Brock Street

p & r

2012-01-24T20:58:00.000-08:00

this ones for you...in hopes of this being the year of you discovering your little piece of the pie. this image reminded me of you..

all are gone.....

2012-01-23T19:07:00.001-08:00

....but the memories live on. well, someone made it onto the coveted christmas list of a local and prominent cookie maker. all i know is that i will do anything to stay on this list....thoughts of trading in b-mo have even crossed my mind. kidding. what i am not kidding about is the way these little treasures melt on your tongue...holy cow.

thank you mirna, you have changed our lives with these cookies and the love and time are valued.

2 dry

2012-01-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

2 months, too dry. we have had the driest winter on the books here in sf and the sonoma valley has been no different.

same time last year our property was covered in lush ferns..this year i had to go out and buy some green. planting in 65 degree weather in january is really messing everything up...tricking us to believe it is spring. not going to complain though...we have had some amazing winter walks...bird watching...gazing.

i found this cement urn at local antique mall, the price was good i am embarrassed to admit. but it is priceless to me and makes for a good before and after.

UPDATE: it rained this weekend...woohoo.

down time

2012-01-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

mandatory time off = sleeping in until 9am for a week, homemade warm biscuit's with jam and coffee at 10am, catching up on reading....i know, sounds slothful, but i had no idea how tired i was.

i was also able to muster up some energy to drive a few minutes to do some antiquing...looking...

a few highlights in these images (the guy wouldn't sell me even one rope...i can see why)

its a wrap

2012-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

in more ways than one. shwew....we made it through another year and hopes are high for 2012. lots and lots of hope.

so, when push comes to shove i always revert to my favorite wrap style. junk drawer. i always keep a stash of new york times fashion section on hand, as you know twine is a staple in my home (i use it on everything and for everything), greens are also an easy way to spruce things up (no pun intended) and the copper gardening tags have been in my junk drawers for over 20 years. in my opinion, the best labels ever.

hodge podge you may say...true, but surely wrapped with love...i think that is all that really matters.

forty, 40, forte....

2011-12-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

someone in the household celebrated one of those milestone b-days.... and with it came some crafty gift idea's. one of those milestones you want to mark with memories, laced with a bit of sentiment.

so, we have a "family" friend in seattle who is one of those mind blowing talents. she is an apparel designer, hand bag designer, singer song writer (with several albumns), she is a painter. basically....she is a gift from the heavens.

every year, dawn smithson, sends a hand painted christmas card. a highlight of the season. when i was pulling out the christmas garb this year, and i uncovered her painting from 2010 and when i saw it a birthday idea sparked right out of my head....a dawn smithson commissioned painting of b-mo. i couldn't imagine a better b-day gift for loopy. then when it arrived at work earlier this week....i almost dropped a few tears on my desk. so touching..the soul and spirit of this little stinker couldn't have been captured better. thank you dawn.

so, i have included last years painting of the tree with the mystic own at the top and of course the b-day painting of b-mo.

if you would like a commissioned piece of work by dawn...please let me know and i will be happy to connect you.

luxury.....

2011-12-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

in our little cabin on a country road. who would have thunk? during our montauk vaction this summer, we stumbled upon a store that carried the la labo products and that is where the trouble began.

i'm of that age where i do not long or obsess over wanting things...i appreciate fine things, but am able to find practicality and editing more relaxing. but i must say, the la labo fragrances put all practicality aside and the obsession began. i forced myself to pass on the purchase and that is when the angels decended, one in particular..by the name of patti was particularly forceful, and that angel demanded she was sent to gift hillside with this fragrance.

thank you angel....you make life much sweeter and your generosity overwhelms at times. this fragrance is the signature hillside fragrance and i hope it last forever.

notice that this label is custom for hillside. boy do we feel blessed and the cabin smells dreamy...like heaven.

adult christmas

2011-12-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

as some of you know, i had a visitor last weekend. one of those friends that you consider family. we had a blast at hillside, along with a few side visits to antique malls, farms and eateries.

as usual, she came with a little bag of treasures from red ticking..and boy was she kind this year. i must have done something right this year :).

this handmade mermaid will have a good life and always carry the memories of december 2011 and she might even get a new blouse for christmas this year.

you too can find this great treasure at red ticking...hurry, time is running out.

more weekend photo's to follow soon.

monday moves

2011-12-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

lets just say i am not moving that fast today. the sun is shining, coffee downed, but i cannot seem to get past that.

this image keeps me very focused on keeping that one wall in the "big" bedroom original redwood, no painting, just rustic and raw wood. this old redwood was part of the original 1 room cabin that hillside used to be, build in 1915. i think the original cabin was around 350 square feet, now just a bit bigger..not much.

there was a window on this wall, and our contractor did an amazing job filling in that hole with detailed precision and now all it needs is some staining....i'm working on it, but definitely not in a rush. i kinda have to do it right the first time.

i hope the start to your week is not quite as relaxing as mine.....

table time

2011-12-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

running around like my usual "madman" self this weekend, but wanted to post a few images from the turkey day table.

i did my usual last minute scramble for the decor. i snatched up all the leftover herbs from all the cooking (thyme, rosemary, sage), then sent someone out to pick some local "white berries", grabbed some bay leaves from the yard, as well as some baby ferns..... a bit of Eucalyptus and fruit and i was done. Snappy indeed.

i used to spend a few moment's thinking about the table and setting it, but with the out of town company and other distractions, the importance of presentation took a backseat this year...which was perfect for 2011.

lost in the shadows

2011-11-30T20:24:00.000-08:00

i hope this finds you all enjoying a bit of a holiday glow....that is if you were able to take some time away from your regular routine and enjoy the great company of friends and family and hopefully something out of the ordinary on the table.

we were lucky enough to have some great friends in town from nyc and had a full cabin all weekend. feel blessed indeed.

well, the images are some shots i have taken over the last year and for some reason they did not make the brock street cut. who knows why? i can actually tell you why..i have great intentions to blog more and then i start looking at photo's and spend hours recounting the memories and the moments the photo's were taken (talking about photo's of friends and family that are woven into my brock street images....so, these guys got lost in the shadows.

all circles too. all images brock street...all items great and meaningful finds.

pushing it

2011-11-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

i know, i know...i hate to push the holiday's as it tends to feel forced at times and since i am in the product development world...christmas can feel year round at times as i am approving products in june :). not complaining.

these projects are soooo approachable, that even i feel like i can carve out a little time to fill in that "crafting" void in my life. can you imagine a great bay leaf garland, dripping with glossy white pine cones? i can :)

have a great weekend.

running and hiding

2011-11-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

made a quick stop by a secret location to check on the inventory...of course i was a day too late as everything i gravitated toward had a big ole red dot on it....sold to a local french patisserie. shoot.

nonetheless, it seemed a bit like christmas with the "loaded" shelves. i was able to run out before i got sucked into the internal conversation of "do i really need this, or do i just want it:)", i guess they were all wants as i came out empty handed.

happy wednesday.

the welcome committee

2011-11-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

bmo is definitely our welcome committee in the country, not the warmest, but he is first to the door upon everyone's arrival.

