New Salmon Recipe Added!

Salmon on the Grill.  Mmmmm!

Check out this latest Salmon recipe. I think you'll love it!

MacKenzie-Childs

I was perusing the Neiman Marcus catalog the other day and came upon the latest Mackenzie-Childs  garden collection.  I fell head over heels in lust with the new flower market collection.  The colours are bold and bright and the patterns are Alice In Wonderland meets 101 Dalmatians.

The chairs are like masterfully designed Faberge eggs - Fresh and fun.  Each piece of furniture is hand crafted, sturdy, easy-care, and made to withstand the elements.  Hand-woven polyurethane, powder-coated metal accents, wrought iron frame, flowers and stripes dominate the cushions and twenty inch toss and lumbar support pillows.

Love Seat and Coffee Table

Wing Chairs 

 

Bonnet Chair, including lumbar pillow and side table

Coffee table with floral inlay and scroll detail 

Ottoman with removable cushion

Side table with Additional storage underneath

1.  Flower Market white dinnerware
2. Courtly Check Dinnerware
3. Odd Fellows beverage hostess, Piccadilly beverage hostess
4. Taylor, Odd Fellow Dinnerware  

Milestone Alert:   This is my 100th article since founding the A Room Without Walls blog!

Movie And A Room Monday

"If I had a 1,000,000 dollars
If I had a 1,000,000 dollars (chorus)
I'd buy you a green dress
but not a real green dress that's cruel (chorus)" 

~Barenaked Ladies

Happy Monday,



I picked a really hard one this week - The dress that Kira Knightly wore in Atonement. Her dress was voted the best film costume in a survey done by Sky Movies and British In-style magazine. I can't say that I agree with this choice. Nevertheless, I thought it would be interesting to try and create a room around the dress.


Little did I know, however, just how difficult it would be to try and find emerald green outdoor furniture.  With that being said, I refused to change my mind (I can be, stubborn like that!)  I did the best I could to find as many pieces that are emerald or fit the feel of the dress in my opinion.







Without further adieu, lets take a look at the room I have come up with.

I almost feel off my chair when I saw the green outdoor garden table which is constructed of wood and metal with a green finish.  The table was constructed in the 1920's and is uber fab!  Available at Ma(i)sonry  Napa Valley.

• Three different interpretations of emerald green marble, anyone of them would make the perfect choice for a beautiful marble table top.  I suggest you seek out a local stone yard and see what is available.

• Stackable injected polycarbonate chair in a single piece.  Ergonomic shape and attractive colours gives an appealing look to the Gyza chair.  Anti-UV stabilized. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. 

• Recycle your wine bottles and turn them into a unique outdoor torch with this copper stake and bottle wick set. Stake knocks down to 16" segments, allowing three choices for the height of the stake. Made in USA. Made for Uncommon Goods  Although if it was I think I would remove the label :)

• Copper topped tables, are always gorgeous, especially when they start to patina into he greens. Everything Copper carries a huge line of copper tables, and beautiful bases. 

Beautifully handmade scrolled-iron table base made in Chicago, complimented by a stunning greenish marble top with interesting inclusions. This spectacular table would be equally appealing indoors or out. View the table and other pieces at Old  Plank Road

Four antique French iron bistro chairs. These chairs are in good original condition and would be ideal for use as a small table in one's breakfast nook, on a sunny veranda for early morning coffee, by the pool. Also available from Old Plank Road. 

Fabrics area from Schumacher Weather proof and ready to be used on all your outdoor furniture.

Ankasa offers these gorgeous toss pillows.  At twenty-five inches each, they are a substantial size for curling up in the late afternoon for a nap.  I've worked with the folks at Ankasa, FABULOUS!

In the collection below, it's not about the color but about the drape of the fabric.  Cedric Ragot has designed the chairs for Qui-is-Paul.  They are created out of rotational molded polyethylene.

Take me to the bar...

Cocktail shakers all provided by Cocktail Shakers

Art Deco decanter and glasses available at AtlantaAntiqueGallery

Mad Men vintage martini glasses where available though Fabricated Family.  Unfortunately, they are sold out.  However, they do have other vintage pieces that are really cool.

