Dare to Dream: Jacques Adnet

About my apartment are scattered humble odes to Jacques Adnet: dark leather, gold trimmings, leggy tables, faux bamboo. His designs, however, are beyond my imitation. Gracefully functional and classically handsome, these are pieces I dare to dream about...

All Images Courtesy of 1st Dibs: 1 - Bottle Carrier, 2 - Side Table, 3 - Coat Stand, 4 - Daybed, 5 - Leather Tray Table, 6 - Magazine Rack, 7 - Magazine Table, 8 - Cabinet

Hello, Stud.

Growing up is hard to do. I gave up my teenage crush on Brandon Boyd, stopped wearing camo shorts in public, and (sigh) even took out my eyebrow ring. Luckily, pyramid studs have grown up too, in softly patinated metals that give domestic life a little edge.

Bleecker Apron by Birdkage (Image by One Kings Lane), Decor Moderne Champagne Studded Mirror (Image by One Kings Lane), Studded Wrap Watch by La Mer, Pyramid Stack Rings by nOir Jewelry, Pyramid Bangle by nOir Jewelry, Dirilyte Empress Flatware (my own), Charles Fradin Daisy Fellowes Mirrored Table (Image by One Kings Lane)

Dare to Dream: Arrows

Why hello there, neo-classical loves of my life...

Drexel Directoire Console Table on eBay

Arrow Nesting Tables from English Country Antiques on 1st Dibs

The WarLock house is in the midst of some crazed Craigslisting- letting go of furniture that doesn't hit the mark in favor of sharp new pieces. I've got an eye for these arrow-themed tables, airy enough for our small space, but pointedly elegant. Right on target, style-wise, but sadly, not within my price range!

A Dare to Dream Come True

Last Spring I fell madly in love. With a kitchen island. I blogged about it, daydreamed about it, and knew I couldn't afford it.

On more than one occasion I found myself in Crate & Barrel, doing an elaborate and probably creepy-as-hell pantomime of rolling out dough on its cool marble surface. In the summer I spotted one (moderately dinged up, but persuasively discounted) at the outlet store in Berkeley. I spent an afternoon wracking my brain for legal and illegal ways to bring it home, but it couldn't be done.

Then, on Christmas morning, after opening enough gifts to consider myself terribly spoiled, my parents handed Adam and I a last package. My Mom called it a combined Christmas-Engagement-Adam's-Birthday present. Adam unfolded a picture of the kitchen island, on which my Mom had written (somewhat hilariously, given my above-stated obsession), "if you still want it." Adam was astounded, and I am fairly certain that I teared up and exclaimed something silly like, "this is the best Christmas ever!"

Isn't it just a thing of beauty? It solves several major issues that we've had with our kitchen. First, it's a much more comfortable and functional work space than the existing tiled countertops. I baked a pie this weekend and was able, for the first time, to have every ingredient out at once!

Our corner kitchen was never ideal for our frequent dinner and cocktail parties. It was strange to cook with our backs to the table, and even more awkward when our guests stood at the edges of the room, leaving a huge void in the middle. Floating the island in the center of the room provides a space for people to mingle over drinks and appetizers. It allows our guests to be more involved in dinner preparations, but also keeps them from getting in the way! It's a visual improvement as well. The icky non-matching rental appliances used to be the first thing we'd see from when entering the apartment. Now the island is a beautiful distraction (but the open base prevents the room from feeling cramped).

And then, of course, there's that glossy marble top.

So, thank you again to my generous parents who have recognized our passion for cooking, and have given us a platform on which to do it well! In celebration, I'm baking up a batch of savory shortbread, and I'll share the recipe this week!

Elizabeth's Sunnier Outlook Pie

Adam's Mom recently gifted us with several stalks of home-grown rhubarb. I was skeptical. My earlier impressions of rhubarb were, well... sour. And just look at the stuff! You know that rude phrase "beaten with the ugly stick?" Rhubarb could very well BE that stick. It's rough, tough, offensively red, and basically looks like celery gone to the dark side. Pretty much the last thing I'd grab to throw in a pie.

But, I did, and here's how I did it.

The filling is about as simple as can be: strawberries and rhubarb (at a 1:1 ratio and roughly chopped so they won't just liquify), 1/2 a cup of sugar, a few tablespoons of flour, a pinch of salt, and the juice of a particularly rotund lemon.

The topping is like a spicy oatmeal cookie: a stick of melted butter, a cup of flour, 1/2 cup of Stone Buhr 4 Grain Cereal Mates (as an aside: I did NOT buy this cereal. I don't even know how it got in my cupboard. I only eat cereal that gives me sugar-related heart palpitations.), 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, a drizzle of molasses, a generous pinch each of nutmeg and ground ginger, an obscene amount of cinnamon, a sprinkling of diced crystalized ginger, and the zest of the above-mentioned lemon.

