Designer Spotlight - John Saladino

I ran accross some photos from a Soho apartment in NYC, designed by John Saladino and I just had to share with you. Tremendous amounts of eye candy and inspiration!

The inspiration for this apartment was the movie Girl with a Pearl Earring, depicting the life of Vermeer, the great Dutch painter. I love the color palette that Saladino chose to use, especially the light brown backgrounds found on the floors and walls.

Paladino uses drapes to separate two different areas; the living room and the kitchen. This is a very easy way to create two rooms in one, while leaving the feeling of openness.

As you see, the color palette is uniform throughout the house. I love the look of silver against light brown.

The breakfast nook was created in the same space as the living room. Saladino uses smaller furniture to separate it from the rest of the room.

I haven't seen the idea of a sofa at the dining room before, but I think it looks lovely. I like that it gives a casual feeling to the room, almost like another living room.

This is my favorite space. I'll definitely use this as inspiration! The stairwell is simply amazing. Again, the use of earthlike tones gives a sense of unity to the apartment.

This is the second floor landing, which I find totally beautiful. The star sitting on the bench is completely inspiring. Saladino uses the mirror to double the space. Again, another excellent idea to apply in any space.

I like the rock containers, they're so original!

In the bathroom, some paintings by Verneer.

Can you tell where the mirror is in this room? A clever way to use it was placing it opposite to the shutters, creating the feeling of a larger corridor. I love this clean and classic look.

What inspirational ideas can you come up with?

{all images via Veranda}

It' Complicated - Set Design

My husband and I have just found our dream home. It's a Spanish-Style Ranch in Santa Barbara. I'm getting the feeling you might be familiar with it?

Of course, it's owned by Meryl Streep's character in Nancy Meyers' latest film It's Complicated.

I warned you not to get me started on the subject.

Someday this week, my husband and I went to the theaters to see It's Complicated. Both of us are HUGE Nancy Meyers fans. We've seen all of her movies. And we love'em all. Actually, The Holiday (with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black) is one of our all-time favorites. So, as soon as the movie hit the theaters in our hometown, we had to go.

It's Complicated tells the story of a successful divorced woman (played by Meryl Streep) who's having a kitchen renovation (as well as having an affair with her ex-husband and her architect). Her house, especially her kitchen, plays a huge role in the movie. This is were Jane (Streep) entertains friends and family.

 Why she wants a renovation is still a mistery to us all. This is a dream for all cooking-lovers out there (one of such, my husband!).

Everything you need to make a wonderful meal is there, right were you need it.

This casual yet sophisticated style is also shown in Jane's bedroom.

Production designer Jon Hutman worked with set designer Beth Rubino to create enviroments that help tell the characters' story and match with their personalities.

There's a casual elegance in every room.

I love the tub's luxury mixed with the casual air in the vanity set. Did you notice the mismatching drawers?

Meyers is a design lover herself, something that probably runs in her genes, since her mother was a designer herself. The palette was chosen with Meryl's skin complexion in mind, the light colors accenting her beauty.

Jane's bakery is another food-lovers' paradise. Just ask my husband!

 

The details in the movie go as far as the bread display in the bakery. The design team worked closely with food stylist (from Julie and Julia) Susan Spungen.

You all know how much I love gardens, and this house gave me such delights. Take a look at the gardens and outdoor areas.

I love the topiaries and the pots just sitting there. By the way, wouldn't it be so relaxing to sit by that bench?

See why this is my dream home? This potting shed is amazing! I would love to work my garden here.

More pots and pretty garden stuff.

As every good cook, Jane has this gorgeous edible garden. Fresh and ready.

This is not everything. The house has a swimming pool too. And there are great sets from other places, like the place where the party is held (with beautiful hanging lanterns all over the place. So gorgeous).

Everytime a new scene appeared, my husband and I would just look at each other and sigh!

I guess most of you have seen the movie by now, so please, share your thoughts and ideas! Were you also swept away by this house? Do share!

(images from Remodelista and Traditional Home)

Getting the Dirty Job Done -Part II

So, it's no longer a dirty job, but it's still the second part of the project. And it's still a little messy.