one of the best gifts at hillside is the foliage...its everywhere. the bay leaves, the ferns, the lichen covered branches...and i make sure to utilize them as often as possible.

the little zinc tin also serves on the welcoming committee...:)

japanese editing

2011-11-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

some of you may know of my affinity for Japanese sensibility. whenever i travel to asia, i ensure/secure some time at muji..mandatory visit(to be honest the product imported into US is not the same product you get in asia..its just how it is). i will sacrifice sleep, dim sum, foot massage...and everything to stock up on some basics.

well, Hitoshi Uchita, owner of j'antiques in tokyo really blends the flea market find with his minimal approach. everything in his home seems so loved and full of life..and a quite used, yet everything is so organized and clean. just how i like it.

anyway, with the condition of these finds there are never worries of something getting a scratch or stain...and if they do, they are just part of the story.

i hope you enjoy these images as much as i do. found on the selby

seats for three

2011-10-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

you know how we can, at times, not even visit the wonderful destinations in our own backyard (when i was in nyc i never got to the statue of liberty or the empire state building) shameful?

well, in sonoma we are in the heart of jack london land. jack had a home in glen ellen..or should i say many homes and there is a state park that we had not visited until last weekend (that is what company does...they embarrass you by saying..."i can't believe this place is only a few miles from hillside and you have never been ..why not?"). hee, hee.

so, last weekend was the first and definitely not the last visit to this breathtaking state park. it was amazing there, quiet, lush and socked full of history.

these photo's were taken in the museum, which used to be one of their homes. the upper level of this grand, stone home had 4 huge window seats and each windows decor was inspired by one of the locations they traveled to. they were the perfect size. one could get totally horizontal with plenty of room to snuggle their favorite pet or friend.

we were only able to explore 1/8 of this state park as we only had an hour, but will return again this weekend.

put this on your list when you come for your visits.

Hillside 10/15/2011

2011-10-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

editing away here at hillside....

No time to work as we r blessed with more company, so I thought I would just post some autumn light at 10am in the country.

The chores and projects are stacking up, so please feel free to sign up for a work day soon...just bring your work clothes and an appetite...

no more coulda, woulda...shoulda

2011-10-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

when it comes to hillside (also now know as grandpa mo's tree house..ha, ha),i am taking all options into consideration these days. i think there is a reason why we are so behind on schedule with the cabin...because we need more time to think through every detail,.... not at all the money thing :). i am proclaiming this delay to be a "silver lining".

i found this image while hunkered down out east during hurricane irene. thank goodness our friends home was stocked with current periodicals...they kept me distracted for several days. anyway, i think this image is from metropolitan homes or elle decor..and it is also a blurry one. sorry.

i am totally drawn to the banquette bench. the simple built in that covers the seating for half of the table. this is a great solution to utilizing every square inch of the 800 square foot cabin. we could even gain a bit of storage out of it too....

what also drew me to the image was the placement of all the windows in this space..same as hillside. what do you think? i've included a recent image of our hillside dining area...just so you can give me some input if you have time. do you have any experience with built in benches? i don't...but exploring all options.

roughin it

2011-10-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

these chairs are MUCH better in person. this image was taken with a phone, so the clarity is not what i wish you could see.

what i wouldn't give to find these at a flea market on my own and take pride in the find and hopefully competitive price.

this pair of twins has an amazing modern/mid-century/metal frame with a rough textured burlap cover. a very versatile pair too...i can imagine them in my home :), on the lawn in "out of africa", fancy camping, in a french country estate or a modern home in the vineyards of chile.

if you are in sag harbor, you must stop by bloom (she does not have website, you have to visit in person) and gaze at these beauties.

they were surprisingly comfortable too.

stuck on you

2011-10-09T20:47:00.001-07:00

.....i've got this feelin down deep in my soul that i just can't lose. REST.

peaceful images keep luring me in. this image evokes the most simple of times to me: bed, light, books and casual attire and seemingly no distractions.

hope this finds you after a peaceful weekend. i went up to hillside for the day yesterday with the intention of getting some painting done. well, after some raking, laundry and talk radio, i found myself on the sofa with a quilt in a complete horizontal position. needless to say i will start the painting next weekend. :)

it was dreamy.

image

where to start

2011-10-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

i am in the midst of old fashioned exhaustion and you have no idea how much images like this speak to me. i have been browsing images for a half hour and the only thing singing to me are the images with beds and what seem to be cozy and kind linens. ha, ha! actually, the images with beds and little puppies on the beds send me to the moon and back.

this room is one of those rooms that immediately transports you to another place and almost another time. those tiles on the wall are art in its purest form and i think i will stare at them for a long time.

be back soon

2011-09-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

heading out to asia tonight... and i always have a hard time saying goodbye to b-mo. these darn dogs are just so connected to us and smart. i have stopped skirting around packing in privacy and hiding the suitcase from him because he knows exactly what is going down, so now he just sits and stares and moans and grunts. poor mo.

here are some photo's taken this summer at hillside. b-mo just sits at the front door while we putter on the property. these photo's will definitely keep me grounded while i am away...

will be back in 8 days and hopefully have a chance to capture some moments on film to share with you.

who dinged the door

2011-09-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

these doors couldn't get any better. if these doors were mine i might consider sanding them down and then giving them a fresh coat, but right now i love them as they are. ageless to me.

photo found here

i promise...

2011-09-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

.....i am still not stuck out east after irene. the playing catch up to being out of the office for a week is insane and i often question if it is worth it. no, i know it is worth it....i'm just being a bit dramatic.

anyway, we did our annual stop at my favorite sag harbor retailer, bloom. she know's how to curate a store like no ones business. i am talking spare in all the right ways. talk about cleansing...well, you must visit to see for yourself.

these are a few photo's taken from the phone, so the clarity is a bit to be desired, but the inspiration is shining bright.

ps...can someone layer on a bit more beach charm to go with the rope door handle.

its for realz....

2011-08-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

irene is a comin. we were suppose to wrap up our magical montauk vacation week today...but all flights and transportation out of NYC are cxld....meaning we are stranded in irene's path.

so, we are still in the hamptons, but have moved off the beach to higher ground and hunkering down for our first hurricane. thank goodness we are with our dear friends r & p who are totally calm, cool and collected planning wonderful meals and flowing wine.

here are a few shots of the east hampton village early afternoon. nothings going to hold back these new yorkers...they are still out and about.

for starters

2011-08-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

it has been such a hectic summer with work travel, personal travel, out of town guest, cabin work weekends (every weekend we are in town we are work, work, working)....so, the city apt has been neglected.

for starters there has been limited fresh flowers in the house and this is a cardinal crime in my home. so, i troll the back garden for little pieces that have broken off after a wind storm, or just pop off an extra branch to give a little guy a chance to be his own plant. trying to justify of course....

thank goodness succulents thrive in northern california as they are at the top of my favorite list and the easiest to care for and i really enjoy the texture and sculpture they offer.

i wanted to show you some of my prizes...oh and a box of plants i bought on my last journey to see my sister in so cal...she has a secret garden location and i think this whole box was only $30.00.

