Modern Bird Studios

* You are based out of the San Francisco area, and I must say that those crazy steep hills make me nervous. Do you have any suggestions on how I can better cope with them?

* Do you think you could escape from Alcatraz?

* Who do you think would win a cage match between Martha Stewart or her daughter Alexis Stewart?

These are just some of the silly questions Megan from Modern Bird Studio asked me yesterday. For my answers, visit her blog.

Megan’s husband, Gregg is the creative force behind Modern Bird Studios. Gregg combines his original urban-style with photography, graphic design and traditional painting to create handmade, original art pieces. My fave is the acrylic and wood artwork seen above. Love!

Happy 2nd Anniversary! {again}

Today is the 2nd anniversary of the Simplified Bee Blog! {actually posted this yesterday, but Blogger was down, so re-posting!} It’s hard to believe two years has gone by and writing this blog has been an incredible experience. This will mark my 387th post. I have enjoyed the learning process, following other blogs and developing friendships with so many readers and fellow bloggers. 

I have to admit, writing on a regular basis can be a chore at times, but amazingly I have never had writer’s block. What keeps me going? You do. With your thoughtful comments, notes and messages.  Many, many thanks to you!

* links to mini chevron cake stand and dream big poster both on etsy!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Tomorrow will be the 2nd anniversary of the Simplified Bee Blog! It’s hard to believe two years has gone by. Writing this blog has been an incredible experience and this will mark my 387th post. I have enjoyed most the learning process, following other blogs and developing friendships with so many readers and fellow bloggers. 

I have to admit, writing on a regular basis can be a chore at times, but amazingly I have never had writer’s block. What keeps me going? You do. With your thoughtful comments, notes and messages.  

Many, many thanks to you!

xo,

* links to mini chevron cake stand and dream big poster - both on etsy!

San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2011–Sneak Peek

The stately brick Italian villa estate located at 2950 Vallejo Street is the site of this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase. The 6,244 square foot mansion sits in on one of the most coveted blocks in San Francisco near the Presidio and steps from the Lyon Street steps.

{Entry Terrace by Kate Michels Landscape Design}

Originally constructed in 1927 by Gottschalk and Rist, the home provides breath-taking views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The image above was taken from the home’s living room.

{Master bedroom closet by James Tarantino}

The estate was purchased in the 1970s by Joseph P. Tarantino and his wife Nancy. They raised four children in the house, including fashion designer James Tarantino. Some of James’ beautiful gowns he designed are on display in the showhouse in the master bedroom closet.

For the 34th Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase, four floors of living space in home have been completely renovated with modern, high-end appliances and finishes. The kitchen and baths have also been completely remodeled and modernized. Over thirty designers from the San Francisco Bay Area have contributed to the spectacular showhouse. The details in this home are truly amazing. I was most impressed with the flow of the home. The harmonious color palette and feel from room to room is remarkable and not typical for designer showhouses.

The tour opens to the public Saturday, April 30th, but here is a sneak peak of some of the rooms:

{Entrance Hall by Willem Racke Studio and Leigh Edwards Interiors}

{Living Room by Kathleen Navarra, Navarra Design}

{Kitchen by Tish Key Interior Design}

{Dining Room by Grant K. Gibson Interior Design}

{Master bedroom by Matt Murphy Studio}

{Master bath by Val Fiscalini Designs}

{“Going to the Chapel” sitting room by Josephine Fisher Interior Design}

{Bath by Chamber + Chambers Architects and Nancy Hammonds Design}

{Penthouse bedroom by Cathleen Gouveia Design}

{Rumpus room by Jonathan Staub and Marion Philpotts-Miller}

{"Two Sides to Every Story" bedrooms by Lisa Bakamis and Jeff Schlarb - identical floor plans, with different color palettes.}

As you can see, this is an amazing designer showhouse. I plan on showing more details of the home in the upcoming weeks. But, if you are in the area or will be visiting San Francisco in the next month, I encourage you to go to this must-see design event.

SHOWCASE DETAILS:
San Francisco Decorator Showcase runs from April 30 – May 30, 2011. 

Showcase is open Tuesdays through Sundays and Memorial Day. 

Showcase is closed on Mondays except for Memorial Day.

Tickets are available at the door and are $30 for general admission; $25 for seniors.

Group rates available and must be arranged in advance by calling (415) 447-5830.

West Elm Summer Collections–Sneak Peak & Minted Giveaway Winner

Longing for warmer weather and alfresco entertaining? If so, you are going to love this.


Here’s a sneak peak at West Elm’s collections for summer 2011. I’m digging the casual elegance, worldly touches and fresh blue & white color combos.

 
In particular, the wall art by Lourdes Sanchez and dinnerware by David Stark is very exciting to see.

The collections will go on sale March 29th. Congrats West Elm! You hit the ball out of the park! 

Now onto some more exciting news - the winner of the $50 gift certificate to Minted {fabulous online stationary store}. Out of 66 eligible comments, tea cozy {#66} was selected from Random.org. Congrats and enjoy!

A huge thank you to Minted for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway. Be sure to drop by to take a look at all the fun new designs, like these darling birth announcements.

Happy Friday!

