burkedecor

WE"VE MOVED!!!

2009-12-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

We've moved the blog! You can now find us at www.blog.burkedecor.com - update your bookmarks!

YES MEN!!

2009-10-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

I've been a big fan of The Yes Men for a long time, ever since I read about their people candles made from "vivolem".
Last January I got to see their movie The Yes Men Fix the World at Sundance and it was great.

Today I just heard about their latest "project" at the US Chamber of Commerce.
Check it out...
washingtonpost.com

gawker.com

the trailer for their new movie - check it out if you can!

pregnancy has it's ups and downs....

2009-10-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

I'm about 7 months along now, and hanging in as best I can, but I am bigger than I have ever been and it has been HOT in LA. And hot in LA make me think of how nice a cold Mexican beer would be, but, alas, I am sticking with ice cold water until this baby gets here.

So the other day I was going through the Sagaform catalog and selecting new products for Burke Decor. There are so many fantastic products to choose from, but i found myself particularly drawn to the Barware. Really sleek, modern and fun stuff:

At least I know I will be able to have a glass of champagne on new years, until then I will just enjoy how pretty this new glass and barware is - 2.5 more months!!

what did i get myself into?

2009-10-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

For years now my husband, a bunch of our buddies from college (plus a few other guys) have been playing fantasy football. I like football, it's exciting and dramatic and, well, it's not baseball. And I've picked up a few things about this fantasy football thing over the years and generally enjoyed making fun of the guys in the league who were losing, but this year, we're doing things a little differently.
When my husband got the group email about joining a league, some of the guys said they were in, as long as everyone promised not to tell their wives (jokingly - I think) and Ben responded that he was in, but only if I got my own team this year. So now I have my own team. I actually am really kinda enjoying it. I must say if you are one of those people whose partner loves football and you are not so much into it, I highly suggest playing fantasy next year, because now you have a stake in the game - lot's of games, and that makes it exciting.

This weekend is game four - I might lose but last week I was matched up against Ben and DESTROYED him. 135 (me) to 68(him) so no matter what happens I am feeling pretty good. My overall goal is to just not be last in league standings. and so far, I'm doing OK.

September

2009-09-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Customer 5972 has won the $100 gift certificate! Sign up for the newsletter here for a chance to be next months winner! (and a hint - December is going to be HUGE for the newsletter winner - check back soon for more details )

Tanks to Random.org for their awesome random number generator!

2009-09-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I moved to LA. I had big plans for my living room. I started off pretty well, in September 2008 I painted my living room, and then the next project was to reupholster the sofa.
Weellll... that took a little bit longer, but finally, I am proud to say, the sofa is reupholstered!

This is what it looked like (this is the original fabric that my grandparents bought in the mid/late 60's) I actually liked the pattern but it did not feel good against the skin and it was falling apart...

And now, this is my new/old sofa:

The fabric is a green gold chenille, but it ended up looking more goldy than green - which is great. My plan is that one day we'll have a bigger home and this sectional might split up into two love seats and goldy is a little more versatile than green.
The biggest problem I have now is that all my other furniture looks so shabby compared to the sofa. We have some antique silk I've been saving for a little slipper chair that is in desperate need of reupholstering, but with a baby on the way I am rethinking using the silk as upholstery on a chair that gets regular use. I also have some gorgeous Fortuny that I have been wanting to turn into a simple head board...but more on that later. And of course, I have an Eames chair that needs new leather, and my dining room chairs need new fabric and cushion....

Ah well, as they say, one piece at a time.

In the meantime i am shopping for throw pillows (and adding new ones to Burke Decor at the same time, convenient right?) More on those soon...

New York Times!!

2009-09-18T18:17:00.001-07:00

We are VERY excited to be included in this NYT piece about umbrella stands - check it out HERE!

Just got back from SF

2009-09-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

It was a long trip (two weeks!), a lot of work and a lot of fun. The first 4 days were spent driving and installing our show:
me and Mark discussing... and me holding my aching back ..

some of my light boxes above and
these are some of Alika's paintings:

Be sure to check out the show if you are in San Francisco : www.wolfecontemporary.com

Also got to see a bunch of old friends which was awesome. The LA heat had been killing me but the "hot for the bay area" weather ( in the 80's) was perfect.
like this much fun:

if you are going to San Francisco...

2009-08-28T14:08:00.001-07:00

Come check out my new lightboxes at Mark Wolfe Contemporary - the show is up from Sept. 3 to Oct 17 and the opening reception is Sept. 11 6pm-9pm. I'm showing in the project space while Alika Cooper is showing new paintings in the main gallery. Come check it out!

Congrats to our latest Newsletter Winner!

2009-08-26T11:27:00.001-07:00

Customer 2892 has won the $100 gift certificate! Sign up for the newsletter here for a chance to be next months winner!

Tanks to Random.org for their awesome random number generator!

today in the NYT

2009-08-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Just reading the NYT and came across two pieces of very important information:

Keeping Berries Fresh (an ongoing battle of mine - I LOVE fresh berries, but they are so expensive and if you don't eat them right away - hello, mold)

and portable projectors, AKA my newest gadget lust item.

FACEBOOK!

2009-08-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

BurkeDecor.com on Facebook

i'm baacckkk...

2009-08-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

0.
Well, I'm getting back into the swing of this blogging thing, after a prolonged period of pregnancy brain and general exhaustion, I am getting back into the swing of things. We have so many new things happening with burkedecor.com that are very exciting, including the addition of great new lines. For example, Check out the furniture that we have just added:

Aren't these pieces great?
So chic with great touches of glamour and retro styling.

I'll be posting more of our great new additions coming up, and in the meantime you can now follow us on Twitter - we are posting special deals and limited time offers there so you can catch great deals only posted on Twitter.
Follow us here : http://twitter.com/burkedecor
and please become a fan on facebook - we are cross posting with twitter!

Michael Jackson - genius

2009-06-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

my favorite trip to Disney land was right after Captain Eo opened. There was nothing cooler than the 3D glasses.

June Newsletter Winner!

2009-06-20T13:00:00.001-07:00

Each month we are giving a $100 Burke Decor gift certificate to a random email/ newsletter subscriber. Winners are chosen at random (using Random.org )each month using the number that is assigned by our site when you sign up.

If you are not already a subscriber, you can add your email address here. We do not sell or share out mailing list and you will only receive one or two updates a month plus any notices about special sales or discounts.

Sign up today, be next months winner!

from my mother-in-law

2009-06-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

amazing.

Plum Pretty Sugar

2009-06-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

We just got this line from Plum Pretty Sugar in and I WANT ALL of it!! From the darling camis & robes to the beautiful bedding, I am in love.

These are the colors of summer:

my new project!

2009-06-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

about 3 months along...

how my garden grows...

2009-06-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

a little garden update - things are growing!! I was planning on posting some food porn with the amazing zucchini basil soup and zucchini bread we made last night...but, umm we ate everything before i remembered to take pictures. Ooops.
either way these are the recipes we used.

Zucchini Basil Soup
(even the basil was from our garden!)

(This is the epicurious photo - but ours looked just like it - i swear!)

and

Emeril's Zucchini Bread Recipe

We also added some beans - and they are growing like crazy!
Next up - the cool new uses I came up with for the bamboo poles. They are so inexpensive and have solved a number of problems around our house.... I'm off to the hardware store for a few extra detail, check back soon!

