Labor Day NJ Farm Fun = Corn Relish

Hope everyone had a fabulous Labor Day weekend! I went to NJ for one last weekend of fun in the sun before the weather changes. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. So what was originally planned had to be forfeited for more random and spontaneous fun. Stopping at a state monument and hopping over the border into New Hope, PA were among that fun! However, this little event was one of my favorites- stopping at a roadside farm to buy vegetables for a dish I was bringing to a BBQ in the city later on that night.

I love to cook and love fresh and organic produce. I made Nadia stop here for me, as my dish called for fresh corn.

Laughing at a woman who was flabbergasted that I asked if what I was doing was "shucking, right?" She asked, "where you girls from that you don't know this is shucking? Hey Jim, this girl doesn't know what shucking is?" It was pretty funny!

Getting my lesson

Demonstrating how it's done by the real Jersey Girl- Nadia Stylianou

All my fresh produce

(listed and what should have been added)

NJ Sweet corn

Hot Green peppers

Red onion

Grape tomatoes

Limes

Red bell peppers

JALAPENOS

CILANTRO

Salt

Pepper

GARLIC

I had this at Nadia's house and was instantly hooked. I am not one who uses recipes and prefers to make things up as I go. This CORN RELISH is amazing alone, or added as a garnish on a garden salad, on eggs, with warm vegetables, pasta salad..... (I had all of these in the last two days!)

Simply halve the corn, boil for 10 minutes or less, cut the corn off the cob (after running under cold water) and add to a bowl of all the finely chopped ingredients you see above. Add lime, salt, and pepper to taste, and VIOLA! You have got one little fresh dish! The capitalized items are things that should have been added for more flavor!

I love it when I come with a full bowl and leave with a serving or two leftover- My job is done here!!!!!

It's the homemaker and entertainer in me that loves to know that people are happy with the food, the environment, the decorations, the drinks, the music etc. So, I found myself walking around asking my friends what they thought of my dish and how I could make it better. At one point, there were about 6-8 people around the bowl trying to figure out what possibly could have been added to make it even better... and the VERDICT- Cilantro and Jalapenos...... No hurt feelings here, just a little advise for better culinary art!

Cheers!

The Designista

A timeless motif- Bamboo

I absolutely love bamboo pieces- not necessarily raw bamboo, but rather bamboo that is metal, or has been painted in an unexpected fashion. This design motif has been used throughout ages, and always adds a bit of Asian flair and especially elegance. You will see it as furniture, mirrors, dinnerware, accessories, lighting, fabric etc.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Jonathan Adler's Chippendale Arm Chair- Comes in three colors- black, white, and chartreuse green- $595

Golden Bamboo Butler table with removable tray at www.mermaidhut.com- This table is so chic! And for the entertainer in me, I love that it doubles as a tray. This is a great buy at $179. The base folds up for storage purposes when not in use! Perfect!

Crate & Barrel's Kyoto Flatware place setting- Understated and sophisticated..... If I was in the market for place settings, this is what I would buy. $36.95 for a 5-piece set

Lulu DK's Madison Indoor/ Outdoor fabric- This comes in many different colorways. We used this on a project in Beverly Hills draping the interior of a patio area poolside. We used it in the Chocolate. To the trade only- must use a design professional to buy this

Woodson & Rummerfield's Wilshire Regency Mirror- $200!!!!!!! Great buy! This is one of my favorite little design shops in Los Angeles off of LaCienega (where all the super hip and trendy design shops are)

JF Chen Antique Brass Bamboo bench with original leather- Circa 1950's: Found on 1stDibs.com - if you have not been on the 1stdibs website, you MUST TRY IT!!!!!! Many antiques shops list their products on this website- very reputable, and you can find soooooo many interesting, gorgeous, unique, and unbelievable pieces. Some inexpensive, some unbelievably pricey.

