Rue Issue Three by Rue Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

INSIDE SCOOP

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

BEHIND THE SCENES

EDITOR’S LETTER

All-access pass to Rue’s HGTV-sponsored party at lavish! in Atlanta.

SHOPPING CART

20 10 MEET THE TEAM 12

ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES

RUE SHOPS Brave the cold and hit the boutiques in Toronto, Canada’s largest city.

BLOGGER SIDE-BY-SIDE

EASY ON THE EYE

EXTENDED FAMILY

EARTH MEETS SKY

LOVE MATCH

MEET THE DESIGNER Timeless elegance meets weathered charm in the designs of Brooke Gianetti.

GALLERY WALL

STUDIO TOUR The bright and breezy workspace of a young Chicago entrepreneur.

HANDS ON

FASHION FENG SHUI This ancient system of aesthetics isn’t just for your home!

OFFICE MAKEOVER A blah rental becomes brilliant with the help of some big box finds.

RUE

REMODELISTA

‘Steal This Look’ with the Brooklyn Winery.

SKILL SWAP JAMBOREE

TABLETOP ROMANCE

MAN IN THE BLUE BLAZER

RUE IN THE KITCHEN

FRESH START Get set for your best year in the kitchen with help from food writer and GOOP contributor Julia Turshen.

202

FEATURES

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

142 78

STORYBOOK SONG Quirky and clever cottage charm with the lead singer of A Fine Frenzy.

100

TOUCH OF HONEY Step inside the Pasadena home of interior designer Tamara Kaye-Honey.

166

ECLECTIC REJUVENATION

DESIGN BY DEMOCRACY

118

HEARTH & HOME Stylist Annette Joseph hosts a rustic winter supper in Atlanta.

180

HUDSON RIVER ROMANCE A Dutch Masters painting comes to life.

220 FROU FROU FAIRYTALE

Frosting and feathers, laughter and lace.

242

GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT

250

ANNA IN PARIS The colorful pied à terre of an art curator.

PHOTO: JAMIE BECK

EDITOR’S LETTER This wave of positive thinking left an impression on me. It reminded me that feeling proud of our accomplishments and quirky qualities not only nurtures our self-esteem but also gives those around us permission to do the same. Energized by this new non-goal concept, I wondered: Why can’t we bring the same ‘go easy on yourself’ attitude to all aspects of our lives, from our decorating ideas, to our wardrobe styling, to our entertaining skills—or lack thereof? Instead of striving for perfection in those areas, let’s instead celebrate how far we’ve already come. As we embark upon another year, it’s our hope that this issue will encourage you to look forward with a

It’s no secret that at Rue we gain constant inspiration from the design blog family. Being part of the digital dialogue in our little corner of the world is something that not only energizes us but also continually gifts us with new thoughts, undiscovered talents, and a heartwarming sense of community. After the holidays came to a close last month a funny little phenomenon took over the blogosphere. In a gentle revolt against

positive and growth-minded outlook; to find inspiration in the projects and stories we’ve shared; to greet each new day with a pat on your own back for the new skills you’ve learned, the new friends you’ve made, the new ideas you’ve embraced. And so in the words of Erin, we encourage you to ask: “What do you love about yourself, your life, and your circumstances? Say them out loud. Write them on your mirror in royal red lipstick and remember them forever.”

the “New Year’s Resolution,” bloggers started posting their non-goals instead of listing their

Sincerely,

bad habits. The aim was to shift the focus from our shortcomings to all the wonderful things we were already doing right. Blogger Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind was the brainchild behind the empowering idea and before we knew it, non-goal blog posts were popping up everywhere we looked.

CRYSTAL GENTILELLO CO-FOUNDER and EDITOR IN CHIEF

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Design is in Crystal’s blood—just ask the childhood friend whose crown molding inspired her covetous ire. The Chicago resident has since tamped her interiors envy with her blog, her editorial work, and her clients’ homes—some of which do indeed boast crown moulding.

Anne’s first design project was a charming three story Cape Cod with damask wallpaper, Victorian sofas, and real electric lights. The doll family loved what she did with the place. Anne now works in 1:1 scale, blogging and styling for fashion and interiors in San Francisco.

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Rumor has it that Bri’s first word was ‘bouffant’ and that she begged her mother to change the family name to ‘Funicello’. Now Bri channels her love of vintage fashion and design through her abiding passion for graphics, type, and a killer pair of go-go boots.

Some kids go for puppy posters, but young Cassandra painted her childhood bedroom a stunning lilac. Several redecorations—and parental eye rolls—later, tasteful beige had replaced the lilac and an undying obsession with design had taken hold in Cassandra’s heart.

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EXTENDED

FAMILY

Rue couldn’t exist without the kindness and generosity of our contributing team. We’re sending them candy hearts and a big, squishy group hug of gratitude!

ABIGAIL STONE copy

ADAM JABLONSKI photography

ADRIENNE MURRILL copy

ANGELA + ITHYLE photography

AUSTIN HENDRIX videography

BECKY HILL photography

CATHERINE SHEPPARD wardrobe styling

CHRISTINA LOUCKS event styling

COURTNEY KHAIL stationery

EMILY ANDERSON photography

EMILY HENSON styling

EMMA ROBERTSON design intern

ERICA REITMAN copy

FIORE BEAUTY hair and makeup

FLOWER CHILD photography

JAMIE BECK photography

JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER graphic design

JANEEN MICHELLE hair and makeup

JENNA FAIN copy

JESSE THOMAS photography

JESSICA SOGA styling

JL DESIGNS florals

JOHN GRUEN photography

KATIE RODGERS illustration

LAURE JOLIET photography

LAWRENCE LUK photography

LEILANI MARIE LABONG copy

LYNN KLOYTHANOMSUP copy

MACKENZIE HORAN editorial intern & copy

MANVI DRONA-HIDALGO styling

MARISSA LIPPERT food column

MATT CANT photography

MEAGAN CAMP styling

NINA ISABELLA styling

OLIVER SALK videography

OUR LABOR OF LOVE photography

REBECCA BUENIK styling

RIMA CAMPBELL photography

SARAH WOLFE hair and makeup

SARAH YATES photography

SHARK PIG videography

SHOKO WANGER

SITTING IN A TREE event styling

WILEY VALENTINE stationery

YOU + ME LIFESTYLING styling

copy

THE FLASHDANCE music

TONYA FACEY copy

TRENT BAILEY photography

WILL TAYLOR advice column

STEVE PAPPIN videography

TERI LYN FISHER photography

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The Gump’s Bride

Gump’s loves a wedding. With 150 years of gift-giving experience, we know how to create the perfect registry. In addition to offering extraordinary home essentials for newlyweds, we pride ourselves in our unrivaled personal service. Whether your taste is classic or contemporary and your needs are both casual and formal, let us help you choose pieces that express your singular style. Gump’s is your trusted resource for great design, assortment and service.

135 post street san francisco, california 800.444.0450 www.gumps.com/giftregistry

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ROUGH AROUND THE

EDGES

These fuzzy wuzzies have irresistible tactile appeal—because perfect circles are so last year.

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EASY ON

THE EYE The styling team at Neutral Hue proves that basic doesn’t have to mean boring.

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with Margot Austin

!"# $%&# "&'()*# +&"(,'# &+($)*# -)*# ./'/+(/'# 0/,/1('&# 23456# !3# 7896:# 9/*,)$# !;"$('# ("# <)'"$/'$=># "<);$(',# %)0&":# "$>=(',# "%))$":# /'+# "&/*<%(',#-)*#+&"(,'?"#'&@$#A(,#$%(',B#Thankfully, her native Toronto is full of inspiration in the form of outstanding boutiquesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including that of her talented husband! She takes Rue on a tour of her go-to destinations for vintage decor, travel necessities, and the best Scandinavian fix this side of Copenhagen.

<< CHAIRTABLELAMP 1156 Yonge Street

Margot’s hands-down favorite is situated in the heart of Toronto’s design district. “It’s no secret that I’m biased when it comes to this shop,” she explains of her top choice, which is owned by her husband Kevin Austin. “He has an impeccable eye for beauty, if I do say so myself!” English Georgian and mid-century styles mingle with primitive farmhouse finds, bar trolleys, and faux bamboo everything. The kicker? “Our French bulldog Lulu sometimes plays shop assistant!”