ICFF News

2009-05-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Flavorwire has a great little wrap up of ICFF this years and gives a nice shout out to one of our favorite lines Shimna.

"Shimna, my favorite exhibitor this year, knows that. The wood they get is from a family-run mill in Pennsylvania. They get the off-cuts, the weird, knotty, sap-colored pieces most furniture makers would mulch, and turn them into totally unique tables, beds, and dressers. A coffee table I saw had a walnut trapped in a swirl of grain — it must have gotten stuck in a joint one fall, and the tree just grew around it.

Read the whole post here.

new prints available on Burke Decor!!

2009-05-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

all editions of 10, available now!

Burke Decor Newsletter Winner!

2009-05-07T12:28:00.001-07:00

Each month we are giving a $100 Burke Decor gift certificate to a random email/ newsletter subscriber. Winners are chosen at random (using Random.org I highly recommend the coin flipper, I use it to make all major decisions) each month using the number that is assigned by our site when you sign up.

If you are not already a subscriber, you can add your email address here. We do not sell or share out mailing list and you will only receive one or two updates a month ( we are no Anthropologie, I swear they emailed me every day, I had to get off that list!!) plus any notices about special sales or discounts.

Sign up today, be next months winner!

Barbara Hulanicki

2009-05-04T19:56:00.001-07:00

Barbara Hulanicki , the former Biba designer has just done a line for Topshop (I NEED this playsuit)
and in addition to being a fabulous clothing designer, she recently designed a line of wallpapers for Graham and Brown. These patterns are some of my favorites:

I love the bold patterns with such chic coloring. Beautiful!

walk on the wild side with Barbara Cosgrove

2009-05-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am loving all the amazing new pieces from Barbara Cosgrove that we added to Burke Decor. These Impala Horns are one of my faves because they not only look fabulous, but they are faux, so I don't have to feel guilty about any poor animals being harmed.

A lot of these pieces made me think of a photo spread in W from years ago that I had saved:

The antler framed mirror is amazing.

Some more favorites....
(click on the image to link to the item)

NEW NEW NEW.

why i have lagged on blogging recently:

2009-04-28T21:55:00.001-07:00

gone long ago

Sonoro in GQ

2009-04-23T17:56:00.001-07:00

OMG, did you see this? GQ recently featured the Sonoro Elements Internet Radio, the perfect gift for your guy!
Love it, totally sleek and sexy.

LOST

2009-04-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

So last night I was watching that stupid "new" Lost episode that was really just a bunch of old episodes edited together and narrated (grrrr i can't tell you how much this bothers me, esp. when it is marked "NEW' ).

And I realized I too can have the lost countdown clock from the hatch,

The Big Thrill Clock totally reminds me of the counter in the Hatch and i feel like this could be a great way to motivate my self to get stuff done more efficiently.

Mr. Flashman

2009-04-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

The other morning I was in the middle of cleaning house and doing laundry, running up and down the stairs trying to get as much done as possible all at once. As I am leaving the kitchen and running back upstairs, Mr. Flashman says " babe, can you peel an orange for me?" Now, my hands are full, I'm in mid dash up the stairs and he is sitting about 8 feet away from the kitchen reading baseball blogs (meaning he is doing NOTHING!) on the laptop. This request is super annoying, which I tell him but he keeps whining that he want me to get him an oragne (I swear, he is not 5 years old, he just acts like it sometimes). So finally, I put down all my cleaning gear, go into the kitchen and grab an orange. It feels squishy and rotten, which I announce, he giggles and says please, just peel it and see, I say "no way dude, this feels gross," he keep laughing and insists I open it as I realize there is already a slit in the side of it and, well, see for your self:

He gutted an orange, put a mango inside the skin and put it back together with packing tape!
I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

This is why i married him, mangos inside orange peels secured with packing tape.

Victory Garden

2009-04-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Check it out, my little salsa garden is coming along quite nicely if i do say so myself, behold:

Carrots, beets, mint and cucumbers.... I think the beets and carrots will be harvested in a couple weeks...

Peppers: grown so much!!!

Fried zucchini flowers here I come...

is that not the prettiest little tomato ever?

more cukes...

HANDMADE RACCOON PURSE

2009-03-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

my brother-in-law killed, skinned and tanned this raccoon. then he made a purse out of it.

I am going to print this picture and post it in my garden as a warning to that stupid raccoon that ate all of my lettuce and beets.

and because it is so awesome i am cross posting this on all ONEMILLION of my blogs.
ok not really onemillion, but whatev's...

for serious. it's a real raccoon.

(full disclosure - I'm a vegetarian (temporarily vegan) and i still think this is awesome.)

too funny

2009-03-28T19:56:00.001-07:00

very funny - watch more funny videos

Leslie Tarbell Donovan's Cool Window Display

2009-03-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Leslie Tarbell Donovan of Donovan Design used some of our favorite Graham and Brown wallpaper for her amazing Whites Pharmacy 'Clinique' window in East Hampton, and she was kind enough to send us some pictures! Check it out!

I just love the color combinations and the sod for chair seats!

Have you used something from Burke Decor that you are particularly proud of? Send me an email some pictures, I'll post some of the best pictures with links to your site/ blog!

ugh tax day.

2009-03-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

I am finally working on my stupid taxes. but I am also catching up on Gossip Girl, and I noticed that Serena's wall paper looked very familiar... kinda liked Tempting that we carry in the boutique...
but I must say,the paper does look better with Ed Westwick in front of it...

BurkeDecor/ Office with a View Give away - win $25 off any BD purchase

2009-03-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Check it out!
From Office with a View:
To enter for a chance to win this giveaway, simply visit Burke Decor and find an item or two that you would buy with the coupon. Then share what items you love in a comment on this giveaway post. Make sure to get your comment in before midnight on Saturday (3/28). Office with a View will post the name of the randomly selected winner on Monday (3/30).

Pantone Color Forecast Part 2

2009-03-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

These India Rose Candles are so cool because of their great size and

how they represent some of the best shades of the color forecast.

More from the Pantone Spring 2009 Color Forecast... I love how happy and optimistic all these colors are, the perfect antidote to all the bad news in the world, Spring is here, let's start fresh!
Here are some more picks, this time with FASHION and DESIGN :

Pantone color forecast part 1

2009-03-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

I've just been perusing the Pantone Color forecast for Spring 2009, and I am totally inspired. Check out my picks based on the color forecast:

More tomorrow! with fashion!!!

how does your garden grow?

2009-03-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

Planting Day! Today I (re)planted my little mini garden and I am super excited. I'm calling it the "salsa garden." Behold:

Basil and cilantro - not sure if they are going to be best buddies but I thought the herbs should stay together, partly because I didn't have enough pots and the soil in the yard is super hard.

These are my heirloom carrots I planted several months ago ( from seeds) they are little french carrots that are small and fat, I think they'll be ready in a month or two.

Three of the containers (peppers, zucchini, strawberries)...
my strawberries, which I think will be ready fairly soon!

I'm nervous about this guy, it's a Burpless cucumber and i have 5 more starters to plant, but they are supposed to be on little hills about 4' apart, this one in in the ground but it took a long time to till the soil enough to plant ( and i am still not confident that it was enough). The other thing is they smell amazing ( like cucumbers ;-) ) and I am afraid the neighborhood raccoon will dig it up. fingers crossed....

