A Fashionable Room: Diane Kruger

June 18, 2011, 6:27 pm

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Filed under: Fun Stuff

We love the StyleList's "It Happened Last Night." We love decor. So why not put them together in a shoppable, fashion-fueled room?

This Weekend's Pick: Diane Kruger

We're crushing on this fashion-forward Alessandra Rich belted gown. The volume! The pop of color! So chic. And it has us dreaming of a subtle yet glamorous room.

Eric Ryan/Getty Images; Courtesy photos

And you can get the look in your home with these products:

Clockwise from top left:
Creamy Leather Scoop Chair by Global Views, $1,039, Horchow.
White Wood Leonardo Chandelier in Poplar, by Santa & Cole, $2,400, Design Public.
Orange Lacquer Cubes, starting at $150, Jonathan Adler.
Doily Rug, starting at $298, Anthropologie.

 

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House of Worship: Jenny Kang's Easy-Chic Apartment

June 19, 2011, 12:19 pm

≫ Next: Growing Curiosity: Q&A With Ellen Zachos

≪ Previous: A Fashionable Room: Diane Kruger

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Filed under: Famous Homes, Design, etc, House Tours, Cool Homes

StyleList's Jenny Kang dresses her home like she dresses herself: In bright colors, clean-lined silhouettes and enough pattern and texture to keep things interesting.

Sitting two seats away from senior fashion editor Jenny Kang has its ups and downs. On one hand, no matter how cute my outfit is, she's got me beat. On the other hand, she kindly and brilliantly answers all my fashion crisis questions. No, heels and shorts won't make me look like a streetwalker. Yes, a Hello Kitty scarf will make me look 10.

But up until today, I had no idea that she translated her signature sophisticated/fun/effortless look to her adorable Chinatown apartment, featured on Refinery29.

Dan McCahon for Refinery29

Amazing, right? Note the neon belt. So subtle, but kind of makes the outfit. Typical Jenny move.

Dan McCahon for Refinery29

I did a mini-interview with Jenny to find out more about her home style:

What has dressing (fantastically) taught you about decorating?
To not be afraid of using color. And that things you don't think will go together, will. You just have to experiment.

Any home items you're lusting over?
Anything mid-century modern. I love it ... even through it's not my house, at all.

If I gave you $1,000, how would you divide it between clothes and decor?
70/30. I'd spend it mostly on fashion only because this isn't my permanent space.

Thanks, Jenny!

Now head over to Refinery29 to see the rest of Jenny's apartment and read about her fashion inspiration, faux pas' and favorite online shops.

 

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Growing Curiosity: Q&A With Ellen Zachos

June 20, 2011, 7:15 am

≫ Next: Home Remedy: How to Destress After Work

≪ Previous: House of Worship: Jenny Kang's Easy-Chic Apartment

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Getting to know the faces and stories behind our favorite gardens. Today: Garden designer, teacher, writer and blogger Ellen Zachos.

Author and gardener Ellen Zachos. Photo: Marie Viljoen

Ellen Zachos owns Acme Plant Stuff in New York City. She also teaches at the New York Botanical Garden, has published several garden books and is currently writing a book on foraging in your back yard. She blogs at Down and Dirty Gardening.


1. Why do you garden?

I garden because it's the only thing I've ever done that I love as much as performing. I want to do work that demands 100% of me, that engages me both physically and mentally, that I look forward to doing every morning, that exhausts and fulfills me. I don't have kids to put through college and I'm comfortable with self-employment, despite the seasonal income fluctuations, lack of pension plan, and expensive self paid health insurance. The work is fulfilling on so many levels; it's both art and science and when you add the business aspect you get a little math in there, too. I garden because I love it.

2. Who or what inspired you to garden?

My friend Mark got me started with indoor plants when we were on the road with the First National Tour of Les Miz (my first career was on Broadway, in musical theater). But I like to think gardening was in my genes.

3. What was the first plant you grew?

A Spathiphyllum (peace lily).