ABSOLUTELY NORTH!

>> NEXT PAGE

1236 Yonge Street The hallmark of proprietor Vikki Mansell’s decor boutique is its feminine-meets-masculine vibe. A wall-mounted Cartier scarf cohabits with antique maps and framed canoe paddles. Margot especially loves the pillows made from ‘reclaimed’ fur coats and adds, “The collection of vintage jewelry here is jaw-dropping!”

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COMPANY 647 Dupont Street Fine antiques meet country classics in this Toronto treasure trove of silver champagne buckets, silk damask cushions, and wool tartan blankets. Shopkeeper Michael Angus rocks a handsome “English gentleman-meetslumberjack vibe” that Margot can’t get enough of: “If I could actually move into a shop, this would be the one.”

MJÖLK >> 2959 Dundas Street West On the opposite end of the spectrum is this museumesque ode to Scandinavian and Japanese design. “It satisfies the modernist in me when I get antique overload,” explains Margot. Owners John Baker and Juli Daoust return from buying trips ready to share the stories behind new items, including masterpieces by Alvar Aalto, Pia Wallen, and Oji Masanori. Margot’s most recent purchase? A white desk set that she’d coveted throughout several scouting trips to the shop: “Shopping here is an occupational hazard!”

<< 6 BY GEE BEAUTY

6 Roxborough Street West “This is the kind of place Gwyneth might GOOP about,” Margot says. “I love a teeny tiny space packed with pretty things!” Helmed by former magazine pro Miriam Gee, the shop features a crisp, clean interior stocked with must-haves for the modern jetsetter. Margot’s picks include leather goods by Graphic Image, scents by Le Labo, and totes by Sea Bags.

(#"!T0JT(#"! 2010 design trends you’d be happy never to see again? Foo dogs, ceramic garden stools, Hermes boxes used as decor. Interior designer you’d want to do your home? I can’t decide between Abigail Ahern, Sixx Design, Ina & Matt, Roman and Williams...or Jo Walker :-) Your style in one word? Eclectic. Go-to paint color? Gray (in any shade). I can’t live without my... Laptop. Biggest design pet peeve? Art hung too high. Designer you’d wear exclusively for the rest of your life? Marc Jacobs. Or maybe William Rast. I bought a pair of their jeans recently that I would wear every single day if it weren’t gross. Favorite scent? Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey. Will you decorate with Pantone’s color of the year, honeysuckle? No. Pink used to be my favorite color. I painted my kitchen pink a couple years ago, but now I’m over it. New Year’s resolution? I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. But I think I can make one this year: to go to Australia and finally meet Jo. Describe Jo in one word. Creative.

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8+1*/+&$#&*41!*/+)5AG6)>6G6:)<64Z 2010 design trends you’d be happy never to see again? Imperial Trellis, grain sacks, painted furniture (though I am guilty of this), and patchwork sofas.

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Interior designer you’d want to do your home? Not fair! How can I narrow it down? Maybe Abigail Ahern, Isabel López-Quesada or Julia Edelmann of Buckingham ID. Your style in one word? Eclectic. Go-to paint color? Black. I can’t live without my... Retro interior design books. Biggest design pet peeve? Matchy-matchy furniture sets. Designer you’d wear exclusively for the rest of your life? Easton Pearson. Favorite scent? Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey. Will you decorate with Pantone’s color of the year, honeysuckle? No. But I have just bought two pink kilims from Uzbekistan so perhaps it will creep in without my realizing. New Year’s resolution? I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions. If I did, it would be to be more slow, gentle and quiet. Describe Kim in one word. Passionate.

Illustrations: Katie Rodgers

INSIDE SCOOP

PHOTOGRAPHY : TERI LYN FISHER COPY : MACKENZIE HORAN

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!"##$%&'()**%++( &1($#.)-!!$()&!P#/!-!/$)#/)$+!).*#!/$T.,$!&!") %PP!&#/B()%P)B#,//!$$#)+%-!M !"#$%&'()*'+"#,&-*").*%*"/'012%*%"03)&"+&(-"%.&4-&&15"6&4",0," +&("/*)"+&(-"%)#-)"03").*",*%0/3"03,(%)-+7 I never went to school to study interior design. I started decorating rooms when I was a child! When I married my architect husband Steve, I decorated our home, filling it with unusual pieces that I found at flea markets. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always loved the hunt for just the right pair of leather chairs with the perfect patina or a wonderfully faded threadbare rug. Soon my friends began asking me to help them with their homes, and thankfully they understood that I had to fit our shopping trips in between my childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pick-up times! It was only when Leila, my 10-yearold daughter, started kindergarten that I began helping Steve with larger projects. My business has revolved naturally as my children have grown up.

!;1"%&"012-*%%*,").#)"+&(;-*"#$'*")&"$#'#3<*"&4303/"+&(-" &43"%)&-*=")#>03/"&3"03)*-0&-",*%0/3"<'0*3)%="#3,"$'&//03/? 3&)")&"1*3)0&3"1&).*-.&&,@"!);%"#''"#$&()",&03/"4.#)"+&(" '&A*="0%3;)"0)7 I’m fortunate to be able to concentrate on projects that speak to my design aesthetic. Clients who love our store have found me and given me the opportunity to fill their homes with the things I love. I walk my clients through my home and my shop to get their opinions on fabrics, rugs, and furniture. I seem to be selling a lot of pieces from the shop as well as from my own home! It’s much easier for people to visualize what something will look like when they see it in a completed room.

!"'&A*").#)"+&(-".&(%*"B*#)(-*%"#"-&)#)0&3"&B"20*<*%"B-&1"+&(-" %)&-*5"C.#)"B(3")&"$*"#$'*")&"%40)<.").03/%"&()"&3"#"4.01@" 6&4"4&(',"+&(",*%<-0$*"+&(-"#*%).*)0<7 My taste is ever-evolving as I am constantly exposed to design inspiration! My blog has been incredible for many reasons: it exposes my work to people who love what I love, it gives me a place to share my favorite resources, and it allows me to write about what inspires me. Right now I’m most inspired by Belgian and Swedish design. My husband has exposed me to the beauty of industrial design and worn leather. My style is a combination of masculine and feminine, so Steve’s masculine energy has definitely enhanced my designs.

D&(-"<'0*3)%="<(%)&1*-%="#3,"-*#,*-%".#A*"<*-)#03'+" -*%2&3,*,"%)-&3/'+")&").#)"<&1$03#)0&35"6&4",&"+&("1#--+" +&(-"2*-%&3#'"%)+'*"40)."+&(-"<'0*3)%;"3**,%7 I’m a very collaborative designer. My goal is to help my clients create the house of their dreams. It isn’t my dream; it’s theirs. But my approach to decorating for myself and decorating for others is similar. I ask a lot of questions and collect as much inspirational imagery as possible. Then I write what I love about each image on a post-it. All of the pictures help me build the room in my head. I also spend time thinking about how the space is going to be used. It doesn’t matter if the room is

“ IT DOESN’T MATTER IF THE ROOM IS SUPPOSED TO BE A DINING ROOM. HOW OFTEN ARE WE GOING TO USE THE DINING ROOM? CAN IT ALSO BE A LIBRARY? A STUDY?”

supposed to be a dining room. How often are we going to use the dining room? Can it also be a library? A study? Then I create a furniture plan for the space. Once I’ve completed all of these steps, I have a very clear vision of the room, so I can start shopping for the pieces I need.

!"01#/03*").#);%").*"1&%)"B(3"2#-)"&B").*"2-&<*%%5" C.#)"#,A0<*"4&(',"+&("/0A*")&"-*#,*-%"&3" %.&2203/"B&-").*0-".&1*%7 I usually shop for the rug or some large element in the room that will inspire the rest of the design, but sometimes a small object like a pillow or a special fabric can provide the inspiration. Once a few key decisions are made, the rest of the room seems to fall into place quickly. Steve and I love the process of shopping for unique pieces for the store. Giannetti Home seems to look completely different every time we get a new shipment—but that’s what keeps things exciting for us and for our clients!