details, details, details

2011-08-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

it has been said many o times...sometimes by me...sometimes by mentors, that attention to detail is key, prime, mas importante (spelling)...you know what i mean.

this little primitive room proves that point in so many ways. the bedding, the lighting and that great little shelf/console/table make this room exactly what it was born to be.

we all know these walls are, or at least meant be, filled with stories of laughter and secrets. i can imagine throwing my backpack on the top bunk to hold the space and jamming out the door feeling like a million bucks and knowing there was fun to be had.

and all that emotion was racked up by the most primitive little room with the "just right" details.

ps..yes, i am still trying to figure out how i would be able to get in that top bunk..i do have long legs, but not that long.

image here

breaking bread

2011-07-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

this photo grabbed me at hello. ha, ha. really though, this feel and style is so approachable and so welcoming i want to recreate the emotion of this in my own world.

it totally feels lived in, loved, moderately eclectic with a thoughtful filter. i feel like i have started me weekend already with the ease this image is providing. the wooden spoons, the stacks of dishes, the etching, the simple line of the shelf, the bread...hey, where is the wine?

happy hump day. the work week is officially closer to an end than this morning. :) i'm totally tickled.

photo found on bam bam tumbler.

quick cleanse

2011-07-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

i've been helping a few friends with a few interior projects lately and the more i engage and try to help them find their vision and balance for their space, i realize i want less in my life and space (belongings that is).

these images found on trine thorsen's site helped jolt me back into my personal & ideal pallet...a blank one that can be layered and stripped away if needed. very symbolic for 2011 and going forward.

i noticed my friend at the ticking is getting her house in order too....something is in the air and it ain't spring :)

state of mind

2011-07-25T07:53:00.001-07:00

i am still not ready for the work week...and i need to be out the door in 7 minutes. shoot.

i hope this finds you all in a relaxed state of mind after a great weekend. i know i am...maybe too relaxed.

image from hillside guest room. collection of lavender sachets (mini pillows). come on over and you can bury your face in these. it never gets old.

mark your calendars

2011-07-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Margaret Kilgallen (1967-2001) will be on exhibit at Ratio 3 Gallery in San Francisco until August 5, 2011.

Margaret Kilgallen was an influential Bay Area artist. Her work was strongly informed by craftsmanship, folk art, signage and letterpress: works that revealed "evidence of the maker's hand."

her work totally inspires me...the folk art that takes my imagination to a different time.

work it out

2011-07-21T08:05:00.001-07:00

what i would give for a little piece of heaven like this. my own work space, with its own door and window....and maybe a few items like the ones found in this photo.

i even think it would be enough space for brock streets retail space....:)

happy thursday, the weekend is almost here.

photo from an amazing new blog find junkaholique. thanks so much jeanette :)

one of these is NOT like the others

2011-07-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

....so, some may say crumb or crimeny...i'm saying crap. (sorry to offend) but i am telling you....i am the worst blogger ever. (crap, i've been surrounded by drama lately and i am feeling a bit dramatic i guess) ;)

i find myself searching for inspiration most days...and mostly at the very end of the day...and lately there has been "not a one" that caught my attention. maybe my attention span is failing me?

so, i was thinking about starting a monday routine on brock street, but do not want to set myself up for failing...so i am going to see how many mondays in a row i can post, so i can test myself and see if i will really stick to my guns.

this post is a hint at what my plans are....

AND..i really do love each of these images. each bringing its own energy to each space and the all work for me: handsome chic, primitive and industrial, less is more and a poached pup.

most photo's from bam bam

reality check

2011-07-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

well....all i have to say is that last weekend was not as productive as i had planned. BUT, no complaints either as we really needed to enjoy hillside for what it is today and not get so wrapped up in what the potential is. it is good to take it all in and live a bit.

lots of walks, friend drop-ins, fresh local food, and plenty of sun to nourish the spirit. oh, and no alarms or early morning worry that the contractor is going to be there before i'm out of bed.

photo: reality of the current project pace. always moving things to protect them. then i finish the little project and put everything back until the next weekend. ha, ha, ha. one would think i would learn and just leave it all hidden away until completion...but that defeats my hearts intentions...live in the moment as today is a gift.

happy 4th

2011-06-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

we are off to hillside for 4 days and boy do we have some projects. i really do hope to have some progress to show you....

these photo's were taken last weekend at carmel by the sea. we had a little anniversary get away and had the best time ever. great food, great wine, great weather, great beaches and wonderful views.

i had to thrown in last years bmo 4th shot too.

image & envy

2011-06-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

or should i just say done & done. this little dining space has everything a guy could ask for: great lighting, endless effortlessness, no frill and seemingly affordable/approachable..oh, and that chalk board wall i always steer away from (i now find it charming...i am loosing it)

i am in the mood for less is more again. it must come with age and the wanting to simplify everything. so, i work in a creative industry and there is so much talk about product, trend, what is new and next and the must have of the moment......it is exhausting at times and i often find myself in a state of material desire. YUCK & YUCK.

some days i want to run for the hills and build furniture out of dirt, twigs, weeds and anything from the earth that mother earth no longer needs.

this is how i feel on this sunny and warm thursday morning, hopefully i will come out of this and find that balance.

image from little blue deer blog

its the little things in life....and design

2011-06-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

have you seen this "before" photo before? this was taken even before we had the keys to the front door of hillside. as you can see......um......hillside was not in best form at the time and thank god for a teenie tiny bit of vision. many people would probably run and never look back, and that may have been the route we should have taken too....kidding.

i have been promising a friend a photo of part of the exterior facelift (new window frame). all it took was some of our extra wood, a few tools and a very handy contractor to make the simplest and most important change to date on the exterior. i am holding onto some photo's for a true before and after (at the rate we are going the reveal will be 2 years from now).

happy wednesday.

......and breath

2011-06-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

well, i had huge intentions of painting the bedroom this weekend...or at least getting started. didn't happen...i decided to kick back and breath a bit. instead there was a lot of puttering going on and a whole lot of nothing to memorable....except some delicious food consumption and early to bed and late to rise happening.

my "real" excuse was it was too hot to paint (hit 90 yesterday). so here is a photo of where it all went down...the food consumption.

hillside dining....in the tree's. (hillsides nickname is tree house and i think you can tell why from this photo). i know the image is dark, but if you click on it you can see the trees a bit better.

happy monday

and the winner is.....

