milkandhoneydesign

new out this week.........

2008-04-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

a new book featuring the insides of many of brooklyn's eclectic homes. i'm sure there will be tons of amazng lofts and perfect brownstones, but i'm excited to see all the homemade/hand-built furniture, renovations and installations that brooklynites are known for.

eucalyptus steamroom at home

2008-04-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

I read about this via apartment therapy and decided to try it this weekend. After purchasing some branches at the grocery store for around $3, you hang them in the shower so that it releases the aroma into the air during a hot shower. Smells great and clears up your sinuses/airways.

Madeline Weinrib, Atelier

2008-03-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

Textile designer, Madeline Weinrib, grew up in New York City as the great granddaughter to the founder of ABC carpets and Home. With a background in painting and design, she bridged a gap she saw in the carpet industry for more interesting and exciting concepts in textile design. Since her debut of classic cotton rugs, she has expanded into tibetan weaves, velvets, ikat, denim, suzani and vintage exclusives found while traveling.

Also on the horizon are a line of pillows, fabrics, furniture and accessories.

Kaufmann House : Palm Springs

2008-03-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

For the current spring catalog shoot, J.Crew used the Kaufmann house in Palm Springs, a classic example of mid century modern architecture.

Kaufmann House was commissioned by Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr., the same man who commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build Fallingwater. You can see the parallels between both homes such as clearly embracing the environment and blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.It was designed by Richard Neutra in 1946 and was recently restored to it's former glory. The couple behind the restoration, will be auctioning off the building, with a presale estimate of $15 million to $25 million, via Christie's high-profile evening sale of postwar and contemporary art.

peacock chairs

2008-03-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

Currently searching for a 70's peacock chair for the patio. Made famous by Al Green and strangely, Morticia Addams of The Addams Family, everyone had one back in the day. With the right fabric redux, it could be quite a cozy place to sit on a summer's night coccooned in the tall wicker walls.

(images via flicker)

conservatory chic

2008-02-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

As March is rolling in and the cherry blossoms are coming to throughout the city, one can't help but yearn for the arrival of spring and outdoor living.
Inspired by classic European charm and beauty, the modern day conservatory draws on the use of similar materials and sensability of the past. Heavy cast lead, carved stone and plants left to grow slightly unruly reminisce of days past.

Keep plants happy throughout the winter in a terrarium. a perfect greenhouse for humidity thriving plants such as orchids african violets and ferns.

Solid lead planters recall classic english gardens and edward gorey imagery. most stores now recreate the look with fiberglass which while more functional, doesn't take on the same patina as lead left outdoors over time.

A vintage inspired zinc pedestal table looks as through it was plucked straight from the conservatory of chateau de villandry, home to France's most famous garden.
all of the above available at:
(smithandhawkin.com)

Modeled after an old gothic window found in England, this mirror is made of weathered cast iron and can also be used outdoors.

A traditional wire jardiniere made from rust-resistant steel and wire is available in numerous paint finishes.

Drawing upon his wide experience of conservatory design, Peter Marston gives practical advice on heating, ventilation, and shading as well as suitable plants to grow under glass.
All of the above available at:
(marston-and-langinger.com)

Classic in design, these pruners are perfect for trimming back delicate plants such as orchids.
Available at:
(pearlriver.com)

These hand-hugging gardening gloves are flexible enough to pick up a dime, yet rugged enough to pry out roots and rocks. Water- and thorn-resistant, the coated palms keep a tight grip on tools and add an extra layer of protection.
Available at:
(www.plowhearth.com)

Reminiscent of the simplistic bikes seen throughout Holland and Amsterdam, there is no better way to pop down to the local market.
Available at:
(napastyle.com)

In addition to this greenshank print, reproduced from a european biologist's drawing circa 1700, also available is a partridge, ptarmigan and a common kestral.

Made of antiqued mercury glass, these urns have removable lids, perfect for storing away twines, tools and gloves.

A one of a kind found piece, the base is heavy lead with a marble top. perfect for clustering flowers and plants.
All of the above available at:
(jaysonhomeandgarden.com)

affordable art via etsy.com

2008-02-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

Dkim-art, located in Brooklyn, creates dreamy illustrations using acrylic, ink and collage on heavyweight etching paper. All of the 8"x11"prints are $30 each and come a white border for framing.

Link: (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=95461)

Enfin, La Voila!

