valentine's day Cool: Matthew Studios

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Robert Table Lamp by Matthew Studios in Amethyst. Annie Floor Lamp in Natural Python.

We have been avidly watching the Olympics this week, as I am sure many of you have. there is something about the Winter Olympics that I find mesmerizing. It has to do with the snow and the mountains. The scenery is just as seductive as the adrenalin rush of the events themselves.

We were inspired enough to make a couple of trips to the Tahoe basin to ski over the long weekend. The weather was perfect: lots of fresh snow and clear azure skies.

This time of year, the low sun casts it's light across the snow making it glimmer and sparkle. And there are icicles hanging from roof lines refracting rays of light like diamonds.

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Frank Albert Table Lamp

When I received a notice this morning with these beautifully icy images of light fixtures from Matthew Studios, they immediately reminded me of the same icicles and crusty snow drifts lit by the afternoon sun we had seen just yesterday.

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Frank Albert Table Lamp

Matthew Studios is the brain child of Katherine Wildt O'Brien, product designer and lighting specialist, world traveler, artist, and jewelry aficionado. Her experience spans work with places like Knoll, LucePlan NY, and Baldinger (where she launched collection by such notables as Michael Graves, Alvar Alto and Andre Putman) before she was instrumental in the establishment of Oxygen Lighting.

Curious? To learn more about Katherine and her brilliant background, click on over HERE.

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Veronica Table Lamp

Katherine started Matthew Studios in 2008 to provide an outlet for her creative talents, love of nature and extensive experience with lighting. So glad she did!Her beautiful pieces are available to the trade through A. Rudin in NYC, San Francisco and LA, or through retail sources, Vivre and Rare Culture.

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Alvey Sconce, and Estelle Sconce

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Gavin Table

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Katherine Wildt O'Brien with her house bunny, Matthew (the Matthew Studios mascot!) Notice Katherine's very cool malachite dress!

Spring is at the door here in Sacramento, but I just cannot let go of the cold winter beauty just yet. So it is back to the Winter Olympics for me tonight. And I can always catch that icy glimmer over at Matthew Studios.

valentine's day Green....Gotta Get Some

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Western Interiors, February, March 2009, Photo by Roger Davies

Color me green with envy. As soon as I saw this living room designed by Helene Aumont for a house in Santa Barbara, I started thinking....do I just have to start all over? There is alot to love in the latest Western Interiors this month, but this room is "it" for me. Helene painted the oak paneled walls with this beautiful shade of limey green with a umber glaze that just brings the room to life. She refers to it as "avocado puree". I refer to it as perfection. The formality is tempered with a pair of Cappellini chairs with woven rush seats and the natural jute rug. (Helene if you are reading this, please correct me if I'm wrong!) The white upholstery (Rose Tarlow) and tangerine drapery fabric ( Cowtan and Tout) add even more freshness. Another thing: the careful editing is a strong suit for Ms. Aumont!

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Photo by Tim Street-Porter

Speaking of Rose Tarlow...you know....the white upholstery above....I was flipping through her book, The Private House, yesterday and came across this photo. Love. I will have to wait until kids and black dog are out of the house before I could even think of white upholstery....but one can dream. The touches of green in this room are just "right". Having all one pillow style creates a more modern feel, along with the art and sculptural qualities of the individual objects. Again...I think I am drawn to the casual, yet very sophisticated quality of this space. If you do not yet have this book, I highly recommend it. The variety of high and low, formal and casual, modern and traditional are all captured beautifully in full bleed color pages.

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Western Interiors, February,March 2009, Photo by Roger Davies

Back to Helene Aumont's design for the house in Santa Barbara. This outdoor "room" is the perfect place to hang out. I just wanted to draw your attention to the beautiful green mosaic table. Couldn't you just spend a whole day here....um...probably longer.

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I am sure many of you have seen this room in the latest Domino. The Dining Room of Mary McDonald's Guesthouse is a beautiful balance of color. The dashes of green in the vases, lamp and obelisks add that needed spice to the dark grey walls. I love her attention to detail with the addition of the green fabric hiding the chandelier chain as well. I am not a big shirred fabric on the chain kinda person....but in this case the vivid color takes the seriousness out of the formal chandelier....and I like that.

There is a pattern here. Green, with white or ivory and dark woods or dark neutral colors like the grey in McDonald's dining room, work together very well.

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Domino, February 2009, Photo by Ditte Isager

Another image from the latest Domino is from the Hollywood home of filmmaker, Maria Maggenti. Again we are seeing the green of the chairs with white and the darkness of the wood floors. This clean edited space still packs a style wallop. Very do-able for us all: Table, chairs, and sideboard from IKEA, art by Maggenti, candlesticks from the 99 cent store!

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House Beautiful, January 2009, Photo by Victoria Pearson

This "room" from House Beautiful draws it's decoration from all of the beautiful and varied "greens" in nature. Again I like that contrast of the green, ivory and the dark bronze details in the windows, doors and light fixture. This space was designed by Chris Barrett for KAA Design Group (which incidentally designs websites for some of the top design stars you all know and love!)

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Just a very cool tile pattern from a book I received or Christmas this year: Morocco Modern by Herbert Ypma. Well worth taking a look at. Beautiful images in this book!

So, if you are all ready for a little green to come your way...I thought I would help you out and get the ball rolling. Here are a few things that might appeal:

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I just saw this today on Eddie Ross' blog. It is not a plate, but a customizable (is that a word?) piece of art from Artaissance's Biltmore Collection. So fun...so check it out on Eddie's blog for lots more info and check out Artaissance for lots more art!

