"Just Kinda Cool . . . "

Greetings,

Wish I'd been in New York last night to see this . . . . 

(take my advice, click to watch it 'full screen'!)

Ralph Lauren 4D from Ralph Lauren on Vimeo.

Or maybe in London . . . .



Ralph Lauren 4D from Ralph Lauren on Vimeo.


You can also watch here - as well as a fun behind-the-scenes video  . . . 

Just something kinda cool for your mid-week entertainment,
Scot

"A Chill Descends . . . "

Greetings,

Well, it finally happened.  Upon waking this morning, it FINALLY feels like fall here in San Francisco.  That familiar nip in the air.  A early morning spent looking for a favourite cashmere scarf.  And treasuring that first sip of hot coffee.

And that feeling reminds me of the beautiful work of London interior designer, Katharine Pooley.

Brrrrr . . .
Scot

"Meanwhile, Back in London . . . "

Nikki Atkinson Ltd, London

House and Garden UK, February

Photographer Mel Yates

Good afternoon,

I'm spending a goodly part of a quiet Sunday afternoon working here at the office - catching up on paperwork and such after being away most of last week. But, man does not live by papers and invoices alone. So during a 'mental break' from the designer math, I'm flipping back through the February issue of House and Garden UK - and loving the lovely apartment of hotelier Henry Tonga in the stylish Chelsea district of London.

Perfectly balanced custom Bookcases in the living room - and - one of a set of Louis XIII-styled arm chairs

As always, the simple, clear colour story always appeals to my sense of calm. And the easy mix of antiques, classic details, and the clean modern lines of the furnishings.

(lantern alert. lol)

"I am probably a 'designer's dream,' because I know how they work.

Professionals need to be given some leeway."

- Henry Togna

-and the simple pleasures of a bespoke linen press for shirtings and neckwear.

(and, yes, that IS my heart you can hear pounding with envy!)

Okay, back to work,

tartanscot

"I've been to London for Christmas . . . "

Greetings all,

For me, one of the most evocative opening lines in literature is from Out of Africa - "I had a farm in Africa." It feels like such a portentous statement. Those first six words let you know that the writer speaks of her time in Africa in the past tense. Something happened. Something changed.

Well, on a slightly smaller scale - I've been to London for Christmas. "been." Not "going," "been." Past tense. As in, not this year. I have several projects still in the 'thick of it' and don't feel comfortable being quite THAT far away for quite that long just at the moment. There was a crazed moment earlier in the week when went straight to Travelocity - grabbed a credit card - and thought "to hell with it - I'm going!" lol. But, after calming down - it's just not a good time to be away.

To say that I find London to be absolutely magical at Christmas is just a massive understatement. To be in a city filled with such rich history, such awe inspiring architecture, such beautiful music, and, well, such great shopping - jeez - I might run and grab my passport right now . . . .

Seeing this wonderful tree at the House of Parliament while on the way to Westminster Abbey for the Lessons and Carols service on Christmas Eve afternoon. Actually, it's usually still light as a pass by this tree - I tend to get to the service frightfully early so that I have a god place in line - and thus get a great seat.

Spending an afternoon at the National Gallery poking around at an amazing collection of artwork. And my other favourite The National Portrait Gallery is right around the corner.

Shopping at Covent Garden. The Paul Smith store is about 18 steps away from this little cafe and the first Neal's Yard Remedies shop is just down an alley, right around the corner.

Some years - it's been about more than just London. Riding on the Great North Eastern Railway, you an be in Scotland after a 4 or 5 hour trip up the coast . . . Passing through tiny villages. Seeing the rocking eastern coast of England.

with maybe a stop in Yorkshire - and another trip to Castle Howard.

Or maybe - Just straight through to Edinburgh - with its castle perched high on the rocky outcropping overlooking the city.

But, this year I'm here. In San Francisco. With great friends. Amazing music. A great business. And frankly, if yesterday is any sign, some wonderful weather.

And I wonder who might be sitting out there - wishing they were here . . .

with wander lust,

tartanscot

images all from google.

"Okay, seriously . . . "

from the New York Times 

Greetings,

I should know better than to peruse through the New York Times while I'm busy at the office . . . lol.  Especially the "Home" section!  How amazing is this property south on London?  The charming townhouse sits in one corner of the former Holloway Sanitorium Building constructed in 1877 located next to Virginia Park in Surrey.  I just love a re-purposed building.  From sanitorium to chic living space.

The second floor drawing room.

The ground floor dining room opens directly onto the gardens.

