House Beautiful

Tag Archive for 'protect your peace'

Currently Loving | 3.12.18

Ohhhhh heeeyyy guys! Just popping in to do a big fat quarterly favorite things dump. Promise I mean to be better about blogging, and this little blog (just shy of her 8th birthday) is still such a great outlet… a creative one, a cathartic one; that’s what she was always meant to be. My lame excuse these days is that I have a permanently fatty pile of work, so it just never feels quite right putting clients on hold for the sake of fiddle faddling on here (even though, I swear, it’s good for the soul – and taking the time to feed my soul is what makes me better at what I do and better in general). Still, putting work on pause to blog feels like skipping school or faking sick to go to the movies, then running into your teacher in the popcorn line.. (haaaa, I can name no fewer than 6 of them currently reading this and being like, ‘where’s my so-and-so, Stephanie?!’) But I’ll try to do better balancing both. A plethora of work is a great problem to have – remind me to hire an assistant soon. Anyhow – I have SO MANY things I wanna spew at you guys and blog about, but today, the best I got is throwing my favorite things at you in no certain order… like my GG’s sweater that this ho bag stole. Just kidding, I’m sure she’s lovely. But heavens, how nubby is that sucker?

When it’s my turn, that’s what I’m doin. What else do you even need? Besides a taco truck.

These are gigantic and awesome and I’m so confused why the poor girl looks like her dog just died. I’d be STOKED if I was wearing those.

I love the Gaios from Visual Comfort (er, Circa Lighting is their retail front) so much it hurts. I think it’s the shape, and the organic quality of it, and the sheer girth – the base is about 16″ wide at its widest point.

I spent a night at Soho House in Malibu a few weeks ago and never (ever) wanted to leave. Pretty sure I might’ve been asked to leave if I’d kept molesting those barstools – they’re like a bouclé texture on the outside and a leather in the same color on the inside of the seat. In the most perfect blue you’ve ever seen. And the little lamps on the bar (!) and the light fixtures. And the playlist. And everything. I loved it because while I can normally look around any room and tell you where everything is from, I couldn’t place anything in this place. And I didn’t recognize any of the music, but every song was like my favorite song I’d never heard before. It. was. HEAVEN.

I love, love love this tile – in part because I just love it, but also cuz I haven’t seen it done more times than Debbie Does Dallas, like I have this number and all of its friends that look exactly like it. Whenever clients show me that black & white one I’m like MMMMMERRRRSAAAYYYYYYYYY! If it’s possible to overdose on a trend, then pretty sure that one’s been beaten to death ten times over. No but for realz – the blue is stunning. Can you imagine how happy you’d be to walk into your bathroom every day if you had this on the floor? Probably most at home in a Spanish style house or a historic property – I could see it in a little casa in San Diego, and I could also see it in a historic bungalow in Denver.

Case in Point: I did this tile in a little girl’s bath last year in Bloomington, IN. I’d never seen it done before, it was a smidge out there (pink and minty roses on a brown background – who knew?), but it is such a stunner! Pretty sure it’s my most liked image on Instagram in the history of ever.

Loving this. It’s a little bit Jack & Rebecca, no? *COUGH* my birthday’s a week from today **COUGH** the 24″ chain is best.

Tell me you don’t wanna eat this for dinner every night. We’re actually having people over for tacos tonight – I’ll have to post my fave taco recipe(s) soon too.

OHMYGYAHTHISISTHEMOSTAMAZINGTHINGIVEEVERSEEN.

Love this. Things like this always remind me of our friend Melissa, because that’s who she is and exactly what she inherently does.

Proof that you CAN MIX YOUR METALS PEOPLE! On a case-by-case basis and within reason. But see?! Brass & Copper are besties in this scenario.

Dying to snap up a few of these for my office, but they’re apparently sold out. Until eternity.

Still the best outfit of all time.

The prettiest color palette for a teenage girl’s room, or my office, or any outfit (ever).

Loving the Keanu from Arteriors. It’s a little out there, so you can’t be afraid to get a little outta the box to use it. They would be so perfect down the hallway of white tongue-in-groove walls in my Malibu beach house.

