Carla Fernandez At Heath Ceramics

Thanks to a dear friend who works at Heath Ceramics in SF, I'm in the loop about all the cool events her company hosts.  Case in point, this past Saturday’s Intimate Gathering and Talk with Mexican artist Carla Fernandez.  After looking into it I decided that I had to attend, not only to learn more about Carla and her work, but to also support The Edible Schoolyard Project (the beneficiary of the evening's proceeds). After a sampling of tequila cocktails and regional cuisine appetizers, the crowd met at Boiler Room to see the exhibit featuring Carla's and other Mexican artisans' works.  We took in a conversation with Carla, who explained her inspiration and passion for designing clothes. Pulling ideas from the very people of Mexico, she uses bold colors, patterns and an array of materials to create pieces that are uncommonly wearable yet extremely fashionable.  Each piece can be worn 2 or 3 different ways extending their functionality and interest. Presented in a contemporary manner through video, props and photography, the exhibit is a great combination of art and fashion. As you walk through the space, you feel comfortable to engage with the items on display by touching them and trying them on.  The exhibit runs through May 17 and all is available for purchase on site.

It’s a must see!

The artist Carla Fernandez captivating the audience with her sense of humor and elegant presence.

Many thanks to CS for thinking of me so often! 

Earth Day 2015: Anthropologie Style

Last week, I went into Anthropologie in Berkeley and was greeted by a visual team member seated at a long table covered with cut and colored pieces of newspaper.  A closer look revealed that each piece represented a leaf.  She was adding small thin wires to each one, so that they could eventually be attached to one another and become Anthro's 2015 Earth Day window installation.  As with all of Anthropologie's displays, I was impressed and inspired, but this particular one struck me in a very special way.  It depicted a much bigger picture, the deforestation of the rainforest.  This year, in honor of Earth Day, the company is paying tribute to the declining native species of the rainforest by recreating its lushness with discarded newspapers.  Each store will display its own distinct microclimate made completely from recycled paper in the shapes of flowers, foliage, insects and yes, even snakes.  It's a must see, not for the sheer creativity of it all, but for the powerful message of awareness that it brings.  

We must save the rainforest!

All images are compliments of Anthropologie.  

A Master Bath By Vera Abud Interiors

Each time we visit our dear friend Vera (of Vera Abud Interiors) and her family, I'm not only excited to catch up with them, but also to be around her creative energy.  She happens to be one who is too modest about her multiple talents that reflect a beautiful, sophisticated elegance and an amazing discerning eye.  While our children and husbands do their thing (mostly play soccer and drink beer--in that order) we talk design.  Sharing our work, the inspirations that fuel it and even the struggles that come with it, we often chat late into the evening.  Our visits are always inspiring but sadly brief, since they usually take place in transit during our summer travels.  With the hope of extending their visual gratification, I attempt to capture Vera's aesthetic with my camera.  Last year I shared her home office with you, this time we decided that her recently renovated master bath would be the focus of my camera lens.  This latest project, very true to her style, is a visual extension of the rest of the house and blends classic appeal and vintage accents with modern comfort.  Take a look at her work and see Vera's list of favorite places to shop below:

In pursuit of her laid back luxury signature style, Vera's favorite places to shop are: Bungalow (Westport CT), Terrain, Anthropologie, and Lillian August.  Her online sources are One Kings Lane and Second Shout Out.

Vera, thank you so much for sharing your work with my CHD blog readers and many, many thanks for yet another amazing visit!

Before And After: My Favorite Quick Fix

Thankfully, not much as been updated in our Mid-Century (1953) home to mess with its architectural integrity, but that doesn't mean I'm less anxious to make some changes myself.  Taking into consideration financial resources, project priorities (kitchen first) and careful planning, sometimes a quick fix will do until the time is right for that big undertaking.  My favorite one is replacing the hardware on cabinets, doors and drawers.  Our home office, guest bath and master bathroom got a new look with very little effort and investment just by changing-out the existing pulls and, sometimes, throwing on a new coat of paint.  Take a look:

My favorite place to look for knobs is Anthropologie, although I always have my eye out for them at garage sales, flea markets and vintage home stores.

Take a look at this Pinboard for an array of hardware ideas.

It Has Arrived

Just a few days after publishing this post, the lamp of my dreams arrived.  It may not be an original Lou Blass but it's going to be perfect for our new kitchen. Now that summer has ended I can get back to working on the renovation.  I have two inspirational plans in mind one here and here and a third in the works each one includes this light fixture.  Stay posted for the third and possibly final iteration and a preview of how the kitchen looks now.  In the mean time take a look at the lamp that has inspired it all.