Allie's Dose of Design Inspiration

Maps

2009-01-27T21:19:00.002-05:00

To me, maps are very symbolic. They tell you where you are and how to get to new places. They show you where you've been and how you got to where you are now. If you look at an older map, it will remind you that things change: borders, names of countries, even geography.

So of course, I love the idea of incorporating maps into a room. I used to get my ex-boyfriend an antique framed map for his bedroom every year-- always of a country he had been to or of a place that had a special meaning. I always thought they were great gifts... they have character (especially antiques), they're cool to look at and can have a sentimental value. Now I have to start my own collection!

As you can see in these examples from a Hallmark magazine, you can get two completely different looks with two different maps. A more colorful and bright approach:
Or a more sophisticated and rich approach... (by the way, LOVE the trunks as a coffee table and the dog!)

I can't decide which look I like more, both rooms look so cozy and warm!

Maps are also a colorful AND educational addition to a child's playroom. Barbara Westbrook thought so too!

Thomas O'Brien even hung a map in his own home:

I'm Baaaack...

2009-01-21T22:21:00.004-05:00

After being laid off in November I have been entirely too distracted, disillusioned and busy to blog. BUT... the other night I went to the new home of some friends of my sister's, Erin and David, and was finally inspired again! They are currently remodeling their house and David, an artist and carpenter, is doing the bulk of the remodeling himself. It is still under construction but some of the unique details are already obvious... like the hardwood flooring that David took off of the kitchen floor and reused horizontally on the back wall of the kitchen. Maybe they'll let me come back and take some pictures when it's done?!? ;-)

I LOVED these lights that David created using old glass jars. Each glass is a little different and so gorgeous and nostalgic that they'd be interesting alone... but what an amazing way to reuse them instead of letting them sit somewhere in the back of your basement forever!

Charlotte Moss - Architectural Details

2008-11-07T09:42:00.001-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite images from Charlotte Moss' Manhattan apartment which was featured in the November-December of Veranda that just came out. I so admire her style and unique aesthetic. But what I loved most about her apartment were all of the architectural engravings. Using classical architectural engravings as art... or even wallpaper... is a great way to incorporate an appreciation for classical architecture and design without having to have a completely traditional interior.

Love the custom wallpaper-- makes something "old" seem very new!

Notice the back of the door is also covered in the architectural wallpaper.

I hope to start my own collection of architectural sketches soon. I wish I had started when I was studying in Italy... but I'll just add that to my list of reasons to go back! I love that she has hung her collection at eye level and below... definitely helps out the vertically challenged like myself!

Downtown Canopy Chair

2008-11-06T13:33:00.004-05:00

I love the dramatic shape of Downtown's Canopy Chair and the air of mystery it solicits. Wouldn't you just feel like the Godfather??

It will belong in my study and I will cover it in Kelly Wearstler's Giraffe fabric from Schumacher...

...one day. Until then, telling you about it will have to do!!

unite

2008-11-05T10:21:00.002-05:00

I have nothing to say except that I hope all the negative and hateful comments end soon. It is hard to enjoy such an exciting and happy moment in our nation's history and future when it brings to my attention how racist, intolerant and petty some people are... even some of my good friends. When it comes down to it, we all want the same things in life. So let's find some common ground, move forward and lay off the cynicism.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5532196

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=16315948

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5158182

Everything Ina

2008-11-04T09:42:00.001-05:00

I want to be Ina Garten one day. I love her show, I love her monthly columns in House Beautiful and working at Williams-Sonoma part-time has allowed me the priviledge of thumbing through her cookbooks when there is some down time. Her recipes are so simple but so luxurious, proving that very often, less is more and simplicity is elegant... and delicious! And she really seems like a cool person too. She ALWAYS has people just dropping by her house for dinner on the Barefoot Contessa show. And did you know that she used to work at the White House?? She got bored and decided to buy a small specialty foods store in the Hamptons on a whim. It (obviously) ended up being incredibly successful and is what led her to write multiple cookbooks and get her very own show on the Food Network.

Her home was featured in House Beautiful last month and she just came out with a new cookbook that is FABULOUS! Here are some of the photos of her house and a couple recipes I have on my list to try soon.

A view of the kitchen and dining area. I love the idea of lamps on the long island. When the cooking is complete and you're ready to sit down to dinner you can just switch off the overhead lighting for a more warm, intimate and formal feel.

The key to a great kitchen: a place for everything and everything in it's place :-)

Always a fan of a gorgeous bathtub with a view.

Love the desk!