2008-02-14T07:43:00.000-08:00

I found this card shop from Brussels, Enfin, La Voila!, on Etsy.com, which makes the most beautiful handmade cards. I just ordered the art deco peacock calling cards,which were $10/set of 20 and can't wait to see them in person for a larger reorder perhaps....

some other designs which include birthday, save the date, congrats, among many others.....

Enfin, La Voila! also specializes in custom cards and invites.
Link: (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5226179)

some of my favorite things at the moment....

2008-02-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

Lyell is a NYC based clothing company from Aussie designer, Emma Fletcher. Vintage inspired timeless pieces that remind me of 1960's Paris. (lyellnyc.com)

You may not guess that this sea siren is also a bottle opener, handy for opening that favorite winter porter.
(http://curiosityshoppeonline.com/meboop.html)

This company, American Furnishings, slogan is "designed and built in middle america". Their vintage industrial line reuses found parts from shut down factories in Ohio to create modern industrial furniture.
(http://www.americanfurnishings.com/vintage-industrial)

Everything this fabric company, John Rob Shaw makes is inspired by paintings, printmaking, weaving and dyeing techniques of a far away place. (http://www.johnrobshaw.com/index.cfm)

Brushed pewter Robert Sonneman chandelier at Downtown LA via 1st dibs
(http://downtown.1stdibs.com/itemdetails.php?id=194320)

Exclusive to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, this tin mug is a kitschy way to commemorate the upcoming Beijing Olympics. I think it might make a perfect sugar jar. (http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=1412&xSec=12&navlock=1)

I just bought a pair of these kung fu shoes this week to wear as house slippers and have no regrets. They are the best thing ever especially for $4. Think I'll pick up some to send to friends next time I'm in Chinatown...
(http://www.pearlriver.com/v2/FramesCat.asp?iGroup=264)

The turned wood legs and back of Jayson Home and Garden's abacus chair feels quite gothic influenced and is even more appealing after I noticed they feature custom upholstery options.
(http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=3585)

ny times voices out on design trends of 2007

2008-02-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

The New York Times- http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/garden/20over.html?scp=1&sq=zebra+rug+suzani&st=nyt -ran an interesting article about design trends that have been deemed to be over. I can see the point of the article and agree with the fact that certain design styles can become over-saturated once the hit the shelves of west elm. Where do you draw the line between design classic and design trend? Certainly many of the designs mentioned such as suzanis, cow rugs and fancy woods(always), I happen to still love but can agree to never need to see another pair of antlers again! And how tacky are flatscreens over the fireplaces?? Anyway, it was interesting to see what leading designers deemed as overused/overhyped in 2007 and what will stick around. To each their own, I guess. You have to live with what you love and your house will come together reflecting your true personality, not a magazine.

hanging on the telephone......

2007-11-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

We just added a landline and i kinda became obsessed with searching out vintage telephones. so many good ones! i'm looking for one with a long ol' cord and actually kinda into the first one here that my parents have had since we moved to america. so outdated it's sleek again... but hard to pass up all the 50's colors & '60's shapes.

5 easy ways to incorporate more organic foods

2007-10-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

1. Milk: “When you choose a glass of conventional milk, you are buying into a whole chemical system of agriculture,'’ says Dr. Greene. People who switch to organic milk typically do so because they are concerned about the antibiotics, artificial hormones and pesticides used in the commercial dairy industry. One recent United States Department of Agriculture survey found certain pesticides in about 30 percent of conventional milk samples and low levels in only one organic sample. The level is relatively low compared to some other foods, but many kids consume milk in large quantities.

2. Potatoes: Potatoes are a staple of the American diet — one survey found they account for 30 percent of our overall vegetable consumption. A simple switch to organic potatoes has the potential to have a big impact because commercially-farmed potatoes are some of the most pesticide-contaminated vegetables. A 2006 U.S.D.A. test found 81 percent of potatoes tested still contained pesticides after being washed and peeled, and the potato has one of the the highest pesticide contents of 43 fruits and vegetables tested, according to the Environmental Working Group.

3. Peanut butter: More acres are devoted to growing peanuts than any other fruits, vegetable or nut, according to the U.S.D.A. More than 99 percent of peanut farms use conventional farming practices, including the use of fungicide to treat mold, a common problem in peanut crops. Given that some kids eat peanut butter almost every day, this seems like a simple and practical switch. Commercial food firms now offer organic brands in the regular grocery store, but kids love to go to the health food store and grind their own peanut butter.

