tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710551853075095412024-03-12T18:38:46.723-07:00allies & admirersInterior design with soul. Big city gardening. Los Angeles and beyond.Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-28605234723736840502015-03-11T08:57:00.000-07:002015-03-11T08:57:39.851-07:00all the single ladiesI get asked all the time about the style of design that I make. Is it modern? Traditional? Eclectic? Its a question I'm always hesitant to answer, mostly because I'm not really sure I have one.<br />
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I have designed homes all over the country, and each has its own particular quirks and characteristics because of the place it sits on the map. The people who inhabit those homes are much the same. None of my clients has been entirely interested in pure modern, traditional or eclectic and everybody has their quirks. And since I like to think that I always design with the client in mind, I'd say that my design style is as varied, as diverse, as quirky as they are.<br />
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I've been hard at work on two apartments in Los Angeles that are a perfect illustration of this point.<br />
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The first space is a uber modern loft in a new building in Mar Vista. My client here is a woman with a busy life and a demanding career that has her traveling a lot, so it was my goal to create a comfortable, colorful space that welcomed her when she got to spend precious time at home.<br />
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Here is where we began:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQjKUO-FjOI/VPDb9obi0NI/AAAAAAAABDc/puCdPbHuxrM/s1600/DSCN8932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQjKUO-FjOI/VPDb9obi0NI/AAAAAAAABDc/puCdPbHuxrM/s1600/DSCN8932.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polished concrete floors, shiny steel appliances and large, white spaces. A slick, clean slate for sure, but not much warmth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxfDKoeCfdE/VPDcg9sRScI/AAAAAAAABDk/2rcGG0J-glU/s1600/DSCN8936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxfDKoeCfdE/VPDcg9sRScI/AAAAAAAABDk/2rcGG0J-glU/s1600/DSCN8936.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room was tabula rasa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VC-4VkcpZSg/VPDcxcRgHSI/AAAAAAAABDs/BwTWPuCkXbg/s1600/DSCN8943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VC-4VkcpZSg/VPDcxcRgHSI/AAAAAAAABDs/BwTWPuCkXbg/s1600/DSCN8943.JPG" height="480" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great windows with garden views in the loft bedroom, but all of them covered with horrible plastic vertical blinds.</td></tr>
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Now it looks like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF2ffosnOfM/VPDdC1e-DqI/AAAAAAAABD0/x8_AwNybUM0/s1600/IMG_8191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF2ffosnOfM/VPDdC1e-DqI/AAAAAAAABD0/x8_AwNybUM0/s1600/IMG_8191.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vintage credenza is paired with a mod pedestal table and red chairs with incredible hairpin legs. Perfect. I love the combo of the cow hide rug and the woven runner, too. And that's a Banksy print at the base of the stairs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOqQcfC87-k/VPDiWIxyPCI/AAAAAAAABE4/dxmSrWdadzE/s1600/IMG_8084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOqQcfC87-k/VPDiWIxyPCI/AAAAAAAABE4/dxmSrWdadzE/s1600/IMG_8084.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My client had lots of beautiful, colorful things that we used everywhere we could. She also invested in vintage furniture and some bold modern art -- much of it by local artists. This pair is perfect. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhDpsDu0Ysg/VPDdVjWThvI/AAAAAAAABD8/qyvjXYf3ZMI/s1600/IMG_8051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhDpsDu0Ysg/VPDdVjWThvI/AAAAAAAABD8/qyvjXYf3ZMI/s1600/IMG_8051.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This piece. Oh man. Such a gorgeous beast, and such a lovely contrast to the concrete floors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUYfzo-Jx78/VPDdlYYvDUI/AAAAAAAABEE/NfqRu62JAfs/s1600/IMG_8034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUYfzo-Jx78/VPDdlYYvDUI/AAAAAAAABEE/NfqRu62JAfs/s1600/IMG_8034.JPG" height="448" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No more big white box of a living room. So much beautiful pattern, color and texture here. And more Banksy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqYpRfhZrfU/VPDeYRCYmiI/AAAAAAAABEU/Hay4JnGXPks/s1600/IMG_7973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqYpRfhZrfU/VPDeYRCYmiI/AAAAAAAABEU/Hay4JnGXPks/s1600/IMG_7973.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The concrete floors, the luxe rug, the marble coffee table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACgZ5JpY6ms/VPDd070lLVI/AAAAAAAABEM/Vz9b6Moi2n4/s1600/IMG_7983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACgZ5JpY6ms/VPDd070lLVI/AAAAAAAABEM/Vz9b6Moi2n4/s1600/IMG_7983.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The super high ceiling in the living room made it the perfect spot for a vertical office. And I am totally in love with the little stool with the grey felt seat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHJp-GHoV7s/VPDfN7au3II/AAAAAAAABEc/GPM8UmW8YUo/s1600/IMG_8147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHJp-GHoV7s/VPDfN7au3II/AAAAAAAABEc/GPM8UmW8YUo/s1600/IMG_8147.JPG" height="372" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loft bedroom is dreamy and calming. The graphic art above the bed -- created with handmade greeting cards -- is some of my favorite in my client's collection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrVaw8CvSSs/VPDiBlA-yfI/AAAAAAAABEw/OycD3BrsrI4/s1600/IMG_8121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrVaw8CvSSs/VPDiBlA-yfI/AAAAAAAABEw/OycD3BrsrI4/s1600/IMG_8121.JPG" height="388" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White linen replaces those horrible plastic blinds on the windows, and the view into the garden is a bit more serene. </td></tr>
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Apartment number two is in a landmark 1928 building called <a href="http://hollywoodcasalaguna.com/">Casa Laguna</a> in Hollywood. It could not be more of the polar opposite of the loft at the beach. <br />
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My client works as a film producer, so this home had to become a place for her to retreat and relax after long hours on set. Luckily, this apartment (and the beautiful building it is in) has long been considered one of the <a href="http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/11/here_are_los_angeless_most_beautiful_apartment_buildings.php">most beautiful in Los Angeles</a>, so all I really had to do was fill it with things that complemented the architecture here. There are lots of little reminders of my client's beloved hometown, too.<br />
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Here is before: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WK0ZYI1MSCI/VPDpI31Sz3I/AAAAAAAABFQ/Y3qEPOZixkY/s1600/DSCN8866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WK0ZYI1MSCI/VPDpI31Sz3I/AAAAAAAABFQ/Y3qEPOZixkY/s1600/DSCN8866.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andalusian details everywhere. Super-high ceilings and giant windows with views of the Hollywood hills from the living room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_1xBS4NXpo/VPDpWAY2LkI/AAAAAAAABFY/TAGDauiXWl0/s1600/DSCN8872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_1xBS4NXpo/VPDpWAY2LkI/AAAAAAAABFY/TAGDauiXWl0/s1600/DSCN8872.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful hardwood floors. French doors to a Juliet balcony in the the dining room (and every other room).</td></tr>
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And this is after:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHWAPWDGOrM/VPDo_g4eD-I/AAAAAAAABFI/iLICb16beMY/s1600/CL-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHWAPWDGOrM/VPDo_g4eD-I/AAAAAAAABFI/iLICb16beMY/s1600/CL-3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I kept things sunny and bright here with cream and grey and lots of yellow. The room is warm and absurdly comfortable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnWtDihtW1c/VPDpqQgnHiI/AAAAAAAABFg/kXf3zh0q1Rk/s1600/CL-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnWtDihtW1c/VPDpqQgnHiI/AAAAAAAABFg/kXf3zh0q1Rk/s1600/CL-14.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful little details.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kyt63YCU_KE/VPDp_8ru5II/AAAAAAAABFo/upa3rIEXR4A/s1600/CL-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kyt63YCU_KE/VPDp_8ru5II/AAAAAAAABFo/upa3rIEXR4A/s1600/CL-27.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color, texture, pattern and sparkle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bab-LcuC5aQ/VPDqW537VUI/AAAAAAAABFw/-W7A7saXROI/s1600/CL-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bab-LcuC5aQ/VPDqW537VUI/AAAAAAAABFw/-W7A7saXROI/s1600/CL-29.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My client was in need of the perfect a way to store her incredible shoe collection. it was too beautiful to hide in a closet, so shoe benches were designed for the entryway. Now her beautiful footwear is decor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgoXKAeLlWA/VPDrHJF1wWI/AAAAAAAABGA/zTBIsAbi2mQ/s1600/CL-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgoXKAeLlWA/VPDrHJF1wWI/AAAAAAAABGA/zTBIsAbi2mQ/s1600/CL-55.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining room. Red silk draperies are the star here, but there is so much more to love. Especially those hand carved honeycomb doors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_gjpyl07mI/VPDrijy9OjI/AAAAAAAABGI/VGPdutCFcs0/s1600/CL-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_gjpyl07mI/VPDrijy9OjI/AAAAAAAABGI/VGPdutCFcs0/s1600/CL-47.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this piece as much as I love the credenza in the loft. It is incredibly tall and covered entirely in the most gorgeous grass cloth. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvL-ObW-wKs/VP9pubhzNWI/AAAAAAAABHU/fqDDTkGKmMU/s1600/CL-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvL-ObW-wKs/VP9pubhzNWI/AAAAAAAABHU/fqDDTkGKmMU/s1600/CL-48.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it has the most spectacular hardware.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2gYOMWN4sDU/VPDrwujwciI/AAAAAAAABGQ/kZWnIG_NxaA/s1600/CL-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2gYOMWN4sDU/VPDrwujwciI/AAAAAAAABGQ/kZWnIG_NxaA/s1600/CL-38.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago chandelier.</td></tr>
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See what I mean? There's no one style at play in either of these homes and definitely not just one type of client.<br />
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I don't want to choose, so I
won't. <br />
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<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-3589614457702906222015-02-12T11:04:00.001-08:002015-02-12T11:17:51.152-08:00rain city In the fall of 1995, I moved to Seattle to accept a spot in a Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Washington. I had just completed my bachelor's degree at the University of a Maryland in College Park, and had been living in (and loving) the neighborhoods in and around Washington D.C. for the 4 years prior. I had honestly never given Seattle a second thought before I was offered the opportunity to go to UW and used to joke that I couldn't have found it on a map before I moved there. I had absolutely no inkling that it was a city that would change my life.<br />
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Lots of people had random tidbits of knowledge to bestow on me when they found out I was moving to Seattle. My favorite example is one of my Pennsylvania aunts trying to convince me that the city was teeming with serial killers. All I really knew was that there was rain and there was music. I definitely found those things (luckily no serial killers), but I also found a city with fantastic food, lots of interesting, creative people and beauty -- natural and otherwise -- pretty much everywhere I looked.<br />
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In the six years I lived in Seattle, I became an artist and a member of a creative community like none I've experienced in any other city. I became a much better cook and fell in love with gardening. I also became a wife and the member of the giant clan of Seattlites that came with my husband. With the husband and the clan came the gift of always being connected to this fabulous city. <br />
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You can imagine why I consider it my second hometown. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pj5_AVh5UtY/VNFPat3jnDI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/G0YWg9nfJTg/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pj5_AVh5UtY/VNFPat3jnDI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/G0YWg9nfJTg/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" height="532" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty. Natural and otherwise.</td></tr>
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It probably seems like a tourist move (it isn't, unless you go on a Saturday in, say, August), but I almost always start a trip with a visit to Pike Place Market. My first apartment is Seattle was in Belltown in a time (before fancy condos had taken over) when the closest grocery store was either Larry's Market in Lower Queen Anne or the Safeway on Broadway. Pike Place is where I did my shopping and it was, and remains, one of the most inspiring and places for me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-414c1J2b6t4/VNKue52KRoI/AAAAAAAAA9o/-FB53gLREu4/s1600/IMG_2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-414c1J2b6t4/VNKue52KRoI/AAAAAAAAA9o/-FB53gLREu4/s1600/IMG_2362.JPG" height="614" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never get tired of this place.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.sosiosproduce.com/">Sosio's</a>, <a href="http://www.donandjoesmeats.com/">Don and Joe's</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pike-Place-Market-Creamery/127470740629422">The Pike Place Market Creamery</a> were my go-to spots. I was additicted to the baguette and croissants and pretty much everything else at <a href="http://www.lepanier.com/#ourstory">Le Panier</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlhXOe2p1kM/VNKx8w2Zu1I/AAAAAAAAA90/UvZ-n_PTldg/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlhXOe2p1kM/VNKx8w2Zu1I/AAAAAAAAA90/UvZ-n_PTldg/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" height="364" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plan is always to eat as much seafood as possible while in Seattle. It is not hard to find the good stuff.</td></tr>
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Even with good places in abundance, my sentimental favorite in the market is <a href="http://www.delaurenti.com/">DeLaurenti</a>. When I landed on Seattle's shores I was a 21 year old Italian-American girl from the east coast. I was terribly homesick for the Italian food culture that I grew up with, so DeLaurenti became the place I went to comfort myself on many a gloomy (and not-so-gloomy) Seattle day.<br />
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<br />
It was Super Bowl weekend when I was in town, and I've never seen Seattle so pumped up about sports. It was Seahawks everything, on everyone, everywhere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmRYsb13hwM/VNK7DHRE30I/AAAAAAAAA-M/tio6iGj_r18/s1600/IMG_2360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmRYsb13hwM/VNK7DHRE30I/AAAAAAAAA-M/tio6iGj_r18/s1600/IMG_2360.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel, all dressed up for game day.</td></tr>
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<br />
There are lots of other things to see and do, but really Seattle visits are all about the food. I made it a point to eat some oysters from the paradise that is <a href="http://www.uwajimaya.com/">Uwajimaya</a> and lots and lots of <a href="https://www.theochocolate.com/">Theo Chocolate</a>, but the through line of this trip was sandwiches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSrZ1cH9ywA/VNK8JpmPEDI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/rknQWCO3y9k/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSrZ1cH9ywA/VNK8JpmPEDI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/rknQWCO3y9k/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pork Medium (P Med) from <a href="http://pecospitbarbeque.com/">Pecos Pit Barbeque</a> - a thing of messy, eat with a spork beauty so good that I will sit outside in Seattle in January to eat it and the sweet and spicy beans that are it's perfect mate. Pecos is the only BBQ joint with a sauce too spicy for me to order the hot version. The medium is ass-kicker enough.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5yK9Sl3tkW4/VNPcNlwyQvI/AAAAAAAAA-o/dzcnEOHZA7w/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5yK9Sl3tkW4/VNPcNlwyQvI/AAAAAAAAA-o/dzcnEOHZA7w/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are a family of bloggers and food nerds, so of course there was documentation of the construction process of Drew's fried chicken sandwich with spicy slaw --special request for my sister in law's birthday dinner.</td></tr>
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Really good burgers from a drive-in count as sandwiches, right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ixR_Tf1hqM/VNztAA3ZiXI/AAAAAAAABBg/sx3pNU7KUCk/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ixR_Tf1hqM/VNztAA3ZiXI/AAAAAAAABBg/sx3pNU7KUCk/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is no trip to Seattle that doesn't include a stop at <a href="http://www.ddir.com/">Dick's Drive-in</a>. Did I mention that it was Super Bowl Sunday?