2011-06-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

woo hoo! congrats primjillie. i have a feeling you will be as charmed by this little piece of history as i have been.

leave me your email in the comments and i will ship her out early next week.

thanks for always visiting the blog..:)

give, give, GIVEAWAY

2011-06-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

overdue and a bit of a peace offering for my poor posting ability of late.

this great little hotel creamer caught my eye many months ago. i bid...i won...and i want to give it to one of you.

let me be clear, it is not because it is not loved or unwanted, quite the contrary actually...i want to give it to one of you because i have a huge soft spot for my blogging friends. you bring that wink and magic and mystery that keeps me blogging.

i know many of you read and do not post a comment, do not let that hold you back from putting your name in the bowl.

this little guy is just under 4 inches tall, super heavy, the bottom stamp says "r.wallace, 0381, silver bordered, 4 oz, hotel olds"

just put a comment in that you are a winner and i will be sure to put your name in the drawing. i will do the drawing this friday and post end of day.

thanks for following my hodgepodge of blog. i really wish i had one of these for each of you.

t for two (twins that is)

2011-06-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

i grew up sleeping on a twin bed and whenever i visited family and friends there always seemed to be a guest room with 2 twin beds. nostalgia takes over more often than not when i look at photo's of twins.

but, is it just me or have times changed? now everyone has a queen bed, king bed or anything but 2 twins. i guess "back in the day" we slept in separate beds just like lucy and desi. they did set the standard for the times. i guess it would be odd for a couple to sleep in seperate beds...but it could end up being a good night sleep :).

anyhow....i think this room evokes a restful and simple time and i would like to have a room just like it.

photo found on hemmahemma

massive (massey) attack

2011-06-04T09:24:00.001-07:00

from the very first image of paul massey's i was hooked. i found my inspiration source...never failing. from his simple styling and choice of work, i could almost feel his heart beating (or was that mine from the adrenaline).

anyway, another tough week behind me and the mysterious future ahead. the fifth image, of course an expression of pure personal sentiment...but the balance of the images pure lovely.

have a great weekend...i hear the sun is shining upon our friends in seattle....well worth the wait indeed.

massive (massey) attack part duex

2011-06-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

removing clutter

2011-05-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

well, many...many...many months ago (actually after we removed the high gloss, burnt orange lacquered plywood from the ceiling) we decided to leave the original exposed beams and boards and not replace the ceiling. hoping to gain a few more inches as well as give the place more of a primitive vibe.

phase two took place this weekend..removing all the excess cross beams, which were used not as a support system, but rather to nail up the previous plywood ceiling. boy oh boy, the difference this makes is beyond the photo's (taken by ldrc). wish you could have been there.

i feel like i can breath again..the clutter these extra beams created was crazy and i do not know why we waited so long to remove them.

next phase...paint...:)

simplify, simplify, simplify

2011-05-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

so much has been going on lately: in the world, in our country, in the office, in my circle of friends....causing me moments of reflection and at times silence. lets just say the word gratitude is thrown around WAY more than it has in a long time. i know many of you feel the same way.

i think this image is perfect for the day. the reason being, there is not much going on except there seems to be good foundation. not a ton of clutter (like my home), not much color, a gentle and filtered light.....where are the pearly gates. :)

this image has been sitting on my desktop for too long..i cannot find the source, but i still wanted to share.

WFH

2011-05-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

...work from home. what a week it has been, mama mia is all i will say...do not want to disclose too much emotion.

although we do most of our eating in the kitchen (just off the dining room...you can see the fantastic kitchen cabinets in the background...rent style) i end up spending most mornings in this room due to the great light and warmth of the sun and a heater. talk about being totally blessed with a great home in the city...we have window's everywhere and we are perched on the top floor...so the views and the light remind me how lucky we are.

anyway, i am also lucky as my job allows me some flexibility in where i work from. i would love to utilize this benefit more often than i do, but when i do flex on location..i tend to be spending my days sitting right here. mostly staring at the dirty windows and reminded of all the cleaning projects awaiting my attention AND of course working feverishly on work work.

happy friday friends. i will be sitting right here.....stop by for an espresso/tea if you have time.

PS. the ikea chairs are still working out, they really fit in with all the mixing and matching going on here...

all things bright and beautiful

2011-05-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

i am still on my swedish country kick...i can not get off of this train. i think it is because it is so simple, minimal, fresh....understated and about practical.

get me a ticket to this cabin...i will ride the train for days to get here :)

images found here

lay your weary head

2011-05-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

man, i have been so stinking busy and work seems to have zapped the you know what out of my energy level.

i also haven't been too enthused with any images of late either...or just not finding them OR some of my favorite bloggers have beat me to the punch on my new favorites. so, another brock street shot of the finished front room. now we just have a few little details...like dresser, chair and something to hang your fancy dresses and suits on..or your overall's :).

i really like the light on this one. i took it with my cell phone, so not super clear...but clear enough.

tick, tick, ticking

2011-05-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

i am one of those folks who has lots of design "loose ends". for example, lamp shades...a very hard task to fulfill as resources are limited and size really makes a difference. i cannot tell you how many shades i have purchased and brought home, with a quick trip back for a return. after a good 5+ years, i am 75% set for life on shades and the balance 25% keep me honest and living in the real world. good ones are an investment.

well, my good friend pam at red ticking always, can i say always has the best shades in stock this side of the mississippi. on my last visit to seattle i had a ticking moment when i saw this shade and as soon as i returned to sf the tick, tick on the clock was loud and clear and i knew if i didn't take the plunge, this shade would vanish into somebody else's hands.

the ship, or should i say shade, came in yesterday and i couldn't get out of the office fast enough to ensure it was in fact, the write fit for the lamp and the room.

could the little cross stitch initials be any more primitive and simple?

cool warm

2011-05-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

now this is really how i would like to roll. there is so much i like about this room, even though i can only see a small portion of it.

let me name a few: bright and light, the warmth of what appears to be a large and well used farm table, quick access to all your cooking needs, the stove isn't so bad and mostly the inspiration and imagination the image brings.

oh and the pastry and espresso seal the deal.

image

78 degree's

2011-05-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

....and i am hunkered down with brush in hand..INSIDE :(

finally, we were able to start some finishing work in the hallway/original porch. i think i was born with a paint brush in my hand... as i have always enjoyed painting and find it to be one of the most calming tasks. FYI: this is just the primer....the paint to follow next weekend.

i have to be honest with you all, we did have a little picnic in the back yard and i did take in a good 30 minutes of rays. it was just right.

hope this finds you all after an enjoyable and productive (whether rest or project) weekend.

$15.00 budget

2011-04-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

what a week it has been and i woke up knowing it was only thursday, but hoping for friday. this of course being the excuse for lack of posting.

i wanted to wrap up the easter weekend by tuesday, but it is still lingering...candy everywhere and i can't stop eating it.

so, onto the post. with the last minute travel change and invitations sent for east lunch, i had to rally and find some flowers. as usual, no time to run to flower mart or my favorite haunts so off to safeway (right across the street). lets just say the success lies in the greens. lots of greens, little flowers and all for $15.00.

and a few leftover stems for the bathroom.

b-mo's best

2011-04-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

in all fairness, b-mo deserves to dress up a couple times a year. he hates being left out and no being in the moment, and in order to fit into this home..he needed something to lift the holiday spirit.

so, donned with a brock street design collaboration (bow tie), he welcomed the easter holiday with open eyes (focused on a treat) and his typical regal posture (we wonder where his real bloodline comes from, something posh i am sure).

hope your holiday shed a little sunshine, lots-o-smiles, and a wee bit of chocolate.....oh, and topped with hope.

easter eats

2011-04-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

i should be on a plane over the pacific ocean somewhere right now, heading to shanghai for work, but the last minute cancellation leaves me here at home over the easter holiday. not so bad....now the prep begins for a fast and furious easter dinner planning.