I’ve wanted this bag since the beginning of time… a good work bag is hard to find, and I love how perfectly distressed and utilitarian (but not ugly) this guy is. But I could never find the source…

…so I drew a CAD mock-up and tweaked the dimensions for what I need and am having a dude on Etsy make it. BANG. #GSD

I haven’t tried this Lemon Truffle Cake recipe yet, but pretty sure I just gained 5 lbs looking at the picture of it.  Easter, anyone?

Happy Birthday to me? Imma ride this train all month long. How many times do you turn 29 for the 9th time? SWEET JESUS WHERE DOES THE TIME GO.

This trough sink and oversize antiqued mirror is BANANAS. Currently doing a powder bath remodel where the space is teenie weenie (shallow)… so shallow that we almost can’t do a regular depth vanity and still have room for a toilet – so we’re looking at doing a wall mount faucet to save some depth and maybe a custom sink… comme ça.

One of my new favorite tiles:

Am dying to use this guy from Lowcountry Originals in a project. I feel much the same way about the industrial design blitz as I do about that aforementioned black and white cement tile, but this is a horse of a different color… almost upscale effortless elegant industrial, in mottled copper. That’s a horsey I can saddle up. I almost just used it in a breakfast room in a cozy-farmhouse-meets-the-Hamptons style project in Chicago.

I’ll take 8, thanks.

These are perfection. I’ll take 2.

One of my clients from Hawaii (who we’re renovating a house in San Diego for) sent me this the other day as an example of the style of chests he wants flanking his fireplace – kind of a batik, tribal situation. These are STENCILED ON people. Add stencils to the list of things I’m not keen on, but DANG I can get on board with this. Can you say weekend project?

Is it summertime yet?  Also, let’s hear it for giant undapants. Scallop top is from Jessica Simpson. Bottoms are from Aunt Berneda’s box of underoos in the attic, obviously.

Loving so, so much that Leanne Ford does these days – like this dining room.

Those light fixtures – I die. I’ve seen a few on Etsy (now sold out) and while these are also out of stock, they’ll eventually be available again. Don’t tell Chris that I’m in line. He thinks they’re too beachy and not appropriate for a mountain house. I think I’m the designer in this duo and I’ll be the judge of that. I told him yesterday when he tried to veto a pair of pillows to stay in his dance space and step aside. Tehe.

YAAAAAAAS. Can you tell I miss Cali? Man, I don’t mean to but I do. I’m so lucky to still live in such a beautiful place and I do know that – but dang, SoCal was like my spirit animal / happy place / heaven on earth all in one. When I was there a few weeks ago for work and sitting on the beach one day guzzling the sweet salty air, I started looking at real estate (anywhere along the coast I’d want to live), then remembered one of the reasons why we decided Colorado was the move. Single tear.

These are INSANELY RAD (and ever-so-slightly reminiscent of something in my Grammy’s jewelry box).

I would die to put this behind a wet bar. Die. Pretty sure that’s Mosaic House, because everything they make is perfect.

TAKE ME BACK!! Actually, you can go back. For $299 at Urban Outfitters.

You can also go back via this 80’s playlist of mine:

…and this 90’s playlist. Thank me later.

Obsessed. These are 41.5″H (little taller than an average table lamp), which means they would look killer perched on either side of an entry table, flanking a pretty piece of artwork.

Swap that stuffed animal for a pink binkie and that’s my child.

LOVE this Women’s March art print. $30.

HOW did this table slip thru my fingers aka get drowned on my Pinterest board?  Via Celadon Home. I’d have a hard time settling on a dining table but this I could do. With some big plush cozy dining chairs on casters.

Take me to there.

Take me to there next.

I’m going to Round Top in a few weeks and am tickled to pieces. It’s that GIGANTIC antique festival in Texas, and (gulp) I’m driving there, because my flights and dates got all jacked… plus this way I can lug home things like this in my hooptie. A whopping 16.5 hours each way. ROAD TRIP!

This is the kind of (looks like) vintage glassware – and the kind of cocktail – I have dreams about.

OMG look how good my hair looks today.

Just kidding. It looks like this.

