Broome Street General Store

Last weekend we discovered another little gem close to home. I'd been hearing some chatter within the blogosphere about Broome Street General Store and when I realized how close it is...well, no excuses not to visit. It's an absolutely charming little place tucked away on Rowena Avenue in Silverlake. I love the patio area out front complete with a white fence and lavender. Inside you'll find all kinds of goodies from tasty treats to vintage bits and pieces. Everything from old to new is so beautifully displayed that you just want to spend a good hour looking around the place. I was all over the vintage letterpress paraphernalia. We tried the verbena mint iced tea which was delightful and you shouldn't leave without one of their chocolate custards (with caramel on the bottom...ooo!). It's such a great place for a little summer gathering.


All images by Maureen Price

Simple

My interior design principles usually consist of two quotes. "Simplicity is the key to successful living." and "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." The second is from William Morris...wise words. In the past three years of my life, I have done some major downsizing. I went from a storage-abundant apartment with a closet the size of a Manhattan bedroom to a 1920s apartment with 29" of closet rod space and NO other storage besides kitchen cabinets. Yeah, I had to get inventive and I had to make some epic trips to Goodwill. I donated boxes of books, 70% of my shoes, and bags and bags of clothing and various other bits and pieces. Yes, it helped that I was on a major minimalist kick (and still am just not to the same extent). I've been very happy with the reductions and I don't miss anything that I've given away. I'd like to take it even further when the time is right. So, yes, I guess I'm a rational, soft core minimalist at heart? I like it that way. I also like (ok, love) clean, simple, living spaces with clear surfaces, and concealed storage. Ahh, calm. I tend to get very uncomfortable and depressed in cluttered areas so these spaces are a true breath of fresh air. Many people may think these interiors are too cold or stark or bland but I would move in faster than you could bat an eye. Enjoy the breathing room.



1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Unknown, 7, 8 and 9

Swedish Stylin'

So Lo Bjurulf's stunning work has been making its rounds through the blogosphere lately but I decided to whip up this post about her anyway! If you didn't notice the name, she's Swedish which means she's genetically predisposed to good design taste. Bjurulf uses IKEA items to style these gorgeous set ups which would make for some jaw dropping weddings and parties. Three cheers for budget friendly yet amazing style! All of her work (whether it be interior design, prop styling, or set design) has a warmth, softness, and simple feel to it that I really appreciate. Let's enjoy the eye candy now, shall we?











Lovely light!






Provence wedding?






*Swoon*


IKEA never looked so good.
All images via Agent Bauer

Boca Do Lobo

Remember my post about my adventures at the Dwell on Design convention in June? Well, here is a follow up on one of my favorite vendors from the show. The Portuguese furniture design company Boca Do Lobo! I was immediately drawn to the intricate designs and mix of classic and modern elements. All of the designs are custom, hand made, and definitely one of a kind. In their own words: "BOCA DO LOBO furniture is an exclusive emotional experience, a sense of belonging and a state of mind. We strive to encourage sensational experiences by creating beautiful pieces which are passionately inspired and handcrafted in Portugal by a staff that loves what they do; experiences which pass on the feeling of exclusivity. Our designers possess an undeniable talent for composing pieces which stir emotion in their admirers. Our artisan’s wisdom, accumulated from years of experience, is instilled with love and dedication in the art that they perform. No detail or element is overlooked as we offer the best at the frontier between design and art. Each piece will bring you on a journey to sources of pleasure you may have forgotten, and take you to places you have never been before; a journey to BOCA DO LOBO world-a world of emotions." That being said, it's some pretty snazzy furniture. Take a look and check out their site for more cool images!























