Hyde Park Home Tour - Tampa

Historic Hyde Park Home Tour is this weekend in Tampa. It's a wonderful event to attend to see several beautiful homes that have been renovated and others that have been built with "historic qualities". Join us there on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Event lasts from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Starts at Kate Jackson Center in Hyde Park and tickets are only $20.00

Cheryl and Steven Ward - West Dundee Illinois

Top Picks from Hyde Park Art Festival -

Cheryl and Steven Ward, an "artist couple" from West Dundee, Illinois caught our eye with their abstract images and organic art. Here are a few of our favorites.

Steven enjoys geometry in motion or the more abstract side of things. He was influenced by his architect father and the very modern home in which he grew up. Most of his painting are acrylic on canvas using a pallet knife.
Cheryl and Steve Ward above - you can reach them at cherylaw40@sbcglobal.net for more information or simply visit their website www.wardartstudio.com.

This one above is really what caught our eye originally. These are cattail reeds they have collected in the area where they live. Cheryl states that the collecting and cutting of the reeds is the hard part. Painting them hundreds of colors and then selecting a color group is the fun part. Above is "charcoal", but check their website for more color ways in green, red, blue and yellow.
The "Yellow Abstract" above was also captivating with it's deep, vivid colors. It's size is 30" x 40" and only $800.

This duo travels every weekend to different shows around the US. Check their schedule to see if they will be in your area.

Hyde Park Art Festival - Tampa

Have weekend plans? If you are in the area, don't forget to stop by the Hyde Park Village Art Festival. Always a fun event and sure to have some new and interesting artists. I plan to attend and show you some of my favorites.

Greek Key Cabinets - Architectural Digest

Just ran across these Kittinger greek-key pattern dressers in Architectural Digest and had to stop and admire. This mid-century design is such a discovery and these dressers would look lovely in so many interiors, I don't know where to start.

So if you are in love with them as well, but can't shell out $14,500 for the pair, here are a few alternatives that might just appeal to a smaller budget.
White Pagoda Chest from Worlds Away - $1100

Ming Cabinet from Worlds Away - $1250

Would these work for you? Or would you just "have" to pay top dollar?

1300 Fillmore - Elle Decor

We have a serious fascination with restaurant decor. Take a look at the photo below from Elle Decor magazine of 1300 Fillmore in San Francisco. The "clubby" decor is so inviting and can easily translate to your everyday home. Let's see how that can work.
Keep to the warm neutral colors with soft fabrics that invite guests to lounge in comfort. Leather and suede are upscale and welcoming.

The Zoe Chair from Oly Studio gives readers an easy seat for that favorite past time. Those brass nailheads finish off with style. I can see two of these in front of a fireplace with wool blankets nearby.
Strong presence of the Waldo Floor Lamp in antique gold fits right into the "jazz-inspired" decor.
Classic design of the Langham Coffee Table from Bungalow 5 is the perfect accessory for your room. Pull up in front of the sofa and start your own club. This look is not to be missed!

Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year! Today is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays, so we thought it would be appropriate to show off some beautiful decor that nods to the Chinese style. Which are your favorites?

Chinese Painted Cabinet
Chippendale Iron Tables
Treillage Mirror
Foo Dog Lamps
Pagoda Chest

I think it has to be the Foo Dog Lamps for me! I get inspired everytime I look at them. For more inspiration today, check out my friend's website www.ittybittyladybug.com for all the cool "Asian-inspired" picks for children.

Celebrate today and find something to inspire you!

Smith Restaurant in New York

It's always interesting to find out about restaurants with cool design. Smith restaurant in Greenwich Village has a great european vibe. Check out the antique-mirror ceilings below. Really opens up a space. This would be really easy to do residental as well and what a dramatic effect. Lacquered tables & persian patchwork rug give a diners a "clubby" feel.
Grey velvet in the bar is warm and comfortable.Mirror topped tables - another place for reflection - great idea and reminds me of the mirror topped tables at Tonic Home. Add one of these to your dining room and create a cozy place for your morning coffee.