I would like to marry that mirror.

WHAT is this dress and where do I get one?

This calligraphy makes me wanna hire someone to redesign my website and logo:

How do I pronounce Tradescantia Fluminensis ‘Tricolor’ and where to do I get one? Looks like the rubber plant my mom had in our house in the 80’s drank some Kool-Aid.

I’m seriously considering trading one of my antique rugs for this. That blue is stunning.

I’ve long loved this shot of the mantle and that ornate mirror. Just tracked the mirror down at Anthro. Would also be really pretty above a dresser, entry table, or in a powder room.

Kristen Lam is my new fave Insta-follow. I don’t follow a lot of the fashionista people (just Interior Designers & Golden Retrievers), but this chick’s style I can get on board with. It’s always effortless and ever-so-tomboy-ish now and then.

That whole “nothing haunts you like the things you didn’t buy” thing is SO TRUE. This was the Merlat Lamp from Visual Comfort ca. a few years ago. Made of limestone and perfectly elegant but also rustic. You betta believe I have saved searches out on eBay, Chairish and every other online consignment shop.

Latest fabric obsession.  Looks like a vintage suzani, but on a smaller scale and in velvet. Ottoman, anyone? Thinking about making one… there’s a new shop in our little town (Crested Butte) where I’ve been making and selling a few thangs, just for fun. Also because there’s the tiniest part of me that wants to start making and hoarding cool stuff for clients… and maybe having them in my office and/or a small retail storefront section of my office. A big a$$ ottoman in this beauty seems like a worthwhile endeavor.

YOU GUYS. If we’re Facebook or Insta friends, you know I’ve been pining for the last living piece of this furniture known to man aka this Tramp Art reproduction for MONTHS. The owner finally agreed to strike a deal with me, and now it’s perched in our living room. It’s the prettiest most boho-licious thing I ever did see. It looks PERFECT in our little mountain place now, but it would be just as appropriate in a beach house, lakehouse, outhouse or penthouse.

This is the work of my amazingly talented friend Andrea May. I cannot even with those doors, and all the beautiful lighting just inside them. Andrea is a designer out of La Jolla, and was an active member of a group of designers I was a part of a few years back. I instantly loved her when I met her – she’s warm, wise, funny and wonderful – like your mom, your sister, and the best friend you’ve never met all rolled into one.

Her house is also the coziest eye candy you’ve ever seen. This is her kitchen. I remember standing in it and staring for a long, long time. There are so many details to love, and it almost feels old fashioned – but not in an outdated way… in a formidable, inviting way. The mix is more than whimsical – it’s magical… between the modern sconce on the antique mirror backsplash, the 2-tone hood, the layers and layers of white beadboard / tongue-in-groove on the walls and ceilings, the millwork and the hardware… you scarcely know where to start with what to love.

I mean, you guys… she’s got a crystal ship chandelier hanging over her island. You know she’s creative fairy godmother status.

Please for the love of Pete, somebody buy this dress.

Have I posted these before?? Probs. Just making sure you’re paying attention. I’d like to wear them all summer long and to every warm-weather-wedding, ever.

Show me anything Art Deco and I’ll show you my boobs.

Pretty sure I’ve posted this before… or maybe just on Insta… and it’s so simple but it always resonates with me. Maybe because I need to do a better job of it (?) so I realize how vital it is. And I think it means something different for everyone… for me, a lot of times it’s saying no to things – to work I know I don’t have the bandwidth to take on, or to things I don’t particularly want to do with the fraction of precious free time I have. Other times it’s making time for what I know I need to recharge; whether that’s a bubble bath or a Scandal binge with a glass of wine or a phone call with a girlfriend. I’m currently co-habitating with **probably** the most wonderful guy there ever was, but I don’t care if he’s Brad Pitt or the Dalai Lama himself – I’m realizing how VERY independent I was before this, and how much I relished (and still need) my alone time now and then… to recuperate so I can fire on all cylinders. Oh, my God… what am I gonna do when I have kids and don’t have time to pee without itty bitty lungs screaming and itty bitty hands reaching under the door? Lord help me! How do you guys do it?

