Attention Shoppers

It's a good thing that the new ShopAD does not have a "buy it now" button, or I would be in trouble.


The same goes for ShopAD Fabrics. (All of the printed linens above are from George Smith).

Great idea brought to you by the creators of 1st Dibs.

Sunday Shopping

Remember this innovative dressing room? Well, the amazing space (and the grand, Yong Pak designed/Dan Carithers decorated townhouse to which it was a part) is priced to move. The 6,885 square foot home is on sale, currently marked down from $4.1 million to $2.85 million.

While it does not come furnished, many of the stylish finishes, like the cabinetry and wall treatments remain.

You can read Courtney's take on this Imperial Trellis clad room here.

Photographs from Southern Accents and the Regents Park website. A complete listing can be seen here.

Three Mediums

More goat painting sightings--I think I am on to something.
Photographs by Erica George Dines for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.

Kidding aside, more paintings by "goat lady" Helen Durant have popped up in print--most recently in the the very cool home of son-in-law and fellow Atlanta artist, Andrew T. Crawford and family. (More photos of their home can be seen Here).

You may recognize Crawford as the creative force behind several of Atlanta's sculptural landmarks, such as the Federal Reserve Bank seen here, as well as several of the gates at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

He also creates one-of-a-kind railings, furniture and fixtures. This rocker totally reminds me of something out of the creepy, but brilliantly artful Coraline film.

I don't think it is out on DVD yet, but I highly recommend a viewing for anyone in need of creative inspiration. (The stop-motion animation is simply badass). Just don't watch it at night by yourself.

Happy Ending

Yay!

Atlantan in the Hamptons

This month's edition of Elle Decor was so full of beautiful images that I almost missed this small photograph of a large painting by one of my favorite Atlanta artists, Carolyn Carr. The palette for the East Hampton home was designed with the painting's hues in mind...
The colors remind me of that moment when the surf meets the sand. More images from the portfolio of East Hampton interior designer, Robert Stilin can be seen here.

Modern Atlanta

Ansley Park Glass House, Atlanta

I know I have been all about cupcakes and magnolias lately, but in order to preserve what is left of my edge, I am also participating in MA09, a week-long celebration of modern design in Atlanta.

Out of the numerous events, of particular interest to me is the Modern Atlanta House Tour, happening this Saturday and Sunday. The tour will feature 13 contemporary residences in our city, including the Ansley Glass House pictured above.



I was also able to attend a screening of Objectified, an enlightening documentary about the humanity behind industrial design. This is the second film in a design trilogy by director Gary Hustwit of font flick Helvetica fame, which is now available for download on itunes or in DVD format.

Hope you are looking forward to your weekend as much as I am.

UPDATE: I just received my June issue of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and was thrilled to find a full spread of the Ansley Glass House and interiors--absolutely gorgeous.

Lovin' From The Oven

Option One: Spend $40 on a beautifully presented cake from Café Lapin.

Option Two: Labor over economically favorable Duncan Hines cupcakes.

Maybe I am just being thrifty, but I think they turned out fine.

In related cupcake news, Martha has a new cookbook coming out...



Hope you have a sweet Mother's Day!

Fresh Paint

I realize I have been bad about showing the "before" without the "after", so here is a glimpse of the freshly painted trim. (Pardon the weird upshade angle and the umpteenth use of Osa Johnson's book. Better photos coming soon!)

Right now you are probably thinking, "White. How creative.", but toning down the yellow really did make a huge difference and was well worth the hassle. Have not decided on a wall color yet, but for now I am not minding this creamy shade of neutral.

Beyond the Garden

Speaking of having such a style-conscience neighborhood, I recognized this home front while perusing my latest issue of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. I have often walked past and admired this house as one of the prettiest on the street, but who would have guessed that such a classic exterior would encase this modern mix of texture and light...

Of course, it makes sense upon learning that this home belongs to Kay Douglass, creator of the South of Market mini-empire. For those unfamiliar with SOM, the shops in Charleston and Atlanta are known for their unique collection of contemporary upholstery paired with rustic, repurposed accessories.

An example: a collection of salvaged french hangers at South of Market, framed for a modern effect.

More photos of her home and the story behind the renovation here.

Top three photographs by Mali Azima for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, Last photograph is from the South of Market website.

Garden Party

One of the things I love about my new neighborhood is that it is comprised of early 20th century homes surrounding a picturesque park. But because we are in the city, our yards can be somewhat limited in size (and mine is on the extreme end of that spectrum).

