Thursday, March 12

All the Best LIST Updates



Kelly Wearstler has teamed with SFERRA, one of my favorite companies, to launch a new collection of soft home goods. The collection is now available online. I recently had a chance to catch up with the talented Ms. Wearstler to talk about the collaboration.

How would you describe the Kelly Wearstler/SFERRA Collection
?
I’m so thrilled with how my debut collection with SFERRA turned out – it’s exactly as I envisioned. The designs are organic with couture detailing, such as hand embroidery, needlepoint, appliqué and beading. I really enjoyed being able to play with different techniques that I had always wanted to try. The color palette is soft and subtle to emphasize the patterns.

What have you enjoyed most about your collaboration with SFERRA?
The SFERRA team, especially Paul Hooker and Aaron Stewart, have been so supportive of my vision for the collection. It’s truly been a pleasure working with them on my first soft home collection.

What are the trademarks of your personal style?
In general, I like things that are unexpected, so when it comes to my personal style, that means bold jewelry and accessories – hats, gloves and tights – because it throws things off and adds visual interest. I have the same mantra when I design interiors. It’s always good to toss in an element of surprise to shake things up a bit.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect bed and bedding?

Luxurious fabrics and unfussy details are essential components of the perfect bed.

What accessories do you consider a must for any room?
Anything metallic. The reflective quality helps to bring a room to another level.




Victoria Amory
, cookbook author and hostess extraordinaire, has a wonderful new e-newsletter. You can now sign up for Victoria’s free Delicious Newsletter on her website. You will get a copy sent to your email twice a month. It’s always filled with delicious, easy-to-make recipes, chic ideas and loads of great information.

Also, a special thank you to Pink Monkey for the lovely blog post about Victoria and All the Best.

Wednesday, March 11

Profile: Barrie Benson


Most design-obsessed aficionados will readily admit that our styles and tastes run the gamut. At times it feels a bit schizophrenic. For me, it’s a love of traditional furnishings and Mid-Century modern.

In recent years I have become preoccupied with Mid-Century homes. Architects of this era emphasized ample windows and open floor plans with the intention of opening up interior spaces and bringing in the outdoors. Although a common home in America's post-war suburbs, the execution wasn’t always perfect. But, when done right, it's sublime!

For years I have obsessed over the house and the interiors in the film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. The moment Joey Drayton walked into her parents’ sunny San Francisco home and introduced Dr. John Prentice I was smitten—hook, line and sinker.


It was the same feeling when I first laid eyes on Barrie and Matt Benson’s North Carolina home. I, for one, love the integrity of the architecture and the juxtaposing of furniture styles. In my humble opinion, it takes real skill to flawlessly mix Louis XV Bergère chairs alongside Milo Baughman—yet Barrie does it perfectly.

Not only do I love Barrie’s style, her personality is warm, engaging and funny (just read her answers). She describes her upbringing in “a teeny town” near Norfolk, Virginia as pigs, peanuts and paper! As a teen she moved to Columbia, South Carolina, attended Furman University, graduated with a BA in history and minor in Art, with a side trip to Cortona, Italy for a semester abroad.

While in Italy she received a BFA in Interior Design from the University of Georgia in Cortona and taught a summer course. In her own words, “Heaven on Earth!!!!”


How would you describe your own personal style?
If it were a dish, my recipe would be a knuckle of southern, a slab of modern, a dash of preppy and a willingness to be daring and experiment.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
A very strong cup of coffee, creative friends, travel and keeping my eyes wide open for everything!

What is your most prized possession?
I am not sure I have one.

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
A working kitchen. Cooking keeps me grounded.

Who are your style icons?
Marina Rust, Iris Apfel and Laura Vinroot Poole (the owner of Capitol in Charlotte).


Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
My husband, Matt (an architect with Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson), Julia Carr Bayler owner of Belvedere and Chuck Chewning creative director of Donghia.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
Too many...I just finished reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and I am now reading The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.

