Design Swirl

Going Coastal

2011-09-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

Summer was far too fleeting and we aren't really ready to say goodbye so we're saying hello to the beach motif of Cottage Coastal Store, Inc.

Cottage Coastal, an online home accessories store based in sea-breezy Belvedere, California, has made a splash from Nantucket to Santa Monica with its beach-and-cottage inspired frames, lighting, pillows, mirrors, tableware, throws, wall art and other decorative objects. Its focus is on quality American handcrafts.

And, even better, Cottage Coastal is diving in to help a non-profit organization make some extra clams by donating a pillow of your choice (click here to see) for your favorite non-profit group's next auction or fundraiser. Just post its name, tell us all the good it does and the group that is nominated the most, wins. We LOVE this contest.

Image from Charlotte Macey

"Beach Huts" napkins •
Handstitched • Cotton •
Set of four or six • $55 or $82

Image from Sugarboo Designs

"To Carry All My Love You A Hundred Hearts Would Be To Few"

Linen pillow with feather insert • 24-inch • $120.

Image from Thred

"Goldfish"

Handcrafted cotton boudoir pillow • 12 by 16-inch • $150

Image from Suzanne Nicoll

"Mermaids"
Handcrafted and antiqued wooden plaques •
Whitewash, distressed blue/aqua or coral •
28-inches high • $148 each.

Image from Sugarboo Designs

"When In Doubt"

24-inch linen pillow with feather insert • $120 •

Image from O'Brien & Schridde Designs

Frames •
Hand painted and weathered •

$60 to $90

Artful Anniversary Cakes, Cupcakes and (dog) Cookies

2011-08-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

When you turn 70, we think you should have your cake... and your cupcake... and still eat the dog cookies.

How lucky for the American Craft Council, the largest juried craft show in the West, that six stylish Bay Area bakeries, including two specializing in dog treats, agree. They whipped up fantasy interpretations of selected show pieces in celebration of ACC's big anniversary.

This decorated decadence will be on display at the American Craft Council San Francisco Show at Fort Mason Center from August 12 to 14 but dig in now with this sneak peak.

Cake designer: Maralyn Tabatsky • Have Your Cake • So. San Francisco

Artist: Thomas Maras

Cake designer: Sandra Estrada • Canine Confections • San Francisco
Artist: Michele Friedman

Cake designer: Katrina Topp • Katrina Rozelle Pastries • Oakland •
Artist: Molly Dingledine

Cake Designer: Jesse Figueroa • Barkn Belly Bakery • Morgan Hill

Artist: PJ Floyd

Cake designer: Kelsey Robinson • The Whole Cake • San Francisco

Artist: Kiwon Wang

Cake designer: Julie Durkee • Torino Baking • Berkeley

Artist: Seug-Hea Lee

Cake designer: Dianna Gilley • Sweet Treats Just Around the Corner • • San Ramon

Artist: Danielle Gori-Montanelli

Images courtesy of ACC

Paradise: A Glimpse of the Persian Garden

2011-07-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

We love the soothing sensuousness and mystery sequestered behind the walls of a Persian garden.

Garden at The Alcazar, Sevilla, Spain

Is it the restrained ying and yang that balances the space, the delicate blossoms of roses and citrus that shamelessly flirt with the stoic evergreens or is it the cool drops of water that tease the hot, dry air? Could it be man's perennial ambition to order nature even its natural absence.

Perhaps it's all of the above, coyly whispering to the visitor, "Shh...stay...linger with us awhile."

The fabulous Christine E. O'Hara, assistant professor in the landscape architecture department of California Polytechnic State University, joins a panel of experts this Friday for a day-long Garden Conservancy seminar to explore and celebrate the beauty created within the walls of a Persian garden.

Her focus: water and plant lessons for the California garden from the Moors, North Africans who converted to Islam bringing the Persian Garden with them when they moved to Spain about 800 A.D.

A fountain in The Alcazar, Sevilla Spain

Image by Christy O'Hara

"The philosophy of a Persian garden," she says, "was originally based on Islamic doctrine of the paradise garden. Fragrant, lush and cooling, a place of meditation oftentimes."

Images of The Alhambra, Grenada, Spain

According to O'Hara, Persian gardens are walled with a strong geometric layout, typically planted with evergreens, such as cypress and myrtle, to give year-round structure to the garden, supplemented with fragrant and colorful plants including roses, geraniums, hollyhocks, and fruit trees.

The royal gardens of The Alcazar in Sevilla, Spain

by Christy O'Hara

The Alhambra, Grenada, Spain
Image by Christy O'Hara

Detail from a painting by L.H. Fischer, 1885

Patio de la Acqueia at the Generalife, Spain

"Hardscape came from local materials," she adds. "In Andalusia in southern Spain, the hardscape was from rock from the rivers and tiles in beautiful patterns or flagstone. Alternatively, decomposed granite was used in the larger garden spaces and, while there is often lots of hardscape, it doesn't feel sterile because all materials are natural."

The Alcazar, Sevilla, Spain

by Christy O'Hara

A contemporary example of the principles seen in the Persian garden: the Getty Villa in Malibu, California

The Getty Villa

courtesy of Michael DeHart,
Gift of Persia panelist and
Superintendant of Grounds and Gardens, Getty Villa

"Contemporary landscape design is going back to stronger axial lines so I see great application in these forms and structure," O'Hara says, adding that great garden design lessons from the Persian garden are to "use water preciously and aesthetically and use regional materials and plants to create a sense of place and appropriateness."

For a Persian garden plant list, composed in 1013 a.d., see Islamic Gardens and Landscapes (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008) by D. Fairchild Ruggles. Many of these plants are found in today's American garden, O'Hara says.

Gift of Persia: Exotic Gardens for California •

The Moorish, Mughal and Mediterranean influence on California Gardens •

A horticultural and design history seminar •

sponsored by the Garden Conservancy and the Ruth Bancroft Garden

July 15, 2011 •

8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. •

The Gardens at Heather Farm, Walnut Creek, California •
$105. includes buffet lunch, refreshments and wine reception •
415.441.4300 •

Secret Resources: Shirley Parks Design

2011-07-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Sausalito interior designer and blogger Shirley Parks of Shirley Parks Design spilled her design secrets with us recently and, because they are too cool to keep to ourselves, we're spilling them with you. (Look for more here on her blog.)

Shirley Parks, above, with two of her interiors, below

Cabinet hardware from Liz’s Antique Hardware

Parks: "Take a plain cabinet and transform it simply with knobs. This is one of my most important accessories. Liz’s selection is mind-blowingly big and fun."

Vintage lamps from C Damien Fox.
Parks: "These are the ultimate accessory adding shape, color and overall pizzazz to a room. So old but so new."

Pollack Fabrics
Parks: "They make an ancient or traditional pattern feel so modern while being practical for family life and within the budget."

Jonathan Adler
Parks: "Fantastically fun pieces that turn 20^th- century trends into classics."

