A Food Network laugh

I laughed out loud last night. 

The running joke at the office is that Sandra Lee drives me crazy.  Giving her credit, she has some good ideas and is most certainly a “rags to riches” story.  But, if I hear about one more use for ranch dressing mix, I might vomit.  Those damn tablescapes make me cringe.  And, why does she always match the room???????

As evidence for the jury:

www.foodnetworkhumor.com

Just say NO!

Back to the point... I was flipping through magazines and who should be on the cover of Elle Décor this month?  And, what did she do?  As par for the screwed-up course, Sandra has color coordinated herself with the room.  Oh, sweet Jesus!

www.elledecor.com

The article is great and the house looks wonderful.  But… thou shalt NOT dress in a manner which allows you to match the room’s interior.

Take a clue from some of the other Food Network chefs; they don’t match their sets.  You, Sandra, shouldn’t either.  "Matchy matchy" is not charming and clever... it looks downright foolish!

Tyler Florence

Ina Garten

Bobby Flay

For a little clarity on this "matching" subject, allow me to pose the question: WWMSD? What Would Martha Stewart DO?

www.marthastewart.com

Thank you,  your honor.  I rest my case!

Faux bois

Stunning "fake wood" table with glass top

http://designholeonline.com/2007/faux-bois-is-at-it-again/

 

Was in Atlanta this weekend on business.  After visiting some of the antique and design stores in Midtown - notably those on Bennett Street - the first thing that came to mind was:  "What is old is new, again."

In this case, faux bois.  It WAS everywhere!  From Arhaus at Phipps Plaza to Interiors Market on Bennett Street, "fake wood" was in abundance in Hotlanta. 

Ok, perhaps a definiton is in order.  Faux bois, the French term for fake wood, refers to the artistic re-creation of wood or wood grains in various media.... thank you, Wikipedia.  It has been around since, at least, the late 1800s.  And, by all accounts, it appears to be making a big comeback.

Why? 

Michael Aram, an Armenian graphic designer and creator of an increasingly popular line of home accessories, probably summed it up best.  "No room is complete without a little nature inspiration." 

Bark vases in polished aluminum from Michael Aram.

www.michaelaram.com

And, yes, there are scads of ways to bring a little nature into our homes without a trip to that traffic jungle of Atlanta. 

Who needs a plain ole table lamp when you can have one that looks like a tree?

Faux bois lamps from Z Gallerie

http://stonesgatheringmoss.blogspot.com/2009/09/faux-bois.html

www.zgallerie.com

Faux bois walls, when done well, can be a charming accent to a room.  But, be careful to NOT overdo a good thing. 

Faux bois "plank walls" in an absolutely charming study

www.elledecor.com

Faux bois bedroom wallpaper and....one helluva headboard!

http://shopgramercy.blogspot.com/2012/02/serious-style.html  and www.elledecor.com

OK... truth be told.  Though I like those two photos from Elle Decor, perhaps we need to start with baby steps.  How 'bout a table???  I have always loved the idea of white resin faux bois tables.... 

Me likes... alot... faux bois table in resin from Kaboodle

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/faux-bois-side-table

Or, maybe a little bigger table....

  http://leafhousedecor.blogspot.com/2011/01/faux-bois.html

But, this is still my favorite... faux bois but NOT overdone...

http://catalog.sourcecollection.com/furniture/tables/a22020.html

Did you know that faux bois tree limbs could be a room divider??????

http://blog.vastudc.com/2009/07/bringing-the-outside-in-pt-1-branches/

Or, what about a false wood inspired rug??????  It can be a "good thing."

Faux bois rug from Martha Stewart

www.marthastweart.com

 

 Not sold on the idea of an area rug, what about a mirror????

Faux bois mirror from Wisteria.

www.wisteria.com

Ok, perhaps a less expensive alternative would be votive holders!  Faux bois IS everywhere...

http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-white-its-wood-its-wonderful.html

This is my favorite idea.... faux bois ceiling.  Not too pushy!   Not "in your face."  But, beautifully done.

Check out the ceiling.  Fantastic!

http://www.deliciouslydetermined.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

So, channel your inner tree limb and embrace, faux bois!

Gallery wall

"Empty frame" gallery arrangement

www.marthastewart.com

 

"Hello.   My name is Joey and I am a gallery wall snob."   There, I said it...  but, I'm not certain that I want to recover from this affliction. 

