Wall to Wall - The Incredible Versatility of Wallpaper

Graphic wallpaper dining room from Houz

Wallpaper is back with a vengeance.  No longer do you have to settle for your grandma's flowered wallpaper...which, by the way, is now back in vogue.  However, there is a whole new world of wallpaper that can suit any style, price point, or genre.

I understand why people would shy away from wallpaper.  One of my personal issues was its permanency.  You can say that I have a commitment phobia.  If you ever have taken old wallpaper off walls, you'll understand.  I'm not ashamed to say that removing wallpaper has brought me to tears.

About 10 years ago I was involved in a secret mission to sneak into my girlfriend's home while she was away for a conference and remodel her dated 1970s bedroom.  It was orchestrated by her mother and two sisters and we had five days to get it done.

The bedroom was on the top floor of an old, beautiful Arts and Crafts home and featured gabled ceilings which were quite attractive.  What was not attractive was the massive amounts of harvest green and orange flower wallpaper that covered every inch of every wall.  If that wasn't bad enough, it had matching curtains that ran across a large window.  It took four people three days to get the wallpaper down, patch, and paint.  That old wallpaper was literally glued to plaster walls.  It was a nightmare realized.  When the room was finished, we matted and framed a scraped piece of that wallpaper as proof of our undying love for her.

How is today's wallpaper different? Well, there are three main factors: it goes up and comes down easier, and there is more versatility and options in terms of design.

Today's wallpaper is not just paper glued to walls.  The coatings on today's wallpaper are laminates made of latex or vinyl which make the paper durable and "strippable."  It also has additives that help with the wallpaper's ease of handling, opacity, and "drapeability."  As a result, you get a wallpaper that is easier to apply and take down.  So if you want to wallpaper your ceiling just for fun, go right ahead.  

Duet Design Group, Denver Co.

Wallpaper isn't just for walls. I've lined drawers, china cabinets with it, and even placed it on top of tables.

Wallpapered table top at The Humble Home

You can add wallpaper anywhere you would like to incorporate a little pizzazz.

As for as wallpaper's permanency, that too is a thing of the past.  Popular removable wallpaper is readily available and at very reasonable prices.  Even Target carries several styles with matching paints.  So if you are like me and suffer from wallpaper commitment, there is now a remedy.  

Foret Noire wallpaper designed by Nathalie Le'te'

Masterful Nancy Meyers

The set of "The Intern"

I recently went to see the movie "The Intern" starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. I have long vowed to see any movie by Nancy Meyers and waited with unbridled anticipation. I do love her lighthearted and mature story lines, but I'm not ashamed to admit that the interiors are also a draw for me.  Someone once said that the city of New York is an additional character in most of Woody Allen's movies. I would argue that Nancy Meyers' additional characters are her interiors.

I dragged my poor husband kicking and screaming, fully aware that the new "Mad Max" was the last movie he saw. He did everything but feigned a heart attack. But after being married for 15 years, I've perfected the art of guilt. Needless to say, the poor guy didn't stand a chance. Consequently, and in genuine "Kyle" fashion, he liked the movie too. Why do we do this dance?  I have no idea. But this supports my theory of her talent and appeal.

I have been a huge fan of Nancy Meyers ever since "Private Benjamin" which is code for a very long time. You know, the movie were Goldie Hawn joins the army. These are followed by the movies "Protocol" and "Baby Boom."

However, now Nancy Meyers is becoming just as known for the set designs in her movies. You can see it starting on the set of "Baby Boom" and developing in the movie "The Parent Trap." By the time she made "What Women Want," she hit her stride. The sets say so much about a character and their environment.

The set of "What Women Want"

Nancy's most popular interior is the set of "Something's Gotta Give" starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. It was featured in countless magazines and set a standard for classic design everywhere.

The set of "Something's Gotta Give"

  
One of my personal favorites is the set of "It's Complicated." The relaxed Malibu design with pops of orange is classic, relaxed, yet still interesting. French design mixes so well with natural elements to create a comfortable home that isn't fussy.  I can see myself having a glass of wine, listening to music, and lounging for hours in this room.

Living room of "It's Complicated"

Kitchen of "It's Complicated"

Her latest movie "The Intern" is about a woman in her early thirties who is the founder and CEO of a startup company. The interiors in both her home and company are young and fresh with a little quirkiness. Look at the artwork above the fireplace.