Artistic Tile
Parks: "These wow tiles make any surface extra special. I seem to be able to find exactly what I want every time I’m there."

My “Style Assessment” Questions
Parks: "This is what I use to reveal my clients’ true style so they get the pieces that reflect them and not the latest trend."

IKEA

Parks: "I would be working on the floor of my office surrounded by a mess of samples if IKEA didn’t exist."

The Shade Store

Parks: "When custom draperies aren’t in the budget this is my favorite resource for straightforward clean shades and curtains. I call it soft architecture."

Sherwin Williams Paint
Parks: "They have a scrubbable paint that is idea for family areas. It stands up to all forms of “art” and the mess just gets wiped or scoured off."

Wallpaper

Parks: "This current frontier is so vast and creative it requires conscious restraint. There are so many cool and gorgeous wall covering lines, but I use Elitis and Philip Jeffries the most."

Venetian Plaster

Parks: "This ancient method of toweling on this plaster/marble-dust/pigment material is as modern as ever. The end result is a wall that looks like a stone and it can be honed or very polished. This single material can take on so many different looks it never gets old. I love it for fireplaces, ceilings, accent walls or small rooms."

Built-Ins

Parks: "Whenever it makes sense with the space I add built-ins (and many times it’s furniture that just looks built-in.) You can’t get enough storage in Marin and it’s also great for enhancing the architecture."

Images courtesy of Shirley Parks Design

Raise your Bloom IQ

2011-06-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

We're digging Bloom IQ. Not only do our thumbs look really green, we get less dirt under our nails gardening this way, too.

Bloom IQ

Searchable plant database of plants •
Cultivation tips •
Companion plant suggestions •

Browsable design collections with plant shopping lists •
Reference section •

• Free

NYC Window "Stopping" in Spring

2011-06-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

If Mother Nature holds back, at least window dressers and gardeners don't disappoint...

And, while this was the year of Honeysuckle Pink, we think it's all about the orange...

NYC through the lens of the NY Design Center

2011-05-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

We're always up for a challenge and here's the latest one: see New York through the lens of the New York Design Center in Manhattan.

1. These objects, resembling side mirrors on a car, in Arteriors remind us of the cars that made the Chrysler Building possible.

2. Something we'd find in Central Park, like man's best friend, we found in the 1st Dibs showroom.

3. This lamp, over Hello, Splendor blogger Beth Dotolo, in the Metropolitan Lighting Fixture Co. reminds us of the glittering globe in Times Square on New Year's Eve.

4. Which color of these customizable Mottega lamps in Arteriors would we choose? "Cashmere" on the right.

5. Something visitors to NY and the NYDC need? Tour guides. And, our favorite component of the NYDC new guide service, Access to Design, is Alana, shown here unlocking the proverbial chain on the doors of NYDC.

6. Blogfest, hosted by Kravet, Inc., is all about design, connection and hospitality such as this party at 1st Dibs.

7. Which color would we pick from Kravet's new Modern Colors Collection? Green and black..the colors of Blogfest.

8. Something that represents the 1920s when the NYDC was built? We say this curved antique lamp, next to Eric Miller of Interiors by Studio M in Florida, in Laserow Antiques.

9. The Brooklyn Bridge, like our favorite span, the Golden Gate Bridge, is all about suspension. So is this figural sculpture in Atelier.

10. NBC, the Peacock Network, is based in New York and we found plenty of them in the Global Views showroom.

11. Celebrities, such as Thom Filicia seen here at 1st Dibs, abound in New York and bloggers at Blogfest lined up to get their photograph taken with him

Society, scandal and sentiment: Chateau Carolands

2011-05-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

On the occasion of architect Allan Greenberg's presentation to the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, members and guests enjoyed a rare peek inside one of America's largest private homes which has, over its lifetime, strangely been the unexpected lightening rod for human frailties.

Carefully documented in a book and a film, Carolands has been mired in cost overruns and foreclosure, implicated in a divorce and a murder, doomed and redeemed, scorned and beloved, and finally saved and respected.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 65,000 square-foot residence was originally built as a trophy home in 1915 in Hillsborough by train car heiress, Harriet Pullman Carolan. It was later purchased by the Countess (and Marin County brick heiress) Lillian Remillard Dandini, and later restored by current owners Dr. Ann and Charles Bartlett Johnson in 1988 with help by famed New York designer, Mario Buatta.

The porte-cochere from a distance...

...and just inside.

Up the twin staircase in the 75-foot high atrium....

...to the second floor gallery. Behind the tapestry is the two-story living room.....

...where an overhead library mezzanine (not shown) wraps the room.

The salon prive.

The dining room with one of the chateau's four kitchens adjacent...

...and small oiseaux in a ceiling detail.

A gathering room purchased, in whole, from a Bordeaux chateau.

The solarium....

...with a view to the knot garden....

...and Restoration Hardware's Ed Hardy with friend, Mark Mayo.

Outside... ponds, fountains and sloping lawns.

Dwell + Marin Magazine's Marin Home Tour: Top 5 Reasons to Go

2011-04-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Why go to Dwell and Marin Magazine's inaugural Marin Home Tour this month?

Here are five great reasons...

To walk through the Mill Valley house that inspired Lara Hedberg Deam to found Dwell magazine...

Images by Rien van Rijthoven

The Deam Residence • Christopher C. Deam • CCD

To experience how Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey, owners of the noted mid-century pottery company Heath Ceramics, live at home...

The Bailey/Petrovic Residence •
Barbara Brown • Barbara Brown Architecture

To walk across a modern bridge...

Images by Rien van Rijthoven

The Bridge House • Stanley Saitowitz • Natoma Architects, Inc.

To stroll through a floating home...

Image by Michael Kromat

Sausalito Houseboat • David Spurgeon, Architect

To find nature celebrated in, around and, thanks to an award-winning living roof, atop this Mill Valley home.

Image by CJ Chapman

A Hillside Residence • Scott McGlashan • McGlashan Architecture

The Dwell + Marin Magazine Marin Home Tour •

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • April 30 and May 1 •
Nine homes •

$75 one- day pass •

$150 two-day pass includes admission to Meet the Architects •

Meet The Architects • 6:30 p.m. • April 29 • Acqua Hotel • Mill Valley • $25 •

Click here for tickets

DesignSwirl's Newest Feature

2011-04-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

Searching for a cool design pro or stylish object?

DesignSwirl now makes it easier with listings for Design Industry Professionals and Resources. See the categories at the top of the page?

And, if you're in the design industry in any state, let us know about you. Please join us on DesignSwirl and send us a message with the name of your firm, your URL and your category.

The Sayle Chair by fuseproject

2011-03-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge, the frameless Sayle Chair is a model of suspension principles.

After introducing the Sayle Chair to the European and Asia markets, Yves Behar (below), founder of fuseproject, recently unveiled his new Sayle Chair for Herman Miller to a San Francisco audience at Design Within Reach.

Interior Designer Nancy Van Natta seen with the Sayle Chair in white.