Lots of very excited Seahawks fans were also having burgers for
brunch. By the time we got our Deluxes and cheeseburgers, fries and a
chocolate shake, the all of the lines stretched well into the parking
lot. It was a sea of blue and green.</td></tr>
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More sandwiches during the halftime show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz_0L7H2IA0/VNzvp6BuA9I/AAAAAAAABBs/X_YSD2odlfY/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz_0L7H2IA0/VNzvp6BuA9I/AAAAAAAABBs/X_YSD2odlfY/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" height="640" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A team effort creating salmon BLTs for Super Bowl sustenance.</td></tr>
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My husband is a Seattle native, and he grew up in one of the giant Victorian homes in the Capitol Hill neighborhood (you can see his childhood drawing of that house in <a href="http://alliesandadmirers.blogspot.com/2011/11/honey-im-home.html">this post</a>). In the past few years, much of the family and quite a few of our friends have moved to Ballard. When I lived in Seattle, it was a sleepy neighborhood filled with retired fishermen from Scandanavia. In the last decade or so it has transformed with lots of new condos, restaurants, breweries and shops along the water at Market Street and Ballard Avenue. They also have a fantastic Sunday farmer's market. It is a neighborhood where everybody walks and bikes, even in the rain. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVTNjToFBvI/VNPnaY_33mI/AAAAAAAAA_E/9gWIky-1tT8/s1600/IMG_2379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVTNjToFBvI/VNPnaY_33mI/AAAAAAAAA_E/9gWIky-1tT8/s1600/IMG_2379.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of our friends and family have bought cute little houses on the streets surrounding "downtown" Ballard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IT5f4xSnGL0/VNPuuOX4g7I/AAAAAAAAA_c/DIhcjzLKSfI/s1600/IMG_2391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IT5f4xSnGL0/VNPuuOX4g7I/AAAAAAAAA_c/DIhcjzLKSfI/s1600/IMG_2391.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mild Pacific Northwest winter means that the daphne (and lots of other gorgeous flowering things) were ready for spring as early as January.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igh7XmJN40k/VNPv77-KVVI/AAAAAAAAA_o/W50hlB_zA08/s1600/IMG_2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igh7XmJN40k/VNPv77-KVVI/AAAAAAAAA_o/W50hlB_zA08/s1600/IMG_2393.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite a few of the little craftsman houses in Ballard are being remade into Northwest modern homes like this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBE3Ot40l10/VNPuU9WaKKI/AAAAAAAAA_U/v93lFtrLtrc/s1600/IMG_0854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBE3Ot40l10/VNPuU9WaKKI/AAAAAAAAA_U/v93lFtrLtrc/s1600/IMG_0854.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a fabulous view of the diving lady, my Ballard beacon, from the living room window of my in-laws' condo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neyXuTJsZdQ/VNP2xqKRfRI/AAAAAAAABAA/JkQg4iD3x4E/s1600/IMG_0842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neyXuTJsZdQ/VNP2xqKRfRI/AAAAAAAABAA/JkQg4iD3x4E/s1600/IMG_0842.jpg" height="640" width="594" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's how she looks when the fog rolls in.</td></tr>
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<br />
And I could never make a post about Seattle without talking about coffee. I miss the coffee culture so much -- Los Angeles just can't hold a candle to it -- so I have to have "real" coffee when I'm in town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-TEAPsbE3w/VNP3shQHfaI/AAAAAAAABAI/JO2xxGms8QM/s1600/IMG_2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-TEAPsbE3w/VNP3shQHfaI/AAAAAAAABAI/JO2xxGms8QM/s1600/IMG_2417.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ballard outpost of <a href="http://www.bauhaus.coffee/">Bauhaus Books + Coffee</a>. The original store at the corner of Pine and Bellevue had amazing views of downtown and the Space Needle. It was one of my haunts during graduate school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlFvtG8kmKE/VNP4BjhA4EI/AAAAAAAABAQ/zg-AywyM_oE/s1600/IMG_2420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlFvtG8kmKE/VNP4BjhA4EI/AAAAAAAABAQ/zg-AywyM_oE/s1600/IMG_2420.jpg" height="640" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perfectly made mocha. And that's a little bar of chocolate on the rim of the cup.</td></tr>
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It was a fabulous Seatown weekend -- in so many ways a trip "home". I am so grateful that I'll get to do it all again soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-30409778686223038572014-12-19T08:19:00.000-08:002015-02-13T17:10:16.812-08:00what's your gift?<br />
Last Christmas, my parents asked if I would, as my gift to them, design a new living room for their Pennsylvania home.<br />
<br />
First, I should mention that my parents have serious skill when it comes to remodeling and were a big help to Drew and I in the first year or so in our new house. The MMD studio couldn't have happened without them and I really wanted to repay them in whatever way I could. But. When it came to tackling their living room, I was a bit hesitant at first. Not because I didn't want to avail my parents of whatever design skill and talent that I possess, but mostly because I thought it might be difficult to design my parents' house. I was concerned about making them uncomfortable with all of the change that design can bring, of insulting them when we disagreed. I was worried that we couldn't have the kind of relationship that a designer has to have with a client because they are my parents.<br />
<br />
And let me also add that the design evolution at my parents' house has been a little odd. My mom has wonderful taste and great personal style and always decorated the homes I lived in with interesting art and color and furniture she refinished and restored. I was already away at college by the time she and my stepdad moved into their current home, and in the 20 years since, I've been surprised to see it morph into a house that looked like old people live there -- especially because my parents are decidedly not.<br />
<br />
I relented and said yes -- there was really no question -- and in the end my fears were unfounded. At one of our first design meetings, my mom said "I don't want it to look like an old lady's house anymore." I knew right then that she got it and was ready for something different. I stopped being nervous and just decided to do for my parents what I do for every other client. And if I'm really honest with myself, I've been dying to get my hands on their house for years, so I was thrilled to get down to it.<br />
<br />
My mom is dreading this part, but here are the before photos:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_eR0KYCM1Y/VGvEW-42V0I/AAAAAAAAA2E/pYWwggXN_oI/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_eR0KYCM1Y/VGvEW-42V0I/AAAAAAAAA2E/pYWwggXN_oI/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The matchy old lady floral furniture. The green carpet. The pink walls, fake flowers, awkward floor plan, all of it. Ugh.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wfz4LqJf2iM/VGvMBUH5YoI/AAAAAAAAA2U/qQNx0L0BjQs/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wfz4LqJf2iM/VGvMBUH5YoI/AAAAAAAAA2U/qQNx0L0BjQs/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark, heavy draperies covering big, beautiful windows. The giant TV in front of the window. Uncomfortable furniture.</td></tr>
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<br />
Here's my sketch of the new floor plan:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycv3Pu4S-04/VJMob0KPIII/AAAAAAAAA6U/QOKXyyD_4FQ/s1600/brinker%2Bliving%2Bsketch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycv3Pu4S-04/VJMob0KPIII/AAAAAAAAA6U/QOKXyyD_4FQ/s1600/brinker%2Bliving%2Bsketch.jpeg" height="508" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the furniture was replaced by more comfortable, more contemporary pieces. The two focal points of the room, fireplace and TV, are now on the same wall. </td></tr>
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My parents turned out to be really great clients. They were open to color and furniture ideas that were far more contemporary than anything in their previous comfort zone and they were really motivated to get the space done. After a couple of design meetings we finalized a color palette and furniture plan, and they really got to work. They did lots of furniture shopping. My mom spent hours in fabric stores, choosing the drapery and accent pillow fabrics. They had the place painted and had new carpet installed. They replaced overhead light fixtures, hung the new draperies and removed the brass trim around the fireplace. We exchanged endless photos of art, lighting and accessories options and tweaked the floor plan where necessary, but really, after the design development and my initial site visit back in February (really an excuse for me to come and hang out with my family), my parents rocked the project management and installation on their own. <br />
<br />
Here's what the room looks like now:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hf5F7CKeKZE/VIjTfZnwlbI/AAAAAAAAA5g/kb1HJYO19SM/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hf5F7CKeKZE/VIjTfZnwlbI/AAAAAAAAA5g/kb1HJYO19SM/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This room is filled with grey tones, but is still light and bright. The velvet sectional is over-sized and super comfortable and serves as the anchor piece in the space. A long, slim console table behind it is a perfect perch for the lamps. And my stepdad still has a recliner.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzL14RRE-6s/VIjQ6hiDrrI/AAAAAAAAA5M/O1nZSmK8Nsg/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzL14RRE-6s/VIjQ6hiDrrI/AAAAAAAAA5M/O1nZSmK8Nsg/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" height="640" width="582" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never thought my stepdad would love an IKEA chair (or IKEA anything for that matter), but this recliner is his new power spot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98kz1SwWBhE/VIjR9z1QLSI/AAAAAAAAA5U/u3z-PrJ9Pz8/s1600/IMG_0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98kz1SwWBhE/VIjR9z1QLSI/AAAAAAAAA5U/u3z-PrJ9Pz8/s1600/IMG_0447.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember the corner that used to have the big TV in it? Now it is my mom's center of gravity. Those spectacular armchairs are my absolute favorite thing in the room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdSOXALy2wQ/VIjXei8upNI/AAAAAAAAA5s/cbt3ePPpCws/s1600/IMG_0476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdSOXALy2wQ/VIjXei8upNI/AAAAAAAAA5s/cbt3ePPpCws/s1600/IMG_0476.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double drapery rods with peacock blue velvet draperies are perfect with all the grey tones. They are also great insulation during the cold Pennsylvania winters. The second rod is hung with pure white sheers -- perfect for creating daytime privacy while still allowing the room to fill with light.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7d5RpYkM_o/VIjZJpWKf2I/AAAAAAAAA54/alwBkVl94Ig/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7d5RpYkM_o/VIjZJpWKf2I/AAAAAAAAA54/alwBkVl94Ig/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg" height="640" width="374" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of beautiful prints, picked up on a trip to Paris my parents took a few years ago. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osHi3i8dgU0/VJMv3XFdWeI/AAAAAAAAA6k/aS4jC7xriDU/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osHi3i8dgU0/VJMv3XFdWeI/AAAAAAAAA6k/aS4jC7xriDU/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris meets Pittsburgh in the books, art and accessories in this room. The carpet is luxe, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVmbNPNCXXI/VJMy37QkDwI/AAAAAAAAA6w/Qp_sPBHdpP4/s1600/IMG_0463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVmbNPNCXXI/VJMy37QkDwI/AAAAAAAAA6w/Qp_sPBHdpP4/s1600/IMG_0463.jpg" height="640" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grandfather clock has been in the Brinker family since the 1840's. Its the most traditional element in this room (the only room in the house with ceilings high enough accommodate it), but it seems to work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbjVip1PmFc/VJM3tNmJzFI/AAAAAAAAA7I/akVu-tHyqDs/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbjVip1PmFc/VJM3tNmJzFI/AAAAAAAAA7I/akVu-tHyqDs/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pillow and sectional sofa details.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We're still working on the artworks for a few of the walls and a family photo gallery for another, and I don't think that I'll ever
convince my mom that less is more when it comes to accessories, but I think its safe to say that this room is a success. During my visit last month we
spent almost all of our time here. It is comfortable
and beautiful and best of all, my parents are happy with it. They will
be spending Christmas 2014 in the room I gifted them last
year, and it brings me nothing but joy to think of my Pennsylvania tribe,
all of them, having a fantastic holiday in their beautiful new space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkSAt3Qploo/VJM0N7mG-OI/AAAAAAAAA68/9F6HzAUb43k/s1600/IMG_20141217_101951226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkSAt3Qploo/VJM0N7mG-OI/AAAAAAAAA68/9F6HzAUb43k/s1600/IMG_20141217_101951226.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo from my parents as they decorated for their first Christmas in the new living room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So. What's your gift? What are you giving this holiday? I hope it brings you as much happiness to give it as it does to those who receive it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-68028085194230444462014-11-21T08:33:00.000-08:002014-11-21T08:33:24.730-08:00sparkle and shineMy favorite pair of shoes are red patent leather Marc Jacobs pumps with a round heel and a peep toe. They were a birthday gift from my husband six or seven years ago, and have been my footwear nirvana ever since.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m78Tw1DhRs0/VG4rZAI4lBI/AAAAAAAAA2o/u6k4jrgxIMI/s1600/img-thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m78Tw1DhRs0/VG4rZAI4lBI/AAAAAAAAA2o/u6k4jrgxIMI/s1600/img-thing.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite shoes, perfect Christmas gear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wear them whenever I can during the year, but the best time to put them on is during the holidays. I'm not really the Christmas sweater type, so I have to figure new things to pair with my shoes to create my holiday attire. And since I almost always wear a pair of dark jeans and a white blouse (sometimes black), the easiest way to pull together a look is with jewelry and accessories.<br />
<br />
It just so happens that my friends at <a href="https://www.chairish.com/">Chairish</a> (Remember them? They asked me to design a room with some of their <a href="http://alliesandadmirers.blogspot.com/2014/10/everything-old-is-new-again.html">vintage furniture</a>?) just added thousands of <a href="https://www.chairish.com/collection/jewelry-and-accessories">vintage jewelry and accessory pieces</a> to their marketplace. With Thanksgiving coming up next week and Christmas hot on its heels, it seems to me to be a great opportunity to find some perfect pieces for my holiday looks -- and maybe a little something that I'm hoping to find under the tree.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BhQwrhshsL0/VG4yDYxrRHI/AAAAAAAAA24/kL8fsNEgXnU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-20%2Bat%2B9.50.39%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BhQwrhshsL0/VG4yDYxrRHI/AAAAAAAAA24/kL8fsNEgXnU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-20%2Bat%2B9.50.39%2BAM.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful girl in the photo is not me, but you get the idea. Everything here except my shoes is available from Chairish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So many beautiful things to make my blouse, jeans and red shoes holiday ready, from the vintage clutch to the square pendant necklace. Jade bangles and the little glass earrings are just enough green. The cocktail ring isn't too matchy. And Christmas is sunny in Los Angeles, like, really sunny, so you can bet I'll be rocking those red cat's eye sunglasses.<br />
<br />
This time of the year there seem to be parties and gatherings every spare second from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. Nothing is ever too fancy in my life, but I do like to dress up my jeans and blouse when it is not the right occasion for red and green. I love to get a little sparkly, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nrEdBgDPjY/VG5TV2sw5RI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/xBSJosS5yus/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-20%2Bat%2B12.43.45%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nrEdBgDPjY/VG5TV2sw5RI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/xBSJosS5yus/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-20%2Bat%2B12.43.45%2BPM.png" height="526" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's my jacket and shoes. Everything else is from Chairish.</td></tr>
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I swap out my red shoes for black Mary Janes and pull on my blue velvet jacket -- sometimes with the white blouse, sometimes with a black t-shirt. I am obsessed with the Dior insect brooches, and they seem to have been made for the lapel of my jacket. The pearl and glass cocktail ring is spectacular. The little round handbag is adorable. I'll be wearing this outfit as long as there is an excuse to celebrate.<br />
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Besides all of this beautiful stuff, there is one more piece that I'm hoping to find under my tree.<br />
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I'll just have to wait and see if Santa is kind to me.<br />
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Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-73923763427581288202014-11-07T08:51:00.000-08:002014-12-11T09:52:54.930-08:00Central Grocery doesn't deliverThe muffaletta from <a href="http://www.centralgroceryneworleans.com/">Central Grocery</a> in New Orleans is my favorite sandwich. And that is saying a lot when you consider that my runners up are the grilled pork sandwich from <a href="http://www.paseoseattle.com/index.php/home.html">Paseo</a> in Seattle, the cap and cheese from <a href="https://www.primantibros.com/">Primanti Brothers</a> (the location in The Strip only) in Pittsburgh and The Godmother from <a href="http://www.baycitiesitaliandeli.com/">Bay Cities Itailan Deli</a> in Santa Monica.<br />
<br />
Lots of delis and sandwich shops here in Los Angeles make their version of a muffaletta, but I haven't found any of them particularly satisfying. And since Central Grocery doesn't deliver, sometimes I have to take matters into my own hands.<br />
<br />
It started with bread. I've been on a bread baking kick lately thanks to an absurdly easy and crazy good recipe from <a href="https://cucinacollora.wordpress.com/category/baking/bread/">Cucina Collora</a>. A perfect loaf, just out of the oven, begged to become sandwiches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuOFX7FsyZA/VFvybGIF7OI/AAAAAAAAA0M/F4lSyzlchqQ/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuOFX7FsyZA/VFvybGIF7OI/AAAAAAAAA0M/F4lSyzlchqQ/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made this beautiful thing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypg0Duuewkg/VFvy4DQnKCI/AAAAAAAAA0U/OFMYyOQIQ5o/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypg0Duuewkg/VFvy4DQnKCI/AAAAAAAAA0U/OFMYyOQIQ5o/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crusty exterior, great crumb, slightly sour flavor. Perfect for muffaletta.</td></tr>