"The Intern" Jules' kitchen

And yes, in real life your child's "stuff" would be strewn throughout the house. Look at the miniature table and chair set in the kitchen. Yet, this mix of industrial, classic, and the realistic hits the nail on the head. It looks and feels like someone lives there.

Finally, the main character's office... Oh, come on!  This is a movie after all.

"The Intern" Jules' company

If you ever have a chance to binge watch, try curling up with a big bowl of popcorn and renting several of Nancy Meyer's movies. You will not only see films full of wit and charm, but also marvel at the beautiful interiors.  She gives us something to dream about.

The Gilded Age - Italian Florentine

Photo from The French Garden House

I remember it just like it was yesterday. It was spring and I was hunting for items for my first apartment. I lived in a late 1800's duplex on the south side of St. Louis with 11 foot ceilings and 4" molding. It was my first apartment and I had to furnish three whole rooms of this historic Brownstone walk-up.

While driving around on a Saturday morning, I pulled into a yard sale in the old German part of town. And there it was. My first encounter with Italian Florentine. I paid $2 for three pieces from a pear-shaped old woman with a warm smile. She told me she'd bought the pieces in Europe while on her honeymoon. I walked away with a small gold and turquoise box, a cream and gold trash can, and another small camel back embossed box. Two of those three pieces are with me to this day.

That gorgeous patina, the muted colors, and the vibrant gold, had me hooked on Florentine.

Back then, no one was interested in Florentine (sometimes referred to as tole).  It was considered something that grandma had...an old lady's item.  I didn't care.  I loved it anyway.

Florentine came into vogue in the United States when middle-class Americans began to travel. They fell in love with the breathtaking lines and colors of many of the Italian paintings, architecture, and furniture. They wanted a souvenir...a piece of their memories to take home. In true Italian innovation, artisans picked up on the tourists' appetite and started making lightweight and portable furniture pieces, small boxes, pictures, and trays to sell at a reasonable price. Many times those pieces were made from light weight woods and were modular for ease into suitcases and for shipment. One example are those popular nesting tables with removable legs which nestle inside each other. I guess you can say that Italian Florentine was the first Ikea.

Now these beautiful items have become a rarity. With the popularity of Shabby Chic styling and the revival of vintage furniture, finding those unique Italian Florentine items have becoming quite difficult.

Florentine accessories from The Humble Home

How do you know if it's Florentine?  Well, gold leafing is the main characteristic. Colors such as creams, turquoises, blues, reds, and even pinks are used. The item may have a layer of gesso (a kind of plaster) on top of a lightweight wood. It may have an engraved design. Decoupage is also popular.  It is painted, and then gold leafing is applied. After years of wear, what you get is a beautiful, aged patina of wood, color, and gold that can not be duplicated. It adds something special...a sort of warm history to a room that is difficult to emulate.  

Collection of Florentine pictures from The Humble Home

There is usually an engraving that says "made in Italy," or a sticker that says "Florentia" somewhere on the piece.  However, I say if you like a piece, no matter its pedigree, buy it.

I hope that you have developed an appreciation for this unique item.  If you fall in love with a unique piece of Florentine, grab it now.  This may be your last chance.

Making An Unique And Inexpensive Home Bar

Having a stylish home bar is all the rage.  With the debut of Mad Men, home bars have made a comeback.  Gone are those basement bars covered with harvest gold shag carpeting.  Now, a more simple and elegant bar that could fit in the smallest of spaces are en vogue.

Because of it's popularity, vintage bar accessories are becoming more difficult to find; however, don't be discouraged.  Keep your eyes peeled, and an open mind, and you'll find those unique pieces that would make your bar dazzle with unrequited glamour for an affordable price.  Here are a few tips to give your bar a little pizzazz.

A home bar made from an antique table in House Beautiful.

An simple cart is used as a bar.

Tip 1: Almost anything can be transformed into a cool bar.  You can use a slim desk, an antique cabinet, or even a dresser.  As you see on the left, a simple, inexpensive, utilitarian cart is transformed into a bar cart by just adding vintage glasses and unique accessories.  Make sure the item is close to bar height and use a protective surface (if it's not original to the piece) in order not to damage a wooden top.  This can be done by adding a mirror, using antique silver trays, or adding a piece of glass to any vintage piece.

Tip 2:  Where do I hunt?  You can look for your bar and accessories at thrift shops, garage sales, bargain home stores, and even in grandma's attic.  You should first look around the house or even in your basement for hidden treasures.  Just remember to keep an open mind.  Look at pieces by re-imagining them painted, with added casters (for height), or even with a mirror on top.