Zucchini - I LOVE fried zucchini flowers so i am hoping this one does well...
Two kinds of tomatoes - sweet 100's and yellow pear plum tomatoes...

And heirloom tomatoes...
and two kinds of peppers, ancho and jalapenos

and a ranunculus cause it's pretty...
and in the bathtub with my carrots are onions, lettuce, lemon verbena, and hopefully some beets....
I'll post new pictures in a month or two, hopefully everything will be huge then - and better manicured ;-)

OMG Genius Antiques Blog!!!

2009-03-05T17:47:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share an awesome source of knowledge with all of you: Buzz Kaplan, my all time favorite antique dealer to work with (he is the Executive Director of C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco, the largest U.S. wholesaler of high-end 17th, 18th, and 19th century European antiques) has a blog!
Buzz is truly a treasure trove of knowledge, and one of the sweetest people in the industry; his blog is just like him! Now, the exquisite pieces he sells are a bit out of almost everyones league (at least mine) but when I am shopping for a client who wants only the best of the best, I call Buzz. I had the honor of working with him while I was working for a larger firm in San Francisco, and when I made the move to LA, Buzz was such a source of information and all around kindness and generosity.

His blog is chock full of interesting (and important) facts and trivia, like this handy dandy Chart of Antique Periods and Styles (I had one just like this hanging in my old office for many years - it's one of the few pieces of paper I've managed to hang on to,) and this Guide to Chandeliers, and there are few things I love as much as I love chandeliers...

So, even though most of us can not afford this amazing Pair of 18th Century Parquetry Commodes

( $678,000 USD )
or this Rare 18th Century Green Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy $56,450 USD...

or this AMAZING Milk Glass Murano Chandelier:
$128,000 USD
(srsly folks, I think I must have tried to sneak in a milk glass murano something (vase, scone, chandelier) into every project I worked on - I love love love milk glass)

We can all learn more about furniture and the history of the art of fine furniture. The more you learn about the history of fine antiques the easier it is to find spot those special finds at the flea market or estate sales... or at least sound like you know what you are talking about... :-)

Enjoy!

http://buzzonantiques.blogspot.com

PINK DOLPHIN!!!!

2009-03-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

so cute!

2009-03-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

Have you been eyeing some Graham and Brown wallpaper and wondering, hmm I wonder what that would look like in my house? Well, if you want to check out some installed looks, all you need to do is go turn on your TV set! I watched the Bad Girls Club on Oxygen for the first time recently and saw a plethora of Graham and Brown wallpaper. (full disclosure: I am not a fan of the Bad Girls Club, it makes me kinda cringe, but I had to check it out after hearing that an old college buddy was dating a cast member.)
So if you can stomach the Bad Girls Club, you can see in the wallpaper in person (sort of) or, right here!

Brick Wall Wall Effect Wallpaper

Manderley Claret Wallpaper

Palace Charcoal Wallpaper

Tempting Wallpaper in Pink

Ornate Wallpaper in Blue

Real Housewives of NYC create the perfect gift for a guy

2009-03-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

The last place you'd expect to find a great gift idea for your guy is the Real Housewives of NYC right? but, it's true, I saw it.
(confession: I watch reality TV, and I like it. Partly because I tend to watch TV at random times and you can always count on Bravo to be repeating some show you wouldn't make time to watch normally (like Top Chef or Lost, which we must make time to watch, or at least DVR), but because it is on and you are doing your killer Tracy Anderson butt and thighs work out, and it seems like watching mean rich people will help the time go by faster.)
Turns out, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, the newest NYC Real Housewife wrote the Assouline book:
The Bikini Book

I mean, what guy wouldn't enjoy this book?

When I saw that this was part of our new luxury books collection, I knew it would be the perfect coffee table book for a bachelor pad, and deserved a special place in out Boyfriend Gift Guide.

Stay tuned for our next installment of shopping with reality TV, where we explore wallpaper choices in the Bad Girls Club.

Coffee Table Books...i must have!

2009-02-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

SO. MANY. GOOD. BOOKS.

Boys

2009-02-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

Yep, new books.
this one is about one of my all time favorite subjects. A great gift idea for your BFF, or your self ;-)

allure of beauty

2009-02-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

I fell asleep last night dreaming of Oscar dresses. I thought so many of them were fabulous. A couple favorites were:
vintage Balmain - amazingly pretty, not really my style but lovely, and Penelope Cruz is so beautiful!

I think this is my favorite of the whole night. I love her and I LOVE the dress (partly I cuse I am kinda shaped like Tina Fey and if she can look soo tall, then there is hope for me too ;-)

She is just so cute! and this liquid silver is perfection.

I know this one is questionable, but i kinda think it is great, and I love the belt, and the petals, a lot of dress for a young girl but fab.

Angelina is a no brainer, the dress is a pretty obvious choice, and she looks amazing in anything, but the JEWELS, please, I need them now.

And just in time for Oscar recovery season (you know, after seeing all these beautiful women in beautiful clothes and jewels, you just want to try a little harder, like put make up on and not wear the old jeans all day). Burke Decor has just added all these luxury coffee table books, and this one, The Allure of Beauty keeps a little bit of Hollywood Glam in your life every day.

"In celebration of Hollywood’s legendary actresses from the 1930s to the present, Assouline, together with Elle magazine, presents The Allure of Beauty: Women in Hollywood. From Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich to Anita Ekberg and Julia Roberts, each page of this vibrant anthology radiates with provocative images of unforgettable faces and moments that have forever changed the place of women in Hollywood—as well as in our culture. Elle magazine film critic Karen Durbin delves into the history of Hollywood, highlighting females who have proven their femininity, strength, and talent. The glitzy narrative accompanies a carefully researched, sexy selection of photography that captures the individuality of each woman."

(Oscar images via Jezebel & JustJared)

OMG ONA

2009-02-20T20:04:00.000-08:00

So, a couple days ago, I was lucky enough to go see my friend Connie at Ona Spa. Connie and I have been friends for 10 or so years and she is, hands down (no pun intended), the best massage therapist in Los Angeles, maybe California, maybe the WORLD!

I was in Vegas recently and splurged on a day at the spa and massage at Bath House at THEHotel at Mandalay Bay. The Spa there is amazing (you may recognize it as the vault in Oceans 13), but the Hot Stone Massage, was, well, eh. I mean it was nice and all, but not refreshing or restorative, not like the massage/body scrub I had at Ona.
Yeah, I said it, not only did I have a massage, I had a body scrub in the Vichy shower room (I think that's what it is called). After you are totally exfoliated with sugar and natural oils, there is this crazy arm full of shower heads that rinse you off while you just lie there, feeling, well, sweet.

Consider this a tip. If you are in LA or are visiting, ever, you must, MUST go to Ona and ask for Connie. She has a beautiful little two year old (who I am lucky enough to babysit for sometimes) so she only works one or two days a week, but hold out and ask for her, I guarantee you will thank me for it.

Shimna = chic

2009-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

We are so excited about Shimna, a new custom furniture line from New York. Shimna uses the natural beauty of natural wood grain and high end designer fabric upholstery choices to create sleek, yet warm, modern designs to update your home while maintaining that loving, lived in feel. I really love the hard lines with the softness of wood and felt....all these designs just feel clean and warm, exactly how a home should feel.