The Sayle Arm or Side Chair •

Ergonomical • Eco-friendly • Stackable • Various colors •

$399 +

Design Within Reach •

2299 Alameda St. • San Francisco • 415-734-9172

Bouquets to Art Contest Winners!

2011-03-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Diana and Randy! You entered the Bouquets to Art ticket giveaway last week and won. Yay!

Diana, you'll be seeing Kate Berry, style director for Martha Stewart Weddings and, Randy, you get to take a friend with you to see San Francisco's most spectacular floral extravaganza courtesy of the Bouquets to Arts organization.

Thank you for entering. Enjoy!

Ticket Contest to Bouquets to Art

2011-03-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

From a small beachside bucket shop in Southern California to the hallowed halls of the Martha Stewart empire, the fabulous Kate Berry continues to influence how we look at flowers, our interior spaces, and our events.

As style director for Martha Stewart Weddings and a regular contributor to Martha Stewart Living, Berry draws her inspiration from objects she finds in her urban life - glamorous gemstones, a pretty handbag or a gorgeous ball of yarn - and interprets them into winning visual creations. (For a full interview with Kate Berry and her favorite styling tips, click here.)

On Thursday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m. exclusively for Bouquets to Art 2011, Berry will reveal the process for creating an editorial spread, from the initial brainstorm to the styling and final production through a slideshow that will feature the flowers blooming in Martha Stewart's gardens in Bedford, New York and at "Skylands" in Maine. Berry will also demonstrate how to create some of her most popular magazine arrangements.

And, just because it's been such a long winter and we think you need a big dose of Spring, we have arranged a special contest.

Join DesignSwirl here or on Facebook and tell us, in the comment box, why you would want to attend Kate Berry's Styling for Martha Stewart. The winner will be chosen at random and receive two tickets to the presentation with admission to Bouquets to Art.

And, because we believe that if one contest is great, two are even better, increase your chances to see Bouquets to Art by clicking here and joining us on Twitter. These two tickets will be for a one-time admission to see the floral arrangements anytime during open hours from Tuesday, March 15 to Saturday, March 19.

The contests close on Sunday, March 13 and the winners will be announced here. *

Bouquets to Art •

A five-day festival with more than 100 magnificent floral arrangements

that pay tribute to individual artworks •

Optional luncheons, teas, floral demonstrations and lectures •

The de Young Museum • San Francisco • 415-750-3504

*There is no cash equivalency for contest prizes.

Win an iconic Eero Aarnio Ball Chair

2011-02-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

It breaks our hearts to tell you because we'd much rather keep this a secret and, yes, shamelessly win this chair ourselves, but how could we not share with you?

The Finnish Design Shop is giving away a gorgeous, custom-made-for-the-winner Eero Aarnio Ball Chair (valued at almost $7,000) in celebration of FDS' new Facebook page.

To enter the sweepstakes, click here for the Finnish Design Shop Facebook page, "like" the page and complete the registration form before April 21.

Dan Pearson on Gardens

2011-02-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

It may be winter, but our eyes were on springtime and flower gardens this week as The Garden Conservancy and the 2011 San Francisco Flower and Garden Show welcomed Dan Pearson, England's masterful landscape designer, to the stage of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.

Principal of Dan Pearson Studio in London, Pearson is also the author of two books including the soon-to-released Home Garden: Sanctuary in the City, a garden columnist for The Observer magazine, and the designer of five award-winning Chelsea Flower Show gardens.

Through images of two of his major installations - the therapeutic gardens at Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre in London and The Tokachi Mainichi Millennium Forest, an 80-acre nature reserve in Hokkaido, Japan - Pearson illustrated to the sold-out audience his bold painterly use of form, texture and color in plantings and a determined decision to collaborate, rather than dominate, nature.

Above images of Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre

courtesy of Dan Pearson Studio

Tokachi Millennium Forest

Image by Syogo Oizumi

Tokachi Millennium Forest in winter

Above images courtesy of Dan Pearson Studio

But, before the British garden designer took the stage, he met with representatives of the evening's sponsors...

Kay Hamilton Estey of the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, Dan Pearson,

and Antonia Adezio and Betsy Flack of The Garden Conservancy

before the presentation

... and two members of the audience from Marin.

Ive Haugeland and Jamie Morf

of Shades of Green Landscape Architecture in Sausalito

flank Dan Pearson

Flipping Out for "Flipping Out"

2011-02-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Jeff Lewis, star of Bravo's hit show, "Flipping Out", was in San Francisco recently for a whirlwind visit of special events highlighted by his appearance at San Francisco Design Center's Design San Francisco.

We are glad to know that everyone involved enjoyed meeting both Jeff Lewis and his executive assistant/co-star Jenni Pulos; that Jeff Lewis is, indeed, "really like that in person"; and, contrary to his infamous reputation (and to the relief of all), fired no one.

Scenes from Design San Francisco

Alf Nucifora of The Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco interviews

Jeff Lewis and Jenni Pulos.

The on-stage interview at San Francisco Design Center Design

was taped by Bravo's "Flipping Out" camera crew

Pulos and Lewis' business manager Gage Edward

sit next to each other in the front row of the sold-out audience.

Peeking backstage at Lewis, Pulos and Nucifora

Above images by Sunghi Sonia Morsella

Scenes from the pre-party hosted by The Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco and Gilt City at the home of noted designer and antiques dealer Candace Barnes.

Barnes' living room atop San Francisco's elegant Nob Hill with...

...a glittering downtown view

Party hosts Pamela Fishman Cianci, VP operations of Gilt City,

and Alf Nucifora, Chairman of The Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco,

and Debbie Nucifora

Jenni Pulos, Candace Barnes and Jeff Lewis

A surprise gift bag, filled with gift certificates

for a luxurious Northern California spa weekend for

Lewis' absent housekeeper and co-star Zoila Chavez,
presented by Gilt City's Pamela Fishman Cianci

to Jeff Lewis, as Pulos and Nucifora look on.

Above images by Nicole Paulson Photography

Image by Deborah Norton

Leaving on a FlexJet (Challenger 300)

Showcase Showdown

2011-01-28T17:31:00.000-08:00

We've been waiting for this decision and, now, the line-up of designers ready to take on the challenge of glamming up the 2011 San Francisco Decorator Showcase at 2950 Vallejo Street has been announced. Which room will be our new favorite?

And don't miss this intriguing spy story attached to the house.

Pantry/Nook
Brian Dittmar, Brian Dittmar Design, Inc.

