Woven Wonders

One of my go to window treatment suggestions to clients time and time again is woven shades.  I adore them!  The look, the feel, they're green, and they convey an organic, zen feel.  They say, "I am confident in my choices and don't tale myself or my home too seriously."  They are relaxed in a casual room or elegant in the fanciest of rooms.  They work equally as well in a kitchen as they do in a bathroom.

Keep in  mind you can alter the degree of privacy based on the tightness (or looseness) of the weave.  They can easily be lined with a blackout shade for the bedroom.  The simplicity, texture and etherealness of these woven wonders are beguiling.

Natural fibers or bamboo, another popular choice, come in a plethora of price points that fit any budget.  They pair well with fabric panels and cornice boards.  As a matter of fact, layering these lovelies makes them all the more interesting.

I couldn't talk about woven shades and NOT mention Conrad Shades specifically.  This is the "Rolls Royce" of woven shades.  They have been creating these beauties for over 50 years with wonderful natural materials woven in, lurex and stainless steel for a shimmer, and abaca, arrowroot, grasses, and twig like fibers for a more rustic effect.  They were doing renewable, natural fibers: green, before green was on our collective radar.

They're not just for interiors either.  They make a great privacy screen on a porch, deck, or loggia.

Good Enough to Eat

Fruit in fashion comes and goes but the artistry of the juicy objects are always fashionable.  With talk of juice bars, clean eating and cleanses at a fevered pitch, you can't avoid it.  Funny how the things we try to avoid are the things we are bombarded by.  I have been trying to stay away from too much fruit, due to its sugar content, but I find myself drawn to the sweet, colorful produce more than ever.


Many a great painter painted some kind of still life incorporating fruit among other objects, but Giuseppe Arcimboldo created portraits entirely of fruit.  The 14th century artist is having somewhat of a renaissance.

One of my favorite wallpapers depicting fruit is William Morris' wood block print from 1866.  It's timeless in nature and beauty.  It greeted me recently in an entrance.

Pierre Frey gives us this brightly colored re edition toile, known as Fruits.  It's quirkiness is, wait for it... a-peel-ing .

Robert Kuo is masterful in making fruit a thing of sculptural beauty.  I have always longed for one of his lacquered pieces!

but it also works well depicted in glass

I never tire of realistic marble fruit as object

Many jewelers create ripe fruit inspired jewelry so scrumptious you don't know whether to wear it or take a bite out of it!

Always mouth watering subject matter

Fruit and Flora is a perfect combination and one I use often when designing a tabletop display.  This room vignette was for a Breast Cancer fundraiser.

Like a Dutch painting, this simple display could not be more beautiful

Side Note: I rarely (never) turn down vodka that has been infused with fruit.

From Paris

to Capri

to Israel

the sweet nectar of the Gods is good in any form.  Luckily, I will be reintroducing it again shortly back into my diet.

A Beautiful Banquette

I love a banquette, not only for it's utilitarian usefulness, but also for its ability to raise the wow factor in a room.  You can get really creative with the design of this decorative accent!


The way this banquette follows the line of the stairs, or the way the stairs follow the line of the banquette (chicken or the egg) with it's tufting and unexpected placement is extraordinary.

It's a great little space saver seating solution; simply or over the top.

I love the fact that this banquette is not only built in, matches the cabinets, and follows the line of the design, but it fits in while it stands out ~ not an easy fete.

I have proposed a kitchen banquette for a client.  I want to create a little drama (always), save space, and create more seating.  It's the perfect choice.  The only question is:  How should it look?  Hmmm…more sofa like?

Will it be formal...

… or informal ?  Do you need to save space...

... or do you have space to spare?  LOVE this curved banquette, which technically looks more like a free standing armless sofa, but who cares?  It does exactly what I need it to do.  Notice the nailhead trim on the base; a nice detail.

Is extra storage  a goal?

Or is open and airy your banquette of choice?

How's that for welcoming?  There's no such thing as a  boring banquette!!

You not only create more seating, you create a beautiful "moment."

I never met a banquette I didn't like, you?