Mid Century Modern Horcrux

Yesterday was the BRI (Bloomington Restoration Inc) Eastside Modern house walk in my very own neighborhood. five homes, each of them with so many similarities yet so different in those intangible ways. Magnificent, MidCentury Modern homes, some completely and dramatically renovated, others literally untouched from the day the owners had finally settled in. I am a sentimental sucker in historical areas. Family pictures, old furniture, forty year old books and old family sedans are a few things that bring a smile to my face. These objects are almost like a Horcrux (if you're unfamiliar with this term, I refer you to Harry Potter and feel sorry for you at the same time) and hold all human interaction with it. I know, a little flaky but it's how I feel. That's what these homes were yesterday. The well worn path on the cork floor through the hallways, the slightly mildewy aroma of childhood books still on their shelves and the original medicine cabinet that holds God-only-knows-what kind of secrets over the years. These are all the amazing experiences I had. One room in particular that made me really smile upon entering was the bathroom of a wonderful A Frame home (just a few hundred feet from my own home), nothing spectacular really...original fixtures, sink, tub and toilet but covering the walls were framed -of all different sizes- family pictures. Old black and whites of great grandparents, grandchildren, adult children, wedding photos, family reunions, hell there was even a picture of President Obama. This room was uber personal, not only because (of the obvious) it's a bathroom but because of all the very intimate photos that covered the walls. I think I spent the most time in there, floating from frame to frame, trying to tie family member to family member. The docents in the other room were probably wondering what the hell I was actually doing in there. The afternoon felt like a privilege, thanks to BRI and all the homeowners -my neighbors- for allowing us to peer into your homes and your lives for an afternoon. If you ever have the opportunity to go on a house walk, whether it's a million dollar a home house walk or a Queen Anne restoration house walk, go. Try to feel the energy of the house and it's inhabitants, it's an amazing feeling. Plus, when do you ever get the chance to stroll through someone's home ala Gladys Kravitz. (Again, for the pop culture inept I refer you to Bewitched and feel sorry for you again). A quick note...Bewitched is a wonderful show to watch for the interiors and decor. I'm going to add that to my side list.

East Side Modern Housewalk

Today there is a house walk -right here in my neighborhood- and I'm super psyched. Five homes on the walk, four of them excellent examples of Mid-Century Modern and the fifth is the original French Chateau style brick farmhouse that was on the original farmstead back in the 40's. When I was a kid, whenever we went anywhere at night I always tried to peek into people's homes to get a glimpse of the interior. As I got older, I would take walks at night through the neighborhood to sneak a peek into people's homes. Today, I can proudly walk into complete stranger's homes, in broad daylight and linger in full view of witnesses. Hell, there will be others there with the same love that I share for others homes. I confessed my night time peeping habits to two area Designers the other day (Pam & Kimberly from Accent on Interiors here in Bloomington) and they too revealed the same compulsion. We all laughed and were speculating that we couldn't possibly be the only three people in the world who had this love. If you're reading this and you're one of us, please confess. Don't misunderstand, no one is encroaching onto property and cupping their hands on the window for a cheap thrill, we simply take a look at the obvious. If you really don't want anyone to catch a glimpse of the inside of your home, draw the curtains tight. If you don't mind a little admiration form afar, keep those sheers open. I will post my adventure from today tomorrow. Can't wait!

Courage my friend...

In this hyper everything world we are living in, there is a very nondescript but essential word in our professional vocabularies...NETWORKING. Don't be afraid, meeting new people and introducing yourself to complete strangers is not as frightening as one may think, on the contrary. It's really quite thrilling, empowering and satisfying. I spent hours doing it yesterday and I promise you, I'm a better person for it today. I've said this over and over to friends and family (and especially my teenage twins) it's "who you know" that will help you succeed in this world. Every cool job I had in college was because I knew somebody that got me in. Any fabulous and exclusive record (complete with rock stars) party I ever attended was because of who I knew. My first client for Zoe was a wonderful woman, Laura Binning (take a bow) and we happened to meet at a job that I hated and she inspired me to get out on my own. Again, it was who I knew. She in turn introduced me to many more new clients, including her husband, Tim (take a bow, too) who is the Broker/Owner of several successful ReMax offices. Well, you know he threw me all kinds of gigs with his real estate contacts. When we recently moved to Bloomington, our friend Jeff Franklin (another amazing realtor with Tucker) personally called the agent for this property and gave my husband and I a glorious recomendation. Again...it's who you know. I don't mean for this to sound like we're using people just so we can obtain the desired results but that's exactly what it is but with a gentler hand. I actually LIKE all the people I network with. It's nothing more than friends doing favors for friends. God, I really sound like I'm living on my own little glitter and rainbow stage but it's how I really feel. Try to take that attitude when you're networking. Don't look at it as a task or a chore or one more thing to cross off your list. Think of it as widening your big ass circle of friends and acquaintances.