i just might walk down to tartine bakery and get a few sweet treats for post entree pallet cleansers. that is if there is anything left?

if you have not been to tartine in SF, then please call me on your next trip to SF and we will meet there. it will be my treat to you. my favorite bakery in the city, and vying for the spot of favorite bakery in the world.

for me, easter is always that time of year to embrace new hope, new beginnings and take in that gift of fresh air and spring fragrance. i hope this seasons is also a reminder of hope and a fresh start for you...oh and that there is some good food approaching.

images from the selby

simple is, simple does

2011-04-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

ok...i'm ready to grab my hammer and get going. this is a project right up my alley, at least that is the perception of this simplicity of the design.

this kind of design aesthetic and thought through layout beckons my youth and what i wish my summer camp accommodations would have been like. but hey, character building is what it is all about: sleeping bags, window's with no glass and bats is what being a kid is about. wouldn't trade it for the world.

back to the photo's. i am particularly drawn to the cabinet with the bench attached. i can imagine a heavy hemp linen, down cushion plopped down on the bench and a fluffy dog napping.

image from the hotel school in maastricht in the netherlands.

gus...i hope you see this post, its your next hillside project :)

women

2011-04-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

i am one of those people who has been given the gift of wonderful women in my life. each one crafting and sharing one of their gifts with me in a way that carves very deep valley's in my spirit. the kind of valley's that lead you to being a better person.

maxine's gift was unconditional love. i miss her the most in life and even after 4 years, i find myself pushing "grandma" on the speed dial on my cell phone. i guess we are all the same and come from the same place, as i know those of us who have lost a loved one, feel the same heart break and loss that cannot be described without experience.

as some of you know "brock street" was the name of the street my grandparents home was on and there is a tremendous amount of sentiment in the name and i really wanted to remember her today.

i just have to put some pictures of her up as i couldn't be more proud and want nothing more than to remember her and her kindness, simplicity and open heart. what a lovely lady.

take your coat off

2011-04-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

...and stay for a while.

this is the kind of careless ease i strive for with our homes, but it never seems to fall into place so effortlessly. i think i am too "tidy" for that (some say odc)

it looks as though they have spent lots of time at the flea markets...lots of history/memory indeed.

photo's found on hemmahemma

french find found mountain

2011-04-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

i'm the one who goes to the french container sale and always walks away with a trunk full of small finds/odds and ends. the big purchases are few are far between, but that is just the way i like to roll.

this little red folding chair is now officially our first piece of indoor outdoor furniture. i bought this chair 3 years ago and it has mostly been in basement storage, but it finally made it out of the dark and into a spot in the sun and lived there all day on saturday. there were several of us vying for the spot in the sun and it served its purpose quite well. i wonder if the original owners ever imagined it this chair would make its way to the US and find a fixer upper project in the mountains. personally, i think a great location for used furniture retirement.

also, i found this old watering can at another french dealer in the city. i'm not generally into watering cans and have been known to buy the big plastic ones as they are quite practical and can hold quite a bit of water. well, this old french can is huge and can hold enough water for a small hot tub. ha.

hope your weekend was as magical as mine. :)

john alden

2011-04-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

somewhere in storage, in seattle, sits a box of silhouettes i had collected for at least years before i moved to nyc in 2002, but i have not seen them since i moved. i think i am ready to see them again soon.

i definitely do not need another one, as the inn is full.....but, i couldn't pass this one up. signed by john alden irving, 1956. so madmen as well as one of my best buddies names, alden and his dad (like a second dad to me) name is john alden. so, another $5 is nothing.

found this online. 3x4 inches and i am not going to change a thing. i didn't think i was going to like that frame, but in person it is a real keeper.

my fix has been fixed...

at home any day

2011-04-04T19:55:00.001-07:00

favorite thing: eating at home, with food prepared fresh at home. this way we know it is made with love, little processing....and clean. the older and wiser i get, the more i prefer eating at home than going out AND we can listen to public radio to boot (fresh air with terry gross)

spring night at home, going for the the usual wabi-sabi feel. really enjoy eating off the oval iron stone plates...it shakes it up a bit and keeps them in the constant rotation.

disclaimer. not saying i do not enjoy 95% of all dining is SF...i really do and it is not processed food and i believe much is made from love of local foods.

naughty or nice

2011-04-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

there are just certain things in life that urge opinionated people to express themselves. this fine lady is one of them.

i have heard: creepy, scary, so serious, matronly and the list goes on and on. for several years i kept her hidden behind other paintings, feeling bad that so many people had such strong reaction toward her. i mean, she was a living breathing woman.

well, her and i had a long talk and decided i would stay true to my "love at first sight" feelings and she was coming out of hiding.

our relationship has only blossomed and i find her to be very protective, kind, wise and a bit stylish if i do say so myself.

oh, we met in 2000 at a seattle auction house.

vitamin d

2011-04-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

as i get older, i better understand the "weather" conversations. i used to chuckle when talking to my grandparents on our weekend and mid-week calls as the conversation with them would always lead to weather and food.

guess what....i have slowly introduced the topics into my conversations with my family and friends. i guess it really determines, in some cases, what is happening in our lives. if it is sunny...the majority of us are out and about and plans are plentiful...if it is cold, rainy and blustery..we are usually spending a bit more time indoors than hoped and there is probably a comment on what is in the oven or slow cooking for the weekend and indoor projects, which i welcome too.

i thought i would check on the weather of a few of my favorite cities (i do this several times a week) and here is what i found for sunday..our day of rest:

san francisco: sunny and 60 (today 75 :))
glen ellen (hillside): sunny and 67
nyc: sunny and 54 (take a walk in central park y'all)
seattle: am showers..but a peak of sunshine and 51
san diego: mostly cloudy and 63
boise: mostly sunny and 53
paris: rainy and 56
tulum: sunny and 86

image found on remodelista of a balcony in paris, france. enjoy your weekend.

more of that please

2011-03-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

why, oh why am i always on the prowl for inspiration. is it because i cannot find satisfaction in my own surroundings? is it because i am not grateful for all the blessing? these are the questions i ask myself often...as if my thirst is never quenched.

i must confess the above is far from the truth. i simply am addicted to dreaming and creating and living a bit outside of my reality. aspire...not for more or better or even beauty...just an enormous appreciation....

there, now i have let go of the guilt of spending the last 30 minutes just looking at images...maybe because i got my fix. i mean come on...can one ask for just a little more texture :).

images found here

oh what a feeling

2011-03-25T21:10:00.001-07:00

i can imagine the forging and gathering it took to find these special pieces in these rooms. a reminder of simple and effortless living (at least it looks that way to me).

i think i am going to head up to hillside, find some stumps & branches and make a table, sailboat, something...well, maybe not this weekend...but i will definitely think about it for spring.

images found on made a mano website. stunning tile in europe.

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

we watched national velvet over and over when i was a kid and Elizabeth Taylor will forever be etched in my memories and heart. so many movie classics like cleopatra and giant......too many to recall. it feels like old hollywood is quickly vanishing. RIP Elizabeth.

opposites attract

2011-03-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

here i sit, the inspiration coming from every direction and my indecisive self makes a grand appearance. good thing there are more important things happening in life right now and we do not need to make a decision right now, but i am still unsure what color direction hillside will end up taking. too many elements to consider at this time, but i do love these images...and they do keep my mind churning.