It’s cool. I’ll have Gus babysit.

PS… I usually troll through my saved stuff on Insta to incorporate into these posts, and there’s SO MUCH MORE on there. So I’ll have to toss up another post soon with all of those goodies cuz they shouldn’t be missed.

xoxo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday Musings, Winter Edition

wintry-cabin

Let’s spitball, shall we?!

File this under NEED for my office to house tile samples.  Plus it tickles my nostalgic pickle and reminds me of an 80’s card catalog-esque something in the Burris Library. {via Dovetail Furniture / to the trade only.  Contact me for pricing.}

dovetail-antique-dresser-for-tile-samples

I ONLY love / wear jewelry that’s either an everyday timeless staple, or a really unique antique something-or-other.  This is why I just fekt in love with the sterling silver jewellery catalog which includes a vast variety of rings, bands, bracelets, necklaces and more in many materials.

diamond-herringbone-ring I feel like this GORGEOUS herringbone diamond ring checks both boxes.

I’ve had to source a TON of antique oushaks / kilims / anatolian rugs this year for clients, and I accidentally bought this stunner last week while pounding said rug pavement.  Finding the good ones takes some hunting down, but they’re so worth it.  This is so gorgeous in person I can’t even tell you.

oushak-rug

Can I do this to my eyelids on New Years Eve? Crested Butte prob isn’t ready for that, but I’m doin’ it anyway. Cuz there’s no other day of the year when you can get away with either dressing like it’s the 80’s, or dressing like a ho bag. Except maybe Halloween.

blue-eyeshadow

Obsessed with this matte black Ilve range.

ilve-freestanding-range-matte-black

This is heaven. So mountain chic it’s not even right.

img_5931

Probably the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen.

most-amazing-dress-ever

Spring Greens & Orecchiette pasta dish via Cup of Jo, whom I trust for just about anything.  Can’t wait to try.  The roughage balances out the carbs… right?

pasta-and-spring-greens

DAMN is this good advice.  I saw this quote a few months ago and it resonated with me in about 99 different ways, because I feel like it’s the common denominator of all the lessons I’ve learned in the past 5 years or so… Protect your peace by kindly stepping away from toxic situations / people… protect your peace by setting boundaries and setting the right expectations, personally and professionally… protect your peace by knowing there’s a solution for everything, so remember not to panic, because everything always works out… protect your peace by doing the best you can every day but beyond that, knowing that you can’t worry about what you can’t control. Yadda yadda.

protect-your-peace

Tabarka can do no wrong for me.  This one is Touareg 8 and it’s kinda moody and I’m smitten.

touareg-8-in-charcoal

Obsessed with this photo I saw on Pinterest – so calming.  I would blow this up (way oversized) and slap it in my dining room. Or anywhere, for that matter.

snorkler

I couldn’t tell you if Anthro’s upholstery is comfortable, but the 90’s Central Perk Friends lover in me loves this velvet chesterfield of theirs. I ordered the fabric swatch (Color: Forest) and it’s TO DIE FOR.

screen-shot-2016-12-13-at-12-50-52-pm

I’d also take ANY piece of furniture covered in this stunning color of blue velvet.

zara-shoes-need-in-sofa

Maybe not a huge sofa but something vintage and bad a$$ – like these vintage Billy Haines loungers:

billy-haines-vintage-loungers

Gotta use these antique brass pulls somewhere.  Would be boss on a darker piece of furniture (e.g. deep deep navy or a grey, like maybe Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe).

antique-brass-cabinet-pull

Preach sistah.  Truer words were never spoken.  I CANNOT believe I’m 35 years old. Like, cannot.  I think 1990 was 10 years ago and remember **every single** detail of the 3rd grade like it was yesterday.  My point being, dang that’s a good reminder not to squander ONE SINGLE opportunity you have, because time flies. And whatchoogotta be scared of?  ‘Sides nothing.

take-every-chance

Tricky to find a cement tile you haven’t seen on the Pinterest merry-go-round 997x, but this Taza pink & burgundy one is new to me, and I’m in love.