All images via Boca Do Lobo

Musée Carnavalet and the Bijouterie of George Fouquet

If this title sort of sounds like the 2nd film in some weird French trilogy, um, it's not. Now I love French films but this is soo much better! Musée Carnavalet is devoted to the history of Paris and they aren't kidding around. It's basically a renaissance jewel that became the home of writer Madame de Sévigné and if the names Catherine de Medici, Henry IV, Jacques-Louis David, Robespierre, Marie Antoinette, Émile Zola, Marcel Proust, and Henri Cartier-Bresson mean anything to you, you should probably high tail it over there next time you find yourself in Paris. Unfortunately, I never made it to Musée Carnavalet during my stay in Paris due to some unsavory and seriously questionable things that went down. I'm still amazed that I wasn't unknowingly cast as the lead in some wacky travel mishap movie with Chevy Chase or Steve Martin. It was that insane, folks. All in all, I had some lovely golden moments in Paris and I would love to go back. ANYWAY, that's not what I'm meant to be rambling about! I'm eager to share my favorite part of Musée Carnavalet! George Fouquet's jewelry shop! If you have a penchant for Art Nouveau then you will go nutso for this like I did. The shop was designed by the famous Alphonse Mucha (you know the posters) in 1901 and once resided on Rue Royale. It's a gorgeous concoction of flowing lines, flora, and peacocks. Mucha really outdid himself with this and I love every centimeter of it!


Image via Verhext


Image via Verhext


Image via www.linternaute.com

Main counter

Image via MollyGoLightly

Display case!

Image via MollyGoLightly

Dwell on Design Convention!

As I mentioned a little while ago, I made my way down to the L.A. Convention Center on June 26th to check out the Dwell on Design convention. It was a huge exhibition space with loads of architectural and interior design vendors, booths, and displays and plenty of great ideas for environmentally friendly and sustainable design. I spent several hours exploring the space and chatting with a few vendors (more to come about that). There were also lectures and a design competition or two. All in all, a fun, exhausting, and informative day. Here are a few images!!

Finally! After parking on the wrong side of the convention center and walking 37 miles.




Nice banner set-up here.


Some amazing vintage posters (the real deal) that were so far out my price range, we're talking thousands of dollars. Really fun to look through and the staff could tell you ALL about them.


Design contest! Winner got a Wacom tablet. I'd love a Wacom tablet as well *wink, wink Christmas list*.


Lovely pottery pieces! Wouldn't this make a gorgeous collection!?


Wasn't expecting to see laundry detergent at the convention. Look at them being all hip with their Eames chair!


The model IQ haus. Pretty nifty...


The new Dyson fan that is so far out of my price range that I can't even see it on the horizon.


I'll go with along with this...


Jealous of this playground set...


The fireplace for the woman (or man) in your life who doesn't have enough Swarovski Crystals.




These lighting fixtures were very cool!


Absolutely gorgeous surfaces from Soli Architectural Surfaces


I love this Italian tile. I don't want to think about having to clean it all the time, I just want to think about how lovely it's going to look in my imaginary bathroom.


Bad picture on my part, but coolest hammock EVER!


While most of the goods at the convention were pretty spot-on, I seriously have to question this rug. Why did this happen? This pug needs medical aid.


Hah, on that note, I will ride off into the sunset...and by sunset I mean Burbank.
PS: Congrats to all hard working folks who made it all happen!

The apartment revealed!

Ok, so I've finally taken some decent pictures of the apartment! Let's go on a little tour! I hope this doesn't bore anyone into a coma. Welcome!







Part of my antique key collection.




Part of my antique camera collection.




Rocks from around the World collection


By the front door...


Office Nook


Opposite side of the office nook. Joel Dewberry fabric that I made into a wall covering to hide some ugly and questionable apartment building features.




Heading into the kitchen. The white box is my DIY heater cover which hides the unattractive unit and provides a bit more counter space.


Into the kitchen...I want to paint the cabinets and change the marble!!!


Opposite side of the kitchen with the beginnings of my dining area gallery.








Kitchen friend on my DIY table








Still looking for two more prints to hang above the headboard (which was made from the tops of Ikea Lack side tables).


There is so much DIY in this image, I can't even tell you.


Farewell from the happy back massager!