restaurant design

through my m+m (mangia & mingle) posts, i highlight the design of establishments (mostly local to southern california), and include a fair amount of restaurants (also capturing their cuisine).  design can set the tone, draw the crowd, and echo the essence of the food served within.  it's fascinating all the elements that go into planning the interior space, as it'll inevitably provide the first impression to customers long before they are served a meal or take a sip of their drink.
this thursday, the AIGA idea series presents restaurant design at the neurosciences institute in la jolla (10640 john hay hopkins drive) from 5:30-8:30pm.  featuring three local restaurant designers (micheal soriano from onairos design, paul basile of basile studio and barbara rourke from bells & whistles), they will present recent projects and hold a moderated speaking panel.  but before the panel begins, they will have a "chef-off" and "mix-off" between local restaurants so that everyone can experience the branding that they achieve to establish.  it should be a great night of discussion and perspective!

candy for the feet

it is parisian, christian louboutin's, 20th anniversary as a revolutionary footwear designer.  with his distinctive red soles (which came to existence out of sheer accident), his shoes are the ultimate fashion, coveted by many.  he uses only the best quality in materials, and with the superb craftsmanship and talent to create imaginative shoes, how could you not want a pair!?

"these heels are candy for the feet; they're for please, not practicality." ~christian louboutin

if you decided you wanted to add to your own shoe collection, louboutins are sold in bergdorf goodman, select department stores and boutiques. below are a few of his designs and sketches that caught my eye.

images louboutin

vertical garden

image from Terrain

 image from i spot green

image from contemporist

Living in southern California, it's relatively easy to maintain a garden of succulents.  But if you're looking for something a little different than a traditional bed or potted plants, consider a vertical garden.  Not only are they visually appealing and double as decor, but they also work well for small spaces or to establish privacy.  While many landscape designers can build custom wall pieces (like Falling Waters Landscape in Encinitas), you can also assemble your own.  I stumbled upon woollypockets about a year ago, and think that they are a great alternative to a vertical box.  The breathable modular pockets can be easily hung on the wall, in which you can organize your plants however you please.

 images from woollypocket

skoy .... scrub

*images Megan.Christine

Last month I had the pleasure of shooting a series of product photography for SKOY cloth.  The Encinitas, California based company, was established by two friends that wanted to provide a 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly all-purpose cloth.  The SKOY cloth is durable and absorbent, which makes it the perfect replacement for a sponge, wash cloth or paper towel.  Having now used the SKOY cloth since the shoot, I can attest that they stand up to a good scrub.

I decided that Mixture would be the perfect backdrop to capture the SKOY cloth in action.  Mixture is a modern furniture and home accessories store in San Diego's Little Italy.  With high-style elements, and many exclusive hard-to-find lines, this store is a must for any design buff.

i spot blu dot

I am a sucker for contemporary furniture, especially chairs.  I receive in the mail the catalogue for Blu Dot, a design and manufacturing company based out of Minneapolis that makes incredible modern and contemporary pieces for home and office.  Started in 1997 by three friends, they collaborate to bring functional and affordable products, built on the premise that "Good Design is Good."  I was thrilled when I discovered that Grounded (in Encinitas) was a retailer for Blu Dot.  Now I can actually touch, sit and get even more tempted to purchase.

white enameled game hooks

I got the new anthropologie catalogue in the mail today, and as I flipped through the pages, I came across some new hooks.  In four different designs (an elephant, an ibex, a giraffe and a zebra), these white enameled aluminum hooks, have both function and appeal.  What can I say, I still have a thing for antlers.

mod baby

Taking a step back from my life, I feel as though I am in the midst of baby season.  More of my friends and family are pregnant or just had new babies than any other point of my life thus far.  It's definitely an exciting time for them, and for me (being an "auntie").  I have learned more about strollers, diapers and baby leg warmers (they are really rad), which I am sure will all be outdated information by the time I have kids.  But, nonetheless, it's also been really entertaining for me to check out everyone's nurseries.  While some stick to the traditional gender colors (blue and pink), I really appreciate those that have inched out of the box.

