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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 »

Just Listed: Cute Cambrian Home

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Front

This House reminds me of my grandmother’s. She lived in the Cambrian Neighborhood as well. What I loved about this house was the huge wrap around counter in the kitchen. Perfect for a buffet! And, I also loved the screened porch with fireplace. I can imagine that would extend the California outdoor living season to pretty much year round. I can tell you I met one neighbor who flagged me down because there was something under my car. I pulled over and she climbed under to pull it out! So thumbs up to the neighborhood.

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 2

Square Footage: 1639

See the full tour here.

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

Posted in Cambrian, Desiree, For Sale, Just Listed, Open Homes, Open House, Real Estate, San Jose, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Indie Fixx Galleria: A place for Unique Finds

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Vintage Shot Glasses

Tasha McKelvey Bowl

I am a huge fan of finding things for my home that either has a great story or is a super unique find. One of favorite sites to spy decor fit for the hippest casas is Indie Fixx Galleria, an online showcase of handmade, indie-made & vintage goods. Whether you are on the hunt for a fine art prints, pottery or vintage wall hooks you are sure to find something here to tickle your fancy. These are a few things that I am loving this week:

Pillows

Handmade Pottery Bird Bowl by Tasha McKelvey This cute little bowl would be so perfect for new love birds (read engagement gift) or just something to remind you that spring is just around the corner! $60.00

I love things “mid century cool”, so I was enamored by the delights at the Sunny Day Vintage shop. I love these houndstooth shot glasses and this vintage Rules of my Kitchen plaque.

I am a sucker for pillows that bring a pop of color to my sofa or bed. My fave is the Red Bird on the Branch. Freshline Illustration &Design is a whimsical shop filled with many one-of-a-kind items. They offer free shipping as well!

Monkey and Squirrel Shop: Bird of a feather Wall Hook – These little cast iron bird hook is “for hanging your keys, towels, cardigans, or vintage scarf”. Perfect for when you want to hang things with some style! Their online shop is full of whimsical goodies for you and your home.

Sheila - Lookiloos.com

Posted in Decorating, Featured, Looki What I Found, Sheila, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Get Lost in Brick Monkey

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

* Ball Pillow Getting lost drives me nuts. I hate it. I always stress about keeping my clients waiting and I don’t really care to be spending any extra time wandering around trying to figure out if I’m headed in the right direction. But on this particular day, I found myself lost. I was supposed to be in a very nice residential area of Redwood City and instead, cow painting I found myself in the middle of downtown Redwood City. So I’m trying to find my way back to the street I need and something catches my eye. A gorgeous red brick building and on that building there was a sign — Brick Monkey.

What the heck is that? Wait, what’s that in the window? I loop around the block to check it out. It’s an interior design shop. Yippee! And it looks so wonderful. Now, of course my client is waiting, so I can’t stop now. I find my way and finish my photo shoot. I ask my client, “Have you been to the Brick Monkey?” She had not, but heard they had some wonderful things. So, I pack up my gear and I head back down to the Brick Monkey. I crossed that threshold and instantly felt like a kid in a candy shop.

I have so many favorite things I wish I could have brought home with me. The cow painting at $395 is to die for and the turquoise sofa so inviting, so calming, it chases my winter blues away. Another one of my Modern Leather Chairs favorites is this set of metal nesting tables for $1350.00 and let’s not forget these fabulous chairs. I love the geometric shapes of the leather. Now here is the best part—Brick Monkey is having their very first factory floor sale! All of their custom metal furniture will be up to 70% off. So mark your calendars for January 23rd and 24th. Be sure to come prepared with a large vehicle and moving pads to bring your one-of-a kind treasure home. Trust me on this. Bring a big car. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been caught in the wrong vehicle. Once a year, designer Stephanie Kolkka, a Brick Monkey partner and the metal-smith( who created those wonderful nesting tables) clears out her Napa Valley studio to make way for new designs. Expect great savings and wonderful finds. OK, I’m putting this out there— I’m up for the floor sale! Who else wants to make the trip? I’ll drive and I’ve got a big suburban. Let me know. We could meet for coffee (Peet’s preferably) and then some serious shopping! C’mon it’s twenty ten and we all could use a dose of fresh! Comment here or drop me an email—desiree@lookiloos.com

Brick Monkey

2400 Broadway
Redwood City, CA 94063
650.260.1155

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

Here’s the complete slideshow:

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

Posted in Decorating, Desiree, Featured, Field Trip, Furniture, Interior Design, Looki What I Found, Redwood City, Shopping, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Snowmen Take Over Willow Glen’s Eclectic Touch

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

: Cookie Plate $12.95

: Snow Statue $26.00

: Door Sign $42.00

: Ornament $11.00

: Gift box $26.00

: Shelf Snowman

: Jack in the box $69.95

: Pair of Friends $16.95 each

: Frosty Ornament

Snowmen have always been one of my favorite Holiday accessories. The jolly winter characters have a way of making me smile and think back to when I was little and believed nothing was better than a day in the snow making snow “families” with my childhood friends.

