Save the Bees

Watched a documentary on Netflix called More than Honey about honeybees and the commercialization of honey production. It reminded me of an article I read on GOOP The Healing Benefits of Honey about the healing properties of honey, the current harvesting methods that are not so organic or natural for honeybees and the recent rise of "honey laundering." Greenpeace advocates to Save the Bees by way of banning pesticides, preserving wild habitat and restoring ecological agriculture. LET'S SAVE THE BEES!

Pierre Chareau

Retrospective at the Jewish Museum on Pierre Chareau from November 4, 2016 to March 26, 2017. 

Two articles to check out a Metropolis Magazine - New Retrospective Glimpses the Man Behind the Maison de Verre - about the exhibition with installations re-imagined by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The other article Rediscovering Chareau is about the avant-garde architect and designer's life and work.

Both are worth the read!

A telephone table, topped with the table version of his trademark lamp, La Petite Religieuse, designed around 1924. (Photograph by Therese Bonney, Courtesy of the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley; Image Provided by Smithsonian Libraries)

Luisa Roma

Wednesday's EDIT

Bosa by Hayon //  Moustache // Eligo // Seletti // Pols Potten

Yuletide

"There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor."   Charles Dickens | A Christmas Carol

Etsy

Etsy Edit: Keep Calm and Carry On // Truth Wins // Beach Please

Crystals

Crystals have been used throughout history in various ways and here's a quick tour. Ancient Egyptians used crystals and gemstones for jewelry, amulets and included them in burials. Also in the beauty routine of royalty, Egyptian women crushed lapis lazuli stones for eye tints to raise awareness. Ancient Greeks thought clear quartz was deeply frozen water, so the Greek word for ice is “krustallos" and the origin of the term “crystal.” Ancient Grecian soldiers would rub hematite, a mineral form of iron oxide, over their bodies to protect them during battles. In Ancient China, Jade was recognized for its vibrational and healing qualities to aid kidney disorders and to attract love. Ayurvedic medicine in India believes that crystals are beneficial for healing emotional and metaphysical imbalances. For example, sapphires are thought to bring clarity and mental balance.

Love crystals and gemstones! I sleep with a smoky topaz quartz to neutralize negative vibrations, for sweet dreams.

Some interesting resources: Crystal Healer Azalea Lee at Places 8 Healing // Crystal Elixir recipe at Ascension Kitchen // Crystal Bouquets at Little Box of Rocks

References: Crystal Age / Quantum Stones

Rugs

Monday's EDIT

Christopher Farr - Homage to the Square, Yellow Eden

Merida Studio - Tailormade collection, Foster in Wisteria

Elizabeth Eakins - Hagga, Gooseye Diamond Bands Dull Celadon / Gray

Art

Looking for some new art? Here are a few great sources to check out:

Tappan Collective - simple and smart collection of unique art.

Saatchi Art - connecting people with art and artists they love.

Lofty - marketplace for fine art, decorative art, and collectibles.

Wallpaper

Fromental Floribunda Chinoiserie in Haynes Wallpaper

Hamilton Weston Marthe Armitage Wild Pear Wallpaper

Schumacher Brushed Plaid Gilded Teal Wallpaper

Calico Orion Wallpaper

Remodeling a Bath

What does it take to remodel a bathroom? Honestly, a lot.

TEAM // Establishing a good "team" is important to help the process go along smoothly which includes you - the client, designer, and contractor. Before you look for a professional designer and licensed contractor, make sure you have a clear idea of your project's scope and budget (or what you have saved for the remodel). 

BUDGET // In most cases, the "budget" rarely agrees with the "ideal design" and "scope of work" for the remodel. NBKA (National Bath & Kitchen Association) published an in-depth article which suggests that one can set a budget, taking a percentage based on the value of your home. For example, for a $200,000 home, multiplied by 5-10%, your estimated budget for a bathroom renovation is between $10-20,000. 

SHOP & LEARN // My advice to all my clients when we begin their project is to "start shopping" to increase one's knowledge base on how much things cost. Outside of the construction costs, custom work, and designer fees, you've got items "by owner" meaning the client will purchase such as plumbing fixtures, bath hardware, medicine cabinet, tile and stone, decorative lighting and cabinet hardware. Sometimes it may include store bought sink vanity, mirror, and storage cabinet if those are not custom. Some websites to check out to get an overview of products and finishes are Kohler, Ann Sacks Tile & Stone, and Rejuvenation Hardware to review different options with listed retail prices. These vendors do offer trade discounts. However, I would suggest using the retail prices for budgeting purposes because it will cover sales tax and freight. Check out local showrooms too; it's nice to see things in person. 

INSPIRATION // Another suggestion for anyone thinking about remodeling is to start collecting concept/inspiration photos from magazines or via Houzz and Pinterest. These images will be helpful during the design process.

COMMUNICATION // Lastly, team communication is vital. Sharing in a considerate and professional manner will improve the process and end results. For all the hard work, the transformation is rewarding. Hello, beautiful bathroom!

ARTICLES // Houzz's 15 Design Tips to Know Before Remodeling Your Bathroom and NBKA's the Budget Bath USA 

Fall Edit

Thinking about Fall approaching and a perhaps a cashmere throw is in order.  My finds are (from top far left clockwise) William Sonoma Border Reversible Cashmere Throw, WayFair Belle Epoque Cashmere Border Throw, Neiman Marcus Annie Selke Luxe Bellissima Throw, Barneys New York Cashmere Throw, and ABC Home Fibre Tibet Thakali Throw. 

Midcentury Modern Brazilian Design

Came across this Architectural Digest article on Midcentury Modern Design from Brazil, which highlighted beautiful furniture designs by Joaquim Tenreiro (Dining Table 1954, Three-legged chair 1947) and Sergio Rodrigues (Three-legged milking stools 1954) as well as others. Also mentioned is a book out earlier this year called Brazil Modern: The Rediscovery of Twentieth-Century Brazilian Furniture by Aric Chen, Monacelli Press, a comprehensive guide to Brazilian furniture. I find it all inspiring!

Sofa Styles

From LuxDeco: Love Seat, Chesterfield, Mid-century Modern Sofa / Images Credit: Illustrations by Anara Mambetova-Finkelstein from The Pattern Book of Upholstery (Bauer and Dean Publishers)

Which sofa is your style? There are plenty to choose from and here are some helpful sources. LuxDeco's style guide for the 12 best luxury sofas. / One Kings Lane's overview of different types of sofa and settee styles. / Architectural Digest's list of favorite sofas for every style. / Lastly, Homepolish's essential guide to finding the right sofa. Why not have more than one and mix things up!

Bowie / Collector

Sotheby's is auctioning a three-part sale of David Bowie's personal art collection beginning in November. Preview in London begins July 20th. More "behind the scenes" in Wallpaper's article about the exhibition and auction!

Four Seasons Auction

Wright presents The Four Seasons, a special auction featuring the furniture and designed tableware and objects from the iconic restaurant's historic interior. The event will take place at The Four Seasons in New York on July 26, 2016. Check out the online preview!

UPDATE: A $4.1 million sale in 14 hours was a success. Read more at ArtNews!

Independence Day

"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"