Katie Ridder Wallpaper & More

So fun!

And I can't resist posting a few images of her amazing design work, too!

more images here

Designer Spotlight: Marshall Watson

images courtesy of house beautiful, traditional home, & new york social diary

happy weekend!

Master Bath Dreaming

I have been contemplating various plans for our master bath for the past six months. Currently, it suffers from a slew of dated materials, as well as a poor layout which includes a combination of two small bathroom spaces (one with just a sink and no natural light) and two small closets. And a floor to ceiling window in front of the toilet. Awesome.

We want to create one bathroom and one larger closet. Did you see this space on Apartment Therapy? L.o.v.e it. And it is almost the exact dimensions we'll be working with.

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aI really like the floor, but we'll probably go more neutral. Something more like this:

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I'm just crazy about how a floating vanity can make the room seem so much larger.

Tile and color inspirations from talented home renovators Door Sixteen and Brooklyn Limestone.

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And I'm hoping that by keeping the bath tub (we were originally thinking walk-in shower), we'll end up with a quote from our contractor that makes more sense for the house and neighborhood. Honestly though, I'm most excited about the closet!

Wine of the Week

2006 Stone House Merlot

I opened this wine while the Husband was out of town. Which means I got to enjoy the whole bottle myself (not in one sitting, thankfully). Merlots took such a beating a few years ago with Sideways, but I would argue undeservedly so. Typically tanin free and food friendly, they can be perfect everyday crowd pleasing wines. This one is also a great value at under $15.

Chicago Luxury

The Husband and friends just returned from a week-long stay in this Chicago vacation rental. Seriously, it was too nice for them. They weren't even able to work the stove!

images courtesy of elite chicago rentals

Full Circle

Remember the Menlo Park Idea House? Well, it's finished (obviously, it's been a year) and pretty fabulous! An interesting mix of high and low with great color.

A Plea

I have lost track of the number of wallpaper samples I've ordered for our bedroom. Let's just say a whole lot. And so far none have been just right.

I keep coming back to this image:


I think this is "the one". I was directed to a similar Osborne & Little print by the fabulous staff over at Walnut Wallpaper; Jonathan Adler also makes a "close but no cigar" version. But, anyone happen to know what this paper is??? I'm tempted to email the designer, but I'm not sure if that's considered acceptable protocol.

Wine of the Week

Because it's routinely above 90 degrees, another white for you this week...


2007 Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc-Viognier

I'll consider just about any bottle with "viognier" on the label. Vinum Cellars is based out of the Napa Valley and takes a hands on approach to wine making. The grapes are sourced from Clarksburg, an area known for warm days and cool nights. The process combines fermentation in stainless tanks and oak barrels, giving the wine a nice subtly that underlies the crisp fruit. Retails for $14 and sold exclusively at Whole Foods or through the winery.

Work Horse

I don't usually shop West Elm, but on the hunt for a floor mirror (and checking every source I can think of) I spotted this sawhorse worktable. Isn't it cute?!

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Designer Spotlight: Gunkelman Flesher

The following Minneapolis home was also featured in Lofts & Condos and it was my favorite.

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And here are a handful of additional images from the design firm's portfolio. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Lofts & Condos

My weekend plans were washed away (lame pun absolutely intended) by one of the most impressive thunderstorms I've ever experienced. Do you get storms where you are? We didn't in San Francisco, but the ones that roll through Birmingham are Mother Nature at her finest. So it ended up being a low key weekend of odds and ends. A trip to the grocery store resulted in this impulse buy: these images are from Lofts & Condos.

And I saved the best space for tomorrow!

Follower

As usual, I'm ages behind the trend (extra bonus points for a trend as over-exposed as this one!). But, you know, it is a gorgeous fabric and a little trellis in the form of a pillow cover seemed like just enough. Too bad I'm incapable of taking a decent straight picture...

Weakness(es)

Looking around my house, I realized I have a couple of decorating weaknesses. Namely: lamps and stools. I have more of both than I probably need yet have managed to squeeze them all in. If I were to say, open a lamp and stool shop (isn't that the most practical kind?) I would make sure to include these lovelies.

Glossy Ceramic

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Mercury Glass

Clear Drop

Trudie

Cleo

Spheric

Foo Dog

Randi

Annabelle

Coral Porcelain

Costello

From House Eclectic

Pierced Garden

Lattice Garden

Lola

Metallic

Drum

Hammered

Merlot

Red, White, and Blue

What's your design weakness?

Um, I love this

And all of its solid oak, waxed finish, dovetail joinery goodness. But it's $1,000. On sale. I'm thinking it would be perfect for the man room, but it's nowhere close to the budget. le sigh.



In other news, I'm hoping to finally finish the front planter beds this weekend (don't hold your breath). And the dining room is DONE (as in, really and truly done) so I hope to snap a couple of pictures.

have a great weekend!

Inspiring in Indianapolis

images courtesy of here

Wine of the Week

2007 A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris

Occasionally, when the Husband is working nights I let the prepared foods bar at our local Whole Foods do the cooking for me. The other night, I also picked up this light, refreshing pinot gris (on sale, I might add!). A to Z winery's slogan is, "Aristocratic Wines at Democratic Prices"; the founders boast impressive industry resumes, but are doing their best to create an accessible quality product. This wine is fruity and made in classic Oregon pinot gris style. Retails for $12.

Designer Spotlight: Thad Hayes

images courtesy of here. thanks to alicia for the intro!

Master Bedroom sneak peek!

There's still a lot to be done, but we seem to be getting somewhere...

have a great weekend!

Today I'm Loving...

These gorgeous prints from China Seas (lots more yumminess on Quadrille's updated website!):

Arbre de Matisse in camel

Aga Reverse in turquoise

Lysette Reverse in navy

Fiorentina in greige

Hawthorne in magenta

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Designer Spotlight: Nate Berkus

A lot has been written about Nate Berkus. He even makes an appearance on some people's free pass five. But as you know, we can't have too much of a good thing.

images courtesy of here

Wine of the Week

2005 Venge Scout's Honor Zinfandel

Our good friends graciously invited us for steaks on the grill this week and we happily accepted. This wine was the perfect complement to the meal. I love just about every zinfandel I've encountered, but this one made even a fan like me take pause. Maybe it was the addition of charbono and petite sirah that made it stand out? Or perhaps it was the bright fruit at the front followed by smooth, rich finish? Whatever the case, this is a top notch zin; retails for $40.

side note: the husband half of the equation made the most amazing strawberry rhubarb pie. can you believe i've never had rhubarb before? it was so good!

Art Inspiration: Sara Paloma

While searching for a low, wide vase (not such an easy find, by the way), I stumbled on the work of ceramic artist Sara Paloma. I'm loving the matte finish of her pieces combined with the modern shapes and occassional pops of interior color. True works of art.

shop sara's work here