As I was telling you in yesterday's post, immediately after the sun came out, I got my hands ready to continue working on my latest project. I know you people have it figured out, of course. After all those inspirational pics from here and here, it's obvious I've been working on our balcony make over.

You probably know my plans for the Eugenia trees too.

That's right. I made a topiary. Actually, I made TWO topiaries. Wo-hoo! So if you're wondering how to make a topiary, you're in the right place.

How to Make a Topiary

tutorial

1. Start with a straight-center plant or tree.

I used Eugenias, but Boxwoods and Bay trees are also useful. You can even use a citrus tree.

2. Remove lower branches with garden scissors.

Work your way from bottom up.

3. Groom the topiary,

cutting off leaves or branches standing out.

4. In case your trunk is thin, place a thin stick into the soil next to the trunk and tie them together.

(In my case, this wasn't necessary)

5. Enjoy!

Before:

After:

Sigh. Isn't it lovely?

Some final notes:

At first, I wasn't sure I had bought the right kind of tree for the project. Topiaries in my inspirational images seemed young, with thin trunks. I was looking for that at the nursery garden, but topiaries aren't very popular around here. I guess I could have bought a new bush or tree, and trained it to grow as I wanted it. But I couldn't wait for it to grow up to the point I needed it. I wanted a topiary NOW.

The girl at the nursery adviced me to take this tree, and in the end, I'm happy with the results, though I would have rather gone for a slimmer trunk.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.
Stay tuned for the complete balcony makeover coming soon!

Sharing with

Strut your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage
Get your Craft on Thurs at Life as Lori
Show off your Stuff at Fireflies and Jellybeans
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
Remodelaholics Anonymous at Remodelaholic
Victory of the Week at Design-aholic
Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Make it for Monday at Cottage Instincts
Making the World Cuter
Make your Monday at The Twice Remembered Cottage
Craft Schooling Sunday at Creative Jewish Mom
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Toot your horn Tuesday at Silly Little Sparrow
Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design
Penny Pinching Party at The Thrifty Home

Getting the Dirty Job Done -Part I

The rain finally stopped today, and the sun actually came out for a couple of hours during the afternoon. I had to take full advantage. As soon as I could, I got my hands ready to work on my recently unfinished project. The dirtiest project ever.

I do not lie. As shameful as this may be, I give you the evidence:

Oh, yes! Things got pretty ugly around here. But let me start from the beginning.

Two days ago, I went to the nursery garden and bought myself the following:

Two wheeled bases.

Two very large terracota flower pots. (Yes, those are my shoes).

And...

Two Eugenia trees.

Wanna take a closer look?

Lovely, huh?

I was anxious to get home with my Eugenias.

I got home and showed everything to hubby. He didn't believe their size, and honestly, I didn't either. I don't want to get you tired with it again, but turns out the plants were indeed large for our house size. And they were heavy. Both the Eugenias and the terracota pots.

Hubs is very supportive. He gave me thumbs up and helped me get them off the car.

We didn't know where to begin with. I wanted to pass the trees to their pots back in the garden, so I didn't make any mess inside the house. HOWEVER if each plant was sooooo heavy by its own, how would we (or more precisely he) take them upstairs to the Master Bedroom's balcony, where they were intended, once inside their equally heavy pots?

Seemed like there wasn't much of a choice.

Hubs took everything upstairs, and the dirty job began.

True. There was a knife involved.

Eventhough the lady at the nursery told me the pots were perfect for the plants, the Eugenias didn't fit. There was no way of putting them inside. My husband, being the practical man that he is, brought the scariest and sharpest knife from the kitchen (sort of like a butcher's) and I proceeded to cut away what didn't fit. Both trees are heavily rooted, so I had to cut some roots too. Ouch! But in the end we did it. At least we were half-way thru.

By the way, the pouring rain I was telling you about begun that very same night (two nights ago). I guess you can imagine what the mess turned out. But it was so much fun. Thank God I thought of the wheeled bases.

