Rule of Threes

Le Owner: Yay or Nay?

2009-03-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm having a hard time deciding if this little ottoman is actually cool and useful or just trendy and an eye sore? Thoughts?

Le Owner: Lighting

2009-03-17T07:17:00.001-07:00

These are kinda good in that simple and modern way, though I don't buy a lick of the 'Caravaggio' based marketing lingo on the product page...

Le Owner: Totally Sweet...

2009-03-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Such a loving sentiment. More here.

Le Owner: Obnoxious Mom

2009-03-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

SITE is about to turn two. God. Where does the time go? I'm really not sure. It's already time to talk lease renewal, I wonder if the carpet tiles aren't ready for a face lift, and maybe, just maybe I need to paint again? Oh. No.

Like any good mom, I'm throwing SITE a big 'ol party, cupcakes and all. I've got my fingers crossed for three amazing trunk shows (please!), so watch here for more party updates.

We've been getting in, as the kids say, hella merch these days, and the store is packed with some pretty cool things. Wanna see pictures?

Emily: Yay!

2009-03-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

The sun came out!

Emily: Why I love Moo

2009-02-27T15:38:00.000-08:00

Nancy turned my on to this site Moo, based in London that grabs images from Flickr or Etsy (and other places that do not concern me) and let's you make your own printed materials. My pictures show a set of postcards that I ordered to send to my customers to thank them for their business.

Le Owner: Kinda in love..

2009-02-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

How pretty would this be in a femme little powder room? I'd switch out those candle sleeves in a quick second- maybe some kelly green or aqua ones?

Or, what about these kinda cute lights for the kitchen? Available in lots of colors, but the blue really hits home for me.

More here.

Emily: stupid winter!

2009-02-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

It would seem that the weather is taking its cues from the market...I took this picture in the front yard yesterday and it was cold and dark and rainy. It looks like a black and white, but it is in full color, folks.

Le Owner: Yes, Please

2009-02-21T11:51:00.000-08:00

How completely amazing is this necklace?

Le Owner:

2009-02-21T10:44:00.001-08:00

I've started a new blog! Come join me over at Economy This!, where I'll be talking about small business tips and tricks in 'this economy'.

Le Owner: Heartbeats Make Me Happy.

2009-02-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

Kinda cool. More here.

Le Owner: For Em

2009-02-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

Eddie Ross (don't know him? More here) started a new Etsy shop, and I'll bet there's lots for Em to enjoy.

Le Owner: Hide/Unhide Rug

2009-02-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

I'm totally mad for this....if money were no object i'd be clicking and ordering one now for my Living Room...

via Design Milk

Le Owner: Bye=Love

2009-02-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

I'm totlly madly in love with the paper art of Yulia Brodskaya. More here.

Le Owner: Dutch Kills

2009-02-15T14:39:00.001-08:00

From the uber well known bar owners of Milk and Honey, a private bar that needs membership for entrance, comes Dutch Kills. Named after the area of Long Island City where it's located, DK's interiors are rather intriguing to me. I'm loving the dark and brooding ambiance all that wood creates, but the sawdust back room for live music? Uh. No thanks.

As with lots of other bars these days, the speakeasy effect is in full force here- no clear markings to the bar. This really is the front door!

Emily: Cars

2009-02-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I promise not to post about Etsy all day...but.....

I love these little Avon cologne bottles, they are the man version of that yellow birdie perfume bottle you sold at SITE, to Heidi if memory serves....

Emily: I love these prints. Period.

2009-02-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled to discover these vintage prints, which I just posted to my Esty shop. Graphic, perfectly colored and playfull, my favorite part is how their titles are a simple statment with a period; "Coulds." , "A Dandelion." and "Stilts." Love! Love!

Emily: My vanity

2009-02-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

Le Owner: Balloons

2009-02-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned I have thing for balloons? No? Ok.
Photos by the lovely DeadMethods

Le Owner: What I'd Do With Ten Million

2009-02-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted a loft, duh. But a loft that was once a church or school house is high on my list....

behold, the best way to spend about ten million dollars in the SF Bay area!

Le Owner: New Ad!

2009-02-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

I'm having a little Valentine's sale at SITE online. Also, doing some additional ads, this time over at More Ways To Waste Time!