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I caught this on Ebay today. Just search for "Green Glazed French Pottery" and it will pop up along with alot of other green glazed goodness.

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Mars Vase from Oly Studio. Other-worldly!

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One-of-a-kind Limited Edition Antique French botanicals from Wisteria...."Limited", so when they are gone, they are gone. 4 for $999. Lovely!

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Suela Porcelain Lamp from Arteriors Home

And so ends my little jolly green jaunt. Hope you enjoyed!

Have a great weekend!

valentine's day Garage Sale at 1st Dibs?

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African Beaded Club Chairs from Mary Ann Jones. The pair is offered at $2,500, down from $3,600. I love the character and unique whimsical quality.

Yard Sales and Garage Sales in the middle of Winter? 1st Dibs has gotten a jump on the season with a new Saturday Sale which started first thing this morning. My first thought was, yeah...but can I really afford even the sale prices? It looks like the answer is YES! I was really amazed at some of the discounts, some more than half off. And perhaps the prices were a bit inflated to begin with. But there are some truly wonderful things that are much more in the realm of possibility here. These are but a few things that tickled my fancy:

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1940's French Iron 2 Arm Sconces in the style of Royere from Orange. $500 down from $1500. Nice!

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19th Century Chinese Incense Burners from Thomas Jolly Antiques. I am seeing this color green coming on in a major way.

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Faux Bois Table from Balsamo. $1.950 down from $3,800.

I cannot resist Faux Bois. This one looks like it comes with it's own moss garden. A Beauty.

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Oval Sunburst Mirror from 145 Antiques. $400 down from $1,800.

I like not so expected shape. 145 Antiques seems to have some of the best deals. I would check them out pronto.

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Pagoda Style Ceramic Lamps from Prime Gallery LLC. $750 down from $1,400.

Not so "pagoda" that they are obviously trendy, and the black color would suit almost any space.
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French Provincial Pottery from 145 Antiques. $150 down from $450.

Need I say more about 145 Antiques?
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Faux Tortoise Tall Chests from Home and Antiques. $1,200 each down from $1900.

I suggest a quick look over at 1st dibs this morning before all the good stuff is snapped up by those annoying little early birds. And if you are a bit late to this sale, do not despair. You can catch the next 1st Dibs Saturday Sale next weekend! Maybe I'll see you there haggling over that cute Faux Bamboo Yellow Lamp from Andrew Spindler Antiques:

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valentine's day America and the Red, White and Blue

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That very American of holidays: The Fourth of July is fast approaching! Does everyone have plans? Are you going to BBQ, watch fireworks, go to the beach, eat apple pie, have a beer/lemonade? All of the above? Those of you in other places will be carrying on as usual , but I thought a little red white and blue might perk up your summer just the same.

Above is an example of an American 13 Star Parade Flag circa late 1800's from Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques available through 1st Dibs.

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This is the wonderful beach house of Anna Spiro from Absolutely Beautiful Things. I just had to show this red, white and blue loveliness.

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There is nothing quite so relaxing as sitting on a shaded porch sipping a tall cool drink. This porch designed by Thad Hayes is one of my "happy place" images that I look at when the stresses of the day get a little out of hand.

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I love this image of Peter Dunham's house via Stylecourt blog: the tapestry, the desk, the lamp....love it all!

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This Living Room by Bonesteel, Trout and Hall captures that very American "love of the beach" feeling that I long for this time of year. At the same time, there is a strong use of Indian prints and Asian furniture that is so very appealing.

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Betsy Burnham uses red, white and blue in this foyer area to great effect. Not the least bit what one expects when hearing "red, white and blue".

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What could be more nostalgically "American" than wicker furniture? If you have never been to the Maine Cottage website, please take the first opportunity to visit! They have a wonderful collection and very fun feature that lets you pick your piece of furniture , apply any color and put any of their fabrics on it. You can create your own version of the perfect summer chair.

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It is an election year, and Jonathan Adler is appealing to both parties with his elephant and donkey figures. Take your pick, and don't forget to vote!

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Pottery Barn came out with a "to the trade" sneak preview of their Fall collection. I have to say, I am liking it. It is a little less obvious as to where it all came from. A very nice mix. What do all of you think? Agree? Disagree?

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The Jacqui Table from Bungalow 5 available through Eboniste seems to creep into my mind alot. Available in many colors, this table just seems to "fit" in so may situations.

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And a little Kate Spade to put you in the holiday mood: Cute "Kelly" rain shoes in navy and red for those sudden summer rain showers ($125), and the Chattanooga Jocelyn purse ($175).

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18" pillow in red "Flutter" fabric from Seacloth ($110).

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A pair of very patriotic vintage lamps go by the name of "Stars and Stripes" and are available from LUM.

Enjoy a little Red, White and Blue wherever you may be!

valentine's day Katiedid Pillow at Wisteria

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OK....I may have to get this pillow, new from Wisteria. Is it "me" or what? $99

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Wisteria just put out their latest and prettiest. The headboards, lamp, pillows, shell frame...yup...all new. But the cute kitty...you may be on your own there.

Here are a few more things among the many that I thought were particularly wonderful:

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Driftwood Candelabra, $79

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Suzani Pillow, 22x14, $99

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Suzani Pillow, 18x18, $89

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Botanical Salad Plates, $59....Not bad as wall decor either!

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Chinese Teapot Lamp, $299

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Architectural Window Mirror, $399