Mid Century Kick

I've been on a bit of a retro kick lately.
Most recently, in some mid century inspired pieces. Bought a few outfits of Mary Blair inspired summer gear for my daughter and couldn't resist buying a few pieces for gifts. Secretly flipping through my daughter's book, Streets of San Francisco (by M. Sasek). And indulging on some bamboo designs by Greenington.

***SNEAK PREVIEW***

It's been some time since my last post, nine months! Amongst the typical family matters, I've been gestating on some new career ventures. Here's the short list:

• I am now a certified Aging in Place designer (CAPS).
• Bathroom remodel published in Today's Home Bay Area, second publication pending.
• Co-launched my husband's new company (he's a furniture manufacturers' representative). Side note: it's sooo much fun getting to preview new styles and products he sells!
• My daughter turned 2 (she's now 2.5). Side note: potty training is not fun!
• I had my first successful vegetable harvest.

• Launched independent furnishings venture. Here's a proof of my first marketing postcard:
  
  
  
  
  

  ***All referrals are welcomed, get your Design Fix on!***

Countertops That Count - Part 1

Replacing your kitchen countertops may be easier than you think! Yet with the abundance of product on the market, it can still be dizzying trying to compare performance, quality and price...

The next few entries will be dedicated to a few of these material options.

Granite:
Granite is a natural stone product that used to be the 'premium' material in kitchens. However, as availability has increased to meet with demand, prices for common species are now extremely competitive. Granites like St. Cecilia (image shown below) are staples and can be purchased in 'prefab' sizes (26"x96").

Pros:

• Resistant to scratching and etching caused by the typical kitchen utensil and acidic substances
• Prefab options also provide a 4"splash
• Each slab is uniquely different

Pitfalls:

• Granite has a range of "movement" so, any seams that will occur will be noticeable
• Though a dense material, granite is still porous to some degree and therefore susceptable to staining.
• Requires maintanence and sealing
• Only as good as the installer. Regardless of the money you saved buying a prefab slab or the money you spent on a exotic granite, a bad installation will be bain of your new(er) kitchen.

A Few of My Favorite Things

GOOD RIDDANCE 2009!

I think many would agree that we are ready to put 2009 behind us. And in the spirit of thrifty new beginnings, I thought to share a few of my favorite things.

1. Eden Pendent light by CB2 ($49.99)

A modern design that can update an period style home. Replace a dated light fixture in your dining or bedroom.

2. Rain Shower Head Fixtures ($ ranges $)

For us Renters, this is an easy, off-the-shelf way to upgrade you shower experience for any style bathroom. These shown below are both from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Left: BathLogix ($59.99)

Modern, clean design

Right: Delta Polished Brass 5-Spray Shower Head ($29.99) For that vintage style bathroom with existing brass faucets

3. Glass Tile ($ ranges $)

• It's got a great bang for your buck; you can use it sparingly and fill in with lesser expensive tile.


• It's content is made from recycled glass (depending on manufacturer). Go Green!


• Impervious to moisture, install it with a minimal grout joint and keep mildew at bay.


• You can find designs and blends that would compliment any style home.

Start your search here: Interstyle, Oceanside, Hakatai, Sicis

4. Hand-Crafted Pinch Pots by Sonia Powell ($ ranges $)

In an era of rampant texting/tweeting/flipping it's nice to return to basics. Where phones were just phones and hand-crafted actually meant 'to craft with one's hand'. I adore these pinch pots with one-of-a-kind glazes and delicate hand carvings.

5. Crock Pots available at Target ($ ranges $)

Admittedly I'm still a beginner at Crock Pot meals, however, I've added this as my final "favorite" for one simple reason . Balance.

With five minutes of prep in the morning, I can get home from work at 5:45 and be eating by 6.

Check out some of these great crock pot recipes!

Happy New Year!!!