When they get too deep and depressing I have been pulling out The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman and Eat Me, The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin...oh and what’s leftover of the Sunday Times and The Week.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
A trip to Round Hill Jamaica with my husband on a whim...hoping he will read this and surprise me!


What is your idea of earthly happiness?
A glass of Italian wine, a home cooked meal (by me) and my husband sitting next to me...oh and my two kids hiding on the other side of the credenza when they should be in bed asleep. They snicker or pop up when their names are mentioned...and then are shooed off to bed only to return a few minutes later.

It is the only time they are in the same room with me and are not interrupting my conversation

Past or present what designers have most influenced your style?
To name a few of the many, I'd say Albert Hadley, Billy Baldwin, and Billy Hanes.

Additionally, I have worked with many incredible designers that have been open to share their talents with me along the way. Most are all local talents but extremely gifted and open to teach. I learned bits and pieces from all of them and all of their styles are evident in my work.

Profile by Ronda Carman

Monday, March 9

Kenneth Paul Block

Always fascinated with anything Truman Capote, I just finished reading Deborah Davis’ book Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and His Black and White Ball.

Intrigued by the illustration of Amanda Burden, in the borrowed black and white striped gown designed by Cecil Beaton for My Fair Lady, I was reminded of the work of Kenneth Paul Block.

One of the most influential fashion illustrators of the twentieth century, Kenneth Paul Block made his mark on the world of fashion at Women's Wear Daily in the 1950s. Long identified and celebrated for his drawings and water colors of such society icons as Babe Paley, the Duchess of Windsor, Jackie Kennedy and C.Z. Guest, he also became a favorite of the leading fashion designers.

Scores of designers hired Mr. Block to illustrate their collections, including, Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, Pierre Cardin, Garavani Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene and Oscar de la Renta. Block also documented the work of up-and-coming designers Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis and Halston.

Attending the shows in Paris, London, Milan and New York, Mr. Block was one of the first to capture the latest trend-setting styles of the 1960s and the post-war shift of couture to prêt-a-porter through illustration.

More of Mr. Block’s work can be seen in the beautiful book Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Paul Block by Susan Mulcahy, with a foreword by Yves Saint Laurent and an introduction by Isaac Mizrahi.

Sunday, March 8

Soup on Sunday: Saffron Scented Seafood


Saffron is an extraordinary flavor that I simply adore. It’s also one of the most precious spices in the world. When I am at the store, I often wonder just why it’s so expensive. Well, after a little research I now have the answer.

Gathered from crocus flowers, saffron is a difficult spice to obtain. The flowers are picked, by hand, on the day they bloom. The blood-red, thread-like stigmas are plucked immediately for drying. It takes 250,000 crocus blooms to make a single kilo of saffron. I guess it should come as no surprise then that a gram of the spice can cost more than $30. Fortunately, a little goes a long way!

1 fennel bulb
1 onion
3 garlic cloves
1 pound mussels
1 pound bay scallops
1 pound skinless halibut
1 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
1 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 cups fish stock (or clam juice)
lemon wedges

Trim fennel stalks flush with bulb, discard stalks, and trim any discolored outer layers. Halve bulb lengthwise and discard core. Finely chop fennel and onion. Mince garlic. Scrub mussels well and remove beards. Cut halibut into 1-inch pieces. Stir saffron into wine.

In a large stockpot cook fennel and onion in oil over moderate heat, stirring, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine mixture and simmer until reduced by half.

Add mussels with 2 cups of stock and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until most mussels are opened, about 4 minutes. Add scallops, halibut and remaining stock and cook at a low simmer until fish is just cooked through. (Discard any unopened mussels.) Season mixture with salt and pepper.

Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with warm bread.

serves 4

Saturday, March 7

Happy Saturday


I am so grateful to be back home with my family, even if I am suffering a horrendous case of jetlag. One goal I have set this year is to remind myself, on a regular basis, to be consciously appreciative and to say ‘thank you’ with a degree of regularity.

I am mindful of all the wonderful readers, who quietly visit each day and those who leave comments and send emails. You truly make writing All the Best worthwhile. I am also indebted to the many talented and inspiring bloggers who brighten my world each day with their knowledge and unique perspectives. Thank you!


