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Faux Bois from White Elephant Sale Adds Natural Beauty

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

oaklandtrip 018

A trip to Oakland last weekend for a triple play — a visit to the Alameda Pointe flea market, a trendy retro shop, and the Oakland Museum’s White Elephant Sale — ended with barely a thing for me. But for my friend, Dhelia, it was a treasure trove. And I enjoyed every vicarious minute — and the great bargains.

oaklandtrip 022 The highlight for us was the White Elephant Sale, a huge rummage sale in a giant warehouse benefitting the museum. We went last year and each brought a large oil painting. So fun! This time, we used the same strategy — arriving no less than two hours before closing on Sunday. That way we would get great bargains — and wouldn’t know what we missed.

As the photo shows, Dhelia nabbed a beautiful pair of faux bois chairs, a French term meaning fake wood. In other words, they look like wittled branches. (The funny thing is these really are wood, so maybe it’s more bois than faux….)

They were in immaculate condition, with cane backs. The price for the pair was $300, but because of the late hour, reduced to $150. With 15 minutes before closing, the kind volunteer said, “make me an offer.” I pulled Dhelia aside, whispered in her ear, and she offered $75. Sold! Now how much happier can a pair of girlfriends be?

oaklandtrip 020 Dhelia had already purchased a gorgeous, antique oil painting at 50 percent off the original price. With slight rearranging of her living room, the faux bois chairs sit behind a couch, looking out her french doors to the garden. Beautiful. Julia Looking Left - Lookiloos Read the stories I wrote after last year’s White Elephant to take a peek at our purchases and what we did with them…

$33 At White Elephant Sale For Oakland Museum

Before and After:A touch of modern art in traditional space

Posted in Antiques, Art, Decorating, Featured, Furniture, Home Decor, Home and Garden, Julia, Living Room, Looki What I Found, Painting | No Comments »

Pop Diva Christina Aguilera’s House

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

christinabhillshomeshoes

christinabhillshomekitchen Christina Aguilera is unquestionably one of today’s hottest pop stars. Her style on stage is a mix of cutting edge, classic and vampy all at once. I wondered what that meant for her home. Would it reflect her performance costumes or something totally different?

Her 5 bedroom bedroom, 11,000 square-foot Beverly Hills home was previously owned by the Osbourne’s. Yes, Ozzy Osbourne! Aguilera reportedly fell in love with the kitchen while watching the Osbournes’ reality show on MTV, so when it hit the market after the show was cancelled, she swooped in. In pure rock star fashion, the home is a mix of Mediterranean, Chinois accents and Gothic. It is as spunky and eclectic as she is.

Some highlights:

Shoe closet: “Everything on my shoe wall is grouped by designer — Louboutin, McQueen, YSL — all in their own little family,” notes Aguilera. “And there’s room for boots up top.” You have to love that it also features a chandelier and leopard-print rug.

Game Room: Pink and black pool table, full size arcade games and bright rugs bring FUN to this play room for adults.

christinabhillshomearcade

Baby Room: Christina showed off where the real master of the house slept, Baby Max. That is one big Moon! (Photo from people.com)

christina_aguilera. baby room

Bedroom: “I wanted a grand bed — to feel like a queen on a throne,” says the singer of her extravagant four-poster bed. I think you got that.

christinabhillshomebedroom

These photos are from a shoot she did for InStyle Magazine in 2009. Photos by Douglas Friedman.

Sheila Looking Left - Lookiloos

Posted in Celebrity Homes, Featured, Peek of the Week, Sheila | 1 Comment »

Cambria Cove for Luxury Gifts

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Confetti Tumbler Glasses by Rose Ann Hall Design - Set of 4_$50 Confetti Pitcher by Rose Ann Hall Designs_$50

Last week at the Mom 2.0 summit, I was lucky enough to meet the fine folks at Cambria Cove, a new online shop that carries finds from artisans all over the world. They had a suite filled with some of the fine goods they sell on their site – from stationary to jewelry to home goods. Often I feel gift sites look pretty online, but my purchases disappoint me when I get the product home. But everything I touched, sampled and felt was exquisite! I was enamored by the variety if home products Cambria Cove carried, many of which would make perfect gifts. BTW – all products arrive all wrapped up in pretty green boxes – ready for gifting.

A few items caught my eye:

Confetti Rocks Pitcher and Glasses by Rose Ann Hall Designs. This glassware is all hand blown by artisans in the gorgeous town of San Miguel De Allende, Mexico (One of my dream cities) The glasses had a nice sturdy weight to them, making them the perfect glass for summertime iced tea or a margarita! This is perfect for wishing away winter blahs. (Pitcher $50, Set of 4 glasses $50)

Perched Pair Soaps by Gianna Rose Atelier_$35

I have written before about my little obsession with Gianna Rose Atellier soaps. I love their whimsical designs, the lovely scents and luxury feel of the soap itself. They are nice hostess gifts and add a little sparkle to your bathroom. I love these soaps! Cambria Cove carries quite a selection. These perched turtle dove birds come with this bird bath/soap dish ($35) are scented with hyacinth and tulip. These Robin Egg Soaps would make a sweet Easter gift ($55).

Robin Egg Soaps in Jar by Gianna Rose Atelier - Large_$55

Sheila - Lookiloos.com

Posted in Decorating, Featured, Food and Drink, Home Decor, Home and Garden, Looki What I Found, Sheila | 1 Comment »

Past Perfect

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Love the Fabric

Recently, I stumbled across a shop in San Francisco. Past Perfect–the name alone draws you in and inspires aimless wandering. I have to say I was inspired and boy did I wander. The shop consists mainly of mid-century classics to funky modern. The prices range from reasonable to slightly sinful.

Eero Saarinen Style Bar Stools $650

Pair of Modern Dutch Light Fixtures $175

Now, I hardly walk out of one of these places without a little bag in my hand and I’m happy to report I had a bag.

My Mad Men Style Low Ball Glasses

It was filled with 8 modern low ball glasses. These glasses remind me of one of my guilty pleasures–no, not vodka gimlets–but Mad Men that wonderful AMC series. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely check it out. The style and panache displayed on that show is absolutely fab. These glasses make me so happy, I decided to host a Mad Men cocktail party. So, I will definitely make another stop in at Past Perfect to perfect my 60’s decor.

Past Perfect

2224 Union St.

San Francisco, CA 94123

2246 Lombard St.

San Francisco, CA 94123

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

Here’s the complete slideshow:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Posted in Antiques, Art, Desiree, Featured, Looki What I Found, Modern, San Francisco, Shopping, Store, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

The Art of Shade

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Kenyan Pattern Curved Shade

Let’s face it “green” design doesn’t automatically go hand-in-hand with beautiful design. Green design is vital to our great planet earth, but must it be so utilitarian? This past October, while attending West Coast Green, I found that not all green design is just about efficient function. We can have style, panache and feel good about it.

Decorative Screens

Parasoleil has created wonderful copper panels that can be used for shade, privacy and dare I say, pure for aesthetic enjoyment, and come in three finishes– verdigris, bronze and raw. The patterns are inspired by many different cultures from around the world. The panels are made from 90% recycled content copper. Although copper was the original material for the panels, now you can get them made in aluminum, acryllic, steel, composite and FSC wood. Parasoleil crafts these shade partitions in Boulder, Colorado. The local distributor, Living Green Design Solutions, is located in Fresno, California.

Flanigan Shadow

My personal favorite in the Flanigan pattern with the verdigris finish. I’d use it to hide that ugly pool equipment. The panels are definitely works of art but the best part, in my opinion, are the shade patterns they create.

Posted in Architecture, Backyard, Desiree, Eco Friendly, Featured, Garden, Green Design, Landscape, Looki What I Found, Uncategorized, Yard | 5 Comments »

Ellen DeGeneres’ Santa Ynez Country Home Tour

Friday, February 12th, 2010

ellens house SY

Comedienne and the newest judge on American Idol, Ellen DeGeneres gives viewers a tour of her country home in the tiny town of Santa Ynez, CA. According to other online sources, Ellen and Portia (her wife) are huge real estate fiends, so it is a bit unclear if they still own it. Regardless, this weekend spot seems perfect for time away from the chaos of Hollywood.

Ellen shares where she’d hide out in case of nuclear war and gives advice on looking at the potential of homes before you buy. Hilarious.

Photos from RealEstalker.com

Sheila Looking Left - Lookiloos

Posted in Celebrity Homes, Featured, Peek of the Week, Sheila | 4 Comments »

Valentine’s Weekend Sale of Refreshed, Re-Purposed Decor

Friday, February 12th, 2010

In a little storefront next to the old Burbank Theater in San Jose, Mary Schlichting Francis is pulling together all her favorite finds that she has recycled, re-purposed and refreshed for a three-day Valentine’s weekend sale.

“I love changing something old and giving it new life,” she said.

The space used to be part of the venerable Stan’s Scuba Shop and has been empty since Stan retired some time ago. Mary first came upon the shop with a friend who was looking for space to open a bakery. But when Mary saw it, she had ideas of her own. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday, ”Metamorphix” will be open for business.

She will be selling everything from fresh floral arrangements in vases that she has painted, to vintage leather chairs, daybeads and end tables. Although the shop will only be open this weekend, she hopes to find a nearby space to have periodic sales. So stay tuned!

You can find Metamorphix at 554 Bascom Avenue. Julia Looking Left - Lookiloos

You can see a story and photo shoot Lookiloos did of Mary’s garden patio by clicking here.

Posted in Antiques, Decorating, Featured, Furniture, Home Decor, Home and Garden, Julia, Looki What I Found, San Jose | No Comments »

LAMA Designs- Home goods from Argentina

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

pinkladypillows

While at the ALT Design summit last month, I had the pleasure of meeting Bay Area local Christine Martinez, the force behind LAMA designs. She wanted to bring the beautiful trinkets and home goods she discovered on her adventures to Latin America to the United States. There is a nice mix of kitchen goods, home decor, accessories and paper goods with great stories to tell from far off lands on this online shop.

evitaboxes I was immediately drawn to two items hailing from Argentina. I am entranced by stories of strong women. Hence storage boxes covered in images of the infamous Evita Peron are sure to bring style and spunk to any desk or craft table. (Set of 4 boxes $38.00)

I am also in major want of this set of lovely cotton pillows made by Argentine design duo Coty Larguia and Eugenia Troncoso. These sweet accessories are perfect for both a child’s room or some place more sophisticated, sans Sponge Bob. ($56 .00 each)

Sheila Looking Left - Lookiloos

Tags: ALT Design Summit, argentina, home goods, LAMA, Lookiloos, sheila Dowd
Posted in Decorating, Featured, Home Decor, Looki What I Found | No Comments »

Retro Furniture Search Turns into Husband’s Ploy for New TV

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

A false start on an end table, but possibilities abound. Nice lamp, eh?

Let me ask you this: How can my simple quest for an end table for my living room turn into my husband measuring for a flat screen TV in the den?

For those of you who have any interest in following my little design dilemma, here is the latest: So, I’ve been a bit obsessive lately about finding an end table as a perch to add more lighting in my small living room. And I had the idea that it would be a stylish little thing, maybe channeling a little retro Kelly Wearstler. Well, after a jaunt last weekend to Move it Elsewhere in San Jose, a huge warehouse that bills itself as a giant estate sale, I brought something home. It’s a 1960s-era solid walnut credenza, with geometric carve-outs. It was one of two matching pieces, both with removable book cases on top. I hemmed and hawed for more than an hour before I loaded the solo piece into the station wagon. I took the legs off so it wouldn’t be too tall to sit next to the couch. I swapped my grandmother’s lamp from my parent’s attic with the cool silver one from the den that I actually spent money on and set it on top. (I took designer Kathi Mann’s comments from my last story to heart, adding a little shimmer to the dark living room…)

Looks better with legs, doesn't it? Could this whole thing go in the den?