Tip 3: Inexpensive items can jazz-up your bar.  Simple jars of infused liquors can add color, height, and interests to any bar.  Look as far as your kitchen for unique shaped jars.  If the jars do not have a seal, try adding clear rubber bands to the mouth of stoppers.  This has worked for me on a jar of red currant vodka for the last two years.

Below is a picture of infused liquors I made for a friend during the holidays.  One jar was rum with pineapple and ginger.  The other was bourbon with cherries (for excellent Manhattans).  She loved them and they looked great on her bar.  Needless to say, they did not make it passed the holidays.

Store holiday party

Tip 4: It's okay to mix different period glassware and accessories.  You don't have to stick with pieces from the same period.  For example, mid-century modern glassware can be pair with an ice bucket from a different age.  You can pair beautiful etched glasses from the 1920's along with Dorothy Thorpe glassware from the 60's.  Just use various heights and keep it simple.

Vintage George Briard Lion glasses

Tip 5:  Finally, don't forget to add a personal touch.  Remember to use family glassware, personal photos, vintage items, or quirky bar accessories to make a bar of interest.  It's a good idea to pull out grandma's silver tray that has been in storage for decades.

Just remember to have fun.  Enjoy putting your home bar together and don't forget to send us plenty of pictures. 

Edamame Shrimp Pasta

While shopping at Whole Foods this week, hungry and needing something quick for dinner, I came across a package of edamame that were shelled and vacuum-packed in the refrigerated section.  I instantly knew what to make for dinner.  

It's pretty darn good if I say so myself.  

You'll need:                

12 oz edamame

3 large garlic cloves

2 TBS lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

2 TBS chopped parsley

2 TBS blanched almonds

1/2 cups good olive oil, plus 2 tsps

1 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup grated Asiago or Romano cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
1/2 pound of bow tie pasta
salt & pepper to taste

Cook 1/2 pound of bow-tie pasta according to package directions, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, make the pesto by using a food processor.  Use the food processor to grind the cheese.  Add the the cheese to a small bowl and set aside.  Then add edamame, 2 garlic cloves, lemon juice, zest, parsley, almonds, olive oil, half of the pasta water, cayenne, salt and pepper.

Blend until smooth.  Add cheese and pulse.  

Mince remaining garlic clove and add 2 tsp of olive oil in a skillet.  Add shrimp and salt and pepper to taste.  Sautee' until pink and curled.    

In a large bowl add pesto, hot pasta, and shrimp.  Toss.  Add additional pasta water if needed.  

Garnish with parsley stems and additional grated cheese.  Enjoy. 

Humble Food

I am a horrible insomniac and happened upon these videos at about 3 a.m. last year.  They are so comforting to watch and often put me to sleep.

This one is my favorite.  I hope you like it too.  Oh! By the way, if you make this cake, be sure to save me a piece.

Repurposed + Modern = Cool Home

So many of our items are in this home.  I first met the owner, Jessica, as a customer in the store.  She had just purchased this ranch with a strong mid century lines and wanted it to reflect her style and personality.  Through the use of repurposed items, estate sales, and gin and tonics, this home has been transformed into one that reflects her lifestyle and taste.

Stunning signed print in studded frame by famous artist Mr. Brainwash pairs well with French country chairs.

The walls are filled with a wide range of artwork from different genres and pedigrees.  She likes what she likes with no apologies.  The trick was how to make all of this fit together.  It was simple.  By using soft gray walls and coordinating fabrics, all of her favorite things were able to find a home.

A refurbished table by The Humble Home with a marble top.  

  

Jess has very eclectic taste.  She loves everything from modern to French country and has no hesitations of mixing the two.  She is not the kind of person that would sacrifice clean and contemporary in lieu of having sentimental items around her.  

Jess' personal items find a comfortable home

Vintage Barcelona chairs make a comfortable nook.

After a late night of moving furniture, Jess and I came up with this cozy nook that turned out to be the epicenter of every party.  This is also one of her favorite places in the home where she curls up with a favorite book.  The cowhide helps to define the space and vintage Barcelona chairs add a modern touch.  Vintage posters, oil paintings, and contemporary artists form a gallery and interest to this nook.

The lesson here is that you should always listen to your heart. What speaks to you? What feels like home? Don't focus so much on having the "right" items. Pick what's right for you.