Image Marie Claire

Thursday, March 5

Home Tour


I am heading back home to Scotland today. The past two weeks of family, friends and sunshine have been great. And yet, there is no place like home. I am so looking forward to seeing my husband and son and curling up with our puppy.

If you would like a virtual tour of my own little home and a private peek into a few well known bloggers' homes, then be sure to check out Material Girls. You are in for a real treat! The rooms of my fellow bloggers are stunning. What talent!

Next week I will be back to my daily posting schedule! I have some fantastic profiles to share and several new faces to add to the All the Best List.

Wednesday, March 4

Artist Maureen Brouillette

Drive Inn
Mixed Media on Canvas


I am fascinated with the way Texas artist Maureen Brouillette combines acrylic, photos, drawings, architectural images and abstract shapes in collage form. Travel photos, collected postcards and well worn maps were the inspiration for her exhibit ROAD TRIP. Brouillette's mixed media paintings offer an intriguing view of middle America.

Red Horse
Mixed Media on Canvas

I love the way she integrates graffiti-like lines, bold color and contrasting neutral hues. It's a contemporary take on everyday life and forgotten vestiges.

Egg Roll Hut
Mixed Media on Canvas


Brouillette has received regional and national recognition for her work, including awards from the International Society of Experimental Artists, the Society of Watercolor Artists, and Southwestern Watercolor Society. She is represented by Gallery Shoal Creek in Austin, Texas and ARTability in Dallas, Texas.


All Images Copyright © Maureen Brouillette, All Rights Reserved

Monday, March 2

Mr & Mrs Smith BlackSmith Card Winner

Smith Hotel - Château de Massillan. The Chateau was built in 1555 for Diane de Poitiers, a mistress of Henry II.

Congratulations to Kendra Ovesen the winner of a Mr & Mrs Smith BlackSmith card! You will receive special privileges at every Smith hotel. Our next giveaway will be a Mr & Mrs Smith The Global Shortlist book on April 20, 2009.

To enter send an email to [bestsmithhotels@googlemail.com] subject line: 'giveaway'

Sunday, March 1

Spicy Thai Noodle Soup with Sweet Potato


Don't let the long list scare you! This is really quite easy and very good!

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 chopped shallot
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
2 tablespoons minced, peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons Thai yellow curry paste
1 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon hot chili paste
2 14-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk, divided
5 cups vegetable stock
2 tablespoons fish sauce
3 teaspoons sugar
3 cups snow peas, trimmed
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, diced
1 pound dried rice vermicelli
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 red jalapeños, thinly sliced (deseeded)
1 lime, cut into 6 wedges

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add next 4 ingredients; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in curry paste, curry powder, and chili paste. Add 1/2 cup coconut milk. Stir until thick and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add remaining coconut milk, broth, fish sauce, and sugar; bring broth to boil. Keep warm.

Cook snow peas in large pot of boiling salted water until bright green, about 30 seconds. Using strainer remove peas from pot; rinse under cold water to cool. Set peas aside.

Bring water in same pot back to boil. Add sweet potato and cook until tender, about 18 - 20 minutes. Using strainer, remove sweet potato from pot and rinse under cold water to cool and set aside.

Again, bring water in same pot back to boil and cook noodles until just tender but still firm to bite, about 6 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to microwave-safe bowl.

Bring broth to simmer. Add sweet potato; stir to heat through, about 3 minutes. Heat noodles in microwave in 30-second intervals to rewarm. Divide noodles among bowls. Divide snow peas and hot soup among bowls. Distribute red onion, green onions, cilantro, and chiles over soup. Garnish with lime wedges and serve.

Serves 4 - 6

Thursday, February 26

Bayou Bend

More often than not, it seems as though most of us become oblivious to our surroundings and that which is familiar. Certainly, I know that I am guilty of this habit. Distance is usually a good catalyst, and when I return home to Houston I see things with a fresh eye. I am once again inspired by the gardens at Bayou Bend. A peaceful fourteen-acre oasis in the midst of a modern metropolis.