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients
1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta

For the dressing
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:
4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts), toasted
3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.
Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.
For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus (about 30 large)
2 tablespoons good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 lemons cut in wedges, for serving

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
If the stalks of the asparagus are thick, peel the bottom 1/2 of each. Lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and return to the oven for another minute. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tuscan Lemon Chicken

1 (3 & 1/2 pound) chicken, flattened (see note)

Kosher salt

1/3 cup good olive oil

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

Freshly ground black pepper

1 lemon halved

Sprinkle the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt on each side.

Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a ceramic or glass dish just large enough to hold the flattened chicken. Add the chicken, turning it in the dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning once or twice.

When ready to grill, prepare a hot charcoal fire on one side of a grill (or turn a gas grill on low heat). Spread most of the coals across half of the grill. Place the chicken on the opposite side of the grill skin side up, and weight it down with the dish you used for marinating. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Turn the chicken skin side down, weight again with the dish and cook for another 12 to 15 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Place the lemon halves on the cool side of the grill, cut side down, for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove the chicken to a plate or cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Cut the chicken in quarters, sprinkle with salt, and serve with the grilled lemon halves.

NOTE: Stand the chicken upright and cut out the backbone with a large kitchen knife. Spread the chicken open on a board with the skin side down. Cut around and remove the breast-bone with a boning knife. (You can ask your butcher to do all of this for you.)

2008-11-03T12:55:00.005-05:00

Plug Lighting out of L.A. has some awesome light fixtures. I'm not sure if I'd ever use them in my own home but I still love looking at them! I think a lot of them look like some kind of weird sea creatures!!

Poppy Chandelier

Methacrylate Light Sculptures - by Jacopo Fogini

Bobbin Pendant

Red Sculptures Chandelier - by Jacopo Fogini

Urchin Pendant - by Helen Gifford

Anemone Table Lamp

Seapod Wall Sconce

BOO!

2008-10-31T11:12:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloweenie!!! I thought it would be appropriate to mention something about my obsession with Philippe Starck's Louis GHOST Chair and other acrylic furniture today. Designed in 2002 for Kartell, the Ghost Chair perfectly blends old and new-- a classic Louis XV design in modern polycarbonate. Perfect proportions and a transparent material make it incredibly versatile.

Starck (who designs just about everything besides chairs, too) also designed the La Marie chair above.

Also from Kartell, the Bourgie Lamp designed by Ferruccio Laviani.

Oly Studio Acrylic Lorna Side Table

Even Target has caught on to the acrylic trend! You can get this clear acrylic chair for just $160.

Architecte

2008-10-30T10:59:00.004-04:00

One day when I have a house with an office it will include this splendidly functional and beautiful drafting desk from Roche Bobois.

The Architecte Desk from Roche Bobois.

Black Magic

2008-10-29T10:12:00.012-04:00

I got my new issues of Veranda AND Domino in the mail the other day so I've been pouring over them while I've been bored at work. One thing that stood out to me was that there were black and white features in both magazines. Lots of black and deep grey walls, lots of contrast. I can't decide if I love it or hate it but I thought it was a very daring and dramatic look. Not to mention Halloween appropriate! See what you think...

This was the feature in this issue of Domino. I was excited because it's the home of Jenna Lyons, the creative director at J. Crew. And who doesn't love J. Crew? But I just couldn't decide if I liked the house. I know... that is horrible to say... but I just thought it seemed a bit cold. Black and white are about as classic as it gets but it can sometimes just be too rigid and lifeless. But that's just my opinion...

The kitchen with black cabinets, concrete countertops and simple, open shelving.

Sitting area off of the kitchen.

This is Lyons' son's nursery and where we start to see the black walls. It is at least livened up a bit with the yellow and white striped ceiling which I think is so adorable!

More nursery. Love the comfy sheepskin on the floor and the Alexander "Calder-esque" mobile. Very sophisticated!

Can I have a whole room for clothes and shoes?!?! Please??

Bedroom with more black walls.

Bathroom with more black walls. I love the cast iron tub, copper fittings and herringbone floor.

This is the home of a Houston designer, Renea Abbott from the current issue of Veranda. It also features a black and white and theme. Several wallpaper/fabric patterns are from Kelly Wearstler's line for Schumacher that I adore! The wallpaper and chair fabric are her "Imperial Trellis".

More Kelly Wearstler fabric - Gordian Weave

Quote Day!

2008-10-28T16:02:00.001-04:00

It's Never Too Early...