4. How often do you garden?

Every freakin' day of my life.

Ellen's country garden. Photo: Ellen Zachos

5. What is your USDA zone?

I have no garden in Manhattan, but my country garden is in Shohola, PA, which is zone 5.

6. What size is your garden?

On two-and-a-half acres, I have about 750 square feet in three different beds. That's a small garden but it's bigger than my NYC apartment!

7. What plant has most disappointed you?

I'm disappointed that I can't grow some of the things I love because of the hordes of voracious deer that graze in my garden. Fortunately I can grow that stuff on NYC rooftops, where I have not yet seen a single deer.

8. What plant has made you happiest?

Right now I'm especially happy with the bearded and Japanese iris. Fragrant, beautiful, and even the gray green foliage is attractive when the flowers stop blooming. Triple threat.

9. What do you love about your garden right now?

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'...multiple shimmering mounds of it.

10. What do you feed your garden?

I don't. I know. I'm bad.

Astrantia flowers and lamb's ears. Photo: Elllen Zachos

11. What would you like to grow, that you can't?

Delphinium...I don't have the right conditions for them but I think blue delphiniums are the most beautiful flowers.

12. Food, flowers, native or ornamental?

All of the above and in combination. I especially like double duty plants that are both ornamental and edible. And I know this isn't PC to say, but I don't really care if a plant is native. Sure, I like natives, but a good plant is a good plant, wherever it comes from.

13. Most inspiring garden writer, thinker, blogger, personality?

Eudora Welty, Elizabeth Lawrence, Thalassa Cruso

14. What plants do you dislike?

I think dislike is a little strong...unless we're talking about poison ivy. But I'm not a fan of roses; they don't do it for me.

15. Would you like more sun or more shade?

Neither. Don't hate me but I have an excellent balance of sun and shade.

16. Where is your favorite public garden?

My favorite public garden is without doubt Chanticleer in Wayne, PA. The gardeners combine deep plant knowledge with design creativity and whimsy. It's always surprising and stimulating.

Learn more about Ellen at 66 Square Feet.

 

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Home Remedy: How to Destress After Work

June 20, 2011, 7:15 am

≫ Next: Daily Sampling: One Kings Lane's Carnivale Pendant Light

≪ Previous: Growing Curiosity: Q&A With Ellen Zachos

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Filed under: Your Home, Bathroom, Living Room, Furniture

Feeling frazzled from work even after you walk in your front door? That's no good. Six designers tell us how to make your home a stress-free zone.

We've already explored how your home can make you look younger and help you wake up early. Now, we're putting it to work again. We reached out to the New York Design Center's new Access to Design designers to get their thoughts and tips on how your home can help you decompress after work. (You can also get great advice and find a designer at accesstodesign@nydc.com.)

L'Amant at Kohler Design Center; John Loecke Inc.

Laura Kirar of Tru Design starts with the bathtub:
"For centuries, people have de-stressed in the bath. I absolutely prefer my Kallista VirStil Shower and body sprays ... nothing soothes like steam and hot water."
--Image is from the L'Amant at the Kohler Design Center.

Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke of John Loecke, Inc are all about bringing the fun:

Jason: "To quote Miss Sheena Easton and her classic 1980s tune, Morning Train (Nine to Five): 'My baby takes the morning train, he works from nine till five and then he takes another home again to find me waitin' for him.' And when our baby comes home, we want to have a cool cocktail waiting for him and fabulous seating where he can kick back and put up his feet. The key to a stress-free existence? You can never have enough swill or supremely comfortable sectionals."

John: "After taking all those trains, take a load off and drink up, buttercup! So here's a home we crafted in New Orleans with decidedly chic but über-comfortable seating in the form of a sectional from Hickory Chair. Of course, we want to engage our baby, too, so we added lots of color in the form of throw pillows and amazing artwork. And we stocked up on plenty of gin in the cupboard. Voila! Martinis are served."