Back Home Again in Indiana...

I finally have a few minutes to tell you all that we've finally moved! We had been talking about moving to Bloomington, Indiana for years, even before our kids were born, but life sometimes distracts you from your chosen path. We have been here since August and are so anxious to get started on many different projects. My husband Paul is a Chef and he will be at Bloomington's newest (and best) restaurant, TOPO's on Walnut & 8th Streets. We're expecting a late November/December opening. Featuring Mediteranean cuisine from Greece, Spain and Italy. If you're lucky enough to be on the pre-opening party list, we'll see you there, if not, we'll see you shortly thereafter. Keep your eyes open for more info...

Think Pink! (and no, not breast cancer awareness)

Just want to give all of you a heads up to this month's House Beautiful Magazine. It is devoted to pink, all things pink and how pink has such a positive impact on our moods, feelings and creativity. I'm not the girliest girl but I do own my fair share of pink. The pages are filled with delicious rooms in varying palettes of cotton candy hues, some outrageous, some more demure. It's just plain-ass enjoyable to leaf through it during this time of the year, otherwise known as the season of gray here in Chicago.

Mimi and me

Around Thanksgiving this year, my beloved Jeep Grand Cherokee had given her last ounce of mobility to me. After eleven years and 226K miles, she quietly died on a frigid afternoon in Geneva, Illinois. After going for weeks without a car, don't get me started on what a pain that was, my husband finally found my dream replacement. A 1989 Mercedes 300 SE. I love cars, I was raised to love cars and I'm trying to raise my kids to love cars. Let me be more specific...cars made before the 1990's are my passion. My dream would be a 1967 Charger or maybe a 1963 Cadillac with suicide doors. But Mimi (that's what I named her, what? you don't name your cars?!) was made for me at this point in my life. When I was 16, my father bought me a red '67 convertible Mustang. She was tits! That was back in 1984 (yikes) and even the boys at school were jealous. But now as a 43 year old, with two twelve year olds, a husband of fifteen years and a head of white (premature) hair, Mimi fits me to perfection. She is a yacht on wheels with lots of curves but built like a tank. (Sounds like I'm describing myself). She has incredibly tacky (and sooo 80's) maroon leather interior with matching carpet that pops against her white (and I mean white) body. Her crowning glory, besides the medical emergency kit built in to the rear seat, is the Mercedes emblem that sits at the front of the hood. It's her tiara! I feel like a rock star when I am driving her and for the first month, I couldn't stop smiling whenever I got in. She makes me feel like a million bucks and she is the perfect compliment to where I am in my life...still fashionable but aging gracefully.

So here is the point I'm trying to make. Do not settle. This statement can be applied to any aspect of your life but when it comes to material possessions that define us (our homes, our cars and our clothes) make sure you are sending the right message. Do you really have to drive that minivan because you're guilted into it by all the other moms? No. Do you really have to paint every room in your home tones of oatmeal? No. Should you really buy "sensible" shoes because you're over 40? Hell no. Please, be yourself and don't be a sheep, it's a great feeling to not give a shit what others think. Give it a shot...but you have to really feel it.

Black Hole

I gave up on my little blog almost two years ago. Today I opened her up to see what has been happening, if anything. The only thing I can see is that I'm older and a tiny bit wiser and a hell of a lot busier. I miss the verbal vomit. I need a cleanse and this will be my spot.

I'll continue to discuss the usual...home, design and anything else that strikes my fancy. Please, jump in any time. I love the comments, good or bad.

Finally! Some inspiration...

I have been soooo negligent to my poor little blog, it's just pathetic. I will make a concerted effort to get in a new post at least weekly. I think the long winter (of my discontent) was a joy killer for me and zapped my emotional and creative energy. But here we are in mid May and I'm finally feeling much better.

I have a few design projects in the works and a new staging opportunity this week. I'm starting to notice that the housing market may have hit bottom. Keep your fingers crossed.