2 plus weeks

2011-03-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

the better half is away on a work trip....far far away. sri lanka to be exact. well, i guess being away from home for over two weeks can be tolerable when retiring after a long day at this beach side resort.

i'm thinking this seems more like spring break than "work trip" and next time i want to go on this work trip..for the ride of course.

hang tight loops, only 6 days to go. photo taken on assignment by loops.

so close

2011-03-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

it seems to be the rainiest winter since i move to sf in 2005 and for the last month, the rain suddenly appears on the weekends. what is up with that? all i am saying is, i am ready for spring...and the fragrant and sunny morning walks.

first image found at shanna murray blog

2nd and 3rd found on dave coote

don't get too excited

2011-03-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

so, here they are..painted floors. i can't seem to capture the warmth of the color with my camera. i will tell you that in person this color really has a warm, almost mushroom hue to it. you will just have to come and see it for yourself.

and the big bummer is the state of california has a ban (lead content) on lacquer and oil based paints. of course i wanted high gloss to reflect even more light, but this will have to do for now...until i get to oregon or canada to smuggle some in :) or maybe i could score some favors/trades?

now the guilt sets in as i really want to be better at protecting the earth and environment. every little bit helps and if i need to use a latex based paint to do my part, well so be it. just hope the come out with high gloss, environment friendly sooner than later.

anyway, sorry there is not more life in the photo's....

desperate

2011-03-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

i'm revived for a moment and thought i would do what i needed to do.....post something, anything. i have been in an inspiration slump of late. mostly due to the taxing reality that mon-friday brings. the routine seems to have taken a sharp turn, completely bypassing the inner "wanting" to be creative self.

i happened to have a weekend to myself out at hillside, with the grand goal of painting the front guest room floor. well, i did it...i achieved 2 coats of paint application (will post results tomorrow or the next day). aside from that i ended up eating lots of good bad food, drinking drinks i never drink (but love) and taking long walks with mo in the sunshine, while hoping he hasn't lifted his leg near or on poison oak.

the rains came in late this morning, so i decided to take a few photo's, do another load of laundry, clean up and head back to the apt. luckily, a few of the dozens of photo's i took actually made the final cut (thank god for digital...i delete more than i could ever admit).

happy sunday evening all, or monday morning or whatever day this post reaches you. since i am home alone for 2 plus weeks, i'm having a friend over for a no meat meal tonight.

ps. b-mo misses you loops

on the block

2011-03-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

if you have been to san francisco you know there are only a handful of other cities in the world with such a diverse and constant collection of architecture. literally, within a one block radius i can see myself living in 90% of the homes........ each one is unique in its own special way and most in my neighborhood were here before the 1906 big earthquake. oldies but goodies.

we are not heading up to the cabin this am as we have a b-day party, so i decided to bring the camera along during b-mo's morning walk.

here are 2 of my favorite front doors in the block radius....more to come too. i think we all have a bit of obsession with front doors..they say so much about the experience of the home, they are similar to a great smile when greeting someone.

neat and wow shout out

2011-03-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

shout out to StyleKouncil. my friend kat and her business partner kelly have taken san francisco by storm with their smashing new and practical approach to fashion for the masses...and some of san francisco's finest. and here are some of the current trends interpreted by these two masters...using their vintage finds and mixed with off the rack pieces. so proud of you both and continually inspired.

here is a little snippet from the article in 7x7 magazine. check out the full article here.

snippet: Kat Yeh and Kelly Sparks’ business cards are printed on old-fashioned garment tags and list a couple of curious services: closet curation and retail adventures. The fashion-industry vets, who met in 2002 while working at Levi’s (Yeh as a brand manager and Sparks as a designer), are bringing their personal-styling moxie to the masses by overhauling San Francisco closets one tattered, ill-fitting, and passé garment (think wide collar shirts and baggy jeans) at a time. They’ll preserve important personal style elements (your vintage Nirvana concert T—safe!), while updating entire wardrobes with iconic essentials tailored to each client’s taste.

last but not least...shout out to loops for his on set assistant stylist work..skilz baby, skilz.

no faux

2011-02-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

so, we used a composite paneling for the front room, and it looks great, but for the front hallway i really wanted to use some real wood. it also makes a difference that the faux wood is $19 a sheet vs. the $40 for the real stuff. you could say we are being really selective where to invest.

i had no idea how much materials were going to cost for this home project and i am constantly being challenged with budget creativity. part of my career is about negotiating, but let me tell you...you cannot negotiate at home depot. :) i have a feeling that further down the road you are going to see some re-purposed wood from some of our earlier demo projects.

this brings me to the front hallway. we finally got the paneling up (real wood). the finishing work schedule is still TBD, but we are still enjoying the progress.

the photo through the french doors is from the master bedroom. we decided to put the french doors in to bring in some natural light and last sunday morning when i was laying in bed i realized how much this was the right decision. big shout out to our friends larry and jim for the "free" french doors.

true love

2011-02-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

need i say more. valentines never meant so much when pets weren't around. i remember making valentines for our dogs growing up, and the horses, and the ducks....and you get the point.

b-mo wishes you a day full of caring thoughts and something with sprinkles on it.

fruit bearing

2011-02-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

well, another weekend up north without a contractor...so we succumbed to the calling of the great outdoors and the 3/4 acres that has not had much TLC in, what we believe, to be about 6 or more years.

one of the many highlights was this little olive tree distraction. we needed to get some gravel at home depot (to use a gift card up), but they did not have anything very interesting in their gravel/rock selection. bummer.

in my shock and awe of home depot not having the gravel, with my head down and on my way from the garden center back into the warehouse box of home depot, i heard something/someone calling out my name. i followed that gentle sing-song of a voice to the place where this olive tree was standing. the 10am northern california sun was glistening just so on those silver lined leaves and branches and it was as if the king was coming to hillside and he demanded this tree/spirit be present.

ok....i'm sure i have totally lost you all in my rambling, but the point is it was a match made in heaven. the real miracle is that it fit in the car :)

the zinc container somehow made it to sf from france and then onto our property, courtesy of my friends coco and fred. it had most recently been a table for the tv and vcr at hillside, but i think it is perfectly outside.

to paint or not to paint

2011-02-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

it is more common than not that when we get together with friends, the status of the cabin comes up...hence the conversation of what are you going to do with the walls and floors.

there can be a bit of vacillating as well as difference of opinions (depending on the day and mood), but the touchstone i always come back to is this...paint it all. the small, dark space nestled in the tree's is crying for more light. actually, begging in my opinion, but there goes that "cabin" feel.

as we all know, there are more grand and pressing issues (health, peace, hope,love) in all of our lives that override these trivial decisions, but if you have a moment to share your opinion, i promise to listen. :)

looking forward to the post and reveal of "the floors".

btw...this room is just what the doctor ordered: reclaimed, chipped, practical and you can feel the movement of light.