Courtesy of Kevin Isbell

Interior designer Kevin Isbell focuses on warm touches and an edited selection of items.

"Modern living is fast paced and stressful, so your home should be a comfortable, inviting respite from the outside world. In this intimate sitting room, I wrapped the room in warm textures, within a controlled color palate, so that only the items which stood out are those that have meaning and importance to the client. Create an environment surrounded with things you love, and you will have forgotten all your troubles within moments of returning home."

Courtesy of Drew McGukin

Drew McGukin of Drew McGukin Interiors relies on the perfect chair:

"I recently added two barrel chairs on swivel bases in a small, Upper East Side living room. My client now emails me at least once a week to say how the chairs have turned out to be the most comfortable and fun for the whole family. When I think 'DE-stress,' I think sit down, don't move, everything at your fingertips. Why not have a 360 degree advantage, right?"

Courtesy of Richard Lee Interior Design

And Richard Lee of Richard Lee Interior Design keeps it simple:

"I enjoy coming home and lying in a chaise lounge with my dog Leo."

Looking for more problem-solving home ideas? Check out:
How to Decorate: Start With a Statement Rug
Decorating Styles 101: Flirty
Decorating an Empty Room

 

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Daily Sampling: One Kings Lane's Carnivale Pendant Light

June 20, 2011, 7:15 am

≫ Next: Backstory: Vern Yip Debuts Furniture and Bedding Lines With HSN

≪ Previous: Home Remedy: How to Destress After Work

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Filed under: Design, etc

Don't have time to browse all the online sample sales everyday? You're in luck: We searched them all and brought back the best.

Editor's Pick: Carnivale pendant light by Oggetti, $99, One Kings Lane.

One Kings Lane

Bring a festive vibe into your kitchen with this Murano-glass pendant light that is mouth-blown by artisans in Italy. We love the candy-cane-colored swirls and we can definitely see three of these hanging in a row above an island.

Want to snap this up? Move quickly. Sale ends Thursday, 11am.

Check back tomorrow for the next Daily Sampling!

 

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Backstory: Vern Yip Debuts Furniture and Bedding Lines With HSN

June 20, 2011, 8:24 am

≫ Next: Organizing Lessons From 11-Year-Old Kiernan Shipka

≪ Previous: Daily Sampling: One Kings Lane's Carnivale Pendant Light

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Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

Interior designer and reality TV judge Vern Yip combines functionality with good looks in his first furniture and bedding lines with HSN.

Interior designer Vern Yip, Courtesy of HSN

If you've seen interior designer Vern Yip as the exacting judge on HGTV's Design Star, then you won't be surprised to find the same precision reflected in his new home and bedding lines with HSN. "What's really behind the collection is creating scaled and purposeful pieces that can adapt to any space," says Vern. "For example, my sofette can fit in a Manhattan apartment or it can also go in a suburban guest room."

Courtesy of HSN

We can definitely see Vern's polished design aesthetic coming through in his pieces, whether it's a loveseat with a pretty nailhead trim, a glass table lamp with a Lucite base, or a duvet printed with a colorful pattern of medallions. And just as important as the details are the meaningful touches. Among our favorites are a quilt that has an embroidered pattern of the lotus (Vern's parents had an import-export company named after the flower) and an extra-soft pillow that is sewn with a design of his mother's favorite flower, the chrysanthemum.

We caught up with Vern for a quick chat about his collection. Scroll down to see his thoughts.

Courtesy of HSN

How was working with HSN on your first furniture and bedding collections?
It was great. They really believe in the quality of materials used and because the attention to quality was there it allowed me to focus on the aesthetics for the collection.

What inspired the collections?
After 12 years of designing and working on projects on TV, it really gave me a sense of what purposeful furniture is and what's functional for people no matter their income. I did the bedding first and it's not your normal quilt. It's made in a very architectural manner. The quilted lotus design has a lot of meaning to me. It's a symbol of when my parents fled communist China. They gave up good jobs in China to come here and they started an import export company called Lotus. The duvet medallion pattern was inspired by international travels because the medallion is a symbol that you can find in all cultures.

