New York Social Diary: James Bleecker

I am always so excited and happy when good things happen for good people. And even more so when they are people I care a lot about. Recently, my good friend James Bleecker (married to my cousin Jenny) had a feature about his work, home and family in the New York Social Diary. You may remember couple of posts about James HERE and HERE.

There is a wonderful interview and loads of pictures of every nook and cranny of their lovely apartment in New York. Perhaps the most striking thing about it is the use of James' beautiful art photos throughout the home.

So, hop on over HERE to see the whole thing. I love looking at homes that show off the talents of those who live there. Personal and unique.

And to see more of James' work, please visit his website HERE.

(I think that's my Dad in the photo with the three children on Jenny's vanity table! He is the one with the pageboy haircut on the left.)

Photos courtesy of New York Social Diary

Working Here Today

I have been here all day working away and realized....have you seen my office? I think not!

Here's a bit of a peek.

During our remodel, we dug down four feet under the house to turn our glorified crawl space into living space. We poured a concrete foundation which is now the finished floor. My husband and I sealed it ourselves with a high gloss concrete sealer, just leaving it the same color. I painted the walls Dunn Edwards Whisper White so I would have a clean background for my design work.

My thought for this space was that it would be a work space where I could create any number of things: interior designs, art projects, sewing projects. I also wanted to have the space be appropriate for client meetings. I wanted a professional looking space, but also one that I could really use as a laboratory. So, my plan was to have all of the furniture either be contemporary and white, or antique to provide a neutral backdrop to any project, but to also be interesting and easily changeable. I have this tendency to bring things home from here and there (like the wire lantern in the picture or the branches on top of the shelves) and I like to move things around a lot. An experiment always in progress...like life, no?

The conference table is West Elm. (It may soon become my desk, as I have thoughts on a new conference table.) The chest of drawers is perfect for my drawing storage. It is an antique specimen chest. The antique armoire is originally from Texas...nailed together with old square-headed nails. And I am sure you recognize the ikea Expidit bookcases (of which there are five total down here!) They hold my obsessive magazine collection, design books, samples and catalogs. That's about it for this little peek!

Now that you are all here with me, I am not feeling quite so lonely here by myself today.

OK...now back to work!

Dream a Little Dream: Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz and ABYU

I wanted to be there. I even had a dream about it....flying off to New York to be at the Opus Lumen installation party featuring lighting by ABYU ( And Bob's Your Uncle). And why wouldn't I dream about it? It is very dreamy after all.

Over 20 light designs were exhibited in the new ABYU studio space and I heard the party was a huge success. For a little look see at the festivities...click on over HERE.

ABYU was started by Steven Wine and Michael Landon in 1994 to showcase their creative talents by bringing light to us all. Sadly, Michael passed away in 2008 leaving the company to "continue his vision of quality lighting products that infuses fantasy and fashion, a couture collection. "

Designer Benjamin Noriega Ortiz has long had a close relationship with ABYU contributing his own dreamy confections of lighting design. His design company, BNO Design, became the parent company in 2007.

I have long been a fan of Mr. Noriega-Ortiz and his unique sense of style. Clean and refreshing with a touch of fantasy, his style keeps you guessing. Mr. Noriega-Ortiz put a new spin on the ABYU studio which you can see and read about HERE.

And here are a few more fantasy fixtures for you all to dream about:

Twister Sconce

Nimbus - Nordstrom Stores Nationwide

Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz and Steven Wine Private Residence

Lenny Kravitz Private Residence

Glass Maille

Lawrence Isaacson Private Residence

Lenny Kravitz Private Residence

Battery Gardens Restaurant

To see more of these frothy fixtures click on over HERE.

And Dream a Little Dream.

All Photos courtesy of ABYU and BNO Design

Did You Know About This Show?

"Launch My Line" Cast

I received an email this morning about Architect David Applebaum becoming a contestant on Bravo's latest Reality TV Design Competition: Launch My Line. David is an L.A. based architect who has worked with celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Diane Keaton, Rupert Murdoch and Cuba Gooding Jr. Curious, I went on over to the Bravo website to check it out.

