Lamps around the house

Table lamps around the house add that elegence which most people imagine are works out of designer magazines....yes that is so true.The magic of lamps is a secret designers have long been aware of.
Do a trial for yourself... instead of all those wall sconces ...try a lamp... you can go in for a floor lamp or you can have a table lamp.Never compromise on the wattage that a home needs for a practical day to day living. Any design idea, (just like romance) will fail the test of time if it is not practical. And remember go in for ones where you can fit in power saving bulbs.I never feel guilty putting on my lamps ...just our little take on energy saving and being guilt free.

A Rose Arrangement

Beautiful pink roses ...arranged in a whiteware tureen.My florist send these beautiful bunch of roses...all it takes to have it arranged in this style is...a tureen and two bricks of florists-oasis,and a sharp knife or blade.
Soak the oasis in water...so that it is completely saturated ... will help the flowers not dry out soon.Next see how high you want your arrangement...stand two pieces of the oasis in the middle of the container and mark height...cut off the extra...start to stuff the container with the oasis(cut them if need be into thinner pices ).Its pretty easy to work with ...makes you feel almost like a sculptor.
Once you have completely filled ithe container...take your sharp blade or knife and start shaving off the oasis in the shape of a dome...you may not need to be excate in your shaping ...but near about would be fine.
That done ...you are ready to start sticking in the flowers (you can cut their stems short ...though not too short cause they need to go a bit into the oasis to absorb water.Fill out the container with flowers evenly ...
For fillers...I cut the left over stems and pushed them between the flowers...just push a little deeper in, so that the cuts of the stem are hidden and all you get to see are the lovely rose leaves...I love the tone on tone effect, in flower arranging and so I also used ,tuberose buds with pink tips.Make sure you keep adding water to the oasis...if you feel it may be drying out a bit.

Granddad’s old accent chairs

the chairs as we got from dada-dadi's house

My husband and I inherited a pair of his grandfather’s old accent chairs. They were quite famous in 60’s and 70’s, quite predictably part of the modern design trend seen in interiors around that period in India (I dare say…judging by the simple straight line design) and probably the last remaining would still be in existence among the stockpile of furniture in the old army houses.
I grew up with quite a few of them as an ‘army brat’ (proud of it as hell)…and every time, mom called the MES people... (part of the army’s set up that handles the housing and other needs of the army) to change the upholstery…it was predictably either a deep maroon or a orange and may be a grey once in a while.
These chairs were special in more than one ways. I wanted to restore them to their original glory, like I had seen in so many of dada and dadi’s photographs. They had great basic design, so what I decided to do was just change the cushioning inside and find a fabric to upholster it with. A great upholsterer would do the job. The challenging part was finding the right fabric to co-ordinate it with rest of my collection of furniture. It was this decision that kept this project shelved for the longest time ever
One day at the furnishings store …Seasons I saw a cream color fabric. It looked like synthetic damask…with a mix of botanical and animal patterns on it. After some thought…that is what I chose for the chairs. An additional detailing that I later ended up adding was wide headed brass pins. I really like them for the simple reason that as they tarnish …the piece gets a graceful elegance.
I like the chairs and how I could save their simple lines of modernism …and the upholstery giving it the classic look. the reupholstered version

Drape your Christmas tree this year...

What ever the size of the tree you pick ...the trimming goes the same way...the star at the top...ornaments and garlands on the whole tree and a skirt at the base.Let me explain each as we go along. Oh, and don't forget the lights.
Each year when our tree is put up...I have a personal favourite ritual...drapping it with yards and yards of fabric.This year Sarah having declared that mommy's got to make it a pink Christmas...I bought about 6 meters of this beautiful pink crushed silk fabric(buy a saree)... it is enough to pull over a 7 feet tree ,we have.I start by rolling it into a ball and start unrolling it slowly on the inner side of the tree ...pull and tuck as and where you feel the need...its about passion ...no science ... and you'll slowly reach the top.I love it because it instantly fills up the tree...sets the color theme for you to follow...psst ...and I love to collect fabric...yards and yards of them.
It is best to put in your lights now ...so that it is easy to adjust the fabric and lights and make sure you don't let the lights burn into the fabric some place...its easy ...just got to slowly arrange the lights on the branches to avoid the lights touching the fabric.
Hanging up the ornaments is all the fun you want ...start from the top coming downwards... I open one ornament box at a time and start hanging them, as it feels nice...bunch them up,or balance them out evenly all over the tree... and believe me I am usually adding something to hang till the very last minute ...it is never enough.
Don't forget the skirt...and don't fret if you can't find a nice one at the stores...I haven't found one to fall in love with either... some yards of fabric to the rescue again...bunch up one side of the length of the fabric...hold it around the base of your tree ...tie it with a ribbon to hold it there...and spread it all around the tree base...literally like a skirt you'd hold up with a drawstring... :)
And leave the star for your sweetheart...unless you have the advantage of the inches over him.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY




Christmas...work in progress

Love the reindeers I found at @HOME Stores... Sarah and I are working at creating new ornaments of our own ...bought some pretty petunias in all shades of pink and purple that I could find...and its all work in progress..Hope to have you back here...

