The Micucci Collection
On a recent working trip to Los Angeles, I had such fun shopping Pacific Design Center (or the Big Blue Whale as we like to refer to it). This time I discovered a new resource, Micucci Collection. It might have been the beautiful glass and Italian silver that beckoned from outside the shop, but it was the warmth of Fabio Micucci himself that made the experience memorable.
With a hot cup of espresso in my hand I walked the showroom; marveling at the artisanship on display.
It’s Fabio keen eye that determines which items make the grade and find themselves on the shelves of Micucchi. He delights in sharing stories of the families and craftsman behind his merchandise. I might have spent hours with Fabio…but there was work to be done.
If you’re in LA, it’s worth the effort to stop into Micucchi Collection. You’ll experience the joy of spending time with stunning pieces of art and have the double pleasure of being treated as a fine art patron. And did I mention the plate of chocolates?
October 20th, 2008 by Kimberley *Rescheduled* Designer Sidewalk Sale - October 4th
Kimberley Seldon Design Group would like to apologize for any inconvenience that was caused Saturday September 6th due to the cancellation of the Designer Sidewalk Sale. The forecast switched to rainy conditions the morning of the sale and we were not prepared to deal with so much rain - too much furniture and fabric would have been ruined. We have rescheduled the sale for Saturday October 4th . When: Saturday October 4th Location: 909 Mount Pleasant Road Time: 8:30am to 3:00pm - or until we are sold out!
Outstanding savings on luxury designer pillows and fabric (sold by the yard) for buyers excited to start their own upholstery and drapery projects. In addition to fabulous fabrics, one-of-a-kind coffee tables, desks, armoires and antique chairs are just a few items that will be on display for purchase.
There will also be great deals on many designer accessories. These accessories will help you add that “finishing touch” to your home! Some great buys and excellent gift ideas found at the sale include silver napkin rings, antique dessert plates, vases, vintage garden accessories, lampshades, decorative storage boxes, original paintings and more!
August 25th, 2008 by Kimberley Everyday Luxuries
“Is there anything a bubble bath won’t fix?” Sister used to say. Of course, in small town Arkansas there were many problems a bubble bath wouldn’t fix, but my aunt’s sentiment was well expressed. Despite the lack of controllable weather farm families rely on, and the lack of money, Sister had a way of looking on the bright side. As a child visiting each summer, I learned to see life as Sister taught me, making the most of each day and emphasizing the positive. In my own home, though my material means are far greater than my aunts were, I enjoy the same satisfactions that Sister enjoyed - everyday luxuries I call them.
Fresh flowers or live houseplants in every room. Not only are green plants of benefit to interior air quality, they are also a physical reminder of the need to care for ourselves, daily. A plant, like a human being, will not thrive on yesterday’s attention, but needs constant affections to flourish.
Music in every room. Depending on mood, Stevie Wonder, Blink 182, Ketchup, Tony Bennett, Buddha-Bar IV, or ACDC might be spinning at our house. Music, sometimes played softly and sometimes loudly can turn even a simple game of Boggle TM into a party.
Candles, candles, candles. Historically, beeswax candles were an expensive luxury beyond the means of most people. Fortunately, today they are both plentiful and affordable. Fill an empty hearth in summer with fat cylinders of candles and enjoy a blazing display. Line a mantel with a collection of candlesticks, varying height and texture for interest. Torches, I found a bamboo version for $20.00 at Canadian Tire, are a great addition to the garden.
Notepaper and envelopes. A faxed love letter may be cute, an email from a friend may be thoughtful, but neither compares in quality or spirit to a handwritten letter or note. A well-appointed writing desk includes a selection of beautiful paper, an assortment of well cared for pens, stamps, envelopes, and a comfortable desk chair. I also keep a stack of funny postcards on hand for camp-season missives to children.
Bowls of fresh fruit. Blue and white export ware filled with shiny red apples look smart on a dining room table, a large glass cylinder filled with lemons is delicious in the kitchen, and a silver dish filled with figs is ideal for a coffee table. A full bowl of fruit is an apt symbol of abundance and a constant reminder to be grateful.