Bayou Bend was designed as a private residence for the legendary Texas collector and philanthropist, with the most unfortunate name, Miss Ima Hogg.

Designed by prominent architect John F. Staub, the house is a combination of eighteenth-century Georgian architecture with elements that are distinctly Southern and Spanish Creole. Bayou Bend is one of the many elegant, but unpretentious, Houston homes built between the 1920s and the early 1960s.

A garden enthusiast, Miss Hogg studied architecture, landscape architecture and garden design. Reminiscent of large public gardens and parks, she adapted her personal gardens to a domestic scale and the Houston Gulf Coast climate.

The heavily wooded grounds along Buffalo Bayou include eight formal gardens.
The gardens are noted for rare Duchess De Caze Pink Camellias that are no longer available in nurseries, along with many varieties of Azalea, Gardenias and Antique Roses.


In 1957 Miss Hogg donated her home and her collection to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Bayou Bend opened to the public in 1966, while Miss Hogg continued to collect for her beloved Bayou Bend until her death in 1975 at the age of 93.

The collection at Bayou Bend consists of 4,700 objects that reflect historic and stylistic periods from 1620 to 1870. Miss Hogg's impressive collection is installed in 28 period rooms showcasing American decorative arts from 1620 through 1870.

St James's Hotel & Club - London

Sorry for the delay in posting the past few days. I have been traveling with my family, making posting each day a bit more difficult. I have spent the better part of the week catching up with my sisters, laughing and enjoying spa treatments.

My first review for Mr & Mrs Smith is now on their website. You can read all about our stay at the wonderful St James's Hotel & Club in London. The next Mr & Mrs Smith 'BlackSmith' card giveaway is on Monday. To enter send an email to [bestsmithhotels@googlemail.com] subject line: 'giveaway'


Sunday, February 22

Soup on Sunday: Hot and Sour Soup


I love hot and sour soup! And yet, until just this weekend, I have never even considered making it at home. It's actually fairly simple and quite delicious. The 'carryout' Odd Balls invitation, hinged high gloss silver fortune cookies from Sea and Jae and a few good friends are all that you need for a perfect little party. Well...maybe a few glasses of wine too.

4 oz dried shitake mushrooms
12 small dried tree ear mushrooms
1/2 cup canned bamboo shoots, sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cups vegetable stock
4 oz firm tofu, drained, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips
2 eggs
1 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons freshly ground white pepper
4 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced

In a large bowl soak shitake and tree ear mushrooms in enough boiling water to cover mushrooms, turning occasionally, until softened, about 30 minutes (tree ears will expand). Remove from bowl, squeeze excess liquid (reserving the liquid), cut into bite-size pieces. Stir 1/4 cup mushroom liquid with cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside.

Stir together vinegars, soy sauces, sugar, and salt in small bowl.

Heat a wok over high heat, add sesame oil coating the sides of the wok. Stir-fry mushrooms and bamboo shoots for 1-2 minutes. Add broth, bring to a boil, add tofu. Keeping a gentle boil add vinegar mixture. Slowly stir in cornstarch mixture (broth will thicken) and reduce heat and simmer 1 minute.

Beat eggs in a separate bowl and add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. In a slow, thin stream, add eggs stirring in one direction. Add in white pepper and scallions. Serve right away.

Serves 4 as a meal or 6 as a starter.

Thursday, February 19

Off to Texas via Amsterdam


I should be on my way to Texas. However, I am temporarily delayed in the Amsterdam airport watching the snow fall. I suppose it's better than watching paint dry. I would rather be out and about exploring Amsterdam, thank goodness for wine and my MacBook Pro. It should help pass the time. I have several great profiles coming up in a few days, and I hope to meet with fellow blogger while I am in Houston. Many thanks for all of the wonderful emails yesterday regarding the List! I am really excited about this labor of love.

My best to all of you!