Le Owner: Kinda Good Flowers

2009-02-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Leave it to Martha to make something typically so gross into a really great resources. I found myself needing flowers fast, and was not disappointed at the selection of Martha Stewart floral in her signature containers (above( over at the mostly icky 1800Flowers...

Emily: Design San Francisco

2009-02-02T15:26:00.001-08:00

I will be away this week in San Francisco at the Design Center - and back soon with a full report!

Le Owner: If we only had one of these...

2009-02-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Totes hysterical, via Happy Mundane

Le Owner: For Valentine's Day

2009-02-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

Psst...buy me this for Valentine's Day.

Emily: Wall inspirations

2009-01-30T13:15:00.001-08:00

Le Owner: What I'm Reading

2009-01-29T13:43:00.001-08:00

I'm totally, totally madly in love with Making It Lovely....such sweet style.

Amazing little design selections (like the one above!), real time home renovation updates, and a generally lovely design aesthetic make this blog so enjoyable to read!

Le Owner: Library Living Room Revisited!

2009-01-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

Remember this one? Oh, Library Living Room....

Everything but the sofa has arrived, so I thought I'd give a sneak peek of what's been installed so far.

LA poster by Ork, framed to resemble the Salon Chair....vintage wood frame was stripped and painted glossy black (I love the old/new effect) and matted in super modern citrus yellow to tie back to the CB2 arc lamp.

Another shot of similar. Jack, the cat, seems to love the chair as much as we do.

Details (more to come): Law books for the law professor, hand carved folk art, framed Cosby family, natch.

Up next....shutters for the windows? Pillows for the sofa?

Le Owner: Buh Bye Domino

2009-01-28T11:42:00.000-08:00

It is bleak and rainy here in NYC, the ground covered with last night's dirty, wet snow. I was already off to a slow start today, feeling less than inspired. And then news came via text that Domino, the bible of fresh, young, design has been closed. I've heard the rumours for months now, each time thinking it must be a joke. This time, it is real.

I've never loved a magazine more. I remember being at my first design job when they opened, a place frequently mentioned between the glossy pages of Domino.I remember feeling elated when it arrived monthly at my doorstep. I actually used those stupid post-it style tabs to mark ideas, objects, and designs that inspired.

I fucking loved Domino.

Emily: Fireside Folly

2009-01-28T10:54:00.001-08:00

This morning I am not feeling all that well, so one of my first tasks of the day was to make a fire, and now I am tending it every few minuets to ensure that it lasts all day.

There are few companions better than a fire that pops and cracks and hisses. Here are some images of fireside vignettes from my inspiration binder.

Emily: Carolyn Quartermaine

2009-01-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

These images are from the French home of designer Carolyn Quartermaine as seen in Vogue Living Australia, which costs me a fortune but is worth every penny. I love how feminine and serene her home is without having a "shabby chic" (or as my mom call is "sh*tty chic"...) look or feel. And that pink plastic tray on top of the Saarinen table reminds me of my childhood and the sweet smell of pink plastic goodies from the Sanrio store (before Hello Kitty items were sold at Target - wait...also before Shabby Chic items were at Target as well!)

Le Owner: Totally Right On.

2009-01-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

Their copy really says it best:
"When you feel extra crafty and need to be reminded that this year is the most important one of many, this stamp will clear your muddled thoughts. Bailout - Wham! Obamad! Madoff - Wham! Obamad! Iraq - Wham! Bam! Obamad! Stamp it around and have his head fill your dreams and your and everyone else's visions. Funky with rainbow ink."

Yeah....totally.

Le Owner: In the Mood....

2009-01-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

I don't normally decorate SITE for holidays other than The Big Holiday- Christmas. This year, for some insane reason, I decided to put in a Valentine window, and I'm glad I did...I love the way it looks. A good window is something I certainly have been learning (slowly)- it's not something that comes intuitively to me. Oh, the lessons: Groups of color always look good together. Layers of heights are a must. The window will ALWAYS take more product to look great than you might think (i.e. buy more!)

So for now, I get to gaze upon my fluffy pink ground cover and glittering butterflies that hang delicately from the ceiling. I might have to rethink this whole "Christmas only" approach to windows.