Baked for 45 minutes at 375º, until the pie dish could barely contain all the goodness within.

Garnished with lemon slices and festive lemon zest confetti.

Served on vibrant red glass plates.

My not-so-humble opinion? It's brilliant. I've never eaten a pie so delicious. It has none of the nasty bite that I'd associated with rhubarb. It's tart, to be sure, but the addition of the lemon creates a multi-tonal sour flavor that seems to sparkle across the palate. It tastes uncannily like strawberry lemonade! As for the crumble topping... it's light but satisfyingly crunchy (thanks to that weird healthy cereal), and the array of spices play well with the sweet-tart fruits.

A wholesome, happy pie.

Adam gives the pie 8 stars, and I (very modestly) say 9- because this pie will change your mind about rhubarb.

Setting the Table

Last weekend Adam and I got over a major hurdle in our new apartment: we actually invited people inside. This wasn't just the first time we'd entertained, it was also the first time in weeks we'd eaten something other than macaroni and cheese. Definitely an occasion for a pretty table!

A guest brought us calla lilies cut from his own yard.
They were a perfect complement for the table (and a perfect compliment to the host!).

Adam decided to serve his chilled flank steak on a bed of wild rice, garnished with bleu cheese crumbles, mint leaf chiffonade, and a drizzle of pomegranate balsamic reduction. I assembled my tablescape with the textures and colors of the food in mind.

Fresh and airy linens for a simple Spring meal.

Red glass bowls with the same color and gleam as Adam's pomegranate & vinegar syrup. 

Scalloped feather placemats to match the confetti neutrals of the wild rice.

Crisp white plates, sparkling glassware, and some tarnished silver for a rustic touch.

An elegant table- just the thing to keep the focus on the food (and off of the last pile of moving boxes in the corner!).

Under the Tree: A Tidbit

This Christmas my not-so-little brother was able to wrap my tablescaping hobby, obsession with creative repurposing, and fondness for spoons into one amazing gift...

It's a "tidbit stand" (no kidding, that's what it said on the tag!)

Drew found it at Pottery Barn. 
I had never even seen it before- otherwise I might have bought it for myself! 

Wait a second... I got out-shopped by my kid brother?

Anyway, I know I'll get lots of compliments on this piece when I use it for tidbits (what else?) at the first cocktail party I throw in Berkeley. Thanks, Drew- you're invited!

Decorating for Two: Battle of the Sexes

You live with someone for four years, you think you know them, and then one day the truth comes out: they have a design aesthetic, and it's not quite the same as yours.  

The fact that Adam has his own taste is a shocking revelation for me. Call me oblivious, but all these years he's never voiced an opinion! It's amazing how the give and take of a relationship works- he gave me total sovereignty over our shared abode, I pretended to enjoy watching televised poker tournaments (sorry to finally break it to you, Adam). Those days are over though. From now on we're going to be watching a lot more Project Runway and Adam's been promoted to design consultant.

Last night we held design summit with the help of Skype screen sharing, and Adam worked on his visual vocabulary. And boy, did he ever. He had a lot to say- both about what he likes, and what I like (that he doesn't). I may have created a monster, but I asked for it (and I probably had this coming after I threw away his Bob Marley and Scarface posters).

He responded to this bedroom immediately- the stormy walls, the majestic dark wood bed, the fireplace. He even knew what style of chandelier that was (making me look like a total fool). I was intimidated by this pick, as it seems more formal than our budget and pocket apartment can provide. What I have to learn from this is that I do need to decorate to accommodate my 6'7" fellow, and that I should think twice before painting over wood furniture.

Image Source Unknown

We were in complete agreement about these two rooms.  He liked the wood floors and architectural details, I am very into that table and chandelier. Very.

Images Courtesy of Unknown, Anna Wolf via Dwellings & Decor

These are a couple of my favorites that he stuck up his nose at (I saw you Adam, video chat!).  He hates having furniture floating in the room like this round table, instead preferring to have everything anchored to a wall.  As for the second image (the one that's been on my Berkeley apartment mood board)... the color scheme was vetoed firmly.  Good thing I hadn't bought any lavender paint yet, argh!

Images Credits Unknown

Adam had very strong notions about organizing- stacked and visible. In Adam's world if you put something in a cabinet and close the door... it no longer exists (which makes hiding Christmas presents a snap in our household). He repeatedly pointed out neat images of kitchens and craft rooms with open shelving, many of which had a sophisticated mercantile feel.