Dine in a room you don’t normally eat in. Dinner in the living room? Why not. Breakfast in the garden? Of course. A picnic in front of the fireplace? What better way to enjoy the warmth of home on a rainy day? Improvise with table settings as well. A matelasse bedspread becomes a Sunday brunch, a flat weave carpet (an idea that is centuries old and still used frequently in Morocco) suits afternoon tea or a dessert buffet.
The finest coffee (or tea if that’s your style). I enjoy my Capresso coffee maker from William-Sonoma so much my husband jokes that it’s the first thing I’d grab in a fire. It makes a perfect cappuccino using Illy beans and a fine sprinkle of Ghiradelli chocolate on top. A selection of candylike sugar sticks and pretty sugar packets from Fauchon in Paris are lovely to look at, and a range of mugs, cups, and bowls is on hand to suit any mood.
August 4th, 2008 by Kimberley European Style: Right Here at HomeGranted, it may not be possible to fly to France every time one has the urge. So, I’ve learned to satisfy a yearning for European style right here at home. One shop I’m sure to get my fix at is JacKryn France; a one-of-a-kind boutique specializing in European decor, antiques and accessories. JacKryn France is retail heaven for Francophiles like me.
When you visit its picturesque Aurora location it’s easy to maintain the illusion you’ve stepped into a favourite Provençal or Cote d’Azur shop. Little wonder JacKryn France feels authentically French as its owner and buyer Rita Theil lived in France for many years and in fact owns a charming farmhouse near Toulouse. Rita has a natural affinity for gracious European house wares, antiques and linens as well as colorful Provençal tableware. It’s also my source for authentic Laguiole knives by Claude Dozorme with their bright coloured handles and easy curves. Let it be said that she does venture out of France from time to time, and her exclusive line of Cath Kidston, (London designer known for country whimsy) is well stocked. Think of the visit as a Grand Tour of shopping.
I make the trip to JacKryn France to hunt for interesting hostess and birthday gifts. On a recent visit I picked up colorful acrylics and paper serviettes for outdoor entertaining, a pair of earrings, and a cheeky red cover for my Blackberry. Rita’s selection of Yves Delorme bedding is impossible to resist. Currently I have my eye on a fresh white and chocolate brown floral pattern. I love the impact of bold pattern in small bedrooms.
For those in search of French country furniture handcrafted with care and attention you’ll love the Brocante line. Richly grained, weathered timber is crafted into sideboards, buffets, hutches and chairs ideal for lending country charm to your home. What’s more, this eco-conscious furniture is produced using reclaimed oak and pine. Louis XV would be proud.
If your kitchen hasn’t said oh la la in a long time you’ll want to keep your eye out for sideboards with butcher block tops, wine racks, and even islands on wheels. Exuberantly striped linens or traditional Basque designs from Tissage-Moutet may not improve your cooking, but they’ll do wonders for your dinner table.
Add some good French wine and you’ll have the makings of party.
July 8th, 2008 by Kimberley Donald Roller WilsonDonald Roller Wilson is an artist whose imagination draws on unusual resources for its outlet. His allegorical scenes of naughty monkeys, deranged kitties and rascally pups feature floating pickles, dancing cigarettes and a host of pop culture icons. His canvases tell a story in oil using techniques which are identical to those the Old Masters employed; but that may be where the similarities end.
I was first introduced to Mr. Wilson’s art (or Roller as his friends call him) when I interviewed Debbie Reynolds…I know, weird. Ms. Reynolds happened to mention that her daughter and friends were enamored of this particular artist’s work and over the years his canvases turned up in some of the homes I toured on my television show, Design for Living. I first contacted Roller by email and it turns out he lives in a remote section of Arkansas and….it happens to be the exact part of the state that both of my parents are from….I know, weird. I fell in love with his twisted sense of humour and of course, his talent speaks for itself. Donald Roller Wilson has described his work as a “by-product of his thoughts.” According to him, he spends his days and nights pondering the meaning of life, the state of the universe and the Home Shopping Network……….. Roller Wilson’s recognizable works hang in the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn NY; Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, IL; Whitney Museum, New York, New York; Bank of America, San Francisco, CA; and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden- Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC - and my house.
You must check out his website, www.donaldrollerwilson.com. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorites.