So here is the deal. Ten fashion designers already in the biz are being paired with ten professionals (in creative fields like music, architecture, event planning and so on...) that have always wanted to have their own fashion line. The teams will battle it out to see who creates the best fashion line. Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED2 host and judges including Stefani Greenfield and Lisa Kline. Click HERE to read all about it.

I guess what caught my attention is that one of the contestants is an architect (that's David Applebaum, bottom row, second from the right), which brings me to the point. Fashion and Interior Design are so intertwined and interdependent aren't they? You can just look at the recent auction of the amazing collection of furniture and artifacts of Yves Saint Laurent to realize the close connection. I suppose that anyone in a creative field thinks about what they are wearing and will fantasize about designing their own clothes. Haven't you always thought, "if I could just find a blouse ( sweater, dress....) like the one in my head, I would be happy!" Well now we get to see how that works for us creative types.

The show starts December 2. What do you think? Will you be tuning in?

Dan and Dean.....or Dean and Dan

It will be fascinating in and of itself to watch Dan and Dean in conversation. They complete each other.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

There are houses in my town that have mysterious histories. There are stories of macabre happenings and things that perhaps are better left unsaid. I am all too familiar with one such place......and the stories told here are not for the faint of heart.

For most of the year, the place goes mostly unnoticed by unsuspecting passersby. But in the Fall....strange things begin to happen. And it is only a matter of time before even the most addle minded begin to cross to the other side of the street.

Strange music and muffled screams....wicked laughter and mysterious crashes. Only the most curious dare to peak behind the fence.

I .....was one of those curious few....and the pictures I took....before I fled...tell a heartbreaking story of death and love from beyond the grave. Come with me, but...I warn you... enter at your own risk...for you may never be the same.

Year after year, a story has been spun of the perils of Myra Maines who resided here in life.....and now in death. This....is the Maines Mansion....where many are kept close by.... even after they are gone from this life.

There is to be a wedding tonight...and every night until All Hallows Eve. You may watch and partake of the festivities....if you dare.

It begins at dusk, and you will be prepared for the experience outside. Others will be there to enter with you....they say there is safety in numbers.

Although I was not so sure...

I could not stay to take too many photos....

Before my blood ran cold....was that a man in the doorway?!?

I was lucky to escape when I did....but not before I gave from my heart to those in need...

I hope you will find it in your hearts to brave the Mansion and it's secrets! The Mansion will be open tonight through Saturday where you will be witness to the Wedding of poor Myra Maines and be a part of the Melodrama.

Located in the heart of Midtown Sacramento on the corner of 25th and "I" Streets. Appropriate for all ages and a very good time...it is a great way to spend Halloween.

Donations are gladly received on behalf of The Sunburst Projects serving Children and Families living with HIV/AIDS. And I cannot think of a better cause to bring back light to children's lives.

Have a safe and

Happy Halloween!!!

Couple of Things I've Been Working On:

Secondary Bath in Contemporary Ranch House

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball, or lemons, if you will. If we are lucky, we do catch a glimpse of it coming. Last winter, the recession had hit Sacramento particularly hard,and it had a big affect on our family. The position I had held for 10 years as Senior Designer with another design company was eliminated at the end of last year. I had seen it coming. I had prepared myself to make a go of it and open my own design studio. Call me crazy....open a business in this climate?!?! But I felt I had a few things going for me: I had just finished a remodel of my home which included a large home office/studio space (so no overhead to speak of), I had a pretty good reputation in the area, I had a couple of clients that came with me with the "OK" from my ex-boss, and I had started my blog, katiedid, almost two years prior. I cannot tell you what a huge help the blog has been to me in so many ways.

Perhaps most important to my design business, I have been very fortunate to have wonderful, wonderful clients. They have been staunch supporters, and such a pleasure to work with. I wake up everyday thinking how lucky I am. I have been busy with so many fun projects of all kinds, and some of them are almost ready to "show off".

Secondary Bath

So here are a couple of preview pictures of a house I have been working on with a couple who have become good friends in the process. They purchased a midcentury contemporary home that was in need of a face-lift. Most of the house was gutted, but the terrazo floor in the sunken living room remained intact. These are a just a couple of photos of the Kids' Bath and the Master Bath.

