New Home Design features Granny Flat!

Simply Elegant Home Designs is now offering a new house plan featuring an above garage "granny flat" apartment - The "Deephaven Eclectic Cottage".

Earlier this year one of my designs was featured in a new book called "In Laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats" (Taunton Press, by Michael Litchfield).  The book features ways that folks can add value to their homes by adding second dwelling units.  This seems so relevant to me given our current economic climate.  Therefore I decided to develop our first house plan that features a second dwelling unit.  The result is our "Deephaven Eclectic Cottage" - illustrated below.

Form is dominated by crossing gables punctuated with shed dormers.  Careful attention was paid to the scale, proportions and patterns developed by all of  the various building elements.

The apartment above is accessed by it's own entry at the back of the garage.  If desired the garage can also be segmented to provide a private parking zone for the apartment.  The main floor features gracious open living spaces and a wrap around front porch.  The screen porch is placed at the outside corner thus minimizing its impact on natural light and views from the spaces within.

Upper Level Floor Plan.  The apartment (above the garage) includes it's own kitchen, living, bathroom, eating areas and bedroom.  The apartment can also be accessed from the second floor of the main house.

"Black and White" color study - front elevation.  This demonstrates the simple yet sophisticated character of this home.

Rear Elevation

Right Side Elevation

All in all I think this is a really exciting new house plan offering.  More information on this home can be obtained at the following:  "Deephaven Eclectic Cottage".

CURATED: THE CALIFORNIA BESPOKE EXHIBITION

As a contributing editor to The Editor at Large, I was asked to curate an assortment of California made home furnishings and accessories for an exhibition last week called California Bespoke for the CA Gift Show. The 1,200 square-foot gallery featured the region's most influential designers, artists and craftsmen in a juried collective of custom furnishings, one-of-a-kind home accessories, jewelry and fashion accessories, stationery goods, hand-crafted objects and original works of art. "Curated and merchandised with this aspirational customer in-mind, California Bespoke cultivates a vibrant mix of regional, new-to-market offerings and time honored designs, creating a relevant and inspired buying experience to serve the modern retailer." The variety and depth of the choices on display were so amazing. I loved the idea of great homegrown talent, and embraced the opportunity to showcase artisan products that looked high design without being crunchy granola. And yes, California is at the forefront of many great design trends today from up-cycling to block printed fabrics, so it was really fun to participate in. Along with Vanessa Kogevinas, Get It! Consulting; Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loeke Interior Design; and Jennie Nunn, jennienunn.com, we searched for innovative designs in every corner of Northern and Southern CA. Christopher Gaona, christopher gaona, inc., created a stunningly produced display area that integrated the varied items, giving them a meaningful setting.
Take a look at what I chose here:

What is display in CA without bringing a little outside in? The California Gift show bespoke area stood out with giant faux topiary lettering.

Joe Cariati, the LA glassblower, makes some of the best hand-blown glass pieces. This smoky glass assortment of vases is from his Angelic collection.

I had to have something from West Hollywood's Hollywood at Home! The Chameleon Desk Lamp is a handmade ceramic lamp with Peter Dunham fabric insert.

A dog bed from Ferrick Mason textiles in Lucas Check brings a little canine style to the floor.


Their pillows add a kick of color to upholstery, this is Calliandra in green.

Hillary Thomas's Rock n' Rolla Finials of semi-precious stones from her Finial Touch collection through Chic Shop.

A selection of San Francisco-based Agraria scented candles in Petite Crystal Cane vessels. These are great if you want to make a hotel room seem fresh.

San Francisco potter Alex Marshall Studio's ceramic white nesting bowls have an imperfect, artisinal feel.

LA-based letterpress stationery purveyors Sugar Paper do personal, party paper as well as prints.

From my fabric friend

Some lovely fabrics designed by Kristen Morkel  - available from her website called Designkist. 

 

AND THE WINNER OF THE RED KAYCE BAG IS...

Jennifer said... is the winner of the Kayce Hughes Red Flower Bag! Thanks to all of you that entered by liking our Facebook pages and your loyal following! Stay tuned for more giveaways soon...

NO ORDINARY POST OFFICE

Edit edit edit. These three words come to mind whenever I visit one of my favorite retail meccas, The Brentwood Country Mart in LA. A destination for curated shopping and yummy food, the Mart takes the red barn exterior and turns it into an urban wonderland culling the best local independent brands from New York like Roberta Roller Rabbit and Turpan housewares, to homegrown heros like Sugarpaper and James Perse. Don't be fooled by the words country and mart though. This is as upscale casual as it gets, where every shop has amazing signage done in cool fonts on white hanging signs. Since 1949, you could visit for the barber shop, cobbler and post office. One gem at the Mart is the Trading Post. It reminds me of a little shop you might find in a small summer village in Maine that carries just the basics and sundry items. It originally served as a sub post office to residents of Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and West Los Angeles. It has evolved, so now you can mail letters and packages and buy stuff. Go out of your way to visit the Mart, it is a hidden gem worth discovering!

Two crisp white doors swing open welcoming purveyors of chic. Everything is neat and tidy with merchandising perfection.

Need a camp blanket, yeah, theyve got that too.

A wall of stark white square cubby's with a rolling ladder are perfect for displaying product vignettes. Each object gets highlighted for it's unique qualities and pared down design. From canvas bags and Field Notebooks to espadrilles if it is chic and simple, then it is here.

Seed packs and a jaunty Hable Construction Garden Hat in the Gardening section (!)

Saint James nautical striped shirts that have become a summer staple

Checked paper napkins in a roll from My Drap for easy picnicking.