So, there you have it... Enjoy the rest of your Monday :)

Create and Barrel Represents!

I'm a Create and Barrel gal.  I love strolling around and finding interesting things when at their stores. When certain periodicals arrive in my mail box I get excited.  The Create and Barrel catalogs are definitely high on my list of "Yeah! I got mail" :)  I received my catalog earlier this week and was blown away by the rich colour pallet and the insane collections of outdoor living furniture they are offering this year. Wow!  You can also view the entire catalog online with out the staples.

My absolute favorites for this year:

Summerlin

I adore the Kabu gray chosen to give the furniture a weathered feel and it is perfect for any garden setting.  However, I am really mad for the rich Phlox coloured cushion and the well matched toss pillows in Marabel, Stone as well.  This set would perk up anyone's patio!

Alfresco

This piece tricks the eye with faux wood slates and a silver finished powder-coated aluminum frame. The cushion choices are lovely but the Peacock really stands out for me, also in Daffodil, Graphite, Cayenne and Egg shell. 

Bold and stylish umbrellas in solid colours and Marimekko fabrics with Peacock and Phlox being two  hot sellers this season.

The Surf Caliente chair comes in great mix and match colours and would be an excellent all purpose dining chair.

It can transitioned from indoor to outdoor and back again. They stack so even the smallest space can look awesome.  Made from all weather polypropylene, you'll have no worries about leaving them outside.










Tableware: This is where I find so many great things from Crate and Barrel - Glasses, dishes and flatware all perfect for my outdoor rooms. Check it out...  Crate and Barrel have everything you need to make your Room Without Walls beautiful.

Happy shopping and happy weekend!

Farewell Liz...

Elizabeth Taylor inspired so many fantastic characters, choosing one today was next to impossible.  I decided that I had to do an homage to National Velvet.

I don't remember the first time I saw that movie but I know it sparked a desire not only to ride but to own a horse.  Something my beloved father was more than willing to do for me as a young girl.  Like so many other things we desire in life, if it is not a true love and desire, we let it go and move onto the next thing.  I did, but I have never forgotten the pure joy of watching the movie.

Such a beautiful face

The most beautiful Liz!

Dining Table and Chairs  Atlanta Collection 

Pillow   Kaleidoscope

Plates Bowl and Cups   Kaleidoscope Collection

Table Linens  Spring 2011 Series 

Napkins  Acapulco 

Rug  Floral 2 Tone


I said I had a hard time choosing one film from Elizabeth Taylor's body of work.  I thought of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Giant, Who's Afraid of Virgina Wolf , The Taming Of The Shrew, Cleopatra and my all time favorites Father Of The Bride and Fathers Little Dividend.  However, one movie she made always stood slightly apart from the others for me - Butterfield 8.

I know, I know - Elizabeth Taylor playing a call girl!  Wow, she was truly amazing in that role!

Table and Chairs  Atlanta Collection

Napkins,Table Runner,Napkin-rings,and Place Mats.  Fall Collection

Flatware  Wallace Gold Plated Grand Duchess

Dinnerware  Raynaud Marie Antoinette

Glassware  Vittoria Gold Collection

Rug  Venice Cream and Black

Chaise Lounger  Atlanta Collection

Throw Pillows  The Black and White collection

Umbrella  Lattice 

String lights  Amber Glob Lights

 Umbrella  Paseo Umbrella

 Rug  Black Bella, Sawgrass Mills

Don't Pull Your Hair Out!

Hello from San Diego,

What a crazy few days we have had so far this week. Sunday, evening we had a storm hit the region that was more like winter than the first day of spring - high winds and lots of rain. Since then, we have had rain, sun, rain, sun...  It's chilly and we have two more storms lined up off the coast waiting to make landfall Wednesday and Friday.  


This week, I am working on a project that is demanding a good deal of my time.  I shall try and get a film/room, done later in the week :)  

I had an idea though, we are into SPRING and it really is time to start thinking about the purchase of furniture.  Lets go over a check list of things you can do to ensure the purchase of your furniture is smooth ( that is if you are not going to hire a professional to assist in this process.) :)  

Make sure you are purchasing from a reputable furniture dealer. 
  
