Green, Rustic and Romantic Backyard Spaces

Category: Design and Ideas

Green, Rustic and Romantic Backyard Spaces

Sorry about the delay, internet connection went down at
home yesterday. Trying to get it fixed.
In the meantime, we’ve been having some great weather in
San Francisco the last few days. The weather has inspired me
to do more posts on outdoor living and backyard spaces.
The space above is rustic, charming and romantic. Can
you just see the space at night lit up with lanterns and
candles?

I think some of the most romantic things about
Paris are its wide boulevards, gorgeous architecture,
cafes and of course little romantic vignettes like this
little balcony overlooking the street. One doesn’t always
need a lot of space to make special little place.

When I was young, I loved tree houses. Who am I kidding?
I still love them. Wouldn’t it be dreamy to have a tree house
like this in your backyard? Complete with drapes and a bed.
I love it.

This is such a relaxing porch by the sea. I
could totally lounge here with a book all day.

If you don’t have a porch but a courtyard instead,
it can definitely serve a similar function and space.
An inviting place where you might have tea or prune
your plants.

Talk about a fresh and romantic space for dining.

Here’s the same space without the canopy
between the trees.
Nothing like a white table setting with
candle light for romantic ambience.

I love the idea of putting sconces on the trees.

The pink table cloth really adds color to this space. I love

all of the plants and the cute chairs as well. Looks like a
wonderful place to have a summer meal.

The green and romantic spaces above led me to
think about shade gardens. There are certain
plants that grow wonderfully in the shade and
make for very pretty gardens. I’ve picked out
3 books on Shade Gardening if any f you are
interested.

Making the Most of Shade

Hope you are all having a

wonderful summer thus far.

Photos from We Heart It,
House Beautiful, AhParis and more.
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Visit the original post at: Alkemie

Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse: Bottoms Up!

Category: Design and Ideas

Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse: Bottoms Up!

Erin Martin

I have been promising to get photos up for the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse produced by Metropolitan Home Magazine,so let’s get started! There was so much talent here that I had a hard time decided exactly where to start…..so I am starting from the Bottom floor and working may way up to the top. There are Four Floors in all, not uncommon in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco.

The tone of the Lower Level was set by the very talented Erin Martin of Martin Interiors. Erin’s studio and showroom are located in the picturesque town of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Her aesthetic reflects that casually sophisticated feeling of the California wine country.

I had such a fun time chatting with Erin, and to describe her in a word, she is a KICK! Irreverent and hilarious, Erin’s clients must just have a blast working with her. I took Erin’s picture in an iron swing she designed and had fabricated by Ferrous Studios, Inc. It reminds me of a giant firewood caddy….that impression reinforced by the stack of firewood in the background.

Erin Martin Media Room Daybed Erin travels the world to find unique pieces and inspiration for her spaces, and her creativity really shines here. Note the quote by Plato burned into the reclaimed paneling on the wall above this cozy daybed….art, pure and simple.Erin Martin Media Room, Metropolitan Home Modern by Design Showhouse 2009 Wet Bar She used linen slipcovers that look like hopsacking on the custom sofa: casual and comfortable.Erin Martin Media Room , Metropolitan Home Modern by Design Showhouse 2009

The coffee table, another work of art, was created by a partnership between Erin, who created the concept, Brian Kennedy of The Freedom of Craft, who created the metal work and Delicate Cutters (m.mcguinness@mac.com) who crafted the leather top. Stunning! The area rug is from Sloan Miyasato

Erin Martin Media Room Detail

This mood-setting ball ottoman and cozy slippers reinforce the fantasy of a cabin in the woods….just the place to get away from a day of dragon slaying in the big city. We really could have hung out here all day.

But ……on to the other rooms we had to go! Erin was also asked to design the hallway which she outfitted with this striking light fixture from Circa Lighting, Venetian Plaster Walls and horse bust available through her own showroom.

Erin Martin Hallway Metropolitan Home Modern by Design Showhouse 2009

One of the most jaw-dropping rooms in the showhouse was this Powder Room, also by Erin Martin. It caused quite a stir and a traffic back-up during the Opening Night Gala! But where else can you mount a HUGE water buffalo head above a Powder Room Vanity but a designer showhouse? That is what a showhouse is FOR after all: pushing design envelopes and creating that quintessential “stir”. “Shake it up”, I say!

The croc skin tile on floor walls and ceiling (love!) are by Walker Zanger. Vanity is by Kohler.

Erin Martin Powder Room, Metropolitan Home Modern by Design Showhouse 2009

After tearing ourselves away from the Powder Room (and there were several trips back to show the husbands later that night at the Gala….the look of hilarity on there faces…priceless!)….we found the Au Pair’s bedroom.

Erin brought in a beautiful Indonesian four poster and covered it with soft wool blankets and a knit throw with leather tassels. The embroidered Swan pillow is a Martin design and the fabric wall hanging depicts a white peacock.

Erin Martin Bedroom Metropolitan Home Modern by Design Showhouse 2009

I loved the unique wing back chair and Moroccan accent table in a little nook in this room. Available through the Martin Showroom.

Erin Martin Bedroom Sitting Area Metropolitan Home Modern by Design Showhouse 2009 Erin also designed the Bathroom off of the Au Pair Bedroom using Walker Zanger tile, Circa Lighting and Kohler fixtures.Erin Martin Bathroom for Matropolitan Home Modern by Design Showhouse 2009 Erin’s attention to detail is truly amazing……….I mean…..just LOOK at that gorgeous floor tile!! (Hehehe).Erin Martin Bathroom Detail, Metropolitan Home Modern by Design Showhouse 2009

Erin Martin captures a style that is comfortable, sophisticated, and perhaps most importantly, FUN! Definitely not serious, unless you are talking serious laughter, we had a hard time leaving.

You will also have a lot of fun spending a day at the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse. The Showhouse runs through July 12 and you can find out all of the details here. I hope you get a chance to see it! The designers really “bring it” with their creativity and truly push the design envelope. They get you thinking. And THAT is what a successful Showhouse is all about!

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Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse II: Going Up!

Category: Design and Ideas

Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse II: Going Up!

Next Stop Level One!

When we entered the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse, we were greeted by a fresh, yet classic, Foyer designed by Greg Stewart and David Oldroyd of the esteemed design firm, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Associates. The simple concrete spheres and classic Saarinen table contrast beautifully with the dark hardwood floors. And you can do no wrong in my eyes when you use olive branches on an entry table.

LR2

Greg and David were also selected to design the Living Room. Greg let me in on the design concept: “ Out idea was to take simple, commonly available materials and transform them into something uncommon, poetic and elegant.” Taking inspiration from the topography of San Francisco, Greg and David created a sort of topographical “map” of the furniture rising up out of the vinyl flooring covering.

The soft grey walls were plastered with a lime and marble aggregate to provide an aged look in contrast to the slicker modern furniture. I love the pop of the pink fabrics and peonies with that hazy grey. Love the Madeline Weinrib Ikat Pillows and vintage zinc architectural drafting forms.

LR4

I loved the joyful serenity in this room. Can those two adjectives be found in the same space? Clearly. In this shot you can really see how the furniture rises up out of the floor covering. This space is really an experiment with furniture and their qualities as sculptural forms. Even if this is “not your thing” the playfulness is something you have to appreciate.

LR3

This stool’s “ode to John Dickenson” flavor was clever I thought and added some softness. The thought put into how the table, lamp, accessories and the stool work with the window placement is apparent.

LR Designer

Greg Stewart of ODADA

Greg was so nice to talk with me about the space. I was just fascinated about how they constructed the furniture. He and David designed it all and had Plant Architectural Woodwork fabricate it from reclaimed plywood from a former jobsite. They then had Eco Vinyl Flooring from Lonseal laid over it all. So cool!

The Dining Room was our next stop where we had the chance to meet the designer Jiun Ho. Jiun is a well respected designer, as well as a furniture and lighting designer. The JIUN HO Collection includes furniture, lighting by Boyd and area rugs.

The Dining Room boasts Dining Table and Chair designs by Jiun. The insert “fabric” in the backs of the chairs is really a custom cowhide design pieced together by Kyle Bunting Rugs. Just another example of why Jiun is such a creative force.DR2

Jiun Ho also selected light fixtures from the Jonathon Browning Studios, Inc. and placed them in an unexpected way: He put four fixtures in the corners of the room instead of one larger fixture in the center. They seem like modern adaptations of Asian paper lanterns.

Jiun layered cowhides on the floor in alternating black and brown colors creating a larger rounded shape for the room. Juin also applied dark stained sandblasted wood paneling to two opposing sides of the room which added so much depth and warmth. It is all of these details that takes a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

DR Designer

Jiun Ho

The Family Room and Kitchen were the creations of the stellar Steve Miller. When I met Steve, he exuded such an upbeat force. I can see why he is such a success. Steve worked with furniture maker Ted Boerner in the design of the custom sectional and swivel chair. There was much thought put into the sofa and how people would sit in it: whether to watch TV or to look out onto the patio outside. You can see that the chaise portion is made so one can sit either way. Oh! And I love the Vivienne Westwood Pillows from The Rug Company on the sofa!

Steve worked with WoodMode Cabinets in the design of the media and fireplace wall. Modern and functional, warm and stylish, I think it captures the young spirit of an active family that might live here.

FR1

I had to show you a close up of the chair just because of the “fabric”….which is actually a leather that has a metallic finish that has been scored and “aged” to look like a vintage leather-slash-velvet fabric. It was made by a company called Moore and Giles….amazing stuff they do….very custom. You should really check out their website.

FR Chair

The kitchen was also done by Steve Miller, and there is alot to love here. The backsplash tile is a mosaic by Walker Zanger, who has just been putting out the most beautiful stuff lately. The counters are Caesarstone, and Cabinets by WoodMode. Steve used traditional styled cabinets around the perimeter and a more contemporary style for the island. An interesting, and successful combination I think. Love the light fixtures by Circa Lighting as well. And the McGuire stools! I would not have thought they were from McGuire….they are freshening up their line!

Kitchen

I have to say, Steve Miller was so great to talk to. Enthusiastic and fun! I had been a fan for a long time, so it is always nice to think that someone you admire turns out to be so great in person.

FR Designer

Steve Miller
The First Level was a stunner.

Next up: Level Two!

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