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While my bread was cooling, I made what I consider to be the most crucial component of the sandwich: the olive salad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnpgOlum_RM/VFv0EnsQF_I/AAAAAAAAA0g/eVEhsDSBsSo/s1600/IMG_0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnpgOlum_RM/VFv0EnsQF_I/AAAAAAAAA0g/eVEhsDSBsSo/s1600/IMG_0250.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I combined kalamata and picholine olives with our homemade giardiniera and pickled hot and sweet peppers and a little olive oil. Add a bit of salt (not much) and some black pepper and you're all set.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfHYHA6JrE/VFv1fQ4EZNI/AAAAAAAAA0s/XRaWvYcpnd0/s1600/IMG_0251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfHYHA6JrE/VFv1fQ4EZNI/AAAAAAAAA0s/XRaWvYcpnd0/s1600/IMG_0251.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can use whatever good stuff you've got on hand to make your olive salad. The longer you let it marinate before you use it, the better it tastes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Drew stepped in, as he often does, to assemble our sandwiches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1pX6G8TbBw/VFv22gtcywI/AAAAAAAAA04/A1aPZrzlScM/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1pX6G8TbBw/VFv22gtcywI/AAAAAAAAA04/A1aPZrzlScM/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lettuce and tomato, then salami, mortadella and capicola. And Drew's big bird slippers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLY_kA6JUbc/VFv4K-h8A8I/AAAAAAAAA1E/CMOEvJwv0TE/s1600/IMG_0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLY_kA6JUbc/VFv4K-h8A8I/AAAAAAAAA1E/CMOEvJwv0TE/s1600/IMG_0268.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Provolone cheese, my fabulous spicy olive salad and condiments. Just to gild the lily, we topped it all off with a kosher dill pickle slice, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x16uICyrOyE/VFv4iFN6IpI/AAAAAAAAA1M/r52gFGqk8NM/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x16uICyrOyE/VFv4iFN6IpI/AAAAAAAAA1M/r52gFGqk8NM/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad for our first go at it. And I barely had time to take the photos before we'd devoured them. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
Got a favorite sandwich? A favorite sandwich joint? A secret spot for great muffaletta? You know I'd love to hear all about it.Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-81790203620621035032014-10-24T14:16:00.001-07:002015-02-13T17:09:50.058-08:00everything old is new againAnytime I'm in a house that is truly a home, the thing that is most noticeable is that almost nothing is brand new. There may be a few new pieces (I'm a big proponent of mixing new stuff with old), but the rooms with the most comfort and charm don't come from going into a retailer and buying furniture and setting it up like the display at the showroom. The really good ones are collected, put together over years with thrift store finds and family heirlooms and vintage pieces from different eras and varying provenance. So when the lovely people at <a href="https://www.chairish.com/">Chairish</a>, purveyors of all sorts of <a href="https://www.chairish.com/">vintage furniture</a>, art and accessories, asked me to design a room using some of their gorgeous stuff, I was excited to give it a go. <br />
<br />
The space in question: a library with particular challenges. Not a super large room (12'x15' or so), but with great features like windows on two walls and a built-in bookcase (because its a library) running the entire length of one wall, from the floor to just beneath the window sills. <br />
<br />
The whole design started with the golden velour sofa. I was obsessed with it the moment I saw it and knew it would become the anchor in this space. I also found a pair of long lumbar pillows in a graphic gold chain fabric that were perfect for it. Biggest piece in the room and some accessories for it. Done.<br />
<br />
The antique Persian rug came next -- it is comfy and rich and great with the sofa. The room is full of light, so I knew that the deep gold/red/chocolate brown tones wouldn't be too dark or heavy here. Plus, they are just the sort of colors that make for an inviting spot to curl up with a book.<br />
<br />
The room needed way more seating than just the sofa and <a href="http://alliesandadmirers.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-chair-is-still-chair.html">I LOVE chairs</a>, so it was a no-brainer to choose a pair of them to go with the sofa and rug combo. Chairish has so many fantastic options for seating (and you know that I love chairs), but I managed to narrow it down to a pair of mohair club chairs by <a href="http://www.mgbwhome.com/">Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams</a>. MGBW has long been my go-to for chairs, so it makes sense that I chose them. And just like always these are super comfortable, the upholstery is luxe, the color is yummy and they are so right with everything else in the space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7hIauuW2G9Q/VEp31c5SPmI/AAAAAAAAAy8/4h5FnoOc6Ko/s1600/Chairish%2Bstyle%2Bchallenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7hIauuW2G9Q/VEp31c5SPmI/AAAAAAAAAy8/4h5FnoOc6Ko/s1600/Chairish%2Bstyle%2Bchallenge.png" height="497" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mood board for the Chairish library. Besides all of the books, I found every item in this room in one place.</td></tr>
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The tables were easy. The tree shaped teak table is so interesting and unique. I was determined to find a way to use it, and it turns out that it tucked nicely between the club chairs. The mid-century modern nesting tables, well, I'm a sucker for the versatility of nesters. I've used two in front of the sofa like a coffee table and the third one as an end table, but they can be used in the room in lots of different ways.<br />
<br />
Every library needs a bar, and this one was no exception. I wanted a piece with some size and weight, so instead of seeking out a typical bar cart I decided to re-purpose an art deco dresser with a beautiful walnut finish and great hardware. The drawers are storage for glassware and the cabinet side is perfect used as liquor storage. The surface space is great for mixing and serving drinks and is large enough to accommodate a glossy cobalt blue lamp with a clean white shade. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lP-mSPf4oGk/VEqsTQg9YMI/AAAAAAAAAzI/w2qLbM7-nFk/s1600/Chairish%2Blibrary%2Bplan%2B1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lP-mSPf4oGk/VEqsTQg9YMI/AAAAAAAAAzI/w2qLbM7-nFk/s1600/Chairish%2Blibrary%2Bplan%2B1.jpeg" height="460" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sketch of the furniture plan with each item on the mood board.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sometimes the hardest part of a room is getting the art and accessories right. Good art -- the kind that you love and want to live with -- is tough to find. And I'm a firm believer that accessories should be a minimal amount of stuff, but it should be the right stuff. I think I managed to collect a balanced mix of art and accessories that looks great with all those books.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQqlBLLnq-s/VEqxwyRy6SI/AAAAAAAAAzU/rZuE3NyF7lk/s1600/Vintage%2BGeorge%2BNelson%2BWalnut%2BSpike%2BWall%2BClock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQqlBLLnq-s/VEqxwyRy6SI/AAAAAAAAAzU/rZuE3NyF7lk/s1600/Vintage%2BGeorge%2BNelson%2BWalnut%2BSpike%2BWall%2BClock.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could not resist the vintage George Nelson clock. It will fit perfectly between the windows on the bookcase wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLZ4OwXM_Dk/VEq1OGDgXxI/AAAAAAAAAzc/oFtRlkx3JKY/s1600/Early%2BBrass%2BBronze%2BFinish%2BGlobe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLZ4OwXM_Dk/VEq1OGDgXxI/AAAAAAAAAzc/oFtRlkx3JKY/s1600/Early%2BBrass%2BBronze%2BFinish%2BGlobe.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Globes are the greatest thing ever. This one will live atop the built-in bookshelves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOSHSW8LCIc/VEq1yfgNDMI/AAAAAAAAAzk/v6Zm5EL8Zs0/s1600/139c240bf8a49f1f60799d48146d4ad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOSHSW8LCIc/VEq1yfgNDMI/AAAAAAAAAzk/v6Zm5EL8Zs0/s1600/139c240bf8a49f1f60799d48146d4ad3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large shot of the abstract art for the wall behind the sofa. So much dreamy color. I love the frame on this piece, too.</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
So. Like this room? Love and covet something in it? Its all for sale right now, so don't hesitate.<br />
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<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-30607566073849460552014-10-15T10:47:00.002-07:002015-02-13T17:11:46.320-08:00make me overWhen I'm working with a client on their home, we inevitably have a conversation that involves "the perfect piece" for that breakfast nook or space at the bottom of the stairway or empty corner of the master bedroom. Whatever the trouble spot in a house may be, I find that I bump up against that idea all the time. Lots of people are convinced that they haven't properly designed or even attempted to design their space because they just haven't found that perfect piece that they envision will make the room complete.<br />
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While I definitely visualize the right item for each spot in any room I'm designing, I'm also of the mind that if you can't find that perfect piece, you should create it yourself (or hire a pro to do it for you). And one of the best parts of my job is making old things new and not so fabulous things beautiful. <br />
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The Hyde Park house is in progress, and is filling with examples of creating the perfect piece.<br />
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Some seating was necessary for the <b>living room</b>, so we made the pilgrimage to my favorite resource for rehab-able chairs in Los Angeles -- <a href="http://hotelsurplus.com/">Hotel Surplus Outlet</a>. They sell new furniture overstock, but more importantly, any and everything from hotel and resort liquidations. Tons of furniture, lighting, art and frames, even a room filled with hotel dish and service ware -- total designer Disneyland. Its one of those places that I feel so lucky to have nearby and it always feels like a treat to walk into their warehouse to see 200 ugly chairs and know that a couple of the will soon be beautiful. The other great thing about HSO are the prices. The pair of red chairs I selected only cost $50.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr7cfdkcX9A/VD1M5uNXNAI/AAAAAAAAAvo/cTtC_TZyDSk/s1600/IMG_1156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr7cfdkcX9A/VD1M5uNXNAI/AAAAAAAAAvo/cTtC_TZyDSk/s1600/IMG_1156.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like it belongs in a chain hotel lobby, right? That's because it does. But the shape and scale are just right for the living room, so we'll reupholster and give them some cool new legs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-GdeRluPnU/VD1NYBlOClI/AAAAAAAAAvw/z-uWMqcVJzI/s1600/IMG_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-GdeRluPnU/VD1NYBlOClI/AAAAAAAAAvw/z-uWMqcVJzI/s1600/IMG_1157.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view. And ugh, can you imagine how many dirty traveler hands have touched that armrest? Gross.</td></tr>
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Here are the same chairs after rehab. They are perfection. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOXoVZ4T284/VD2UzcM9YyI/AAAAAAAAAwo/gTbrXAtVDvA/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOXoVZ4T284/VD2UzcM9YyI/AAAAAAAAAwo/gTbrXAtVDvA/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" height="516" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new fabric is a bold peacock blue with a really subtle herringbone. At only $10 per yard, it was a quite a find at the discount outlet of <a href="http://www.fsfabricslosangeles.com/">F&S Fabrics</a>. The trio of metal tables are from <a href="http://www.cb2.com/">CB2</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LufK_Phr39s/VD2XZB_rVeI/AAAAAAAAAw0/xsnnbph8qoc/s1600/IMG_0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LufK_Phr39s/VD2XZB_rVeI/AAAAAAAAAw0/xsnnbph8qoc/s1600/IMG_0377.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No more dirty armrests! And some beautiful new legs from <a href="http://www.tablelegs.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Legs.aspx">tablelegs.com</a>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vOFrAVgxIQ/VD2YUlkyKwI/AAAAAAAAAw8/49vW4Tr6iqA/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vOFrAVgxIQ/VD2YUlkyKwI/AAAAAAAAAw8/49vW4Tr6iqA/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white boucle pillow is from <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/?a=784">Crate & Barrel</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_Q-vDhwE9E/VD2YtNsZjAI/AAAAAAAAAxE/I76IZIRsfOQ/s1600/IMG_0379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_Q-vDhwE9E/VD2YtNsZjAI/AAAAAAAAAxE/I76IZIRsfOQ/s1600/IMG_0379.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orange Ikat pillow cover is from <a href="http://www.fabricadabra.us/ikats.html">Fabricadabra</a>.</td></tr>
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The <b>master bedroom</b> is a serious work in progress, with wall color and the removal of the builder's beige carpet and restoration of the hardwood floors still to come. The furniture plan in this space is really starting to take shape. The room is already a colorful and comfortable place to be.<br />
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The headboard was created specifically for this space. It is simple and streamlined with a bit of cushion and a luxe linen from <a href="http://www.robertallendesign.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=222391">Robert Allen</a>. The dust ruffle was constructed in the same fabric.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pGKrk-2FnE/VD2cAdg58hI/AAAAAAAAAxg/X-c1zacXuE4/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pGKrk-2FnE/VD2cAdg58hI/AAAAAAAAAxg/X-c1zacXuE4/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" height="640" width="610" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad for only halfway finished. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf5_z4nUrD0/VD6yIxI8xrI/AAAAAAAAAyY/F3M8gy-C0nk/s1600/IMG_0339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf5_z4nUrD0/VD6yIxI8xrI/AAAAAAAAAyY/F3M8gy-C0nk/s1600/IMG_0339.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful pulled thread detail on the headboard and dust ruffle fabric.</td></tr>
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Bedside tables are key to comfort, in my opinion. Must have a drawer for the book (or whatever). Must be sturdy, and have surface space for a lamp and maybe an alarm clock or glass of water, too. Storage is a bonus. <br />
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I scored a great pair of bedside chests for $20 at a garage sale. Paint and hardware is all they needed to tick all the boxes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AY34lYvqPUA/VD1XwJakZxI/AAAAAAAAAwA/bPX8kVsfhq8/s1600/IMG_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AY34lYvqPUA/VD1XwJakZxI/AAAAAAAAAwA/bPX8kVsfhq8/s1600/IMG_0850.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solid wood but hideously painted. An easy fix. </td></tr>
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Here they are in their new home:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SGOUW8l8zY/VD2cfuuXxwI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Ah7RXWQi_cw/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SGOUW8l8zY/VD2cfuuXxwI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Ah7RXWQi_cw/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" height="574" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of vintage lamps with white drum shades are great atop the rehabbed chests. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mU2uGtUJCQ/VD2dOBcAU2I/AAAAAAAAAx4/qv48YOoc2TE/s1600/IMG_0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mU2uGtUJCQ/VD2dOBcAU2I/AAAAAAAAAx4/qv48YOoc2TE/s1600/IMG_0362.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous new finish and hardware.</td></tr>
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The bedroom is a nice, long room, so we wanted to take advantage of the space with a bench at the foot of the bed. Nothing too large or chunky, but something with storage. The piece we started with came from one of my absolute favorite resources, my local <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">Home Goods</a> store. It sometimes take a couple of shopping trips, but I always find what I'm looking for there. This bench cost about $100.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIiR0w45tgM/VD1di8teyAI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/a_4T4TD96sI/s1600/DSCN8677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIiR0w45tgM/VD1di8teyAI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/a_4T4TD96sI/s1600/DSCN8677.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7K0LZQV8lZo/VD1eGkmPpnI/AAAAAAAAAwY/Lo9nlNlNGhA/s1600/DSCN8678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7K0LZQV8lZo/VD1eGkmPpnI/AAAAAAAAAwY/Lo9nlNlNGhA/s1600/DSCN8678.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great shape and the scale is right. Bonus storage. Boring upholstery can be remedied.</td></tr>
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After re-upholstery, it is everyone's new favorite piece in the room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk7Kz7dbHWs/VD2d_U2J10I/AAAAAAAAAyA/RFWSm-l0qmw/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk7Kz7dbHWs/VD2d_U2J10I/AAAAAAAAAyA/RFWSm-l0qmw/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabric has just enough pattern to be a feature, not so much that it looks crazy. And it is great with the red bedside tables.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4fhikHKVOY/VD2fBKibdVI/AAAAAAAAAyI/nryTgn0UZ9Y/s1600/IMG_0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4fhikHKVOY/VD2fBKibdVI/AAAAAAAAAyI/nryTgn0UZ9Y/s1600/IMG_0334.jpg" height="640" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bright, graphic cotton on the bench is from <a href="http://www.thefabricstoreusa.com/">The Fabric Store</a>. I love it paired with the draperies, from <a href="http://www.westelm.com/?cm_ven=BrandSearch&cm_cat=Google_c&cm_pla=BrandExact&cm_ite=west%20elm.&gclid=CLuXnuqUrcECFY9cMgodFzgAXg">West Elm</a>.</td></tr>
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So. Is there a place in your home that's missing its perfect piece? I want to know. <br />
<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-14020022465291804902014-09-23T08:35:00.000-07:002015-01-13T15:31:07.023-08:00city campingThe first architect I ever worked for had his office in an Airstream trailer up on blocks in his Venice backyard. I had never seen one before coming to the West Coast, and had certainly never been inside of one. My family did not camp. And though I grew up in Pennsylvania where lots of people did camp, the families I knew who did, well, they did not do it in anything as cool as an Airstream. For me, these sleek silver pods were a sort of symbol of the west, of the freedom of the road, of my beloved California. I became an almost instant Airstream enthusiast and have longed to buy and restore one in the decade since. And although I sometimes comb craigslist and lust over the odd gem for sale, I remain Airstream-less and have to get my fix in other ways.<br />
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In May of 2013, I read an article in <a href="http://www.sunset.com/travel/unusual-hotels/unusual-hotels_6">Sunset</a> magazine about an Airstream hotel in Santa Barbara called <a href="http://autocamp.com/sb/2013/09/06/sunset-magazine/">Autocamp</a>. Right away, I was sure I wanted to spend my 40th birthday (in September) there so I called and emailed and had zero success. Turns out they were booked solid for almost six months. Lots of other Airstream lovers must have read that Sunset article, too.<br />
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Fast forward to February 2014. I was on the Autocamp website looking for photos and just happened to check to see if they had the weekend of my 41st birthday available. Miracle of all miracles, there they were. Tucked into the calendar surrounded by lots of no vacancy, three days were available in a 1973 (built the same year as me) Airstream Sovereign. I snapped them up and have been looking forward to my birthday weekend all year. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tfmcCmIsYPc/VBxgnhi1PqI/AAAAAAAAAsU/TFe4z9zfTSo/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tfmcCmIsYPc/VBxgnhi1PqI/AAAAAAAAAsU/TFe4z9zfTSo/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home, nestled into the the heart of beautiful Santa Barbara. Did I
mention that there's a queen-sized bed, claw foot bathtub, cable TV?