2009-01-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

I'm madly in love. I've never loved a home renovation so much!! Total perfection. More here.

Le Owner: New White House Decorator!

2009-01-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

So, it’s official….the Obamas have selected Michael S. Smith as the new White House decorator. I won’t deny, my lack of enthusiasm over this choice (he’s certainly no where near the top of my list of amazing designers in the world) but I can understand why it happened. Smith’s attention to detail is superb, his use of materials is fantastic, and his classic English inspired interiors are warm, comfortable, and dare I say it? Boring.

Some more likeable/classic Michael S. Smith designs:

Emily: For Nancy...the banner lady and unofficial 3rd

2009-01-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

This little package is on its way to you....

Le Owner: I Love Color

2009-01-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

Did anyone else catch that Pantone announced a really poppy, perfect yellow for the 2009 color of the year? Pantone says, "Mimosa Embodies Hopefulness and Reassurance in a Climate of Change." Let's hope so.

Too bad I cannot give away yellow items @ SITE. Alas. Yellow Suzani Pillows? Nope. Yellow Asian side table? Not a chance. But, boy, if I could, I would surely stock this bag and its cohorts!

Le Owner: Cute Little Table

2009-01-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

I've got furniture on the brain. It's Gift Show time @ SITE, and we're in desperate need of some amazing new furniture and lighting options that don't break the bank. Not easy.

Meanwhile, over at kinda icky Grandin Road, I found this adorable little table. I can think of 1,000 places to use this.

Emily Lynch Vintage

2009-01-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
EmilyLynch.etsy.com

Just a look at some of the newest items in my Etsy shop.

Le Owner: New Show at Art For Empty Walls

2009-01-08T11:31:00.001-08:00

Love these sultry ladies over at Art For Empty Walls.

Le Owner: See You Next Week

2009-01-07T06:53:00.000-08:00

I'm in sunny San Diego- camera in hand, so I'll be back to posting next week. In the meantime, check out the amazing 'voyeur' like hotel we're staying at (lucky, lucky me!), The Ivy. The club offers a place to spy and play (no kidding) and the largest suite offers DOUBLE king bunks, mirrors, and a stripper pole. More details soon...

All glass bathrooms for views to the city while showering, or views of your 'other' while drinking coffee- you choose.

Pretty by night....

The details...

Emily: Spoonflower must have

2009-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

I love this "Wolf and Little Red" fabric by Gumball Grenade, available through January 11th only at the Spoonflower Etsy shop.

Emily: Sunbeams

2009-01-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

When I left Pennsylvania for New York a dear friend (who now lives in California!) gave me a gift subscription to The Sun. The magazine seemed to keep me sane while I was adjusting to my new life in a city that hummed and vibrated at all times.

At the end of each issue is a page of Sunbeams - quotations relating to the loose theme of each issue. I thought I would share some Sunbeams about money, and following your dreams.

"I signed up with a temp agency, and much to my dismay they actually found me a job. It had been a couple of years since I'd worked in an office, so I thought I should prepare for it. I went to the YMCA with a friend and had him tie me up in a burlap sack and sink me to the bottom of the pool. Just as I was about to suffocate, he yanked me up and gave me a lunch break." - Martha Kelly

"When people go to work, they shouldn't have to leave their hearts at home." - Betty Bender

"Your money, or your life." We know what to do when a burglar makes this demand of us, but not when God does." - Mignon McLaughlin

"Work is love made visible." - Ama Ata Aidoo

Le Owner: Amanda Means

2009-01-02T07:37:00.001-08:00

I've been withholding these amazing color poloroids from artist Amanda Means for awhile. My bad.

I'm in love with the simple, color rich shots, and industrial edge.

Emily: Best entry ever!

2008-12-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

I saw this image in the latest issue of Southern Living - isn't the red lacquer wall color divine???

Emily: Bathing Beauties

2008-12-29T15:19:00.001-08:00

The perfect bathroom feels clean without feeling sterile...above are some I have saved from publications I read...thought I would share.

Emily: Home

2008-12-29T09:51:00.001-08:00

My very favorite place to dine in NYC is Home (on Cornelia Street). While I lived there my Aunt Sue and I always celebrated Christmas there and now I make a point of eating there each time I visit.

