If I wasn't the one writing this statement, I would never believe it. ME? Liking brass? I'm the one who has made people get rid of their brass objects anytime I could! But now, I can't seem to keep my eyes off of it. Just this week, I was at my favorite thrift store, and couldn't resist picking up these brass items. First, I was attracted to the four floral drawer pulls. Their color and shape was so wonderful, I just had to have them. Plus, its not often you can find a set of pulls for a reasonable price. The second photo, is of brass chimes. I thought they were rattles at first, but they weigh about 5lbs. each. The funny thing is, I looked at them and then put them back down. Right after that, a woman walking by picked them up. So, of course you know what happened next. As soon as she put the chimes back down, I ran over and grabbed them. Now, what am I going to do with these finds? Well, I haven't figured out that part. I'm just glad I didn't come out with all the other brass items I saw. Why am I liking brass so much? (I would like to clarify, that I like antique brass...no shiny stuff from the 80's) I think a lot of it is the retro feel, which I love so much. Also, its just so different from everything thats out there. The good thing is I am not the only one who is smitten with brass. Here are just a few cool and modern brass details.
The Jonathan Adler sconce is so sophisticated and fun at the same time. It reminds me of something you might see in a chic, 1960's movie. In the same room, I would love to add this vintage Baker coffee table from 1st dibs. I actually saw a table just like it recently, and loved its sculptural qualities. Finally, also from 1st dibs, I found this 1970's "Skyscraper" chandelier. I like it because it doesn't read as "70's" only. It would look just as great in a more traditional setting; to me it also has a "Craftsman" quality.
There is something very soothing about beautiful fabrics, especially fabrics made from natural fibers. Textiles with a history and a little wear are also very appealing. I discovered these amazing fabrics from Sri. It is a gallery in Brooklyn that specializes in collecting antique fabrics from Japan.
I have always wanted a kimono like this. The shape is so amazing, wouldn't it be a wonderful wall display?
I must have Hollywood on the brain lately. Maybe, its because of all the Oscar buzz. Regardless, this week I'm dreaming of this beautiful Santa Monica home that once belonged to true Hollywood royalty. This house was built in 1930 as a love nest for premier art director Cedric Gibbons and the beautiful Dolores del Rio. Recently, the home was completely restored for producer Joe Roth, with interior design by Michael S. Smith.
For me, this is one of the most wonderful kitchens I have ever seen. I love how streamlined and clean it is. Although, I think it would need to come with a full-time house keeper to keep it this clean. (I know I wouldn't be able to keep it this neat). The sunshine is so wonderful, streaming through the large windows. I definitely am in a California state of mind today.
I was at a color seminar a few weeks ago in Vancouver given by the very knowledgeable and iconic Leatrice Eiseman, ASID, IDSA, FGI, CGM. Leatrice is the author of seven books on color. She is a color consultant to many industries and is the executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute. I am fortunate to hear her speak every year on the Color Forecast Trends for the coming year. This year "Purple" is one of the hot color trends for Living Spaces. Like most things, new trends are slow to take effect on one's psyche. They trickle in on a subconscious level and then all of a sudden you are seeing that trend everywhere. So now that Purple was on my radar screen, I was pleasantly surprised to get back to my office and see Elle Decor March issue which had just arrived, and voilà a light purple wall was featured front and center on the cover. I have also been collecting images of various shades of purple rooms in my file for awhile and I now have enough ammunition to do a post on this amazing color. In doing my research for this post and going through my paint fan decks I found a glaring shortage of this color. Pantone has selected the color Blue Iris (PANTONE 18-3943) as the 2008 Color of the Year . Lilac, Iris, Mauve, Violet, Lavender, and Heather are all softer versions of the color Purple and are delicate and romantic, while deep or bright purples like Aubergine, Grape, Plum, Eggplant, and Iris are bolder and more dramatic.
This picture could have been used for my post on {The Color Orange} This soft shade of purple is such a nice compliment for so many colors. It goes well with orange, yellow, fuchsia, green, blue and taupe.
Jeffery Bilhuber has chosen to upholster two chairs in a deep rich shade of purple. I like how the shades of taupe and beige in the room tend to accentuate and enrich the chairs.
This library/office with painted walls in a beautiful shade of lilac is reminiscent of the 50's, but totally is recognizable as being set 50 years fast forward with the advent of Apple Computer and the Zebra inspired wool area carpet. photo Elle Decor March 2008
There is something so soft and feminine about the feel of the wallpapers that have been used for these lamp shades. I can smell lavender. photos Elle Decor March 2008
A classic English Campaign sofa with arms that drop down to extend the length for sleeping on. photo EKB Interiors
A set of very fine Macassar Ebony side chairs for sale on 1st Dibs designed by Jules Leleu French Circa 1923
And now we move on to the deeper shades of purple: Aubergine, Grape, Plum, Eggplant. So very appealing and dramatic. In Medieval times Royalty & high officials of the Catholic Church were the only ones able to wear purple because of the expensive and rare dye that was used to make this majestic color. So for many centuries it was associated with Royalty, Wealth and Majesty......Purple was the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra.
Velvet seems to be the right fabric choice and purple a very fitting color for these chairs in the style of William Haines. photo Antonia Hutt
A dramatic use of deep aubergine. photo S Gambrel
The color of the cushions in this sunroom remind me of the color of a grape popsicle. photo Tom Scheerer
I don't think that any other color would have worked as well for this room. I would feel like a Queen sleeping here! Hotel Luxe Marrakech
There is even a Blog called Purple Area written by a wonderful Blogger located in Malmo Sweden
Is Purple your favorite color? What is your favorite shade of Purple?
I think that all of you who read this blog regularly, know how much I LOVE photography. Well, since setting up my own Flickr account, I have been collecting my favorite photos. Here are a few photos that I particularly like from Brett Walker. Enjoy!
I spend a lot of time trying to keep up with laundry on Sundays. Maybe this will help speed up things. My brother showed this video to me and I love it.
When I have had a busy week, like I have this past one, I love to spend the weekend recharging my batteries. There are several things that do it for me and the one that fits for this weekend it to spend some time outdoors around trees. A walk in the park in the sunshine!!! What is your favorite thing to do this weekend?
The Jonathan Adler sconce is so sophisticated and fun at the same time. It reminds me of something you might see in a chic, 1960's movie. In the same room, I would love to add this vintage Baker coffee table from 1st dibs. I actually saw a table just like it recently, and loved its sculptural qualities. Finally, also from 1st dibs, I found this 1970's "Skyscraper" chandelier. I like it because it doesn't read as "70's" only. It would look just as great in a more traditional setting; to me it also has a "Craftsman" quality.