Bedroom
Cathleen Gouveia, Cathleen Gouveia Design

Bedroom and Bath
Emily Taylor, Emily Taylor Interiors

Dining Room
Grant K. Gibson, Grant K. Gibson Interior Design

Bedroom
Jeff Schlarb, Green Couch Interior Design

Library
Heather Hilliard, Heather Hilliard Design LLC

Powder Room
JoAnn Hartley, Jo Ann Hartley Interior Design

Bedroom
Josephine Fisher, Josephine Fisher Interior Design

Wine Cellar
Alison Davin, Jute Interior Design

Hallway
Rob Delamater and Gaétan Caron, Lost Art Salon

Studio Craft Room
Jeannie Fraise, Lotus Bleu Home Décor & Interior Design

Wrap Room and Public Powder Room
Elan Evans and Charlotte Meyn, Sonoma Decorative Arts

Closet
Tinsley Hutson-Wiley, Tinsley Hutson-Wiley Interior Design

Kitchen
Tish Key, Tish Key Interior Design

Master Bath
Val Fiscalini, Val Fiscalini Designs

Entry Hall
Willem Racké, Willem Racké Studio, Inc.

Bath
Barbara Chambers, Chambers + Chambers Architects
and
Nancy Hammonds, Nancy Hammonds Design

Front Garden
Christopher Yates, Christopher Yates Design Landscape Architecture

Entry Garden
Kate Michels, Kate Michels Landscape Design

Bath
Mark Newman, Mark Newman Design

Master Bedroom

Matt Murphy, Matt Murphy Studio

Living Room
Kathleen Navarra, Navarra Design, Inc.

Gallery/Music
Marion Philpotts Miller and Jonathan Staub, Philpotts & Associates, Inc.

Bath
Stephen Rice and Lynn De Tienne, Rice and De Tienne Designs

• The San Francisco Decorator Showcase •

Tuesdays through Sundays and Monday, Memorial Day • April 30 to May 30, 2011 •

$30 general admission • $25 senior admission •

Design Daze - January 2011

2011-01-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

What have our favorite design bloggers been dishing up since the New Year? Let's peek!

Barclay Butera celebrates the grand opening of his new store on La Cienega in West Hollywood with champagne and style.

Grant K. Gibson starts the year off with a good deed by directing a colorful - and complimentary - bedroom makeover for a surviving twin teenager. When the good get going, the going gets good!

Katie Denham, on her blog Katiedid, reviews Stealing Magnolias: Tales from a New Orleans Courtyard, a new book by Debra Shriver...and is giving one away to a lucky winner!

James Swan of 101 Things I Hate About Your House whips up creative controversy - and comment comedy - as he opens up discussion on the issues of scale and pattern.

Holly Becker guest posts on designer Vicente Wolf's blog (he's in Bali) and encourages designers to hop aboard the social media train and .... on her own blog, Decor8, she lassos a lion's share of lighting.

Bridging Design Worlds

2010-12-30T00:29:00.000-08:00

Souvenirs of the City. A t-shirt, postcard, or snapshot can tell the world you went to the Golden Gate Bridge, but how many people can say the Golden Gate Bridge went to them?

Repurposed original railings from
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge •
Limited Editions with Certificate of Authenticity •

Golden Gate Bridge Furniture

King Headboard $12,500. •
Queen Headboard $9,500 •
Nightstand $9,500 •
Cocktail table $9,500 •

Genuine Custom International Orange Paint •
Numbered • Lead-Free •

Golden Gate Furniture Company

Golden Gate Bridge Corkscrew
Made in France • Includes Gift Box

$199.95
Laguiole en Aubrac

Dining by Design: Decadence by Default

2010-12-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

More than 30 top San Francisco design firms dreamed up fabulous fantasy dining vignettes for DIFFA's (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) 26th annual Dining by Design presented recently at the San Francisco Design Center's Galleria.

Which setting would we choose to entertain our dinner party guests this season?

Would it be under the sea....

Poggenpohl, by Adeeni Design Group

...or under the stars?

San Francisco Design Center designed by Candace Barnes

Snug in a tee pee...

Gensler and Haworth

... or tucked in a tube?

John Lum Architecture

In a confectionery?

Taste Catering & Event Planning

and Gumps

designed by Billy Cook

Or, perhaps, a glorious birdcage...

Steven Miller and Paul Benson

Of course, we'd set another place at the table as birds do come with their own "peeps".

Images by www.escreation.com

The New Weigh to Office

2010-12-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

Why walk to work when you can walk at work?

Fly through emails, take that important overseas call, send out those zingy memos... all while working off that late lunch with the out-of-town power brokers.

Who's the hotshot master of multitasking now?

The Series 7 Sit-to-Walkstation by Details, a Steelcase division •

Height adjustable table measures 78 inches wide by 29 inches deep •

Laminate top available in various finishes • Base available in platinum or black base •

Under $5,000 • Optional accessories •

details-worktools.com • 1-800-833-0411

Hardware for the hard-to-please

2010-11-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

Jewelry for your doors and drawers...because we should always reach for beauty.

Horn • Topaz • Rock crystal

Interchangeable modernist geometric designs

Historical and museum-quality replicas of American and European designs.

Here, 1940s-style "Champagne" knobs.

Monogram

H. Theophile Custom Architectural Hardware

• 10-door minimum • To the trade •

Pla(y)ce mats

2010-10-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Of course, we'd never play with our food, but we'd certainly play with these Modern-Twist place mats while we waited for it.

Re-colorable • Non-porous, germ-free silicone • Free of harsh chemicals • Clean with damp cloth • $20 each

Set of six on-toxic dry erase markers • $9

Summer House • 21 Throckmorton Ave. • Mill Valley, CA, 94941 • 415-383-6695

Imagining China with Gump's

2010-10-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

Last week, San Francisco's luxurious Gump's was the setting for seven sumptuous dining vignettes, fashioned by some of the City's leading designers for "Imagining China", a supporting event in anticipation of the upcoming San Francisco Fall Antique Show.

Our question is, how do you imagine China?

In shades of celadon like Jeffers Design Group...

Jay Jeffers

with an artful equine motif like Barbara Scavullo Designs...

Design team • Marysia Rybock and Evalani Washington

Anitque Han horse • Gump's

Table • Studio Workshops • "Parnassus"

Flatware • Hermes "Attelage"• Gump's

Stemware • Gump's

Antique lantern • Antique and Art Exchange

China • Hermes "Cheval d'Orient" • Gump's
Dinner plate and Charger • Hermes • Gump's

Or with sparkly pizazz like Fisher Weisman?

Andrew Fisher and Jeffry Weisman

Sequined tableskirt • Gretchen Bellinger textile fabricated by Architrave Studio

Chairs • "Bamboo Collection" by Fisher Weisman for Michael Taylor Designs
in Gretchen Bellinger fabric

Pagoda salt and paper shakers and napkin rings • Objets Plus, Inc.

Perhaps you imagine China with a modern twist as Ann Getty and Associates does...

Acrylic Ballroom Chairs • Ruby Beets

Porcelain Foo dogs and blue and white porcelain
salt and pepper jars • personal collection of Ann Getty

Overhead lantern (not shown) • Forgotten Shanghai

Floral arrangements • Stanlee R. Gatti Designs

Stemware • Baccarat * Gump's

Or with an air of opulence like Tucker and Marks...