Nickel and gold plated serving tray- $430

Nickel and gold plated pie cutter- $132

Gold trimmed round bamboo platter- $210

Gold Trimmed Two-tier bamboo server - $460

Found at Geary's Beverly Hills, these serving accents are divine. If I had my way, I would buy these for brunch with the ladies, on a table scape of antique china from my grandmother, delectable pastries, quiches, mini-sandwiches, champagne cocktails, peonies and roses, and of course, A LOT of LAUGHTER!!!!

Bamboo accents are timeless. Add this to your interiors, and your home will exude elegance.

Cheers!

The Designista

Cheers to a Fabulous Weekend Everyone!

Cheers to you! Just got home from work and ready for a little R&R. Considering the fact that I sign each posting with a "Cheers," you would think I would have more of these up. That being said, I finally decided to start it tonight, and what is the only alcohol in the house- Sierra Nevada? ..... Probably will never see me with this beer again. Be different if it was a Hoegaarden, Grolsch, or Stella. But as you all know, a glass of champagne or ice cold Kettle One martini dry strait up with one olive is my drink of choice!

I have a lot of fun posts planned for next week.

• Trip to Priceton, NJ
• Flower arangements
• Chair Design
• Garden design- My mother's fabulous garden! She has a green thumb I in no way inherited
• Event planning
• My own Mosaic art
• The Designista is finally going to join the FACEBOOK and TWITTER nation!!!!

.....and Much More!

Love you guys and hope you have a fabulous long Labor Day weekend that, for us New Yorkers, marks the end of our summer. But from what everyone tells me, the fall is absolutely gorgeous..... Excited to experience my first real season!

Cheers!

The Designista

Animalistic Behavior

I was recently introduced to someone who is moving into a lovely home in the Northern California Bay Area. He is very excited about his move and has a discerning sense of style and quite aware of the interior world. He and I spoke for a long time about his plans for his home, his design direction, as well as asking advice on certain furniture pieces he was leaning towards. And you know me, anything having to do with design, I am all over it. It was really fun getting to talk about his plans and even found myself thinking of things he could do on my off time, as well as running through sources in my head that he could investigate. I'm so crazy! I'm not even his interior designer! :) It's just so fun to see someone happy in their space!

One thing he mentioned was the use animal print- actual hide fur- that he wanted to put on stools. I love the idea! He was a little apprehensive, but I assured him it is a wonderful idea. Our conversation inspired me to write about this topic. As I browsed through my files, I noticed that many of the interiors featured the use of animal print- stylized or actual hides! It should be used sparingly to add punch, but if executed properly, it really adds impact.

Zebra Hide laid on the ottoman with ties- Like it was an afterthought, not planned. This is one of my favorite entries- I just love the creative draping that makes me feel like I am in a make shift tent of a traveling diplomat in the desert.......

Florida Condominium- This chair covered in black and white zebra hide against the graphic painting almost takes on a sculptural quality itself.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS ROOM!!!!!! There is so much going on, yet it still seems understated, but with a dominant undertone. This is a very sophisticated design, with the veneered wooden horizontal and white lacquered paint stripes, but adding the faux fur animal element, gives it an element of casualness and flair.

When it comes to hide, zebra is my favorite. I think it works beautifully on stools, ottomans, and benches.

This is a patchwork pillow of zebra hide... fancy and fun!

I am not sure what type of animal this faux fur is trying to mimic, but I think it adds a lot of glamour to this space.... especially with the high gloss flooring.

Zebra Head pillow (not my favorite type of application because I am not a fan of heads and eyes) but still shows the use well

An exaggerated zebra print on hide pillow- a great addition to an otherwise stark patio

Not hide, but a leopard ice box on the cocktail tray.... That may be the only punch of animal you need!

If you look closely, you can see the pillows on the sofa are a stylized giraffe print with an inset tape trim on a mitered pillow. You don't have to go with hide, to get the same effect.

Zebra Printed Area Rug- this is a more practical application of the print on the floor. When you place an authentic hide on the floor, it starts to wear and look dull and bare. As a woven design, it is much more user friendly- especially with kids and pets.

Silk Velvet Leopard print on the vintage lucite chair. Gives the room character, right?

