Holy Guacamole! Is that an actual eggplant growing in my front yard?
I woke up today and went for my regular walk through “the farm,” as I affectionately call my four raised boxes, and it was like everything changed overnight!
The beautiful purple flower I admired a couple days prior has turned into a baby eggplant, the squash plant has produced gorgeous yellow blossoms, the eight tomato plants are going nuts, the watermelon vines are practically snaking into the street, and there are enough herbs to supply my restaurant salad dressings for weeks.
But the best part of all is watching my neighbors’ smiling responses as they walk their dogs in the evening. People are so happy as they pass by, and as soon as things ripen, I plan to leave a little table with a basket for neighbors to help themselves to what I have left for them! I can’t wait!
July 1st, 2009 at 11:02am
Jenny Levison
I stopped by Anne Irwin Fine Art last night for a fabulous martini party and book signing of gallery owner Anne Irwin’s latest art book, the self-titled Anne Irwin Fine Art ($34.95 hardcover). The book, which is published via an online publisher so that Irwin can update it appropriately each time a work within its pages is sold, offers Irwin’s personal account of her discovery of, and relationships with, each of the artists featured. The result is a glowing, descriptive look at a beautiful collection of works by such artists as David Arms, CW Mundy, Danny McCaw and many more, as well as the unique vision of this passionate art collector. I have a copy of my own and am delighted that I’m already starting to get to know some of the artists better. Here’s to Anne’s great taste and an enterprising new venture!
If you’d like to learn more about Anne Irwin’s artists, her new book, or purchase a copy of your own, contact the gallery at (404) 352-1855 or anneirwinfineart.com
June 25th, 2009 at 10:11am
Kate
Holy Cannoli, it’s a radish! That’s right, the girl with the black thumb and absolutely no luck with gardening skills of any kind has picked her first handful of radishes!
Jenny Levison proudly displays her first harvest (radishes!) from her organic garden.
I am so impressed with myself that I can’t stand it! It has been one month since we planted Farmer D’s garden extraordinaire, and all that is happening is far-out fantastic.
Less than a month ago, this garden space included only seeds and tiny plants.
I have eight—count ‘em eight—varieties of tomatoes growing at a super speed, incredible beans, eggplant, Sunflowers, squash, zucchini and a slew of peppers from poblano to jalapeno. The herb garden is abundant enough to start an herbal tea store.
I am simply beside myself at the growth, and I have done nothing but water! Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it, but I could be the poster child for gardening for dummies!
Jenny shows us around her garden, where watermelon vines (planted from seed) have grown so prolifically they’re in the yard! In the background, tomato plants have grown to a height of four feet—they were only about six inches when planted in mid-May!
Garden update video Jenny Levison’s organic garden
June 18th, 2009 at 08:31am
Jenny Levison
Editor’s note: There’s an increasing awareness of the power of locally-grown foods—even the White House has launched its own organic garden. In turn, the slow food and the farm-to-table movements have gained momentum in recent years. As a result, we’ve asked Jenny Levison, a star on the local culinary scene with her restaurant, Souper Jenny, to keep a journal of her seasonal garden. Throughout the summer, she’ll be sharing her triumphs and tribulations of home gardening. We hope it inspires you to partake of summer’s organic bounty…or try your hand at growing your own
Oy, I am three weeks into my new 100 percent organic vegetable garden and my five-year-old and I are on the same page. What are we doing?! I am a first-time, novice gardener and laugh every day when I walk around my newly raised beds, wondering if I have killed anything yet! Lo and behold, Farmer D, the local organic farming expert who stopped by to help me on my quest, was right! All it takes is water and a snip here and there and these things actually grow!
Farmer D gives me the rundown on what it takes to grow a successful organic garden.
I allowed Farmer D to choose what would grow best so we have three plots full of all different kinds of tomatoes, zucchini, squash, eggplant, beans, watermelon, peppers from poblano to Jalapeno, radishes, beets and a huge variety of herbs. After three weeks and all this rain it’s been a snap!
The two of us get to work, surrounding each small planting with soft earth.
Me getting the hang of it. It's easy!
The crops from seeds are sprouting and starting to look like something and the tomato plants are growing on their trellis. I do confess that I have called Farmer D and bribed him with dinner if he will come by and make sure everything looks OK and give us a little gardening 101. I think he is wondering why I don’t know anything about this, but then again, can he make My Dad’s Turkey Chili?
June 1st, 2009 at 02:40pm
Jenny Levison
Roche-Bobois’ new "Croisette" sofa, part of the Les Contemporains collection, by designer Philippe Bouix
This weekend, while we’re all celebrating à la Americana, one top local showroom is holding a fête that comes close to upstaging our own. Roche-Bobois, a leading purveyor of French contemporary fine furnishings and accessories in Atlanta, modestly tucked away at Around Lenox Road, has an amazing selection in store—and just as amazing a promotion going on at the moment. Through Sunday, May 24, find the iconic pieces Roche-Bobois is known for, as well as new ones, like the contemporary Croisette leather sofa by designer Philippe Bouix, at incredible discounts. This once-annual event is one not-to-miss if you love sleek, classic, and most importantly—chic—modern style.
