairs, and the fresh color palette of jade and tangerine was perfectly appetizing.

Ann Getty and Associates

Details like gilt fortune cookies, and hand made taffeta ginkgo leaves added that personal touch, and the floral display of citron green orchids was luscious.

Ann Getty and Associates

One of my favorite things about this display as the lantern light fixture above the table...what a fun crowning jewel.

Ann Getty and Associates

The next table is by Jay Jeffers, and as expected, was full of fun,fresh ideas.

Jay Jeffers

Jay created a "room" for his table with rice paper panels painted with flowering branches and birds (painted by Shirley Robinson) which he hung from the ceiling with the most beautiful chains I have ever seen.....(Jay, if you are reading, where did you get those chains?!)

Jay Jeffers Table

Jay used a really interesting modern table and beautiful lantern both from Therien Antiques. The rug is from Tai Ping. Jay brought in the custom designed chairs using C. Mariani Antiques.

Jay Jeffers Table

The place settings were beautiful in combinations of greens, browns and golds. Jay proved once again that he is the Master of "Sophisticated Fun".

Jay Jeffers Table

Douglas Durkin created a table that really evoked the feeling of Fall for me. Since Fall happens to be my favorite season, it is small wonder I was so drawn it it. Warm and luxurious, moody and intimate, this space invites one to linger over brandy late into the night.

Douglas Durkin's Table

The table was surrounded by dark wood louvered screens and draped with a pumpkin and misty slate grey silk taffeta table cloth. The terrariums were filled with exotic plants...one of which I think was a Venus Flytrap.

Douglas Durkin's Table

The crystal was a translucent black and there was a persimmon crystal dragon stopper in the decanter. Could you imagine a savory meal here on All Hallows Eve?

Douglas Durkin's Table

Andrew Fisher and Jeffrey Weisman have long been a design duo I have greatly admired. (I especially am enamoured with their home in Napa!) Their take on the them was so much fun, it would make one want to party all night!

Fisher Weisman Table

Titled "Lunch at Brighton Pavilion" Andrew and Jeffrey pulled out all of the stops. Inspired by their travels to the Orient, the Brighton Pavilion, Doris Duke's Shangri-La in Honolulu, and films like the King and I and Auntie Mame....they kicked up their heels and used a sequined table cloth. Andrew and Jeffrey are known for their fabulous lighting creations, they channeled Tony Duquette when making this fixture. They described the process to me saying that they sculpted each piece of the mini pagodas and cast them in resin, then painted them gold adding little jewels and ivy a la Duquette.

Fisher Weisman Table

The colors they used were just as eye catching...Red, Fuchsia, Tangerine and Gold combine in happy profusion, and the gold butterflies seemed to have just arrived to join the party.

Jeffrey and Andrew with their table

The red dining chairs are from the Fisher Weisman Bamboo Collection for Michael Taylor Designs. Just another example of all there is to love about Fisher Weisman

Designer, Barbara Scavullo took her cue from the wonderful horses pictured on the Hermes plates in her place settings.

Barbara Scavullo's Table

You can just imagine a military campaign where the officers would reinforce themselves with hearty meals in their exotic tents.

Barbara Scavullo's Table

The lantern, world map, and Ming Horse punctuate the theme, as does the bridle buckle flatware.

Barbara Scavullo's Table

The last table, and certainly far from the least, was the stunning table designed by Suzanne Tucker of Tucker Marks and her troop of talented designers. I was bowled over with how utterly beautiful and detailed the space was.

Tucker and Marks Table

Suzanne and crew had a brilliant French gilt and coral chandelier c. 1920 flown in from across the country from Objects Plus, LLC. Carlton Hobbs supplied the gorgeous painted Queen Anne chairs and settee. The dramatic 18th century Coromandel screen is from a private collector, and the 19th century Khotan rug is from Tony Kitz Oriental Carpets.

Tucker and Marks Table

Suzanne is so talented with the details. The square table is skirted in a Scalamandre green tiger stripe fabric with a topper made from one of Suzanne's own fabrics. The edge detail is made to look like a pagoda roof, the corners curving out, with a bell found at C. Mariani Antiques at each point...

Tucker and Marks Table

The coral velvet chair cushion fabric is also from Suzanne's new fabric line. The saffron hued pillow fabric is from Fortuny.

Tucker and Marks Table

This space was truly a grand end to this sumptuous affair and Suzanne was perfectly and beautifully attired to act as hostess.

Suzanne Tucker and her Table

It was such a fun evening! I got to see my friends Grant Gibson and Diane Dorrans Saeks, as well as Anh-Minh Le, the editor of the new quarterly shelter magazine Anthology (get your subscriptions now...it's going to be a goody! AND it will be a PRINTED magazine.....I love a magazine I can hold in my hands.)

Gump's is always the most gracious of hosts for events, and this night was no exception. All of the place settings were provided by Gump's, so for more information on any of the beautiful china, silverware and crystal, please do not hesitate to contact them.

And please don't forget to attend the 2010 San Francisco Antique Fair. For more information, click HERE.