The Susquehanna Table is the perfect union of form and function. Beautifully constructed, this makes a chic coffee table but also can store all of those extra items that tend to clutter up a living room; extra blankets, games, DVDs, you see where I'm going with this...

I also totally dig this log side table with the inset glass....a nice detail in any room, works perfectly in your Montana log cabin retreat, or your Manhattan loft, or my L.A. apartment....wink wink.

I mean, the details are fabulous, I love how this Caribou Sofa can anchor a room but feels like it is floating.

two timing....

2009-02-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

Please, sit down, we need to talk.
There's something I need to tell you, I just need to get it off my chest.
I've been seeing another blog. It's not because I don't love you, I do, and I'm not trying to replace you, it's just a little something extra, on the side. I hope you understand.

But seriously, I am doing some writing, etc. for another blog.
it's with some other artist friends who are all super talented and amazing. My friend Alika, who you might remember from snowshoeing, an amazing painter, Pascal another photographer (he and I went to grad school together, Alika too actually, and Pascal and I actually taught a college photo class together a couple years back) and two other really talented painters, Bryson Gill and Jake Tillman .

Come check us out over at gonelongago.blogspot.com
one of Alika's paintings

and this is Pascal ;-) - this photo makes me laugh.

more RTW fall 2009....

2009-02-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

Marc Jacobs...
I think I've thoroughly documented my love for Marc Jacobs... and I like quite a bit of this collection, but I have to admit it did not grab me like, say, the Spring Summer 07 collection did...that entire collection just made me giddy. This collection has an 80's vibe that I can get into, but some of the looks just didn't feel as WOW as others.... here are some of my fresh favorites from this Fall2009 RTW:

LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress...

this is just dreamy. it made me think of Anna Sui a little....but this is a look that will always be right.

Sonoro Audio

2009-02-17T22:29:00.000-08:00

We are so excited about the new Sonoro home audio line here at Burke Decor. This red dot award winning line has a new hoe with us and these sleek designs are super cool. Sleek and sexy, they can be found in W hotels all over. I love the black lacquer finish on all the these pieces but I think the elements stardust if a little out of this world, covered in Swarovski crystals is the ultimate in glam. check them out!

fall 2009 RTW - Temperley London

2009-02-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

I've been spending too much time on style.com, again. It's fashion week in NYC and I've been browsing the collections and right now I am loving the Temperley London collection.... I kinda fell in love with Temperely a coule years ago when I was looking for a wedding dress. Temperley was not really on my radar prior to that, but I really fell in love with the beautifully detailed clothes and how everything seems to be very werable, cool, sophisticated with true originality. Really confident clothes. and I love this collection:

I love this shilloutte, all the layers and detailing, but totally unfussy and cool.
total office perfect ( minus the hat ;-)date night.
such a perfect evening dress, for me at least, I love the black gloves and the over-sized oragmi- ish petal decoration with pulled back hair.

i would wear this entire collection. love it. even the hats.

picts via style.com

like i said

2009-02-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

Shearling as a bedcover.

The last Domino has this great example:
now can we talk about how sad it is that we are losing Domino?
**sigh**

i have no words.

2009-02-05T23:35:00.000-08:00

See even more awesomeness here

Romantic Interiors

2009-02-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

Some of the most romantic interiors I can think of are from French history, particularly at Versaille...
and the movies, like Sofia Coppala's Marie Antoinette

Which is why, in the spirit of Valentine, I recommend this lovely vanity mirror...

and this wallpaper...

and this elegant platter from Eloquent Ink with 22K gold accents

isn't love pretty?

So many new things, so little time...

2009-02-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before, we have been in the process of updating the boutique with many, many fabulous new items. There are still new pieces being added everyday, but I thought I'd take a minute to highlight some of the best of the best (in my humble opinion).
I've already posted some of the great Offi furniture pieces, and the new Chandra area rugs, but I am super excited (especially because of Valentines Day ) about our new sheep skin rugs from Bowron. I think they are the perfect way to easily turn you bedroom in to a romantic getaway.

These natural shaped rugs in the smaller sizes are not only perfect for the bedside, but on the bed as a warm and sexy bedcover or throw at the foot of a bed.
What is more romantic that being cozy and warm with your loved ones?

a good idea.

2009-02-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

A call for President-elect Barack Obama to give the arts and humanities a Cabinet-level post -- perhaps even create a secretary of culture -- is gaining momentum.

By yesterday, 76,000 people had signed an online petition, started by two New York musicians who were inspired by producer Quincy Jones. In a radio interview in November, Jones said the country needed a minister of culture, like France, Germany or Finland has. And he said he would "beg" Obama to establish the post.

sign here

best.

2009-01-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Fast and fun and multicultural decorating for a party....

2009-01-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

This is my new best idea yet.

We just got these great floor mats in, and they gave me a great idea for party decorating! Now, one day, I will throw a party and it will be pretty. The only problem would be that Mr. Pants (aka the husband) is patently against parties, and decorating, but i can work around that.

These colorful plastic mats are going to turn my dingy garage into a beautiful dream land.
Check it:
Layering a bunch of these plastic floor mats from Koko Company , (all of these are 50$ or under, and totally durable for multiple parties, and plastic so I can just hose them off after revelers spill on them)

in the style of old fashion parlors, yurts, and Moroccan interiors,

(Image via http://www.cw-international.com/cw_tours/Urumqi/page_01.htm)

then drape all the cool flea market fabric (which usually sits in a bin waiting for me to start usinf for my my "projects") over the walls and some pieces of ugly outdoor furniture, after that a quick trip to Chinatown for some lanterns...
and add some strings of Christmas lights plus some Saints candles from the corner store and ... Viola, magical party destination!

all for under $200 or so - and it all can be reused! no wasted money!

did i mention disneyland?

2009-01-28T12:25:00.001-08:00

don't mind the scary man in minnie's house.

Sundance 2009 Wrap Up

2009-01-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I am back from Sundance! I actually got back a couple days ago but came home with the cold I thought I had gotten over when I left, I guess that's what days on end of fun times and no sleep will do to a girl....
Sundance was amazing, Park City is such a beautiful place and I saw tons of great movies (see stubs above - and that's not even all of them!)...some highlights:

Sin Nombre
This film won the US Dramatic Directing Award for Cary Joji Fukunaga. I saw it last Monday I have not stopped thinking about it since. A beautiful film with a gut wrenching story, the young actor who stars in this phenomenal piece, Edgar Flores (in his first movie ever - which was his second audition ever) is amazing and haunting. Focus Features funded this film so I am sure it will be in theatres near you sometime this year. Do not miss it, the cinematography alone deserves to be seen on the big screen.

Paper Heart
This one I saw kinda by accident, (because it stars Michael Cera I thought there was no way it wouldn't get picked up and end up in theatres everywhere soon, but I guess they still don't have a deal yet, so I am extra glad I stumbled into the waitlist line) but it made my day. It was so sweet and funny and original, and the blurry line between fact and fiction is always a good way to keep my attention.
The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle

I don't even know where to start with this one, I saw it at midnight(ish) with my Park City Posse ( Alika, one of the Dereks, and Adam) and the other Derek decided to stay in and sleep,which we all decided was a BAD IDEA. We were all screaming with laughter and half shielding our faces at some points in this film, but over all I'd say it was a touching family film about butt fish, addictive cookies, religion and the janitorial profession.
See it if you can, I guarantee you have never experienced anything like it before.

OOOHH yeah, nothing like seeing you name on the big screen! Stay the Same Never Change had an awesome run and we are so proud to have been a part of Sundance 2009.

And:
Snowshoeing! it's just like walking!

Sundance!

2009-01-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Utah! I am running around like crazy seeing films and hanging with friends in beautiful Park City Utah. It is amazingly beautiful and I am lucky that my friend Alika
is here visiting her boyfriend cause we are about to go cross country skiing - which I've never done before, but am excited to try. I've seen tons of great movies and when I get back I'll be posting some of the highlights.
Before I left for Utah we were working on getting a bunch of new products up on the site - make sure to check them out!
A few favorites...

some blogs i am loving

2009-01-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

First and foremost I LOVE Childhood Flames.

She is beyond inspirational, so young and smart and lovely, and reminds me of being that age when you just do things, like make your own clothes just because you never stop to think that you can't. She has totally inspired me and I am working on a few things as gifts, and hopefully a cozy cowl for Sundance.

I also love Sea of Shoes (forgive me if these are all so yesterday to everyone, I've only been reading them for the last several months)

what i wouldn't give for her closet.....Check out her recent posts of Tony Duquette and Tina Chow, two people I also very much admire.

I also love Molls She Wrote. Adorable and hilarious.

2009

2009-01-11T16:54:00.001-08:00

oh my how time flies.
I am so glad it is 2009, we headed South and welcomed the new year with some of our favorite people, teeter tottering (see previous post) and a mini dance party kicked off by these little angels:
plus a dip in the pool for good measure, then it was off to VEGAS with my sister and brother- in-law,
which reminded me of one of my favorite findings (from my other blog).
which brings me to the whole point of this post.
My New Years Resolutions (yes, I know it is almost two weeks into 2009, but I was sick, and traveling, and ummm, the dog ate my resolutions). I also think that since studies show most people break their resolutions 2-3 weeks into the New Year, by starting late ( and really I am not starting until January 24th for most of them - more on that later) I will be able to keep them all year (please do not question my logic here, I feel really good about this plan)
1. Be more Productive
2. Blog everyday (both blogs)
3. Loose 12 pounds ( really just 8 but i am going to try and over shoot here)
4. Be patient
5. Exercise more (yoga daily)
6. Redecorate my bedroom (which i currently HATE, but i did get some Oromono pillows as a gift, so we are on the right track!)
7. Find a full time job, (or at least somehow mange to get full time pay, either one works)
8. Drink less wine (this will help with #3)
9. GET ORGANIZED.

So there you have it.
Oh, and the reason I am not actually starting until the 24th is that I am going to Sundance with a film I edited last year, I am really excited about it, but i am assuming I will not accomplish a whole lot of working out,or redecorating, or getting organized, or drinking less wine while I am there. I am planning, however, to blog about the Festival while I am there and be very patient, waiting in lines for movies, waiting for shuttles, and sleeping in a bunk bed in a condo with 7 strangers for a week ( sounds like the Real World, right?). And snow, snow seems to require patience.
It's going to be a great year!

New Years Rockin Eve

2009-01-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

happy holidays!

2008-12-26T12:29:00.000-08:00

after spending most of our Christmas day at the magical land know cryptically as LAX,
I'd like to wish you a Happy (belated) Holiday
from our family

to yours....

xox,
bd

Attention all Holiday Shoppers

2008-12-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

There is not much time left!
Get on over to Burke Decor's Last Minute Gifts page and find hundreds of great gift ideas that ship out within 1 business day, you do not want to be one of those panicked last minute shoppers fighting the crowds at the mall on Christmas Eve!

Trust me, I've been there and done that (more years than I'd like to admit ;-()

some suggestions:

A fluffy bathmat:
A pretty tray for cocktails or jewelery, or to hang on your wall!

A set of 5 Jeweled Frames (think about it - that could be 5 gifts in one!!!)
A lovely scented candle from Beautea:
A chic serving platter from Thomas Paul
Good luck and happy shopping !

i don't know why...

2008-12-14T23:44:00.000-08:00

but, well, yeah. Awesomeness.

it's time.

2008-12-12T20:52:00.000-08:00

It's true. We are getting to that last minute gift part of the year. I have been in gift buying denial and have just realized (after several hours at Target buying fabric dye and sewing supplies - I LOVE TARGET!) that I can not procrastinate any longer. In order to help people like myself, we've set us a Last Minute Boutique at Burkedecor.com.
Everything you find in the quickship boutique ships in 1 business day!

Now go get yer shopping done jinglepants!

i'm kinda obsessed...

2008-12-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

With the Oromono pillows (you may have noticed I try to fit them in in any posts about decorative throw pillows) these designer pillows are so chic and original! I die...

here's the truth.

2008-12-10T16:51:00.000-08:00

(image & craft via Creature Comforts blog)

I'm broke - and while I "shop" everyday (window shop via the interwebs), I am spending a bunch of time making gifts for friends and family. Of course I am going to buy some gifts - many from the gifts under $25 and a few from gifts under $50, but I am loving the crafty ideas for decorating, wrapping and baking over at Creature Comforts. So cute and so helpful - check them out here!

Holiday Decorating

2008-12-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Your one stop shop for all those last minute holiday decor needs is here! Check out our holiday boutique to find everything you need from elegant home accents and unique gift ideas,

to the stockings,

and the stuffers!

modern house furniture

2008-12-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

I've recently stumbled up some great new furniture designers and eco conscious modern house furniture design that is just fab. Check it out:
Click on each image for more info!

and now for blue throw pillows!

2008-12-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

Blue is one of my favorite colors. I was just talking to a friend of mine about how important favorite colors are to kids and she was telling me that at her daughters preschool all the kids fight over who gets to use the blue swing, even though the black swings are exactly the same. I totally understand this, and so you don't have to worry about guests fighting over who gets the seat with the blue throw pillows, I've come up with a ton of great options for you! (just click on each blue throw pillow to link to the store where you can find them!)

I love these!!

2008-11-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

How beautiful are these new cast iron bed frames!
I love that designer bed furniture from Bliss Studios is just a click away. I also found this great antique Tester bed on 1stdibs.com - it is very weathered and probably would need some work but I think finding something new in a similar style is the easier route.

The other thing you'll need for your new cast iron bed frame is a designer bedding set and silk lounge wear like this Ashley Classic Silk Pajama Set from Kumi Kookoon.
That's what I call beauty sleep.

apples and oranges

2008-11-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

Lanvin via style.com

Instead of being super productive like my usual self , I've been browsing the Spring 2009 ready to wear collections, and I noticed something that I am really excited about - ORANGE!threeasfour via style.com

Galliano via style.com

I love orange, I think it just makes you happy. I am a big believer that on grey, dreary days that wearing bright colors can enliven your whole day.
I also like to look at the new fashion collections to get ideas about decorating, so after spending way to long at style.com and seaofshoes (what a fabulous mom & daughter!) among other style sites I started to think about how some runway trends can translate to the interior decorating world. Usually fashion moves so much faster than design projects but decorative throw pillows are a great way to update a room quickly. So I put together a grouping of my favorite orange throw pillows after being inspired by the runway.

These are from Bliss Studio & Thomas Paul

don't you feel brighter already?

New home decor boutiques!