Roche-Bobois, 3400 Around Lenox Rd., Suites 204-205, Atlanta 30326. (404) 467-1900; rochebobois.com
May 20th, 2009 at 01:24pm
Kate
Editor’s note: The 2009 Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorators’ Show House & Gardens opens April 18 at the St. Regis Atlanta Hotel & Residences. It’s hard to believe the opening date is already upon us. For eight weeks prior to the show house reveal, we called on kitchen design extraordinaire and Design Galleria principal Matthew Quinn to chronicle the design process of his team as they created a contemporary kitchen from a completely blank canvas – an unfinished space in the new St. Regis Residences. The results are remarkable. Today, in his eighth and final installment, Quinn showcases a few snapshots of the finished kitchen; but, we assure you—the real thing is even more marvelous. Visit the show house through May 10 to see the brilliant, modern space for yourself. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!
The day has finally come for the “big reveal” of our contemporary show house kitchen.
It took four months of hard work to build this space from a shell and we feel like we achieved not only something unique, but something uniquely St. Regis. We are also very excited to show you the traditional and transitional kitchen and bathrooms we put our hearts and minds into creating. Whether your design perspective comes more from a chintz or stainless steel perspective, there is a room in these three residences that you will love. Come with an open mind and a keen eye to explore each and every detail of these residences and this stunning hotel.
Mary Kathryn, Laurie, Patti, Robin, myself and our team look forward to meeting you and giving you the nickel tour or quarter tour, whichever you choose.
April 15th, 2009 at 08:35am
Matthew Quinn
Editor’s note: It’s hard to believe that the Decorators’ Show House & Gardens opens in little more than a week. In the weeks leading up to the opening, we asked one of the participating designers, Matthew Quinn, to keep a journal of the process, every step of the way. Today is his seventh installment about how one of his spaces is taking shape. Look for his final installment next week as we anticipate the grand Show House opening on April 17.
I love jigsaw puzzles. This past week’s show house schedule was probably the most elaborate and complicated puzzle I have ever tackled. Designers are moving in incredible rooms of art and antiques amongst a sea of painters, tile installers, electricians and plumbers working on last minute details. Patience, deep breaths and the amazing organizational skills of our Director of Business Development, Dusty Miller, has kept me out of the emergency room this week. Our work is down to perfecting the tiniest of details, which sometimes takes longer than the entire rest of the process. I thought I would share a puzzle with you. Below are several small detail shots in the modern show house kitchen. See if you can assemble these to visualize the entire space, and if not, I will solve it for you next week.
The stainless steel-framed bronze glass hood and framed Gnosis mosaic backsplash
The paneled walls resembling the terrace French doors
Two side-by-side Wolf ovens
The stainless steel countertop and custom granite sink with Kohler Karbon faucet
Check back next week for our final blog in this series, when we unveil the finished kitchen. We’re excited for the grand opening! Purchase tickets to see the Show House in person at
decoratorsshowhouse.com.
April 8th, 2009 at 09:56am
Matthew Quinn
"…Even if you don’t live in Atlanta, I highly recommend subscribing to this magazine. AH&L always provides stories and coverage that are equal to, if not better than, the national magazines. We are so fortunate to live in a city that has such beautiful homes and world-class designers, as well as residents who value and appreciate the importance of a beautiful home." —Things That Inspire
"This month’s mag is awesome! Congrats! I loved it and took it to work to show off!" —KD, Atlanta
"I typically wait to read until the end of the day…but that cover was too entrancing. I had to take a long sneak peak at the newest issue just to carry me until 6:30. Having given up alcohol and desserts for Lent, I am hankering for special treats after work, and now I have one. I am so looking forward to a good read tonight. Mimi Williams did a bang up job…I am swooning over the copper pendants hung by the rope and the way she balanced that look with the softness of the linen skirts on the barstools." —MW, Atlanta
"Great work!!!!! Loved the new issue…soooo fab! Seriously, AH&L is the best shelter mag in the country right now." —BW, Atlanta
"Wow! I just read the April issue, cover to cover, every word, in one sitting, without having even opened it before I started this session. That is not how I normally read a magazine. Actually, I’ve never read a magazine this way. First it’s a overview to get a sense of what’s in store for me, and then I set it aside until a time when I can go into it further. Somehow, I just couldn’t NOT read the whole thing through. I love the look, the calligraphy in Style (news), the italics, the vertical headings… the personal notes from you and the others. Really, the whole thing is fabulous. I loved the story on Plaza Towers (actually, I folded it over for "future thinking." ) The story on Mimi Williams’ place is so beautiful and with so much integrity, I felt as if I were totally enveloped in the world she created. So, you gave me a wonderful conclusion to my weekend, after a crazy, crazy week. Now I am calm and re-balanced for the week ahead. What a great job!" —CE, Atlanta
"The magazine looks absolutely amazing. I don’t know of another local publication in the country that looks so slick and stylish!" —JB, Atlanta
"…Your April cover is stunning." —MBA, Kansas City
"A coworker just brought a couple of Atlanta-based magazines in [to the office]. Another coworker (who writes all of our home design stories) piped up and said, "You know what I really like? Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles." She thinks y’all have a beautiful publication. Just thought I’d pass along the compliment!" —CW, Birmingham
"I just saw the April issue…it knocked me out by how glorious it looks!" —MW, Atlanta
"I love the new issue. Super nice cover. Love the ombre logo." —MA, Atlanta
"I just wanted to let you know that I just got our new issue and I love it! Everything is so pretty, sophisticated and very relaxing—perfect for Spring." —CT, Atlanta
"I just saw the April issue. It is stunning, one of the prettiest covers I have ever seen." —RB, Atlanta
April 2nd, 2009 at 09:56am
Kate
Editor’s note: It’s hard to believe that the Decorators’ Show House & Gardens opens in just over two weeks. In the weeks leading up to the opening, we asked one of the participating designers, Matthew Quinn, to keep a journal of the process, every step of the way. Today is his sixth installment about how one of his spaces is taking shape. Look for a new installment every week until April 17 when the Show House opens.
