Impeccable Style

His name is synonymous with style perfection. 

The former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, TOM FORD, this past April 2007 opened his Madison Avenue, New York City Flagship store to house his super sophisticated, exquisitely tailored, simply stunning menswear collection under his own label, TOM FORD. The fashion designer is responsible for turning around the house of Gucci from almost bankruptcy in 1999 to an empire worth close to $4.3 billion dollars when he made his departure from the company in April 2004.

A Most Excellent Thing - TOM FORD - Madison Avenue, New York City:

(Above) A Claude Lalanne Desk with a Lucio Fontana art piece in the background.

32 degrees!

BACARA

At present, it is 32 degrees in Washington, D.C. While I understand that it is currently the rainy season in Santa Barbara, California, I simply cannot stop thinking about how fantastic it would be to be swimming in the pool, walking along the beach or having a spa treatment or two at BACARA. A resort that I would consider to be A Most Excellent Thing!

BACARA, http://www.bacararesort.com, is located between the Santa Ynez mountains and the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, CA. This gorgeous destination is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Sometimes regarded as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara and Montecito are approximately a two hour drive north of Los Angeles. I like to fly into LAX, spend the night somewhere in the city and then take off for a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway or "PCH", as it is typically referred to. The views of the ocean on route to BACARA are just spectacular. Because of my great love of hotel interior design, I would like to share a few snapshots of the interior of BACARA. I also close with this description of the resort. Taken from their website:

BACARA, main entrance. "Nothing says class like a fountain".

Under the sea and across the pond.

When I first saw the "Octopus Chandelier", I immediately thought of my years growing up on the New Jersey Shore and the Jelly Fish that stung me one summer day at the beach. The chandeliers immediately received a negative reaction from me. After more careful exploration of Adam Wallacavage's work, I have decided that select designs of these outrageous lighting pendants are a "Most Excellent Thing". I would not suggest this chandelier for just any home or environment. I would also not place it in a local seafood restaurant. (I am almost certain the people at Red Lobster would not be amused!) However, in the home of an art collector, a trendy socialite, or someone who wants a true "jewel-piece" swinging from the ceiling, these chandeliers are beyond interesting, maybe a bit bothersome, and definitely, brilliantly unique. What I did not like at first... I like now!

Across the pond, New Zealand born Jeremy Cole brings us these blooming chandelier pendants from his home in London, England. The "Aloe Collection" is an array of different lights each composed of hand-made porcelain leaves that are geometrically arranged around the light source acting as a diffuser producing a calming, glowing light. Available in both a natural and black/"noir" color.

"Popcorn"?

Oh no!

We received the following email and I thought it might be interesting, if not helpful to post the advice my assistant, Megan, was able to provide. Those of you who suffer from pre-1980's "Popcorn ceilings" should know that there IS an answer!

Q. "I have a question regarding textures. My husband and I bought our first house and the texture on the walls throughout the living room, formal dining room and hallway is really thick and pointed (if you scraped your arm against the wall...you will be leaving skin and more than likely draw blood). Is there an easy way to get this off?"

A. "There are a couple of surface treatments that sound similar to what you present in your email. The first texture is "Spanish Knife" which is applied with a flat metal plaster knife or spade in smooth intervals with a small ridge or edge for a textured effect. It's the smoothest of the three listed here and easiest to remove. Another is "perlite" which is applied by brush or roller and has a moderately level surface stippled with pointed areas. The last treatment, typically applied only to ceilings with a special tool and paint formula, is called "Popcorn". Although mostly found in homes dating pre-1980, this effect is rather sharp all over and can be difficult to remove for a do-it-yourself homeowner. Aside from the unsightliness of popcorn ceilings or walls, it also presents some health risks. There is a strong chance of asbestos or other toxins which can be harmful if inhaled. Ultimately, removing texture from your ceilings and walls will reduce the amount of dust and dirt particles in your home, therefore, improve your indoor air quality.

Before doing any surface removal, you should have a sample analyzed for toxins. The best way to remove the texture is to scrape off as much as possible, then sand out any rough spots or gouges. It sounds like there is quite a bit of surface to scrape so if you want to avoid toxins and dust debris throughout your home - and if your budget allows - it might be helpful to contract the work out to a wall painting/interior restoration company. Again, make sure you keep your family and home safe by having a sample analyzed before any work is started. Good Luck!" MB

Write down the resolutions.

Happy New Year!

While writing a list of my resolutions for 2008, I gave some thought to those things that I would like to bring to this blog. Immediately my thoughts went to one of the great ladies of style - Martha Stewart. If Martha is able to delight the readers of her magazine with a calender of her day-to-day events as well as items she considers to be "good things", I certainly can bring you some of my favorite things! While these writing desks may not be endorsed by the Queen of Entertainment, Oprah Winfrey, I now present them on what will be My List of Most Excellent Things!

Thanks to my friend Matt for bringing this beautiful kidney-shaped desk to my attention. Retailing for a steep $7,088.00, this wood desk with anodized aluminum drawer pulls and feet, has beautiful lines and screams graceful elegance. The turquoise version, (above), would add some snap and spunk to some of the most beautiful interiors.

The "Riga Desk" by Marc Newson

This ultra sexy and super stylish desk is set to grace the home office of a Chevy Chase, Maryland project my firm is currently working on. The combination of a laminate drawer stack, solid wood desk top and a gleaming stainless-steel base help to create a desk I suspect almost anyone would love to write or compute at.



Lawson-Fenning, Los Angeles, CA