2008-10-27T20:12:00.009-04:00

It's never to early to appreciate good design!! Check out these ADORABLE infant shirts and onesies from tinymodernist. My future children will own the whole collection. :-)

Eames Molded Plastic Rocker onesie

Eames' LCW (Lounge Chair Wood) on child's shirt

Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost Chair infant shirt

Van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair

And how about an Eames Anniversary Edition Plywood Elephant?? Charles Eames designed the model in 1945 but it wasn't produced until last year. Available at eamesgallery.com.

2008-10-24T16:35:00.008-04:00

Although I don't think I have what I would consider "modern" taste, I've always had a great appreciation for modern architects and designers. One of my favorites is Alvar Aalto. To our 2008 eyes his work doesn't seem that exceptional, but if you take yourself back in his time (1920's to 1950's-ish) he was doing some very progressive and groundbreaking things that all designers have now adopted. Check out the Viipuri Library he designed and was built 1933-35 in Vyborg, Russia:

The auditorium was designed with an "undulating" ceiling of wood strips, meant to add warmth to otherwise stark white interior and improve acoustics.

As much as I admire his architectural designs, I would much prefer to live with one of these vases he designed. I have been in love with them for a while now and they remain on my wish list every year!

Clear Finlandia Vase

Aalto Turquoise Vase

Aalto Large Clear Tray

Available here.

Waterworks

2008-10-22T10:55:00.000-04:00

Tonight I am attending a little event to preview a few new items by Waterworks, one of my favorite sources for bath and kitchen fixtures and tile. I love their designs-- always fresh and classic, but with a little twist. Here are a few of my favorite fittings:

The new Olympia Lavatory Faucet. I love the sphere on the top!

The new Chesterfield bun foot tub.

The Easton Wall Valve with a unique oak handle.

One of my favorite lines of theirs is the Etoile. Above is the deck mounted tub filler.

Another gorgeous line is the Opus line that features elegant crystal handles.

And I had to throw in at least one kitchen piece! The super classic Julia Mixer.

Autumn Inspiration

2008-10-21T14:30:00.000-04:00

So. I can't ignore the fact that it is Fall any longer. Unfortunately, it has finally gotten a little chilly here in "Hotlanta" where it was almost 90 degrees just last week. The leaves are finally changing (just a little red on the tops of the trees) and on my walks I can smell that dusty/earthy/leafy that is only in the air this time of year. I've even busted out the sweaters and boots and started putting together my Halloween costume. So today I've posted some leafy items I've come across recently while perusing the internet, just to get into the Autumn spirit!

Perennial ceramic mosaic tiles from Ann Sacks

SURevolution Silver Leaf Napkin Ring available at Vivre

Company C - Poplar fabric in Robin's Egg

Osborne & Little - Folia Savernake fabric

Pottery Barn - Leaf Plates

Oly Studio - Isabel Sconces

Main Cottage - Green Leaves Throw

Allegra Hicks - Leaf Handle

Green with Envy

2008-10-17T11:19:00.000-04:00

I was very impressed with the new Home Magazine Design Showcase house. The whole house has a unified, green and natural palette with lots of natural material. It balances natural with contemporary while still being traditional and practical. But the really great thing about the showcase is all of the great, unique design ideas it incorporates without being "over-the-top". Here are a few highlights:

Multi-level island with space beaneath for a roll-out butcher block.

L-shaped banquette seating under and circular window. The beverage center is nearby just in case you run out of vino! :-)

Love the hammered metal prep sink, although it could stand to be a little larger in order to be functional.

Why don't more people light the inside of their cabinets?? Reaching into dark cabinets has always given me the heebeegeebees!

A cast brass sink sits on top of tempered glass with a layer of pebbles beneath.

The shower door is practically invisible since it slides from the support above instead of swinging out. I love the horizontal shower tiles... and don't forget your towel warmer!

I love the freestanding tub with the wooden support frame and contemporary tub filler.

Pretty in Pink

2008-10-16T14:34:00.000-04:00

Please forgive me, I have to be uber girly today. I found this gorgeous mother of pearl in-laid dresser on Downtown's 1st Dibs site and am obsessed. I'm generally loving the in-laid trend right now (I'll do more on that later... Pottery Barn actually has some great pieces) but when it's PINK I can't help but fall in love!!! Fun, feminine, finely crafted, and just absolutely dazzling! I don't think the picture really does justice to how it would look in person. But check out the close up-- Can you imagine making that??

P.S. It IS Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I guess the pink really is appropriate! Now go check your ta-tas!!!