Talk about a return to the classics-- choose from all white or white and navy Tretorns.

And let's not forget about the classic cult Tee Shirt from Petit Bateau.

The Ideas Forest moved...

to the Naspers building Foyer.  It will be there till the end of August.  If anyone knows of a School/Orphanage/Home that might benefit from having this do let me know.  I will install it again for free.

STYLISH TRAVELS: WHERE DESIGNERS ARE HEADED THIS SUMMER

With August around the corner, I thought I would find out where and how some stylish designers are spending the dog days of summer on vacation. You will be amazed- this set has nary an armchair traveler in the bunch- the places they visit will have you begging to go in their suitcase(s)!

Katie Ridder: In LA while my college bound daughter interns for Rose Tarlow.

Christina Murphy: A month in London studying contemporary art at Sotheby's!

Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan: We just got back from Capri, which is heaven on earth. We ate mountains of pasta and gelato, frolicked in the sea, hiked hiked hiked, ate more more more, and.........wait for it........ lost 5 pounds!!!! It must be the good vibrations. We are spending the rest of the summer slaving away at our day jobs and escaping to Shelter Island when we can--it's the second best island (after Capri).

Tricia Foley: looking forward to a New England road trip in August to visit the Shelburne Museum in Vermont and the Wadsworth Atheneum in Connecticut researching American Federal furnishings ...plan to visit friends and find some good antique shops and ice cream along the way!

Leta Austin Foster: I am going next week up to my house in Maine. I will work in the woods, eat crab rolls (and maybe lobster, too), see my friends there and jog in my pool. I want to really enjoy our time there.

Shawn Henderson: I am working on an apartment in Singapore and I decided to take a last minute jaunt here (while on the other side of the world!) to see Angkor Wat. It's so amazing- unlike anything I've ever seen before.

Mary McDonald: I am going on a two week vacation in August with friend and fellow designer Michelle Nussbaumer and her family (also my god children) through Turkey and a 10 day boat trip near and around Bodrum! We might hit Greece too!! Shopping and pleasure! I also have a 3 day weekend in Cashier's Georgia for book signings lectures and relaxation and a week in East Hampton during the East Hampton Library authors night which I am participating.

Nathan Turner: My boyfriend Eric Hughes and I are going with Mary McDonald to Greece to meet up with the fabulous Michelle Nussbaumer and family to buzz around the isles on a boat.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard: In NYC working on the ad for my soon to launch F. Schumacher fabric collection , then onto Istanbul for a glam gala in honor of Roberto Bolle ... then of course, a little shopping in the Grand Bazaar and exotic fabric hunting. Next, onto London to look at a Sheiks apartment I'm doing there with a bit more shopping at Portobello and Camden Passage. Then it's back to LA for press launches for my book then a 2 week stay in Bora Bora and Tahiti for total relaxing / spa-ing and revitalization before I start my country wide Schumacher fabric and book tour.

Newell Turner, Editor in Chief of House Beautiful: I’ve already grabbed my (big) summer getaway. I took a 16 year old nephew sailing on a clipper in the Cyclades Islands of Greece and over to the Turkish Coast. It was fantastic! Fantastic! For the rest of the summer, it’s “escape to Twilight Field,” my little farmhouse up in the Catskills.

Lulu DK: This summer is the summer for ultimate lounging on the beach! Travel to distant places has taken a momentary hiatus now that I have 3 boys under 3 years old! So every day we head to the magical beaches of Long Island…pails, umbrellas, flip flops and fabulous new LULU DK for Matouk beach towels!

Rita Konig: After some time in London, I am headed to Ibiza and Positano, and we will make daily sailing jaunts on the Amalfi Coast. In Long Island, I visit Sag Harbor, I just love Ruby Beets and Bloom for a little household shopping.

Malcolm James Kutner: I will be riding under wide open skies in Colorado, in conjunction with a project site visit. Then taking a trip to the windswept and sublime Balearic isle of Formentera, followed by a few days in Capri. Weekends will end with bonfires on the beach in Montauk with days filled with sailing lessons in Sag Harbor.

Katie Leede: I'm indulging my daughter's passion for sharks and taking her cage diving with Great Whites in South Africa!

Rod Winterrowd: Heading to LA for a project where I will visit Mecox on La Cienega, get orchids from Beverly Hill Orchids.com (the world's best orchids arranged and delivered beautifully), buy books at Hollyhock, some pieces at Rose Tarlow, get a trim at Sally Hershberger on La Cienega, and have a McCarthy Salad and Passion Fruit Iced Tea poolside before I head back to New York.

Kristen McGinnis: I am thrilled to revisit my Southern roots as I am starting a new project outside of Savannah on the Ford Plantation. For my involvement in the architectural scope, I am excited to find inspiration by taking weekend field trips throughout the south to visit and research historical architectural landmarks.

The Orchid and the Snail

Aren't they sweet - thank you for the unexpected presents.

Found: along 200 metre's of coastline

And some fishes...

The Forest for Media24's Team Talk conference

7 trees cut from polyboard (2 to 2.7m's high)
400kg's of magazines and newspapers
Buckets of flour and water paste
50m's of leaf bunting

And a forest stretching 8 metres down the passageway entrance to the Arabella Ballroom at Hermanus

Boring passage

The trees looking a little small

Bulking up and mounting on boxes to give extra height.  Start spreading the mags and papers out to create the forest floor.  The first bits of leaf bunting go up strung between the trees and across  the passage.

The paintings on the walls got wrapped in newspaper.



And now there is a forest in the passage.

Final bit - hanging birds on the trees that will have ideas written on them by conference attendees.