While the occasional outsider may scoff at our lack of acreage, my neighbors take great pride in cultivating their private gardens--some of which overlook the downtown skyline through 100 year old oaks. And as part of the neighborhood's Centennial Celebration, ten brave homeowners will open their gates to the public and nosy neighbors like myself for the Duck Pond Garden Tour.

In case you are wondering why we did not get the invitation to be part of the tour this year, it's probably because our yard looked like this...

If anyone could use some landscaping inspiration, it's the people that live here. Stay tuned for how this mud pit turned out.

The Duck Pond Garden Tour will be held on Sunday, May 17th. Tickets Available Here.

Max Preppy

We should probably all keep an eye on this guy.

Photographs of Maximilian Sinsteden’s dorm room by Dean Kaufman for New York Magazine.

Ranch Dressed

When I think of chic getaways, Central Florida does not immediately spring to mind. However, the Creek Ranch on Lake Hatchineha puts a Babe Paley-esque spin on the swampy south. Since the early 1960's, this 400 head cattle ranch has been in operation, but only recently has it become available for group rental. Anyone up for a blogger convention?

Among the accommodations is "Fanny's Room", named for Atlanta art supporter and local flea market founder, Fanny Floyd Cocke. Her family now runs the ranch and leads year-round outdoor activities for visitors including cattle driving, horseback riding, bird watching, fishing or just lounging in style. If you must, the theme parks of Orlando are also just an hour away.

There are too many fabulous images to try and post, so for a for a full gallery of accommodations, visit here. Happy trails!

Update: Thanks to a tipster, we learn this bedroom "wallpaper" is actually upholstered fabric, "Fretwork" by Michael Devine.

Trad Floral

While I am not exactly Eddie Ross when it comes to creating flower arrangements, I did learn a ton of helpful hints from his You Tube tutorial on the subject. And since I usually go with a single type of cut flowers thrown in water, I thought it would be fun to take a stab at making a "traditional centerpiece" using the Oasis foam method. (I know, so 1980's).

My first attempt was for brunch at a friend's house (above) and consisted of about $25 worth of pink and white tulips, green spider mums and belles of Ireland. I can't wait to try it again--although next time I hope my arranging skills yield something more like this...

Photograph and flower arrangement by Eddie Ross

Portrayal

I am part of the portrait party over on Style Court today. Come visit for the story behind this one.

(And, for those of you who have been paying attention, that is my yet to be painted, exposed brick wall. Still weighing my options on that one...)

Grey Gardens

A restored Grey Gardens Cottage in East Hampton, New York, photographed in 2005. The Beale family owned the famously dilapidated home from 1923 to 1979.

If ever a home could be considered a character in a story, Grey Gardens would qualify. Just in case you have not yet experienced the original 1975 documentary about the home and its lovably crazy inhabitants, there is still a little time left before the motion picture premiers this April.



It took me a second of watching this trailer to realize that this was the new version because Drew Barrymore's accent is so good. And while the original may be more inspirational for its message, the latter promises something stylish in its memory.

(Top Photograph from the East Hampton Historical Society)

Saving Face

I saw this pillow on The Today Show and am wishing it had been invented ten years' worth of fine lines ago.

I also wonder how it would look with a Leontine Chopstick mono--even if that defeats the skin smoothing properties of the original product.



Speaking of Leontine Linens, how cool is Kim Hastreiter, co-publisher of Paper Magazine's collection of assorted monogrammed guest towels. I love the idea of having more than one design in a single setting (and the funds to make it happen).

via Isaac Mizrahi.

Design With Silex

And you thought they only doled out helpful fashion and parenting advice! In case you had your doubts, here is clip of Simon and Alex trying to impress/belittle their poor architect with their design concepts. Watch them explain the latest trends in kitchen design as the champagne flows. (I love how these two always have to bring out the bubbly whenever it's time to write a check).

More dirt and much wittier observations on the Real Housewives can be found via the truly brilliant, SGM.

Photograph by Gillian Laub from New York Magazine.

Update: "News flash, granite is way more "In Vogue" then growing mold on your ceiling." - A note to Alex from OC Tamra's blog

Spoiled

I want to be here...

Reading this....

With este lugar as my home for the weekend...
All photos with the exception of Caitlin Macy's Spoiled from the Viceroy Mayakoba, opening in 2010.