Sharing with

Fireflies and jellybeans Show off your stuff party

More on Plants: Herb Gardens

There's another idea wandering my mind every so often: growing my own herb garden. Sigh. The whole idea is so romantic. Growing my own little garden somewhere in my own little house, flavors and smells fresh and ready for any craving we get. Mmmmh hhhmmm. Watching my husband make us a tasty pizza, working it all together. Using my herbs, from my (ok, our) garden.

{photo from No Reservations movie, 2007}

My ideas on our herbal garden are clearer everyday. Ok, allow me to be honest. They're totally clear to me now (I think you all will like it!).  I'm planning on working on that when the rain allows me (surprisingly for all of us, it has poured for the last couple of days non-stop --NOT common here).

In the meantime, I enjoy inspirational pics. These are the ones I liked the most.

Will you look at those planters?! Am I the only one who hadn't seen these?

{both images via the balcony gardener}

So unbelievable! These planters even made me consider changing my herb garden idea. Wouldn't they look amazing over the kitchen counter, next to a window? That would be really fresh and ready for cooking. I've got a crush on them. Designed by UK designer Patrick Morris, they're a little out of our reach. 35 dollars for a planter. Well worth it. But still out of our reach (I would also have to pay for international shipping, so thanks, but no thanks).

{in the garden today}

A timeless classic. Pots by the window.

{martha stewart}

Who better for this beautiful twist on the window version? I love you, Martha Stewart. You and your genious, creative ideas.

{living etc}

I love this stair. But I would need space, and you know I'm short on that.

{the balcony gardener}
Another traditional, and pretty idea. Little balcony container. Perfect for lack of space. By the way, LOVE The Balcony Gardener. Beautiful and simple ideas. If you live in UK it's a must.

{centsationalgirl}

Once again, Kate pulls it all together. Gorgeous pots.

So tell me pretty please, which are your favorite ideas for herb gardens? Are they really so easy to grow as they say?

On other things, did any of you see It's Complicated? That Nancy Meyers sure knows how to tell a story. But don't get me started right now. It's late and I'm waking up early. Besides, that movie deserves a post all by its own.

Good night y'all.

Nico Heilmann Design

Today I'm dreaming of these gorgeous pendant lamps by tecnolumen.

Good night everyone.

Casa Mishka

One of the things I enjoy most is house peeking. I can't help it. I'm constantly trying to catch a glimpse of other houses while I'm driving by in the city. Some other times, when I'm invited to people's homes, I really can't stop staring. I LOVE good design, and a beautiful house is one of the greatest joys I find in life. Really. I've found that lovely environments are so appealing to all (design-lovers or not)... I guess we all like being surrounded by beauty.

That's why I want to share with you a house I absolutely love: Casa Mishka.

It belongs to my best friend, her husband, and their little dog, Mishka.

Its bold, sharp, and modern design have amazed me from the moment they begun making it. I've been a witness of how an empty space can become a warm and personal retreat.

Andrea is an expert in thrift store and flea market shopping (something I'm totally trying to learn from her). Like this gorgeous chair sitting in her living room. Look how chic it makes the room look, while remaining modern.

Or the coffee table, which they also bought in the antique market. They cut its legs so that it would be exactly like they wanted it to be.

They're also great at arranging random elements. Look at how great the coffee table looks from up. I love the mirror frame, and how it's used as a tray to display more cute things. How clever!

Every corner in their house is beautiful. Look at this odd but great side table in the livingroom. The lamp is so lovely too.

The following picture shows the living room, the patio, and part of the dining room.

The living room and the dining room make an L shape, and the patio is right in the middle. The gorgeous piano is part of the dining room.

And again, it's full of beautiful "things" just laying around randomly.

Like this little bird candle and lamp.

Or the cute playmobil pirate.

Did you also spot the clock? I loved it from the moment it got home.

This is how it looks from the living room. The aqua color on the wall is so soothing. And the chairs. I didn't think they would go well together when she bought them, and now I LOVE how it all turned out.

Take a look at the simple but delightful patio.

What can I tell you? LOVE it.

(Sorry for my limited use of words, but I do! =)

I keep telling my friend she should start a home design blog, but she's really not into that (for the moment). Still, I had to show you the pics, so I asked her, and she's so nice she said yes!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

What do you think of Casa Mishka? Which is your favorite room?