Tucker and Marks: Marco Zamora, Suzanne Tucker,

Christopher Roy, John V. Buckley III, Dino Vannoni

18th century Venetian settee and chairs • Carlton Hobbs, LLC

Vintage Chinese Gilt Iron Pagoda • Therien & Co.
Top fabric on table skirt • Suzanne Tucker Home • “ Pagoda” in citrine
Underskirt • Scalamandre • “Tigre” • velvet

Cushions • Suzanne Tucker Home • “Dolce” in chili

18th century Coromandel screen • private collection

French gilt bronze-and-coral chandelier, c. 1920 • Objets Plus, Inc.

China • Meissen

Chargers: Bernardaud

Crystal • William Yeoward

Highball glasses • Impulse

Sterling Silver Flatware: Ricci

Antique Mother of Pearl and silver dessert knives
and forks and salt cellars and antique
sterling silver and ivory fisheaters • JG Collection • Gump's

Maybe it's with a moody exoticism like Douglas Durkin Design's table...

Douglas Durkin and Gump's CEO Marta Benson

Custom terrariums • Paxton Gate

Dragon • Lalique • Gump's

China • Meissen • "Rich Court Dragon"

Flatware • Alain St. Joanis • "Berlin"

Or, the lavish exuberance of Gump's own design team...

Jon Leafstedt of Gump's

China • Albert Pinto • Gump's

Custom Baccarat mirrored table

Tell us, how would you imagine China?

Designers tables on display at Gump's through October 31 •

Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. •
Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. •

135 Post St. • San Francisco • 800-766-7628 •

Innately India

2010-09-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

Fashion designer Tory Burch traveled to India earlier this year and, in our own tribute to India's endearments - the colors, the fabrics, the fabulously bejeweled accessories - and because we wish we had gone, we're throwing a little India homage right here. You're invited, of course.

First, we'd dress the part in this pretty dress designed by our India-touring Tory...

Tory Burch India Silk maxi dress, new, size XS, on Ebay

And, since there is a slight chill in the fall air, we'd find ourselves casually tossing over our shoulders a dreamy lightweight wool scarf like one of these from Zeba Home in Marin...the purple one... under the silver finger bracelet. We'd take one of those, too.

Wool shawls and embroidered cotton pillows, $35. Finger bracelet, $25.

We'd listen for your footsteps crunching on the path as you approach our charming baṅglā through precious gates of teak inlaid with colorful tin.

Zeba Home. Pair of tin-inlaid teak doors. 44.5" w x 77" h. $1250. Other colors available.

Gliding easily toward you, we guide you into a brightly-upholstered space scattered with colorful poufs (we choose the blue sequined one)

Zeba Home. Assorted Poufs.

and layered with luscious pillows. You, we think, will seek out the reds...

Zeba Home. Pillows of cotton, silk, satin. $35. to $40.

or perhaps the creamy-colored ones ...

Zeba Home. Gold with gold-thread embroiadery, $35. Ivory with sequins, $25.

As we settle around a low table, you admire the sheer cotton cloths that cover it. Naturally, you're right; they're so pretty, we think we could wear them.

Zeba Home. Sheer cotton tablecloths, $45.

After an apertif, and with a musical snap of our finger cymbals (ting!), an Indian delicacy, wafting steamy and sensuous aromas, arrives. Some Bengali Chicken (or Tofu) Garam Masala for you? Some more?

Destinations Dinners. Recipe Kit, $25.

We don't tell you that almost all the ingredients to make it came to us by mail in a beautiful red gift box from Destination Dinners: Recipes From Around the Globe - items such as the pre-measured exotic spices, recipe and shopping list, table setting suggestions and... a trivia card about India, just for fun.

After all, if our dinner conversation doesn't sparkle, what will?

Finally, we indulge in a sweetened Fruit Kebab because we know you love sweets and, before you leave, we slip you the recipe, courtesy of Petrina Verma Sarkar.

Of course, you thank us effusively. Of course, we blush.

Sweetened Fruit Kebabs *

3 large bananas, diced
2 cups pineapple chunks
2 apples cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups seedless grapes
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup fresh grated coconut, on plate.

Pour the condensed milk onto a plate and chill in the refrigerator for an hour.

Skewer the fruit into pleasing combinations.

Roll skewer in condensed milk until fully coated, then in the coconut. Coat completely.

Chill before serving.

* As always, best when prepared and served by someone else.

Zeba Home of Marin • 716 Fourth St. • San Rafael, CA • 415-259-6197 • zebamarin.com

Ironing...on the rocks

2010-09-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

For sweet-smelling clothes and linens, try this recipe for scented ironing water from San Francisco's Cole Hardware:

Mix:

3 tablespoons vodka

10 to 20 drops of scented essential oil

Add:

2 cups of distilled water

Seal tightly in a jar; shake well.

Leave in a dark place for two weeks then pour into a spray bottle.

Test first on hidden seam or hem before ironing.

Store in refrigerator between uses.

Waxing Rhapsodic Over Wick's

2010-08-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

Over which wax do we wax rhapsodic?

Wick's Wax, of course. This locally-produced wax was created specially by Rick Morton, a fine antiques restorer in Sausalito for his clients including Butterfield and Butterfield and Cabana Home.

It has all the qualities we appreciate in a superior furniture wax: professional results, lots of rich carnauba and bees wax, non-smearing, no harmful effects on the furniture and ~~someone to apply it~~ is easy to apply.

Prices start at $19.95.

And the Lucky Winner of the Coreen Cordova "Dove" is....

2010-08-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

We are almost as thrilled to present this charming charm to one of our fabulous DesignSwirl followers as if we won it ourselves. OK, we're really thrilled. And, we know you're really going to rock it.

So, Ms. Luanna Kennedy Eckhard of Sarasota, Florida, you're DesignSwirl's latest winner! Congratulations!!! Send us your mailing address so we can send this gorgeous Dove right back.

And, don't fret, fellow DesignSwirl friends. We have more fabulous contests coming up.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall - Which is the Fairest Building of Them All?

2010-07-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

That's the question Vanity Fair magazine recently posed to leading architects around the world. Their answers, spotlighting some of the most architecturally-interesting buildings, were featured in the magazine's World Architecture Survey.

Perusing the list and noticing a distinct lack of eco-love, Architect magazine responded with its own rankings of the most sublime "green" buildings within the last 30 years.

Before you find out which buildings Vanity Fair's experts deem the best in the world in the last 30 years or see photos of the top 21 here or learn which "green" structures Architect claims are the best or see the slideshow of the "green" picks, can you guess which architect took an impressive second place on both lists?

Here's a clue:

Recognize him? Does the name Renzo Piano strike a chord?

If not, here's another clue: an image of the project that earned Piano second place on Architect's Top Green Building list:

The California Academy of Sciences Building
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Image by Todd Eberle
Courtesy of Vanity Fair

Our question for you is:

Which building - "green" or otherwise - do you think is the most architecturally-exciting public building locally and why?

Coreen Cordova's "Summer Whites Collection" and Win a Charm contest.

2010-07-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

For the well-stocked jewelry box and well-dressed neckline... we're in mad design love with Coreen Cordova's newest collection, "Summer Whites".