Master Bath

I have also been working on a beautiful Prairie Style Home which is nearing completion as well. Totally different style, and so much fun to work on. I promise to have pictures of this house when it is done!

I just want to say "Thank You" to my magnificent clients. You make my day!

The Lemonade is tasting better every day.

The Art of the Table: Preview Party For DIFFA

"CHAHUT" Table by Ken Fulk

The Fall party season in San Francisco is in full swing, and what better way to start it all off than with the "Art of the Table" Preview party benefiting DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN. Gumps hosted the party last week featuring the table topping talents of these four top San Francisco designers: Ken Fulk, Claudia Juestel, Martha Angus and Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. The party was a kick-off event to the upcoming DIFFA events this November in San Francisco. To find out more about DIFFA DINING BY DESIGN click on over HERE.

Partnering in the event at Gumps were notable tableware masters: Hermes, Puiforcat, Cristal Saint-Louis, Raynaud, Ecruis, Alberto Pinto, Varga and Jean Louis Coquet. All contributed to the fantasy table decor put together by the designers.

When we arrived, the party was in full swing. We got a glass of wine and immediately found the tables. I have to say, I was a little star struck by the designer line-up. I am a long time admirer of each one of them.

I started at Ken Fulk's table, which was dazzling. Topped with the front half of a black stallion ringed with dozens of sunset hued roses, this table was off and running at first glance. Ken was so imaginative with this table, I hardly know where to begin!

The dark wood table was topped with a piece of glass which was back-painted with Hermes orange paint. Now, that is an idea that anyone could use to update a table and make it one-of-a-kind. Ken contacted Hermes to see if they might lend saddles to use as the dining "chairs". And they said "Yes"! Ken painted the saddle stands (also by Hermes) a fuchsia pink, topped them with the Hermes saddles, and draped those with Hermes scarves and belt buckles.

The table is set with Fil D'Argent China and Attalage Silver, both by Hermes. The Black Martini glass is by David Redmond, Martini Shaker by Lappas, Toroise DOF by Stueben, and charger by Laque De Chine Noir and Platinum by Haviland.

Ken added the crop (Hermes) as a "party favor", or perhaps just to whip a little more excitement into this equestrian fantasy. This run for the roses is a clear winner.

Hermes Saddle and Stand

Next up was "The Observer Effect" by Claudia Juestel. Claudia, founder and principal of Adeeni Design Group, brought her own design sensibilities to the table by designing a custom Dining Table with Brazilian Rosewood Veneer. She also created the custom dining chairs upholstered in a shagreen textured fabric.

"The Observer Effect" Table by Claudia Juestel

Claudia used China by Raynaud, silver by Ercuis and crystal by Saint Louis and Varga. The silver "bowls" at each place setting are made out of coins and titled "Beggar" Bowls, by Dave Meeker. The centerpiece of the table was not the expected flowers, but what appeared to be a miniature laser light show made from the "Shpera" Light Fixture by Matteo Thun coupled with "Quiet Tectonic" Single Channel Video Projection available through Baxter and Cook Art Advisors. Try THAT at your next party!

Perhaps my favorite thing about this setting was the brilliant bar cart design by Paul Benson. His talent never ceases to amaze. Paul works out of Sonoma and creates the most beautifully crafted metal and lacquered pieces of furniture art. You may remember his console from the Met Home Modern by Design Showhouse HERE.

"Tantalus" Bar Cabinet by Paul Benson

Martha, Martha, Martha! I love your designs! Full of artful fun, high and low, Martha Angus' table is as beautiful as it is accessible. Martha Angus designs are playful as well as sophisticated, which is just how I like it! Martha started things off with a Duodecogonal (say that ten times fast!) Mirrored Dining Table with etching from Sarlo. The beautiful orange and pink upholstered Gustavian and Louis XVI chairs are from Therien.

"NtRain" Table by Martha Angus

And here is where things get fun. The area rug is actually two IKEA rugs put together and the light fixture by Aargon Neon was made from plastic bags. Beauty and creativity is not dependent on price.