taza-pink-cement-tile

I’ve also seen this guy’s black & white counterpart too many times to count, but in this blue hue?  It’s a little bit different (and somehow edgier) – and I love it.

img_4984

I didn’t even know I liked waffles until I read CORNBREAD WAFFLES WITH MASCARPONE SCHMEAR.  I repeat: CORNBOARD WAFFLES WITH MASCARPONE SCHMEAR.

cornbread-waffles-with-mascarpone-schmear

I need this t-shirt IMMEDIATELY.

img_4548

I love the materials and color palette they used for this exterior.

img_4901

I saw this rug, gasped, then ordered the other half of my brain aka Karrie to buy this rug for her master bath last week, and I’m chomping at the bit for it to come in the mail.  We needed something warm with some color and texture to give us another layer in there, and this was the missing puzzle piece. #obsessed

img_5473

And there she blows in person:

screen-shot-2016-12-17-at-7-46-22-am

THESE PENDANTS.  I can’t take it.  They’re obviously antiques and I obviously need them.

brass-pendants That’s a pretty bouquet and a pretty dress.  I’m a chick so naturally I love all things wedding – just love much simpler things the older I get.  I’m pretty sure if I’d gotten married at 24 I would’ve had a Cinderella ballgown and fussed over everything; now I hope if / when I get married it’s the most beautifully understated, unfussy and stupidly fun thing ever.  Also – that photograph is by India Earl, whose work I LOVE.

brit-wedding-ceremony

(I mean, just look at this chick’s wedding day weave)

screen-shot-2016-12-17-at-8-09-51-am

I stalked India Earl some after I saw that image above on Pinterest, and loved everything she does:

india-earl-photography

Prettiest patina on brass I ever did see. To the trade / holla for pricing.

copper-oxidized-tray

Love the unique shape of this ottoman / stool by Gabby.  These are so versatile at the foot of the bed, flanking a sofa table behind the sofa to pull around for extra seating when you need it, perched adjacent to the sofa in front of a coffee table, etc.

gayle-twin-benches-gabby

If you’ve never looked at Gregorius Pineo, take a looksy.  Supah spendy but so great for inspo.

gregorious-pineo

Um. This is blueberry lavender coconut ice cream. Which sounds about as amazing to me as living on a farm of golden retriever puppies and eating bread & butter without getting fat.

blueberry-lavender-coconut-ice-cream

Speaking of goldens OHMYGYASH IT’S A BABY GUS IN A BICYCLE BASKET I CAN’T DEAL.

gus-in-a-baby-carriage

This side table from CFC is BALLER.  It’s kinda huge for a side table – 36″W x 32″H (most sofa arm heights are at about 25″), but it’s so killer I wanna find a project to use it in.

cfc-table I want this, even though I know it’s totally ridiculous.  To dress up my skinny H&M jeans & white t-shirts & heels.

img_4866

I accidentally bought these sparkly stilettos a few weeks ago. Because they’re the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.  You see a lotta sparkly heels out there, but up close these are like, DIAMOND ENCRUSTED and perfect.  I also scored them on eBay for about 70% off which is the only reason I sprang (or is it sprung?) for em.  Can you say New Years Eve?
vince-camuto-imagine-olson-pump
PS: look at Chris’ face.  He’s like (aw HAYLE naw).  bfdhkafjhahhaha

img_4838

Prettiest front door color I’ve ever seen.  With some festive eucalyptus… and those BELLS.

front-door-color-and-wreath

Sorry to still be on the Susan Connor train, but I’m OBSESSED with her textiles.  Just got these swatches in the mail and I’m sopping up drool over them, with them. Especially in love with the one on the right – it’s got this worn-in perfect denim color. img_5212

Behold… the beauty of a patina’d unlacquered brass shower system. From Waterworks.

img_5407

Overstock.com isn’t my go-to for rugs, but they’ve been putting out some decent tribal rugs lately for around/under $1k.  Like this one I just put in a dude’s office.

overstock-herat-rug

Dunno if it’s new or just new to me – from Phillip Jeffries (the king of grasscloth) – but I love it.  Timeless and simple without being boring.

phillip-jeffries-sequoia

From Sister Parish.  Love this pattern.

pocantico-sister-parish

I’m not sure I’ve ever met a metal hanging shelf I haven’t loved.

metal-hanging-shelves-1
img_5585

GET IN MY HOUSE.  LOOK AT THAT STOVE PEOPLE. { via elements of style insta – I LOVE Erin Gates for being hysterical and soulful/down to earth, and having great taste.  Hers is one of the few blogs I still read, and one of the instas I always go direct to to see what she’s been up to. }

screen-shot-2016-12-17-at-7-59-33-am

This is hers too.  See what I mean.

screen-shot-2016-12-17-at-8-02-24-am

I need this.