4. Ketchup: For some families, ketchup accounts for a large part of the household vegetable intake. About 75 percent of tomato consumption is in the form of processed tomatoes, including juice, tomato paste and ketchup. Notably, recent research has shown organic ketchup has about double the antioxidants of conventional ketchup.

5. Apples: Apples are the second most commonly eaten fresh fruit, after bananas, and they are also used in the second most popular juice, after oranges, according to Dr. Greene. But apples are also one of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables. The good news is that organic apples are easy to find in regular grocery stores.

For a complete list of Dr. Greene’s strategic organic choices, visit Organic Rx on his website.
(taken from article, "5 easy ways to go organic", by Tara Parker Pope. NY Times (oct 22, 2007)
link below:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/five-easy-ways-to-go-organic/?em&ex=1193371200&en=5a05b87e57a5edd7&ei=5087%0A

Sweet + Savory

2007-10-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Vosges: Applewood smoked bacon + Alder smoked salt + deep milk chocolate

(http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/)

Miette: Fleur de sel caramels

(http://www.miettecakes.com/)

Marlow and Sons: Chocolate caramel torte with crushed rock salt

(marlowandsons.com) no torte pic, as it is a special. but it's amazing

kelly wearstler's new boutique

2007-10-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

Last week in New York City, was Design Happenings; featuring numerous design related events throughout the city. John Waters gave a talk on taste, tours were given through (normally unopen to public) Donald Judd's Soho studio and Kelly Wearster debut her new line and boutique at Bergdorf Goodman.

Kelly's collection features decorative objects oozing with her dramatic vintage inspired style. The boutique plans to change with the seasons, but as of now has she has no plans to expand into a furniture line. The entire construction of the space at Bergdorf, once a taxidermy stageing area, was overseen by Kelly in LA before being installed in NYC.
Kelly also designed Bergdorf's restaurant, BG, known for it's afternoon cream teas. Every inch of the restaurant has Kelly's touch, from the black and gold diamond paneled walls to her signature high backed chairs.

(images & info via design*sponge)

chunky fall throws

2007-10-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

I was unfortunetly at ikea today picking up a few things for a kitchen set and my home, when i found these chunky knit throws. They are actually really soft and have a handmade quality to them, so rare to find among all the manufactured goods, for the price of $24.99

My sleepy new kitten enjoying her warm throw and basket, also from ikea for $17.99, that I found today. No more cardboard box and towel for her.

H&G picks best nyc shops

2007-10-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

House and Garden magazine just picked their favorite shops (and some restaurants too) in new york city and brooklyn. check it out here: http://www.houseandgarden.com/trends/2007/10/guide_nyc

Some of my favorite unmentioned places in new york/brooklyn:

Build It Green: this salvage yard always hooks you up with what you are looking for, besides the fact they are super nice and helping out to decrease landfill waste and enviromental pollution.
http://bignyc.org/

Moto: every aspect of this restaurant is derived via the year 1938, from the decor, menu, restroom and nightly entertainment.
http://www.cafe-moto.com/

Kiosk: this store features interesting, well-designed items from all over the world. whether it be a gluestick from mexico, leiterhosen from germany or file labels/booze/shoe inserts/wedding cake toppers from finland, kiosk has it.
http://kioskkiosk.com/

Perch!

2007-09-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Perch! is a company out of Brooklyn, NY that makes 100% handmade ceramics. The design oriented company creats minimalistic bowls, planters, cafafes, cups, tabletop items and lighting.

The best part about the company is all their products are environmentally friendly and use low impact materials and processes, non-toxic finishes and byproducts.

Most of the lighting is made to order and avilable in various color options. Check out all the items at the website:
perchdesign.net where you can order something different for your home or as a gift, while supporting the sustainable revolution.

J is For Jewelery

2007-09-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Jewelery collective, J is For Jewelery, was founded by SDSU metal's graduates, Gwenne and Keri. The two craftswomen who design, produce and promote high quality handmade goods, work not only in metal but acrylic, leather, resin and found object.

Featured in July '07 Readymade Magazine, the collective has had success at numerous large craft shows around the country from Bazaar Bizarre to Thread to Felt Club. You can find the duo's wares on various west coast boutiques, including the Long Beach Museum of Art, and now on Etsy.Com. (Link: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5031969)

Check out the full website at: http://j-isforjewelry.com

Rustic Scandinavian

2007-09-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

These two books, one of classic Swedish interiors and the other focusing on 18thC France, have some amazing pictures of white washed and weathered flooring. From white paint to pale planks, a great fway to achieve this rustic look is through a finishing technique called bleaching.