Wednesday, February 18

All the Best List


Since founding All the Best over two years ago, I have had the good fortune of meeting some of the best and the brightest in the creative fields. Along the way many have become close friends and confidants. These are the people to whom I turn to for advice, insight and unbiased opinions. Above all, I admire their constant creativity and trust their opinions implicitly.

In an effort to keep All the Best truly the best, I have devised a list of the most talented tastemakers from around the globe. This highly selective group includes artists, designers, vintners, world travelers, editors, authors, chefs, gallery owners and more. Each week I will be adding to this list and spotlighting members of this collective. In my opinion, it’s the creative people in our society, the ones think outside the box, who deserves the attention and limelight. This has been, and will continue to be, the focus of All the Best.

My goal is to promote this growing collective as a valuable resource for consumers and media alike. Most importantly, this is not a stagnate list! I will work with each contributor to keep their dedicated page updated with current events and new projects. Each member of the collective will have a photo on the right hand side of the blog. You can click each photo to learn more.

Stay tuned to see who appears throughout the day and in the upcoming weeks…

Tuesday, February 17

Keep Calm and Carry On


There is an interesting article in the Telegraph today about the iconic reproduction Keep Calm and Carry On wartime poster. The discovery of a long-forgotten poster has proved a profitable find for Stuart Manley, a second-hand book dealer. As evidenced by its ubiquitous presence in the shelter magazines. Mr Manley found an original World War II propaganda poster folded in a box of books he bought at auction in 2000. He showed the poster to his wife, who also thought it to be quite wonderful.

A total of 2.5 million red and white posters were originally printed but never officially issued. The only other known copy is in the Imperial War Museum. The poster was produced by the Ministry of Information to influence public opinion during the war.

Mr Manley framed the poster and proudly displayed the rare find in his bookshop. Soon he was inundated with customers desperate to have a copy. “I love the Britishness of it and think it’s just lovely. It resonant with modern life.” You can get your own copy on the Barter Books website.

My husband and I have decided that everyone in our family needs a copy of this poster as a gentle reminder - on many levels.

On a different note, I am taking a blogging break for 2 days in order to finish up the new feature that I mentioned yesterday and to start packing! Check back on February 19th.

Monday, February 16

London


For the past two weeks I have been completely engrossed in a major project, hopefully to debut on All the Best this week. I for one, honestly think this will be the most exciting blog feature to date. In fact, I have been so focused and consumed, I went off to London without my facial wash, flat iron or CAMERA!

The only photos that I do have are mobile uploads from my husbands iPhone. Regardless, it was an amazing few days away. We were in London for my first hotel review with Mr & Mrs Smith. I can’t give away any details until I file my review and it is posted to the Mr & Mrs Smith website, but in a word—Wow!


On Friday, after an amazing breakfast, I headed over to the Mr & Mrs Smith offices to meet with the founders James and Tamara and their wonderful team. I was quite impressed with the company ethos. We headed next-door for coffee and talked at length about travel, the hotel selection process, travel pet peeves and their move into the American market. I am thrilled to be partnering with the fantastic company and look forward to introducing you to some of the world’s best hotels.


After lunch I hopped on the Underground and made my way to the new Rug Company studio. From the moment I walked in I was kicking myself for not having my camera (luckily I will be there again next month). Wait until you see some of the new rugs and pillows—FAB! It’s always a treat to catch up with Susanna Joicey-Cecil who oversees public relations, just one of her many hats, and learn more about one of my favorite companies. We were also joined the mastermind herself, Suzanne Sharp. This was the first time Suzanne and I have met in person. She has been one of my style icons for ages, so imagine my surprise when she declared herself one of my biggest "fans". I was most honored and humbled.

Before calling it a day and heading back to the hotel I had coffee/tea with Monika Biegler Eyers, who just happens to live a few streets over from The Rug Company—lucky girl.

Off to work...I would like to launch this new feature before I leave for the States on Thursday. Next month I promise not to forget my camera!