Referrals, are my best friend when shopping for big ticket items. Knowing someone else has purchased from a retailer and had a good experience is much more important to me than learning about the 10% off and poor service.

Do they have a good rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you go to the BBB and they have an "' F",  read on and find out why they have that "F". 
   
If you feel pressured to buy before you are ready, go somewhere else. It is the sales person/design consultant's job to sell you furniture but it is also their job to understand your needs and wishes.  Don't let them push you into a decision your not really ready to make.  Buyers remorse can cost you money and time.

Before you sign on the dotted line, check the stores return policy.  Many stores today are implementing restocking fee's.  These fee's can be significant - up to 35% of the purchase price. 


There is nothing wrong with getting the estimated time of arrival (ETA) in writing.  I demand one for my clients peace of mind and my own.  If the company is promising you six to eight weeks why would they have issue with putting it in writing?



Keep the lines of communication between yourself and your sales person open.  Make sure they are updating you via email or by phone.  If there is any issue with delivery, it's always easier to know sooner rather than later. 

If the delivery window has come and gone and your now ten days over, call the sales/design consultant and find out why?  If you are not happy with the response, speak to the showroom manager and get as much information as possible. 

After each phone call, I review the information discussed and follow up with an email just to make sure that the sales/design consultant and I are on the same page.  ( I am also a huge fan of the paper trail!) 


Request a follow up within a weeks time. 

If you do not get a follow up, contact the manager and ask to speak to the owner/president.  

At this point, I collect my paper work and go in person.  Sales receipt, dates of telephone calls, who I spoke with any and all email contacts.

I believe in removing as much emotion as I can from the situation.  No one wins when tempers start to flair.  Even though this is the sixteenth time you have had to explain, be calm and try and resolve the issue without resorting to personal invective. 

At this point, if you don't get an answer or you feel as though you are being patronized then cease contact and follow up with the following:


Call the Department of Consumer affairs in your state/community. 
Contact your bank and or credit card company.
Lastly, Contact an attorney.

This is a huge pain but there are times when it might become necessary to follow though with legal action.


Jane

 

 

The Female Form

Design kudos to the more feminine side of furniture - pieces that are specific to the lower extremities. 

Vladimir Tsesler gives us the Living Chair, the sexy perfect form of a woman's leg, available in pink and red.

Svilen Gamolov, designer of the butterfly table and other works, offers the prototype foot table. Using glass, poly-wood and high gloss paints to achieve the look.

This piece can be customized or accessorized by "dressing" the legs and feet according to fashion or style choices.  They are also currently working with an experienced shoemaker to craft specially designed shoes to fit.  This not only adds an element of playful interaction, but also has the practical benefit of providing protection to the piece and the flooring on which it stands.  Made from remolded mannequin legs and resin, this table is perfect for the outdoor setting, perhaps under a pergola.  Contact designers-anonymous for purchase.

The heels that we love to wear!  The Flip chair has the heel and so much more with the ability to rotate the chair into different positions.  Use it as a lounge or dining chair!  Simply flip the chair around and it becomes the desired configuration.  Light weight made of rotational molded resin, this chair is perfect for indoor or outdoor use.

Happy Friday, I will be enjoying the weekend and starting my spring cleaning indoor and outdoor.

Jane

Happy St. Patricks Day

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

It's all about GREEN Today :

MyYour can seat six, eight or ten people at the Community table and chair set.  The table can be done in corian or satin glass (frosted).

I love the way it looks when all the chairs are pushed in.  Yep, I am one of those people who "must" push all the chairs in!





Richard Schultz - Master of all that is outdoors, gives us the Wing Collection. This collection was designed with comfort and conversation in mind.  Pull them up to a cozy evening fire, and sit back, relax and enjoy the evening.

Karim Rashid, is another prolific designer who makes my heart sing!
His vision, the colours he chooses are brilliant.  Everything about his work sings to me!  I adore Float one of the collections he created for Talenti  The shapes are unusual and the collection is large, including sofa, chairs, coffee tables and a complete dining group.