July 1st, 2008 by Kimberley Ottomans
If I had to choose one item for the home that is widely underused and sadly under-appreciated, I’d be hard pressed to find a better candidate than the humble ottoman. In a category all by itself this versatile item is both a stylish enough to make a statement and practical enough to serve nearly every room in the house. If you’re living in a small space, little else provides such flexibility.
The versatile bench can be called into service as a footstool, an end table, or a generously over-scaled coffee table. The right ottoman provides affordable impact just where you need it.
It’s widely believed that the term “Ottoman” comes from the late 18th century when the Ottomans as a people were invaded by the French. The assault included physical punishment in the form of “pain walks” (loosely translated). The Ottoman people soon thereafter fashioned footstools out of necessity; to rest their aching feet. The footstools caught on throughout Europe and the term ‘Ottoman’ was coined in tribute to its origin.
Ottomans come in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points. I’ll bet somewhere in your home, there’s a spot just waiting for the right ottoman. Perhaps it’s time for you to sit back, relax and put your feet up.
May 29th, 2008 by Kimberley Dreaming of Lavender FieldsIt’s a known fact that the aroma of lavender will help you relax and sleep. I believe it, as I’ve been dreaming of Provence.
As many of you know, the South of France is one of my favourite destinations. The weather, architecture, shopping, food, design inspiration……….did I mention the shopping?
Here are a few images from my personal collection that not only inspire, but also can take me to a quaint café on a small Provencal street. Now I just need to figure out how I can smell the lavender.
May 14th, 2008 by Kimberley Designer Market May 3 & 4
A Style at Home Event Date: May 3 & 4, 2008 Address: The Fermenting Cellar
This event will not only satisfy all your shopping and decorating needs, but also provides the opportunity to raise funds for the Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund. I have personally selected 40 exclusive vendors to share their fabulous finds with savvy shoppers like you. There is something for everyone. Antiques and fleas
We also feature an onsite cafe where you can enjoy delicious gourmet sandwiches, pastries and coffees. A great spot to get recharged and keep shopping!
I look forward to seeing you here at our annual shopping event!
April 20th, 2008 by Kimberley Decoupage
I’m not sure where your mind goes when you see the word ‘decoupage’, but for me it’s a flash back to bad arts and crafts projects where gloppy, white glue played the leading role on the canvas. Flash forward and New York City’s John Derian makes me wonder how I ever missed the raw beauty of this cut-and-paste technique. Vintage images and graphic pattern are rendered works of art under layers of glass. Hand painted borders embrace the charming collages which, though they have little resemblance to student efforts I recall as a child, are made close to home in Derian’s NYC studio.
Paperweights have a near obsession of mine. Here’s a covetable sampling.
Derian debuted his latest creations recently at the New York Gift Show; the booth space has the feel of a mad professor’s den. I loved it.
Large plates and platters can be put to practical use - say sitting on a bathroom sink holding soaps and towels. But I prefer to hang them in a series on the wall; preferably near a window where the sun makes them sparkle. I’ve also found them to be a worthy gift for friends like me who are home obsessed.
April 20th, 2008 by Kimberley Let the Sunshine In!
I just returned from a fabulous trip to the Bahamas with my daughter. We had a wonderful time and it reminded me of how much happier I am with the sun in full force. Since we’ve finally turned the corner into spring, I thought I would share some tips on enhancing that delicious sun-shiny feeling indoors. 1. It’s a no-brainer, but keep your windows clean. It’s amazing what a little water, vinegar and a newspaper can do! Of course hiring a professional service to visit regularly is a necessary luxury. 2. Keeping landscaping tidy and trimmed around windows is very important. Overgrown shrubs and tree can destroy any chance of sunlight filtering in. 3. Choose appropriate window treatments. Full draperies, when pulled aside with a tie back, needn’t interfere with sunlight filtering through. 4. Include reflective materials all over the house. Glistening chrome or nickel, highly polished brass or silver and crystal or glass all have reflective qualities that accent sun starved rooms. 5. Incorporate mirrors. They’re not only effective in expanding the feel of extra space, but are equally effective in bringing fine weather indoors . Placing a mirror adjacent to a window further amplifies the effect. 6. Paint windowsills and surrounds. Light reflecting colors such as ivory, cream, and white can bounce sunlight into rooms.
Now get outside and enjoy it!
April 4th, 2008 by Kimberley |
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