Best,
Ronda

Sunday, February 15

Oyster and Brie Champagne Soup

In honor of Valentine's I thought I would share this amazing recipe from Paula Deen. It reminds me of a Champagne scallop soup my husband and I had many, many years ago at Market Fare Restaurant (now Carr's) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I have tried many times to find a similar recipe, but to no avail. This one however is pretty terrific. Bon Appétit!

1/2 stick butter
1 large shallot, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups fish stock or clam juice
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 pounds ripe Brie cheese, rind removed and cut up
1 bunch chives, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup Champagne
2 dozen fresh oysters

Directions
Melt butter over low heat. Add shallots and red pepper flakes and sauté until softened. Sprinkle in flour and cook until lightly colored, roughly 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the stock and cream. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil; reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the Brie, chives, salt and pepper, to taste, and stir until melted. Add Champagne. Add the oysters and cook for 3 minutes.

6 servings

Wednesday, February 11

Off to London

I am off to London for a few days. Several exciting things are on the agenda...stay tuned for photos and updates!
Best,
Ronda
xoxo

Tuesday, February 10

Profile: Tobi Fairley

I have a new girl crush. I know that several bloggers have cued in on Little Rock designer Tobi Fairley lately, and it’s not without good reason. I am here to tell you, she is fabulous, charming and quite talented. From the moment we began speaking by phone, I had a feeling that we would be come fast friends. Of course, her Southern upbringing and accent endeared her to me right away.

I love her take on traditional decor. Tobi’s rooms are grounded in the classics, but mixed with bold patterns, modern art and unexpected pops of color. Tobi’s work has been praised by Traditional Home and she is the recipient of 7 Gold awards from the American Society of Interior Designers.

Not only is she a talented designer, she is hostess extraordinaire—just look at some of her blog posts. Tobi has invited me to Little Rock and I am working to plan a summer visit. I look forward to being the recipient of her gracious hospitality.

As an aside, I had no idea that Tobi was going to post on my friend Michael Devine yesterday, and mention All the Best, as I started writing this post. Serendipity is wonderful!

How would you describe your personal style?
Feminine Innovative. My style is certainly rooted in classic elements but new and fresh. And certainly, I am a girly girl!


What is your most prized possession?

Well since my darling husband and daughter aren't really possessions, I would have to say my home. A lot of love and energy has been poured into creating a backdrop for our life.


What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?

I would have to say books, though fresh flowers and Jimmy Choo's are a close second (and third I guess!)


Who are your style icons?
Grace Kelly, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Coco Channel, Barbara Barry.


Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Probably Carolyne Roehm, we could throw a grand soiree!!!


Which design books to you consider a must?
Jamie Drake, Kelly Werstler's Modern Glamour, Celerie Kemble, anything and everything by Carolyne Roehm, and Charles Faudre's Interiors…well really all his books!


What is your favorite luxury in life?

Private yoga sessions twice weekly with my teacher Holly, she is my yogi and my therapist all wrapped into one!



What is your idea of earthly happiness?
I am pretty close to it if not already there! I have my dream job and my dream family so all is right with the world!


How do you see the current economy shaping design trends in 2009?

I think the design business will never be the same after all that has happened with our country financially. I think that High-end design is certainly the place to be but even there I think the client is going to expect "extreme" service from this point forward.

I think everything will be value-driven and I don’t think clients will be willing to pay top dollar anymore without feeling they get more than their money's worth with both quality and service.

So the change for the interior designer is that it will take a lot more time and energy to take care of our clients than it ever has before!!


Past or present what designers have most influenced your style?
Jamie Drake, David Hicks, Tricia Guild, Dorothy Draper

Monday, February 9

Arriz Hassam and Suzanne Dimma


While (or whilst for my UK friends) surfing the web I came across the home of Arriz Hassam and Suzanne Dimma. Suzanne is the editor-in-chief of Canadian House & Home and Arriz is a partner in the design firm 3rd Uncle.

I absolutely adore theses two photos of their home. The mix, textures and balance are spot on. I must find out more about this obviously creative couple. If any Canadian readers have more info, please do share. I would love to see more of there work and home.


Photos by Tyler Anderson/National Post