A Word on Window Treatments

It's about time I threw out some basic guidelines for window treatments. This one area seems to baffle a lot of people. Maybe because there are SO many options! Flat fold roman shade, classic roman shade, pinch pleat, Parisian pleats, grommets...the list is seemingly endless. I'll keep it simple with a few pointers:

1. Drapery panels should fall within an inch or two of the floor.
(Not 3 feet above it)

2. Window treatments should serve their function. If you need to block out light use a blackout shade. If you want light and privacy then use sheer drapes.

3. Mini-blinds are an eyesore. If you rent and can't trash them then pull them all the way to the top position (hidden) and buy drapery panels to soften the space.

4. Inside mount shades are best for generous windows and to show off nice moldings. Outside mount shades can create the illusion of larger windows and hide ugly or puny moldings.

5. Frilly tassels and drapey valances should stay in the last century.

Industrial Heaven!

Above: Pair of vintage industrial metal stools

Above: Milk glass wall lamp

While searching for the perfect desk lamp I stumbled upon GetBackInc.com, a showroom and online store specializing in American industrial furniture and lighting. Sweet Jesus this may be the interior design holy land! Today, for the first time, I wished I lived in Oakville, Connecticut.

Above: Get Back Showroom in Oakville, CT

Goodbye Pesticides, Hello Organic!

Organic bedding and accessories are making their way into the mainstream, with new lines at Pottery Barn and West Elm. Organic cotton and linen fibers are grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, therefore eliminating tons of harmful pollutants that end up in our soil and water systems. The above organic hemp linen Birch pillow from Loop Organic would make a great accent for your bed or armchair.

I can personally endorse West Elm's organic cotton blanket, which I received as a Christmas gift and have been loving ever since.

Pottery Barn's Organic Flannel Duvet and sham are soothing and sophisticated. Bonus: They are currently on sale!

For more info: Niche Interiors, Green Interior Designer San Francisco

Modern Pillows!

It's Spring! Mix up your style and infuse your sofa with some new throw pillows. The Thomas Paul pillows above can be found here.
For a bold punch of embroidered color, try Jonathan Adler's Bargello Waves pillow. Available here for $125.

The above "Desi" pillow is a steal at Chiasso, on sale for $28!

West Elm's Taksim pillows will add pattern and a smooth silky texture to your favorite armchair.

Everything Looks Good in Paris

I stumbled upon photos from my trip to Paris in October, and wished I could just pop over to the flea market again. I haven't taken many photos at the flea markets here in the U.S., but I will tell you they look nothing like this!

If you feel like treasure hunting through lots of old stuff here in the Bay Area you can always head to the Alameda flea market and antiques fair, which is held the first Sunday of every month. Read more and find directions here. Happy hunting!

The New Academy of Sciences

Last night we went to the Academy of Sciences Thursday night event, featuring cocktails, food and a Live 105 DJ. The best part (besides being able to drink a whiskey while watching penguins) was the living roof. Absolutely amazing! Hats off to the architects for this functional and beautiful creation.