E3,"0)"<*-)#03'+"/0A*%"+&(-"<(%)&1*-%"#"-*#%&3" )&"%)&2"03"B-*F(*3)'+@"C.#);%"3*G)"B&-" H0#33*))0"6&1*7 Steve and I are involved in some really exciting projects right now. I’ve shared a couple of images on my blog of the modern Italian villa that we’re working on. We’re also helping some wonderful clients furnish their beach house in Malibu. Then Steve is designing another Malibu beach house and a horse ranch in Ojai that we’ll also be furnishing. We also now offer Giannetti Design online services to clients around the country. And we’re noodling around with the idea of designing a new home for ourselves. That should be a real design experiment because we always test out new ideas on our own homes!

A glimpse inside the designer’s daily routine.

EARLY TO BED: EARLY TO RISE 5 AM

Wake up, answer emails, get dressed.

6 AM

Take a walk with Steve and the pups. We chat about the projects we’re working on, the kids’ schedule for the day, and our dream of retiring to our home in Oxnard, where we’ll spend more time painting and gardening.

7 AM 8 AM

Make breakfast for the family. Take my daughter to school and set aside a couple hours for paperwork.

11 AM

Pop into the shop before client meetings and shopping in the afternoon.

3 PM

Pick up my daughter and start the family routine! I write my blog post while the kids do their homework.

7 PM 9 PM

We eat a simple family dinner. Steve, the pups, and I pass out early—how glamorous!

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GUEST CURATOR

JEN BEKMAN

is the founder of 20x200 and Jen Bekman Gallery on New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lower East Side. 20x200 offers limitededition prints by emerging, established and legendary artists, all starting at $20.

1. Lauren DiCioccio 2. Jane Mount 3. Aaron Straup Cope 4. Amy Stevens 5. Youngna Park 6. Jessica Snow 7. Christian Chaize 8. Lisa Congdon 9. Jonathan Lewis Photo: Paul Costello

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Studio Tour:

JESS LC PHOTOGRAPHY: EMILY ANDERSON COPY: ADRIENNE MURRILL STATIONERY: COURTNEY KHAIL

In her sunny Chicago workshop, jewelry designer & entrepreneur JESS CONSTABLE designs a life with intention.

While design stars make over interiors, Jess Constable has been making under hers–and inspiring others to do the same along the way. The designer behind the jewelry collection Jess LC and author of the blog Makeunder My Life recently moved her home and business to a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Following the advice she gives readers, she designed it with intention. “I wanted to feel happy, cheerful and energized when I’m in my space,” she says. Looking online for ideas, she was inspired by Kate Spade’s witty and charming approach and used the brand as her guideline when shopping local antique markets last summer. “I went from having dark bookshelves and materials to having lots of white,” Jess says. Chevron curtains add whimsy and an arm chair offers a punchy spot of citrus in a charming print. In addition to the lightness, she injected femininity with hot pink graphic art in the bathroom and soft rosy flowers in the bedroom–both pieces she created from old canvases. Other items that were repurposed include her coffee table and nightstands, which she found abandoned in the trash.

A look around her tidy apartment wouldn’t suggest that the spaceg doubles as an office for Jess LC, a brand that has been recognized by Real Simple, Daily Candy, People Magazine and US Weekly. Jess says her real passion is interiors, which she reinterprets into her jewelry designs. “Last spring it was graphic designs, like those by Dwell Studio, and in the fall it was paisley.” Her next collection was inspired by nail heads on furniture. “I use interior design blogs and trends for jewelry ideas” she says. “I’m really passionate about interiors more than anything else; I just happen to be a jewelry designer, and now I reinterpret that into the business.” The business serves as her means to perform her true calling, which is her blog. “In college, I had a

huge realization that my best self was laying dormant beneath a pile of ‘stuff’ (read: clothes, junk, candy bars, and illusions of perfection). At that moment, I realized that my purpose, my vocation, is to share and inspire others to make under their lives.” After supporting herself with the jewelry line, Jess started the blog in January 2009 and word spread quickly about her message of “designing a life with intention.” Two years later, she continues to offer daily reflections from herself and other advisors from all walks of life on just how to do that. (Ed note: Check out her four-step process on the site.) “If there is one thing I’ve learned from 11 years of self-employment, it’s that we have the ability, in large part, to create the life we want.”

click here for the exclusive stationery download for Rue readers from JESS LC.

Tips For Working From Home

1. Make the space work for you: Jess says her kitchen was begging for an island, so she placed a large table there that doubles as a jewelry assembly station by day and a dining room and kitchen prep table after hours.

2. Dress for work: Jess puts on a nice outfit with shoes when she’s working. As for her space, she uses overhead lights during business hours, while pharmacy lamps atop cabinets and bookcases create a homey glow in the evenings.

Separate storage: To avoid seeing a stack of business receipts when she’s looking for a recipe, Jess keeps her office supplies completely separate from her personal items. Each day her assistant wheels out a cart with the jewelry supplies and it’s tucked away at night.

2011 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS HANDBOOK

What : An office

goes from functional to fantastic. Who : Celebrated entrepreneur Leila Khalil, founder of the wedding public relations firm Be Inspired PR.

MAKE OVER YOUR WORK SPACE! Photography: Laure Joliet Copy: Lynn Kloythanomsup Florals: JL Designs

The Approach :

Give a standard commercial rental a complete overhaul with wood flooring, crown molding, textured wallpaper, and cleanlined furniture and accessories from big box stores like Ikea and Z Gallerie.

The Outcome :

A fresh lime and white palette combines with an open salon floor plan to create an office that aligns not only with the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visual branding but also with its philosophy of intimate, boutiquestyle client service.

What : Fashion Feng

Shui. The ancient Chinese system of aesthetics— with it’s focus on the five natural elements—is applied to personal style.

Who : Catherine

Sheppard, fashion maven and founder of The Life Styled—wardrobe consulting agency par excellence.

EDIT YOUR WARDROBE!

Photography: Jesse Thomas Wardrobe Styling: The Life Styled Hair and Makeup: Fiore Beauty

Amanda :

The 100 Layer Cake blogger honors her ‘water’ essence with fashion-forward pieces in black, while sequins and a zigzag pattern inject a touch of ‘fire’.

Samantha :

DailyCandy editor by day, killer cardio kickboxer by night, she channels her sporty ‘wood’ essence with straight lines and hues like cocoa and army green.

Jenn :

Our favorite Hostess with Mostess uses an ensemble of pastels and classic shapes to summon an organized and professional ‘metal’ energy.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS!

Photography: Trent Bailey Photography Styling: YOU + ME Lifestyling

What : A Skill Swap

Jamboree. Gather your most talented friends and ask them to teach a new skill to all in attendance. They provide enough materials for each guest, you provide the snacks and champagne.

Who : Hostess Miya and

Elisabeth, the so-creativeit-hurts duo behind YOU + ME Lifestylists.

THE PARTY GUESTS: Hither & Thither :

Decoupage a glass paperweight with vintage postcards.

Mooseherd Creative :

Craft a pop-up valentine. Because everything looks better as a pop-up.

Janelle Sing, Leather Goods Designer :

Deboss a keychain. There was some serious jostling to use the fun tools that Janelle brought!

Laura Splan, Mixed Media :

Artist: Weave yarn flowers â&#x20AC;&#x201D;the ultimate 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s craft!

Karen Wise, Photographer :

Shoot a tabletop still life (with gorgeous cupcakes from KG Fare).

Nina Isabella, Interior Designer :

Make paper pompoms and turn your home into party town.

Brooklyn Soda Works : Properly brew and taste tea. Tip: Use way more tea than you think you should!

Poppies and Posies :

Make a dapper boutonniere to spruce up any outfit.

AND A BIG FAT THANK YOU TO : Florals: Blossom and Branch Location : Top of the Garden Catering :

KG Fare Catering & Events Rentals : Classic Party Rentals Washi tape: cutetape Glass Paper weights : Behrenberg Glass 500 Pencils : Felissimo

CLICK HERE FOR THE DOWNLOAD FROM MOOSEHERD CREATIVE!

SET ROMA TABLE

What :

A Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day table that feels more chic than sticky sweet.

Who :

Washington DCbased stylist and blogger Manvi Drona-Hidalgo of Mochatini.