Do you have a favorite piece in this collection?
I'm really proud of the collection and I really just love every piece in it.

Did anything unexpected take you by surprise as an interior designer when you were creating this collection?
With the birth of my daughter at the time, it really opened up my world to color, and it helped me see color in a different way.

So what's next on your agenda now?
I'm looking forward to my next collection for HSN, I hope!

 

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Organizing Lessons From 11-Year-Old Kiernan Shipka

June 21, 2011, 5:32 am

≫ Next: Throw a Last Minute Summer Solstice Party

≪ Previous: Backstory: Vern Yip Debuts Furniture and Bedding Lines With HSN

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Filed under: Famous Homes, Storage & Cleaning, Design, etc, House Tours, Celebrity Homes, Storage & Organization

Feeling too lazy to tackle your closet? Shame -- and inspire -- yourself by browsing actress Kiernan Shipka's stellar organizing skills.

Jake Rosenberg for The Coveteur

Recently The Coveteur turned its lens on the adorable and precocious "Mad Men" star Kiernan Shipka -- she of the impossibly sweet dresses and enviable Mary Janes collection. We discovered that in addition to having a fantastic wardrobe, Kiernan's also wise beyond her years when it comes to closet organizing. Want her advice? Read on...

Jake Rosenberg for The Coveteur

Organize-Your-Closet Lesson #1: Seek out more space.
"I love organization, so I split my clothes into two closets according to seasons," says Kiernan. "Though I have to go to the guestroom to pull my fall and winter items, it's still much easier than cramming all my clothes together in my one closet. I love 'space' in between hanging clothes."

Jake Rosenberg for The Coveteur

Organize-Your-Closet Lesson #2: Let your most-loved pieces double as decor.
"I love ballet. Ballet is its own being. It has its own vocabulary. I feel as if I am in a different world when I am in the ballet studio." So why shouldn't she give her ballet shoes a prominent place?

Organize-Your-Closet Lesson #3: Sort your things by type.
"I organize things by clothing type and by season," says Kiernan. "My dresses are together, as well as my skirts, hats, jackets, tops, scarfs, sweaters, and shoes! I hate a messy closet. I totally freak out when my closet is messy and I can't find anything. I like it to be as organized as can be!"

Jake Rosenberg for The Coveteur

Organize-Your-Closet Lesson #4: Seek out unexpected -- and mood-lifting -- storage.
You may not have SAG awards like Kiernan but surely you have old trophies that can double as jewelry stands. Or maybe a diploma to display with your perfume bottles? Work the pieces you're proud of into your space and you'll have a constant reminder of your successes. "I am so lucky to be part of such an awesome cast on Mad Men," says Kiernan. "Being awarded the trophies is just the cherry on top!"

Jake Rosenberg for The Coveteur

Organize-Your-Closet Lesson #5: Keep the floor a no-clothes zone.
We know it's hard to keep 100% of your clothes in your closet 100% of the time. Instead, designate pretty spots to stash items that you haven't had time to put away yet. We love how sweet Kiernan's frock looks on display by the window. Much, much better than strewn on the floor or over a chair.

 

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Throw a Last Minute Summer Solstice Party

June 21, 2011, 5:32 am

≫ Next: H&M Home: Would You Shop It?

≪ Previous: Organizing Lessons From 11-Year-Old Kiernan Shipka

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Filed under: Fun Stuff, Holidays

Celebrate the longest day of the year with these easy party ideas from "America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru" (and frequent presidential party planner) Steve Kemble.

SteveKemble.com

Maybe you've been counting down the days until the Summer Solstice. Or maybe you forgot until just now (if so: You're welcome!). But do you have after-work plans for this often overlooked holiday? We spoke to party planner Steve Kemble, who's planned events for both Presidents Bush, for how you can put together a festive event tonight.