“The house did require a great deal of work, which began in June 2005, but we managed to finish just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving in our new home,” Mrs. Schick said.

"The kitchen, which measures 19 by 9 feet, was also remodeled to take advantage of its large windows and to add some storage space and even a hidden table, which pulls down from a cupboard to resemble a stand-alone piece of antique furniture."

and . . . done.  The original dining from the facility has been converted into a pool for all the residents of the building.  And bless them, they kept the original ceiling.  lovely.

The view over the crenelations to the neighbourhood and the gardens.

Now, back to my 'slightly crazed' office.  and the inevitable budget crunching.

cheers,

tartanscot

for the complete NY Times article.

for the complete slideshow of the project.

"I'm gonna need a show of hands here . . . "

" . . . and possibly your credit card numbers."

Good morning,

This post will prove why I should not be permitted to surf the internet in the evenings.  So last night, I'm here at my flat, minding my own business, watching a bit of HGTV for mindless entertainment, and happened across an advertisement for HomeAway.com.  It's an online service for vacation rentals around the world.  Well, you know what comes next - 

So, here's a wonderful little flat in South Kensington, London.  Here are the salient facts: 2 Bedrooms.  2 Bathrooms.  Sleeps four.  And we could stay here for 2 weeks for 4 grand.  Do the math - that would only be $1,000 for each of the four people.  Who's in ?

We could enjoy an early evening by the fire, before we head out to the theatre.  

and we could each take turns making breakfast . . . I do make a damn fine scone.  I know the neighborhood fairly well . . . there's a great little market right around the corner for pantry supplies.   And, the rental includes housecleaning service as well.

One of the two charming bedrooms . . . with a balcony  overlooking the private park.

We could always enjoy our afternoon tea out on the patio.  Reading Shakespeare.  Singing Gilbert and Sullivan.  Comparing notes on the best antique stores.  

Or we could just enjoy an afternoon in the private park across the street.

Please submit your applications directly to me . . . lol.  

"Lucid Dreaming . . . "

Good evening,

Next week begins a somewhat gruesomely busy 10 days in my life, so tonight, before I drift off into the world of dreams, I've decided to go on a little REM sleep vacation before the gauntlet of Monday begins . . . .

ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz . . . . . . .

. . . . just landed at London/Heathrow and have only a few moment before the taxi carries me away to South Kensington to my favourite hotel near Hyde Park.

First, a yummy dinner at the Indian place around the corner - and a good night's slumber . . . then there's a morning run through Hyde Park, with a few laps around "the round pond" by Kensington Palace as the day begins.

After a shower, a yummy breakfast at the hotel, and the required "viente, 1/2 caf, non-fat latte" from the Starbucks near the High Street . . . then maybe some shopping.


David Linley's shop in Pimlico for amazing hard-carved home accessories . . .

Hackett, in Sloane Square, for a few new things for my wardrobe . . . wander down King's Road to search for antiques . . .

or brave the crowds at Portobello Road Market. Hopefully, some antique tartanware from that great little place in Gray's Antique Market . . , or maybe Henry Gregory?

in the afternoon, the glories of Bond Street - Burberry, Pringle, Gieves & Hawkes. . . and a wander through the Polo Store. Oh, can't forget Crockett & Jones for some new shoes. And, hell, Paul Smith too.

gonna need some culture . . . some Shakespeare - "Henry V" or "Midsummer Night's Dream" - and hopefully some new productions in the theatre district . . . and let's chuck in a big-budget musical just for balance.

The National Portrait Gallery, near Saint Martin's-in-the-Field. It has been, and remains, one of my all-time favourite art/history galleries.

and finally, a glorious Sunday service at Westminster Abbey . . . and since I'm in charge of this dream, we'll have all my favourite hymns, the 8 part Martin Mass for double choir, and the Bach G Major Prelude/Fugue as the postlude.

beep, beep, beep, beep.
time to get up and face the week.

tartanscot

"oh, to be in England . . ."

Greetings faithful reader,

For the last few years, I've been lucky to spend my holiday season in London reveling in the joys of antique shopping, live theatre, and my favourite Christmas music. This year I'm going to be staying in San Francisco, but wanted to share a most special moment.

The clip is from King's College Cambridge . . . and is the traditional opening to the "Lessens and Carols" service on Christmas Eve with a single boy soprano singing the opening line of the carol and the choir and congregation joining on successive verses. For me, the sound resonates my love of singing, my love of architecture, and my love of the holidays.

I hope you have a happy Christmas,
tartanscot