TA ANTIC ETOP!! Photography: Lawrence Luk Styling: Manvi Drona-Hidalgo

The Approach :

Eschew the red hearts and doilies that often accompany this hackneyed holiday, but hold on to the luxe romance of shining silver, tightly bunched roses and sparkling champagne.

The Outcome :

A graphic tablecloth provides an eyecatching foundation for dinnerware in a palette of robin’s egg and petal pink. The soft-meets-striking sensibility hits a stylish note whether you’re dining à deux or en masse this February fourteenth!

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I start the year by promising myself I’ll be more organised in the year ahead. I weed out my wardrobe, dry-clean my suits and update my address book. After all, with a clean closet, a smart suit and a bursting contacts book, surely a gentleman can’t go wrong? Yet more often than not, by the third week of January, daily life—and the surprises it so gracefully offers—has thrown me off course. A string of late nights at the office results in a monstrous pile of laundry. An old school friend would love to pop by for dinner, yet you’re goto dish is more no-go after the lasagna tray smashed last week. Familiar? Thought so. Rather than let the upturn of routine get you down, invest in basic home needs—cooking utensils, stationery, working clocks—at the start of the year to save precious time during the inevitable turmoil that life throws your way. These easy and affordable updates won’t revolutionise daily life or eliminate mishaps, but they will help streamline life.

.!4")(&54"!&24"%# List the things you do everyday without fail, and I’m sure you’ll include ‘check the time’. We do it without a second thought, but reflecting on how you use time and on how it affects you could prove beneficial. Assess the time-telling needs of each room in your home and introduce stylish clocks accordingly. In your office you need to know the date, so go for a clock with a time and date function. In the bedroom, you might like to forget about time, yet you still need an alarm for waking—so choose a more discreet and unassuming model. You’ll be more efficient when you’re switched on and more relaxed when you’re switched off.

')&54"!&;'*/2#) Your kitchen undoubtedly took a battering over the festive season, so take advantage of post-holiday sales to update your arsenal. Use a color-coded range of jars to reorganize your spice cupboard, stock up on linens, and buy yourself a good-sized roasting dish for those unexpected smashes! And remember that although the kitchen can be a hub of chaos, it can also be a center of calm; even a simple addition like a toast rack will encourage leisurely Sunday morning breakfasts.

')&54"!&24,#&477'/# Whether you use it to work from home or only to write checks, it pays to create a home office that’s both functional and inspiring. Good task lighting and a plentiful supply of thank-you notes will come in handy throughout the year. By filing away papers you don’t need every day, such as business cards and menus from your favorite take-out spots, you’ll instantly render your desk area more efficient.

Infusing the space with meaningful elements will also improve time spent in your home office. Hang family photographs on the walls or light a scented candle—small indulgences will increase the productivity of your working hours. Ultimately, it’s about altering your perception of the workspace. If you take time to enjoy being in the space, whether it’s for scrapbooking and sketching to journal writing and photography, you’ll be surprised to discover a more positive mindset in a frequently disused room.

+,/"()%/ PAPER TRAIL !*#

STEAL THIS LOOK The warm factory vibe of the Brooklyn

Winery has us craving industrial-inspired pieces in wood and wire, linen and glass.

BARN LIGHT ELECTRIC

WISTERIA !)%

Remodelista is the authority on home design and renovation. Each issue they share original ideas on remodelling and more--exclusively for Rue readers!

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CRAVING COMFORT WHITE BEANS PHOTOGRAPHY: RIMA CAMPBELL RECIPES: MARISSA LIPPERT

Cold weather and comfort food make the perfect winter pairing. Combine a crackling fire, a wooly sheepskin, a glass of Bordeaux, and something hearty on the stove, and you’ve got the recipe for a very cozy evening indeed.

WHITE BEANS They ward off chilly temperatures with their rustic appeal and creamy richness. Incredibly versatile, their hearty dose of fiber adds a satisfying element to soups, stews and salad. And they inject a healthful note to a classic French comfort dish that appears to be anything but light...

CASSOULET It sounds fancy and delicate, but it’s actually substantial enough to pass the test of any meatand-potatoes lover. You’d think a nutritionist would banish items like pork shoulder, sausage, bacon and duck confit, but not moi! Simply use the recipe’s traditional meats in limited quantities, and allow the vegetables, beans and herbs comprise the bulk of the dish.

NOT IN THE MOOD FOR MEAT? Take a seasonal vegetarian tack. Team dark leafy greens and garlic with your beans for a lovely, lowcalorie hors d`oeuvre. This easy crostini not only dazzles, but it gets you in and out of the kitchen and back before the fire in no time.

CLICK!HERE!TO DOWNLOAD THE RECIPES!

RUE COOKS

TARGET $35 L’ECONOME $10

PHOTO: LAUREN VOLO

THE CANAL HOUSE $20

FRESH

START Food writer and GOOP regular Julia Turshen picks her kitchen essentials to start the year out right.

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SHE MAY HAVE THE PLAYFUL SMILE AND EASY LAUGH OF A CHILD —and it’s true that she counts hula hooping as one of her many interests—but engage singer Alison Sudol in conversation, and it becomes clear almost immediately that she possesses the self-assurance and clear-eyed poise of an old soul. “I‘ve always tried to keep my eyes open and observe things,” she says. “I always have a mind full of stories. And story-tell she does. At 26, Sudol has released two critically acclaimed albums with her band, A FINE FRENZY, for whom she sings and writes songs. Their third album, currently a work in progress, has a tentative summer release date. While on tour, Alison chose to forgo post-show nightlife but still needed of an outlet for her energy, so she penned a children’s fantasy book that, yet unedited, stands at about 400 pages. “I’d always wanted to write a book,” she explains. “One day I wrote a story, and it just got longer and longer.”

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While one might expect a twenty-something musician to opt for parties over prose, Alison’s eclectic—and often old-fashioned—tastes are a distinct departure from those of the stereotypical young Angeleno. In a city where trendy trumps all, she remarks simply, “Things that are shiny and pristine and new make me uncomfortable.” Though she has lived in Los Angeles for most of her life, Alison attributes her appreciation for the natural world to her Northwestern roots. “I was born in Seattle and lived there until I was five, and I think a lot of what I’ve done as an artist has been an attempt to recreate that really beautiful little world. I didn’t go back there until I was 21 or 22, when I was on tour. When we were driving in on the bus, I was just overwhelmed [looking at the landscape]. I finally realized what I was doing—why I was the way I was— because that was where my roots were.”

Sudol’s affinity for fantasy is unmistakable in her living space. In fact, her 1930s home seems as if it could have emerged straight from the pages of a storybook. “It’s kind of an odd house,” she says, “All of my floors are uneven. When I first moved in, I would feel seasick in the shower. Everything wobbles. When I got here, there were about sixty birdhouses in the backyard. It was amazing, but it had to be scaled back. Now there are perhaps twenty.” With this home—which a friend calls “the windup house”—Sudol has created a space that both inspires and soothes. “Everyone who comes over says they immediately feel at home, and that’s the greatest compliment I could ever get. I’ve never wanted a home that feels like a museum. I want to people to feel happy and comfortable, sort of like they were at their grandma’s house.”

The house serves a similar function for Alison herself. “I spent so much of my early twenties on the road, and it was really disorienting. I started to collect things so that when I was home, I could reconnect with a sense of feeling like myself. Everything I have in my home makes me happy. There are a lot of things with animals and birds, and a lot of funny, weird figurines. I have a million odd things.” When looking for pieces for her home, Alison, a frequent flea market shopper, gravitates toward objects with history, items with stories to tell. “It’s wonderful to have pieces that have already lived—usually much longer than I have. I bring stories into my house, and I draw off that energy. It’s a subtle thing.” And while the house’s innate charm made assembling the space a relatively uncomplicated task, the singer’s wide-ranging tastes were not always

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Alison’s love of music and the arts permeates the house. There are two pianos in the living room and a vinyl record player. An avid reader, she surrounds herself with literature—literally. “I rolled over in the middle of the night last night and I got stabbed with a book!” she laughs. Fittingly, she confesses to a penchant for the classics, calling reading “a constant education.” In the same way, many of her musical influences are voices from the past: Nick Drake, Ray Charles, Motown.