Here is the hide I was just talking about. I love the look, but you do have to make sure it is in a low-traffic area. FYI- this is printed zebra. If I am not mistaken, I don't believe you can have real zebra imported anymore (not that I would want to.) I am just saying!

Stylized Crocodile inspired fur throw- Sexy!

Personally, this pillow should be bigger, but I don't mind the combination. I actually like it, and I'm not even a leopard fan.

Ahhhhh..... Miles Redd- The King of "You have to have a punch of Animal in every interior." It subtle, but makes a statement. LOVE IT!

So the moral is, don't be afraid to mix patterns, colors, and textures with animal. As you just saw, numerous different type of styles utilized the same element of design, and though it created a different statement for each room, it certainly made an impact, that otherwise would have left the room lacking in thrill.

The Key..... Be Tasteful, and you got it goin' on!

Cheers!

The Designista

Preview: City Guide to Princeton, NJ- Next Week...

Across the street from Princeton University

Hey Everyone! I know I have been completely lagging on my postings, due to starting my new job (thank goodness)................. But I wanted to give you a heads up to a posting I will do on Tuesday next week.

Last weekend, I visited a friend of mine in Princeton, NJ and it was so wonderful- shopping, eating, sightseeing (driving in the car,) and lounging on the beach. This town is so cute and quaint with a lot of great boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants.

So...... I got the idea to do a "Design Guide to Princeton." I am going there again this weekend for Labor Day, and will do a little journalistic investigation and have a fabulous post next week! Really want to start September with a bang! Let's hope the weather is gorgeous and doesn't transition into Fall, as it is starting to get a bit chilly. (Listen to me, I complain when it's raining, hate when it's too hot, nervous summer is over and I'll have to start getting ready for snow... Gosh, NY just can't win with this Cali girl!)

Make it a great day everyone!

Cheers!

The Designista

From Fashion to Interiors- I HEART all of it

There is a trend I am seeing in furnishings, and most notably with fashion designers..... a trend that was once only seen in little girls' bedrooms, on their school book binders, or Valentine's Day cards, and that would be HEARTS. It is my daily passing of Moschino, Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, and Stella McCartney, that initially led to this discovery. You will usually find me staring into the windows of these couture fashion houses lusting after what the mannequins are wearing, imagining when I would be able to afford these masterpieces, and better yet, imagining where I would be wearing them. But this day was a little different.

Moschino changed their visual window display to include a chair upholstered in red satin and velvet quilted hearts. It is so cute, and I immediately fell in love with it. Very playful and modern, yet still remaining sexy, with a little bit of sass!

Then, while scouring the Internet, I came across Vivienne Westwood for The Rug Company's Love-Hearts rug. Wow... Another heart inspired object of my affection.

Am I onto a trend here? I think maybe. What's interesting here is that these are fashion designers bringing this motif into their showroom or in VW's case, her interior line. Often you will find fashion imitating interior design or visaversa- an endless circle of inspiration. I believe this is a perfect example of that. Perhaps it was the collections of Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, and Moschino that have inspired this emerging design trend for Fall 2009 (not new, I know, but definitely new to the world of high-end living.)

Vivienne Westwood



Moschino



Marc Jacobs

Intrigued, I set out on a hunt to find the use of hearts in other stores, interiors, photo spreads, etc. Let me tell you, there is not much out there..... yet. I tried some of the hip stores I know of in NYC, websites, Jonathan Adler (the king of graphic accessories,) Target, Anthropology. I did find heart shaped mirrors on the site, A+R, the store in LA I blogged about the other day, that I really liked for only $96.

I picture this set of mirrors above the vanity in a dark powder room with traditional furnishings, giving it a pop of unexpected graphic flair.

The only other heart accessory I could find, was at IKEA- the Vanna for $7.99. I think these would make such a bold statement if placed on a wall in a repetitive collection. They could be lined up in rows on the wall at the end of a hall or powder room, or a single line down the wall of niche.

