The crew has been busy but changes since the last posting are subtle.
Electrical and plumbing infrastructure is going in now.
Tools of the trade, above.
Architect and designer making last minute adjustments to the lighting plan.
.......even the dogs are in on the action!
Soon walls will go up and, like a wonderful working sculpture, the office will emerge..... stay tuned!
So, everything was going so smoothly - until the walls were opened up, that is..... and it was revealed that the floor was two different heights! Slight delay while more concrete was poured....
Concrete dried, framing went in..... See the future front reception desk, above.....
....and Dr Viv's new office......
Someday soon, there will be an
sign out here, joining
, and
- but we're still wishing that a coffee place would take the last remaining space......
My client and friend, Dr Vivian Ledesma, (who also happens to be my chiropractor), bought an office condominium in The Ruby on Eastlake Avenue East in Seattle.
She asked me to help her design a warm, welcoming space - what fun! Not only is she a wonderful, caring doctor but the best client ever, so of course I said "Yes!" and started gathering ideas and materials back in December.
There were too many bureaucratic issues to go into but everything came together in the final hours and she closed on April 12th - also her birthday! - then the team met to go over the plan of attack:
Architect: Keith Smith, General Contractor: Mike Johnson, Dr Viv......
The Designer.....moi
Great things are coming.....stay tuned!
I was inspired to see and hear Nancy Corzine, a truly stylish and gutsy woman, at theSeattle Design Center on April 7th. She was brought back to her hometown of Seattle by Elinor and Verve (a very stylish showroom!) to promote her new book, "Nancy Corzine, Glamour at Home". Best of all, she shared with a roomful of designers many of her life's most powerful moments - it was impressive and moving.
I have always lusted after her designs - they remind me of a 1930's Fred Estaire and Ginger Rogers movie set...
It's a long story.......anyway, I just received my copy of the above book, "Wallpaper, A history of Style and Trends" by Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz and am enthralled! Martha Stewart Living said, " The jaw-dropping images alone are worth the price tag." And, it's true! This is a coffee table-worthy book, not just for wallpaper aficionados or even Francophiles (like me) but anyone who appreciates the history of design and comfort.
Ms Thibaut-Pomerantz, a French-American decorative arts dealer who has the good fortune to divide her time between Paris and New York, deftly traces the history of this design essential from its 16th century emergence to today's refinements. A must-have book for any design library!
I first read about Ms Thibaut-Pomerantz in my latest issue of France Today, and was intrigued enough to order her book, partly because of this image, at right. Classically beautiful!
So what is it about wallpapers that add so much to a room? They are a wonderful way to bring in all-encompassing color and/or texture, and work especially well for small spaces.
Some of my favorites are: Vintage panoramique designs....
Vintage Art Deco and Art Nouveau....
....damask, flocked (yes - really! But cool this time around)......
Graphic, modern, or embellished.....
Even this fun pattern from Anthropologie....
Or a tres cool entry..... or accent wall.....
It's good wallpaper is back...
On the route to downtown from Madison Park, the valley used to be sort of a seedy area to pass through, back in the day - but not anymore! Now it's a destination for savvy shoppers and diners.
There are wonderful boutiques to treat all of the senses, for humans and their pets (or is it the other way around?), not to mention fabulous restaurants! It's becoming quite la petite France with Rover's, Voila Bistrot, La Cote, and Rover's spinoff, the soon to open Luc, sharing the neighborhood with Cafe Flora, Chinoise, and the Essential Bakery and Cafe.
One of my favorite shops, anywhere, is Lavender Heart, above. Here you'll find candles, soaps, gourmet olive oils & sweets, jewelry, home accessories - everything to help "beautify" your surroundings. The owner, Holly Henderson, is absolutely one of the best resources for perfect gift ideas or self rewards - she's my go-to first choice!
(above and below) features antique and imported fabrics, furniture, and accessories from France ....and celebrates all things vintage, charming, and beautiful. Plus, owner Pamela Robinson is just delightful! James Huniford gave the store a shout out when he spoke at Nordex March 11. Well worth a trip. (photos courtesy of Red Ticking)
Another marvelous, not-to-be-missed shop is Veritables, in its "almost original" location. (The store consolidated its two locations on Madison a while back and moved a few feet to this location) This is gorgeous, high style decor. I love these Ikat-inspired, gilded pillows.....
Last, but not least of my faves, is a new showcase for Lisa Hunter,at Vian Hunter House of Fashion. So, I have to admit, even after my good friend, Bev, showed me her cool new black Italian fabric pencil skirt from Vian Hunter, I was skeptical - based on the signage, I really thought the clothes were going to be a little "old lady-ish". Little did I know Ms Hunter carries not only vintage garments from the 60's, but also features her own well-made vintage-inspired designs. OK, I admit I stopped in for "research" and walked out with a pencil skirt of my own along with a fabulous unique top! ("Designing Woman" was playing on her plasma TV - how could I resist?) I'll be back......lots....
The visual diary of designer Jann Placentia and her quest for inspired design.
