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.

Cafe Noir: San Diego

I have walked past the tiny black house in San Diego's East Village with the red neon sign, Cafe Noir, many times.  I always wonder what exactly it is, but I am always on a mission to get to my destination, that I never stop in.  But this past weekend, on the way to a San Diego Padres baseball game, we decided to pop in and check it out.  Cafe Noir (447 9th Avenue) is a small coffee house and cafe in a renovated Victorian house with a small wrap around porch and a large backyard patio.  They serve a variety of specialty beverages, from espressos to mochas and the menu contains light fare, like sandwiches.  But, what caught our attention on that warm summer afternoon was the $2 beer specials.  In downtown, this is unheard of.  After ordering at the counter inside a bright red and black interior, we sat out back underneath large round paper lanterns strewn across the patio at metal tables and enjoyed the sunshine.  In the backyard there is also a stone pathway that leads to a tree-house structure surrounded by greenery for additional private lounging.  They also have a black swinging chair tucked into the corner for those who'd rather relax than people watch.  More unique than your average Starbucks, I will definitely return to Cafe Noir!

Residential Interiors: Kittell, Washington, DC

While in Washington DC, I had the pleasure of enjoying a glass of Italian Prosecco (which I now love to sip on summer nights) on Colleen Kittell's newly completed patio (with a beautiful floral mural painted by artist Kelly Ayo) at her U Street neighborhood townhouse.  U Street is undergoing redevelopment, and many of the old buildings have been restored, and new shops and boutiques have flourished over the past few years.  Ms. Kittell purchased her townhouse in 2007 and has since put in a lot of time and effort redesigning and decorating the interiors.  She was inspired by the history of the building, originally built in 1890, and mixes old and new throughout the two floors.  Many of her antiques have been in her family for years, or have been picked up at various furniture stores (some from Fredericksburg, VA).  She has acquired original artwork from both auctions and from friends, like artist Barbie Yetsko.  One of Ms. Kittell's favorite spaces in her house is her upstairs dressing room.  With floor to ceiling custom closets, it would make any fashionista jealous!  Tucked within the feminine open space is a delicate mirrored vanity and a painting from her parents (which holds sentimental value). For myself, I was initially drawn to her living room, especially the old worn mirrors staggered along the brick wall behind a sleek couch (pictured above).  The mirrors were found in an tiny framing shop on Manhattan's Bleeker Street.  I always enjoy stopping in when I am in town, not only to check out the latest additions, but more importantly to catch up with one of my great friends.  

Restaurant Interiors: Founding Farmers

Only a few blocks from the White House in downtown Washington DC is the delicious farm-to-table restaurant, Founding Farmers (1924 Pennsylvania Avenue). Last night, I had the pleasure of meeting my lovely girlfriends for dinner and drinks, and can validate all the rave about this relatively new restaurant (it opened in September 2008). Owned by a collective of farmers (North Dakota Farmer's Union), they serve fresh seasonal food and drinks, and even their bar whips up beverages with a culinary twist, thanks to the in-house mixologist. With an eco-conscious plan, Founding Farmers is a Certified Green Restaurant and is LEED Gold certified, focusing on recycling and energy efficiency (kudos!).

The architecture was designed by the local DC firm, CORE architecture + design. The open interior spaces blend rustic with modern materials (barnwood and metals), creating a welcome dining area with both long wide tables and cozy booths. The atmosphere resonates all the comforts of a farm, from the grand theme to the tiniest details. And for me, it's the details that catch my attention. Like the white birds strung high above the stairwell, illuminating a soft glow that plays on the shapes and materials creating shadows cast upon the walls. Or the shelves of frosted glass that hold jarred vegetables, which are highlighted by recessed lighting from underneath each of the glass jars.

And for those foodies: I had the most the refreshing cocktail, an Organic Cucumber Delight, one of the seasonal beverages. And, a Late Harvest Salad (endives, spinach, apples, bacon, bleu cheese with pulled roast chicken in a barrel-aged sherry vinaigrette), as well as carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Needless, I did not leave hungry!

Restaurant Interiors: Neighborhood

My weekend began with a visit to one of my favorite places downtown, Neighborhood.  Since I can no longer frequent as much as I use to, this was a treat!  Sometime in the last couple years, the gastropub and burger lounge trend swept over San Diego, and a selection of eateries popped up that would inevitably give Rockies notorious burger a run for its money.  The burgers in these new joints put a gourmet spin on your average burger.  So what you may ask sets Neighborhood ahead of the competition.  Well, it is much more than just a delicious urban eatery (I am obsessed with their sweet potato fries, and the spicy cajun burger is super zingy!).  With 27 micro brews on tap, many locally brewed, it's a great place to gather up a few friends and relax over a cold one, either at Happy Hour or into the evening.  And, to top it off the interiors are great.  Owner, Arsulan Tafazoli, sat down with several architects, and together, they collaborated to create his vision.  The result, a sleek and modern twist to the traditional diner, with a funky attention to the details.  A cityscape mosaic takes up an entire wall, wine bottles line the bar wall from floor to ceiling in an abstract rack, while an enormous painting of a rather creepy old man holds a gigantic burger hangs overhead the dining tables.  Neighborhood supports the local art scene, and it's a refreshing to find nontraditional pieces displayed within the restaurant.  I recommend to all to check it out, I promise you'll go back!

Restaurant Interiors: Syrah

Last week, I returned to the downtown wine bar, Syrah, a spirit and wine parlor (as they say). Recently opened, the underground space is whimsically decorated by talented designer, Michael Soriano.  I was particularly drawn to the organic lighting, which weaves dried wine vines along the ceiling.  The entire space is an eclectic mix of different seating areas; a row of high-back booths, private enclosures with long farm tables, pods of plush couches, or a string of sleek high tops.  While their menu is limited, containing an assortment of meat & cheese plates and desserts, it's not a let down for a delicious little nibble.  Definitely recommend stopping in... just make sure you can find the handle hidden on the ivy covered front door in the graffiti covered stairwell!