 

Processed with VSCO with a7 preset

TAKE ME TO HERE IMMEDIATELY.  My design friends RAVE about this little shop in Newport Beach.  I could punch myself in the face for not having made it there yet.

img_5926

Love this piece from Dovetail Furniture (to the trade only – contact me for pricing). The simple detail on the doors is gorgeous, but the metal keeps it gender-neutral. I’d use it as a TV stand, a sideboard in a dining room, an entry piece… anything.

lower-cab

Remind me to do this to my front door next year.

wreaths-on-doors

Ace Ventura for the win.  Truer words have REALLY never been spoken. screen-shot-2016-12-17-at-8-19-04-am

Also pretty sure I’ve never met a Kelly Wearstler for Visual Comfort light fixture I haven’t coveted.

kw-cleo-pendant

Megmade’s been whippin’ up some REAL pretty furniture lately.

screen-shot-2016-12-17-at-8-06-18-am

Look at what she did here that landed in a kiddo’s room.  Such a sweet idea.

screen-shot-2016-12-17-at-8-08-21-am

Whole 30 who??  Remind me to hustle up and make this before I tighten the belt and go all GI Stephanie on January 1st.  Pappardelle and slow roasted beef ragu OHMYGYAH I DIE.

slow-cooker-pappardelle

May I please eat (that up there) with (the antique silverware) down here??

antique-bone-knives

Doing a Gentleman’s Bar right now, and using these as the backsplash.  Boom.

antique-mirror-tiles

Just saw this stone at Cabochon La Jolla last week and had to actually ask if it was marble (…it is).  But the linear quality to it made me think it was quartzite, so I was all kindsa confused.  In any case, I LOVE love loved it for all the variation in (monochromatic) tone, for the warmth of it and for its veining.  They said it’s super unique, and because I’m an A-hole, I can’t even remember what it’s called. #epicfail

img_5447

Recently discovered Mister Zimi on insta and trying to choose which of their suits I wanna get for January’s Mexico trip is like trying to choose a favorite star in the sky.

screen-shot-2016-12-16-at-6-05-02-pm

(So 80’s.  I love it!)

screen-shot-2016-12-16-at-6-05-30-pm

(Heaven)

screen-shot-2016-12-16-at-6-07-29-pm

This is perfection.

screen-shot-2016-12-16-at-6-10-12-pm

When you wanna go classic / white but are sick of subway tile.  Hallelujah for Tabarka and their picket fence-esque number.  So cozy and so not boring. {via}

tabarka-picket-tiles

 

Can you even?  I can’t.  Merry CHRISTMAS!  Yep, I said it.  And can I say this outloud? …I’m annoyed that I feel like I have to kind of watch my mouth and can’t even say or sign my emails this time of year with “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” anymore, because I’m afraid I’m going to offend someone.  Can’t we all JYEST settle down and appreciate that there’s kindness in that sentiment and that people mean well when they say it?? If somebody passed me and said “HAPPY KWANZAA!” or “HAPPY HANUKKAH!!” with a toothy grin on their face, I’d be inclined to feel warm & fuzzy on the inside and smile back and be like, “right back atcha buddy!”; not to get my little white cotton underpanties in a big fat wad.  Just sayin’.  Pretty sure there are more important things to fuss over.  So Merry Merry, people!

screen-shot-2016-12-16-at-5-57-48-pm

{image above via my girl at Ivy & Vine}

xoxo,

Steph's Scanned Signature

Note: All image sources can be found on my Pinterest page unless otherwise noted