Bleaching any solid wood floor is a major process, but creates the feel of an old weathered scandinavian farmhouse, cottage or centuries old palace, and lightens up the entire room. First of all, any stain and finish must be sanded and stripped off, leaving the floor to it's natural raw color. Then apply a wood bleach, that can be found at lowes as well as specialty wood finishing shops. Check that the type of wood and bleach you are using are compatable, as not all woods, ike ebony, can be bleached. A lighter wood floor such as a maple or birch, will be less labor intensive than a heavier grain wood such as oak. Quite often after the floor has bleached a light pigment can be applied to give the floor a slight taupe or greyish coloring. Always seal your floo with a finisher such as a wood wax like butcher's bowling aley wax (http://www.bwccompany.com).

don't mess with marfa!

2007-09-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Back in town after a long weekend in Marfa, Texas. A small town with a population under 2000, infamous for the filming of James Dean & Elizabeth Taylor's, Giant. Oh yeah, and that other guy, Donald Judd. The minimalist moved to Marfa in '71 from NYC to create his geometric works on a larger scale. He set up the Chinati Foundation for residence artists, which includes permanent works from John Chamberlain, Dan Flavin, Carl Andre and Claes Oldenburg, among others.

A look into the Judd compound, which Judd designed and built most elements himself. An avid collector of books on every variety, he created a large library with uncomfortable furniture to keep people awake. There was as a daybed in the library if you felt the need to get comfortable, as well as to accomidate visitors to his remote location.
Donald Judd slept a lot, and when visiting the town divided in half by a functioning railroad, you can see why. Heavily influenced by pre-columbian pottery and native american craft, he incorporated these elements into his adobe bedroom with enormous fireplace.

One of the most interesting aspects of the trip was a desert cacti, ocotillo, that locals incorporated into their manmade landscapes.

Ocotillo was used as a single stem in fences, barriers and dried for use an overhead shade cover. The durable plant covered with thick sharp thorns serves a natural barbed wire, that one would hardly need in a town like marfa, but looks amazing as a modern, willowy alernative to fencing.

The two best buildings a short drive from the outskirts of Marfa, straight from a Lynch film. The Tol Tec looks like a watering hole on the wrong side of the tracks, where the Native American from Twin Peaks stabs someone over a pool game.

...and here's where he gets his braids did.

Found it!

2007-08-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for this wallpaper featured in the Winter '08 Miu Miu campaign. With help from design*sponge over at House and Garden Magazine, we located it at Walnut Wallpapers, by designer Neisha Crosland.

I think I am ordering this for my new bedroom.....
http://walnutwallpaper.com/wallpapers.php?filter=designer&type=11&name=Neisha+Crosland&paperID=518

Cuppa Tea Mug

2007-08-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

Being English, I can def. appreciate this mug. Nothing is worse to me than overly creamy tea. I prefer the classic british- right in between. The pantone chart makes it easy when someone else is making your cuppa.

Gothic Noir

2007-08-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Black and gothic influences are always in, if you ask me. Here are a few reinterpritations from modern design resources. Sorry, no taxidermy this time round, just some heavy animal inspired pieces.

VIVRE.COM:

ELSEWARES. COM:

BLACKMANCRUZ.COM:
Blackman Cruz Workshops works mainly in bronze casting to create lighting, furniture and sculptural forms, out of their studio located in LA.

MANIFESTOPRESS.COM
Out of chicago, this letterpress company creates not only custom wedding/party invites, but designs and produces one of a kind posters for bands like fugazi, dinosaur junior and sonic youth. This box set of 9 heavy card drink coasters, entitled the dread of death, feature black and brown ink imagery of lurking bereavement.

ROSEANDRADISH.COM:
Dutch designer, Nicolette Brunklaus, created these male and female wallmounted lamps. The luminaries evoke northern european portraiture of royalty dating as far back as 14th C.

CITIZEN-CITIZEN.COM:
This candlestick, fabricated entirely out of wax, can be found at Citizen Citizen in SF. This store features limited edition design objects that "challenge established notions of beauty and design. The collection is carefully selected from leading creatives in the art and design worlds to highlight the arbitrary nature of the boundries between art and design".

CONRANUSA.COM

SARAHCIHAT.COM

AMAZON.CO.UK:
Black glassware is everywhere this fall, but ebay/amazon always offers some good deals and unique designs vs the mainstream urban outfitters/ west elm stuff.