There is another restaurant with the same name that I have yet to try - in Milan! I am crazy for the giant lantern wallpaper! Their website is :
home-made.it , and please type it directly, the search results in something quite different.

Emily: California Romantica

2008-12-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post about this book earlier, but I bought it for my mom for Christmas and didn't want to ruin the surprise.

Diane Keaton is part of the team who wrote California Romantica a large scale, full color book which demonstrates how peaceful and cheerful California's native architecture can be.

Emily: Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

Emily: Why I love Domino

2008-12-22T11:09:00.001-08:00

Emily: The Blues

2008-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

I cannot help it, I am drawn to every shade of blue. I love how simple this bath is, without feeling sterile.

Emily: The book that I am reading

2008-12-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

I have loved EVERY LAST ONE of the projects this man has published, and now that I finally have his book I find myself lingering on passages of text and meditating on the images.

Emily: Shameless self promotion

2008-12-21T19:02:00.001-08:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
EmilyLynch.etsy.com

Le Owner: Help!

2008-12-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

I've learned that girls really love jewelry. I learned this the "hard" way. When SITE first opened, I held tight to a very strict regime of buying- housewares, art, and not much else. But, then jewelry designer after gorgeous designer flooded the store with amazing bobbles for my review, and I finally caved. And I'm really glad I did.

Now I have many, many amazing items in stock, and find creating great displays for them simultaneously fun and difficult....

I'm tempted to buy these in "SITE" and spray paint them a fun color (pink! yellow! blue!) and hang little bits from the wire...but, is it all too much? Will the delicate items for sale get lost in the giant letters? I'd love to know what you think!

Le Owner: High Femme

2008-12-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

Don't you ever just want to create the girlie-est room ever sometimes?

Amazing floral wallpapers here at Anna French.

And for the High Femme holidays, here is a wreath I'm madly in love with, including complete instructions on how to make it here (and hint, hint, it seems SUPER simple to do and makes me want to run, not walk, to Michael's right now!)

Fancy: Rosemary Christmas baby trees

2008-12-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

I always want a tree for xmas but i live in a little NY apartment, not to mention feeling bad about the poor tree getting cut down. But there is the most marvelous solution. They now sell these little rosemary plants which have been pruned to the shape of a christmas tree. You can decorate it with bows or whatever, and they smell beautiful. The best part is that when you are done with christmas you can cut it up and sprinkle it on your roasted potatos.
mmmmmm rosemary potatos mmmmm

Le Owner: Shamless SITE promotion

2008-12-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all, SITE made it onto Lucky Magazine's TV gift guide this past Monday. I'm a proud momma.

(ps- where is everyone??)

Le Owner: Stop Everything and Read Whorange Now!

2008-12-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

Do you all read Whorange? No? STOP NOW. Click here. It's the best blog on the block, yes yes...I mean it. Whitty, on point, often updated. Creator Tula Jeng has been doing offbeat celeb 'guift guides' and her Amy Sedaris guide is BEYOND.

Enjoy!!

Le Owner: 2009

2008-12-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

I can totally get behind this:

Le Owner: wallpaper to really love

2008-12-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

Why not line your closets with this fab paper?

Emily: Humbug

2008-12-13T08:11:00.001-08:00

I love this image from Absolutely Beautiful Things, a blog that I was introduced to by Le Owner and cannot stop looking at. It feels good to know that I am not the only one who doesn't feel up to the whole live tree-stand-watering-needles falling thing this year!

Le Owner: For the Felines

2008-12-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

For all the kitties in your life. Austin and Maddy need this kinda class in their lives...

From the ever fun to watch Kim's Kitchen Reno blog, via Desire to Inspire.

Le Owner: Feelin' kinda BKLYN today

2008-12-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a lot of love for my neighbors to the south today....

I'm neither Jewish nor from Brooklyn, but that doesn't mean I can't totally fall madly in love with these subway inspired greetings:

Soon to be @ SITE....

A practical favorite:

Le Owner: Are You Watching This?

2008-12-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

OMG!!! So good....I want to go to the New York Public Library right now! Watch these great videos over at good 'ol Design*Sponge, or watch part II right here...