images hus&hem (fav)

free greens

2011-02-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

one of the all time favorite gifts from our new property is the land. when you all come for your visit you will see what i mean. when you open the car door you are taken aback by the potent overwhelming (the good kind i hope) fragrance from the bay trees.

so herbal, so clean...it opens up your lungs and brings a bit of calm to the beaten down city dweller.

i did not know that bay leaves came from big tree's...i just assumed they were shrubs or small plants, but not...big, huge and seemingly invasive trees. these trees are scattered over the 3/4 acres along with many other indigenous trees i have not yet identified.

so, bring your shears and load up for cooking and the best kind of simple and no nonsense arrangements .

these little branches made it back to the city and are bringing a bit of the country to busy movement of the mission district.

loyal friends like craig

2011-02-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

so, one confession i have to make is i really do not buy much of anything new (accept some clothes, shoes, mattresses, sheets, towels, you get the picture). character comes with age...i mean furniture of course.

it really comes from an appreciation of history as well as growing up in a very frugal home on a farm, which has instilled a value of simple and i think that comes from moments of not having much. BUT believe me, i made the most of what we did have and to me it was just right.

well, when craigslist showed up in my life almost a decade ago...you could say it was almost an out of body experience for me. instead of hitting up the flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales (which i still obsess over when i have time)...i could browse in the comfort of my own home.

which brings me to my most recent photo. the couch, an old hedredon...purchased several months ago for the cabin. owned by the same woman for over 50 years and you can tell it was very loved. when we went to pick it up, her daughter in law told us it was never re-upholstered and ann (the owner) took a nap on it every day. it is loaded with charm with its current pale blue velvet too :)

as you can see...the cabin is true to form in its hodge podge state of being. b-mo's crash pad in the hills.

had to convert to black and white as the lighting was bad and the lacquered pine walls really put a punch in the sepia tone. (hard on the eyes)

some of our favorite, new neighbors

2011-01-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

had another great weekend at hillside. patching walls and working in the yard...and exploring the hood.

about 1/4 mile away, these breathtakingly beautiful guys and gals roam the hills and meadows of the sonoma mountains. i wonder how friendly they really are and if they plan on bringing us some milk as a housewarming (too much ibuprofen...my imagination has kicked in).

photo's taken via phone, but my better half, while i drove. (we did have to stop to get the picture)

not so modern montauk

2011-01-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

it is funny when old becomes new and the cycle starts over. this space, in my opinion, is feeling a bit modern..or maybe i should just say "current" as modern is such a lose word with many interpretations.

the "current" look is the perfect balance of textures, colors, and that eclectic mixture that makes if feel effortless and like each room has become a real living space that one calls home. no staging at all.

to me this home is quintessential montauk, it is the only hampton village that has that bohemian vibe, and that is even fading with time. you don't have to look hard to find it though.

i can almost feel the light humidity and the ocean breeze and am hopeful to experience the very missed beaches of montauk this coming summer.

roman and williams don't disappoint, they hit the nail on the head with all their projects, no matter how big or small.

i can't not

2011-01-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

....post this photo, its for rachel. i love this image and even though it is not my usual, it is perfectly right for brock street and it is a shout out too. ;o)

refined, playful, classic, modern, dress up with heels, dress down with sneakers, feminine, strong and on and on.

this reminds me of you rachel, and all the adjectives are just a whisper of what defines you.

image

clearing my mind...sleep style

2011-01-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

i have read and read and read and..... believed and believed and believed that our sleeping space is suppose to be clear of clutter, tv's and any sort of distraction that will keep us from a pure rest.

that all being said while i am sitting in bed with my lap top on my lap (4 different tabs open), the other desktop computer is playing a netflix show, b-mo by my side snoring up a storm...you get the picture. i am a rule breaker.

i'm wondering if painting the room dark tricks us into night time. i mean if i were living in alaska and needed some dark, this is how i would roll...no questions asked.

i love the risk of this and love the contrast with the white. totally works in my book.

happy dreaming.

top image aubrey road
bottom apartment therapy

progress report

2011-01-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

wow, wow, wow! i can't believe another week has flown by and i have not made the time to post. i was just going through photo's and realized i probably have enough to post for a month, so i will waist no time and get started.

photo 1 = front room, only guest room, and if you remember this was a part of the original wrap around porch, which we think was added to the original cabin in the 20's and then enclosed into indoor living space in the 40's. anyway, finally a place to perch during the working weekends. this room is the closest to being complete and i have to say i have to say the silent nights are not bothering me so much more....as i am sleeping in a real bed with real sheets..the sleeping bags are back in storage. whoopie!!

photo 2 = entry hallway, only hallway, originally this was also part of the wrap around porch and you cannot tell from my bad photography...but it is a huge space. i love wood in its natural form and color and if this ceiling had not been stained with the dark brown indoor outdoor stain, we may have kept the original wood exposed, but it was just too dark and thus the paintbrush workout continues (same in front perch room). also, the french doors are finally installed. (these were getting ready to be thrown away by our friends and we rescued them and not they have a home where they are already well loved)

photo 3 = hallway progress. talk about bringing in the light...holy cow it makes a huge difference.

heading back to hillside project in the pm. this weekend will be the hallway finishing touches. all the bead board, and finishing work will be installed and we can start the real painting and lay out the welcome mat for the hallway :). fingers crossed.

61 vs. 71

2011-01-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

its a toss up today. we have had a gloomy winter this year, to me..the gloomiest since i moved to sf in 2005. what happens is the sun comes out during the weekdays, then the weekends come along and the gray sky's take over. boo...

well, today the city is going to be 61 and the sun is out and i love being in the city on such beautiful sunny days. so much more productive on sunny days.

BUT, it is going to be 70 something in sonoma valley and boy will it be nice to open all the windows, get some painting done and let b-mo roam the wilderness with the sun shining down on him. i think we better pack up the laundry and get moving now.

have a great, and hopefully long weekend.

image found on aubrey road, and wishing for lounge chairs today

to stripe or not

2011-01-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

lets get a little personal here..i love the stripes...vertical, horizontal, placed, pin, engineered, ticking....you name it, i like it. i dare you to bring me a stripe i don't like (not including knit polo stripes...those just don't do it for me..unless 2 color..then maybe). well, who really cares anyway :)

this swedish home definitely incorporates the perfect splash of stripes in all the right places. i do feel this room whispering my name.

the owner of this swedish summer home is the marketing director at svenskt tenn.

if only...