Yep. Not exactly roughing it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzYYZdouqxw/VBxiPzaBrNI/AAAAAAAAAsc/wNrT7vvfAgY/s1600/IMG_0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzYYZdouqxw/VBxiPzaBrNI/AAAAAAAAAsc/wNrT7vvfAgY/s1600/IMG_0210.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place has been here for a long time. I totally understand why.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRV1O0vqzWg/VBxi9L_H0AI/AAAAAAAAAsk/PW1lO6MoJfo/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRV1O0vqzWg/VBxi9L_H0AI/AAAAAAAAAsk/PW1lO6MoJfo/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the view of the mountains from our patio. And see those beach
cruisers in front of our neighbors' Airstreams? We had those, too. No
driving for three days! To a Los Angelino, that is the best birthday
gift ever.</td></tr>
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Pretty much any trip that Drew and I take begins with a meal. For some places it is totally specific (the very first stop in Seattle is always <a href="http://www.ddir.com/">Dick's Drive In</a>), for others, not so much. We've been visiting Santa Barbara since way back before we were married people and there are lots of spots we like, but no favorite. Many, many people seemed to recommend <a href="http://www.nortonspastrami.com/">Norton's Pastrami</a> when we mentioned our upcoming trip, so we decided it was time to give it a go. It did not disappoint.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swcJv3dbGcA/VBxc1GHFxcI/AAAAAAAAAsM/lySGm3JUlZw/s1600/IMG_2123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swcJv3dbGcA/VBxc1GHFxcI/AAAAAAAAAsM/lySGm3JUlZw/s1600/IMG_2123.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My half of "The NYC". I was not prepared for how good the onion rings were and I ate every one of them. And the garlicky, chilled homemade pickles and cherry soda. Perfection. We even managed to snag a couple of seats at the (gorgeous) counter so we could watch all of the sandwich action in process.</td></tr>
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The thing that I always forget about Santa Barbara -- and it is the thing that dazzles me most when I'm there -- is the beauty of the place. The blue Pacific is there and the mountains are green and between them is a little gem of a city that has taken care to preserve the old and grow in a way that respects its architectural history. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MI5-nzcl7Ks/VBxsV3isFtI/AAAAAAAAAsw/qjtxzb2-U_M/s1600/IMG_2143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MI5-nzcl7Ks/VBxsV3isFtI/AAAAAAAAAsw/qjtxzb2-U_M/s1600/IMG_2143.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The color of the sky doesn't look real, right? It is.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTiHoucEkgA/VBxs-c5I7qI/AAAAAAAAAs4/lq_bQbtASzk/s1600/IMG_2168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTiHoucEkgA/VBxs-c5I7qI/AAAAAAAAAs4/lq_bQbtASzk/s1600/IMG_2168.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish style is so soothing and so stimulating. And I love that I can't tell if this is an old or new building.</td></tr>
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One of the places that is new to Santa Barbara since our last visit is the <a href="http://sbpublicmarket.com/">Santa Barbara Public Market</a>. It was an easy place to spend an afternoon -- and eat some fantastic food - before heading back to to camp.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The counter seats at <a href="http://www.belcampomeatco.com/">Belcampo Meat Co.</a> It is pretty cool to sit and watch a real butcher at work, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinach and ricotta and ham and cheese croissants from <a href="http://www.crazygoodbread.com/">Crazy Good Bread</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGzlwLMgdAE/VBx2SwoWhTI/AAAAAAAAAtc/yfW6PsSTQD4/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGzlwLMgdAE/VBx2SwoWhTI/AAAAAAAAAtc/yfW6PsSTQD4/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the fresh cases at <a href="http://thepastashoppellc.com/">The Pasta Shoppe</a>. Italian girl nirvana.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKlC2RRRQns/VCB89BrQJvI/AAAAAAAAAt4/9xeE0gGxNSs/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKlC2RRRQns/VCB89BrQJvI/AAAAAAAAAt4/9xeE0gGxNSs/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the oyster bar at <a href="http://www.smseafoodmarket.com/santa-monica-seafood-market-and-cafe/">Santa Monica Seafood</a>, we found these beauties. We also ate a really fresh ceviche and a perfect New England clam chowder, but they were devoured far too quickly to photograph. Drew drank a lovely Poor Man's Blonde Ale from <a href="http://www.barrelhousebrewing.com/">Barrelhouse Brewing Co.</a>, brewed right over the hill in Paso Robles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eZ4oOfZ-8U/VCCB2L84HYI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ljfVuNPp5LQ/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eZ4oOfZ-8U/VCCB2L84HYI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ljfVuNPp5LQ/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" height="556" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked past the Arlington Theatre at least a dozen times as we traveled up and down State St. I think it is my favorite building in Santa Barbara.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4N-8A8XfM8/VCCCJlaqaxI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/t8ztca7YqHQ/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4N-8A8XfM8/VCCCJlaqaxI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/t8ztca7YqHQ/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the lobby at the Arlington. Drew does not enjoy having his photo published, but he's neccessary for scale here. We are plotting a way to set up long tables and throw an epic dinner party in this space.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIJquu-kCSU/VCCfvoRFSDI/AAAAAAAAAvI/EDYygDnlRDE/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIJquu-kCSU/VCCfvoRFSDI/AAAAAAAAAvI/EDYygDnlRDE/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This incredible mosaic (yep, thousands of little tiles) mural on on the Santa Barbara Public Market building is almost an entire block long.</td></tr>
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The next morning we had a giant brunch on the gorgeous (and crowded) little patio at <a href="http://scarlettbegonia.net/wp/">Scarlett Begonia</a>. After filling up, we rode our bikes along the coast, through a state park and back through town. It was a lovely (almost 11 mile) route that I found on the <a href="http://www.sbbike.org/region/rides/rides.html">Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition's</a> website. They provided a great map of the ride that proved to be really helpful along the way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfdgJiTU99s/VBx4l19uRWI/AAAAAAAAAtk/gOJffpS2jrw/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfdgJiTU99s/VBx4l19uRWI/AAAAAAAAAtk/gOJffpS2jrw/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My absurdly good (and messy) house made bagel with lox and dilled cream cheese. And the Bloody Mary was made with spicy salt and fresh tomato juice. That's Drew's tri-tip sandwich with chimichuri on house made bread in the background.</td></tr>
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Did I mention that there was a claw foot bathtub in our Airstream? A perfect remedy after a long ride on (seriously rickety) beach cruisers. After a soak I was ready for champagne and picnic supper on our patio.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hR2-V04ui2U/VCCHv5resmI/AAAAAAAAAus/i-rhxH-SPh0/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hR2-V04ui2U/VCCHv5resmI/AAAAAAAAAus/i-rhxH-SPh0/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big tree that shaded our spot during the day lit it up at night. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_6vVXKahKY/VCCImm-rBwI/AAAAAAAAAu0/qNbfMOZgXSQ/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_6vVXKahKY/VCCImm-rBwI/AAAAAAAAAu0/qNbfMOZgXSQ/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champagne. Lots of it. In seriously cute glassware.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday cheese party, <a href="http://drewfood.com/index.html">DREWfood</a> camp-style.</td></tr>
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The entire weekend was the was the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of my 41st year on the planet. Santa Barbara remains a charming and magical little city, Autocamp is a new favorite place to stay and an awesome Airstream fix. I'm determined to do it all again really soon.</div>
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Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-35223688130502730582014-09-10T09:19:00.000-07:002015-02-20T17:25:35.087-08:00sweet and hotThe pepper onslaught is in full swing in the garden. Overnight we went from pounds and pounds of tomatoes to a few dozen peppers each day. And just like with the tomatoes, I've been really excited about canning and preserving anything we don't eat fresh. It has most definitiely been a time of experimentation around here and we've had peppers in pretty much every dish, but I have to say that I'm loving the hunt for recipes to try as well as incorporating the offerings of the garden into our family classics.<br />
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As soon as we realized how large they would grow to be, we decided to roast our large, sweet peppers and preserve them in olive oil. This was my first time canning with oil, and I'm happy to report that it is just as simple as canning with brine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqoYCR5M5wk/VA4oogfgtLI/AAAAAAAAApI/ftC61TBIpYQ/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqoYCR5M5wk/VA4oogfgtLI/AAAAAAAAApI/ftC61TBIpYQ/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See those big (as my feet) red peppers? Those are Giant Marconi. This was our first season growing them and they turned out to be sweet and meaty and perfect for fire-roasting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3Fa68MRaXI/VA4qCuCNBTI/AAAAAAAAApU/vIOKyiGhGrM/s1600/IMG_0166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3Fa68MRaXI/VA4qCuCNBTI/AAAAAAAAApU/vIOKyiGhGrM/s1600/IMG_0166.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marconi and a handful of poblano chiles roasted right on the range top. A cooling rack (we used the rack from inside a large roaster) is the perfect thing to hold the peppers over the flame until the skin is black and blistered.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjgV6zSwr_0/VA4r45AxgaI/AAAAAAAAApo/xWd-QoRESgw/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjgV6zSwr_0/VA4r45AxgaI/AAAAAAAAApo/xWd-QoRESgw/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" height="510" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's how they look after the black skin has been removed and peppers have been cut into ribbons and nestled into a jar with a clove of garlic and lots of good olive oil. So far we've eaten these on sandwiches and they have become my favorite pizza topping with chevre and watercress. Yum is an understatement.</td></tr>
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I have pickled our super-spicy jalapeno and serrano peppers in a really simple brine (you can find the repice at <a href="http://www.simplyscratch.com/2013/05/easy-homemade-pickled-jalapenos.html">Simply Scratch</a>) many, many times before. This time around I also made some jars of sweet peppers for the people don't love the hot stuff so much. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6oX-B25TaM/VA4wRzNgUiI/AAAAAAAAAp0/XMLewQjaDw8/s1600/IMG_0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6oX-B25TaM/VA4wRzNgUiI/AAAAAAAAAp0/XMLewQjaDw8/s1600/IMG_0161.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jalapeno and serrano are really hot but still have tons of flavor. The banana and Anaheim are mild and mellow and take really well to the brine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4BZwUgkiGvY/VA4yNQGrJdI/AAAAAAAAAqA/a_baXU3kJpg/s1600/IMG_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4BZwUgkiGvY/VA4yNQGrJdI/AAAAAAAAAqA/a_baXU3kJpg/s1600/IMG_0165.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sweet peppers are great on sandwiches and pizza of course, but my favorite is diced up into potato hash. We eat the hot peppers on tacos and all foods Mexican, pizza (pepperoni and jalapeno is a classic at our house), and especially in scrambled eggs. Drew dices them fine and puts them in coleslaw, too.</td></tr>
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I was excited to give pepper jam another go this year. I made two batches last year -- one that was pure pepper and one with tiny flecks of diced mango (inspired by the apple-mango pepper jelly from <a href="http://www.bramblebasics.com/Jam.html">Bramble Basics</a>). This year I used the same ingredients, but pureed the mango instead of dicing it. I love what the puree does to the texture of the jam.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LesmrBoErUw/VA41yZsocyI/AAAAAAAAAqM/kqEWJBXrJEg/s1600/IMG_0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LesmrBoErUw/VA41yZsocyI/AAAAAAAAAqM/kqEWJBXrJEg/s1600/IMG_0189.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender and orange bells, sweet banana, Anaheim, golden cayenne, jalapeno and serrano peppers pre-pulverization.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPBks45_FiM/VA43fQPB8_I/AAAAAAAAAqY/ehfTXild5ck/s1600/IMG_0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPBks45_FiM/VA43fQPB8_I/AAAAAAAAAqY/ehfTXild5ck/s1600/IMG_0192.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five ingredients: the pepper mix, pectin, apple cider vinegar, sugar and pureed fresh mango.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkOOTdVMt3g/VA439BYtmDI/AAAAAAAAAqg/CNaUeKS5xak/s1600/IMG_0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkOOTdVMt3g/VA439BYtmDI/AAAAAAAAAqg/CNaUeKS5xak/s1600/IMG_0193.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mango pepper jam, finished and ready to eat. Drew eats this stuff on everything, from peanut butter sandwiches to fried chicken. My fave way to eat it is on crostini or whole wheat crackers with goat cheese. With cream cheese on saltines works (and is just as delicious) if you want to go white trash with it.</td></tr>