The Glory of Black and White

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take on a design challenge that I have wanted to tackle for years... Fabric covered walls. I've yet to have a client who is brave enough but my friend Beth was game and willing to take the plunge. To make matters more interesting, the fabric we chose was an enormous, abstract black and white, palm leaf print. Each leaf measuring about 1' x 2' against a white background. Very graphic...when you hear a designer comment on a room "having punch", this feel like you've just absorbed a right upper cut to the jaw.

You can do this simple project. Having another person makes the job sooooo much easier. Here's what you'll need...

• measurements of the wall
• appropriate yardage
• staple gun
• scissors
• appropriate trim pieces...more on that later
• brad nailer or hammer and finishing nails

1. Measure wall height and width. Break this down into square feet then convert to yardage. If you're mathematicaly challenged like me, ask your 5th grader or your friendly fabric store employee, they'll know. Always allow for a 10% overage for mistakes.
   
2. Cut your panels according to wall height...leave 2" at the top and bottom and ends of walls or corners. Most fabric is 54" wide so hang the panels lengthwise. REMEMBER...measure twice, cut once!
   
3. Get out the staple gun, if you've never used one, please take a minute to familiarize yourself with how it works and do a few test shots somewhere inconspicuous. Hold the fabric tight and straight at the top of the wall (where it meets the ceiling) and fire away. Here you don't have to leave a 2" overage, the trim will cover that later. This is also where you need the extra set of hands. If this is the edge of the wall or the corner, attach the fabric at the ceiling first, then work your way down the corner wall or edge...smoothing and checking for wrinkles as you go, leaving the 2" overlay.
   
4. The next panel needs a 1" crease ironed on the side so the printing or frayed edge of the fabric doesn't show. Continue stapling this one at the top first then smooth down the first panel because it's going to be stapled under the second panel along the edge, this is where that smooth, ironed edge will be showing on top and it will look crisp and clean.
5. Continue on your way down the wall keeping an eye out for outlets. You can simply cut out a 1" x 2" slot for the outlet because when the fabric is attached to the bottom wall (last step) the switchplate will go on top of the fabric and get screwed back in to the outlet.
6. Make sure all panels are wrinkle free and there ar no outlets covered without a slit cut into them. Have your helper smooth out the panel from the top down and staple the bottom of the fabric panel to the wall at the top of the existing trim. (if you don't have trim already, take the fabric to the floor, with your 2"overage and you can install trim over this).
7. If you're not confident enough for the trim work then find someone who is to help you. This really is easy, promise. The guys at Home Depot will even cut your trim for you, just remember to take the measurements with you. Trim width will vary but I suggest a 1" finishing trim painted white. The trim will be nailed over all your fabric panel seams...where there is a staple pattern, there will be the trim to cover it up and give it a finished look. Don't cheat on this part with liquid nails to attach the trim, you'll be sorry, have a mess and it won't hold tight.
8. When you're finished, your panels should be smooth, relatively straight (DO NOT choose a striped fabric for this project unless you're a glutton for punishment) and framed out with the trim.
   

It sounds a little complicated but really, you can do this. The toughest part of this entire project is cutting the trim pieces accurately and getting them up. This is where you call in your husband if you're not up to the task. I urge you to try it yourself first. It's quite empowering to tackle an unfamiliar project and actually have it turn out right!

Good luck and let me know if any of you will take this on. I think I may try it on one of my walls in the bedroom...

IKEA in the White House?

I was watching the news this morning and an image popped up on the screen...a limo with a blue and white striped love seat, squeezed in and tied down with the trunk open. On top of the limo were three flat packed sizable boxes, strapped to the roof with safety straps. Nothing too unusual about this. The headline under the news picture read "IKEA in the White house?!" Looking closer at the printing on the boxes, there was the familiar logo. The reporters were aghast..."Can you believe this", "it's a little low brow" and on they went.

Let me say this...those of you that know me, know I am not an Obama supporter. (An entirely separate blog would be required for that). But Barry and Michelle deserve a round of applause for this decision. It's the first idea he's had that I agree with. I'm sure their designer suggested it for the girls rooms... funky, fun, flashy and economical. What's not to like there? Just please don't let the furnishings bleed out to other areas of the White house. It's easy to do with IKEA, a little here, a little there, pretty soon you're home starts to look very freshman dormsy.

Since the Inauguration is costing (us) upwards of $150 million, there needed to be some corners cut somewhere but the Obama children will not suffer in their new digs because of it. In fact, it probably will be the most liberating space in the entire White house.