House Beautiful articles from February 2006

House Beautiful archives from February 2006

This month it's all about change.(editor's letter)(Editorial)
February 1, 2006... What's majorly new at House Beautiful this month is me, Stephen Drucker, the editor-in-chief. Right now I'm at my desk on the 29th floor of 1700 Broadway in Manhattan, looking across the Hudson River, picturing all of you reading this magazine...

Searching for paint.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... I am in love with the living room featured in "Now Showing" in the November issue. I am trying to renovate and decorate my 1940s house in central Austin in the same style, and I am desperate to find the lovely shade of blue paint designer Kerry...

How to hang a mirror on a mirror.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... Clare Potter's gorgeous Manhattan apartment ["City Lights," December] decorated for the holidays by designer Libby Moulton was such a treat--timeless tradition at its best. But how did she attach the beautiful sunburst mirror to the mirrored...

Where to find a featured mirror.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... I am interested in purchasing the starburst mirror featured on the cover of the October issue. Can you tell me where to find it? Sherri Marx via e-mail The mirror used by designer Markham Roberts in the entrance hall featured on...

Roasting temperature revealed.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... In the December 2005 issue, the oven temperature for cooking the standing rib roast featured in "Prime Time" was not included in the recipe--could you provide it? Marge Campbell via e-mail The oven temperature for cooking the rib...

Outfitting the Home Theater: innovative televisions and sound systems take center stage--or cleverly designed to retreat into the background.(DECORATING / style beat)
February 1, 2006... Plasma Masterpiece 50-inch flat-screen television, $3,500, and Classic gold leaf frame, $450; from Panasonic: 800-405-0652. St. Denis armchairs in green mohair, available through designers from Grange: 800-472-6431. Brick carpet in garnet,...

Suit yourself.(DECORATING / swatch watch)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Create an instantly cozy bedroom by slipcovering your headboard in softly textured, smartly tailored style This Peabody bed by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has a straight-lined headboard and footboard that can be easily slipcovered to warm...

... Add texture to a room: designer Laura Day says a variety of surfaces is key to making any room more interesting.(DECORATING / how to ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... If you want a cozy look and feel, choose wood, plush fabrics, woven surfaces, and natural fabrics for the floors and surfaces to add texture to a room. If a streamlined look is what you're after, try lacquer, plastics, metals, and glass. The...

One day at a time: decorator Kathryn M. Ireland gives herself three weeks to renovate her Santa Monica kitchen, and keeps a running diary of her progress (or lack thereof).(DECORATING / makeover)
February 1, 2006... DAY 1 I take one last look at my kitchen of the last 12 years. Can I really face going through breakfasts from the food truck and barbecue dinners for the next three weeks? It took two men exactly two hours to dismantle the place. Oven, cook...

Clean sweep designer Leslie Sachs offers a guide to creating a multipurpose laundry room that could become your favorite place in the house.(DECORATING / designer's top ten)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Plan your laundry room as carefully as you would any other room in the house. Consider the floor plan: How do you want to use it? How will it function best? Make it your favorite room in the house so you'll enjoy spending time in it. Give...

The Charm factor: luscious pain colors & traditional patterns make a brand-new house feel well-loved, lived-in, and welcoming.
February 1, 2006... WHEN CATHY AND SCOTT BORTZ couldn't find an old house in Charlotte, North Carolina, that would accommodate their brood (four children and two dogs), they decided to build their own. Architect Don Duffy designed a center-hall Georgian that...

Twin cities tudor: a traditional structure is transformed into a versatile, more modern space with an eclectic decor that is both warm and luxurious.
February 1, 2006... The word Tudor sounds prim, proper, and vaguely inflexible. But Tudor houses--distinguished by half-timbering, dark wood trim, and outsize chimneys--are more versatile than you might think, if you have the right decorator. ...

Out of the shadow: a 19th-century townhouse in Manhattan is transformed into a glamorous and urbane family home.
February 1, 2006... THE SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE is a rarity in Manhattan, and when one enters the real estate market, it doesn't stay there for long. Townhouses are at such a premium that even those that are nearly rotten to the core attract eager buyers. Case in...

Sun Valley cozy: Charlotte Ford gives her Idaho getaway a colorful yet casual update with a little help from designer Jeffrey Levinson.
February 1, 2006... RIGHT ABOUT NOW, Charlotte Ford starts to plan her getaway. For three weeks every March, when she's had quite enough of New York's gray skies and slushy sidewalks, the author of three etiquette manuals makes tracks for snowy Sun Valley, Idaho....

Island idyll: a South Carolina vacation house is re-created as a relaxed retreat with a modern touch for a busy family who likes to entertain.
February 1, 2006... "IT LOOKED LIKE LIBERACE'S VACATION PALACE," says architect Michael Canter of a 1980s house he recently renovated on Kiawah Island, a gated resort community 21 relies south of Charleston, South Carolina. "Marble, red lacquer, and gilt...

Unlimited vision: a medium-size backyard gets treatment on a grand scale.(PASSIONS / garden rescue)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... THE LIMITED SIZE of this 64-by 90-foot backyard in Napoleon, Ohio, did nothing to limit the imagination of garden designer Stephen Rosselet. He approached it as he would a larger landscape, dividing the yard into three areas--a bluestone...