2008-11-16T17:51:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of excited about what we've been working on for the past couple days here at Burke Decor. Since we carry thousands of great products from designer lamps to modern office furniture for your home, we wanted to put together a new and easier way to shop your favorite styles. So I am proud to announce our new home decor boutiques!

We've picked some of our favorite products and grouped them in convenient home decor boutiques so that you can shop your favorite styles, colors, or type of home you are looking to enhance.

I hope you enjoy browsing these boutiques as much i we enjoyed putting them together! And if you have suggestions for other boutiques - let us know!

when i have kids, I hope they turn out to be french

2008-11-14T09:33:00.001-08:00

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

Bona Drag

2008-11-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

I came across this darling little site (www.bonadrag.com) this summer and forgot about it - now I find it again and STILL really want this awesome jumpsuit:
Then I look closer and realize this model is a friend of ours (she and my husband grew up in the same town) and we run into her EVERYWHERE - like and the bank, goodwill, improv comedy night, groccery store, walking down the street, at the bar. small world eh?
anyway,
if you want to find some darling clothes like this jumpsuit - go here.

citronella candles

2008-11-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

I just started working on my back yard (finally), and two of the main things I realized we need are insect protection and lighting. Citronella candles do both!

Decorative Throw Pillows - so many choices!

2008-11-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

I've been lusting after these Oromono pillows ever since the first time I saw them. They so sophisticated and chic I want to build a whole room around them. I love how they combine masculine and feminine elements , it makes them perfect for a Master Bedroom. One of the things I feel really strongly about as a designer is that the Master Bedroom of a couple should reflect both of the people who live in that room. I find that often when working with clients that there is one person who takes more of an interest in the design process, while the other tends to just say yes or no to specific pieces of furniture or fabrics. Often these roles follow the expected gender roles, but wives always are concerned with making a room that their husband will enjoy as well. This is why I tend to shy away from too much floral, and tend towards rich fabrics with great textures and and pieces with smart detailing. That's what is so great about Oromono decorative throw pillows, the feminine flourish of the ruffles and rouching with the modern, sophisticated color palette and rich textures. They make me think about genius designers like Maison Martin Margiela, rei kawakubo, and Victor & Rolf. (OMG how amazing is the Victor & Rolf site, right? I heart Shalom Harlow)

So since I love the Oromono pillows ever so much, I wanted to put together a group of grey throw pillows , white throw pillows, and black throw pillows that works for both modern tastes, as well as more traditional looks.
Check em out!
In the top row we have a Bliss Studio Brighton Pillow , the the Bliss Largo Decroative throw pillow, and the lovely quilted Dahlia Pillow.
The second row features the Seed throw pillow in Dove from Thomas Paul, the Oromono Frill Pillow in Elephant, and the Carise decorative throw pillow by Bliss.
And for a final bit of bling, the Skyline Pillow.

The other group I put together is a bolder, graphic black and white scheme:

In the top left are a couple of black Persian Lamb pillows with suede backing I found on 1stdibs,
then Daphne Silk Throw Pillows in Jet Set Black by Plush , bottom left is Thomas Paul's Kabuki Decorative Throw Pillow in Ebony black, then of course the lovely Oromono Ruffle Decorative Throw Pillow in White and finally the sleek Border Pillow by Bliss.

The best thing about decorative throw pillows is that they are an easy way to change up a rooms look every season, greys and blacks and whites for winters, and then inject some color for Spring!

the future is now.

2008-11-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Don't forget!!

2008-11-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

Not like you possibly could, but it's Election Day! Make sure you go vote - even if it means standing in line. It's important.

I'll be checking here and here off and on for the rest of the long night ahead. Fingers crossed!
xox,
bd

useless gifts.

2008-10-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

(via gizmondo)

gift ideas for dad

2008-10-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

It's starting, for me at least. November through January marks not only the big holidays everyone celebrates, but EVERY SINGLE birthday and anniversary in my immediate family (oh except the husband - thank God. husband gifts are even harder than Dad gifts) happens between Thanksgiving and the end of January.
First up is Dad.
My Dad is pretty much the most awesome dad in the world and I always want to get him something great. And pretty much always I renew the subscription I got him years ago to Harpers. Boring, Yes. Predictable, Yes. Safe? Yes. (But that is the great thing about my family, we are pretty much all just a bunch of nerds, so any sort of reading material generally pleases everyone.)
Being the nerds that we are, my dad and I both listen to a lot of podcasts, books on ipod, and university lecture courses. (I know the fact that I spend long drives listening to a lecture class called Physics for Future Presidents does not exactly give me huge street cred, but well, that's what I do.) I also happen to be broke (like most of the country it seems) - so inexpensive gifts for dad are a must. Between the books, books on tape, and magazine options - I've come up with these options to supplement the Harpers subscription:

1. a gift certificate from audible.com
i just saw that they have Sarah Vowell's new book on there, and seeing as how I've bought my dad every other Sarah Vowell book, this might be a good option.

2. bookends:

These are probably more for both Mom and Dad, but well, close enough.

3. an itunes gift certificate

hmmm. still not a lot of options.
I have about 3 weeks though so I'll keep at it...
Do you have good inexpensive gifts for your dad? What about handmade gifts fot dad?

bedding with butterflies

2008-10-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

image by Mark Hampton via stylecourt

Did you all see that episode of Flipping Out ( one of my many guilty pleasures) where the client had her 11 year old daughter talk directly to Jeff about what she wanted? After he tries to talk her out of her vision for her bedroom she calls him and leaves a very stern message - it is awesome.I just spent a crazy amount of time looking for the clip on you tube - but no luck.
I just remembered it because I was thinking about how fun it is to design rooms for little girls. A while I ago I did a room for a young girl and we used almost all great Chelsea fabric to make a beautiful bedding with butterflies embroidered all over. Chelsea is a London based textile company that makes amazingly beautiful ( and amazingly expensive) fabrics that are available to the trade.
We also used embroidered polka dot fabric for the window treatment ( linen with pink pom poms) an antique rug in a beautiful deep pink and generally based the amazing rooms created by Renzo Mongiardino ( his book Roomscapes is a must have, btw)

Most of us cannot afford to have custom bedding made with expensive fabric, like this bedding with butterflies, there are other options to achieve the same look for hundreds rather than thousands.
I think this is a great choice for a girls room bedding:

A perfectly lovely bed set with embroidered birds from India Rose.

Delias also has some inexpensive options that are great for girls room bedding:

and I love this polka dot bedding - also at Delias:

great gifts for pregnant moms

2008-10-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

I am super excited about my new craft project. One of my husbands oldest friends (like, since elementary school) and his wife are having a baby! He is an amazing guy who really lucked out and found himself a wonderful lady - so I wanted to make them something special. Our friend is an actor and musician and years ago (when we all lived in Santa Cruz) he performed regularly and made some tee shirts to sell that he screen printed himself.

Anyway a couple weeks ago he mentioned that he wished he still had one of these shirts - and I told him that I had saved mine. His wife said she wished she had one too. Now, if I was a nice person I would have offered to give them the shirt then and there, but instead, I had an idea. I am not going to give the shirt to either of them. I am going to cut it up and make it into a a onesie for the new baby! I found a great article on wikihow.com that gives the step by step on how to do it. (I can already tell that his site is going to be a new favorite for me.) This site even gives you the code to embed on your own blog - so it is posted below.

