With a number of summer parties planned, from a graduation to a school fundraiser, Kristin Savini wanted her backyard to look beautiful. But when she gazed outside, “everything was beige and brown.”  She loved her pool. patio and brick fireplace, but her flowerbeds and the cushions on her outdoor furniture  seemed overwhelmingly  “blah.”

So she called in the pros. First, Steve Gilbert from Willow Glen Home and Garden suggested using the color of the pool as inspiration. He brought in bright turqoise cushions for the furniture and no fewer than 11 ceramic urns. To Kristin, it all looked “elegant and fun.” But that was a lot of urns to plant. So she called in her friend and container gardener Dhelia Fahrner of La Jardiniere.

With the bright cushions and pots, she knew the plants needed to be one thing: saturated with color. “It couldn’t be pale,” she said. At Summerwinds Nursery in Campbell, she and Kristin pulled out bright orange-gold “Easy Does It” standard roses and a big chartreuse ginger plant for height in the middle of some of the taller pots. They also added purples, fuschias and oranges with geraniums, lantana, verbena, petunias and alyssum of various heights and textures.

The results were spectacular. Here are some tips for vivid container gardening from La Jardiniere:

1. Before going to the nursery, take measurements of your pots, both width and height, to figure out how many plants are needed to fill each pot and how tall the plants should be to balance the size of the pot. At the nursery, find an empty corner to arrange your chosen plants to see how they would appear together in the pot.

2. Know the sun exposure so you know whether to get sun-loving or shade-loving plants.

3. Choose a style — tight, loose, abundant, minimal — to fit your style or the architecture of your home.

4. If you’re planting several pots, purchase some “foundation plants” that are perennial and can last from season to season. Buy colorful annuals in six-packs that are less expensive to replace.

5. Use quality potting soil and fertilizer and water, water, water.

To see what Dhelia did to her own backyard and another project open these:

Dhelia’s Dahlias

Before and After:Spanish Courtyard Gets Makeover

Here’s the complete slideshow:

This is an adorable home. You will receive immediate gratification pulling up out in front and then it continues as you cross the threshold. The floor plan is great. I love how the home office is on the opposite side of the home to where the bedrooms are located. The kitchen has a wonderful tumbled marble back splash and granite counters and opens to the family room. Perfect for watching kids while cooking dinner. As a mom–I’m always thinking how a home would work for me and this one works beautifully! Check out the virtual tour here.

Bedrooms–4
Bathrooms–3

This past Sunday the Lookiloos team and friends gathered to check out the sidewalk sales of some of our favorite decor shops and galleries.  I also want to start a backyard garden this spring, so I went to find some inspiration for my backyard.

The market did not disappoint.  Julia bought a gorgeous orchid for her back porch.  Desiree bought some framed art for her and home  office to compliment the one she already bought at Vintage and Vogue.  I walked away winning some art from an auction at Mary Medrano’s gallery and finding a few varieties of mint to plant in the garden including – chocolate and apple – yum!

Check out the market – Sundays from 8-1 p.m.
Now through October.

Watch the video of our adventure:

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One of the best things about writing for Lookiloos is coming across jaw dropping pieces of art.  A beautiful landscape can transform a dark room and an interesting piece of modern art can inspire equally provocative dinner conversations.  But where does a regular person buy art in the Silicon Valley?

The Downtown Campbell ArtWalk is a casual, “tour-on-your-own” style art walk. This is a great opportunity to visit with the artists and view their exciting new works in a friendly, casual atmosphere.

One could stroll along Campbell Avenue have a drink at the neighborhood Irish pub Katie Bloom’s, have dinner at the always satisfying Twist Bistro or have something decadent at Satura Cakes.  Then on to some Art shopping or browsing.  Pick up a map and brochure at any of the participating galleries, including Debbie Marie Arambula and Sonya Paz.

This Friday the Pacific Art Collective will be conducting a Live Community Canvas! Bring a friend or the family and help local artists paint a mural! PAC will be located on the corner of Third Street and East Campbell Avenue (by Sonoma Chicken Coop!).

Other artists will exhibiting their work include: Juror2 – Jenifer Kirsch exhibiting at Gelato Classico, Raku You – Keith Bunnell at The Olive Bar, Brooke Howie Fine Art exhibiting at Vintage & Vogue, Photojournalist Matt B. Simon at Lorraine Lawson Fine Arts and Abstract figurative artist Andre Trigueiro at Trailsloggers.

Best of all anyone can go home with new found art to decorate their home – from Fine art to Pop Art Magnets to artfully decorate wine decanters.  It is sure to be a fun way to spend a Friday night.

Downtown Campbell Art Walk
E. Campbell Avenue streets
Campbell
408.378.5000

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I was immediately struck by the bright colors and positive energy that permeated Debbie Marie Arambula’s gallery in downtown Campbell.  A self professed, heartist, Debbie Marie paints fine art heart shapes that go beyond any box of chocolates one might find at the drugstore.  Since 1996, she has shared her craft at art shows throughout the United States, has been featured in countless magazines and on television and can be found in the homes of art lovers all over the world.

Arambula says about her art, “…the heart is a multicultural symbol that represents the spiritual side of life & love – the adventures of the soul.  After all, doesn’t it all come down to the heart; one’s dreams, their hopes, aspirations, inspirations…”

The dramatic color combinations rhythmic brushstrokes are what set her work apart.  Clients often commission “Heart Portraits” works of art reflecting a couples’ or family’s love for each other.  Arambula interviews clients together as a group to get a feel for them.  She asks questions, like “What are your favorite things to do together?”, “Tell me about the first time you met your wife.” or “How does your family work together?”.  She then transforms these “heart notes” into highly personal pieces of art.  Arambula listens for inner connections and puts their hearts on canvas.

