Year in Review 2011

One of the things I love about the coming of a New Year is The Year in Review.  It's always a little bittersweet.  The highs, the lows, those we've lost, etc.

I thought we could take a look back at my most popular posts based on emails I received; not necessarily those that were most read.

5. Brass is Back ~ a good prediction:  It's baaack in a big way, as are all metals and metallics in general.  They're here to stay

4. A Koi Story~ many are captivated by these little fish

3. My what a Big Clam you have.  I see them now WHEREVER I go!

2. Missoni's Mission.  Everybody is attracted to the zigging and the zagging.  The collection for Target was a major hit but I know more than one person that was left out in the cold when things got snapped up in record time.

1. The Rammed Earth House is by far the most searched and emailed story I have done to date.  I saw one in person not too long ago, and it's even more beautiful than I imagined.

* and an extra one because locally this was such a hot button story:  The Fate of La Rhonda

Did you have a favorite?  I'd love to know.
Is there anything you'd like to see covered in this blog?  Write me, I'm all ears!
Have a wonderful New Year's celebration!
2012 is going to be awesome!

Wish List: The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

One of the things on my wish list was this book ~ 

The Turkish Grand Bazaar is celebrating its 550 year anniversary this year and to mark the occasion, they had a special concert on Christmas Day by the talented pianist, Tulughan Ugurlu  .

Photographed by Laziz Hamani, written by Serdar Gülgün, and published by Assouline, the incredible tome documents the spirit of the Turkish Grand Bazaar.  If you get a chance, go.  It is truly one of the most inspiring places I have ever been.

The book features a lot of the sights in the market.  Stalls and stalls of rugs, lamps, leather goods, lighting, and pottery.  You can't capture the smells and sounds or the feeling you get when you walk thru the foreign maze of hallways, but the book paints a close picture.

The Inner Bedestan is the oldest part of the market, built after the Ottoman invasion of Turkey by Sultan Menmet II the Conquerer in 1461.  That's a lot of history.  It is overwhelming walking the cobblestones in the footsteps of so many before you.  The culture has been a source of inspiration for literally centuries of artisans.

 This felt by far the most foreign of places I have seen and I want more! 

I became completely enamored with the Iznik tiles I saw at The Topkapi Palace.  Iznik was the center of Ottoman tile making, hence the name.  The prized blue and white porcelain embellished with an Ottoman arabesque pattern was commissioned by the Sultan.  He wanted to replicate the 15th century blue and white Chinese Ming porcelain that was felt to be so beautiful.

And ~ it comes wrapped in a delicious silk ikat fabric.  This will be quite a beautiful edition to my library.

Have a Berry, Berry Christmas

Stephen Sills

Wishing you much ~ JOY and HAPPINESS ~  this Holiday Season

Vogue

Miles Redd

Gucci

Mark Hampton

Bazaar

House Beautiful

Valentino Fur

Rachel Reider Interiors

Bazaar

Martin Lawrence Bullard

Easy Peasy Holiday Decor

I'll go to any lengths for a client, but in my own home, I want simple, quick, and easy.  I don't have time to labor over something.  I put together a couple decorating ideas that take NO time to whip up and still have that WOW factor!

House Beautiful

If your decorating matches your interior, you're already half-way there.  Stringing holiday paper bells from the party store or putting fruit ARTFULLY in a bowl, literally takes minutes and looks magnificent!

Carolyn Roehm

Pinecones can be used in a multitude of ways and in most cases can be found right outside your door.

Southern Living

Multiples of things, almost anything, make an impact.  Add some sparkle and you've added the magic!

My goal is to say holiday.  I want to enjoy the spirit and sparkle without saying Christmas.  All these looks can become more Christmas oriented, if that is your goal.

Taking things you already have in different rooms of your home and arranging them on the table as I have done here is a no brainer, AND it's FREE!

Carrie Leskowitz

Same colored flowers broken up into different vases makes a different kind of impact.  This could be a 

great Chanukah look.

Carolyn Roehm

The same holds true for creating a vignette out of like objects in like colors.  This makes a great focal point anywhere you want to draw your guests' eyes; I love the candy

Kevin Sharkey via Martha Stewart

Put something under glass.  This immediately elevates its importance.  These balls work well because there are several sizes.  That helps fill in the gaps and is why it looks so impressive.

Kevin Sharkey

We generally stop seeing the objects in our home that have been in place awhile.  Take a walk thru the rooms in your home.  What works well together that you can move around, place together?  Incorporate some flowers, candles, ornaments and create something completely new.  You'll be amazed!

  

More is More ~ Lux List 2012

My 2011 list proved to be popular last year, so I am going to do it again.  Just like Oprah's favorite things; but I am not giving anything away.  

Any of these natural curiosities from Eduardo Garza could grace my table.  Nothing says Christmas like a skull.  You know what's weird?  That I have said this before.

My husband and I started drinking Scotch before bed.  It's like we're in a 50's movie.  I would get this for him.

McCallan Scotch

This plexi clutch by Alexander McQueen has a sculptural quality to it that I love.  Being the practical woman that I am, it would go with everything (again, I am detecting a theme here)

Forget the diamonds, that was so 2011; but a little glitter to hold my iPad doesn't hurt.  It's too pretty to hide in a bag

Jimmy Choo @ Saks

Love the Porsche Panamera and the sound system is crazy good

Still want that contemporary house in the woods.  If it could be near the water it would be a plus, because I am feeling Zen

I would most certainly put an over-dyed or color reform rug on my list.  I have wanted one for years.  You know what they say...When you're done decorating, it is time to move!

What would be on your list?

Greening The Holiday

 1. Decorate with LED lights; they are brighter AND more energy efficient.

2. If possible, use pesticide free trees and greens, don't forget to RECYCLE.

3. Carry your own bags from store to store.  How many trees would be saved if we did this?

4. Make your own wrapping paper or use fabric.

Merriment Events

5. Give gifts that give back, see last post or be cognizant to the idea, because these products are everywhere.  For example:

TOMS uses pesticide free cotton and recycled materials.  For every pair of shoes you buy, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need.  I hear they're quite comfy.

 Buying a product, making a donation, supporting a heifer, all gifts that keep on giving.  Isn't that what the holidays are about?  Others will be GREEN with envy that they didn't think of being so altruistic!