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And there you have it. My three favorite ways with garden peppers -- just in time for the second big harvest. Hope it will be as sweet and hot as these last days of summer.Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-68073403190004758792014-08-28T12:43:00.000-07:002015-02-13T17:09:30.016-08:00everything is illuminated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is certainly the case in the dining room at the Hyde Park house. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4aUdQK6wfw/U_4YgXsCYII/AAAAAAAAAnQ/sQj5r6Pj3ro/s1600/DSCN6725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4aUdQK6wfw/U_4YgXsCYII/AAAAAAAAAnQ/sQj5r6Pj3ro/s1600/DSCN6725.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's where we started: builder's beige walls and a cheap, clunky (and SO bright -- we immediately installed a dimmer) chandelier. The room isn't particularly large, but the gorgeous floors and the corner windows make up for that.</td></tr>
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The first thing to do was paint, and I chose <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/stoningtongray">Benjamin Moore stonington gray</a> for the walls. The color was also used in the adjoining living room and hallway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CY1zNmU2lZo/U_4dKs3tRII/AAAAAAAAAnc/v17Alf5MWP8/s1600/447305_286x286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CY1zNmU2lZo/U_4dKs3tRII/AAAAAAAAAnc/v17Alf5MWP8/s1600/447305_286x286.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty, right? A little bit taupe and a little blue, too.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The furniture plan for this room was minimal, so I designed draperies to add interest and height to the space and soften the corner without taking up too much floor space. I selected a really fancy silk in a modern, graphic botanical. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoaCXJC8-fw/U_4fCkdY1dI/AAAAAAAAAno/Wg4cn86V90w/s1600/IMG_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoaCXJC8-fw/U_4fCkdY1dI/AAAAAAAAAno/Wg4cn86V90w/s1600/IMG_0098.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drapery silk has fantastic pattern and texture. Great weight and a slight sheen, too.</td></tr>
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A while back, I repaired and re finished six school chairs scored for $2.50 apiece at an LAUSD auction. They are colorful and eclectic (as this room took shape, it became clear that eclectic would rule here) and absolutely the perfect size. They also pair well with the super simple dining table planned for the room.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jyh9UJoQsrk/U_4ipuap8II/AAAAAAAAAn0/ZmywStpjW5w/s1600/DSCN0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jyh9UJoQsrk/U_4ipuap8II/AAAAAAAAAn0/ZmywStpjW5w/s1600/DSCN0820.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining chairs before shot. Sturdy and comfy, but not looking so good.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BoKRVUh6sY/U_4jbrbRUZI/AAAAAAAAAn8/IhXK8SN5Whs/s1600/DSCN0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BoKRVUh6sY/U_4jbrbRUZI/AAAAAAAAAn8/IhXK8SN5Whs/s1600/DSCN0833.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining chair frames, mid-refurb. I chose to use a traditional dining room color in a new way. The wooden seats and backs got a lovely sand and refinish, too. And we scraped off dozens of pieces of chewing gum!</td></tr>
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Sometimes a dining room is all about the chandelier, so it took a bit of time figuring out with what sort of fixture was right here. Something grand and traditional was considered -- after all, there is crown molding and silk drapery in this space. Any number of my modernism faves (like this <a href="http://www.dwr.com/product/nelson-saucer-pendant-lamp.do?sortby=ourPicks">Nelson Saucer pendant lamp</a>) could have worked, too. In the end, I settled on the simplest option I could find-- the <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/finley-small-white-pendant-lamp/s107934">Finley pendant lamp</a> from Crate & Barrel. It was the element necessary to get this room just right. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2a2De8vTxpg/U_4myQtrP2I/AAAAAAAAAoE/hLmUFa1O4hI/s1600/IMG_0096.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="478" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the dining room today: velvety wall color, dining table that comfortably seats six, refurbed school chairs, luxe draperies, perfect lighting, bold artwork. So happy and comfortable.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKlzsg2wXXE/U_5SxbWqXoI/AAAAAAAAAoc/1D4CfXoMy5g/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKlzsg2wXXE/U_5SxbWqXoI/AAAAAAAAAoc/1D4CfXoMy5g/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fab finish on the dining room table (from <a href="http://www.urbanhome.com/">Urban Home</a>) and Dahlias from the garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm9ekBOCWU0/U_5TUkFG_QI/AAAAAAAAAok/jtdtdmXBEIU/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm9ekBOCWU0/U_5TUkFG_QI/AAAAAAAAAok/jtdtdmXBEIU/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An heirloom bar cabinet is tucked between windows. A trio of paintings of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomata_du_Plenty">Tomata DuPlenty's</a> "Tomata Loves Lucy" series hang above. The pair of vases are from West Elm.</td></tr>
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Alright. I think its time to bring on the dinner guests.Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-21227790537880887862014-08-08T14:34:00.000-07:002015-02-13T17:14:11.467-08:00all over the map<br />
Every Spring, my clients and I do the big build up. We decide on the projects to tackle, discuss style and color, decide on furniture and art and fabrics and dozens of other details until we put everything together into a design plan. When summer hits, my clients disappear on various vacations and holidays. I get down to the work of putting those design plans into action while everybody is away. Summer is always the busiest season for design, and I am in the thick of it these days.<br />
<br />
Two projects are in progress on opposite ends of <b>Los Angeles</b>. <br />
The first is a gorgeous apartment in a historic Spanish-style building in Los Feliz. There is so much southern California charm here, and I'm doing my best to bring it out with silk and linen draperies, a luxe living room rug and grand chandelier in the dining room. There are also lots of reminders of the client's beloved hometown with some vintage Chicago poster art. So far, I am absolutely thrilled with how this little gem of a place is turning out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--W9Sq0fyCFs/U-KccC_yFgI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/7E0JgwrTe7A/s1600/IMG_2258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--W9Sq0fyCFs/U-KccC_yFgI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/7E0JgwrTe7A/s1600/IMG_2258.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Chicago poster art.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HSN0KtEum0/U-Kcd4ZJVzI/AAAAAAAAAkc/5dhbHqZwLpA/s1600/IMG_2259.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High ceilings call for a grand chandelier in the dining room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zu_Zkndbmw/U-KcdPYNAUI/AAAAAAAAAkY/pgb3_4bvGEo/s1600/IMG_2260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zu_Zkndbmw/U-KcdPYNAUI/AAAAAAAAAkY/pgb3_4bvGEo/s1600/IMG_2260.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great color in the living room rug. Perfect with the leather armchairs, too.</td></tr>
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Over in Mar Vista, my client has a clean, ultra-modern loft space as her new home. We are filling it with design classics, great color, quirky vintage finds and modern art.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WI_LS_Fs-1w/U-KgiuX3oII/AAAAAAAAAk8/w4YtLimzCPY/s1600/IMG_2254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WI_LS_Fs-1w/U-KgiuX3oII/AAAAAAAAAk8/w4YtLimzCPY/s1600/IMG_2254.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can you beat dining chairs with red hairpin legs? They are from West Elm. The pedestal table is from CB2.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhSbT2aauYM/U-Kgm-CRLiI/AAAAAAAAAlE/kOiYB_-FUSw/s1600/IMG_2253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhSbT2aauYM/U-Kgm-CRLiI/AAAAAAAAAlE/kOiYB_-FUSw/s1600/IMG_2253.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've often spoken of my undying love for <a href="http://www.flor.com/?gclid=CLGWm4aEgsACFUKCMgodtz4AcQ">FLOR carpet tiles</a> -- this mod cow pattern was made for space like this one.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWNpTkdFLYY/U-PtHrqhckI/AAAAAAAAAls/l0ZwkO27LlQ/s1600/81lHZXkpvsL._UY576_CR0,0,430,576_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWNpTkdFLYY/U-PtHrqhckI/AAAAAAAAAls/l0ZwkO27LlQ/s1600/81lHZXkpvsL._UY576_CR0,0,430,576_.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots and lots of big white walls in the loft. This Banksy piece will find a home (and add lots of color) in the living room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--rxPlckhX_4/U-PtJGFczDI/AAAAAAAAAl0/lLRSTIywZs4/s1600/ceccd8281f24e74098347d64b5a10370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--rxPlckhX_4/U-PtJGFczDI/AAAAAAAAAl0/lLRSTIywZs4/s1600/ceccd8281f24e74098347d64b5a10370.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is Banksy, too. For the bedroom.</td></tr>
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At the project in <b>Las Vegas</b>, work this year began with furnishings for the patios and poolside. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3_Lz3_0EHk/U-PvajHjjiI/AAAAAAAAAmA/upg9ycw0AIA/s1600/DSCN8909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3_Lz3_0EHk/U-PvajHjjiI/AAAAAAAAAmA/upg9ycw0AIA/s1600/DSCN8909.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are pairs of these <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/chatham-mahogany-occasional-armchair-cushion/?pkey=cchairs-ottomans-outdoor&cm_src=chairs-ottomans-outdoor||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-">Chatham armchairs</a> from Pottery Barn in a few spots around the property. I love the clean lines and the crisp green of the cushions with all of the desert colors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vjRHi7LGcc/U-PvdHE0FPI/AAAAAAAAAmM/ntbAEWSGkyM/s1600/DSCN8910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vjRHi7LGcc/U-PvdHE0FPI/AAAAAAAAAmM/ntbAEWSGkyM/s1600/DSCN8910.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For lounging around the pool, I designed portable (they have the cutest little handles) cushions in a vibrant <a href="http://www.sunbrella.com/en_us/">Sunbrella</a> stripe that references all of the colors of the pool and garden. There's also a pretty spectacular view of the The Strip when you're sitting on them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VD3mv-Bb9o/U-PvcwtMN4I/AAAAAAAAAmI/tfUJB4KkqXU/s1600/DSCN8915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VD3mv-Bb9o/U-PvcwtMN4I/AAAAAAAAAmI/tfUJB4KkqXU/s1600/DSCN8915.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The patio near the barbeque and bar is shaded with one of the simple umbrellas dotted around the backyard. These <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/outdoor-graphite-pouf/s570559">outdoor poufs</a> from Crate & Barrel are super durable, comfy and colorful seating. A metal basket weave table found on Overstock.com is topped with a glass top from Pier 1.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Inside the house, the design process has just begun to transform a spacious but terribly dated (think gold chrome, glass blocks and terra cotta tile) master bathroom into a super luxe retreat. I'm sure a handful of things will change before all is said and done, but I'm really excited about what we have so far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzmWlz_6i-I/U-P343t_6XI/AAAAAAAAAmo/8N1FTJ21WdM/s1600/IMG_2191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzmWlz_6i-I/U-P343t_6XI/AAAAAAAAAmo/8N1FTJ21WdM/s1600/IMG_2191.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tile and fixtures and cabinetry, a spectacular bathtub, a glam chandelier and fabulous art. The things that master bath nirvana is made of.</td></tr>
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In June, I took my first trip to <b>Bend, Oregon </b>to visit a family who were among my very first clients when they lived here in Los Angeles. Bend is a wonderful little city with great energy and my clients have chosen to live in a spot surrounded by so much natural beauty. It has been great fun designing in a new and inspiring place, and I really love helping my clients settle into their new home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tClsoYyQ3Kk/U-U2IzV_KOI/AAAAAAAAAm8/_GqO0a6naBQ/s1600/IMG_2268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tClsoYyQ3Kk/U-U2IzV_KOI/AAAAAAAAAm8/_GqO0a6naBQ/s1600/IMG_2268.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the front patio of the Bend house. Peaceful and beautiful. And quite a departure from Los Angeles.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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All of this travel -- both within my city and without -- has me feeling like I need a serious vacation. It'll have to be when summer is over and the after photos are posted.</div>
<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-64160405306801060152014-07-24T09:22:00.000-07:002014-07-25T09:14:55.283-07:00its a classic for a reasonI mentioned in one of my <a href="http://instagram.com/mascara_design" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Mascara-Design/193331524052742?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>
posts about my desire to eat my weight in tomatoes this year, and I
think the garden is going to accommodate my wish. Summer is only
halfway through in Los Angeles (it really doesn't end til after
Halloween weather-wise), and I've already got more tomatoes every other
day than Drew and I could ever eat. I have had to get creative so that I
am sure that we don't waste a single fruit. <br />
<br />
My go-to right now is classic bruschetta. It seems like the
birthright of any Italian gardener/cook, and Drew and I have been
perfecting our version. I based it on a recipe in
one of my fave books about cooking with seasonal foods from the backyard, <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/store/food-cook/vegetables-from-an-italian-garden-9780714861173/" target="_blank">Vegetables From an Itailan Garden</a>.