We'd wear this to make an entrance.....

This to make a statement.....

And this.... well, because wearing drama - not being the source of it - makes us smile beatifically, too!

But our big question is... where would you wear this?

Promise to tell! Follow DesignSwirl before August 5, 2010 for your very own chance to win this charming Coreen Cordova "Dove" mini-pendant. It wings its way to one lucky follower when our contest ends August 6.

• The Summer Whites Collection by Coreen Cordova: Jewelry That Inspires •

• One of a kind or limited edition only •

• Hand-carved bone beads • Bone or resin pendant in silver bezel in various designs • $150 and up •

• Also available online: Charms, Pendants, Necklaces and Bracelets •

• The Top 50 charms in The Classic Line feature birds, blossoms, spiritual, and Western themes •

Outdoor fabric from Langner DZign

2010-07-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

For easy lounging on stylish chaises, leaning back at sumptuous alfresco feasts, or falling into a hammock's sea of pillows, printed fabrics by Maine artist Gretchen Langner elevate the art of outdoor living.

Publish Post

• Fabric for the protected outdoors from Langner dZign • Fade- and water-resistant acrylic • Five patterns (Bud, Flower, Spiral, Circle and Overlay ) in select or custom colorways • $50 per yard • 10 yard minimum • Available at Enid Ford Atelier in San Francisco

Fab

Recipe for the Artful "Arnold Palmer"

2010-07-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

We love Cafe Marmalade's signature version of the classic summer drink known as the Arnold Palmer, a thirst-quenching concoction of lemonade and iced tea. Cafe Marmalade's twist?

Brewed Ginger Peach tea by Republic of Tea

House-made minted lemonade

Crushed ice.

But, when it comes to style, we really love the layered glamor of the "Arnold Palmers" served at the Panama Hotel.

Panama Hotel's secret? Fill 3/4 of a pint glass with ice. Top the ice with lemonade. Slowly add iced tea.

Do we sip from the top for a taste of tea, sink the straw lower for a little lemonade or try for the middle without disturbing the balance? We never know.

Cafe Marmalade • 22 Ross Common • Ross • 415.461.2205

The Panama Hotel • 4 Bayview St. • San Rafael • 415. 457.3993 • panamahotel.com

J. Wallace Tutt III

2010-06-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

J. Wallace Tutt, III - attorney, gifted designer and builder, and author - died this weekend in the Bahamas. He was 53.

The Alabama native was roundly beloved by his celebrity clients and friends and his staff for his gracious Southern ways, his zest for life and his great sense of fun and friendship.

Tutt was perhaps best known to everyone else for his elegant style and famous design of the late Gianni Versace's lavish Miami mansion Casa Casuarina, now a restaurant and hotel.

Casa Casuarina

He also designed Miami's Hotel Astor, Hotel Impala and The Mediterranean Mansion Villa-Hotel and built Cher's Miami and Malibu homes.

Hotel Astor

Hotel Impala

The Commodore Room at Rock House

A Bahamian native since 2002, Tutt owned the exclusive boutique hotel Rock House on Harbour Island, later opening the Rock House Bar and Restaurant in Miami's Angler's Boutique Resort which he had been commissioned to design.

Channel Photographics in Marin County released Harbour Island, Tutt's gorgeous tribute to his adopted island with photographs by Cookie Kinkead and a foreword by Diane von Furstenberg, last year. He self-financed the $75 book entirely and donated all proceeds to education on Harbour Island. Very few first editions remain; the decision for a second printing lies with the executor of Tutt's estate.

Wallace Tutt at his November 2009 book launch.

Courtesy of Tutt's friend, blogger and Florida celebrity photographer

Seth Browarnik of WorldRedEye.com

Adrianne Casey, co-publisher at Channel Photographics, worked with Tutt on the book for several years. "He was so grateful for everything," she says. She'll most remember his "generosity, talent and humility" and the fact that "he was always giving back, especially to education on Harbour Island...he loved the people, the children and the Island itself."

Tutt will be "missed by thousands," she adds. "He had so many friends and everyone has been saddened by his passing away. I am glad to say that I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. J. Wallace Tutt."

To order Harbour Island, call 415-456-2934 or visit channelphotographics.com

Shop Marin Designers Showcase!

2010-06-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

Sure, you can see beautiful furnishings at the Marin Designers Showcase, but did you know that on Sunday you can "shop" for them there, too?

• Reception Hall •

Rhonda Shipley of Shipley Interiors / Studiolo

Image courtesy of

Shipley Interiors

• The Living Room •

Heather Hilliard and Shannon Luke of Heather Hilliard Design, LLC

Images by

Michele Lee Willson Photography

• The Dining Room •

Kirsty and Walter Burns of The Other Studio, Inc.

Image by
Walter Burns

• Sunroom •

Maria Iacobucci of Sunrise Home

Image courtesy of

Sunrise Home

• Grand Staircase and Second Floor Landing •

Eric Sarbib of Le Trianon Gallery

Image courtesy of

Le Trianon Gallery

• Master Suite •

Jennifer Hershon and JoAnn Hartley of Hershon Hartley Design, Inc.

Images by

Margot Hartford Photography

• Young Ingenue's Bedroom and Bath Suite •
Val Fiscalini of Val Fiscalini Designs

Images by

Will Chubb Photography

• Vintage French-Inspired Guest Room •

Jennifer Pezzolo of Pezzolo Designs

Image courtesy of

Pezzola Design

• The Spa and Sitting Room •

Carolyn Robbins of Carolyn Robbins Site Design

Image courtesy of
Carolyn Robbins

• Indoor / Outdoor Retreat •

Cathleen Gouveia of Cathleen Gouveia Design

Images by

David Duncan Livingston

• Kitchen Powder Room •
Jim Coch of Jim Coch Interior Designs and
Linda Horning of Horning Decorative Painting

Image courtesy of

Horning Decorative Painting

• Garden Hideaway •

Linda Nave and Rachel F. Ginis of Sandra Bird Designs

Images courtesy of
Sandra Bird Designs

This year's Marin Designers Showcase proves our personal mantra: vacations are good for us...and good for our looks!

Just look at this year's Showcase after a two-year "vacation" - she's cool, polished and gorgeous. More than 20 spaces at the 8,000 square-foot Rosegarden Estate, dressed up in their very best by more than 30 designers, ready for their last close-up tomorrow Saturday, June 5.

See something you like? Selected pieces will be available at Showcase's Designers After-Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 6. Admission is $10 or free with any 2010 Marin Designers Showcase ticket stub.

Showcase tickets cost $30 or $25 for seniors. Click here for hours, directions and online ticket purchase.

San Francisco Decorator Showcase:Last Call

2010-05-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Make this Memorial Day weekend memorable.

Treat your special out-of-town house guests to a few hours of stylish design to go with that trip to Alcatraz, clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf and t-shirt from Pier 39.

