Eat.Shop Los Angeles: 3rd Edition

I was thrilled to hear that the 3rd edition of Eat.Shop Los Angeles will be coming out in May 2010! These indispensable guides have introduced me to some fantastic locally-owned businesses, not only while traveling, but in my very own city.  Ahh, I fondly recall the days spent wandering through Portland, noshing on Saint Cupcake and scoring modern home accessories from Canoe. I've also conquered the Philadelphia and Austin guides, which were equally delightful. The Eat.Shop Guides really help you appreciate the local flavor (Read: No touristy stuff here!) of big and small cities alike.

Just released in November were Boston: 2nd edition, Chicago: 3rd edition, Seattle: 4th edition, Vancouver: 2nd edition and the very first edition of New England. Here's a glimpse into these new must-have guides.  Now grab one, hop in the car or book a ticket and start exploring!

Let the Remodeling Begin!

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, but there's a very good reason.  My husband and I closed escrow on our 1954 Cliff May Rancho!  We bought a bottle of our favorite champagne to celebrate, but couldn't even finish a glass before we were tearing into the place.  There's lots and lots and lots of work to be done, but we have high hopes of bringing back our Cliff May to it's original glory.  We started by removing the classical columns that had been installed over the posts in the living room.  Yikes!  I will share photos of our place very soon, but in the mean time, here's some eye candy from Rancho Style.  This house is the same floor plan as ours, but has been lovingly restored and updated.

For a full gallery of Cliff May homes and other wonderful mid-century properties, visit So Cal Modern or Rancho Style and for more on Cliff May, check out this book. I also encourage you to check out Rancho Rehab to see a renovation currently underway a few blocks away from our new house.  There are so many people in our neighborhood who are taking wonderful care in restoring and preserving these homes and we're happy to join the effort!

When Seafoam Green Is In Fashion

According to Incubus, "it's so much easier when seafoam green is in fashion".  Not sure David McCandless can back up this statement, but he can tell you when this or any other color in the rainbow has been trendy.  His new book, Visual Miscellaneum, aims to "explore a whole range of subjects as visually and beautifully as possible, with the minimum of text." The results include this color chart that organizes popularity of color by year. For someone like me, who gets a high just from flipping through a paint deck, this is fascinating!

For more images from the book, visit David's website and pre-order the book or pick up your copy when it's released in the U.S. on November 10th.   Just four more days!

Wanted: More Bookshelves

I certainly have an appreciation for International Style and minimalism, but I could not live without bold color and pattern either.  So, my design library is pretty diverse, and while our current collection is literally causing the book shelves to sag, there are three new titles that I must add to the mix.  Kelly Wearstler's 'Hue', 'Eileen Gray: Her Life and Work' and 'David Hicks: A Life of Design'.

One of the most influential woman in design of the early 20th century, Eileen Gray is every bit as fascinating as her contemporaries such as  Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier.  The E-1027 glass and tubular steel table (above) is one of her most iconic designs.

Fast forward to the 21st century and there's another woman who has made her mark on the design world.  Kelly Wearstler's newest book is about to be released (Is this book #4 or #5 for Kelly?)  She has an amazing eye for color and never fears unexpected pairs, such as hot pink and turquoise (above) in the Viceroy Miami.

  

Wearstler certainly takes some cues from the mid-century master, David Hicks, who paved the way for designers to mix new forms with antiques and made electrifying color and eye-catching geometric patterns fashionable.  His son, Ashley Hicks, authored this title among others, and carries on his father's legacy through resurrecting old patterns, such as the (above) 'Groundworks Chinese Fret' for Lee Jofa.

Johnie's Is Back!

Milkshakes, classic cars, and googie architecture?  Count me in.  Bob's Big Boy Broiler will open this weekend in the former location of Harvey's Broiler (later known as Johnie's Broiler).    

This iconic 1950's googie drive-in designed by Paul B. Clayton, was illegally demolished in 2007.  No permit was pulled and the electricity and gas weren't even disconnected.  The loss of this important example of roadside architecture devastated those not only in the city of Downey, but all across the country.  A faithful few never gave up the fight to rebuild, however, and a Bob's Big Boy franchisee stepped in to recreate the drive-in as close to the original as possible.  Now, it's ready for you to enjoy a burger and a milkshake!  And what would be without classic cars?  There's a cruise-in which will include some who have traveled from as far as Tennessee.  Other events include a signing for John Eng and Adriene Biondo's new book, Southern California Eats (2-4pm) and special musical guests.

Rendering from The Downey Patriot, via Curbed

Los Angeles has suffered some significant architectural losses over the years, especially when it comes to our recent past and roadside landmarks such as this have quickly been disappearing across the country.  So this success story is definitely cause for celebration!  Join in this free event Saturday, September 26th from 11am to sunset at 7447 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA.

Jaime's World

How do I love Spanish arstist/designer Jaime Hayon?  Let me count the ways.  1.) The Together Project with Camper shoes  2.) The Showtime Collection 3.) La Terraza del Casino.  I could go on and on and will, with a second post tomorrow focusing on his interior design projects.  Today, it's all about his products and we'll start with the chair that began my love affair with Jaime Hayon Studio.

This photo was a couple of years ago at the West Hollywood Avenues of Art and Design Walk.  The chair is part of a home furnishings collection called Showtime, which is inspired by MGM musicals.  According to Jaime, the concept behind the collection is to find a way for "things that are not supposed to match, coexist in elegance".

Now, there's Act II of the Showtime collection which includes simple, white side tables which remind me of George Nelson's beloved tulip tables.  Jaime's reinterpretation uses the classic marble top, but uses new shapes and heights. 

Another of his collections, Artquitect (below), explores the bathroom and tries to escape the "white, clinical" look, as he calls it, in favor of splashes of bold colors and treating each piece as furniture. 

I totally agree, a bathroom is often a neglected space in the home and interesting design choices are usually expressed only through wall color or tile, so by selecting pieces that look more like furniture, instead of the expected built-in vanities and cabinets, there's the opportunity to give it as much style as any other room in the house. 

And then there's the lighting.  We all know how important good lighting is, and the fixtures should be just as flattering as the light they give off.   Inspired by nature, the Funghi collection for Metalarte recreates the quality of light and textures found in the forest and explores the shapes of the wild mushrooms that grow there.  

One of Hayon's most dazzlingcollections, above is the Swarovski Sparkle Shady.  Each unique fixture is as beautiful lit, as when the power is switched off.  With a flexible system that allows you to change your  mind and your look over time, the possibilities are mind boggling.

This lamp and decorative horse head are from the Bosa Ceramiche collection

An amazing work of craftsmanship, this chair for Ceccotti is comprised of twenty-two individual pieces, of the finest wood.

Last, but not least, above is one of Jaime's latest creations, a crystal candy set for Baccarat.  His genius is showcased with unique combinations of color and materials.  His playful and feminine designs pull inspiration from everything from pineapples to golf balls.  Below is the collection on display at the Baccarat Salle de Bal, in Paris, on January 22, 2009.

Jaime says that his work as always been characterized by a constant concern for perserving and updating traditions.  "I find that doing so," he says, "clues and keys to our history are found, and that these clues are essential to understanding where the future may lead." 

To explore more of Jaime's world (and what a fantastic world it is!), I highly recommend adding the book Jaime Hayon Works to your library and check back tomorrow for my post on his interior design projects.