This 900sqft 1930′s house was deemed a teardown, but the new owners decided to work with what they had instead of starting over. Inspired by the possibilities.
All images from www.sunset.com
March 12, 2010
A couple of weeks ago I was basking in the sunshine on the lawn at Shangri La in Honolulu, home of Doris Duke. Built in 1937, Shangri La houses an impressive collection of Islamic art and is considered one of Hawaii’s most architecturally significant homes. Shangri La is open to the public for tours a few days a week, you need to schedule at least a week in advance. You can view the rooms (including some that are not part of the tour) and view the art collection on the website. Tours are reserved through the Honolulu Academy of Arts, worth a visit in its own right.
Unfortunately photography is not permitted inside, but I did take some photos of the grounds. It’s centered around an interior courtyard and is packed with artistic influences from around the world. Tile, wood, plaster, chenille drapery and a massive window that drops down into the floor. I think it’s safe to say that Doris Duke was eccentric, and ahead of her time. Duke was the only child of tobacco and electric energy tycoon James Buchanan Duke. Her father died in 1925 when Doris was twelve, leaving approximately half of his estate to The Duke Endowment with the remainder, estimated at $100 million, going to Doris. She married (for the first time) in 1935 and embarked on a year long honeymoon which ended in Hawaii. A 2 week stay turned into 3 months, they acquired property and built Shangri La from the ground up. Worth a visit, kudos to our guide, a wealth of information.
Categories: on the road.
March 3, 2010
You guessed it Amy! Clam Chowder it is. A trip to central California a couple of summers ago reminded me of the glories of a good chowder. I made this recipe for the first time in Ucluelet BC and was proclaimed as “the best soup I ever tasted” by my nephew, the professional clam digger. It’s better with fresh clams and a few chunks of salmon thrown in, but this recipe can be made from pantry staples.
clam chowder ready to serve
You guessed it Amy! Clam Chowder it is. A trip to central California a couple of summers ago reminded me of the glories of a good chowder. I made this recipe for the first time in Ucluelet BC and was proclaimed as “the best soup I ever tasted” by my nephew, the professional clam digger. It’s better with fresh clams and a few chunks of salmon thrown in, but this recipe can be made from pantry staples.
Quick Clam Chowder
Serves: 4
Active Time: 15mins
Start to Finish: 40 mins
6 thick bacon slices, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 small fennel bulb, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled, chopped
1 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 large unpeeled white-skinned potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 6 1/2-ounce cans chopped clams in juice
1 8 3/4-ounce can corn kernels, drained
pinch saffron
Chopped fresh parsley & homemade croutons
Preparation
Cook bacon in large saucepan over medium heat until crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour out all but 3 tablespoons drippings from pan. Add next 5 ingredients to pan; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over; stir 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add milk to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and cook until slightly thickened, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add potatoes, clams with juice, and drained corn. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add the saffron at the end and let simmer for a few minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide soup among bowls, sprinkle with bacon and parsley, and serve.
Categories: flavor of the week.
March 1, 2010
image from www.stylemepretty.com
I call it “Mellow Yellow Wedding”: “Mum’s Ray Yellow”, “Groom Grey”, and “Gracious Green”.
Categories: it's graphic.
February 24, 2010
dresses by Holly Stalder
I’m inspired by this fashion designer from Portland, Oregon. Stalder’s designs begin with her favored raw materials: salvaged antique fabrics and trims. Modern designs with a hint of the past, and what great photography for an independent designer! Her Etsy Shop and website.
Categories: artsy.
February 15, 2010
Yesterday in Victoria was amazingly warm and sunny for this time of year. Got me inspired to spruce up my small space dining area with fresh infusions of spring.
from www.storminteriors.com
From the book Living With White
from FFFFOUND! www.fffound.com
from my old files
Categories: in the house.
February 11, 2010
Sunday is the big day. Scrambling for something worthy of your sweetheart? Check out Animoto, which turns photos and videos into orchestrated slideshows, complete with music.
The first one I made was for my husband on my wedding day, and I made one for our 1st anniversary. They definitely went over well. The best part is that they are free, or nearly free for longer videos. You upload your photos, choose a song or upload one of your own, and away you go. All it takes is a bit of your time and thought. And that’s all anyone really wants right?
Animoto
Categories: bits & bytes.
February 1, 2010
“Signs of life are good design elements”, says Daryll Carter in his book The New Traditional. It can be a challenge in our high-tech society to find a human trace. I think it’s always important to bring any design idea back to the basics, put pencil to paper, use your senses and work with what inspires you.
Carter also makes a statement that rang true with me regarding client relationships. “I always know when my clients and I have reached the defining moment in our relationship. As in any relationship, you have to feel out your partner…. What a relief it is when everyone finally gets comfortable. Nothing is more liberating than truthful, fluid dialogue. The first time a client says ‘I hate it’, I know there is trust. Nothing is more counterproductive than gratuitous deference.”
I think the fireplace treatment above (scanned from “The New Traditional”) is a concept worthy of a new home or a clever way to cover up an unsightly existing fireplace. I’d like a firewood nook to go with it, please.
Categories: in the house.