I'm all over this, as long as we pick out beautiful furniture and showcase our things in a pleasing way!

Images Credits Unknown

Conceptually, we both love this first image. In real life, we have neither the private property or the self-confidence for a bathroom like that! Thinking more practically, Adam chose images of bathrooms with deep double sinks, large and tall mirrors, exposed pipes, basket storage, and patterned hex tile flooring. That's my kinda man!

Image Credits Unknown

Adam shares my love of curiosities, but we didn't see eye to eye when it came to display. While I prefer a more naturally staged approach (like Mr. Puffin there), Adam liked seeing the objects laid out in the glass case. I guess that's a scientist for you.

Image Courtesy of Spagat, AT

Remember this stunning loft that I mentioned yesterday? He liked it too- except for the drapes, calling them "too feminine." I'm in disbelief here. I suppose he's not a fan of these either?

Image Courtesy of Loft Life Blog

Many of my favorite homes have a fairy tale quality to them. Stone buildings with peaked roofs, all swallowed up in vines. Mazes of nooks furnished with mismatched antiques, and lots to be discovered. It was a dream come true that Adam picked out these images as HIS favorites as well! He didn't even bat an eye at the floral mural in that odd green room, acknowledging that it just added to the charm.

Image Credits Unknown

One of the most important design decisions we'll make together will be about how to store and display our rather large library. I'm afraid this could be a point of contention. Adam liked grid shelving, pointing out every room with an Expedit unit (very subtle hint, boyfriend). He noted how this bookcase made from crates combined rustic and geometric elements that he favored. On the other hand, I prefer floor to ceiling bookcases with a little more drama... 

Images Courtesy of Unknown, Domino Magazine

This is a very broad and eclectic spread- it's going to be fun to help him narrow down his vision and start blending it with mine! I'm envisioning a major decor purge as soon as I move. Perhaps he'll wish he'd kept his mouth shut when I've turned the house upside down? Heh heh.

What do you all think of Adam's first dip into the image pool? Is this something you'd consider doing with your partner or spouse? Any design professionals out there who want to chime in? I'd love to know how you help your clients define their personal style- your techniques might come in handy here!

A Few Finds for Me... and You?

The other day I met my Parentals for a dinner at Zao and some post-noodle shopping at U Village.  I had to spend a small fortune on a blogging necessity (*hmph* Merry Christmas, readers), so I refrained from snapping up some lovely bits and pieces for ME at Miller-Pollard...

Neighborhoods of miniature Christmas houses are cropping up all over the place this year, but most of them are too pastel, too twee, or just too x-mased out for me. Not so with this sparkly white church. A simple, traditional structure with just enough crookedy "made it myself" charm.  Love it.

This green glass urn in the window has year-round potential, but it would be perfect for forcing bulbs in the Winter.  Alabaster pebbles and a graceful paperwhite? Black river rock and a lavender hyacinth?  So versatile. So thinking I should go back and snap it up.

Later we went to the organizer's promised land also known as Storables, where I discovered an unexpected treasure. No, not an illusion bookshelf or a neato cord control kit... it's a really classy desk.

Who would think to go to Storables for anything other than boring metro shelving?  Madly crushing on this desk though- sleek and modern and solidly built, with chrome trestle legs and a bamboo top.  The keyboard drawer is at the perfect height for comfortable typing, and the cross-bars are an excellent spot to put your feet up (you know, so you can try to relax while you're paying your bills).  The best part is that it looks wayyyyy more expensive than it is.  Would you have guessed $150?  That's what I call champagne on an Ikea budget!  

It would be completely wrong in my house, but I feel like somebody has to have it- anybody looking to revamp their home office?

Thanksgiving Left-Overs

Such a busy Thanksgiving holiday!  Baking pies, watching the Dog Show, shooting guns, eating left-overs, playing with a new puppy, watching the Huskies thoroughly demoralize the Cougars, and most of all... smothering Adam with attention when he flew in for the weekend.

Move over, Faye Dunaway

Speaking of pointing and shooting: I had the special treat of borrowing my Mom's primo DSLR camera to document the events. Ugh, I'm hooked! I suppose if I abstain from coffee for let see... (I'm mathing here) ...the better part of a year, I can buy one of my own. Though I'm quite proficient with my vintage SLR, it's going to take a lot of practice to get me up to speed with this glorious technology.  So, let's go easy on the images and focus on my Mom's beautiful tablescape!

Some finds from the autumnal landscape.

A crisp fall day.

Great-Grandma's silverware shines on Crate & Barrel linens.

The feast!

Proof that I'm not the only one who leaves her Halloween decor up year round!