Emily: Winter

2008-12-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

Yes!

Emily: Thanks Lady!

2008-12-08T16:00:00.001-08:00

Thank you so much for sending me sweet cards on a pretty regular basis when we email, blog, and text each other so often. It is nice to have something tactile to remind me of you and the days when I would bring in handfuls of vintage rhinestone jewelry to your room when you were getting ready for dates.

Le Owner: To The Deerly Departed.

2008-12-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, the phrase, "In this economy"....

Everyone throws it around. People ask more than ever, "How's the store?" or "Doin' alright?". Yes, thank you for your concern. And, I do worry, things are weird, different, and I try and actively manage how I buy, why I'm buying, etc. Everyone was focused on the retail and buyers side.

What I did not see coming was the evaporation of some of my favorite wholesalers, suppliers, artists, etc. The shocking email that OneUp, my number one seller and just a fabulous product line would be shut down immediately. I even had orders in place (that customers were waiting for!!) that would not be filled.

And then there was the flurry of orders I got for this guy:

Who I learned had been discontinued for manufacturing reasons, and would never be brought back. I loved this deer head.

So, I'm left to find replacements for some really amazing, well received best sellers. Oh, this economy....

Le Owner: Work It.

2008-12-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

It's like I've died and gone to office heaven. More here.

Le Owner: I'm Kinda In Love

2008-12-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

With this amazing bench. I can so see a pair at the end of a bed, or in a gracious entryway. Available here.

Le Owner: More Internet Goodness

2008-12-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

Oh. Have I ever told you about Smitten Kitchen? Do you already know? I know we're not really a "lifestyle" blog over here, so much as a "design" blog...but I just cannot hold back. It is too good. And really, don't you all know Em is the hostess with the mostess? I'll bet she'll find lots and lots of amazing things to make here. Like, oh say...

Feta Salsa (yes!!)

Or, for me, the insane Gnocchi lover, perhaps this?

Trixie! Quick....get thee some hummus and make these....yum....cheese....

I highly recommend reading on a full stomach and pleanty of time to spare- oh the bookmarks I have! Beautifully shot- this blog feels how everyblog should feel....well edited and gorgeous.

Le Owner: Cutest Holiday Idea Ever

2008-12-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

While I'm not generally a big holiday person myself, I am a HUGE fan of snowglobes and have an ever growing collection. This idea from Sweet Paul is really just too cute for words.

Emily: Yellow #2

2008-12-05T17:08:00.001-08:00

After uploading, I realized that there was a whole lotta yellow in the items I listed in my Etsy shop today.

Le Owner: New Shop- Ker De Vries

2008-12-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

I'm really lovin' a lot of the items over at Kir De Vries...including their oh-so-adorable logo... some office items I love the most:

Emily: Sparky

2008-12-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

We have been wanting to adopt a puppy...and Saturday went to the Sonoma Human Society and saw Sparky. He has since been adopted, which makes me both happy and sad for obvious reasons.

As much as we liked Sparky, we did not like his name and spent the afternoon hike coming up with possible alternatives. I have always had a fascination with names because they are language as beauty and not function. My possible future offspring are sure to get beat up in the playground as a result of my love of multisyllabic exotic names.

To follow is a poem from The Sun, the magazine that is most important to me (more so than even Elle Decoration or Vogue Living!) in the world.

Names
Danusha Lameris

What happens to the ones that fall out of favor:
the Dorises and Archibalds,
the Theodores and Eunices?
They all had their day,
once roamed the earth in multitudes
alongside Gerties and Wyatts,
as though there would always be
at least one in every classroom.
Names written in neat block print,
scratched into tree bark side by side,
engraved on heart-shaped lockets,
or filling the morning paper
with weddings and engagements.
How could they have known
it was their last hurrah?
That once by one the Constances
and Clydes would disappear,
replaced by Jennifers, Jacobs,
Ashleys, and Aidens?
That few would ever dance again,
corsage pinned neatly to their breasts,
or hear their names on the radio
read by the DJ in whispered dedication,
or uttered in darkness
by a breathless voice,
or even shouted out in anger -
"Seymour! Seymour!" -
as they grabbed the keys and stormed out the door?
Each names would fade quietly from daily life
as though it had never existed,
except for the letters etched into gray stone,
warmed by the sun in the day,
at night lit by a crescent moon.

