House Beautiful articles from May 2009

House Beautiful archives from May 2009

Artichoke lamps.(THE BEST!)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These larger-than-life lamps bringa smile to our faces. They're big (30" high) and bold (available in 16 cheery colors). Forget about dealing with a prickly exterior--these artichokes are handmade of papier-mache!...

1. Plate.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Fool your friends with antipasto that looks good enough to eat. Ceramic olives are attached Majolica-style. Faux Nicoise, $62. THE HOME, JAMES! COLLECTION: 631-329-8878; homejameseasthampton.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Produced by...

2. Glasses.(THE BEST!)(17-Ounce Carnival Glasses by Fishs Eddy)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Your guests will have so much fun drinking from these festive glasses that just say summertime. 17-Ounce Carnival Glasses, $6 each. FISHS EDDY: 877-347-4733; fishseddy.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Produced by WHITNEY ROBINSON

3. Digital frame.(THE BEST!)(Parrot Digital Photo Frame)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Even if you don't understand how it works (the frame wirelessly retrieves pictures from your computer), you'll appreciate the beauty of its sleek black frame and ribbed Lucite edges by the great Andree Putman. Parrot Digital Photo Frame, 9" x...

4. Banquette.(THE BEST!)(Cisco Brothers)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Who wouldn't feel cozy nestled in the curvy, tufted back of the Goodman Banquette? Perfect for the kitchen or living room. 60"W x 38"H x 32"D, from $2,225. CISCO BROTHERS: 323-778-8612; ciscobrothers.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

5. Tote.(THE BEST!)(18% Collection Tote)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Crafted from fabric remnants, so No two are alike, this laminated canvas tote is perfect for those who believe one print is never enough. 18% Collection Tote, 14"W x 19"H x 7"D, $139. AU: 800-221-0743; au-inc.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

6. Throw.(THE BEST!)(Porto Cervo Throw by Rani Arabella)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... An indulgence, certainly, but this lightweight cashmere-and-silk throw is something you might discover on a European vacation and then treasure back home. The generous size (49" x 79") and exquisite hand-printed birds and butterflies will add...

7. Birdcage.(THE BEST!)(Rusted Metal Birdcage With Finial by Mecox Gardens)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... At almost four feet tall, this obelisk-shaped cage is that big statement your room has been begging for. Or buy two for the mantel, table, even outside on the patio. Birds optional. Rusted Metal Birdcage With Finial, 44" H, $250. MECOX GARDENS:...

8. Chest.(THE BEST!)(Raie 3-Drawer Chest by Pier 1 Imports)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Don't fret if you don't have any heirlooms coming your way. The weathered patina and painted finish make this chest look like it's been in the family for years. Raie 3-Drawer Chest, 31"H x 24" W x 13"D, $200. PIER 1 IMPORTS: 800-245-4595;...

9. Room scent.(THE BEST!)(Jardinieres and Citrus Trees by Anthousa)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Anthousa's diffuser reminds us that good things come in small--and stunning--packages. The violet-hued bottle hides an earthy citrus scent. The de Gournay print box means it's a gift that needs no wrapping! Jardinieres & Citrus Trees, 17 oz.,...

Colors with great names: death by Chocolate. What a way to go! Just one of the best names--and best paint colors--our designers recommend here.
May 1, 2009... "Remember how Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray never got old? Neither does this color. I use it again and again whenever I want atmosphere. DORIAN GRAY is the palest blue-gray you can imagine, soft and subtle, like a mist. You hardly notice it's a...

Instant room Todd Romano: "If it were up to me, I would live in my bed and eat my dinner from a tray!" says designer Todd Romano. Watch him build that live-in bedroom right here.
May 1, 2009... TODD ROMANO "Bedrooms should be about comfort, beauty, and function," says the New York-based designer and shop owner. Inspired by his favorite T4 fabrics, Romano designed a bedroom that's cozy, bright, and modern. [ILLUSTRATION...

Spatter: what does it make you think of? We see visions of an artist's studio, confetti, creativity unleashed ...(EVERYWHERE WE LOOK ...)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2009... A Little Backstory Your first association with paint drips might be the artist Jackson Pollock, but the spatter motif has a rich history. Colonial Americans decorated their floors with drips. Early-19th-century Americans, especially the...

Rugs patchwork.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... The words homey and handmade are sounding very good to us again. Here, a new generation of pieced rugs that will warm up a modern room or relax a formal one. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Melange in Multi A global take on 19th-century...

Send us a picture of ...(junk drawers)
May 1, 2009... Somewhere in every home there's the bottomless, fascinating, slightly terrifying junk drawer. It's like a little attic. Here are eight highly distinguished ones for you to dig through. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I travel all over...

Wallpaper for the kitchen.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... All it takes is a little soap and water to keep these sophisticated papers looking their best. Bring on the spaghetti sauce. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Potager in Robins Egg A garden's supply of fruits and veggies drawn against a clear...