• Formal Terrace •

Davis Dalbok of Living Green

Images courtesy of

Living Green

• The Living Room •
Suzanne Tucker of Tucker Marks

Images by

Matthew Millman

• The Kitchen •

Jennifer Hershon and Jennifer Hartley of Hershon Hartley Design, Inc.

Images by

Margot Hartford Photography

• Narcissus Powder Room •

Matthew MacCaul Turner of MacCaul Turner Design

Image courtesy of

MacCaul Turner Design

• The Master Bedroom Suite •

Shelby de Quesada of Shelby de Quesada Interior Design

and

Jorge de Quesada of De Quesada Architects

Images by
Margot Hartford Photography

• Sitting Room •

Charles de Lisle of The Charles De Lisle Workshop

Image courtesy of

The Charles de Lisle Workshop

• Triplets Nursery •

Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt of Marsh & Clark Design

Image by

Elisabeth Fall

• Ivory Tower: A Room for Thought •

Cecilie Starin of Cecilie Starin Design Inc.

Image by

Margot Hartford Photography

• The Aerie •

Benjamin Dhong of Benjamin Dhong Interior Design

Image courtesy of

Benjamin Dhong Interior Design

• Ebony and Ivory Guest Bath •

Val Fiscalini of Val Fiscalini Designs

Image by

Will Chubb Photography

San Francisco Decorator Showcase

Saturday May 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday May 31 and Memorial Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$25 - $30

3450 Washington Street • San Francisco • 415- 447-3115

The Big Reveal: Winner of Inverness Garden Club Tour Announced

2010-05-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

How does DesignSwirl conduct official DesignSwirl contests? Well, it's technical, but...

First, we jot down the names of each of our fabulous DesignSwirl.net blog or Facebook followers in pink ink on ivory paper, separate each smartly with sharp scissors, heap the slips of paper in our cupped hands, close our eyes tightly and then, swirling the slips of paper, let them escape and lightly float to the floor. All of them except one.

The last one. The one lucky slip that out-clings the other ones. The bold hanger-on.

And, today that lucky slip belongs to one Margaret Farley who follows DesignSwirl on Facebook and who has now won a pair of tickets to the Inverness Garden Club's tour, A Sense of Place, this Sunday, courtesy of The Inverness Garden Club.

We want you to go, too. Tickets are only $40 here. Here's your sneak preview:

Blogging around town: May 19

2010-05-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

And what are our favorite bloggers blogging about?

James Bacchi of Art Haus invites art lovers to see colorful pieces from his gallery displayed at Kendall Wilkinson Design + Home on Sacramento St. in SF tomorrow. Have you RSVP'ed?

Beryn Hammil revels in her follow-up visit to the SF Showcase. Read her account here.

Designer Cecilie Starin says yes! to a crackled linen ceiling, Fortuny fabrics and a quirky chandelier in her dreamy SF Decorator space. Take a look!

Over at Hershon Hartley Design, Jennifer and JoAnn go through photo albums of their masterly spaces in both the SF and the Marin Showcase homes. Have you been yet?

Dan Jewett welcomes the classic cars of the Sonoma Marin Concours d'Elegance at the Marin Civic Center this past weekend. Did he feature Janis Joplin's psychedelic Porsche or the Marin Independent delivery Olds?

And what are you blogging about? Please share!

Going to the Inverness Garden Tour? Win tickets!

2010-05-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

The countryside beckons us almost every day but most especially on the return of the Inverness Garden Club's A Sense of Place tour.

Stroll with me through six cultivated gardens carved out of the wilds and set against a backdrop of natural beauty all within walking distance of each other.

We'll leave our sassy new sandals home and just bring our precious selves in comfy shoes, sensible sunblock and pretty layered clothing letting club members tempt us along the way with light refreshments and lemonade stands. It'll be sort of like Bay to Breakers without all that running.

Except that B2B is a contest, isnt' it?

Well, then, our very favorite fans, you must have a contest, too. One pair of tickets, compliments of the Inverness Garden Club, will be randomly selected from DesignSwirl.net followers and DesignSwirl Facebook fans. Sign up now and check back here on Thursday, May 20 for the announcement of the winner.

Sunday, May 23 • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Complimentary shuttle service optional from Kehoe Meadows off Pine Hill Drive in Inverness • Not handicapped-accessible • invernessgardens.org •

Stark Sale

2010-05-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Fabrics • San Remo Fragola • 2 yards $69

Interior Fabrics • Cupido Beige Cotton • 2 yards $49

Sisal Rugs • Jack Gold • $299 (3 x 12) to $899 (8.6 x 11.6)

Traditional Rugs • Myra Romanian Wool • 10 x 14 • $3599

Contemporary Rugs • Noor Umber Wool and Silk • 10 x 14 • $3999

How would we make anyone's abode look more sensational? We'd point them in the direction of One Kings Lane for a super sale on Stark fabric, wallpaper, paints, rugs... but not before we got there first. Online sale ends May 9.

Golly! A spring sample sale

2010-04-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Visit now for the best selection of Gaul Searson, Ltd.'s high-end furnishings: contemporary, rustic, transitional, or exotic. Then, take 60 to 90 percent off retail during its sample sale from April 19 through June 13.

GaulSearson, Ltd • San Francisco Design Center • Showplace 300 • Two Henry Adams St • San Francisco • 490-5651 • gaulsearson.com

New! Teak a look

2010-04-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Oceanside or poolside, we sigh over these pieces by Eggarat Wongcharit for Lister. Sustainable, ergonomic teak furniture inspired by sea corals, sea urchins and citrus sections.

Wooden Heart Collection • Chair $6099 • Bench $12, 198 • Daybed $10,914. • Fabulous resort locale excluded.

Exclusively through Gardenside, Ltd. • Available at illumigarden • 35 Corte Madera Avenue • Mill Valley • 380-1888

Embrace the M Brace

2010-03-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Recipe for fresh 'n easy salad bar:

1. Arrange four M Braces in sunny area.
2. Add lumber.
3. Mix in soil.
4. Combine seedlings.
4. Water well.
5. Wait several weeks.
6. Harvest and eat!

The M Brace, a set of four recycled metal corner braces for instant garden beds up to 12 feet long • Portable and reusable • Choice of 8 laser-cut designs • $165 • Lumber not included • Available in select Sloat Garden Centers in April.

Decor To Go

2010-02-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

Style in a box. Unwrap, go shopping, start decorating. Stacey Lapuk offers her new SL White Label Interior Design, a customized design plan for any room accompanied by design board and notes, placement plan, swatch book and shopping list. Boxes start at $800 for a small bedroom to $1750 for a small living room.

Stacey Lapuk Interior Design • 415-499-1228 • staceylapukinteriors.com

Touting Tucker

2010-02-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Designs to desire. Images to inspire. Rooms to remember.

Rooms To Remember: The Classic Interiors of Suzanne Tucker • Monacelli Press • 255 pages • $65

Style on Sale

2010-02-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Apollo armchair in cream-colored leather. Was $2089 plus fabric.