%%%%%%)* Alison undoubtedly has much to look forward to in the new year—most notably her upcoming album. Asked how it differs from the previous two, she observes, “It’s freer, it’s purer, it’s deeper. It’s more mature. Every step that I’ve taken I’m proud of, but I feel at this point that I’m starting to come into my own. That’s really exciting.”

“EVERYONE WHO COMES O V E R S AY S T H E Y I M M E D I AT E LY F E E L AT H O M E , A N D T H AT ’ S T H E G R E AT E S T C O M P L I M E N T I C O U L D E V E R G E T. ”

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* , % * !% (%#01*2 + " /% And, it seems, her music isn’t the only thing we can expect to see evolve in 2011. “I think this is the year for me to face a lot of fears and enjoy things and be happy and get out there with this album. I’m really so proud of it, and excited to take it all over the place. And learn about everything—I want to constantly be learning and growing. That’s my goal forever.”

WAT C H A L I BEHIND THE SCENES

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MANHATTAN APARTMENT OVERHAUL.

PHOTOGRAPHY: EMILY ANDERSON COPY: ERICA REITMAN INTERIOR DESIGN: NICOLE COHEN

What does a busy mother and visual artist do when faced with the challenge of designing a new home from two apartments combined into one? If she’s Nicole Cohen, she starts a blog called Sketch 42, gathers a large and loyal audience, then asks her readers for help. “I was working on the apartment, polling my friends and family non-stop about wallpaper samples and paint colors,” Nicole says. “Everyone got sick of me, so I started the blog to get feedback from fellow design lovers. I made friends from all over the country who are more than happy to talk about wallpaper any time I want! “ Two years later, Nicole has created a

show-stopping home in the heart of New York’s Upper East Side. She shares the space with her husband David and her 2-year-old daughter Cookie, but she credits her extended online family with the successful outcome of her design. “Everyone weighed in on my decisions. When I was stuck on what do to with some weird window bulkheads, Nick Olsen helped me figure out a solution. I emailed a trusted friend before every single purchase!” Nicole’s modesty belies the natural inclination she clearly has for interior design. Although the online community guided her choices, Nicole implemented them all herself. She salvaged furniture off the street, combed through sample sales, and at times, even created her own pieces: “Necessity is definitely the mother of invention around here. If I cant find it, I make it.” A quick glance around Cohen’s space confirms how resourceful she is; a lucite bench, the mirrored wall in her dining room, and various decor accessories all have her stamp on them. But her creativity is perhaps most on display in the artwork on display throughout her home. Cohen’s four bedroom, three bathroom apartment is filled with art—much of it her own. One of the most striking works is her “shower painting,” a bright, colorful abstract that was created by painting a canvas, spraying it with water, and allowing the colors to drip off slowly. And yes, it really was made in her shower. “Before it was framed,”

“ N E C E S S I T Y I S D E F I N I T E LY THE MOTHER OF INVENTION AROUND HERE. IF I CANT FIND I T, I M A K E I T. ”

3MY GRANDMA IS A BIG BELIEVER IN THE PHRASE, ‘IF YOU LOVE SOMETHING, IT’S NEVER OUT OF STYLE.’4

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says Nicole, “My husband told me it looked like our daughter had made it—which I took as a compliment. I love children’s artwork, and Cookie has made some spectacular abstract pieces.” Nicole credits her artistic sensibilities in part to her Grandma Margarette, who passed her own unique, timeless sense of style to her granddaughter. Although Margarette’s glamorous New Jersey home was decorated nearly 30 years ago, Nicole describes it as photo ready. “Any design magazine could stop by at a moment’s notice and have the makings of a gorgeous spread,“ she says. “My Grandma is a big believer in the phrase, ‘If you love something, it’s never out of style.’” Nicole’s creative drive is also fueled by the fact that her husband’s family

3 H AV I N G A C C E S S T O S O M A N Y FA B U L O U S T H I N G S D E F I N I T E LY D O E S F E E D M Y D I Y H A B I T. 4

owns the celebrated trim superstore M& J Trimming. “Having access to so many fabulous things definitely does feed my DIY habit. I’m constantly crafting, gluing, sewing, sawing and fusing things together.” In fact, she’s currently developing her own line of home accessories. Called Nickel & Grace, the collection will be available later this year and will include adorned lucite trays, leather and fabric pillows,

and also some surprises Nicole is still cooking up. And though the Cohens’ second child is due in February, Nicole is actively avoiding any nursery conversations: “Please don’t ask me what we’re going to do in the new baby’s room, because I have no clue.” Perhaps it’s time to start another blog?

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“If you’re in front of the right opportunity, take advantage,” advises photo stylist and lifestyle guru Annette Joseph. In this case, the right opportunity was a winter supper party on an unusually chilly evening at Annette’s Atlanta home. The advantages were plentiful conversation among friends and family, and an array of restorative culinary mainstays like roast organic chicken, baked polenta with mushrooms, and persimmon apple chutney. Annette whips up dinner parties such as this one with ease and flair. Her home provides an intimate, pastoral backdrop, and her experience in visual merchandising enabled her to design and build her Tuscan-inspired farmhouse without seeking external expertise. Impressive architectural coups serve comfortable, functional purposes for her family; the garage opens to a pool for al fresco dining, and a fire-pit in the backyard invites guests to toast marshmallows around the roaring flames. “Every wall in my house tells a story. Everywhere you look, there’s a vignette,” Annette notes about her home design philosophy. “I think everyone should think about that when building a home. It’s about creating eye candy wherever you look.” She created her house so that she could love every room, and her love of the space is infectious to her guests.

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Annette likens selecting favorite aspects of her home to trying to pick a favorite child. Nevertheless, she obviously harbors a particular fondness for her kitchen, which was informed by an authentic cucina italiana. “My kitchen table was custom-built with lots of drawers. It’s the heart of the house,” says Annette. “We can sit and talk there for hours. We’re a pretty warm and fuzzy group.” A modern master of hearth and home, Annette did not bring in any props to style the evening’s festivities. “What you see is exactly how I throw dinner parties. I always keep it rustic, simple, and yummy,” she says. Maintaining eco-savvy habits and staying loyal to local vendors is also important to this hostess, who attributes her love of meats and sweets to her Hungarian roots. The menu’s handmade charcuterie comes from Atlanta’s Pine Street Market, while the marshmallows and the bittersweet chocolate for the s’mores are from Cacao, a local artisanal chocolatier.

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Preserving, Annette’s latest culinary hobby, came into play in the form of pickled onions for the salad. Her baked polenta also stays within the menu’s theme of simple comfort foods. An ideal crowdpleaser, it simmers and crisps in the oven while the hostess converses with guests. In further keeping with this casual approach, Annette serves up her offerings buffet-style: “I’m very untraditional when I cook. I want to be a part of the party: cooking, eating, and mingling, not just chopping onions!”

_+!&)+%($#/B)#(),/)!PP%&$*!(()!^$!/(#%/)%P)+!&) I+%$%)($J*#/B).,&!!&)Q)2,&-)I!&(%/,*#$J` Not surprisingly, entertaining comes naturally for Annette. Her hosting is an effortless extension of her veteran photo styling career and her warm personality. Annette has spent fifteen years cultivating an impressive client list, including Better Homes and Gardens, The Ritz Carlton Hotels, and Country Home. A natural fusion of Annette’s passions, photo styling is a calling she fell into. She was working window-dresser when she met a professional commercial photographer who recommended she consider photo styling.

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Little did she know, his suggestion would result in a lifelong career. Annette now specializes in producing interiors, food, and entertaining stories. “I love working with photographers and art directors, and seeing images appear on a monitor,” says Annette. “It’s a very satisfying job because it incorporates all of my passions and talents.” Last year, Annette’s path led to the most challenging task in her career thus far: designing a home in Nashville for Gwyneth Paltrow during the filming of Country Strong. Annette had ten days to turn a raw space into a house that would be welcoming and comfortable for Paltrow’s family. “I didn’t sleep for two weeks,” she admits. “Gwyneth is so astute in cooking and design. It was the most daunting yet fulfilling job.” Annette’s tireless efforts paid off when Paltrow praised her styling techniques and reinvention of the space in a GOOP newsletter, which quickly circulated and wowed the online design world. What will 2011 yield for the Atlanta design doyenne? In addition to working on two books, Annette recently signed a contract with Fox 21 to develop a reality show that will spotlight her work and reveal the behind-the-scenes of her

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talented, witty styling squad.

about her team. “Our common thread is that we like to have fun, and we like to work hard.” Annette’s advice for budding stylists? Pay careful attention to composition and space, and remain constantly hungry for information to stay on the edge of the design world. But listen to your gut at the same time: “I think that you’re born with style, and you’re born with an eye. I’ve always been very true to my vision,” says Annette. “The basic principles of good taste always have to be at play.”