Thank You MLK

{Martin Luther King, Jr. original art by David Collier on Etsy}

“Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: / we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

- Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream, 1963

{I Have a Dream, pastel by Carol Schiff Studio on Etsy}

As our nation remembers Martin Luther King tomorrow, I am thankful for his tremendous leadership, fearlessness and sacrifice.

We can continue to honor his legacy everyday by loving one another
and embracing equality world wide.

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

House Beautiful has a designer series I enjoy reading called, “What Would You Do?” A handful of interior designers are asked to create a small vignette using the same piece of furniture. Today, I have invited four fabulous interior design bloggers to do the same. As a starting point, Brooke Giannetti of Velvet & Linen, Lauren Liess of Pure Style Home, Scot Meacham Wood of The Adventures of Tartanscot and Michelle Workman of Furnishing a Fabulous Life were given the Cosmopolitan Console Table from Williams Sonoma Home. It is a beautifully proportioned console in a glamorous Regency Revival style of 1930s Paris. With it the designers were asked to design a look by incorporating four or so  décor items. Each created something wonderfully different that gives us a peek into their personal style.

Los Angeles-based designer, Brooke Giannetti of Velvet & Linen created a relaxed “coastal” entryway using the console table.  She places a pair of Leila Chairs from Giannetti Home, slipcovered in a cream linen on either side of the console. Brooke says, “they bridge the gap between contemporary and traditional, just like the Cosmopolitan Console.” A chunky jute Bora Bora Rug in “Sunrise”by Merida grounds the space with warmth and natural texture. Original artwork by Brooke’s husband, Steve Giannetti 's water painting series helps set the serene coastal tone and is also available at Giannetti Home. For the “perfect amount of aged patina” she adds a 1930's copper lantern from The Elemental Garden at 1st Dibs.

Based just outside Washington DC, designer Lauren Liess of Pure Style Home envisioned the Cosmopolitan Console in the entry of her dream lake house. She used Susanna Kasler's quartrefoil chairs in blue from Hickory Chair. to flank the console.  Theresa Fike's painting found on Etsy grounds the grouping and adds a sense of age. The llama sconces from Porta Romana are “hysterical” and fun and totally out of left field which is why Lauren loved them. Lauren also added, “I'd love to layer more more and more on the table, but since we're allowed only 4 items ;) ” A large potted foxtail asparagus fern was selected to add some life and fresh green to the space. Lauren said, “they're hard to kill too which is key.”

Designer, Scot Meacham Wood of The Adventures of Tartanscot created a calming, relaxed and stylish entry of the Four Seasons Private Residences in San Francisco {also where Wood is based}.  He images, "a beautiful San Francisco skyline glowing with the late evening sunset and the space welcoming homeowners from a hectic day." The walls are covered in a calming Arrowroot, “Springtime Green” PJ1737 by Phillip Jeffries Wallpaper. Scot flanks the console table with a pair of Macassar Veneered Armchairs, recovered in Apple Green Mohair available at 1st Dibs. The Blue & White Ginger Jar Lamp from Ralph Lauren add just the right touch of Chinoiserie. Over the console Wood hangs original artwork of Daniel Tousignant, available from Geras/Tousignant Gallery.

Los Angeles-based designer, Michelle Workman of the blog, Furnishing a Fabulous Life created a “New English Study” with the Williams Sonoma Home console table. Filled with books, this very hip study or library would be painted a forest green. To anchor the space Workman adds the Climbing Leopard rug by Diane Von Furstenberg. She also includes a pair of chic canopy chairs in white patent leather from Mogul. For a big of “old” an antique Gilded Running Horse Weathervane from 1st Dibs is added on the console. From the ceiling, Michelle hangs a timeless chandelier - the Aurburn from Arteriors Home.

A big thank you to Brooke, Lauren, Scot and Michelle for participating in this series!

There are elements in each design that I think are brilliant. Which one catches your eye?

Friday Find: Original Artwork by Nancy B. Westfall

This vibrant and fresh painting titled, 'Rock Lobster' by Nancy B. Westfall is this week's Friday Find. The playful patterns and textured brush strokes make this painting  so special. Westfall's original art has been seen in House Beautiful and is now for sale online at Quatrefoil Design.  Unfortunately "Rock Lobster" has been sold, but  others are available and commissioned works in custom sizes and colors are possible. 

Quatrefoil Design, launched by Holly of Things That Inspire features beautifully framed intaglios, hand-picked antiques and customer pillows in addition to original art. You will want to bookmark her store.

Now to get those B-52's lyrics out of my head!

Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay

You only have until September 6, 2010 to attend the exhibition, Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay at San Francisco's de Young Museum. The Musée d’Orsay of Paris is currently being renovated, giving us this rare opportunity to view nearly 100 magnificent works from the Impressionist masters.

On Friday, I had the pleasure of touring the impressive exhibition. It featured inspiring works by the famous masters who gathered in France during the mid- to late-19th century and jointly created the style, Impressionism. Notable masters showcased include Manet, Monet, Renoir and Sisley. {The Swing by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1876) show above}

Some of my favorite works were a selection of Degas’ paintings including The Dancing Lesson by Edgar Degas (1873–1876) shown above.

If you are able to attend, I would recommend selecting an early morning time slot {very crowded, but managed well}, purchasing the audio tour and enjoying the white bean veggie soup at the museum's cafe.

For tickets or more information regarding the exhibit, please visit de Young Museum.