Now $995 including fabric. A pair is $1795.

And the Athena chair...

The new faceted TV lift cabinet in automotive lacquer finish.

Originally $10,000. Now $6500.

From the Apollo (and Athena) chairs to the Wave Lift TV cabinet, Ruth Livingston's chic design collections are on sale this month. All new orders are 25 percent off wholesale prices. Floor samples - sofa, cabinetry, mirrors - are between 50 to 70 percent off their original prices.

Think of it as RL Studio's stylish St. Valentine's Day gift to your home.

Ruth Livingston Studio • 74 Main St. • Tiburon • 435-5264 • ruthlivingston.com

Because sometimes we need to leave our nest...

2010-01-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

Eager attendants. Crisp uniforms. Bright smiles.

"Fill 'er up?" "Can I check your oil?" "Let me get that windshield."

And, because we are always rockin' pretty shoes and dry hair, we love it when they say "and, would you mind if I do all of this for you in this awful rain?"

Just pull up and honk between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m at this full-service Corte Madera 76 gas station. Your choice of gas; no extra charge, no tip requested, and...no wet hair or shoes.

Full-service gas stations, a modern luxury.

Corte Madera 76 • 700 Tamalpais Drive (by Town Center) • Corte Madera • 927-1946

Dare We Broach This....

2009-11-19T15:49:00.000-08:00

Yes. Go ahead and pop your top!

You're just making an eco-friendly fashion statement.

Cleo necklace $38 • Pop Top Brooch $32 • Leda Clutch $160 • All made from aluminum pop tops by cooperative artisans in Brazil.

Escama Studio • Available at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, Cavallo Point in Sausalito, and Evo Spa in Mill Valley • escamastudio.com

Icons of Design Showcase

2009-10-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

One sleek tower. One entire floor. Four grand condominiums. Five full weekends. Five lucky charities. Thirty top designers. Ten thousand square feet. And one very pink room.

Icons of Design Showcase • October 24 to November 22 • Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • $25 • Free valet parking • Millennium Tower • 301 Mission Street • San Francisco • 593-1700 • iconsofdesignsf.com

(Top to bottom: Martha Angus, Inc., Nancy Van Natta Associates, Ann Getty & Associates)

You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For This Screen

2009-10-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to be madly in love with a ... screen? It must be, because we are.

One-of-a-kind vintage Peacock screen, silver-leafed and locally hand-painted • 64" L x 1" W x 72" H • $1600 • By Kimberly Rider through The Marin Store.

Luxury Linens...for less

2009-10-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

We love wonderful fabrics. We love fabrics wonderfully done. So, naturally, we love homes with wonderful fabrics wonderfully done.

Thrillingly, so does Jan Dutton, owner of Paperwhite, Ltd., the classic luxury linen company and a 2008 Marin Magazine Editors Choice winner. That's her own master bedroom and dining room above.

Create your own sumptuous sanctuary, with savings, at Paperwhite's Autumn Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 15 through October 20.

All custom linens are 25 percent off with delivery before Thanksgiving. In-stock sheet sets on sale for $249, bedskirts for $69, shams and pillowcases for $39, and table runners, place mats and napkins for $5.

Paperwhite, Ltd. • 2915 Kerner Blvd., Suite F, San Rafael • 415-482-9989

Pinball Wizard Gets his own Game Room

2009-09-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

A bikini-clad girl. Her diver boyfriend. Malicious mermaids. Lurking sea creatures. Unfathomable for a Belvedere lagoon home or undeniably fun for the master bathroom of a pinball game collector? We say the latter.

This collectible Fathom pinball machine, and photographs of the bathroom it inspired, will be among 250 others at the upcoming Pacific Pinball Exposition. Most games will be available to play.

Artist • Belle Marko • bellemarko.com

Pacific Pinball Exposition • Marin Civic Center • October 2 to 4, 2009 • pacificpinball.org

New Garden Design. New Book.

2009-09-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

To dream, perchance to garden, perchance to dream of dream gardens.

New Garden Design by Zahid Sardar. Photographs by Marion Brenner. $40.

Copies signed by author Zahid Sardar during the 2009 Eichler Home Tour. Tour $50. Garden luncheon $25.

Saturday September 19 • 2:30 to 4 p.m. • 5 Mt. Tenaya Court • San Rafael • 415. 499. 3392

Step-by-Step Painting

2009-09-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

"Lush Spring Dusk at Mount Tamalpais", a painting of Mt. Tam, with a perspective from the path that starts at Wornum Drive in Corte Madera, by L.L. Lengyel.

It almost makes us want to put on our walking shoes and go for an brisk walk. Almost.

Oil on canvas. 38 by 56 inches. $4000.

On exhibition during Open Studios from 11 a.m. to 6 pm • September 3 through September 7 • 3LR Studio #300 ICB Building • Sausalito • 713.3087 • lauralengyel.com

Puff the Magic Garden Gate

2009-08-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

"Puff" is our very favorite musical dragon, so we like to keep track of him.

Is he really somewhere in the land of Honalee or have we spotted him in Mill Valley draped on this custom bronze gate panel created by artist Jerry Coe?

We think we're right. Why else would a Tibetan musical note magically appear when the two panels close?

Happily guarding the grounds of a San Francisco church, that rascal "Puff" went poof! once too often and disappeared. Was he searching for Jackie Paper or stolen by his adoring public? No one's draggin' it out of him.

Rescued from a salvage yard, "Puff" now waits patiently for new lands in which to frolic. Yours, perhaps?

$8500. each panel.

Visit "Puff", and Jerry Coe, at illumigarden's September Artwalk, reception, and metalsmithing demonstration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1.

illumigarden • 35 Corte Madera Ave. • Mill Valley • 415.380.1888 • illumigarden.com

Some Glaze With That Tile?

2009-08-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Our eyes never glaze over when someone mentions the word "glaze". After all, it's our favorite doughnut. Say "dual-glaze" and we're toast.

Not artists at the venerable Heath Ceramics factory, though. They like their glaze on tiles.

Up to six different hand-glazed tiles in various patterns install randomly for a custom look. Four color blends: white, grey, paprika and jade. Yummy.

The new Dual-Glaze Collection. Two by four inch tiles. $45 per square foot. In-stock, no waiting. No calories.

Heath Ceramics • 400 Gate Five Rd. • Sausalito • 415.332.3732 • heathceramics.com

Terzani's new "Sea"-ling Light

2009-08-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

Buh-bye boring bulb. Hello, fantasy fixture!

We may not be denizens of the deep yet, but imagine if we were. This "Reef" fixture, by the Italian firm of Terzani, would tantalize us whether it was suspended in a dim hallway, floated above a sleek surface or espied in an octopus' garden. "Sea" it for yourself at Lunaria where it made its recent American debut.

Plexiglass and metal. 47.2 inches in diameter. 39.4 inches high. Black, white or gold leaf. About $4,000.

Lunaria • 1108 Magnolia Avenue • Larkspur • 415.461.0588 • lunaria.us