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HOSTING AS AN ART FORM

Greet EACH GUEST AT THE DOOR AS THEY

ARRIVE. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE FRONT DOOR!

Give YOUR GUESTS A GLASS OF WINE

OR SIGNATURE DRINK AS A NICE WELCOME.

Make INTRODUCTIONS AND HELP YOUR

GUESTS MINGLE. START CONVERSATION ABOUT THINGS YOUR GUESTS MIGHT HAVE IN COMMON—IT MAKES THE PARTY MOVE!

Offer DESCRIPTIONS, VERBAL OR WRITTEN, TELLING PEOPLE WHAT THEY’RE EATING.

Don’t

RUSH THROUGH THE HORS D’OEUVRES AND APPETIZERS. ALLOWING GUESTS TO VISIT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PARTY MAKES FOR A LIVELY DINNER TABLE.

“

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”

TOUCH OF

HONEY D E S I G N E R T A M A R A K A Y E - H O N E Y ’ S S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A P A D I S S W E E T E R T H A N M O S T .

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERI LYN FISHER STYLING: EMILY HENSON COPY: LEILANI MARIE LABONG INTERIOR DESIGN: TAMARA KAYE-HONEY

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WITH ROOTS IN BOTH EASTERN CANADA’S DEEP FREEZE AND THE CONCRETE JUNGLE OF MANHATTAN, it’s no surprise that designer Tamara Kaye-Honey and her husband, television-commercial producer Ryan Honey, felt compelled to do as 150 years of industrious pioneers have done before them—blaze a trail West in search of, well, sunshine and opportunity. “We lived in a New York walk-up for seven years—with no balcony!” says Tamara, 37, a former buyer at Bergdorf Goodman. “California seemed like paradise to us.” The couple’s auspicious 2003 pilgrimage to the left coast has since produced two kids (daughter, Phia, 8, and son, Streak, 6), a successful commercial-production firm for Ryan, a flourishing design showroom for Tamara, and, in keeping true to the whole land-of-milk-and-, er, honey experience, a dream home in the form of a 1923 English Tudor in the Los Angeles suburb of Altadena. Although envisioning the dwelling as the proverbial

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I’VE ALWAYS BEEN ATTRACTED TO FIXERS—THE WORSE, THE BETTER.” “dream home” required more than a little imagination—no mean feat for Tamara’s mother, who, despite a history of embracing renovations (a trait she passed onto her daughter), cried in despair at first sight of the severely dilapidated structure. “It had been neglected for decades,” explains Tamara, noting that the previous owner, an eccentric German inventor, “enhanced the home with unusual valves and odd masonry work,” and allowed a 60-pound pig run amuck on the grounds. “My mother begged us not to buy it. But I’ve always been attracted to fixers—the worse, the better.” After an accelerated six-month renovation (“Every morning, I plied the workers with lots of coffee,” laughs Tamara) that involved, among other major surgeries, overtaking a fourth bedroom to create a larger kitchen and con-

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verting the garage into a play room, the 2700-squarefoot Honey house (not to be confused with House of Honey, Tamara’s showroom in Pasadena) is now an inspired, offbeat, Southern California pad. The first clue: the architecture’s straight-from-the-English-countryside charm appears ironic considering the home is nestled among a veritable orchard of sun-drenched citrus trees (as opposed to, you know, dewy rolling green hills and other pastoral topography). The traditional setting is also an interesting juxtaposition to the Honeys’ collection of designer midcentury furniture—the dining table by Milo Baughman was a $500 Craigslist score; the hanging Parrot chair by Ib Arberg, a curious, cage-like piece indeed, is suspended permanently in the play room; and the breakfast table in the kitchen is a vintage Herman Miller conference table. “I love all its scratches and stains,” says Tamara. “They’re like wrinkles on a face—evidence of a life well-lived.” Tamara’s sense of humor also shines in the Tudor. Whimsical big-eye portraitures by the likes of Margaret Keane,

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“I LOVE ALL ITS SCRATCHES AND STAINS. THEY’RE LIKE WRINKLES ON A FACE— EVIDENCE OF A LIFE WELL-LIVED.”

Fornasetti, and Bjorn Wiinblad are sprinkled throughout the home, but are especially prevalent in Phia’s room. “I want our children to appreciate fantasy and creativity,” says the designer. Glossy 1970’s Italian cougars make an appearance in the living room, she explains, “just for laughs.” And those flokati shags and reclaimed-fur rugs? They’re not just for textural interest (although their softness is an inviting counterpoint to the home’s teak-like Australian gumwood finishes). “They’re an homage to our far-north roots!” says Tamara, who is also using the family home as a testing ground for The New Vintage, her fashion-forward, custom collection of chairs upholstered in faux fur or sequin gowns. While such divergent elements are certainly advantageous when it comes to transforming a previously brokedown Tudor into a shining example of tasteful eclecticism, Tamara maintains that her fundamentals of design are practically foolproof. First, she says, start collecting. “I have a collection of ships for my son and vintage flower paintings for the guest bathroom. Whether grouped together or dispersed throughout the home, the objects

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“THE MORE PATTERN AND TEXTURE, THE RICHER THE SPACE.”

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are dramatic, yet familiar.” Second, think in layers. In the entrance, for example, an unusual, rip-curl-shaped lacquer console harmoniously coexists with a plush, geometric rug. “The more pattern and texture, the richer the space,” says Tamara. And lastly, expect the unexpected. “If the room feels finished, remove a few accessories to accommodate something surprising,” advises the designer, whose enviable knack for whimsy is, of course, a signature touch of—you guessed it—Honey.

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A refreshing mix of organic, modern and traditional breathes new life into a renovated Brooklyn brownstone.

",2",/$, REJUVANATION PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMIE BECK COPY: TONYA FACEY STYLING: NINA ISABELLA INTERIOR DESIGN: ISHKA DESIGNS

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IT’S NOT EVERYDAY THAT A SUCCESSFUL WALL STREET PROFESSIONAL ABANDONS HER CAREER TO PURSUE DESIGN,

but five years ago Anishka Clarke did exactly that. With ten years of experience in finance, an MBA from New York University and a flourishing career, Anishka decided at the age of 30 to enroll at the Fashion Institute of Technology to study Interior Design. Despite pursuing finance, Anishka had always been passionate about the arts and explored her creative side throughout her life, whether it was through modern dance or design. “I think I always needed that extra outlet,” says Anishka. “Even when I was in undergrad doing accounting and economics, I was dabbling in interior design as well.” With this artistic background and passion for the arts, it’s not surprising that Anishka made the leap from Wall Street to her own design firm. Anishka is the President of Ishka Designs, while her business partner Niya Bascom serves as the company’s Executive Director and Photographer and has been with the company since its inception. The firm’s tagline “efficiently beautiful” describes both Anishka’s

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We like to mix pieces from different eras, genres and styles; we definitely see ourselves as a moderncontemporary company.â&#x20AC;?