I waited anxiously to see Chris’ reaction. Boy, can the truth hurt. “Too big for the space. Too clunky,” he said. Now, I’m not that unreasonable. And I acknowlege that it lost a fair amount of its grace without the legs. But I really like it! And it was a bargain. Did I have to take it back? Was there another spot in our 1,900-square-foot house for it?

Well, in the span of a few minutes, Chris was measuring the wall of our tiny den, not only for the credenza and its mate, plus the bookcases, but a flat screen TV to span them both. Do we need a flat screen TV? No. Do we need a credenza for the den? That wasn’t on my priority list. (The Ikea cabinetry holding the old TV isn’t that great, but it’s not a focal point for the rest of the house.)

Still, would I love to have both credenzas and book cases? Yes. Would that add style to the frumpy den? I think so. And would I concede to a new TV to make that happen? Quite possibly.

There’s only one problem. I still don’t have an end table.

Julia Looking Left - Lookiloos If you missed it, here was my first post about my lighting dilemma:

Light My Living Room: On A Mission for Style

Posted in Antiques, Architecture, Art, Decorating, Featured, Furniture, Home Decor, Home and Garden, Interior Design, Julia, Julia's Mud Room, Lighting, Living Room, San Jose, The Mud Room | 3 Comments »

Light my Living Room: On a Mission for Style

Friday, February 5th, 2010

My living room. I've since moved lamp into corner.

I’m on a mission. I need more lighting in my living room. (Even this photo is dark!) The only lighting is lamps — and since we’re not going to do any budget-busting recessed cans, I’m looking for more lamps and end tables (or a slim sofa table) for them. I’m heading to Move It Elsewhere in San Jose today (a giant estate sales open only one weekend a month), hitting up the annual St. Christopher Antique Show, and checking out Emily Joubert home and garden in Woodside, which is donating its proceeds from this weekend to Haiti relief efforts.

Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong!

Asian-style credenza with leopard skin lamp

The problem is, I’m in the midst of a decorating identity crisis. It’s just too easy to call myself eclectic. I consider myself a modern girl who loves clean lines (I’m an architect’s daughter afterall!). But look at my living room and you’d never know it. Still, it’s filled with things I love: an antique jewel-tone rug in reds and golds, a faded brown Belgian tapestry behind my French writing desk, and a black credenza with an Asian-style fretwork motif. I even love the lamps I have, including my grandfather’s cloisonne floor lamp, a small marble lamp with a leopard skin shade (from our days in Dallas), and a tall table lamp with a funky mid-century shade in gold and white I salvaged from a throw-away bin. Love it! (I even repainted a rattan chair from white to black that my mom sent me away to college with.)

My crisis continues when I try to figure out just what look I’m going for here. I get so excited about vintage mid-century and ’60s things. I go ga-ga over Kelly Wearstler, who can take a 1970s heavily carved buffet table, paint it lime green and voila! But I need to get down to business. So, I’m looking for end tables on which to place lamps. I saw some at Not too Shabby in San Jose — bright gold boxes with glass tops (so Wearstler, I thought) but when I came back a week later, they were gone, of course. I saw some white Asian-style end tables, kind of retro, but they might be too stark.

A Kelly Wearstler living room. Why do I see myself as this?

And here’s the red herring. Out of my parent’s attic came a lamp from my grandmother — a 20-pound ceramic-but-looks-like-wood painted piece from the 50s or 60s probably with one of those huge conical shades. I’m thinking sentimental funky, and maybe that’s a good thing. Take a look and tell me if I’m crazy to keep it. Or, perhaps with a new shade, someone might say, “You can pull it off, girl!”