Hurricane Lamps ...

These beautiful hurricane lamps are made of paper...with tea light candles inside them. Make as many as you want and put them around in groups...the effect of the candle light is enough to set you in the mood to celebrate.
For this craft project you'll need... gateway paper,it is stiff and stands well (you'll find it at all big stationary strores that stock up for architectural students ... paper punch (christmas themed design)
...glue stick
...scissors
How to ...Cut the paper into different sizes you'd like (rectangles or squares)... punch one side of the sheet with the design you decide on (I found these beautiful double star design punch)...this side goes up(not down because then your candle will show through)...overlap the two sides of the sheet and stick them with the glue stick. You've madeyourself a beautiful hurricane lamp... put it over a tealight candle.

Happy Holidays!



I had high hopes for posting this week before I venture off on my Christmas trip. Unfortunately, I'm stuck in bed with a nasty bug and am far my peak nor am I feeling very chic. So I want to send each one of you warmest wishes for the holidays. Thank you for your kind comments and for the lively discussions that we have, and I look forward to continuing them in 2009.

Hope you and yours have a safe, happy holiday and a happy, healthy 2009!

-Jennifer


(image courtesy of Conde Nast Store)

12 days to Christmas


Its 12 days to Christmas ... we've pulled out the tree and all the excitement is beginning to brew...my lil' Sarah is getting old enough to tell mommy a few things she likes...and its going to be a pink Christmas this year.
I found this pink crushed silk fabric at one of the dupatta stores...draping it on the tree quite sets the mood and the theme for all the decorations to happen...believe me, when I say I too am waiting to see what it all turns out like this year.
Most definately come back to see how to... trim your Christmas tree ...




I love to come in, to a beautiful ... fragrant home.A pot full of tall tuberoses ...and my whole home is fresh and inviting...I have tried the aromatic candles and the room freshners...but these flowers so far have been the most effective and I haven't heard anyone complain of headaches with this fragrance...well atleast not so far.

What's In Their Library: Chuck Chewning




I recently had the pleasure of spending a few hours chatting with Chuck Chewning, the recently appointed Creative Director of Donghia. After years of working in the luxury residential and hospitality design field, Chuck's career has taken an interesting turn with his new job at Donghia- a move that is especially appropriate as Chuck has long admired the work of the late design legend Angelo Donghia. Chuck has a lot of passion and enthusiasm for the company and is in the process of returning Donghia to its very stylish roots, and I for one cannot wait to see what he has up his sleeve. But based on what I've heard, you die-hard Angelo Donghia fans will not be disappointed.

One thing that really struck me about Chuck was his extensive knowledge of design history and the decorative arts, not surprising for someone with a background that includes historic preservation. And did I mention his envy-worthy design library? He has decades worth of design magazines and scores of books, so I couldn't help but be nosy and find out which books have inspired him the most. Here they are with comments provided by Chuck:




New York Interior Design, 1935-1985
This is a monumental 2-volume work by Judith Gura who teaches at the New York School of Interior Design and directs the design history program. The books are divided between Traditional and Modern but the crossover of styles is very evident in all the interiors. This is a comprehensive collection of archival photographs of some of the most impressive interiors designed by New York designers spanning 50 years.
(editor's note-the book is available as a limited edition set or each volume can be purchased separately.)


Le style Givenchy
This is an exquisite book showcasing the artistry of Givenchy through his personal interiors, fashion and lifestyle. The photos are beautiful and masterfully woven together to give you a true sense of the Givenchy style. It makes you aware that design and beauty are integral to the whole French lifestyle.


Bloomingdale's Book of Home Decorating
This is a jewel of a book that showcases the eclectic interiors produced by Bloomingdale's in the early 1970's. The diversity of styles and settings are amazing and fun to see. The room settings are very sophisticated and chic!


David Hicks-Living with Design
First of all I love the "James Bond" cover and the format of this book. Hicks' projects are thoroughly represented from residential, commercial, showroom and gardening design. It is full of editorial clippings, archival events and personal mementos of Hicks. He is a pioneer of mixing contemporary and traditional design together. In addition as a Hicks fanatic, I recommend all of his books!- David Hicks on Decoration-with Fabrics, David Hicks on Decoration, David Hicks on Bathrooms, David Hicks Style and Design.