I've made it as the first course for two parties so far and we
eat it at least once a week. Rest assured, if you are a dinner guest at
my home this summer, you will be served bruschetta. It is a classic
for a reason.<br />
<br />
I'm not really a recipe posting sort of
girl, but this is more assembling (it is just tomato salad on toast,
after all) than cooking, so here goes:<br />
<br />
You'll need 10
tomatoes, chopped, 2 or 3 tablespoons of olive oil (the best you can
get your hands on), salt and black pepper to taste, and a handful of
basil leaves, chopped fine (or not, just as good without). Combine
everything in a bowl and refrigerate (I like to make my salad at least 30 minutes before so that the flavors marry nicely) until ready to serve.<br />
<br />
A
little extra condiment that we have been making for this dish
is a simple balsamic syrup for drizzling over the bruschetta just before
we serve. Totally unnecessary, but it makes everything extra
delicious. The whole process is just putting 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar into a
small saucepan and cooking on low until it has reduced by half and is just a bit
syrupy -- about 15 minutes or so.<br />
<br />
To make your toasts, slice your bread and brush it with olive oil. We used a bread from <a href="http://sadierose.com/" target="_blank">Sadie Rose Baking Co.</a>
and it was delicious, but you can use any bread you like. Grill your bread
until its nicely marked on both sides. When cool enough to handle, rub
each toast with a clove of raw garlic. Add a couple of spoonfuls of tomato salad to each toast, arrange on a serving platter or board, drizzle with the balsamic syrup. Devour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqOry_CSj_0/U9AvH8Hjx4I/AAAAAAAAAjY/_OiUVhdzFE8/s1600/IMG_2300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqOry_CSj_0/U9AvH8Hjx4I/AAAAAAAAAjY/_OiUVhdzFE8/s1600/IMG_2300.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our components -- tomato salad, grilled toasts with garlic, balsamic syrup. Our test toast. I didn't even have a chance to take a photo of the finished platter of bruschetta because they were so quickly devoured.</td></tr>
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My plan B of late is canning my garden tomatoes. I'd made jam and pickles, but had never canned tomatoes (although I watched my grandmother do it almost every summer of my childhood). I used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Complete-Book-Home-Preserving/dp/0778801314" target="_blank">Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving</a> as a guideline for the processing of my tomatoes, but it really is as simple as putting a healthy pinch each of salt and sugar and the juice of a lemon into a (warm -- make sure the jar is warm or it'll break -- I know from experience) quart mason jar and filling the jar with whole, peeled tomatoes. After the jars are processed, the perfect summer tomato-ness is sealed in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oE1UpIymCic/U9A0nJpC6eI/AAAAAAAAAjo/2gIaox1ayv8/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oE1UpIymCic/U9A0nJpC6eI/AAAAAAAAAjo/2gIaox1ayv8/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first canned tomatoes. I love opening the pantry and seeing jars that look like these.</td></tr>
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Got an awesome tomato recipe? I'd love to hear all about it. I'm guessing I'll have plenty of tomatoes to give it a try, too.<br />
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<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-14020576773367940602014-07-10T10:53:00.002-07:002014-07-24T08:57:08.054-07:00how does your garden grow?I have discovered, as Drew and I have been working on the studio garden for this past
year, that the cycle of of the of the garden has a nice rhythm to it. A period of not much at all is always followed by intense periods of growth and productivity that yield more produce than two people could ever eat. We find ourselves pickling and preserving and giving a LOT of veggies to friends and neighbors.<br />
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Since March of 2013, we've grown many, many pounds of lemon cucumber, eggplant, beets, crookneck squash, bok choy, carrots, radishes, mirlition, zucchini, bell, cherry, jalapeno, banana and cayenne peppers, parsley, basil, dandelion greens, kale, Swiss chard, strawberries, lettuces, red and Walla Walla onions and endless varieties of tomatoes. I've made a habit of photographing my hauls each time I harvest anything and posting the photos to <a href="http://instagram.com/mascara_design" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I get lots of feedback from people near and far who are amazed that we are able to produce all of this food in the urban crush of Los Angeles (and also in the midst of a drought -- we use very little water). But here we are, growing everything you see in the photos here in just two 5'x5' planter boxes.<br />
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Does any of this stuff look good to you? Then please, pull out that (so not drought tolerant) lawn -- even a little chunk of it -- and grow your own food. City dwellers without garden space can do it, too. Just a little planter box or a couple of big pots will do just fine.<br />
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<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-3508680073412325852014-03-07T10:45:00.000-08:002015-05-04T12:34:24.298-07:00on the list<style>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Almost every day of my working life I have made a list. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">When I worked in offices, design or otherwise, I'd start each morning by sitting quietly at my desk with my coffee and my blank page. I'd list all of the aspirations/tasks of the day ahead in three columns on the page. Then, with my list from the day before, I'd transfer all of the uncompleted items from that list on to the current day's list. W</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">riting things down made them somehow less scary when everything to to
accomplish, handle, absorb was all in front of me on the page. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I don't remember who taught me to make lists, but I still do it. I count it as one of those little rituals, this writing down of the contents of my brain, that has sustained me, given my life and work structure. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And I'm more than a little bit results-oriented so I LOVE that feeling of crossing something, anything, off the list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In the year or so since I purchased this property and for the 4 years I ran my business from my spare bedroom, MMD STUDIO was an item on nearly every list I made. On February 10, 2014, I finally, happily, got to cross it off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">If you missed it, you can check out my post about the transformation of the studio exterior <a href="http://alliesandadmirers.blogspot.com/2013/12/what-difference-year-makes.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The interior of this space looked like this when the project began: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Scary, dark and hot as the garage was at the outset, only a few elemental changes had to happen to get the ball rolling:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Windows and a door.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Drywall and trim, primer and paint.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Now its my sunny Melissa Mascara Design bubble. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bFi37xY5OgY/Uxj_1_odjCI/AAAAAAAAAXM/3mTjQhNdijk/s1600/DSCN8696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bFi37xY5OgY/Uxj_1_odjCI/AAAAAAAAAXM/3mTjQhNdijk/s1600/DSCN8696.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A view of the palm trees and the vegetable garden, my beloved desk, my comfy new desk chair and a pair of classic <a href="http://www.nikkimcclure.com/" target="_blank">Nikki McClure</a> prints = awesome place to work. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The fab fabric on my desk chair.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The homosote pin board - built it, covered it with dressmaker's muslin and hung it over an IKEA Expedit bookshelf. The printer/scanner lives here, and there is plenty of storage for project binders and catalogs and design magazines. <a href="http://gfda.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/classic-advice-print" target="_blank">Good Fucking Design Advice</a> has found its perfect spot, too.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wTWQx8zD7I/Uxj_6hhrVpI/AAAAAAAAAXU/hTUtHzLzwCk/s1600/DSCN8707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wTWQx8zD7I/Uxj_6hhrVpI/AAAAAAAAAXU/hTUtHzLzwCk/s1600/DSCN8707.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A little inspiration from the <a href="http://www.panyl.com/blogs/news/5977613-panyl-s-giant-moveable-ikea-expedit-worktable-hack" target="_blank">Panyl blog</a> helped me to IKEA hack a couple of Expedit cubes, a couple of sheets of plywood and some caster wheels into my (rolling) work table, library and sample storage</span>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The cord lights brighten the entire space. They are especially great over the work table.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The lighting was IKEA hack #2 on this project. I started with 8 Hemma cord sets, added a roll of plastic tarp, 3 cans of high gloss spray paint and lots of patience. I LOVE how they look.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_W0BlsOV9o/UxkMBAStC9I/AAAAAAAAAYM/USpvklLbcps/s1600/DSCN8650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_W0BlsOV9o/UxkMBAStC9I/AAAAAAAAAYM/USpvklLbcps/s1600/DSCN8650.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">After super-scrubbing the concrete floors, I covered the bulk of the space in a rug made of 2 colors/textures of <a href="http://www.flor.com/" target="_blank">FLOR</a> carpet tiles (Feelin' Groovy in grass and Reverb in lime). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Remo is serious about his role as design dog, and spends most of his time (when not in my lap) in this exact spot doing exactly this.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Half of the wall opposite the new windows was tricked out with storage shelving. The other half became a workbench. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KvBm3rqjVE8/UxkRWt06Q7I/AAAAAAAAAYg/CZUqbySVh2k/s1600/DSCN8630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KvBm3rqjVE8/UxkRWt06Q7I/AAAAAAAAAYg/CZUqbySVh2k/s1600/DSCN8630.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Remember that narrow door from the original garage? Its been recycled into the tabletop for the workbench. An old baker's rack provides the base.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOKN0ICFRF8/UxkTjsoIppI/AAAAAAAAAYo/QDvll_1MBNE/s1600/DSCN8693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOKN0ICFRF8/UxkTjsoIppI/AAAAAAAAAYo/QDvll_1MBNE/s1600/DSCN8693.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Here's the workbench after shot. And, um, can I mention how much I love pegboard? I had to hold myself back from putting it EVERYWHERE. And the fact that all of my tools and paints are visible and organized is nirvana.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlOrmN1neIY/UxkUaqxHX2I/AAAAAAAAAYw/BtjMlLPylZ0/s1600/DSCN8704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlOrmN1neIY/UxkUaqxHX2I/AAAAAAAAAYw/BtjMlLPylZ0/s1600/DSCN8704.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">IKEA hack #3 transformed Kvartal curtain track, 6 Mariam curtains and lengths of chain into a wall of </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">sky-high orange draperies that slide open wherever I need them to. Best of all, especially for a neatness nerd like me, they camouflage the storage and the fabulous work bench when closed.</span> A pair of gorgeous chairs gifted from a dear friend have found a happy home here, too.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I predicted a "build it and work will come" effect about this studio, and so far I've been working at a steady hum since move-in day. I'm still pinching myself a bit that these are my digs, but I also feel incredibly at home here. Its been well worth all the work and the wait and it still feels like the best of the year is to come.</span><br />
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Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-44006094252230110092013-12-12T09:10:00.000-08:002015-05-04T12:45:08.699-07:00what a difference a year makes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I have long been obsessed with having a studio space separate from my home (but still on my property -- I love solitude and I love to come to work in my bathrobe). My design business has been up and running for nearly 5 years now, and pretty much after year one, I was exhausted with working out of the spare bedroom in our little house. I coveted the tiny garage that was behind the house (made more painful by the fact that my landlord used it for his personal storage) but knew it would never be mine. I lusted after the detached garages of all my neighbors, too, even if they (gasp) stored their cars in them instead of tricking them out for studio space. The worst was when I'd be walking my dogs past an open garage door and see that the inside was packed, hoarders-style, from floor to ceiling with stuff. That happened more times that I than I care to recall. Totally heartbreaking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">When Drew and I started shopping for a house, I figured that it was the perfect opportunity to satisfy my longing. I added that item to our must have list. Detached garage. Check. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Here's what we got: </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGxPUFLk7cI/Uo_nTJilmNI/AAAAAAAAASM/yfOpVKJ2fB4/s1600/DSCN6796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGxPUFLk7cI/Uo_nTJilmNI/AAAAAAAAASM/yfOpVKJ2fB4/s640/DSCN6796.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">When we moved in, the garage had zero windows and a single door to the backyard that was so narrow that we had to step out sideways if we were carrying anything at all. Luckily, it was a sturdy building, and after seeing lots of homes with rickety old garages that we could have easily pushed over by leaning too hard on them, I was glad to have a structure that wouldn't fall apart when I tried to remake it. Plus, it was a big, blank space. To someone like me, there is nothing more exciting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Removing the metal awning and the concrete are projects we tackled this spring (<a href="http://alliesandadmirers.blogspot.com/2013/03/in-dirt.html" target="_blank">photos of that day here</a>),</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> so the next step was taking a sawz-all to the spots where the new windows and door would be. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcYMIcA6FxI/UqjE2zIfMPI/AAAAAAAAASk/ArTJ6SaEOvY/s1600/DSCN8389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcYMIcA6FxI/UqjE2zIfMPI/AAAAAAAAASk/ArTJ6SaEOvY/s640/DSCN8389.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Demo day is always my favorite.</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">After framing the windows and door and hanging them, we had to rebuild the space in the wall where the old door had been and to repair all the stucco.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2D_4v8BH0EE/UqjIs4AbWgI/AAAAAAAAASw/BDwN5WgcGqE/s1600/IMG_1908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2D_4v8BH0EE/UqjIs4AbWgI/AAAAAAAAASw/BDwN5WgcGqE/s400/IMG_1908.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The old door was half as wide as the new window. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQXcQi70miU/UqjI8r_AkfI/AAAAAAAAAS4/Swu_5MMRi3w/s1600/DSCN8471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQXcQi70miU/UqjI8r_AkfI/AAAAAAAAAS4/Swu_5MMRi3w/s400/DSCN8471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Stucco!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Here's the after shot. Did I mention that Drew and I painted the whole building in the happiest, most vibrant red I could find? Drew built the fab little deck and patio (with the last of our concrete from the demo), too. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9b8AzKQTaQM/UqjJ36_shzI/AAAAAAAAATI/tanMpuCO7Sc/s1600/DSCN8547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="537" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9b8AzKQTaQM/UqjJ36_shzI/AAAAAAAAATI/tanMpuCO7Sc/s640/DSCN8547.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I am absurdly excited about this joint becoming the new MMD HQ.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I've done so much research about remaking garages and home studios this year. My favorite is a post from Tue/Night written by a fellow Angelino creative-type named Jenna Briand. You can (and should) read it <a href="http://tuenight.com/2013/11/my-shed-120-square-feet-of-happiness/" target="_blank">here.</a> I'm not a mom, and my offices in the past decade haven't been quite as fancy as Jenna's, but I relate to pretty much everything else she expresses here. In the decade before I started working for myself (in that tiny spare bedroom), my offices have been in a guest room of what was originally a motel built for the Seattle World's Fair, a 10th floor corner cubicle with a view into downtown Seattle, a desk in a design and architecture studio a block from Venice Beach. As interesting as all of those experiences were (some definitely more than others) I can't help but be reminded that to do my best work I need my own kind of space -- something of my own creation and in my own control -- where I can go and make stuff. I've also long subscribed to the idea that if I had the right space to do my work then lots of it would come my way. Now there is a little red studio in my backyard, and I already know that its going to be a space where my business, my creativity, my life, will flourish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And that leads me to gratitude. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Drew and I moved into our house on December 30, 2012. It has been a crazy blur of a year filled with so much change and so many moments of joy and satisfaction. I can't believe what we've managed to accomplish here so far, and I'm so grateful for the awesome community of people in my life who love me, dream with me, and help me make things happen. I'm grateful for the opportunity to live and work in this amazing city and to feel, after so many years on the move, that this is my home. I feel incredibly lucky to have this life. Each time I have that thought I am reminded that the best way to express my gratitude is to put something, anything, positive into the world. So that's the plan, for the year ahead and beyond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I am already dreaming about the interior design for the studio, so I'm all up in Pinterest. If you're a Pinterest person and would like to take a peek at what the studio interior might look like, take a look at my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/melissamascara/mmd-studio/" target="_blank">MMD STUDIO board</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And so I'm on to the next. Lots of stuff in the works for 2014. I can't wait to see what sort of surprises are in store as well. </span>
Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-23922096880694583562013-09-30T13:20:00.000-07:002015-02-13T17:09:01.487-08:00its all just a bunch of vibrations <style><!--
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It has been forever since my last post. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The summer has been a blur, and since its now the last day of September, an end of summer wrap-up is an imperative. I've been working on two really cool homes these past months. Plus, I'll throw in a little summer vacation design inspiration for good measure.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In Santa Monica, I've been remaking a living room, kitchen office and lounge for a family of six. Since lots of people live here, and they are all musical or artistic, we needed to make these rooms beautiful and functional as well as making space for all of their stuff in some not so big spaces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Here is where we started:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_Tioj_r3l0/UkIJVYRt3kI/AAAAAAAAAOM/LspkLOlqZ1I/s1600/IMG_1123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_Tioj_r3l0/UkIJVYRt3kI/AAAAAAAAAOM/LspkLOlqZ1I/s640/IMG_1123.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A big room with all the wrong stuff in it. You can't see the fireplace because its the same color as the walls. The beams in the ceiling are sage green. There's a GIANT sectional sofa blocking your path into the room. A favorite old chair is covered with a blanket because its stuffing is coming out. The sconces are a bedazzled mess that don't have anything to do with the (beautiful) iron chandelier. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Now, this room is perfect.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeVHydyHwC4/VN6TMT0DGQI/AAAAAAAABCA/JYeu6aL8d7c/s1600/IMG_6446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeVHydyHwC4/VN6TMT0DGQI/AAAAAAAABCA/JYeu6aL8d7c/s1600/IMG_6446.jpg" height="640" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">T</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">here's a creamy new white on the walls and t</span>he fireplace and beams got
lovely new colors, too. And those hand-painted cement tiles are the star of the show.
