valentine's day Elle Decor Amour

valentine's day

Last night I had the honor, thrill, pleasure...pick any of the above.... of meeting Margaret Russell, Editor in Chief of Elle Decor Magazine. The Ann Sacks Showroom in San Francisco hosted a very swank cocktail affair for a book signing of Margaret's must have book:

SO CHIC, GLAMOROUS LIVES, STYLISH SPACES.

valentine's day

When I arrived at the party with book in hand (I had bought the book as soon as it hit the shelves!) , the first thing I did was scan the room to see if I could find Margaret. It didn't take long! She looks just as fabulous in person as she does in print. And yes, she was wearing a beautiful little black dress. When she began signing books, I approached and introduced myself as Katiedid. It was so much fun to learn she not only knew who I (Katiedid) was, but seemed very excited to meet me! Talk about flattered! I just have to say that she has got to be the most gracious and kind woman in the the shelter magazine biz. She very generously spent quite a bit of time chatting with me and Kate of Girl Meets Glamour (more on that in a sec!). I was thoroughly charmed!

She was genuinely interested in what we had to say about the blogging world, and we gained a fair amount of insight on how she views them. Be assured that she does find the time in her very busy schedule to read them, and is quite aware of what's happening out there! She truly enjoys them and does try to keep up. One thing she was very concerned about was making sure that the photographers of those fabulous photos we love are credited! (I hope all of you bloggers out there will take her up on that, as will I!)

valentine's day

Well, lucky me! I also got to get together with my good friend Kate from Girl Meets Glamour (Kate's on the right).........(OK, OK, that's her on the left!). Isn't she just about the most beautiful blogger out there?! Her blog name fits to a tee. We had a blast sipping cocktails and gabbing about what else? BLOGGING and, well, design, fashion, and needless to say, SO CHIC ! We were desperately seeking Karen of Alkemie and Robyn of Garden Rooms, but sadly could not figure out who they were among the masses. A picture exchange is a must for future events!

As we left, we received a very sweet gift bag with a copy of the latest Elle Decor, a really nice scented candle, a little box of personalized M&M's, a rolling straight edge (no designer is without one!) and some other goodies. A very nice way to wind up a wonderful event.

Thank you to Ann Sacks for putting on this event! Definitely a wonderfully memorable evening.

valentine's day

I will leave you with one more party picture!

1.(Friend Jelena, Margaret, Kate, friends Andrea and Kerry, and moi!)

valentine's day California Vernacular

Greene and Greene, Julia Morgan..these are names that conjure images of old California architecture: California Bungalows, Spanish Colonial, Monterey style. Architect Donald Goldstein and designer Jarrett Hedborg bring these aesthetic qualities to life in their renovation of this Spanish Colonial Revival home in Los Angeles California.

valentine's day

Growing up in Pasadena, I became very familiar with Greene and Greene architecture. We were in and about their homes almost daily. I would pass by the Gamble House every day on my way to school, and had a friend who lived in another Greene and Greene home. My Aunts and Uncles lived in Spanish Colonials, and we had a Prairie Style house. So when I saw this old style California interior, it conjured up very vivid and fond memories. In the image above you see a Roseville Pottery vase to the left and a Daum Crystal vase to the right, both circa early 20th century. Painting in rear by Alfredo Ramos Martinez, front by Jessie Arms Botke.

valentine's day

Another example of vintage Roseville Pottery on the K'ang-hsi coffee table from Rose Tarlow-Melrose House. I love the beautiful collection of art and antiques brought together in this living room in a very fresh way.

valentine's day

The pottery in the Dining Room is early 19th century Weller. The Plein Air painting of pack horses is by Herman Struck This, mixed with the Chinese console, iron gate, the pewter tea paper covered ceiling create a successfully unique combination. I also envy the Fortuny covered Chippendale dining chairs from Rose Tarlow!

valentine's day

This bathroom, with it's beautiful Ann Sacks tile work, is what initially caught my attention in this article. I was working on a Prairie Style home and wanted to show my clients a bathroom with Craftsman tile that would work for them. This certainly works for me!

House and Garden July 2005, Photos by John Coolidge