Here's what's on his shortlist.

Summer Solstice Party Staple #1: Candles
"One time I planned a Summer Solstice party where there were tons of candles. The theme was 'Relax!'" he told us. "And let those candles do all the work -- leave the lights off the whole time."

Summer Solstice Party Staple #2: Great drinks
"Whether it's some type of special cocktail or just a store-bought juice, make sure it's cool and refreshing. Pressed for time? I love cherry lemonade from Whole Foods. Then add rum or vodka. Call it sunshine punch. You're done!"

Summer Solstice Party Staple #3: Bright, eco-friendly dinnerware
"Yellow is such a happy color. Serve your guests something easy and light, like cool fresh fruit, on bright yellow plates -- ideally the disposable plates that are also good for the environment."

Looking for more great Summer Solstice party ideas? Check out...
How to Have a Summer Solstice Party
Planning a Summer Solstice Party

 

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H&M Home: Would You Shop It?

June 21, 2011, 5:32 am

≫ Next: Daily Sampling: Gilt Home's Black Porcelain Bottle Stoppers

≪ Previous: Throw a Last Minute Summer Solstice Party

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With H&M's third home collection hitting European stores, we're asking: Would you buy it if it were available stateside?

Check out this great story from our friends at CasaSugar!



Back in '08, H&M announced that they would be launching a décor line in Europe the following year, but its launch was delayed until early this year. The brand has rolled out its fashion-focused, runway-inspired collections for Spring, Summer, and now Fall 2011, but unfortunately they're still not available in the States. I'm liking the look of these woodland creature pillows, but I think they're too kitschy for my personal style. These vividly striped pillows, on the other hand, are right up my alley. As you'd expect, all the products also come at an affordable price point.

H&M Home via CasaSugar

Of the line, the brand's head of design Evelina Kravaev Söderberg says, "The industrial trend continues, complemented by a glamorous '70s theme with high-gloss materials in bright autumnal colors and lightning black as a base. This season's key products are our cushion covers - faux fur and soft knitted covers in natural shades are a must."

H&M Home via CasaSugar

Would you bring these into your home? Head over to CasaSugar and weigh in on their poll!

And check out these other great stories:
Modern Etiquette: When Should I Hold a Housewarming Party?
Dye Your Décor With Produce
Coveted Crib: An Art Collector's Cottage in Coconut Grov

 

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Daily Sampling: Gilt Home's Black Porcelain Bottle Stoppers

June 21, 2011, 7:30 am

≫ Next: How to Decorate a Bathroom: Start With Art

≪ Previous: H&M Home: Would You Shop It?

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Don't have time to browse all the online sample sales everyday? You're in luck: We searched them all and brought back the best.

Editor's Pick: Black porcelain bottle stoppers by Lladró, $60 each, Gilt Home.

Gilt Groupe

Here's a touch of luxe that'll have guests talking (and drinking!) at your next dinner party. Sculpted with the heads of a ram, a unicorn, and a cockerel, these black-gres-porcelain bottle stoppers look just like chest pieces, and they're so oddly fascinating, not to mention quirky, that any wine or glass bottle capped with one is sure to be a conversation piece.

Want to snap this up? Move quickly. Sale ends Friday at noon.

Check back tomorrow for the next Daily Sampling!

 

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How to Decorate a Bathroom: Start With Art

June 22, 2011, 4:20 am

≫ Next: Boutique of the Week: The Haymaker Shop

≪ Previous: Daily Sampling: Gilt Home's Black Porcelain Bottle Stoppers

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Decorating a room from scratch is overwhelming. The solution? Pick one piece to start with and we'll guide you through the rest.

Starting Piece: Los Angeles print by Andy Mercer, $247, Zatista.

Most people start their bathroom decorating with a shower curtain. It seems practical, sure, but then when it comes down to selecting the right piece of art for the small space, you're much more limited. Why not start the process with a piece that you love?