Emily: Yellow

2008-12-03T16:10:00.001-08:00

I live in the woods, which means that I can use this yellow painted crate as a side table near my sofa.

Emily:.....I wish

2008-12-03T09:49:00.001-08:00

Emily: The perfect Powder Room

2008-12-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

I am a closet minimalist....even though I love a cozy and cluttered English interior, when I design I always stop short of that look, and whenever I move out of an apartment and half of my stuff is packed away I always have this moment of "wow, this place is awesome under all of that stuff!".

I have been saving this image as inspiration, and thought that instead I would share. I love the casualness of the "propped" antiqued mirror, the wall mounted faucet and basin, the clean and spacious room around it.

Le Owner: Update on Library Living Room

2008-12-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

It's fun to see how projects grow and change...

The Library Living room went from this:

To this!!

For Liz. by SITE

Most everything in the picture above has been ordered and is on the way for installation. I've even found a great Alegra Hicks for Lee Jofa tribal print/fabric for some throw pillows, but more on that soon...

Le Owner: holidays!

2008-12-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

Ah, it's that time of year again. I'm knee deep in new arrivals at SITE and looking high and low for the perfect presents for all my loved ones. First up...

For my sister:

For my neice:

Beautiful items galore at LAMA, Latin America In The Modern Age...a great new-ish webshop with a lot of class.

Emily: They're here........

2008-11-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

The labels for my pillows have finally arrived! Thanks again, Le Owner for the tip!

Emily: Little Leather Library

2008-11-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

My most recent antiquing score: a set of 20 leather books measuring 2" wide x 3" high. I love their varying greens!

Emily: Songs from the wood

2008-11-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

I have been looking for a reasonable set of flatware, as I am planning a Holiday Brunch where I will use my Great Grandmother Marie's wedding china. It was given to me by my Grandma Isabel, who was my great conspirator and who carried on the tradition of French cuisine she had learned from her mother.

While I admit I do not have the talent to fill the plates that they had I at least want to do them justice. Everything that I have found (and can afford) is either too fancy to go with my everyday plates (plain white porcelain) or too plain to belong alongside china. That is, everything but cheap-o Naturewood from Pfaltzgraff, which I will rock this brunch, baby!

Fancy: A touch of architecture

2008-11-26T22:23:00.000-08:00

I came across these images online today and thought I'd share with you a little bit of why I love architecture and why I especially love Europe. The railing is so organic in form its like a plant vine or blade of grass spiraling up.

"Stairs take an important place in Paris buildings. These are in the Galerie Vivienne, a passage built in 1823. The neo-classical style is inspired by the roman antic. The glass roof is elegant, the wall decorated with paintings and sculptures and the ground is covered with mosaic. A former convict prisoner who became chief of Police, lived in 1840 at number 13, on the other end of this passage."

More images to drool over avail at the below site

http://www.spirit-of-paris.com/2006/03/26/stairs-galerie-vivienne.html

Emily: Quick Books :(

2008-11-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

Learning Quick Books makes me feel slow. Sorry for the lack of posts...I am trying to get current for year's end!

Le Owner: Inspiration

2008-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

This year was the year of animals as humas, and I totally bought into it. First, I saw this just about everywhere this year on the internet (and loved it):

Then there were these, lovely but not cheap:

And now, behold! The cornerstone to SITE's holiday this year, these amazing little guys, all dressed up for the party. (In fact, some look like they might have already been' pre-partyin' if you know what I mean!)

Emily: The spirit of the season

2008-11-23T21:54:00.001-08:00

I have started decorating for the holidays. :)

Le Owner: Why I love Jayson Home and Garden for the holidays

2008-11-22T14:01:00.001-08:00

I can't remember the exact moment that I discovered Jayson Home and Garden, but I can tell you once you discover them, you'll never ever forget how amazing they really can be. Natives of my 'hometown', Chicago, I've on more than one occasion dragged various family members to their exquisite Lincoln Park digs. If you ever have the good fortune to find yourself near their store, run, don't walk....and don't forget the sale basement. Just sayin'.....