Interiors '70: Carla De Benedetti
This is a new book which chronicles prominent Italian interiors from 1967-75. The photos by Carla de Benedetti are beautiful and the interiors are magical time capsules. I continue to marvel at the masterful eclectic mix that Italians can naturally achieve. Even after living in Milan myself for 3 years I still strive to design with that in mind.


Ten by Warren Platner
I have always been enamored by Platner's furniture design and this book shows the extent of his talent through architecture and interior design. The photos are by Ezra Stoller and have an atmospheric beauty to them. The corresponding text is equally inspiring and worth reading.


Horst: Interiors
This is the quintessential book on celebrity interior lifestyles photographed by Horst in the 1960's, 70's, and 80's. These beautiful photos capture a glimpse into the homes of the world's most glamorous people.


House & Garden's Complete Guide to Interior Decoration
I actually have three editions of this book from 1940 to 1970. I am still lamenting the loss of House & Garden magazine of which I have all my issues dating back to the early 1980's. The H&G decorating books are great "how to" books that feature interior photos, sketches, charts, diagrams and chapters of historical styles all with the idea of educating the housewife on the art of decorating.


Billy Baldwin Decorates
I love Billy Baldwin's design and how he could successfully design both very contemporary and traditional interiors. There is a certain comfort and elegance combined that is timeless and classic in his work.


Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People
This incredible book features homes from the archives of Vogue and Vogue Living over the past twenty years never published. Hamish Bowles spent hours going through the Vogue archives to compile these beautiful photographs of the houses and gardens of the world's most celebrated individuals and the diverse lifestyles they live.

Benjamin Dhong's Classical Christmas




Many of you may remember that fabulous bathroom that San Francisco designer Benjamin Dhong decorated for the San Francisco Decorator's Showhouse. Well, I knew this man was talented and clever, but I didn't realize the extent of his creativity. Just look at this fabulous wreath that Ben designed for the holidays!

Ben was inspired by some old architectural engravings that he had found, so he scanned them, arranged them, and then had them printed on linen. He took the fabric and glued it to a 20' foam square donut. Genius!

The front of the wreath is the acanthus ornament of a Corinthian column while the sides have classic architectural motifs such as egg and dart. Ben joked that "decoupage is back". Well if this is decoupage for the 21st century, then count me in as its #1 fan!

(To see more of Ben's work, please visit his website.)






Images courtesy of David Duncan Livingston, photographer.

Christmas 1954








How long has it been since you've seen a Christmas spread in a magazine that did not include greenery of some type? A tree? A garland? A magnolia wreath? Well, this article from House Beautiful (Dec. 1954) was not a paean to things green and natural but rather a tribute to paper decorations. The gold scrollwork pieces and accordion pleated stars and geegaws were all made of paper and were sold on the market under House Beautiful's moniker.

Now, I think the gold stars are kind of neat but I'm not so crazy about the baluster looking things. I really like the gold scrollwork pieces although I would use them in a more subtle way. And I don't think I'd hang ornament balls from them. That's a bit too kitschy for my taste. All in all, it's certainly evocative of that era and a far cry from today's more natural design.

Georgian Style and Design




For those of you who are fans of Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, I think you'll enjoy her latest offering Georgian Style and Design for Contemporary Living. The book focuses on contemporary interpretations of the Georgian style with interiors that focus on comfort and functionality first and foremost. But what really struck me the most about the book were the lush wallpapers used in many of these homes. Gorgeous scenic and hand-painted wallpapers abound, and you know I've met very few of these wallpapers that I didn't like.


How incredibly fabulous is this hand-painted paper that features an Indian colonial scene? It's perfection to me. Who do you think makes this? de Gournay? Zuber?


I have no idea who makes this architectural toile, but I just adore it. Featured in a 'gents' cloakroom, the paper sets the right masculine tone.


At first glance, I assumed this wallpaper might have been Gracie, but I'm really thinking it might be de Gournay. The book does not mention who the maker is, only saying that it's a hand-painted silk wallpaper that is produced (or perhaps I should say crafted) in China. The wallpaper is custom designed and fitted for the specific setting.


In this Scottish country house, the chinoiserie room features a hand-painted de Gournay wallcovering. I like how the colors are rather muted.


Another hand-painted wallcovering that was painted on silk panels and installed in this bedroom (again, I believe this is a de Gournay). I think that if my bedroom was papered in these panels, I might finally stop waking up on the wrong side of the bed-something that has been known to happen from time to time!

Although it has nothing to do with wallpaper, I also wanted to include a few images from one of the featured interiors that was designed by my friend Patricia McLean, an Atlanta designer. I love the various shades of blue that she chose.








(All images from Georgian Style and Design, Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, Rizzoli publisher)