This time of year Willow Glen’s Eclectic Touch is filled with beautiful items from serving dishes, guest soaps to train sets to to get your home ready for the holidays or for a last minute hostess gift. Images of Snowmen, along with angels, Santa and many other holiday favorites can be found in this unique shop. Year round you can find home furnishings, decorative accessories, custom floral design and gifts that don’t say Pottery Barn.

Here a just a few fun items that can transform your home into a Winter Wonderland this month.

Eclectic Touch

1171 Lincoln Avenue

San Jose, CA 95125

(408) 292-7434

Posted in Featured, Home Decor, Looki What I Found, Sheila, Uncategorized, Willow Glen | 1 Comment »

Winter Wonderland in Almaden Valley

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

Almaden Nursery: Winter Wonderland

A Lookiloo reader contacted me about a nursery that has a home and garden gift shop as well. “It’s so wonderful. When I need a hostess gift it’s my first stop”, said Judy.

“OK, Mom I’ll check it out” I replied. Since this was my Mom’s hot tip, I figured we should go together and then maybe a little lunch to finish the day.

The Coveted Snowman Platter

What a winter wonderland! I can see why my Mom loves Almaden Nursery. Christmas ornaments range from adorable to elegant. I found so many things I’d love to “give” to my favorite hostess. The hard part would be parting with the magical item. Seriously, I’d have to buy two. The items to top my list would be this snowman platter for $39.99 and this completely adorable white reindeer for $44.99. Just look at that face!

White Reindeer

I also loved the giant penguin and I mean GIANT. He stood at almost 5 feet tall and was very generous in the width department. Now , far be it from me to comment on someone’s girth, but this guy was obviously a very good eater. I didn’t even ask “how much”, because I think I would have somehow figured out how to swing it and well I know the kids would love him. The husband—not so much. I can hear him now, “Where does he sleep the other 11 months of the year?” And, yes even I couldn’t answer that.

My Giant Penguin

I’ve got more photos in a slideshow. I’d love to hear what is your favorite…

Almaden Valley Nursery: 15800 Almaden Expressway, San Jose. CA.

Here’s the complete slideshow:

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

Posted in Almaden Valley, Desiree, Featured, Garden, Home and Garden, Looki What I Found, San Jose, Store, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Heather Bullard Modern Vintage Finds

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

chandelier

I have been a fan of Heather Bullard’s store for quite some time. I love looking at the French vintage pharmacy bottles, zinc place cards and fun votive candle holders. beehook

A writer,stylist and photographer, Heather’s online shop of vintage finds and line of reproduction furniture speak to “weathered elegance and comfortable beauty.” Check out her blog, it features tips and tricks for a modern vintage lifestyle, where it is the little touches that matter.

I am particularly enamored by this Bronze Nest chandelier. It features delicate crystal leaf accents and candle lightbulb holders for a reasonable $199.95. I also am eyeing a few of these Zinc Bee Hooks, perfect for hanging kitchen towels or garden tools at $8.95 each.

Posted in Decorating, Featured, Home Decor, Looki What I Found, Other Cool Sites, Sheila, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Iomoi Uses Modern Lucite to Spiff Up Cocktail Hour

Monday, November 9th, 2009

iomoi lucite buckets

Looking for a thoroughly modern way to show a little personality during happy hour? Combining lucite and a extensive array of modern retro designs, Iomoi transforms afternoon cocktails for good.

iomoi coasters2 A long time favorite of mine, Iomoi is an online stationary store that creates “timeless classics with a modern twist”, where your membership allows you to create and download your own luxury stationery.

Building on their success, they introduced a line of home accessories you can customize as easily as notes cards. For example, these ice buckets can be customized to feature something as classic as your initials in a retro font or esconced in a modern take on plaid for $68.00.You can also crate custom lucite serving trays (approx. $100) and coasters – both paper and glass (ranging from $26 for 1 to $215 for 12).

With the possibility of elegant french patterns or modern monkeys with umbrellas holding your martini glasses, happy hour may never be the same.

Sheila Looking Left - Lookiloos