Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Moore in America




I know this exhibition of Henry Moore's sculpture has been making its way across the USA, but it is especially beautiful at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. See it now through October 31st.

For more on the Moore installation in Atlanta, be sure to visit exhibition coordinator, Cathleen Cooke's Blog.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

So Eighties


This classic wallpaper may have been the only thing reminiscent of summer in the August issue of Vogue. While I am not fashionably sophisticated enough to care about winter coats in mid-July, I do love the backdrop Vogue chose for this eighties-inspired spread. (This print seems to define that era just as much as the 1940's when it originally appeared on the scene).

Of course, if I thought I could get away with putting tropical wallpaper in my own house, I might. Alas, this type of thing would look slightly ridiculous in our cozy little cottage. I will save it for that beach house someday...

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Inventive II

Speaking of innovative bathroom ideas...


They have "Vanishing" Mirror LCD TVs at the new St. Regis Atlanta. I want one.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Inventive


"People go in, and a few minutes later I’ll hear bursts of laughter. To be honest, I think “she” likes it in there." - Thom Filicia on using his Emmy as a toilet paper holder.

I know this is an old photo, but I still think Thom Filicia has the best sense of humor. The rest of the house (as seen in Loft Life Magazine) is pretty clever too.

P.S. Does anyone know what kind of mirror (the larger of the two) that is? Or more importantly, where I might find one? It looks to be some sort of antique, reinforced safety glass. I am thinking that could be a good idea for one of my ridiculously tiny bathrooms.

Mad Summer

I. Can't. Wait.

Season Two comes out on DVD tomorrow (hopefully with more insight behind the fabulous mid-century production design). Season Three starts in 34 days. (But who's counting?)

Photo courtesy of AMC.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

And Cue The Rainbow


Just a run-of-the-mill snapshot of the farm from The Martha Blog.

Monday, June 1, 2009

It Must Be Nice...

To be Jasmine and Philippe Starck. A glimpse into their fabulous & delicious summer as provided by the New York Times Magazine. Article & photographs here.

The Art Behind Up


If you have not seen Pixar's "Up" yet, all I can say is that you are in for an artistic treat.

Lou Romano, one of the films production designers from 2005 to 2008, has dedicated a fascinating and lengthy post about Up's artistic direction on his blog. It is incredible to see the amount of work that goes into this type of animated feature.

Without giving too much away, the illustrations above were done after a research trip the Pixar team took to South America. The point of the drawings was to convey the feeling and style of the proposed film. To me, it has a mid-century, Miroslav Sasek vibe. It's almost a shame that these are just for experimental, pre-production purposes since they are so beautiful. However, the second illustration did secure a spot in the finished movie as the mural Ellie paints above the mantel.

Hope you enjoy the film as much as I did. (Take a Kleenex).

Sunday, May 31, 2009

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, May 24, 2009

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.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

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.

Monday, May 18, 2009

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.

Friday, May 15, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

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!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

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.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

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.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

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.