That's the old favorite chair, reupholstered. The triptych on the wall
is from the clients' collection. The new sconces and floor lamps make
much more sense with the chandelier.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1rrJgDnrg8/VN6Wt4ZxEWI/AAAAAAAABCU/uS6Lc9CDpFs/s1600/IMG_6491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1rrJgDnrg8/VN6Wt4ZxEWI/AAAAAAAABCU/uS6Lc9CDpFs/s1600/IMG_6491.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too beautiful.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAilacaXL74/VN6WUMvymiI/AAAAAAAABCM/s-Gij0Mt9UI/s1600/IMG_6391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAilacaXL74/VN6WUMvymiI/AAAAAAAABCM/s-Gij0Mt9UI/s1600/IMG_6391.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A small sofa and the big lounge
under the window replace the sectional sofa. The draperies are natural linen. Lots of space to play games and display the family's
musical instruments, too. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXZ8omt72LI/VN6XBeOMC-I/AAAAAAAABCc/8ewOtPeT8uk/s1600/IMG_6478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXZ8omt72LI/VN6XBeOMC-I/AAAAAAAABCc/8ewOtPeT8uk/s1600/IMG_6478.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite thing about this room is the combination of colors and patterns. And that beautiful red pie safe -- I found it hidden away in another room and it gave it a new home here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdgVnsY8U0k/VN6YexUz1BI/AAAAAAAABCo/79gDGWSYSm4/s1600/IMG_6316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdgVnsY8U0k/VN6YexUz1BI/AAAAAAAABCo/79gDGWSYSm4/s1600/IMG_6316.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small sofa is cushy and cute.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The family needed an office and workspace. There was a spot in the kitchen, so I designed a nice, big desk to mimic the style of the kitchen cabinetry. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMGt6SGHyRE/UkYNGARJnYI/AAAAAAAAAPM/2o5TlK9zjcM/s1600/DSCN8276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMGt6SGHyRE/UkYNGARJnYI/AAAAAAAAAPM/2o5TlK9zjcM/s640/DSCN8276.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The new desk has lots of desktop space as well as storage for office and art supplies. The magnetic board above it captures the chaos of a family of 6 in an ever-changing exhibit of photos, kids' art, schedules and notes.</span> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErP4i4GBBbk/VN6Ze6wf91I/AAAAAAAABCw/rPSZik1gdB0/s1600/IMG_6306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErP4i4GBBbk/VN6Ze6wf91I/AAAAAAAABCw/rPSZik1gdB0/s1600/IMG_6306.JPG" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I love designing chairs, and
this niche in the dining room was dying for this pair. My clients
had some really fantastic art in storage, in the garage, and elsewhere
around the house.</span>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">THE CARESS OF YOUR GLANCE is my favorite piece from their collection, and has finally found its perfect home.</span></td></tr>
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</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">At the house in Las Vegas, some simple but dramatic changes have occurred in the living room and the office.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This is the living room built-in before. Like, way, way before:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZpivuIO5j0/Ukm8W1lEKsI/AAAAAAAAAPs/TPmSV8wm5LI/s1600/DSCN4637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZpivuIO5j0/Ukm8W1lEKsI/AAAAAAAAAPs/TPmSV8wm5LI/s640/DSCN4637.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">When we started working on this room, we nicknamed this built-in "the beast." You can't really get the scale from the photo, but its about 11 feet high and 13 feet wide. It was also not centered on the wall and made the room feel slightly off balance. And the speakers. And that giant, old TV. Ugh.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This is the way, way after: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zK_emV6chc/Ukm-Z6hUTYI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Uaf7PrFdujY/s1600/photo+28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zK_emV6chc/Ukm-Z6hUTYI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Uaf7PrFdujY/s640/photo+28.JPG" height="462" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Beautiful zebra wood is the perfect material for the clean lines of the new design. Although its nearly the same size as the original built-in, it fits the space much better because it is centered. The TV is smaller and will float in the niche in the center. The speakers are now elegantly camoflauged in the ceiling. The luxe furnishings and accessories help the fab new look of this room, too. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A couple of years ago when we started the design process for this home, I suggested diptych by the artist <a href="http://www.janetbothne.com/">Janet Bothne</a>, and my client became a fast fan of her work. Her paintings are lush and colorful and the perfect scale for the office wall behind his heavy, carved desk.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jlB5IBweo8/UknHpwtSIUI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Bzs8UuPnp34/s1600/IMG_5801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jlB5IBweo8/UknHpwtSIUI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Bzs8UuPnp34/s640/IMG_5801.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The warm yellow is the perfect backdrop for this piece, called MEASURING LOSS AND GAIN</span>.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-it4FhA9A8iY/UknIqlG56dI/AAAAAAAAAQU/G_Zg-fMOL20/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-it4FhA9A8iY/UknIqlG56dI/AAAAAAAAAQU/G_Zg-fMOL20/s640/IMG_1527.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The library, still in progress but fast becoming my favorite room in this house, is just across the entry hall from the office. There's a fantastic view of the new art if you're sitting in here, too.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I took my first trip to King's Valley, Oregon this summer, and it was a magnificent reminder -- and a huge shock for an L.A. girl -- of the power of nature. Nothing but trees and water and mountains and quiet. The stars had more wattage than the city lights, too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Here are a few shots of the beautiful home of our fabulous hosts:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjkwXYhUBMM/UknOvCnoUjI/AAAAAAAAAQg/ABfLJVSmrCk/s1600/IMG_1608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjkwXYhUBMM/UknOvCnoUjI/AAAAAAAAAQg/ABfLJVSmrCk/s400/IMG_1608.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A reminder each time the switch is flipped.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXKjJgpKDpA/UknO8Z2VFuI/AAAAAAAAAQo/sUD4Oty0WZw/s1600/IMG_1613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXKjJgpKDpA/UknO8Z2VFuI/AAAAAAAAAQo/sUD4Oty0WZw/s400/IMG_1613.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A little red cottage with a purple front door.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I was also lucky enough to get back to my beloved Seattle, where I find it impossible not to be inspired by all of the flowers and food and art and architecture and music. I found some of the coolest design details in the homes of my family and friends.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63EmdC1TtDk/UknU2E0-ubI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/-2uCw9IcRC0/s1600/IMG_1687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63EmdC1TtDk/UknU2E0-ubI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/-2uCw9IcRC0/s640/IMG_1687.jpg" height="640" width="578" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Little details like the built in planter are what give my sister in law's little craftsman bungalow so much charm. Plus, I love this vintage sofa and I'm a sucker for the orange-red color combo.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-njcNUuydk/UknVn-d1NII/AAAAAAAAARA/HgfX8BcH-90/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-njcNUuydk/UknVn-d1NII/AAAAAAAAARA/HgfX8BcH-90/s400/IMG_1686.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accent pillows with fantastic color and texture.</td></tr>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKHrqluH3Ls/UknWg_a5whI/AAAAAAAAARI/iOPtiAsWmeA/s1600/IMG_1693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKHrqluH3Ls/UknWg_a5whI/AAAAAAAAARI/iOPtiAsWmeA/s400/IMG_1693.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Fab shag.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOTFGbEYLQ4/UknW0kDX3AI/AAAAAAAAARQ/yLnxpSmNyMI/s1600/IMG_1681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOTFGbEYLQ4/UknW0kDX3AI/AAAAAAAAARQ/yLnxpSmNyMI/s640/IMG_1681.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This glorious, ever-evolving magnetic chalkboard wall was one of my favorite things in a BFFs new home. Everyone who comes to the house leaves their mark.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> So. Now I'm back in Los Angeles and back at work. There is lots more to do before the year winds down. But, I have to add, so far so good. I'm excited to see what the rest of 2013 has in store. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span>
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Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-8929499786693564312013-05-14T14:10:00.001-07:002015-02-13T17:17:02.091-08:00reconstruction<style> <!--
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">After three
months of tearing apart the garden at the Alviso house, we’ve finally begun to build it back up
again. Springtime renewal is the name of the game around here. It is pretty darned exciting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">First item on the reconstruction list was the deck.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaj63hC8BW4/UYAlj8v-jnI/AAAAAAAAAKM/_VD9GtzHES0/s1600/DSCN7426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaj63hC8BW4/UYAlj8v-jnI/AAAAAAAAAKM/_VD9GtzHES0/s640/DSCN7426.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">We designed a deck that floats off the house and is accessible through the laundry and studio doors.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRXfOTFi5dY/UZFVFgjmC7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/80v1rayHoek/s1600/DSCN7457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRXfOTFi5dY/UZFVFgjmC7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/80v1rayHoek/s640/DSCN7457.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The redwood is termite resistant and it has a beautiful grain when sealed.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FawTAIoF-Y0/UZKe1cakYxI/AAAAAAAAALs/oXLjdiykmdg/s1600/DSCN7616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FawTAIoF-Y0/UZKe1cakYxI/AAAAAAAAALs/oXLjdiykmdg/s640/DSCN7616.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the after photo. Drew added a step into the laundry door for Ruby.</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">One of the things we were most committed to was re-purposing the concrete (there is SO MUCH of it) from the old garden into the new one. So after the deck had a couple of coats of sealant, Drew started placing the recycled concrete pads to create the path around the garden. We'll fill the gaps in with more soil and grow some mosses and small grasses there so that its green.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-bnGIbDIWU/UZJ8ZR3qAxI/AAAAAAAAALA/p9wNOH5W_oU/s1600/DSCN7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-bnGIbDIWU/UZJ8ZR3qAxI/AAAAAAAAALA/p9wNOH5W_oU/s640/DSCN7469.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> Who knew that chunks of old concrete could be so beautiful!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And did I mention that we have kick-ass friends who were willing to spend the day in the dirt, removing a giant patch of the grass in the backyard and helping to construct the redwood boxes for the vegetable garden? I hope to be able to reward them handsomely when the garden starts to produce.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93ZNm0pIqhY/UZKT3ayEGXI/AAAAAAAAALQ/jhKP3vSWGpw/s1600/DSCN7476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93ZNm0pIqhY/UZKT3ayEGXI/AAAAAAAAALQ/jhKP3vSWGpw/s640/DSCN7476.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> I've got 3 types of tomatoes, 2 eggplants, strawberries, hot and sweet peppers, squash, green beans, zucchini and cucumbers, carrots and radishes in these 2 5'X5' boxes. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuI6UqrvAXQ/UZKdf5M52tI/AAAAAAAAALg/xvTLA5LxIeI/s1600/DSCN7613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuI6UqrvAXQ/UZKdf5M52tI/AAAAAAAAALg/xvTLA5LxIeI/s640/DSCN7613.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> Old wooden flower boxes re-imagined as the salad garden. I love coming outside to pick leaves just before we eat them. Faves are the red romaine and the "freckles" spotted lettuce.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">There is still a stack of concrete pads, brick, rocks and rubble to contend with, and a corner of the backyard is made uninhabitable by bamboo, but I am determined to worry about those things later. I am ready for cocktails and dinner and parties and picnics on the patio all summer long.</span><br />
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Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-68113591421464595892013-03-29T15:10:00.001-07:002015-02-13T17:16:32.139-08:00in the dirt<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It has been a time of destruction in the backyard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Here's what it looked like the day we got our keys: </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e08MZ9juiIc/US546IASSRI/AAAAAAAAAIo/tdPyaLL8ewA/s1600/DSCN6777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e08MZ9juiIc/US546IASSRI/AAAAAAAAAIo/tdPyaLL8ewA/s640/DSCN6777.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The view from inside the side gate to the far back corner of the backyard. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> The house we bought was given a 6 week makeover by a house flipping company. The flippers spent all of their landscaping budget on generic curb appeal and on cleaning and pruning the giant rubber tree in the front yard. When it came to the back of the house, well, they ran out of steam and that turned out to be okay with us. The back garden was overgrown, but large and bright. We could see that there was some great stuff already there, but knew we'd have to do a LOT of pruning and cutting and digging and cleaning before we could begin to create anything like what we envisioned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Drew started the whole process by attacking the giant pink bougainvillea that filled the entire back corner and completely obscured the neighbor's garage wall. Over the last month he's been removing chunks of flowers and leaves and dead vines and thorns, just enough each week to fill the green waste bin and get the debris out of the garden. Its now completely gone - cut to the ground and ready to grow back only in the spots that we want it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Bamboo removal is a trickier endeavor, so Drew spent many hours over the course of several weekends cutting through a wall of plants 3 feet deep and 8 feet tall, leaving giant piles of bamboo waiting to to be cut into chunks and deposited into the green bin. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6qnurtamvY/UUt30doDcBI/AAAAAAAAAI8/uBeiuSITI1c/s1600/IMG_1203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6qnurtamvY/UUt30doDcBI/AAAAAAAAAI8/uBeiuSITI1c/s400/IMG_1203.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Our neighbor's garage and our back wall are now visible.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Bamboo - some as tall as 10' - ready for reuse elsewhere in the garden. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The big bottle brush tree was next. It started out like this:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eiew5lqmt_8/UUt-GP7LtgI/AAAAAAAAAJM/TCdFQM_PRgs/s1600/DSCN6793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eiew5lqmt_8/UUt-GP7LtgI/AAAAAAAAAJM/TCdFQM_PRgs/s640/DSCN6793.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Another overgrown bouganvillea next to an even more overgrown bottle brush tree. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> Here's what it looks like now:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84UjGaSQSQQ/UUt_WD4M3SI/AAAAAAAAAJU/F1UhhOaFnwI/s1600/DSCN7332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84UjGaSQSQQ/UUt_WD4M3SI/AAAAAAAAAJU/F1UhhOaFnwI/s640/DSCN7332.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A lovely canopy and a view of the neighbor's cypress trees. And I can't wait to paint a mural on the side of the garage. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I had every intention of completely removing the teeny lime tree placed randomly near the middle of the backyard, but it was in bloom when we started demoing and it smelled too good to cut down. It has been so happy since being pruned that it has started producing tasty little fruit again. I will be making Margaritas. And ceviche.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJc5CPSuKzE/UUuFlPWdP2I/AAAAAAAAAJc/EiO2KpqmfEs/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJc5CPSuKzE/UUuFlPWdP2I/AAAAAAAAAJc/EiO2KpqmfEs/s640/IMG_1194.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The lime tree is covered with sweet-smelling blooms and the bees who love them so. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The giant aluminum awning. It had to go. Luckily it was no match for Drew and Fred. They unbolted it from the concrete, pulled it down and cut it into pieces. It took them about 2 hours, beginning to end. The scrap metal guys took the remnants away and its almost as if it never existed. Now the back yard is a lot sunnier.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Two men and a Sawz-all.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">At last, it was time for the concrete. I have been dying to remove it from the moment we got our keys. A jackhammer was rented. Luckily, there was no rebar inside, so the big pad was was broken into paver-sized pads that we'll use elsewhere in the rebuilding of the patios and paths. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsJOA-9c4S8/UVTKsHCfMPI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ShQGbFC1qHQ/s1600/IMG_1232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsJOA-9c4S8/UVTKsHCfMPI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ShQGbFC1qHQ/s400/IMG_1232.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Two men and a jackhammer.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSRM5M2vJbQ/UVTKs3RCjjI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/W-csPk0hWsA/s1600/IMG_1235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSRM5M2vJbQ/UVTKs3RCjjI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/W-csPk0hWsA/s640/IMG_1235.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It looks like a bomb exploded here, but all I can see are the possibilities.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Its been a blur of happy change and it is so exciting to have the garden in a really raw state. The reconstruction, which we've already begun to plot and plan, is going to be even more fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Happy spring. Enjoy the transformation! </span><br />
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Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-54397203675881891252013-02-20T14:27:00.003-08:002014-12-11T09:49:58.982-08:00what a difference a month makes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I am my own
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I should mention that Drew and I have
been on the hunt for a larger house since July, so much of my focus in the second half of 2012 was finding it. Like every other buyer, I had my list of the things, necessary and desirable, to make the house work for our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Well. Let's just say that I was completely unprepared for
how overwhelming and stressful the hunt and the process of buying would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The market here in Los Angeles is absurdly competitive. Low inventory plus our modest (at least, for L.A.) budget equals a LOT of hustle. <a href="http://www.elizabethwelchman.com/">Liza</a>, our rock star agent, got us in to see houses in many, many neighborhoods the very moment they went on the market. If we liked a place, she'd often already be writing the offer before we were out the door. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In total, we toured about 50 homes, made offers on 5
of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were outbid by buyers with cash a few times and we turned down a couple of accepted offers when the places (and the sellers) didn't seem right. In the end we got our little piece of Los Angeles, and to say that we are lucky is an understatement. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This is what I see as I come down the hill on La Brea Ave. Its a whole new view of Los Angeles after a decade at the beach.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">We moved in on December 30, 2012 and hit the ground running. </span>I’ve been working
on the layout, the furniture, draperies, and organization since the moment we got our keys, and what a difference a month or so of actually living here makes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only have I been doing my best to make the new stuff work with what we brought from our last house, I've been figuring out this house's
