California Dreaming

June 1, 2010UncategorizedVintage DesignMrs. Blandings

“I want to live there,” declared the youngest Blandings as he flipped through the Design Within Reach catalogue. (Do all children scour the DWR catalogue like mine? FAO Schwarz would not get as much attention, though our Lego catalogues look like they have been through combat by the time the new one arrives.) Was it the Egg Chair or the pool or that hazy view? Could be the crisp, clean lines. “Darling, that’s California,” wondering if my tone conveyed the land of milk and honey as he turned the page.

The house above is the Case Study House #22 in the Hollywood Hills designed by Pierre Koenig for the Stahl family in 1960. More information on the Case Study House program here. Image via Design Within Reach.

Shady Situation

May 28, 2010UncategorizedMusings from the Dream HouseMrs. Blandings

A little bit of randomalia (a term borrowed from Maxminimus.) I have made the rounds of several drug emporiums and blond colored pony tail holders seem to be scarce. Are they being rationed? Kansas City has its fair share of fair haired, both natural and bottle babies, but I’ve never run across a shortage like this.

In addition, Mr. Goody, there is little value in this that I can see. Unless you are the Bradley sisters (surely you remember Betty Jo, Bobbie Jo and Billie Jo) I can think of no household that needs blond, brown and black elastics. White seems like a questionable decision in any situation.

As an aside, the premise for Petticoat Junction was based on stories from creator Paul Henning’s wife who visited a hotel owned by her family in Eldon, Missouri; even I did not know this until checking the spelling on the girls’ names.

Book Worm

May 28, 2010UncategorizedAntique DealersMrs. Blandings

Not that I endorse buying books for decoration, these two sets have an appeal that is difficult to deny. Those faded blue linen covers. Like your best jeans on good day.

And these. I can’t remember exactly, but I think they relate to engineering. Primers on railroad locations and such.

Both sets available at the River Market Antique Mall. Second floor, northeast corner I think. Far right as you come up the stairs.

Grand Masters

May 28, 2010UncategorizedDesignersMrs. Blandings

Click on over to see who Elle Decor has named to their Grand Masters list. I can’t argue with a single pick. Indeed, many are long-time favorites. Oh, and two of the nine are Kansas City natives, including the dashing Tom Britt, whose work appears above. Here.

Image courtesy of Elle Decor by Peter Vitale.

Mrs. Shackelford Lives for a Day

May 25, 2010UncategorizedMusings from the Dream HouseMrs. Blandings

Did you see Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day? Yes, the sets are enchanting. Yes, the story is romantic. But the story, the story is basic. Guinevere knows what she knows to be true. Change your name, change your circumstance, change your clothes, but you know what you know and you are who you are and, ultimately, love prevails. Or it should. My loves this week are having a field day, are having a party, are having a life and I am along for the ride.

I need, at least, a smidge of a break.