I recently came across this article (from a friend) of Westchester, DE designer, Cira Brown.  With sustainability in mind, Cira blends many different styles into her interiors.  Her daughters room (pictured above) is far from a traditional child's room.  Her friends have encouraged her to exclusively design for children, and Cira has said, "it’s enticing because kid's rooms can be taken less seriously and yet they are willing to take risks." (Westchester Patch)  With a mix of bright colors, patterns and textures, this room is sure to engage and stimulate creativity.  I particularly like the bright blue bed and mirror, putting a spin on traditional pieces.  In conjunction, modern furniture, such as the rocking chair, makes for a design savvy room.  

red ready

Yesterday my friend was talking about how she planned to bake linzer cookies, heart shaped with a red jam center, and it got me thinking about February and the Valentine's holiday.  And then while I was out running errands, I was particularly observant of all the Valentine's paraphernalia, and that there is plenty.  So, today's blog is an ode to the color red, with some of my favorite items.  May we all get ready to see more of you next month.

Love, Kiki van Eijk 

Kelly Wearstler foyer, custom wallpaper

Christian Louboutin, Eugenie 

Victoria and Albert sofa by Patricia Urquiola

Kitchen Aid mixer 

Bo Concept Red Schelly chair

Elum letterpress designs

Maia Double Swivel + Canopy

O.P.I. Red My Fortune Cookie nail polish

ochre chandeliers

I subscribe to a hefty handful of different design magazines, many of which serve as inspiration and even more as personal desires.  I came across a British company, OCHRE, whose signature style has become understated elegance.  Using high quality material in simple forms, the designs can be set within a myriad of interiors from rustic to luxurious.  I fell for their chandeliers, specifically the Arctic Pear (above).  Included below are a few of my other favorites.  With the only US storefront in NYC (462 Broome Street), it might be a while until I get to see these pieces in person.

kindle- mod outdoor living

Recently our friend's hosted a party and with the SoCal climate, both the indoor and outdoor space were used during the celebration.  They had looked into renting heat lamps, as it does get a tad chilly in the evenings, but found that they could purchase some decent ones from the local hardware store (like Home Depot).  But just like many heat lamps on the market, they are bulky, plain and don't blend in with the decor.  While doing some research for our own patio, I came across this awesome design by Kindle.  It's the K Heater, and comes in a variety of colors (I personally liked the white).  The ribbed texture, and sleek form, this over sized lamp (imagine Alice in Wonderland) is both functional and stylish.  In addition to a personal patio or garden, these lamps have been spotted at LA hot spots and roof decks, and would be great for parties and weddings.  

micro tiles

I spotted these 5 inch micro tiles on Etsy.  Sold as a set, these tiles are delicate, intricate and are rich in texture.  Created by Heather Knight of Element Clay Studio (Ashville, NC), she also sells a selection of other beautiful pieces (votives, bowls, etc).   Her latest collection is botanically inspired 3-d tiles in helios porcelain, and they are absolutely incredible.

bold backsplashes

I was reading the November 2010 Food+Wine issue when I came across an article "Bold Backsplashes," featuring 'esprit blanc' from the luxury tile and stone company Artistic Tile.  The organic pattern of intertwined lines can be cut from any type of stone.  I thought this stark white stone would look amazing against a dark wood cabinets,  a muted continuation of the foliage outside a window.

Jet Setting: Austin- BBQ & Boots

Last month we flew into Austin, TX to celebrate the marriage of my best friend and her fantastic beau. The entire weekend was such an amazing time, filled with fabulous people, delicious eats, and good down to earth Texas fun. Kicking off the festivities was some finger-licking BBQ at the Salt Lick, we were dolled up in dresses and cowgirl boots, fitting the scene quite well. Before the wedding, which was at the Shoreline Grill along lady bird lake, we explored the city. Huffing it on foot, and dodging the looming rain clouds, we found some adorable boutiques, savvy shops and some more great food.

Two of my favorite shops to mention are the clothing store, By George, and the decor store, Mercury. By George, which is on South Congress, carries apparel, bags, shoes and jewelry from designers such as: La Rok, Corey Lynn Calter, Ella Moss, Salt Optics, etc. Across the water, on W 2nd Street, Mercury design studio is on a trendy block of real estate (including Ligne Roset). It reminds me of a merging of San Diego based Mixture + Solana Beach based Solo. I could have bought almost everything in the store, from the wall reliefs, to fox tails, to the custom covered chairs.

The weekend definitely went by too quick, and there was much more that I want to explore in Austin. Good thing our friends have a big house for visitors!

* images Megan.Christine