OSCARDELARENTAHOME.COM

FINNSTYLE.COM:
This moody bowl, made by Marimekko, was featured in this September's issue of Domino magazine. If you mention "domino" when checking out, 15% off all your purchases.

JOHNDERIAN.COM
Decoupage is the art of cutting and gluing paper images to surfaces. John Derian combines antique fruit, flower and animal prints, hand-paints borders over centuries-old ledgers and letters into charmingly eccentric collages, which are reprinted and pieced together in layers under glass accessories.

JAYSONHOMEANDGARDEN.COM:

Summer Alfresco Dining

2007-08-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Recipe: Gazpacho With Watermelon and Avocado

2 fat ripe tomatoes (about 1 pound), cored and cut into chunks
1 cup seedless watermelon, diced small
Two-inch-thick slice of day-old baguette (about 1 1/2 ounces), cut into pieces
1 Kirby cucumber, trimmed and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 ice cube
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 avocado, peeled and diced small.

1. In a blender combine tomatoes, 1/2 cup watermelon, bread, cucumber, onion, garlic, salt, pepper and ice cube. Purée until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Chill in refrigerator until very cold, at least 30 minutes.

2. Serve, garnished with remaining chopped watermelon and avocado.

(courtesy- nytimes:style)

ETSY.COM

2007-08-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard about etsy.com yet;"You're place to buy and sell everything", now is the time to take a browse.
Basically a DIY/crafty version of ebay run by the artisans/artists selling their craft. Cutting out the man and all the addition charges keep prices quite reasonable, if not inexpensive.
Good vintage finds as well as handmade wares such as letterpress, artwork & photography, ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewelery & clothing, quilts, books.......

I bought some of these hand pressed edwardian inspired labels recently. A package of 20 for about $7.00.

The best part is because items are all handcrafted, most are limited quanity, one-of-a-kind finds, such as hand painted journals/notebooks or a custom ceramic piece.

sarah paloma pottery: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5215348

silscreened specimen prints@ wondercabinet: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5083559&order=§ion_id=&page=1

etched magnolia notebook: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6879705

cabinet of curiosities

2007-08-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

wallpapers....

2007-08-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, there are so many different wallpapers out there. The idea of unique, high-quality handpainted papers is amazing, but starting out at $5000 for top artist paul montgomery, (http://paulmontgomery.com/), not a reality. Here are a few fun options all from smaller, independent retailers that reminise the feeling of a custom chinoiserie panoramic, as well as some puncy mod's just for fun:

LOUISEBODYWALLPRINT.COM

FERMLIVINGSHOP.US

WALNUTWALLPAPER.COM (a re-release of classic designer, florence broadhurst)

ROMO FABRICS.COM

OSBORNEANDLITTLE.COM

COLEANDSON.COM (available to trade only)

Chloe's East Village Apartment

2007-08-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to move at the end of the month, I have been cleaning out everything, including piles and piles of magazines. I found a H&G from Jan 2007 that was worth revisiting:

A look into Chloe Sevigny's self described, "beaten-down 1960's WASP" apartment in the east village. Worth a look just for the Kelly Wearstler designed wallpaper in the hallway. Love the contrast with the weathered pine floor. http://www.houseandgarden.com/magazine/interiors/interiors_sevingy_20070726?slide=2 )
I remember being suprised by how traditional new england her decor was,updated with organic touches, vs the edgy, design-star pieces one would expected.

when ya gotta go...

2007-08-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is the best thing ever!!!

http://www.mizpee.com/web/howitworks.html

For each toilet you are given the following information:
-Business or building name
-Street address
-Distance from your location
-Average cleanliness rating from previous users
(5 = very clean; 1 = yuck)
-Purchase requirements, e.g. is this toilet for customers only?
-Handicap access: Yes or No
-Diaper-changing station: Yes or No

Haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure I will next time I'm in the city with Mark and his teaspoon-size bladder. If you have web access on a cellphone, just type in your location for the above information in form of a text message.

tactile inspiration

2007-08-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

I love the soft colors, variety of textures and mix between styles/periods within these two rooms. Gustavian to French Colonial to the 1920's inspired zebra rug displayed in a very mid-60's manner.

welcome to my new design blog....

2007-08-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

"i believe in doing the thing you feel is right- if it looks right, it is right." -dorothy draper