Pre-Fab Addittions.

ReadyMade Magazine is available for viewing completely online. I found this fantastic article about pre-fab creative spaces. I am drooling over these. Check out the article for more info. and links.

Is It Time to Move On?

Over the weekend, I was talking to a relative about laser eye surgery. On occasion, I have given this idea some thought; but this week I can't stop thinking about it. Anyone who wears glasses or contacts, knows how annoying and expensive they can be. The other thing that disturbs me is that I have very bad astigmatism, and it is only getting worse.
On the other hand, I have been wearing glasses since the age of nine. I feel as though they are part of my identity. I mean, I do wear contacts occassionaly, but not regularly. I think I like glasses, because everyone tells me I should get rid of them. (This is part of my personality...I like to go against popular thought). I think that we spectacled folks are somewhat misunderstood. Personally, I have worn just about every crazy shape and color I could find. If I could have my wish, I would look like this amazing photo, found here. Of course, I do not now; nor have I ever looked anything like this. People in ads for glasses always look better than people who really wear them :)
I guess I will do a little more research. It would be amazing to open my eyes in the morning, and just be able to "see"! Hmmm, decisions.

Artist: Michele Katen.

I wanted to share these fantastic paintings by Michele Katen. Here are a few of my favorites, especially the top painting titled "Modern Home"...how could I resist?

Ooh, This puts me in the mood to go to the beach! Thanks Michele.

Progress Report: My Vintage Furniture Booth.

In case anyone is wondering, I have been working on my furniture booth. I still have a lot to do, but I have moved in and I am open for business. Actually, I have already sold several things, and have been getting some great feedback. I'll tell you, it is not easy to move in all my things and have people watching me as I set up. I feel like every item says something about me, so I feel like everyone is judging me on a personal level. (I'm trying to get over that). I still want to change the background fabric, but I had to move in a little sooner than I was ready.

Here are my favorite helpers, working very hard. I have a lot more midcentury pieces than I could fit, I'm concerned that the booth has a sort of rustic look...that's not what I'm aiming for. But of course, I love anything that is rusty or with peeling paint. Not all of my pieces are vintage, I do have a few new pieces too.

For any of you who are in The Heights in Houston, come visit my booth at Heights Antiques on Yale. I don't work in the store, but I do check in periodically. I will post more pictures as I make more progress, but you can see a few more on my Flickr site.

Martin Showroom Lighting.

Today, I'm feeling inspire bythis amazing lighting from Martin Showroom. Found via Apartment Therapy.

Feeling Crafty?

Calling all DIYer's! If you like these very cute pieces, here is your chance to get crafty and make them yourself. Download instructions from Woonideeen's site for the headboard and light fixture. Personally, I realized I am only fooling myself if I say I will make any kind of craft. I just can't seem to make the time :( If anyone does decide to try it, let me know.

Soundtrack for a Long Weekend.

I think I may be overdoing it with the videos this week, but I had to post one more. I just found this new album from a band called Pacifika. They have a very eclectic sound. It is flamenco, jazz, electronica all blended together. For all of you with time off for Memorial Day, this is a great soundtrack to listen too (especially if you're lounging by the pool!).

Happy Friday!

I'm Obsessing.

This week's "Dream Home" featured a large basket in a corner, that I loved. I am crazy about these baskets! Most I have seen are usually French antiques. I would love to find one for myself, they're so fabulous. The picture below, shows two baskets used by Nate Berkus. I have seen him use this detail on other occasions, and it looks great. I especially like how he places them underneath this beautiful rustic table.

Here are a few examples from 1st dibs, that I really like.
1. (Set of 3): 19th Century French Wool Baskets from Holmes Samsel Antiques.
2. Large 19th century American Wool gathering basket from Scott Estepp Gallery.
3. The last basket is a little different. It is a new piece made of wire. Its not the same look exactly, but I think it has the same feel. It is from Jefferson West Antiques.

Modern Lamps: CharlieDoes.

I'm drooling over these lamps from Charliedoes. The photographs are by Josh Knoll.

Who's It Going To Be?

WooHooo!!!!!!

So, its no secret how fanatical I am about American Idol. Judge me if you must, but I am crazy about this show. I am really crossing my fingers for David Cook, in the David vs. David finale. I don't know that he will win, though. He's always been the underdog and I'm afraid he didn't pull out the big songs he needed. I was really hoping he would sing "Always be my baby"...my personal favorite of the season. Of course, he is the most talented guy on the show...despite all the ridiculous comments from the judges. Don't get me started on how I feel about Archuleta.
No matter what happens, Cook is so talented; I think he will have a more interesting and long lasting career. (And that's how I really feel!)

Stylish Indoor/Outdoor Furniture.

I received an email informing me about this very cool furniture from Orange 22. These pieces are made of aluminum, and can be used indoors or out. Its not always easy to find contemporary outdoor furniture, so I love these pieces that can be used as tables or seating. Here is a link to Orange 22's website. Also, they were kind enough to send a sneak peek to some new pieces created by some very well known designers.

My Dream Home This Week: A Domino Favorite.

I'm loving Domino's look at their 3rd anniversary. It brings to memory a few favorite homes, especially the home of actress Amanda Peet. Remember this place? Its so refreshingly colorful and bohemian...love it :) It doesn't fit what I would think of as a "movie star's" home. I think that's what makes it so fun. I love all the colorful accessories placed in a bright white home. The picture below is probably my favorite. Of course, I love the striped rug. I am also crazy about the saltillo tile. I'm not sure if its a cultural thing or a regional thing, but I never tire of saltillo.

I need a metal shelf like this one. It looks so great with the collection of books and fabrics. The stylishly disheveled look of this house is so charming.

Random Ideas.

I'm not sure if most of you know this, but I have a second blog. I call it Random Thoughts. Like the title says, I post random things that catch my eye. I decided to use it to it to indulge my love of art and striking images. This is probably a dumb idea, but hey; I think its fun. So check it out here...if you want. Please feel free to let me know what you think about it.

Smile.

I'm not a girlie girl, but I do LOVE flowers. These beauties from Housemartin, really brought a smile to my face. I thought I would share them with all of you.

Stern and Bucek Architects.

Don't you hate when you bookmark something, and then it gets lost in the bookmark netherworld. I planned on feauring this house a long time ago, but lost track of it. I saw it on an AIA home tour a year or so ago. It was designed by Stern and Bucek Architects. It was built in a very modest neighborhood. Unlike a lot of new houses in Houston, this house doesn't attempt to overwhelm the surrounding houses. It is also built with many environmentally friendly features.

Madeline Weinrib Rugs.

The red "Emma" rug was listed on Design Sponge's rug roundup. It is made by Madeline Weinrib, along with the other rugs pictured. I think if I could make the perfect rugs for myself, they would look just like these.

Assemblage.

I've been obsessing over the work of Lizzy Waronker. Found via My Little Apartment.