So my little project is sort of a gift for a pregnant mom - but as usual moms-to-be really just get gifts for their little ones that are on the way.
If you are looking for a gift that is really for the pregnant mom in you life - i think these are fabulous ideas:

A luxurious nightgown from Kumi Kookoon that she can enjoy even after the baby comes, or if you really a spoil the new mom in your life, Kumi Kookoon also makes these amazing silk covered comforters:Actually these are great gifts for girlfriends, wives, best friends, or just about any lady you want to spoil.

So here is the article I'll be using for my baby romper project - I'll post pictures when I finish!

How to Make a Baby Romper from a T Shirt

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

If you're tired of the ho-hum pastels and puppies for your baby's clothes, you can easily make your own rockin' duds for your little stud from vintage tees or band shirts. Here are instructions on how to make a romper (also known as a onesie.)

Steps

Get a youth-sized t-shirt and a pre-made romper (aka a "onesie").
Turn your t-shirt inside out. Fold both the t-shirt and the romper in half and lay the romper on top of the shirt, lining them up at the fold. Trace.See how the crotch on the romper puffs up because it's in a shorts shape? Ignore that. You'll have to fudge a bit for the bottom part, because we're ignoring the romper's reality and substituting one of our own. Use the image as a guide.You should narrow the sleeves (or take them off altogether, up to you). So basically you're cutting a chunk out of the armpit and then letting it widen for the legs.
where the orange line is; click to enlarge image.]]Sew on the armpit line only. Don't close the leg area.
Unfold and cut just outside of the line you just sewed. Go ahead and cut your bottom line too, just make sure you leave enough to hem or you'll get an underwear shape.
Fold it over and trace what you've just cut onto the other side. Don't let your cat help, he doesn't have thumbs.
Sew the armpit line on that side and cut.
Attach your closure. If you use snaps, reinforce your fabric with something that doesn't stretch so they hold up better. Make sure your closures are so that the flaps point toward each other when you go to close it. So both sides should be facing up when laid flat.
Stop here if you don't mind a homemade appearance. Otherwise, you'll want to hem. Cut that little diagonal slit between the crotch flap and the rest of the leg so your corners don't bunch.
Turn the finished romper right side out .
Dress your child.

Tips

Using a youth t-shirt will minimize bulk in the shoulder area. If you want to use a larger shirt, you will need to make the neck smaller. A seam in the back will do this for you.
For a larger shirt, it's better to avoid using sleeves unless you're willing to do a major overhaul.
If you don't use sleeves, you can hem the armholes for a more finished look.

Things You'll Need

Youth t-shirt
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Pen
Scissors
Closure (snaps, snap tape, hook&loop tape)

Related wikiHows

Great Gifts for pregnant moms

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Baby Romper from a T Shirt. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

unique shower curtains

2008-10-27T11:23:00.001-07:00

Let me just state for the record that, in my opinion, the most important decor items in a bathroom are the art you choose to hang in the the bathroom (and yes, i think it is an ABSOLUTE MUST to have art for the bathroom), the towels (they should be clean and fluffy and inviting) and having a unique shower curtain. I also am a big fan of taking big design risks in the bath or powder room, while you may not be ready to go full boar into bold modern wall covering, you can start slowly by choosing a strong, unique shower curtain (this way it is not too big of a commitment) and then build your design story around that anchor. for example. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this tiered, ruffled shower curtain from India Rose:
From here you can add other textures and pale colors to create a design story that is vintage, unique and sophisticated. I love all these great vintage accessories I found on etsy.com in EmilyLynch's shop - she kinda has all the perfect vintage accessories to build on this look:
Total romantic,soft and lovely.
and now for something completely different:

Totally cool shower curtain from famous Studio 54 photographer Patrick McMullen - keep the Studio 54 vibe alive in you bathroom with a sexy Hollywood regency mirrored vanity, and super cool, unique arrow sconces. I found both of these on 1stdibs.com)

and top it off with a New York Subway Tile bathmat. ;-)Another cool way to create a unique shower curtain for your exciting new bathroom is to make your own - I just found this site (and while I have not tried it, it looks fun ( if a little pricey))
www.photoshowercurtain.com

OR finally, go retro mod with something like this:

ummm, gross

2008-10-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

and kinda awesome. (from Random Good Stuff)

shameless self promotion

2008-10-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

I just put some new photo's up on Burke Decor! They are all scans of polaroids taken with one of my old Polaroid land cameras. I really love how they look vintage and dreamy while being brand new. I realized a week or two ago that after moving to LA everything in my studio has started to be all beachy and dreamy and palm trees.... i think that the quality of the polaroids totally fits with the nature of the SoCal landscape....

I think that the size of these totally lend themselves to a great grouping of images.

guess who's coming to dinner

2008-10-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce the newest addition to our household. He just arrived last night and I think he is just the coolest thing ever.
He will be sharing every meal with us.
He's kinda quiet, but he has such refined, stoic face, you know he is thinking deep thoughts.
Oh yeah, the image next to him is of a nuclear test in the Bikini Islands - I am thinking about printing a series of them for the dining room.

Don't you love our new friend?

operation chroma key COMPLETED!!!

2008-09-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

I did it! I painted my living room and dining room! Actually, my Mom and I did it. My mom is amazing - she got here at 9 am and just left at 9:30 pm, and besides a 20 minute lunch break we basically worked ALL day. I finally had to force Mom to stop cleaning my floor (after she finished cleaning my windows) and send her home. She is a 5 foot 2 inch force of nature that cannot be controlled.
If you have a major home improvement project, I suggest you call her.

you can see from the pictures i still have work to do - i.e hang art, redo sofa, etc. but that hardest part is done - what do you think of the color?

The nervous part now is for the husband to come home on monday - hopefully he likes it.

On the to-do list:
1. Hang art
2. hide wires & cords
3. reupholstery
4. rejuvenate floors ( this crazy stuff my mom gave me that makes wood floors look SO much better)
5. tackle the upstairs
6. prune and replant back yard
7. organize my studio/office
8. find a dresser/ storage solution for the bedroom

you know, just a couple things....

but for now i am going to enjoy this:
NACHOS!!!

and this

red wine!!!

yay for painting! double yay for finishing painting!!

flocking love it!

2008-09-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have a weakness for wallpaper, this is well documented. And as much as I'd like to wallpaper my dining room, I rent, and my landlord does not look kindly upon this idea. So, until the time that I own my own place (thanks, economy, for making that seem like a far off dream) I will have to live out my decorating fantasies through this blog.

A brief [personal] history of flocked wallpaper:
First, my grandparents bathroom, where I used to pet the walls every time I visited. I swear I have a picture somewhere - and will find and post eventually - but just imagine, if you will, a white background with 2" flocked daisies in rows with green little dotted lines. Oh yes, 4 year old me LURVED it.

Moving on....In San Francisco , there is a great Ethiopian place (whose name I cannot remember) that has some of the best vintage wallpaper in the city.
Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

(umm yes, it is both flocked and, well BEDAZZELED)
Now while these might seem a little over the top, Burke Decor has these new flocked wallpapers are so perfect for an accent wall, a dramatic dining room, or a sexy powder room. Behold:

Traditional Glamour

Transitional Sophistication

VaVaVoom!

I kinda think the last pink one would be super fun for a super girly girl dressing room with black stain ribbons as trim on pillows and curtains, and little gilt silver foot stools - it's a little Agent Provocateur, non?