There is a trickle down effect in fashion, art, and design. The top designers decide what they love and how they will implement it into society, and eventually the masses catch on, and what was once a novelty is now a bore. The fact that I searched high and low to find hearts, and this was all I could find, can only mean two things.

• It will not catch on and none of the big shot designers want anything to do with it.
  
• My theory- we have caught the beginning of the trend, and will start to see this motif more and more, and I say by next spring, we will most likely start to see it everywhere.

Can't wait to see if I am right! :)

When it comes to the graphic design of the HEART, do not be afraid to use it, simply because it could be associated with being girlie. Creating irony is exciting when it comes to design. And who said there is anything wrong with being girlie!

Cheers!

The Designista

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Southgate Restaurant at Essex House in NYC
Faceted mirrored wall panels

When I first got out of design school, of course, I was unaware of all the uses of materials, and how they affect space and light-----but I thought I did. My first design job, with the ever so lovely Michelle Janczewski, opened my eyes to the world of mirror, among many other materials, that I never knew existed. And I am not talking about framed mirrors. I am talking about walls, ceilings, enclaves, panels, etc. It wasn't the 70's inspired gold flecked mirror walls of Scarface that I associated with mirror, but a glamorous, reflective, and bringer of light into interior spaces. I have since been collecting the work of many of my favorite designers now for years and thought it time to share this longlasting trick of the trade with all of you.

Unfortunately, at the time of finding these, I didn't bother writing down who is the designer, or where the picture is from, so I have to rely on my memory, which I hope serves me well. These are a few of my favorite mirrored applications.

Kelly Wearstler Interior Design (my favorite designer)- paneled mirror ceiling inset into molding with hanging pendant centered within the panels. Gorgeous entry treatment.

Antique mirrored tiled walls applied in a subway design, with painted design. We actually used this as an inspiration photo for an apartment we were designing in Paris.

I wanted to show the use of a simple fully mirrored wall. The mirrored furniture in my opinion is a bit overkill, but the walls open up the hallway into what looks like a large room.

Miles Redd in his Manhattan antique mirrored bathroom. This is the most fabulous bathroom I have ever seen- a 1930's David Adler design

Mirrored molding and walls in this bathroom. The rest of the bathroom, isn't too bad either!

Mirroring the wall behind the bar in this pool house makes the room seem to go on forever.

Diamond Barratta Design (Another one of my favorite designers) designed this Florida home. Putting mirror behind lattice, makes the mirror disappear. Makes it look as though, it is part of the architecture.

Whether or not you like this design, is possibly up for discussion, but I do. I love the ancient Asian mural painted on the mirrored walls. Many put painted chinoiserie wall covering panels up in dining rooms, this a different take on that look.

Elsie de Wolfe design- a famous interior designer who gained fame in the early part of the 1900's, who is still revered as one of the great interior designers. Here, she boxed out the mantle of the fireplace with mirror and added the detail of real bamboo for molding. Look how the entire room has bamboo molding- LOVE IT!

Antique mirrored panels in a Manhattan apartment. Antique mirror gives a romantic look to mirror- though it is more expensive.

Ahhh- one of my favorite uses of mirror- Dressing rooms and bathrooms....Make sure when adding antique mirror to interiors, use clear mirror where someone really needs to look at themselves, but the rest of the space can be in antique mirror. It doesn't take away from the look at all.

Designer Valentino created this tented space for a huge party in Europe. This is a tent! Can you believe it. This is the most gorgeous event I have ever seen. Look how the walls are mirrored with an Asian fretwork placed upon the mirror. True to form- Perfection!

Kelly Wearstler interior- inset mirrored cabinetry.... one of her trade marks.

Mirrored Dressing room- For the vanity in all of us, what else could you ask for in a dressing room?
Actress Chloe Sevigny's Manhattan Apartment- She placed a large painting on top of mirrored wall. The first time I saw this, it seemed like a trick. This was a really good idea to create the illusion of space.

Don't ever be afraid to use mirror. It is timeless and gorgeous!

Cheers!

The Designista