Room and Board has some great pieces of outdoor furniture but I love this one hundred percent plastic  recycled collection.  Made by the Duluth Minnesota company Loll.  Inspired by nature, the Picket collection would look great in any outdoor setting. 









Here is a little something to help you enjoy St. Patrick's Day !!

Beer Ice Cream Float
Makes 1
Print recipe only here.

2-3 scoops premium coffee ice cream
1 bottle Pipeline Porter (for San Diegans) or other rich, dark, coffee flavored porter or stout

1. Fill a tall chilled glass with ice cream, and slowly pour beer over it. Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of : Food Blogga

Film style - Black Swan

“I don't want dancers who want to dance. I want dancers who have to dance.”
~ George Balanchine

Pliè_GranPliè_Piaff chair and sofa created by the team of  Ludovica,Roberto Palomba for Driade.  Molded

Polyethylene mono-bloc in three variants of colour: white, light-gray or blue.

The white umbrella silhouette style from Tropitone, aluminum pole and base with Sumbrella fabric. The Silhouette is a 9' foot hexagon single vent model.  

The Tokyo Pop Chair  designed by Tokujin Yoshiok for Driade.  The  mono-bloc lounge chair in polyethylene in white, black anthracite and terracotta colour versions. Indoor and outdoor use.

This simply stunning piece is equal parts sculpture and furniture.  E-Turn embodies a continuous morphing ribbon that twists and turns from seat to structure before overlapping and returning again in the configuration of a seat.  Designed by the uber talented Brodie Neill for Kundanlini.

The Leaf table and chairs by Giancarlo Zima (An amazing visionary!)  This collection is molded out of dark black Corian for Avanzini Group

Jarrod Lim Koi chair.  Each chair is handmade from steel then powder-coated in a light "sand" finish and the seat is made from recycled teak wood.

Roses by Vibieffe is range of chair, armchair, two tables with different shapes and dimensions, in metal laser cut.

Tom Dixon designed this fabulous candelabra that takes it’s aesthetic from the robust components of steam engines of the Victorian era.

Tom Dixon Link is hand polished with a black powder-coated finish. Crafted from a single piece of solid aluminum.

Black Chair/White Cushion by Christopher Pillet has a coated metal frame, upholstered white and a knitted fabric skin.  Upholstered seat with integrated suspension and cold foam.

Just because it is so darn fun!  Dirk Wynants, DollyPop is for use with white wine and champagne bottles.  I fits on most bottles but, unfortunately, some champagne bottles will not fit as Dollypop is limited in size to make sure it fits the most popular bottles.

The Coral Table is a versatile piece which works equally well in an indoor or outdoor environment. Made out of powder-coated steel for Arktura.


Also from Arktura is the Hive Bench.  The bench is shaped from bent steel and finished with powder coat in several distinct colours.

The Petit Jardin bench is a studio piece, produced by the artist in a limited edition of 10.  This piece signed and numbered: '1/10' by the artist Tord Boontje.

Rain Chair and Rain Table constitute an alternative way of working both metal and sheet metal.  They have a tubular steel structure and plates of perforated sheet metal that are laser decorated with delicate images and natural scenes characteristic of Tord Boontje's work.  The shapes are a contemporary reworking of the classic wrought iron garden furniture - embellished and made lighter by the laser flower working of the surfaces.

The Moon chair will be unveiled at the  Twilight -Tokunjin Yoshioka, this event is sheduled for April 12 – April 17, at Moroso in Italy.

The circular seating system by Konstantin Grcic is a skillful combination of emptiness and lightness.  An environmental sculpture which boasts airiness wherever placed.  Its frame, a combination of fiber glass and resin, conveys an idea of visual transparency. This item is also made for Moroso.

The crochet chair by Marcel Wanders was designed for Droog. Unfortunately, only twenty were made in 2006.  I had to include it because it is so pretty!

The carved Moooi Chair by Marcel Wanders is available at Questo Design .

I am so in love with this chair! The Cala Chair by Velichko Velikov is so gorgeous! I want one.

Friday, March 11, 2011

 

Prayer