Courtesy photos

Step 1: Choose Two Patterns
One should be simple, one can be more daring. As long as they're within the art's color palette, get creative. We went with a basic, repetitive pattern on the bathmat (Cobblestone Bath Rug, $34, Garnet Hill) and a large-scale vintage-inspired print on the shower curtain (Apothecary Shower Curtain, $55, Izola).

Step 2: Choose an accent color

We've already established gray as the room's main bashoweckdrop. Now, bring in two solid pieces -- one in that hue (Gray Organic Cotton Rope Towels, starting at $8, Bambeco) and one in an accent color. You can grab one from the artwork but still get creative. The pink in this piece is subtle but we drew it out with a bath set (Pink Bath Emsemble by Wamsutta Elements, $35, Bed Bath & Beyond).

Step 3: Upgrade your lighting

Your bathroom's standard light fixture can make any decor look stale. Switch it up and add a piece that brings character like ths Capis Blossom Pendant, $129, PB Teen.

Need help matching things up? Check out this simple guide:

Have a piece you're struggling to build a room around? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

And check out these other decorating how-to's:
Want to Look Younger? Start With Your Home
Decorating Styles 101: Flirty
Decorating an Empty Room

 

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Boutique of the Week: The Haymaker Shop

June 22, 2011, 4:20 am

≫ Next: Blank Canvas: A Poster A Month From 1200 Posters

≪ Previous: How to Decorate a Bathroom: Start With Art

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Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

Don't let yourself fall into a shopping rut. Instead, explore some of the best boutiques around the country. This week: The Haymaker Shop, 5507 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL.

There's no doubt that Arrin Williams's newly opened store is right at home in Andersonville where the city's hippest design shops are located. The store just opened earlier this month and already design-savvy shoppers have honed in on the shop's quality sustainable furniture, neat handcrafted accessories, and edgy art by local and up-and-coming talents. Here's a snapshot of the store and a short Q&A we had with Arrin.

Sara Pooley

1. What was the inspiration for opening The Haymaker Shop?
Good people making great things. I wanted to give emerging and talented local folks a space to sell their items.

2. What have the most popular pieces in The Haymaker Shop been so far?
The Know Your Flag Chicago-themed posters, the live edge and natural wood serving trays/cutting boards, and the I Am Home wood-and-plastic fence wall art.

Sara Pooley

3. What keeps the visitors coming back?
A comfortable and welcoming space that wants to support the local creative community, and conversational employees.

4. Do you have a favorite item in the store?
There's this coffee table that's made from salvaged Hackberry wood with a hand-fabricated steel frame by Modern Industry Design.

Sara Pooley

Sara Pooley

5. What do you like most about your store?
It's open and airy and it's the right mix of serious and whimsy.

6. Fun fact:
The store was a complete dump before I took it over. Someone had dry-walled over 5 windows and half-boarded up the rest; there was dated fabric used as wallpaper...there are tax forms in the basement from a former tenant dating back to 1976.

On ShelterPop's wishlist: Vegetabowls (usable pottery cast from real fruits and veggies), $20-$30.

Sara Pooley

 

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Blank Canvas: A Poster A Month From 1200 Posters

June 22, 2011, 4:20 am

≫ Next: Crazy/Sexy/Cool? Volcano-Inspired Decor

≪ Previous: Boutique of the Week: The Haymaker Shop

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Filed under: Your Home, Living Room

What's more intimidating than a big empty wall? The endless options of photographs, drawings, screenprints and shadowboxes out there. We're making it a little easier by zeroing in on our favorites.

For someone who's always on the hunt for, well, everything for the home, I've been eyeing the colorfully illustrated wall posters from 1200 Posters for a while now.

Here's their story: A small group of like-minded friends got together last year and came up with the idea of launching a yearlong art series as a way to promote collaborations within the creative community. They asked 12 budding artists to each create one wall poster based on a quote taken from the essay "Turning to One Another" by the author Margaret Wheatley. And since November, one whimsical print (with a limited-edition of 100) has been released each month on the 12th--hence 1200 posters in a year.