Holiday favorites:

Emily: New sofa at Urban

2008-11-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

I ADORE this new sofa from Urban Outfitters...both in line and in price!

Emily: Rivers and Tides

2008-11-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

This is my Netflix pic for the weekend. I have seen it before but can hardly wait to watch it again!

Emily: life as a clover

2008-11-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

Emily: Happy Birthday Lady and I miss you btw

2008-11-20T19:48:00.001-08:00

Emily: The most perfect cupcake wrappers in the world

2008-11-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

Laser cut lovliness from Paper Orchid.

Emily: Jessica Rust

2008-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

I am in love, and I mean in love with Jessica Rust's line of personalized dinnerware. The delicate patterning would be charming even if not eponymous , but in a world where Things Remembered dominates the "your name here" market her lovely items are a breath of (mine! all mine!) fresh air.

Emily: Home

2008-11-17T10:42:00.001-08:00

I just finished this wonderful book "HOME A Short History of an Idea" by Witold Rybczynski. It is a non fictional account of how the ideas that we come to associate with home (ie: privacy, comfort, and well being) developed in the western world. Worth reading for anyone who's job involves critical thinking regarding space.

I was especially taken with his argument against Traditional Decor:

"We would feel as odd in a Model T as we would in plus fours or a hooped skirt, yet although we would not think of dressing in period clothes, we find nothing strange in dressing our homes in period decor."

As a staunch traditionalist, I had to admit that he made an interesting and valid point.

Emily: Fort Ross

2008-11-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

When I pay attention I find inspiration in unexpected places. Such was the case yesterday when we spent the day visiting and hiking around Fort Ross. The Fort was established in 1812 by Russian traders and was purchased by the State of California in 1908. The oldest original structure dates back to 1836. It was such a treat to explore some of California's history with the hypnotic sound of breaking waves in the distance.

View from the tower.

The hikes in the area are beautiful even in winter.

One example of door hardware at the fort.

Um...yes! Apothecary jars and natural specimen!

Give me a cabinet of curiosities any day.

A charming painted bed in one of the homes.

Detail of one of the benches.

The interiors had a "Jack and Jill"/Axel Vervoordt feel.

My favorite of the door handles on display there.

Emily: Is there anything worse than a staunch woman?

2008-11-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

If only I were more and less like Little Edie.

Emily: Affinity

2008-11-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

The topic of performance comes up again and again when low v.o.c. paints are mentioned, and despite what some people are saying I find them to be great to work with, personally and professionally.

Benjamin Moore came out with the Aura Collection last year, and have recently added exterior paints to the line. It coats really well, has wonderful color saturation and gives off little to no odor.

The chips below are some of the colors I have used in my own home...the bedroom color is the prettiest gray/blue....

And I have yet to try Natura...the zero V.O.C. base!

Le Owner: Tiny Showcase

2008-11-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

I've always been sorta torn on the print front: affordable art for all! vs. same 'ol thing you see everywhere.

I'm really into Tiny Showcase these days, a new print every week, and part of the proceeds donated to the charity of choice by the artist. Also appealing? Each run is printed on archival Hahnemühle German Printmaking Paper. The archival ink is specially treated and sprayed, giving it an archival lifespan of over 60 years. None too shabby.

Way more to enjoy here.

Emily: Friends over

2008-11-12T12:43:00.001-08:00

Last night my dear friend came over to sup with his new fiance. She is a wonderful addition to both his and my life, and I am so happy that they have found one another.

So happy, in fact, that I got all excited and set the table with my very best linens, which were gifts from Mackenzie of Site Design and Alberto and Mercedes from Etos way back when we were all studying at NYSID and napkin rings made for me by my little sister, who is now an art student at Tyler.

Using the beautiful things we own not only connects us to the time and place when we acquired them, but creates a sense of meaningfulness for the present moment. Setting the table for much anticipated guests is not about displaying what you own but instead creating a space worth lingering in. These beautiful things tell them "you are special, enjoy yourself."

Emily: When failing is good

2008-11-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

I feel like I spend so much time talking about hope, ambition and stick-to-it-iveness on this blog...now I will finally say that it is okay to fail. That is, when it leads to something huh-larious on failblog.org.