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Born and raised in Jamaica, Anishka’s roots influence her style and her perspective.

approach and the end result of each project. “We try to streamline the design process,” says Anishka. “The outcome is beautiful but the journey in and of itself is very efficient.” The result is a style heavily rooted in modernism with organic touches. “We have more of an eclectic sensibility,” explains Anishka. “We like to mix pieces from different eras, genres and styles; we definitely see ourselves as a modern-contemporary company.” Born and raised in Jamaica, Anishka’s roots influence her style and her perspective. “I take my cues from natural materials,” says Anishka. “Born on an island that’s green and blue with white sandy beaches, you just can’t help but be influenced by the environment all the time.” Anishka often finds herself looking outdoors for inspiration, and she seamlessly integrates wood and other earthy textures throughout many of her projects. Anishka also finds herself captivated by her Brooklyn surroundings. Whether it’s the rich artist community of the New York borough or the diverse architecture, she has committed herself to Brooklyn and to the preservation of its brownstones and townhomes. The marriage between old and new is in part what helps build Anishka’s eclectic style. As she explains, “We respect the historical elements of a space but then play around with how best we can bring in a modern and fresh perspective.” These influences can be seen throughout one of the company’s early projects, the renovation of a 19th century Brooklyn townhouse, which Anishka and Niya designed from the ground up over an eight-month period. The couple, both Wall Street employees, gave Ishka Designs free reign to develop a concept, asking only that they incorporate a couch that they had inherited and keep the integrity of the house’s architectural elements. Anishka describes the style of the renovation as “Classic Rejuvena-

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“Born on an island that’s green and blue with white sandy beaches, you just can’t help but be influenced by the environment all the time.“

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tion” with a sub-concept that she entitled “Ode to the Corporate Blue Shirt & Khakis”—a quirky interplay of the couple’s corporate background. This idea was incorporated in the master suite through the use of blue and stripes to evoke a Wall Street feel representative of the couple. Throughout, the renovation maintained original details such as the fireplaces, the moldings, and an original wood burning stove in the kitchen. What’s next for Ishka Designs? The company, which also has a satellite office in Jamaica, hopes to continue growing. Ultimately they would like to work on boutique hospitality projects and selective residential designs, and spend the rest of their time relaxing on a beach somewhere.

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Photography: John Gruen Copy: Mackenzie Horan Interior Design: Susanna Salk Videography: Oliver Salk

WATCH THE VIDEO!

Three years ago, Susanna Salk’s real estate agent called her up with an exciting prospect, a “fixerupper” in their beloved Litchfield County, Connecticut. “My great friend Stacey Matthews called us to say we had to see something that had just come on the market, a place that was on the lake and had land,” Salk recalls. “We bid on it three days later, little knowing we would live there full-time three years later!”

THESE ORANGE CHAIRS FUNCTION AS “ELEGANT PUNCTUATION MARKS” IN THE FAMILY’S KITCHEN.

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The lakehouse was certainly a far cry from the family’s primary home, a 200-year-old colonial surrounded by old trees and decorated with prized antiques. Complete with a tennis court, an apple orchard, and its own dock, the lakehouse was the quintessential vacation home. Susanna and her husband Eric initially decorated with inexpensive furniture that was ideal for renting the home when they couldn’t be there themselves. “But then we lived there one summer, fell in love with it, and started making it more personal,” Salk explains. “Eventually we sold our other house and decided to live here full-time.” Updating the lakehouse into a yearround family home was a challenge, even for someone who earned her stripes at such publications as Elle Decor and House & Garden. Salk, who has pub-

lished three interiors books and now contributes to The Today Show and 1stdibs.com, embarked on a six month renovation whose addition “allowed us to customize what our needs were while keeping the bright spirit of the summer lakehouse intact.” Today the home explores “a more modern and eclectic way of decorating” and features an open floor plan that encourages family dinners and playdates for her two sons. In keeping with this newfound eclecticism, Salk’s favorite pieces in the newly decorated home are a pair of Louis Bergère chairs that belonged to her husband Eric’s father. “I’ve recovered them three times over the past fifteen years to fit in with wherever we’re living,” she explains. “It was so exciting to see them in their last incarnation wearing a tangerine toile!” The chairs now function as “elegant punctuation marks” in the family’s cozy new kitchen. The kitchen is indeed the heart of their home, which sees a steady traffic of friends for cross-country skiing on the

trails in the backyard or sledding in the orchard this time of year. Salk decorated with “texture, contrast, and visual pop” in mind, with a result that is as stylish as it is family-friendly. “In our new kitchen, we all love to gather by the fire or around the big table to read, eat, and listen to music,” she says. “I could live happily just in that one room!” Of course, the big draw come summertime is the lake itself. “It always feels like we are on vacation here, especially in the summer,” says Salk. Friends stop by for boating on the lake during the day and the family’s annual rock concert on the patio at sunset. “My husband and my sons make up the band and I’ll step in and indulge in one song—usually Aerosmith or Led Zeppelin—before the night

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is over. People from seven to seventy attend and, by the end of the evening, the microphone is all over the place and you never know who’s going to take center stage next!” If you had asked Salk three years ago whether she’d be hosting summer concerts in a year-round family home on the lake, the answer would have been a resounding “no.” But today her family is totally settled into their new routine, complete with family breakfasts on Saturday mornings and ice skating or tennis depending on the time of year. As was the case with her orange Bergère chairs, says Salk, “Sometimes you can’t plan the best things!”

“SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T PLAN THE BEST THINGS!”

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"IT ALWAYS FEELS LIKE WE ARE ON VACATION HERE."

A Frou Fro PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH YATES COPY: ABIGAIL STONE STYLING: SITTING IN A TREE VIDEOGRAPHY: AUSTIN HENDRIX DESSERTS: MY SWEET AND SAUCY SHOP PAPER GOODS: WILEY VALENTINE TALENT: MODELS INTERNATIONAL 220

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unchtimes spent lingering over lingerie! Suitcases spilling delicate thongs! A dark alley! Lace masks and garter belts! Antique furniture, painted glossy white and upholstered in bright pink! Ornate mirrors! Paris hotel rooms! A flood! Champagne! Is this the setting for a passionate tryst with a lover? A paragraph torn from a romance novel? Highlights from a film noir? Nope, they’re chapters in the tale of Faire Frou Frou, a lingerie shop tucked into a tiny space in Studio City. Once upon a time, Alison Rupke found herself spending her lunchtimes wandering around highend lingerie departments, escaping from the drudgery of her job as a CPA and wondering if she would ever be the kind of woman whose underwear drawer would be filled with those delicate, beautiful things. She shared her job frustrations with her

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mother Gail, a painter. There’d been a childhood wish to own a store—a wish that she’d set aside when she become a ‘responsible adult’. But was that dream so impossible? Mother and daughter had always fantasized about combining their talents and working together. Why not open a lingerie shop? A place that encouraged women to revel in all that is wonderful about being female. They quickly found the perfect space for their boutique. Only it wasn’t a boutique. In fact, it wasn’t even a building, just a long narrow driveway between two stores. But the location was perfect so they grabbed it and started construction. They took shopping trips to Paris and discovered the brands that give Frenchwomen that certain ooh-la-la allure. They spent giggly days learning the secret pleasure of wearing something pretty and sexy underneath a

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t-shirt. Back in Los Angeles, they stumbled upon Bountiful on Abbot Kinney, a favorite resource for breathtaking antiques culled from Parisian flea markets: a tiny sofa that surely came from a boudoir, an altar from an old French church, mirrors whose silver backing softened imperfections. Alison and Gail snatched it all up, storing their finds in Alison’s house until the shop was ready. The time arrived to put it all together. Mother and daughter upholstered the furniture in pink. Gail designed a fanciful logo, a crown with their initials woven into its curlicues. There were pink curtains for the dressing rooms and a green and white checkerboard pattern for the floor-which the two women painted themselves by candlelight in the as-yet un-electrified space. The narrow shop seemed to expand to fit their bounty of treasure.

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FrouFrou

Day

Never wear cotton when you can wear silk. Matchy-matchy is a yes-yes! Instead of buying just one bottom to match each top, buy two, three, even more! Flowers, swirls, prints, vibrant colors--why limit yourself to black or white when there are so many options to choose from? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be shy! Is your bra strap showing? Is there a little lace peeking out from beneath your sweater? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing! Flaunt it! Whatever your size, embrace it, love it, show it off!

“LINGERIE: A BEAUTIFUL, GLAMOROUS AND VERY PERSONAL ACCESSORY FOR A WOMAN TO SHARE...OR NOT.”

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Then in 2009, after five fruitful years, tragedy struck. A water main break sent a flood of mud and water careening through the shop, splattering delicate silks, destroying that lovingly crafted floor and forcing Alison and Gail to close while they took stock and assessed the damage. Despite the setback, Alison and Gail saw it as an opportunity to make change and reinvent the store. They flipped the layout, redesigned the floor in a chevron pattern (though this time they had someone else do it!), commissioned new curtains bordered with a froth of tulle, took up the carpet and salvaged the furniture by painting it glossy white. Alison created an extravagant chandelier-a sculpture really—for the center of the store. A frivolous concoction of glass and silver baubles, it is both a testament to Gail and Alison’s optimism and a celebration of their perseverance.