2011-01-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

if only......i could have a chat with a few of the people in the sketches framed on that wall.

if only....we could do this while sitting in those perfect little leather chairs.

photo found here

before & after porch room

2011-01-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

heading up to hillside early in the am. thought i would give you a little update on the front room. this is part of the original wrap around porch, that was converted to a bedroom (prob back in the 40's) long ago. lets just say it used to be a very cozy room with that closet and now it is just cozy with no closet.

the final touches are all that is left, including painting the floors...but we are sooooo close.

this great little galvanized pennant was found at barn light electric and my better half installed this in a matter of minutes....woot, woot!

have a great weekend.

style kouncil

2011-01-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

let me just say it doesn't get much better than this. remember a few month's ago when i posted my well worn, new to me vintage wrangler jacket and vintage wingtips from my friend kat's new business style kouncil?

well, they launched the site well over a month ago and i am just now getting to posting this visual dream. they are getting great buzz from everything from the site to the business cards...check out the photo's and go to their site stylekouncil.

before you know it i will be posting another feature on style kouncil as the are being featured in a "well circulated magazine" very soon. whoopie.

congrat's kat and kelly...you inspire me. can you believe how adorable they are??

peace to you

2010-12-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

merry christmas..happy holidays from hillside.

we were organizing and cleaning a bit today at the cabin. it is starting to look like a home....baby steps. it will all change very soon, but i wanted to unpack a few boxes and try a few things out.

tomorrow holds dinner for 9 in the city and then out to hillside with our out of town friend sarah...she will christen hillside as our first overnight guest. the good news is she doesn't mind that there is no electricity in the bathroom, we have no real kitchen, only one room has been painted, but there is enough love to fill the house...so we will be good.

the photo above is my usual hodge podge of finds that made the cut for hillside :). from $250.00 french countryside cabinet (steal) to $1.99 prayer candle, all of equal importance.

better late than never

2010-12-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

i am the guy who starts to welcome in the holiday's a month early...the day after turkey day i am digging in the basement storage area, looking for the christmas boxes as well as pounding the pavement for the perfect tree.

lets just say i am late this year. company coming in today and as of yesterday nothing was ready. i was sad to face the harsh reality of no christmas trees left (but this little guy), no wreaths ( so had to buy a candle center piece and trim it up a bit), BUT i was able to get some headway as of yesterday.

now, the reality is....none of this really matters as i consider everything that we have all been through this year..the highs and the lows. what DOES matter is our health, our friendships, our family and all the blessings, such as being employed and feeling loved.

a few shots of some of yesterdays accomplishments in our home. less is more.

history

2010-12-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

i love the holidays. it is a time to put aside work, gather one and all and just spend some time together and hopefully create some special memory and history.

another reason is i get to bring out some special ornaments and trinkets that have great meaning and history. i know, every year i post these iron elk figurines. they were Maxine's (gma) and i will always remember the day she told me to pick one thing out of her collection of christmas fun....no question in my mind what would hold the memories together for me..the elk.

the photo of the tree's was also a photo that maxine took in the 50's...i asked her about it long ago and she said it was one of the first winters in california..somewhere in the siera's i think?

so, from my nook to yours...may the quickly approaching holidays bring that spark of fond memories.

closer

2010-12-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

my 17 year old self, "OMG....we see transformation...like big time".

well, this weekend the $1.91 per square foot, 2 grade, 8" pine floors from lumber liquidators were installed by yours truly, the better half and a work friends fiance named patrick (shout out). they look awesome (17 year old self) for the quality and price. super happy as you never really know what it will look like until you see the actual wood. we lucked out.

i thought i would start from the beginning with this room. it is the living room/kitchen nook area that has had some major transforming moments.

in the first photo check out the ceiling (ply wood with layer upon layer of clear lacquer), the divider wall that sectioned off the kitchenette and the living room, the flooring. WOW!

the following photo's are the stages of the transformation....it is not complete, but it has been awhile since i have posted any hillside photo's and i think this one is meaningful enough to share.

table time

2010-12-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

a few holiday table top options, if you can stomach the horns. if you are disturbed by horns, you can buy resin everywhere now, see photo of three resin options. check out haus interior

photo's from a new blog favorite emma's designblogg

just a litte bit of living

2010-12-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

i love this home in norway. it is so graphic to me with the stark contrasts of color and clean lines and minimal approach. what draws me in are the warm wood hues on the legs of the table in the dining room and the desk in the bedroom. it is almost the perfect balance to me...all it needs is something living...a fig tree, a rose, or i can even imagine b-mo. :0)

photo's from bo bedre norway and they are photographs of the home of

thinking of you part 2

2010-12-08T21:35:00.001-08:00

i posted this candle back in February of this year. it is the little candle of hope. it has a tag that has the names of those we are thinking of and hoping/praying will get through their time of need and struggle, as well as names of those to celebrate.

i have written your name down donna. someone on the west coast is thinking of you during this time of loss. i have hope this will be a great time of reflection, and that love will endure over the heartache.

green + gray

2010-12-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

to all of you gray lovers (donna) out there, i thought it appropriate to share some mighty fine images that have a twinkle of green (in honor of the evergreen tree..though no photo's of evergreens) and our ever growing popular color gray. i have been a gray loyalist since 2001 when i convinced my second interior design client to paint her entire 5000 square foot home in shades of gray....i haven't looked back since then and i think she is still in shock she took the plunge (good shock of course):o)..a risky move for a traditional-english lover.

anyway, i decided it high time to rally and put aside the busy life for 20 minutes a day and breathe...

images found elle decor

holiday hints

2010-12-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

this photo perfectly captures how engaged i have been with the holiday spirit...so close to the action, but still a room away.

if you look closely you can see the reflection of the christmas tree in the mirror and the warm glow of the fire in the corner...but not in the room photographed. i want to be in the other room with the cheer.

i think the problem is, i am longing for a christmas tree. tradition is to get our tree the day after thanksgiving, but this year we were out of town and it just hasnt happened yet..and the lack of lights and fragrance of the tree is messing with my psyche :)

then a reminder...the season is not about the tree, the music, the parties, the busy....but rather about the spirit of giving and helping others. i will call it simple holiday hints for now. (i bought wrapping paper on the way home tonight..its a start)

self help by me.

image found on skona hem

how low can you go

2010-11-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

so, a cold front has hit sf and the thanksgiving holiday was a record low, the lowest in 118 years during this time frame...low 40's.

i guess one could say i have acclimated since moving from nyc as this weather does feel really cold to me and i am already on the hunt for a new down winter coat. BUT once i recall the walk from the subway to my apt (15 minute walk) during the coldest winters of my life in nyc, i have to calm down and be thankful for the 40's.

wherever you are, i hope this finds you warm, with a full stomach (leftovers of course) and bundles to be thankful for.

another image from ETCETERA etc, by sibella court.

fast times with the mo

2010-11-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

sitting here, thinking of one of the many points of light in my life...and man's best friend emerges on top.

we have had b-mo 5 years now. before he came to us he was in 5 different shelters in southern california....he would get moved to the next shelter right before dr death was able to get him, his name should really be lucky. eventually, someone brought him to san fran (which is a no kill city) and his mug was posted on pet finder....the rest is history.

his favorite color is red. he has fire in his eye and belly.
his name comes from benji, which turned to benjamin mohawk (that is his real hair and his natural mohawk) to benjimo...to b-mo.
he likes apples
he has survived some big fights and is as tough as nails.
he would like to eat vermin and small children (sad, but true)

this post is for anyone who needs a little pick me up...it sure works for me...every dog gone time.

back at it..

2010-11-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

heading to the cabin...hoping for some meaningful blog opp's. another painting weekend in store...the transformation is painfully slow.

love this photo.. i imagine it being the place the hipsters stay when hunting in the woods. hee.

image source