January 29, 2010
It’s a great time of year to catch a hotel deal in Seattle. The Canadian dollar is strong, the wine is cheap and Nordstrom, Anthroplogie and J.Crew offer refuge in inclement weather.
Kenmore Air is the way to go this time of year when the Clipper times are unhelpful and there’s no time for ferries and I-5. There is a new spiffy streetcar that takes you from Union Bay right up Westlake Ave (past Whole Foods), a $2.25 pass lasts a couple hours.
Check out the unbeatable sandwiches and apple fritters at Pike Place Market’s Three Girls Bakery, the chowder at the seafood joint across from Three Girls and the coconut buns at Mee Sum Pastries.
Chosen for it’s tasting menu, Purple Cafe and Wine Bar on 4th was a pleasant surprise. It was packed so we sat at the bar and ordered one item at a time from the tasting menu. Each small plate is offered with an optional 3oz. wine pairing. Along with a full dinner menu and massive wine list, they have the most extensive collection of champagne cocktails I’ve ever seen – 16 in total.
Hotel Max has daily deals at the sushi bar and interesting decor. The dj in the lobby at the W Hotel is an entertaining stop after an evening at Purple. Stop in at Cafe Campagne for a croque madame and glass of bordeaux.
Watson Kennedy is full of goodies for the home, many of which I’ve read about or seen online but haven’t seen in Canada. Everything is sorted by vignette, based on colour or theme. Designer-dreamy.
The topic of last week’s contest was the Downtown Public Library on 4th. Near the SAM (Seattle Art Museum) if you want to have a peek. We have Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and former Seattleite Joshua Ramus to thank as principal designers on the project. An amazing 362,987 square feet, capacity for 1.45 million books and materials and a high-tech book-handling system that you can see in operation when you walk in. There are 400 computers and lots of GREEN. Too bad.
Categories: on the road.
January 21, 2010
Colour palette inspiration from a match made in heaven:
Single serving COPA Di Vino Charonnay
Hyatt at Olive 8 in Seattle
Copa Olive Palette
Check back for more inspiration from my recent jaunt to Seattle, Washington.
Categories: it's graphic, on the road.
December 11, 2009
Colour of the Year
Hello turquoise? Pantone has unveiled the Color of the Year for 2010: PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise. I must admit I was a little more excited about 2009′s PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa. Hopeful, sparkling, versatile, and representing both a cocktail and a beautiful tree (I have one in my yard!). What could be better?
From Pantone on Turquoise: “Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.”
Ok, I’m sold. Full story here.
In honour of my friend, Pantone 14-0848 Mimosa, I remind you of this sparkling cocktail, perfect for the holiday season. It doesn’t get any easier than this: part OJ, part bubbly, and you’re in business. Best enjoyed in your 2010 turquoise jammies.
Categories: happy hour.
December 9, 2009
The Girl Effect
Although it would be nice of one day the world would wake up to issues like global warming, poverty and suppression, good marketing doesn’t hurt. And in these cases, it really goes a long way. Meaningful words + beautiful timing + gorgeous graphics = Success. I think the goal in design is always to create a visual that conjures a thought that evokes an emotion.
Could educating women change the world? The Girl Effect is insightful and hopeful. The video is below, but I encourage you to visit the website for the full “effect”.
“There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women” – Women Empowered. Watch a video.
“Women are not the problem. They’re the solution along with men… We focus on this one because this kind of oppression feels transcendent – and so does the opportunity. Outsiders can truly make a difference.” – Half The Sky
Categories: it's graphic.
December 1, 2009
December is here.
Let’s not get too excited with decorations or Christmas music just yet, but I’m thinking about what will greet my friends and family on my front door this year.
Inspiration from Design Sponge, Country Living, Apartment Therapy, Living Etc and House Beautiful.
Categories: in the house.
November 30, 2009
I think the desire to “love what you do” is universal. If you’re involved in the design world, you’ve probably heard of Frank Chimero, a graphic designer, illustrator and writer. I enjoy his take on work, as seen in this Love What You Do set on Flickr.
Another quote worth hanging on to:
“Failure is crucial. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying to get better.”
Do you love what you do?
Categories: it's graphic.
November 24, 2009
Check it out! The Beth Campbell Creative Shop is now open, with 2 limited edition collections of greeting cards and custom greeting cards. This venture sprouted from my roots as an artist, putting pencil/paint/pen to paper. May that inspire you to skip that next email and share a hand-written note with a friend or loved one. More personal stationary items and gift tags to come!
November 16, 2009
Kuler
Kuler:
Probably the most useful. Kuler is a community driven web app that lets your browse color palettes created by others. You can also create your own by using the color wheel, harmony rules, and color sliders. Love the names of the palettes. Today, the most popluar templates include “Christmas Help” and “Orange County”. Also helpful if you’re searching for a paint colour to go with that cushion.ColoRotate: Instead of using two dimensional viewers, it presents color palettes to you in 3d and in real time.
Colour Scheme Designer: You can actually preview what a web template might look like.
Colour inspiration can come from anywhere – nature, your favorite sweater, or a particular mood. I was taken with the palette generated from these J.Crew shoes from their November catalogue. I’ll be putting this image in my back pocket.
Categories: it's graphic.