Quote Day

2008-10-14T12:43:00.000-04:00

Swan House

2008-10-13T11:13:00.000-04:00

Last weekend my mother visited from Louisville, KY. Since this was the first time she came by herself we got to do a lot of things we wouldn't normally get to with my dad or siblings around-- like visit a beautiful historic home! I'd been wanting to visit Swan House at the Atlanta History Center for a while. I've attended a couple lectures on classical architecture and the architect of Swan House, Philip Trammell Shutze so I'd been wanting to see it with my own eyes. It was as spectacular as I had imagined, probably due to the multi-million dollar restoraion the Atlanta History Center executed not too long ago. Unfortunatly interior photographs are not allowed but here are some pictures I took of the exterior of the house:

This is the "garden" facade of Swan House with the iconic cascading pools, designed in an ornate, Italian Renaissance style. The pools were almost directly copied from the Roman Villa Corsini where Shutze visited, sketched, and studied during his training at the American Academy in Rome.

Groin vaults in the portico on the Palladian facade.

The epitome of classicism.

The classical Palladian facade.

Patrick Naggar

2008-10-09T13:36:00.000-04:00

I just stumbled over some of artist, Patrick Naggar's furniture on the Ralph Pucci site and was struck with nostalgia. For a project in college, I had to design a restaurant inspiried by an artist or designer of our choice. I was drawn to the brick walls in the photographs of his work and the multi-colored vase lights, so I chose Patrick Naggar! I definitely didn't do him justice, but maybe one day I will come close...

Circus Stripes

2008-10-06T19:04:00.000-04:00

As a girl I remember visiting a house with a powder room painted in bold, black and white stripes that continued all the way up and across the ceiling. I always thought it was so fun and dramatic-- perfect for a child's room or playful powder room. I recently spotted these examples in domino.

Decorative Risers

2008-10-02T13:49:00.000-04:00

I saw these decorative tile risers in Cottage Living's L.A. Idea Home and thought they were so unique and cute! The tiles are very appropriate for the Mission Revival style the house was built in.

And they remind me of beautiful and intricate tile work often seen in Moorish/Islamic architecture:

Saying So Long to Summer

2008-09-26T13:13:00.000-04:00

Today I'm feeling a little nostalgic for summer already. We're only four days into fall and I already miss summer! Maybe because I was out of town almost every weekend, I didn't hardly get to relax and enjoy it this year? I do love opening the windows at night, putting on the first sweater of autumn, and oh how I love wearing boots! But for my last summer "hoo-rah" I went to Maine Cottage today and spotted these adorable pillows. I can definitely see these working well in the beach house of my dreams!

Trend: Industrial Lighting

2008-09-24T12:46:00.000-04:00

Everywhere I've been looking lately, I've seen very simple, industrial style pendant lights. I love them! Especially in kitchens, light this one from Urban Archaeology that incorporates a pot rack:

Of course I'll probably never be able to afford that! But that style is everywhere! This one from Circa Lighting is cute too:

As is the one from Restoration Hardware with a nice glass element:

AND this one from Pottery Barn that is a little more rustic:

My Favorite Chair

2008-09-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

I love Victoria Hagan but my favorite piece of furniture in her line has always been the Wainscott Chair. I find it so elegant and dramatic but still very classic. One of the great dilemnas of my life is how I will ever decorate a home (when I eventually have one) because I am drawn to so many differnt styles of furniture and art but I still like my furniture to "match" in some way. I think what I love most about this chair is that I could see it working well with a variety of different styles - cottage-y to contemporary to traditional. I WILL own it... one day...

Jan Showers

2008-09-19T11:11:00.000-04:00

I'm loving Jan Showers right now. She is an interior designer out of Dallas, Texas. Her furniture designs perfectly illustrate my style- freshly updated classics and clean lines.

This is the Daphne Chair- the clear acrylic legs are a unique touch and I love the contrasting piping. Plus it is green... my favorite! Well, my favorite right now at least!

The Loop Chair - very Barbara Barry-ish
The Eliza Table - Simple, elegant and just perfect!!!

Daniele Tete-a-tete

Coco Dining Chair - I'm always drawn to circles for some reason!

I am also in total agreement with her list of peeves:

"• fake flowers

• Excessive collecting which always creates clutter…I am a collector of certain things, but hope I know when to stop or store.
• Painting rooms in acidic, overly bright colors for shock value…who can live in these rooms for long?
• Trends --- I have never believed in following trends…decorating is too expensive…keep it timeless is my credo."