“It is interesting and not as easy as one might guess,” says Debbie Marie.  “Sometimes I see couples as two hearts dancing and sometimes they are blended into one. The colors and the energy I see and feel take shape in the form of rhythmic brush strokes. When I paint a Family (parents and Children), I feel the complexities and intertwinings of their relationship and tell the love story of the family thru the colors and overall composition of painting”

If you are curious, as I am, about what your heart portrait might look like, once a year, Debbie Marie paints these works of art live and by appointment only during the week of Valentine’s Day.  For $300 she interviews a couple or family and in front of their eyes she creates a custom 11″ x 14″ piece of art that they can take home during that session.  Usually the process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months to create a Heart Portrait, but they can get this done in about 2 hours.  Sounds like a romantic way to spend an afternoon!

Debbie has a line of darling heart necklaces ($45), fine painted vases and greeting cards ($3.50) that allows anyone to bring home a Valentine’s Day gift anytime of the year.

Debbie Marie Gallery
327 East Campbell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
www.debbiemariegallery.com
(408)370-7278

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I got a tip from a new friend, who said, “You’ll love this place.” So, off I went to check it out. As I approached Vintage and Vogue, I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed. The front window was amazing. I couldn’t wait to get inside.

There I found Linda, her daughter and business partner Devon and best friend, Rhonda all working away. Happily. That’s what I noticed– everyone was so happy and cheery.

Linda Sullivan had been searching for a storefront. A place to set up her new venture. A friend suggested the spot on Campbell Avenue.

“I thought it was rented,” said Linda “but I called the owner anyway and I got it.”

So this past June, Vintage and Vogue opened its doors. The store has a mix of new items, as well as vintage finds that have been brought back to life. I think that is why this shop is so different. It’s the use of the treasures they find. Mixing them up by restoring these pieces with that special eye to detail and creativity. This shop is playful yet sophisticated.

Devon has refinished and repainted retro pieces of furniture and has turned them into works of art. My favorite is a dresser that has been painted in a bronze color. It’s gorgeous. The color varies ever so slightly as the light changes. It has a fleur-de-lis emblem in the center top drawer. I think this piece could work well as a buffet in a dining room or as a bedroom dresser, its original purpose.

Linda has a knack for finding perfect fabrics to suit the personality of any upholstered furniture. There are two pieces that I can’t stop thinking about. The first was a black and white polka dot chaise. It would work perfectly in a bedroom. I see myself lounging with a good book next to a fire. The second is an armchair, covered in a charming pink and black fabric that depicts some famous Parisian monuments. The tufted chair is piped in a tiny black and white polka dot. It had a cute envelope pillow in the same fabric.

Currently, Vintage and Vogue is decked out in its finest Holiday treasures. It’s a sight to see. If you are headed to a holiday party, and who isn’t this season, the perfect hostess gift awaits. There are plenty of other gifts as well. From framed 1960 Chanel advertisements to silver trays, you can find that special gift for any occasion.

You can find Vintage and Vogue at  241 E. Campbell Avenue.

Editors note: I left with one of the framed Chanel ads. I couldn’t help myself. And I love it.

Here’s the complete slideshow:

Downtown Campbell, CA is experiencing a renaissance – great restaurants, fun bars and unique retail shops and art galleries that leave you wanting more.  On a recent field trip, Lookiloos had the great fortune of finding ISLG.  Part local art gallery, part exotic rug warehouse and part interior design center – this place had it all complete with two of the nicest designers you could hope to meet, Laura Taylor Moore and Joan Tesauro.

I have walked by their huge store front windows on many occasions, often admiring the lush furniture and eclectic art displayed, such as the vinyl dresses made by local designer Charlotte Kruk.  On this occasion, I was immediately drawn in by a romantic bedroom vignette and a funky pink metal desk that would make a fun addition to any home office.

While interior design services make up the bulk of their business, their showroom has much for you to take home immediately.  “People who come into the shop do not want their homes to look like it was purchased out of a catalog.  People and their spaces are unique – so people are looking for things that help them express that.  It is our job to help them do it.”

One could spend hours delving into their vast collection of wallpaper samples (not anything like the paper of the 70′s) and could get lost exploring the simply beautiful hand knotted rugs and runners from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.  I especially liked looking and touching all the different fabric remnants, sitting on the cozy couches and not feeling pressured to buy any of it.  But rather felt encouraged to sit and talk about the possibilities.

The second floor of the building houses the Stone Griffin Art Gallery, run by Dana Smith.  It
showcases a variety of artists, including work from award winning illustrator Eyvind Earle and Vickie Asp, who paints contemporary California landscapes.  You are sure to be able to find something special to fill up that empty spot on the wall.

With over 26 years of experience, Laura Moore said that “Listening to what a client is looking for is key.  After speaking with you for 30 minutes, I can eliminate 90% of the stores you do NOT need to visit because we know price ranges and styles- saving you loads of time, energy and often money because we have negotiated lower prices.”

The ISLG Campbell showroom is one stop shop for folks hunting for a new look and inspiration- from rugs to wallpaper to art house gifts.  Laura and Joan are happy to be your guides through it all.  The combination of designers, artists and high quality accessories and furniture make ISLG a great find!

ISLG Campbell Showroom
287 E Campbell Ave.
Campbell, CA
(408)378-2075
Open 10-5 p.m. Mon thru Saturday.  Open Sundays by appointment.
There are three showrooms – one Campbell, downtown San Jose and one in Los Gatos.

Here’s the complete slideshow: