But, he's such a great fashion designer....

Head on over to The Fashion Informer for a look at a Zack Posen designed model apartment.... It reeks of imitation Miles Redd to me. No offense to his immense talents as a very gifted fashion designer, but this dip into the interior design pool has left me less than impressed. Perhaps one has to see the space in person to fully appreciate it.

My "Domicidal Haven" as seen through the lens of Baker Street

Lovely Brittany Watson, of The House That Lars Built, recently started a new project; Baker Street. This site "documents the lives of people in their places in Washington, DC". She asked me to participate a few months ago, and I did so happily. I recently moved from said little studio to a larger (and, much emptier) flat on the first floor of the same building. So, it's with sweet reminiscence that I share with you my little "Domicidal Haven". Thanks Brittany!

From the Desk of Lola

At a time post "reality television" and perhaps in the throng of "social networking" I find it far too unnervingly simple to become enamored by virtual strangers. This is, of course, only my personal opinion. Some such endearing connections are often sincere, effortless, and welcome; examples include, but are not limited to: my extreme, and instant, infatuation with the beautiful Lisa Borgnes Giramonti of A Bloomsbury Life (Honestly, who can resist her?), and Nick Olsen of Nick Olsen Style; an exceedingly creative designer, unabashed blogger, and all-around dreamboat. While other less successful artificial connections can leave a person (me) feeling bruised and battered; Gael Garcia Bernal why won't you love me?! Well, I've recently developed a new virtual crush; From the Desk of Lola.


From the Desk of Lola is an seemingly unorthodox design firm with offices in both LA and NY. They've been talked about and praised in trade publications, the blogging community, and around my kitchen island. Designers Alexandria Loew and Lauren Soloff spearhead the operation, which offers clients "Mood Movies" upon the inception of the design process. What is a "Mood Movie" one might ask... well, it seems as though these dynamic ladies create a multi-media presentation including clips from movies to inspire the job. What a brilliant idea! My modest creativity is perpetually sparked by films; Breakfast at Tiffany's, How to Marry a Millionaire, Age of Innocence, and Marie Antoinette to name a few.

Here are but a few images taken from the F.T.D.O.L.website. To get the full effect you've got to check it out for yourself.

Well, I don't mind if I do!

I was asked recently by So Sylvie to participate in a fun little virtual project of redesigning Gerard Butler's Chelsea loft, which is featured in Architectural Digest this month. It seems that his newly renovated pad has been getting quite a lot of attention on the net. I'm not judging, as a matter of fact I sheepishly admit that I had never heard of Gerard Butler until now. All that I know is that he lives in a space boasting bones as sophisticated and prolific as those that once graced the face of the uberdistinguished Katharine Hepburn.

This is my answer:
I understand, after having read the A.D. article, that Gerard Butler has played some mighty meaty roles; the Spartan king, Attila the Hun, Dracula, the Phantom of the Opera, and Beowulf. Also, that his interior designer, Elvis Restaino, is a set designer... the photos in A.D. of his apartment are hugely theatrical. No doubt Architectural Digests' ridiculously over-the-top lighting extravaganza plays a part in theatrics of the photos, but all of the columns, many crystal chandeliers, and thrones placed throughout the pad also contribute to the weightiness, and overall phoniness of its appearance. I think that I'd start by cleaning house. Toss all of the "props", paint & paper the walls, and collect furniture with some provenance to appeal to Gerard's obvious attraction to history.

dining area:
Final Dining Room

screening area:
Final Screening Area

secondary seating area:
Final Secondary Seating

office area:
Final Office Area

bedroom area:
Final Bedroom Area

Be sure to check out how these fine ladies would redesign this space:

So Sylvie
Jaclyn Ehrilich of Haute Home
Valorie Hart of Visual Vamp
Ronda Carman of All the Best
Di Overton of Designers' Block UK

Good Wood

Yes, it certainly is an attention grabbing name, but what heralds more heed than the moniker is the shop itself. Good Wood is the brainchild...err... teenager (this year marking its sweet sixteen) of Dan and Anna Kahoe, furniturephiles extraordinaire. A delightfully creative couple who have cultivated a store that is more about a lifestyle than about product for sale. They forage the Eastern Shore weekly for artifacts to be brought back and placed lovingly in ever-changing vignettes. The shop is a constant source of answers and inspiration for designers, local residents, and tourists alike.

As if being proprietors of an ubercool DC shopping destination wasn't enough evidence that this duo has style in spades, take a look at their home; The Louise Hand Laundry. A former upscale laundry facility which had been used by the cream of District society, as well as White House administrations from the 1930's - 1960's. And, for the cherry on top, Anna is also co-owner of ultra hip design firm "Old School Interiors".

I've recently started working at the shop Wednesdays - Fridays, and couldn't be happier. Each week I fall in love with at least a dozen new things. If you're in the DC area, please stop by to visit me and the Kahoe's!

A few photos for your viewing pleasure:










Good Wood: American Furniture & Decorative Arts
1428 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
t.202.986.3640

www.GoodWoodDC.com

Wednesday - Saturday: Noon - 7p
Sunday: Noon - 5p

Bringing up Baby

One of my Top 5 favorite movies Bringing up Baby is ripe with good times, and was the first slapstick comedy inducted into the Movie Hall of Fame. Katharine Hepburn shrugged off the archetypal strong woman role to play an irresistibly sweet admirer (stalker) of the goofy paleontologist, Dr. David Huxley - Cary Grant.

And, in the vein of a recession the song, and story, provides a nice reminder; "I can't give you anything but love, baby. That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby."

Garrow Kedigian

“Dashing and daring, courageous and caring, faithful and friendly with stories to share.” Okay - maybe I ripped that line from the opening of the 1980‘s cartoon series Gummy Bears, and I know how inappropriately tacky that might sound, but it does, however, describe Garrow Kedigian brilliantly. I was lucky enough, recently, to have spent a couple of evenings chatting with Mr. Kedigian, and was left feeling inspired. This designer, named one of Traditional Home’s 20 young designers “we’ve got our eye on”, has a passion and drive for his career unlike anything I’ve witnessed. He clocks exceedingly long hours, travels about the globe working on projects here and there, manages a staff at his studio, keeps a beautifully appointed home, and still makes time to meet his adoring fans.

Raised in Montreal, Mr. Kedigian studied architecture at the prestigious McGill University after which he moved to Boston to work for the venerable William Hodgins. Six years later, Mr. Kedigian moved to New York City to work with Marjorie Shushan and Eric Cohler before establishing his own design firm. His outstanding portfolio is a visual testament of his timeless and relevant ability and taste. This is a young designer who is on his way to establishing himself among the captains of his industry.