We've all seen rooms in which the art is hung near ceiling height.  Or, those poor 15 ft feature walls that are accessorized by a lonely 8 x 10 photo.  In this case, my prayer is, God bless them... and "forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23.

Why is it soooo difficult for people to figure out where to hang a piece of art?  It just ain't that hard.

Ideally, art -- be it from the dime store or an auction house -- should be hung at eye level.  Most agree that the center of the piece should be 60 inches from the floor.  There are, of course, lots of exceptions.  But, it is important to know the rules before you decide to break them. 

With gallery or salon displays, most of the rules get thrown out the window.  But, while the "rules" may be more permissive and lenient, there are still some guidelines to follow that will prevent total aesthetic disaster. 

1. There should be one unifying element.  For example, keep the frame choices consistent... maybe, black or white.  Though a bit "girly" for my taste, this is an amazingly well done space.   

 

http://its-like-tiffanys.blogspot.com/2010/09/photographic-collection-of-design.html

2.  Understand that the eye reads "collections" as an upside down letter e.  The item in the center is seen first and then the natural tendency in Western cultures is to read the collection "counter clockwise."  So, the most important item should be hung in the center with the supporting art hung around it.   And, this center element should be hung at eye level. 

http://interiordesignhq.com/2012/02/hang-head-high-artwork/

Look at this collection.  What is the first thing that you see on the wall?  The black and white flowers???   What is the last thing that you see... the small round silver object at the 8 o'clock position?    It's a cool trick!

3.  The space between the items should be as similar as possible in order to help unify the look.

http://www.happysammy.org/2011/02/looking-for-ideas-wall-photo-gallery.html

4.  "Hang your head high, NOT your artwork."

http://theinspiredroom.net/2011/03/30/gallery-walls-inspiration-pictures-a-linky-party/

I HATE everything about this gallery wall.  There is NOT a cohesive element linking all of the elements.  It is hung waaaaaaaaaaay too high.  Check out the art on the right hand wall... it is at eye level.  So, why did they mount all of the gallery items at the ceiling?  And, there is just too much crap on that wall.  This wall needs a big ole...RE-do!

5.  When combining multiple items, keep the color palate simple.  In this case, the entire wall "reads" as a black and white art instillation.  Why?  The frames may be different colors, but... all of the items have white mats.  And, the art itself is all black and white.  It works! 

Room by David Jimenez

www.davidjimenez.com

http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/kansas-city-style-0807

6.  Scale is important.   The idea is to use between 2/3 and 3/4 of the wall space above a piece of furniture to compliment it and not overwhelm it.  For instance..... this entry is DREADFUL.

http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/category/wall-ideas

In all honesty, I think that the rug is great... and the faux taxidermy horns are clever.  But, the scale is all screwed up.  To accomodate that much art, the table needs to be MUCH larger... the art dwarfs that little table.  I also think that it is a little odd to have a perfectly symmetrical arrangement on the table while not carrying that symmetry idea onto the wall.  It just seems off.

Don't get me wrong, I don't always practice what I preach.  The mirror above my foyer table is waaay too small.  Currently, it is just not on my "to do" list. 

On the other hand, this space rocks.... The scale is great, especially with the edition of that large floor lamp in the corner to anchor the arrangement. 

Room by Preston  Lee

http://designers.elledecor.com/designers/11-preston-lee-design-west-hollywood-CA-designers

7.  The pieces of art should compliment each other or help to tell a story.  Just because you have 26 pieces of art, it doesn't mean that you should hang them all together on the same wall.   What in the world were they thinking?  Just say, NO.

http://museumca.org/exhibit/gallery-california-art



8.  Start with a plan.  I've certainly been guilty of putting 10 nail holes in the wall to hang one item.  But, you don't have to do that...  plan it out before you start destroying the walls. 

http://interiordesignhq.com/2012/02/hang-head-high-artwork/

9.  Keep it simple...  When I first started working, art wasn't really in my budget.  Unfortunately, I had a great deal of wall space.  And, gallery collections can be a cheap way to fill up some of that space.  In my home office, I used frames made out of glass and bleached wood to display postcards from my favorite trips.  Sorry that the photo is a bit blurry, but you get the idea. 

10.  Just follow the rules and gallery walls can be a spectacular addition to your space....

http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/kansas-city-style-0807 

Pottery Barn

http://naptimedecorator.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-heart-gallery-walls.html

http://plainfancyliving.blogspot.com/2011/02/gallery-walls.html

http://thedailydigi.com/great-gallery-walls/

http://designlove-cynthia.blogspot.com/2011/04/gallery-walls.html

http://www.ciaochessa.com/2012/01/how-to-create-gallery-wall.html

Easter Time

"Now, its almost time for....the Easter Bunny"

Clairee from Steel Magnolias

Just a little reminder.... in about a week, it will be EASTER! 