I also have been dieing to do a an all black dining room with only crystal and silver accents, the Muse Black Flock Effect might be just the thing....
Of course flocked wallpaper has a long, regal, history, but I prefer to think about the future....don't you?

operation chroma key

2008-09-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

These are the colors I have thought about so far for my living room and dining room. and, so far, I hate them all. ho hum - this might be harder than I thought....

i'm going to check out some sandy/taupe colors, and oh yeah, check with the landloard and make sure painting is cool with him :-)

love these

2008-09-12T13:39:00.001-07:00

I love these, especially cause I like the idea of wearing two or three at the same time to get a sort of 40's feather, Philip Treacy, look - kinda like Kenly on Project Runway.

BTW - this girl is cra-zy -and i love it (even though i am so embarassed for her when she talks back on the runway (that kinda makes me cringe).

Speaking of cringing - this was just plain ugly:
ouch!

long deep breath....

2008-08-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Did you know that moving is hard - like really really hard and tiring? I knew installing a clients home was a lot of work - but it is different when you don't have a bunch of perople working for you and, well, a budget. And when you have to drive down the 5 in 110 degree heat with no air conditioning, and then move everything you own up 40 stairs immediately after the drive. yes. it was hard.

We are finally all moved in but, of course, there are things we are missing, things I plan on working on over time ( and as $$ allows) - and one. big. problem.

When I rented our place I LOVED it, and I still do, but because I was blinded by LOVE I failed to pay attention to the fact that the really pretty pale, pale,minty blue/green totally do not match all of our vintage dark yellowy green furniture. I mean not at all.

So, I decided to paint the downstairs - and my husband totally said NO, the thought it would be easier to reupholster than to paint ( i know - i know, not really true, and def. more expensive, but our sofa and dining set were inherited from my grandparents and are in desperate need of reupholstering anyway.). I found a great deal on some old back stock Pollack & Associates cheniele but the color is called "bamboo" which I think is because it is a golden color mixed with a paler green. SO, while this is all fine and good, it does not really fix my wall color versus furniture color issues.
New Fabric (not quite this yellowy - but you get the idea)

And so I am embarking on Operation Chroma Key.

In a couple weeks my husband is going to be out of town for four days so I am enlisting my mom, my sister in law ( i hope - she doesn't know yet) and a couple friends to carefully paint the downstairs of my new apt. Some careful coordination will be underway in the next couple weeks - i'll update as we go.

Here are a couple picts of my place as is and the new fabric - any suggestions for paint color would be most appreciated. Right now I am leaning towards a pale ochre or pale gold. But then i watched The Parent Trap ( the newer one with LiLo) and in the london house they had this amazing bright orange with white trim - so i am think bolder now...

I'll post paint chips as i consider them.

you, me and dupree?

2008-08-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

I just watched You, Me, and Dupree the other day I and think they had this rug in their living room (after it got burned down and redone).

just thought it was funny.

Esp. because this rug is SOOO affordable - only $117.00 for a 5' x 7' 6" rug- can you believe it? But I guess that makes sense for a newlywed couple whose Best man burned down their living room...

Plus, I have a total girl crush on Kate Hudson.

oh to be young again...

2008-07-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Even though I know it's meant for kids... Can I just say I kinda want this Little Hands mural in my house:

Like in a little breakfast nook where you drink coffee and read the paper and watch PeeWee's playhouse in the morning?
I mean I might be a little old for murals designed for children but I do love the flamingos. The other Little Hands designs are absolutly adorable too, but I think the rest really are for the under 12 set. A couple of my fav's:

So cute right? and with the snowment you could top off the room with some of these cute little mushroom stools
cute as pie.

City of Angels...

2008-07-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well my friends, I have found an apartment in Los Angeles!
I was there for two weeks working on a project in Chinatown ( so pretty at night):

And I am completely thrilled to report that our new place has resolved a sort of existential dilemma I've had regarding the choosing of apartments all of my adult life.

Here's the thing - I absolutely need to have an outdoor space, and I like to live on the top floor because I need tons of natural light. My place in SF of the past 6 or so years is adorable and I love our little back deck, but 22 hours a day it is dark because it is on the ground floor. And, generally, if you want a private outdoor space, you need to be on the ground floor, and the ground floor is dark because it is on the bottom.
SO... my new place is amazing because it is one of the top two units of a fourplex with a huge back yard (that is shared w/ the other top unit - but i am sure they will be lovely people) a balcony and giant french doors and floor to ceiling windows. It is fan-tab-ulous.

One drawback of this lovely place, however, is that the bedroom is carpeted. Which is bad for two reasons:
1. it's ugly
2. my husband has bad dust allergies and carpeting is not great for him.

So in the coming weeks you can expect posts about:
*new floor covering options that don't involve tearing out carpet, just covering it somehow (and not trapping more dust)
*cool window coverings
*my new garden plan

Also, being slightly obsessive about things, I've started drawing a 3D model of the new place so I can place all my furniture and fly through and look at it in place before we move anything. I used to just sketch rough floor plans - but I'm going all the way this time.

And, I am looking for a new job in LA so I have been researching some of the best design firms in the area, so I'll also be posting some highlights from the online portfolios I've been looking at with links to their sites, as well as tips about recreating looks for less!

I'm so excited - can you tell?

you learn something new every day - ya know?

2008-07-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I had coffee with my old boss. She is an amazing interior designer and has two darling sons. She was telling me that she had recently found out that the sunscreen she puts on her kids has harmful chemicals in it.

That didn't surprise me too much, but today I was reading about candles - and the fact that most decorative candles and scented candles are made of paraffin (which is a petroleum byproduct - the stuff that is left over after they make gasoline, motor oil, diesel and the like). So the soot that comes from burning a paraffin candle is similar to diesel soot and could be carcinogenic. yuck.

What's the solution? SOY candles! ( i think it's funny that soy is the solution to, like, everything).

Listen (or read, I guess that's more appropriate) to this:

"Each and every KOBO candle is hand-poured using domestically grown, pure soy wax and lead-free, enviro-safe cotton wicks to create the cleanest burning, most friendly candle on the planet"

Not only are the KOBO candles 100% soy wax, they are beautifully packaged, scented candles. I really appreciate that these decorative candles come in great packages - which makes them perfect gifts, but that the scented candle itself if really quite understated and chic. These soy candles are the perfect balance of a scented candle in a decorative package made of pure organic soy wax. The perfect gift for yourself or someone you love. Or both!
Burke Decor gives you 4 scented candles for the price of 3 in the KOBO Candle Pick-Your-Four Pack.
I picked these four:

Green Pearl Jasmine Candle by Kobo Soy Candles
Vetiver and Shaved Vanilla Candle by Kobo Soy Candles
Portuguese Olive Blossom by Kobo Soy Candles
Moon Wisteria Candle by Kobo Soy Candles

i want too get the Jalapeno Scented Candle next - it seems kinda crazy, but might be crazy awesome!

yay for friends!

2008-07-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Laura over at If It's Hip It's Here wrote the best post about Burke Decor today! Check it out!
She has great tips on where to find the coolest of, well, basically everything

Enjoy!

the perfect dining room

2008-07-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

I just saw this at www.williamhefner.com and it is just divine. From the detail on the chairs to the cant of the chandelier, to the lovely gold sconce in the background - I'm in love!
Tres Chic.