I'm looking for a counter stool.(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2009... If the kitchen is the new living room, then here's your new favorite armchair. You'll live on these stools... we promise. 1. Marcello, maple frame, upholstered seat, from $349. Ballard Designs: 800-367-2775; ballarddesigns.com. ...

Confessions of a kitchen planner: where does your budget go? How can you maximize resale value? Find out here, from one of the best in the business.(Q&a)(Interview)
May 1, 2009... "What do you need to know about a client's habits, likes, dislikes?" CHRISTOPHER PEACOCK: As much as possible. A lot of people have an unrealistic vision of how they live or how they imagine they'll live once they have a new kitchen. We...

Technophobia trash compactors: are they green or aren't they? And more important, where are we with the yuck factor?(Q&a)(Interview)
May 1, 2009... "Trash compactors have a pretty sketchy reputation, don't they?" MELINDA AGUILAR (Sales Manager, Renwes Appliances): It's funny, my parents, who started our appliance store, used to tell people not to buy one, that they're noisy and smelly...

Tablescape: dining out.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Star event planner David Stark welcomes summer with an all-American table featuring Target's newest collection. Can't you just smell the barbecue? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Everyone likes to be brought back to childhood. Throw in some...

Ask the barefoot Contessa: Ina Garten Onion & Fennel Soup Gratin: you'll never believe where Ina found this delicious soup ... in the freezer!(Q&a)(Recipe)
May 1, 2009... I work long hours during the week--plus make dinner for my family every night. So I'd like to take it easy on the weekends. Do you have a recipe that lean make, freeze, and then serve for lunch or dinner? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] M.D.,...

Cookbook: two dudes, one pan: two California caterer dudes show you just how much you can do with a single pan and a few supermarket ingredients.(Q&a)(Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook)(Interview)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ALEX MOTT: I have a small kitchen and not much time to cook, so your less-is-more approach really appeals to me. JON SHOOK: We started a catering company in Los Angeles with almost...

What Every House Needs.(Editorial)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Our theme this month, "What Every House Needs," was a lot more interesting than any of us ever imagined. Because everybody defines "need" differently, many answers surprised us, and we all learned a lot. You'll hear...

Every house needs peace: the quiet elegance of a desert home.(WHAT EVERY HOUSE NEEDS)(Interview)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] European style in a new house in Phoenix. How did you do it? French doors, French antiques, the ornate fireplace in the living...

Every house needs atmosphere: stone, shadows, pattern ... and so much soul.(WHAT EVERY HOUSE NEEDS)(Interview)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The living room Feels like something out of a castle, with its high ceilings and stone walls. It is kind of dramatic, but the stones are deeply embedded in...

Every house needs the essentials: 16 highly opinionated, truly expert checklists.(WHAT EVERY HOUSE NEEDS)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Security Essentials SERGEANT ANTHONY ARCHULETA Durango, Colorado Police Department [] FLASHLIGHT [] FIRST AID KIT [] ONE OR TWO PEOPLE WHO KNOW CPR [] ROPE LADDER with wooden steps, to...

Every house needs pizzazz: just go for it! It'll make you so happy.(WHAT EVERY HOUSE NEEDS)(Interview)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MIMI READ: You're a standard-bearer for unimpeachably chic design. You're also irrepressibly playful. How do you combine these aspects? JONATHAN ADLER: I think a room should be 95...

Every kitchen needs a great gadget: 27 stylish new ways to get things done.(WHAT EVERY HOUSE NEEDS)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 WHAT IS IT? Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker WHY THIS ONE? Totally new concept! A ceramic ball pulverizes fresh herbs and dried spices--even cinnamon sticks--with a simple cocktail shaker action....

Every house needs sparkle: mirrored lattice brings the garden inside.(WHAT EVERY HOUSE NEEDS)(Interview)(Cover story)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You use a lot of reflective surfaces here. I love a little shimmer. I think sparkle in a room, even when it's subtle, adds a...

Every house needs confidence: how to put great rooms together, the Napa way.(WHAT EVERY HOUSE NEEDS)(Interview)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A classic Napa ranch surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, lavender, ancient oaks. It's rhetorical to ask why you live here, but why? DD: Napa is an...

Nantucket, Massachusetts: an earthy brown and white palette keeps this kitchen grounded, while a vaulted wooden ceiling conjures up the island's seafaring history.(KITCHEN OF THE MONTH)(Interview)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CHRISTINE PITTEL: This kitchen seems as plain and simple as one of those old Nantucket baskets on the shelves. SANDI HOLLAND: That's the essence of...

The best! For the kitchen.(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2009... A sink to design your kitchen around... crackle-glaze tile... the perfect towels for crystal. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. Tile Classic brick tile with depth and character thanks to hand-applied crackle glaze. For walls or floors,...

The last words: what were you convinced you needed ... but never used? We all have something ...
May 1, 2009... "I just had to have a steam shower. My whole bathroom was torn up to install the pipes and the fittings, the glass door needed to be sealed in a certain way, the ceiling specially painted to resist mold. Unfortunately, I never have time for the...