Martha topped the table with China by Alberto Pinto, Silver by Puiforcat and Crystal by Saint Louis. Lovely!

The table by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy was an imaginary High Tea with all of the First Ladies in attendance. Mr. Diaz-Azcuy began his thought process with the selection of the Pensees pattern by Bernardaud. The Pansy motif set the tone for the whole table. Mr. Diaz-Azcuy had pansies printed onto the table top (table and chairs were designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy for McGuire Furniture) as well as onto the tea cookies.

"High Tea with Bernardaud" table by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy

It was fun to see which of the First Ladies had their place cards at the table. Michelle and the last six all seemed to be in attendance. (Can you name them all?) Pretty and feminine at first glance, there as it was quite another story that was running through Mr. Diaz-Azcuy's head as he told us all what he imagined the ladies talked about at this party! Very entertaining!

After seeing the tables, there was a discussion with the designers about their designs and how they personally like to entertain. Marta Benson of Gumps introduced Diane Dorrans Saeks who led the discussion with the panel.

Ken Fulk and Marta Benson

Diane led a lively discussion, and I learned some very interesting tidbits! There were strong opinions as to whether paper napkins were acceptable or not. (What do you think?!)Orlando likes to play old movies without the sound at his dinner parties to keep the conversation flowing. Claudia loves to play Latin music, while Martha likes techno, but not while at the table. Ken was not able to enjoy his parties until he learned that people had much more fun when he did not worry too much about things being "perfect". Most importantly, everyone agreed that a good mix of friends is key, and that simple is sometimes best.

Diane Dorrans Saeks, Claudia Juestel, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, Martha Angus

Claudia Juestel, Ken Fulk and Martha Angus

(Love the Houndstooth suit Ken!)

At the end of the party, guests were invited to purchase their tickets for the DIFFA DINING BY DESIGN Events November 18th and 19th. A lucky (SOOO lucky!!!) few purchasers won gift bags from Hermes!

Thank you again to Gumps who knows how to throw a perfect party!

And please hop on over to the DIFFA DINING BY DESIGN site to see how you can attend or help.

Kelly! HUE are Back!

Photo by Grey Crawford

OK....a little bad on the pun, I know. But I have a little more info on Kelly Wearstler's new book HUE for you (which I talked about here)! I opened the latest issue of C Magazine and was flipping through when I stopped at this article on Kelly's new home in Hollywood. A little more reading, and I realized the photos are from the new book. If this is a taste of what else is inside, I'm all in.

Photo by Grey Crawford

C Magazine has many more stunning photos of the Hollywood home and a great interview with Ms. Wearstler by C Magazine's Andrea Stanford: all about the book, Kelly's life right now and plans for the future. You might just want to pick up a copy of C.......or HUE.....or both!

Photo by Grey Crawford

It looks like Kelly is at her best in this colorful home: exotic, fun, sophisticated, unexpected and a bit over-the-top. That stairwell is brilliant with it's vibrant art and Greek key railing. The wall covering is by Cannon/Bullock. The Living Room sports a rug by Kelly Wearstler for The Rug Company, and the sphere tables are also by Ms. Kelly for Bergdorf Goodman.

Just a little taste of the fun to come!

So Many Books....so Little Time

I am having one of those weeks: busy, busy, busy. But lately, I have been seeing and hearing about so many good books, it gives me pause! I tell myself, "I will never have time to read them." Then I tell myself, "I will FIND the time for these lovelies!"

Kelly is coming out with a new book about the use of color in her work. Not yet published, but I am looking forward to seeing this one!

Ah....Mr. Hicks. Need I say more? I will let Mr. Drucker fill in:

"The Hicks book is THE book of the season." —Stephen Drucker, Editor in Chief, House Beautiful

And many of you have heard about THIS new book. Elle Decor is celebrating it 20th anniversary. And to liven up the festivities, the best of the best has been put into this gem of a book by Elle Decor Editor and Chief, Margaret Russell.

I promise to give my thoughts on the books, as soon as I manage to get them in my hands. And if you already have, please let me know what you think!!!