If you look closely, you can see the phrases that inspired each print. Two of our favorites are "Expect to be surprised" and "Treasure curiosity more than certainty." They definitely deliver a more charming feel-good message than those (un)motivational wall posters with a quote and a picture of some random body of water, don't you think?

All the prints are 13" x 19" and only cost $25 each. Check them out at 1200posters.com to see which one you want for your wall, and stay tuned for new ones in the remaining months!

Courtesy of 1200 Posters

 

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Crazy/Sexy/Cool? Volcano-Inspired Decor

June 22, 2011, 4:20 am

≫ Next: Daily Sampling: One Kings Lane's Hibiscus placemats

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A new line of lamps draw from a slightly bizarre influence. And yet? We can't get enough.

Even before we knew that Swedish designer Mia Göransson's odd lamp was inspired by Eyjafjallajokull -- the Icelandic volcano that erupted last May -- we were intrigued. After all, while designers have been using nature as a muse for years, it's rare to see such innovation spawn from disaster.

The Fifty Fifty Projects

But Göransson's hardly the first to draw from the volcano's power. Here, some of our favorite takes on a bizarre inspiration -- and proof of great design's ability to make something great out of one of our most dangerous natural phenomenon.



South Korean designer Jung Hwajin brings a more optimistic alternative to hot lava: Delicate blooms.





Cameron Van Dyke's Caldera Chair is a decidedly modern take on the ages-old phenom. Also: Stackable! Genius.





It only makes sense that a fireplace would get the volcanic treatment. When the fire's out on Flying Cavalries' Terragen, this baby doubles as a coffee table (and a great starting point for choosing a color palette, thanks to the bright stripes).




And finally, our favorite: A witty, colorful (dare we say: kid-friendly?) look at the volcano in shades of pastels. Klaus Haapaniemi & Mia Wallenius' Volcano tapestry for Established & Sons wins for wittiest take on the theme.

 

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Daily Sampling: One Kings Lane's Hibiscus placemats

June 22, 2011, 7:07 am

≫ Next: Plant of the Week: Stewartia

≪ Previous: Crazy/Sexy/Cool? Volcano-Inspired Decor

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Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

Don't have time to browse all the online sample sales everyday? You're in luck: We searched them all and brought back the best.

Editor's Pick: Hibiscus placemats, $29 for set of 6, One Kings Lane.

One Kings Lane

This Hibiscus cotton placemat set is just plain lovely with its painterly flowers and soft colors. If you're hoping to charm dinner guests at your summer table this season, look no further!

Want to snap this up? Move quickly. Sale ends Saturday, 11am.

Check back tomorrow for the next Daily Sampling!

 

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Plant of the Week: Stewartia

June 23, 2011, 3:24 am

≫ Next: Crazy/Sexy/Cool: Karim Rashid's Five-Figure Silver Designs

≪ Previous: Daily Sampling: One Kings Lane's Hibiscus placemats

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Each week, bring something new to your garden/windowsill/favorite vase -- and impress your friends with your ahead-of-the-curve picks.

Stewartia pseudocamellia. Photo: Marie Viljoen

A tree for summer flowers.

After spring's flush of flowering trees it is good to know that it is not all over. Plant Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese stewartia) for its large, pure white flowers that open in midsummer. The tree is also renowned for its silky bark and beautifully intense fall color. If you prefer to plant a native tree, look for Stewartia ovata (Mountain stewartia). Both species like rich, well drained soil with plenty of moisture. Hardy from Zones 5-8.

More about Stewartia pseudocamellia.

 

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Crazy/Sexy/Cool: Karim Rashid's Five-Figure Silver Designs

June 23, 2011, 3:24 am

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Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

The avant-garde designer teams up with Christofle again for a very -- and we mean very -- luxurious line of home pieces.