quirks, meeting the neighbors and figuring out my
new 'hood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m starting to dig in and work out the
design for each space inside (We need paint and wallpaper and flooring and tile and SO much more) as well as the back and front gardens (can't wait to get the tomatoes into the ground).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This house has lots of what feels like
luxuries to a city dweller used to living in small spaces (like a big backyard
and a guest room for all of the out of towners we’ll have visiting).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Drew's and my parents have visited from afar and we've hosted two big gatherings for visiting family in this very first month. Now that I know we can throw a good party here it feels like home. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I'm loving the open concept and the corner windows in the dining room.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Bay windows in the guest room look out</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Guest room drapery fabric.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35mtsQnDil8/USVJvS1RJPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/qmMJttjnBdM/s1600/DSCN6860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35mtsQnDil8/USVJvS1RJPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/qmMJttjnBdM/s640/DSCN6860.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This is the "before" photo, taken the day we got our keys. Whether the giant rubber tree stays or goes is a matter of great debate right now.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">One of of our main search criteria was a space for my studio, and I'm in totally in love with my new spot. The new MMD HQ is bright and open with a view of the palm trees and bamboo in the backyard. Its been energizing to start the year doing for myself what I do for clients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">My desk is still messy, but now with a much better view.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The banana table finds a home in the studio.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The great wall of graphic art has begun. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">So. Now I'm home and I've got a place to do my work. I am ridiculously excited to get down to it, and watch this place transform in the year to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Something else I should mention is the design shop I've been curating on Project Decor. If you're even a little interested in home design, join the party and you'll have access to great stuff chosen by designers like me. You can check out my store here:</span><a href="http://projectdecor.com/Melissa+Mascara/?share=157346"> Melissa Mascara's Design Shop</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Happy, lucky 2013. </span><br />
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<br />Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-10509786918481573302012-08-22T11:45:00.000-07:002015-01-08T14:44:25.113-08:00a chair is still a chair<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is post about chairs. Just chairs. Is it wrong that I love them so?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I'm designing for a client, I always make sure that I ask which items from their current design they'd like me to incorporate into the new design. I've had a couple of clients who happily purged everything and one who would surrender nothing. Most have just one item that they can't bear to part with, and its almost always a beloved armchair. So. My guess, and its somewhat educated, is that everyone else loves chairs, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are quite a few that I just can't get out of my head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Union Jack chair from Voila! Studios here in Los Angeles is so, so beautiful <i>and </i>eco-friendly. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw these chalk sketches on at DWELL on Design.</span> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalk sketches on the big wall.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The finished product is just as much a work of art.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Union Jack Chair</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to see "The House that Sam Built" exhibit at the Huntington Library. I didn't know much about Sam Maloof before I saw the show, but I was happy to discover the extraordinary number of beautiful things he made and the wonderful home he built with his wife. Now I can't help but see his influence in the work of many of my favorite designers. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sam Maloof chair.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I saw this chair I couldn't help but see the homage to Sam. I love it all, from the tone and sheen of the wood, to the neo-retro upholstery. This is a piece that immediately becomes an heirloom.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern Sam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A super-luxe chair designed by a student designer at Otis College of Art and Design</span>. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lovely</span>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fabulous student design.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extra points for these outdoor chairs designed by Damian Velasquez</span>. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They're metal, but they don't heat up when they sit in the sun. The seat has lots of flex, so its super comfortable. They stand up to rain and snow and cold, too. Perfect no matter where you live.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gROuvw6NQ0g/UDP8uQ2MO9I/AAAAAAAAAFs/TMuk9PRgs8U/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-08-21+at+2.15.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gROuvw6NQ0g/UDP8uQ2MO9I/AAAAAAAAAFs/TMuk9PRgs8U/s320/Screen+shot+2012-08-21+at+2.15.16+PM.png" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">metal mesh club chair</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">metal mesh slipper chair</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Tyson chair from Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams is my go to. Its the right scale for any room and has a soft shape. I've recently used pairs of these chairs in a house in Las Vegas upholstered with Greek key fabric and in a home in Philadelphia upholstered in stone colored suede. So different, so perfect for each space, so epically comfortable.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrLfhVl3XIk/UDQDbzpnjFI/AAAAAAAAAGI/VyDO60UMYzs/s1600/1190-005T_AV1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrLfhVl3XIk/UDQDbzpnjFI/AAAAAAAAAGI/VyDO60UMYzs/s640/1190-005T_AV1.jpg" height="329" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tyson chair in smoky suede.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7ERMzRTBgs/VK8F9hLeo2I/AAAAAAAAA7k/KvEHautBp5M/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7ERMzRTBgs/VK8F9hLeo2I/AAAAAAAAA7k/KvEHautBp5M/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" height="578" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Tyson chairs designed for a client's Las Vegas living room.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have a favorite chair? I'd love to hear all about it. </span><br />
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Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-2018771039853770112012-06-18T13:35:00.000-07:002014-11-18T10:13:50.384-08:00This is Why<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Most of the time
I love where I live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone is curious about Los Angeles, especially if they’ve never been
here, but the curiosity is usually tempered with a little bit of distaste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do you live there?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is something I get asked quite often.
“Isn’t L.A. crowded?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Expensive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dangerous?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you get sick of the pace, the
competitive energy, the plastic people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isn’t the artifice and excess of the entertainment industry too much?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Yes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Sometimes this
city is completely exhausting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
get sick of driving everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wait in line almost everywhere I go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is crime and violence here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The very rich live perilously close to the very poor and nobody blinks
an eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A numbing barrage of
advertising and imagery and noise and smells dominate the everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is hustling for their little
bit, and people can be pretty mean.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I often need a reminder.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It is
overwhelming. The bigness, messiness, craziness of L.A. begins to take over,
and suddenly I find myself thinking that anywhere is better than here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why <i>do </i></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I live here?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I used to think
that I felt this way because I am an introvert or a misanthrope, but now I
don’t think that’s why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
that what really happens is that I stop seeing what’s all around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is exactly that – all around me -- and
I begin to take this place for granted because I DO live here. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope she finds a good home when the building is finished. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly a decade has gone by since I
first began my life as an Angelino, and some days I forget that not everyone
has almost endless sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
forget that there are places where there are little or no opportunities to do
and be whatever or whomever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I forget that the diversity here, the seemingly infinite combination of
cultures, is a challenge (in the best way) and a comfort every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forget how beautiful this place is -
the murals and architecture and palm trees and flowers that are endlessly
stimulating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forget that the
Pacific ocean is a quick bike ride from where I live and work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forget that there are people here who
live and love and create the way that I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Then I take a
walk around my neighborhood, and I am reminded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am inspired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ride my bicycle past this one several times a week. Its hard not to smile when I see it.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the alley outside Glencrest Bar-B-Que. What artists manage to create with spray paint is astonishing.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This is why I live here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-52468729085523917032012-04-23T13:59:00.000-07:002012-04-23T13:59:44.723-07:00The Catalyst <style>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I am a sucker for a well designed room. Its absolutely true. I immediately begin mentally moving myself in, getting a buzz from the color, light and flow of the space. All of the pretty stuff aside, good design also comes with a disorienting, wonderful rush of change. I am a big fan of letting go of old stuff and ideas just to shake things up from time to time. I'm a bigger fan of investing (some consideration as well as the cash) in a space to make it the best it can be. I'd like to think that I design from exactly this place. Let's shake things up. Let's get inspired by something new. Plus, its Spring, the season of cleaning and organizing and rebirth. This time of the year always gets me primed for change. I love it even more when I can be the catalyst for someone else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I've been crazy busy, and although I spend a good chunk of my time in my studio sending emails, taking meetings, or making
endless phone calls, I’m also out in the world meeting people who make stuff and witnessing the transformation at all of the homes I'm designing. Three projects are happening -- all at different stages of the design process. Each home is as different as the cities they're in and the people who inhabit them. All of them, houses and people, are ready for change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The living room in <b>Los Angeles</b> is in the final stages, with only paint and art left to happen there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This grey suede
sectional tucks right into an odd corner of the living room Its also super-comfy and great for the family that lives on it because it
is easy to clean. My client has a great eye and found a beautiful vintage coffee table (not pictured) on Ebay. A few more pillows in some cool fabrics are on their way, too.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HUDSON BAY </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The paint on both walls will be
Benjamin Moore’s Hudson Bay. It’s
a deep lagoony blue that will cool down this really sunny corner.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">@ Stansbury Collection in Venice</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">When I'm designing a house near the beach (this one has a view), I like to include some art work about the ocean. I'm in love with these beautiful large scale surf photos that I found here in Venice. 2 or 3 of these in a couple of different sizes will look great on the big blue walls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The home I'm working on in <b>Las Vegas</b> has just begun its transformation. Paint is on the walls, rooms have been defined and new furniture, lighting and art are on the way. We've begun to fill the house with the client's personal things, re frame his family photos and hang some of his art. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The Library as it looked before.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The Library as it looks with velvety chocolate brown paint and some of the client's exiting furniture and art. Soon it will have draperies, lighting and floating shelving on both sides of the fire place to turn it into a proper library. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A couple of the client's
beautiful pieces of art in a red niche opposite the formal dining room. We've had one of the walls in the dining room painted this same yummy color.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In 2010, I designed a guest apartment just outside <b>Philadelphia</b>. It has a slick and efficient little kitchen that is filled with beautiful surfaces.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Pretty and functional apartment kitchen</span>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Quartz counter tops and recycled glass tile back splash.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Wide bamboo floors and glossy smoke-colored cabinets with brushed metal hardware.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I'm happy to say I've just begun doing a little work on the big house attached to the cute little apartment. First task is choosing the same sort of surfaces for some other spots in the house. I love the beginning of this process almost as much as the final result. So looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Embrace the change. Happy Spring!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Melissa</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GVFN_z37WU/T5H0PCa1DAI/AAAAAAAAAC4/-pqZHT-cxJo/s1600/Kitchen_Detail_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-6332961782564648032011-12-22T10:52:00.000-08:002011-12-22T19:31:37.544-08:00Yes, We Have Christmas Here<div class="MsoNormal"><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A couple of years ago, I was visiting family in Pennsylvania and the subject of the weather here in Los Angeles came up. My five year-old nephew was shocked to find out that it doesn't snow here.<br />
His first question was: "Do you have Christmas?"<br />
"Of course we do", I said, "It just looks a little different."<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Despite the lack of snow, there are no shortage of giant, inflatable lawn Santas, icicle lights, blinky stars and mechanical reindeer all over my neighborhood. Its also absolutely true that the norm around here is a little more offbeat. Here are the 2011 highlights:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLA0Bj7YvNc/TvJdprTTk0I/AAAAAAAAABQ/CwuCr1mhhnU/s1600/DSCN4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLA0Bj7YvNc/TvJdprTTk0I/AAAAAAAAABQ/CwuCr1mhhnU/s400/DSCN4748.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This year, as with many years past, my favorite Christmas tree is at the entrance to the parking lot at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica. The tree is made entirely from shopping carts and is super fab, especially at night when it is all lit up. Every time I drive, ride or walk by this tree it makes me happy. Turns out that it is the scaled-down version of an installation created by artist Anthony Schmitt a few years ago. You can see some photos of the big tree here </span><a href="http://shoppingcarttree.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://shoppingcarttree.com/</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFu4EYd8yfc/TvJfElOH3HI/AAAAAAAAABY/_olJ4Z79i7c/s1600/DSCN4774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFu4EYd8yfc/TvJfElOH3HI/AAAAAAAAABY/_olJ4Z79i7c/s400/DSCN4774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><style>
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</style>Runner up goes to the giant orange wreath that
hangs on the Venice Canals home of architect Whitney Sander and designer
Catherine Holiss. From a distance (say, across the canal) it is a great size and lovely modern color <i>and</i> it looks really soft. Not until I was close did I notice that the wreath is made entirely of plastic construction site fencing. It is perfect on the glass
and steel house and such an unexpected material. I love it when people manage to surprise me!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WngKiVYVimg/TvJkBLhw68I/AAAAAAAAABg/4xHYibHiOs8/s1600/DSCN4792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WngKiVYVimg/TvJkBLhw68I/AAAAAAAAABg/4xHYibHiOs8/s640/DSCN4792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is nothing groundbreaking about the little tree in the
row boat, but I absolutely had to include it. To me, it embodies the spirit of living in Venice as well as the sense of
humor that most of us have to have to live here. I hope it makes you smile, too.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Happy Christmas. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1471055185307509541.post-76838387916401580872011-11-02T12:27:00.000-07:002011-12-21T15:08:52.045-08:00Honey, I'm Home<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal">It has to start somewhere. A life, a journey, this blog. For far too long I have been tiptoeing around the idea of writing what I see and live everyday. No longer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> My work as an interior designer allows me a pretty thorough exploration of Los Angeles. People who don’t live here ask me about the good weather and movie stars – and we certainly have those things. But what’s really exciting are the ocean and the mountains, the intense metropolis with one of largest creative communities on the planet, all of the art and music and architecture and design that a nerd like me could want, millions people from everywhere on the planet (and their languages, food and cultures). It is easy to be inspired almost daily as I hunt for good design and beautiful things, seeking out the pioneers who are doing it differently, better. I’m hoping to use this space to examine what I see on a regular day, to show you what’s being created and to talk about the good work and good life all around us. I hope you’ll find it interesting, Los Angelino or not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iOyXtdM95A/TrGXTmET9-I/AAAAAAAAAAM/iS0rTz4rZ7w/s1600/Scan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iOyXtdM95A/TrGXTmET9-I/AAAAAAAAAAM/iS0rTz4rZ7w/s640/Scan.jpeg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">When my husband was 9 years old, he made this drawing of his family home in Seattle. He drew it all from memory, from the keyhole windows to the VW bus in the driveway. I’ve had it hanging in my studio for years, and each time I look at it I am reminded of the power of home. I am lucky that my job is to help people to create the places where they live and work. It is incredibly fun, but I take it seriously. These are the spaces where we spend the most time, the spaces where we gather with our tribes, the spaces that serve as refuge and retreat. Each time I design, my mission is to transform what I see into a home that can be drawn from memory.</div>Melissa Mascarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048172219850894607noreply@blogger.com0