What To Do This Weekend: Apple Hill

Apple Pantry Farm

Apples. They are such a part of Autumn. Bobbing for apples at Halloween, apple pie at Thanksgiving, apple cider at Christmas. In the Sierra Foothills, not more than an hour from Sacramento, there is a place called Apple Hill. When we first moved to Sacramento 17 years ago, we heard about this place and made out first visit soon after. Ever since, we have made a yearly trip to the apple orchards of this area, as have many other families throughout Northern California in the months of October and November.

We come for the apples, of course. And the scenery, naturally! But we also come for a few other things: apple pie, apple fritters, apple donuts, carmel apples, apple cider, apple butter, apple syrup, apple bread, apple cake. You get the idea. If you can make it with apples, you can find it here!

Golden Delicious at Apple Pantry Farm

Apple Hill has grown over the years from an association of about 16 growers to over 50 apple ranches, wineries, a microbrewery, with even a Spa thrown in to make your visit complete. It has become the "Napa Valley" for the apple lover set.

In the Fall, the place comes alive with the harvest. There are pumpkin patches and hay bale mazes. There are craft and art fairs. There are pony rides and train rides. And lots and lots of food: Bratwurst and Pulled Pork BBQ, corn on the cob and potato salad....and then there are the apple desserts.

Apple Peeling machine at Apple Pantry Farm

Some of the ranches are overrun, and honestly too crowded for my personal taste. But there are plenty that are charming and more low key. There is something for everyone. We stopped at Apple Pantry Farm, which makes their pies with Golden Delicious apples, as well as cider and tarts, etc. This is one of the delightfully low key and relaxing places on the Apple Hill map of growers. We stopped here for awhile and ate pie.

Vintage Cars at Apple Pantry Farm

We made a quick stop at Bavarian Hills. We heard the Bavarian music as we were driving by and were intrigued. There were a few craft and booths here, so the girls and I had a look. There were a couple of ladies that had inherited all of their Aunt's costume jewelry. The Aunt, being originally from San Francisco, had collected it her whole life, and the ladies told me there were rooms full of the stuff! They were selling things at amazing prices just trying to get rid of it all. Lucky for ME!

One of the places we love to stop is Jack Russell Brewing Company. I have to say, they probably have the best Barbecue of many of the places we have been. They have BBQ tri-tip and pulled pork. And the beer is truly exceptional. This year was the most crowded we have ever seen it, but there is a large beer garden and dogs (for you Jack Russell lovers!) are quite welcome!

Denver Dan's is also a good place to stop for jams and pies. They have frozen pies (as do many of the ranches) that will make it all the way home so you can bake at your leisure. We brought home a boysenberry, apple pie which was delicious! The berries are also grown in the vicinity and when in season, you can pick them to your hearts delight. You can also pick your own apples here and at many of the other ranches.

This is just a sampling of the goodies to be found at Denver Dan's.

Just a note: Apples are not the only thing in abundance here. It is also pear season and they are available at many of the ranches.

Next stop: Apple Ridge Farms. They are my favorite stop for apple wedges covered in carmel. They have a petting zoo here and pony rides, as well as short nature walks that lead you through the cool pine forests. This has been one of my favorite places as when the girls were young enough to love these things.

We did make a stop at High Hill, probably the largest venue at Apple Hill, and invariably the most crowded. This is in large part due to the number of attractions, which include the fishing pond pictured above, the apple barn which sells many apple varieties as well as anything apple related, There is a Fudge Factory building, pony rides, more craft booths than any other venue, and a number of other outbuildings. One of the buildings has apple drinks: apple cider, apple beer, apple wine, apple shakes....and on. There is also a cider press building where you can watch how apple juice is made. I know I am forgetting something. If this sounds good to you, High Hill is the place to be. But be warned, it is the most crowded and there is traffic to and from the ranch on the weekends in the high season.

If you are the type who would prefer a beautiful country drive with a few stops at smaller more relaxed apple spots, then I suggest taking the the roads that loop away from the main highway. There is an abundance of beatiful scenery, and so many places to stop, you undoubtedly find the perfect place for you.

No matter what your plans this weekend, I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy the Fall season!

Happy Weekend!