We're thrilled to see that designer Karim Rashid is continuing to work with the renowned silversmith Christofle, and this time he's put together a super-sleek collection of tabletop accessories and side tables.

But while we're fascinated by the architectural silhouettes and gorgeous craftsmanship of the designs, we're much more fascinated (and awe-struck!) by the $52,030 price tag for this Silver Ray centerpiece dish.

Christofle

There's also a $44,600 bowl and another table centerpiece going for $26,760. We'll leave the numbers for the two side tables out of this, although you're free to send us your best guesses. But scroll through and tell us what you think: Are these limited-edition, five-figure pieces outright crazy, super sexy, or totally cool?

Christofle

Christofle

Christofle

 

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Just In: Marc Ecko Expands Into Home

June 23, 2011, 4:27 am

≫ Next: Just In: Diane Keaton's 'K by Keaton' Home Line

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Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

Fashion designer Marc Ecko brings his urban, sporty style to the bedroom.

Attention, moms of males 13-34: You no longer need to pick out your sons' bedding. The brand new Unltd. By Marc Ecko collection is poised to grab the attention of a demographic that doesn't usually care much for decor but just might make an exception for an already-trusted brand.

The line includes three comforter collections and three duvet collections, all retailing between $30 (for pillows) and $150 (for a Queen comforter). And with manly-but-on-trend inspirations that range from trompe l'oeil cracked paint to denim to (my favorite) hoodies, it's appealing to um, visitors of young men, as well as the guys themselves.

Unltd. By Marc Ecko

Unltd. By Marc Ecko

Unltd. By Marc Ecko

Would you buy it? For yourself? For your nephew? Weigh in in the comments!

 

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Just In: Diane Keaton's 'K by Keaton' Home Line

June 23, 2011, 7:14 am

≫ Next: Why Did ReadyMade Fold? An Exclusive Q&A With Editor Andrew Wagner

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Filed under: Famous Homes, Celebrity Homes

The actress takes her love of design to the next level as she launches her home collection at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Peter Kramer, AP; Bed, Bath & Beyond

It's no secret that Diane Keaton has a major soft spot for decor. She's flipped houses, shown off her Spanish Colonial Revival in "Architectural Digest" and, for what it's worth, starred in enough movies with stunning homes that we're beginning to wonder if it's in her contract.

But today, Keaton's taking the step from design enthusiast to designer with her great-looking, terrifically-affordable line for Bed, Bath & Beyond: K by Keaton. With those sweet typographic plates running for $5 a piece and the "wheat, grass and bark"-colored dinnerware maxing out at $60 for a 12-piece set, the collection is sure to lure Keaton fans ... and bargain shoppers who don't even know who's behind the low-key pieces.

She spoke to the New York Times today about the collection and her own home, citing the line's humble inspiration ("I want something I feel will last and has some weight to it and is very simple.") and the reason she partnered with Bed, Bath & Beyond "Well, they were interested. Which is also pretty remarkable.")

Will you buy K by Keaton?

 

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Why Did ReadyMade Fold? An Exclusive Q&A With Editor Andrew Wagner

June 23, 2011, 7:14 am

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Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

Today I met with Andrew Wagner, the now-former Editor in Chief of ReadyMade, to get his thoughts on why Meredith decided to fold ReadyMade. It's a decision that's gotten much buzz around the DIY world, especially when Meredith cited "weakness in the home category."

ReadyMade; DIY Business Association

So, we're all dying to know: What are your thoughts on the ReadyMade closing?

"I've always thought of ReadyMade as the most successful zine of all time. It was a real passion project from the very beginning. But the goals of a niche publication like ReadyMade and that of a major publishing house like Meredith don't always align. Small, developing brands like ReadyMade are in constant need of in-depth attention from all those working on it but large publishing houses aren't necessarily set up to run in that fashion. This is neither good nor bad, just really unfortunate in these circumstances."

Read the rest on DIY Life!

 

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