Seeing red: planting a garden with crimson blooms and foliage can energize a landscape and punctuate quiet color schemes.(PASSIONS / gardening)
February 1, 2006... I USED TO THINK that red flowers were too obvious. How unsophisticated of me. Reds--in all shades and hues-bring life to borders and containers, just like a good red lipstick can accent an intriguing face. RED ALERT: TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION...

Shopping from the sofa: of the 60 million objects available on eBay, Edward Ross paid $100 for an item you may never have heard of. Here's why ...(PASSIONS / weekend shopper)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... IT IS A THOROUGHLY modern paradox that eBay presents: Only in the age of information could the world's largest and most comprehensive flea market exist in a place that you cannot fly to, drive to, or walk through. It is at once its greatest...

Storm warnings: to leave or not to leave? As Hurricane Katrina approaches, Patrick Dunne has to decide whether he is ready to abandon his home and his city.(PASSIONS / thoughts of home)
February 1, 2006... PANIC AND THE WIND were unrelenting, but Hurricane Katrina was still far from shore. Running away from home never much appealed to me anyway, especially not now. I did it once when I was eight and whatever my intended destination--which I...

Coming attractions: new technology makes it easy to integrate a home theater into almost any room in the house.
February 1, 2006... IF YOUR FANTASIES run to a private screening room, get out the popcorn. It's no longer necessary to dedicate a whole (preferably windowless) room to bulky equipment. In fact, those dark. cavelike screening rooms can be consigned to history. The...

A bunch for brunch: how do you improve French toast? Two restaurateurs share a recipe for a banana-stuffed, custard-soaked version to make at home--sous chef not required.(ENTERTAINING / gatherings)
February 1, 2006... "NO ONE MAKES BRUNCH just for themselves," says Vicki Freeman, co-owner with husband and chef Marc Meyer of the New York restaurant Five Points. "It's something you do to entertain and it's such a good meal to make at home." She should...

The art of tea: a tempting array of new teas and accessories are sure to entice you to sit for a spot.(ENTERTAINING / editor's choice)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... TWINKLE, TWINKLE Petrossian's silverplated Etoile tea strainer is the star of any tea party, $32. From Petrossian: www.petrossian.com. Rose silver needle white tea, $17 for 3 ounces. From Mightly Leaf Tea: www.mightyleaf.com [ILLUSTRATION...

The wedding bouquet: in an excerpt from his book, To Have & To Hold, David Stark shows how the humblest bloom can star in a charming posy and inspire the decor of the entire event.(ENTERTAINING)(Excerpt)
February 1, 2006... HOW MANY DAISIES have been sacrificed in pursuit of romance ("she loves me, she loves me not...") is unclear, but they certainly are well suited for the duty. Spectacularly happy, indefatigably sunny, daisies radiate innocence and country...

Mix it up! smooth, subtle vodka is the perfect basis for delicious cocktails that are a little out of the ordinary.(ENTERTAINING / spirits)
February 1, 2006... NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE where vodka originated--most likely somewhere in Poland or Russia--and at the beginning it was rough stuff distilled from grain. (Contrary to popular belief, very little vodka is potato-based.) The big breakthrough came in...

Cold comfort four unconventional soups are studded with herbs and spices that are big on flavor, but surprisingly simple to make.
February 1, 2006... This page: Canned tomatoes, coconut milk, and peanut butter form the base of a spicy Senegalese peanut soup that's a perfect light supper and ready in as little as thirty minutes. Glass tumblers from Eskandar, spoons from Hatch. Opposite: A...

Carlisle wide plank floors.(beautiful finds)
February 1, 2006... For nearly 40 years, this family-owned company has custom crafted traditional wide plank floors in hand selected Antique and Old Growth pines and hardwoods. Design options to fit any style of home and ideal over radiant heat. (all...

Claudio Rayes.(beautiful finds)
February 1, 2006... 14 designer beds you will lore and why. Request the free catalog of the Claudio Rayes bed collection and learn why interior designers love and recommend it. Helpful to make a choice. Visit www.claudiorayes.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Sterling silverware for sale.(beautiful finds)
February 1, 2006... More than 6,000 patterns of new and discontinued flatware patterns at very affordable prices. China, crystal and fine silver gift items also available. Call Silver Queen at 800-262-3134 for a free catalog, or visit www.silverqueen.com. National...

Mayfield leather.(beautiful finds)
February 1, 2006... Sink into luxury with the timeless style of MAYFIELD LEATHER'S Chesterfield sofa, offered with cushions or tufted seat. Also available as a sleeper, loveseat, chair and ottoman at direct sale prices. Choose from over 60 top grain leathers and...

Spectrum.(beautiful finds)
February 1, 2006... 100% Crystal Wrought Iron Chandelier. This beautiful chandelier has 6 lights and is decorated and draped with hand-cut and polished 100% crystal that capture and reflect the light of the candle bulbs. The timeless elegance of this chandelier is...

Pet doors U.S.A.(beautiful finds)
February 1, 2006... Over 201 styles of pet doors to choose from. No need to rush home or get up early on the weekends. Your pet will enjoy the freedom to come and go as they please. Choose from doors for doors, walls, screens or patio doors. We even carry...

A delicate balance.(FINISHING TOUCH)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... "Group a collection together for maximum impact," says designer Mark Phelps, who starts with the center and works out from there to form his compositions (see the rest of this dining room on page 35). "I put the gilded bracket on the floor and...