Easter is such a great holiday, might as well have some fun with it.  Why not?  Everyone expects the traditional dyed eggs, jelly beans, and chocolate bunnies.  Woo hoo.... not very exciting or inspired!  How about a few updated ideas?

Peeps.  Ok, these little marshmallow treats are like cilantro.... loved by some and hated by others.  Personally, I think that they are a little kitsch and taste like road kill (sorry, Cathy).  But, even Peeps can have their place in Easter decor.

http://blog.baerhomedesign.com/2011/04/peep-centerpiece-for-easter.html

Peeps, jelly beans, and flowers.

Now, that's what I'm talking about... Peeps with panache.  If you look closely at the photo, the water line only comes up to the bottom of those little pink Peeps; otherwise, you might be creating a Peep-powered flower flotation-device.  Just sayin'.

Chocolate chicks and bunnies are tasty, but generally NOT very exciting.  These from Dean and Deluca, however, have that little edge of flamboyance and silliness which make them fun.  Perfect for an Easter basket or party favor.  

http://www.deandeluca.com/

And, a new trend... faux chocolate Easter bunnies.  Now, THAT'S a clever idea.  Calorie free and they'll last season after season.  Great on a mantle, side table, buffet, or for a center piece.  But... finding them right now is a chore.  Fortunately, Martha Stewart to the rescue.

http://www.marthastewart.com/266876/faux-chocolate-bunnies

Arts and crafts... Martha style.  Full instructions and video are on her website.  Nevertheless, I'm still going to look for them online and forego the sandpaper, primer, paint, and clothespins.

Easter eggs.   From the eco-friendly to the faux, here are some interesting ideas for les œufs:

http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/828431/eco-friendly-easter-eggs

These eggs are dyed with cranberry juice, beet juice, grape juice, and tumeric with vinegar.  Eco-friendly, indeed.

http://www.inhabitots.com/apple-n-amos-non-toxic-wooden-easter-eggs-offer-an-eco-and-vegan-alternative/

Wooden Easter eggs from Apple n Amos.  Hopefully, they were created from sustainably harvested trees or recycled lumber!  (tee hee)

www.williams-sonoma.com

Alabaster eggs from Williams Sonoma.  I gave some of these alabaster eggs to a friend a few years ago for Easter.  They are beautiful, colorful, and fairly indestructible.  Hmmm... think that I might buy some for myself.

www.potterybarn.com

Egg shaped votive holders from Pottery Barn.  A little bling never hurts...

http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/christmas-has-a-festive-tree-so-why-not-easter.html

For those of you with waaaaaaaaay more time than good sense... an outdoor Easter egg tree.  According to the link above, there are in excess of 9500 eggs on that tree.  Holy crap!

Changing subjects, slightly.... food!  No reason that food needs to be boring.  Easter is fun...so, why not play with your food?

http://www.foodnetworkasia.com/recipes/raspberry-lemon-easter-cake.html

Raspberry lemon cake from the Food Network.

www.williams-sonoma.com

If you don't want to make your own cake, then you can most certainly buy one.  How about the "Perfect Endings Easter Egg Cake" from Williams Sonoma?  Not so sure that I want red velvet cake for Easter, but it is a lovely little confection.

 http://gastrogirl.tumblr.com/post/19557889771/spring-chickens-easter-cake-pops

Currently, cake pops are all the rage.  So... chicken Easter cake pops, anyone???  A great way to display them would be in a (lined) terra-cotta pot filled with dyed granulated sugar. 

 www.etsy.com

Cupcake toppers... I think that these are just delightful!

And, last, but certainly not least... don't forget the Easter basket!  Buy one or make one... just don't forget it.

www.deandeluca.com

Beautiful baskets can be found at Dean & Deluca and from other sources like A Southern Season and Gourmet Gift Baskets. 

www.asouthernseason.com

www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com

If you don't want to buy one, then you can simply make your own.  I created this one for my 70ish year old mother.  Yes, it was a tad silly!  But... whaccha goin' do?  The basket and the treats were all from the Fresh Market.

So, since Easter is almost here... hop to it!  (Ok, I know... that was awful.... HA.)