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A place that encouraged women to revel

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in all that is wonderful about being female.

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This year, the February anniversary of Faire Frou Frou’s opening marks not only the six years that they’ve been in business and their amazing comeback, it’s also an homage to their blog, The Frou Frou Fashionista. Like any healthy relationship, the blog and the storefront play to the strengths of both partners: the blog introduces customers worldwide to the pleasures of lingerie, from new brands to innovative ways to wear it, while the store pampers customers and offers them an intimate and indulgent shopping experience. After a challenging year, Gail and Alison pop the champagne on a bright future. There are plans to open more stores, and Gail is toying with the idea of designing her own lingerie collection. But for now, they’re focused on continuing to find the most beautiful and imaginative brands and encouraging women to enjoy lingerie for what it is: a beautiful, glamorous and very personal accessory for a woman to share...or not.

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Revel in Romance !"#$%&'()%)*+%,-."/%#$0%1)22'%1#'3"1#1%)#%!"##"$%&"$&'&#())4 !"#$%&'()%)*+%,-."/%#$0%1)22'%1#'3"1#1%)#%

Bubbly makes any get together more fun. We adore mini bottles of champagne: added bonus if they have cute straws.

Macaroons, chocolate & a killer pink cake make any Valentine’s Day party oh-so-sweet!

Love notes are a girl’s best friend. Slip your sweetie some vintage postcards as a subtle hint.

Red & pink accents are always a V-Day hit, but why not modernize your party with bold patterns in black & white?

Celebrating solo? Plan an afternoon of shopping with your girlfriends to surround yourself with love and laughter!

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WATCH ANNE GET #CAKEFACED VIDEOGRAPHY: AUSTIN HENDRIX

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PAPER GOODS FROM THIS STORY!

PHOTOGRAPHY:ADAM JABLONSKI COPY: MACKENZIE HORAN

GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT

A CHICAGO COUPLE FINDS A HAPPY COMPROMISE BETWEEN TRIBAL AND TRADITIONAL.

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TAKE YOUR TIME, BUY ONLY WHAT YOU LOVE. Jim Josephson and Erik Retzer’s Chicago condominium didn’t come together overnight. The two creatives have taken seven years to harmonize their divergent tastes into a cohesive space that reflects both Jim’s interior design background and Erik’s love of tribal art and antiques. However independent their aesthetic, the couple agrees on a shared approach to design: take your time, buy only what you love, and merge the best of the past with what feels modern today. It is this philosophy that has governed the decoration of their current home, a loft condominium in a converted 1920’s warehouse. With eleven-foot ceilings and fewer walls than their previous apartment, the condo was a blank slate that awaited Jim and Erik’s unique touch. The result? An unlikely yet appealing combination of 18th-century Chinese antiques with Italian mid-century lighting, and tribal art from the South Pacific with 19th-century French fauteuil chairs. “We enjoy learning about items that peak our interest,” explains Jim, a designer at Marshall Morgan Erb. “How is that table finished? What is the construction of that particular fabric? What is the purpose of this strange item?” This love of learning and a flair for the exotic makes their lofty condo a harmonious mix their respective styles. “Our friends come over and try to guess who found what—and they’re usually right! Both of our personalities are represented.”

Guests at holiday parties and summer barbecues are just as comfortable in the home as the couple’s chocolate lab, Gus. Though he’s not allowed on the sofa, Gus does get cozy amongst the couple’s gilt furniture and Peruvian pottery. “When he gets sick of us shifting things around, he knows that his bed is always waiting for him in the same spot,” says Erik, who manages the online presence of Pagoda Red, a gallery that specializes in 18th and 19th century Chinese antiques. “In fact, his bed is the only thing in the house that doesn’t move.” Indeed, change is the only constant in this condo, which will continue to develop as the couple researches new artists and furnishings. “In our quest for beauty—

“ OUR FRIENDS COME OVER AND TRY TO GUESS WHO FOUND WHAT—AND THEY’RE USUALLY RIGHT!

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“DESIGN ISN’T QUICK, AND IT SHOULDN’T BE EASY.”

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or depending on what eBay or auction purchase has just arrived—we’re always moving pieces from this room to the next,” says Jim. “I’m not sure we’ll ever achieve perfection in this space, but we’re very persistent and we enjoy the challenge.” The couple reminding clients and friends that good interiors need time to come into their own. “It’s easy to open a book and drool over Nancy Lancaster’s yellow drawing room or Thomas O’Brien’s breathtaking Manhattan apartment,” Erik explains. “But one thing we all forget in today’s rushed culture is that spaces like these don’t get delivered in a truck over the weekend. BEAUTIFUL SPACES GROW AND EVOLVE OVER TIME. They require patience and devotion.” There’s no telling what the couple’s condo will look like even a year from now, but Erik and Jim live for that unpredictable progression. As Jim says, “Design isn’t quick, and it shouldn’t be easy.” Yet thoughtful collecting and curating seem to come rather naturally to this inspiring couple, who insist on just one thing regardless of furniture arrangement or present company: “Our heirloom silver and cut crystal is always in use, just as it should be.”

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IMAGINE, IF YOU WILL, AN EMPTY ROOM. NOW FILL IT. Add brightly

patterned rugs, a tomato-red bookcase, Lucite chairs the color of tangerines. Next, a burgundy sofa, a peacock upholstered armchair, a table set with sea-colored china. Round it out with an assortment of framed artwork, a pair of ornate candlesticks, a sizable collection of books. In theory, it’s too much. The components of 25-year-old Anna Klossowski’s Paris apartment shouldn’t mesh. And yet. Anna, who recently received her Master’s in Curating Contemporary Art at Paris-Sorbonne University, has man-

aged to make it work—and, in doing so, make it artful. “It’s everything I love put together with no particular sense of order,” she says. Now an independent curator (and one-third of KGM, a partnership with two friends and fellow curators), Anna has assembled in her own space an eclectic mix of fine art and flea market finds. Her home brims with family history. “Most of my art comes from my grandmother, Maxime de la Falaise, who was an amazing woman with an amazing life,” she says.

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Indeed, Anna descends from a family with strong roots in art, fashion and design. Her grandmother, a fashion icon and food writer, counted Andy Warhol and Yves Saint Laurent as friends. Appropriately, Anna lists fashion and food as primary interests—aside from art, of course. “The cauliflower print on top of my couch is an early print of Warhol’s that I love for many reasons,” she continues, “It’s also quite sentimental; it used to be in the dining room where we celebrated Christmas. It’s the first thing I hung when I moved in.” Her favorite object is the peacock chair that used to reside in her grandmother’s bathroom: “As a child, I saw it as an African ‘Little Mermaid’ throne.” Anna now keeps it in her living room, close to another family favorite—a wooden bookshelf resembling a tower, designed by her uncle, Alexis de la Falaise. “There’s something dignified about it. When I look at it, I feel proud.”

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She has added newer pieces to her collection, as well, including an ink drawing of a dog that hangs in the entranceway. It is the first art piece she ever purchased. “When I was working in London in the Haunch of Venison Gallery, I saw it. I really felt like I had no choice. I had to have it, and there it is!” Asked what attracts her to the pieces she selects, she demurs: “Really, I couldn’t say. It is a million things.” In the brief period that she has lived here, (she moved in only two months ago), Anna has managed to create a space with charisma and warmth, one that has the long-cultivated feel of a home lived in for many years. This is not an easy feat. Most people, in all likelihood, would have no idea what to do with such a diverse array of objects. But then again, these are a curator’s quarters. Here, Anna’s efforts appear, well, effortless.

HUGS & KISSES! HERE’S A VALENTINE’S TREAT JUST FOR YOU!

! "# 1) Print out on a thick card stock. 2) Cut along black lines 3) Fold in half and enjoy!

HEY YOU! CLICK TO DOWNLOAD! PRINT IT OUT. CUT IT OUT. BE HAPPY.

THE END.