I think I figured out why Design Galleria loves to partake in show houses; we are addicted to the challenge. It is our own “Amazing Race” reality show! Although we have participated in more show houses than any other kitchen and bath design studio in the entire Southeast, this was the ultimate test. Not only did we take on a show house in a high rise while it was under construction—which was a feat in itself—but we also committed to creating 3 kitchens, 3 bars and 7 bathrooms!
If we did not already have 15 Atlanta Symphony Associates Show Houses under our belts, the pictures below would be quite scary. These pictures show the current status of the modern unit kitchen in all of its glory. It is hard to believe that interior designers start moving in their furniture, drapery and art this weekend. With the right combination of hard work, long hours and a little bit of magic, it continuously amazes me how it ALWAYS gets done.
I will let you know next week if I was able to sleep at all this week.
The metal surround of the custom hood could not be templated until the sloped ceiling was finished. The bronze glass hood inserts could not be templated until the metal surround was made. The lights and fan in the hood can’t be installed until the glass inserts are installed.
Since the peninsula has a granite countertop and a stainless steel countertop butting into each other, the granite had to be templated and installed before the stainless could be templated and installed. The appliances are always one of the last items to be installed in a kitchen and require the decorative hardware so the integrated panels can be drilled for them.
April 1st, 2009 at 09:12am
Matthew Quinn
Editor’s note: With the Decorators’ Show House & Gardens less than a month away, we asked one of the participating designers, Matthew Quinn, to keep a journal of the process, every step of the way. Today is his fifth installment about how one of his spaces is taking shape. Look for a new installment every week until April 17 when the Show House opens.
Sometimes, design can be like a bullet train. The process can start out slow and cautious, but once a solid foundation of design decisions has been built, there are soon fewer options for each stop on the ride. Before you know it, the train is moving faster and faster and the decisions become easier. For instance, after getting most of the layout and finishes selected, I could not think of another faucet that would be more perfect for this kitchen than the
Kohler Karbon. The way this faucet can be articulated is so cool; it can be configured to be very tall in order to fill huge pots and spray out the corners of the huge granite sink, or it can be folded down very small so as to not block the terrace view. I kind of like pretending it is a microphone, too.
Kohler’s Karbon faucet as shown with the contemporary kitchen’s large granite sink
Again keeping the view in mind, I knew I wanted three pendants over the peninsula that would be basically translucent during the day and add just the right amount of light and interest at night. Since this design “train” seems to be about horizontal stripes, I chose the Ingo pendant from
WAC Lighting because of its long, slender white glass body and horizontally striped etchings. There is not an incredible amount of space between the drinking bar (I call it this because anything other than sipping wine or martinis here would be done in the adjacent casual dining space) and the peninsula and the tall terrace doors, so I really needed a counterstool that had very little visual weight. The almost transparent
Kartell Charles Ghost counter stools from
Design Within Reach were again an easy decision. The decorative hardware was really all that was left to choose and that is always one of my favorite decisions. There are hundreds of options that could have worked in this modern kitchen, but I knew that only one would be perfect. I decided to custom design the hardware using two of the elements in the space: the stainless steel of the ovens and countertops and the bronze glass of the backlit hood. This piece, called "Marquet," is part of my own hardware collection [Ed note:
The Matthew Quinn Collection], and what makes it so versatile is that any material—from stone to horn to wood—can be inserted into this handle’s slot, making it the perfect hardware for anyone’s design “train.”
The Matthew Quinn Collection custom-designed cabinetry hardware, incorporating the stainless steel of the appliances and the bronze glass of the backlit hood
I’ll take you behind the scenes of even more of the contemporary show house design next week. Have a great week!
March 25th, 2009 at 08:22am
Matthew Quinn
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