Legendary La Cienega

April 30, 2013UncategorizedOut and AboutMrs. Blandings

In the last ten days I’ve stepped, if not out of my comfort zone, a little out of my regular circle of friends. I like my friends, but it was a conscious shift. In doing so I’ve met a couple in their sixties who are hiking in Nepal in the next year, another couple who moved to town because they fell in love with a house and then let the rest of their lives fall in around it and yet another who is here for work, but plans to move when he retires in three years because they hate the weather. Where are they going? Back to Michigan, which should tell you something about our weather (especially of late.) An old friend and a new friend joined us for dinner last weekend and he told tales of spending time on his grandfather’s ranch in California as a boy. It is invigorating to put yourself someplace new.

Even better to put yourself someplace new and sunny. I’m headed to Los Angeles next week for Legends of La Cienega. Because it’s new. And sunny. And creative and fun and energizing. I’ll be hanging out with my friend Megan Arquette, who I rarely get to see in real life and taking in all the great events (which you can find and sign up for here.) My second largest geographical demographic of readers (horribly awkward phrasing – open to suggestions for revision) is in California, so if you see a middle-aged Midwesterner who you think might be me, it is. Say “hi.” Tell me your story. I’d love to hear it.

Selfie – Sort of

April 24, 2013UncategorizedMrs. B at Home, Mrs. B DIYMrs. Blandings

A few people posted and emailed to ask for a larger image of the screens, which, frankly is lovely. But see what happens when I post “more?” Sort of loses something, though it does look quite nice in person. It’s the light, maybe, or as someone pointed out recently, the photographer.

It’s one eight-panel screen hand-painted over silver leaf, likely 1920’s.

With some wear. Like its mistress.

There’s a plan for some reupholstery as well. While this charming image of Pauline de Rothschild turned up on pinterest yesterday did not inspire it, it certainly could have.

Thank you, to those who asked, for your interest.

Screen Time

April 23, 2013UncategorizedMrs. B at Home, Musings from the Dream HouseMrs. Blandings

It’s thirty-six degrees here and I am looking out my office windows at something dreadful called “wintery mix.” In Seussian fashion I don’t want to go out and I don’t want to stay in, have loads to do but don’t care to begin. I keep jumping from one thing to the next, though nothing engages me. The only solace is, as I walk back and forth to the kitchen (I convince myself that the twenty-five steps there and back negate the small square of dark chocolate with orange that I am going to fetch) is the new screens flanking the sofa. I may need to take just one more pass.

Wright for Me

April 23, 2013UncategorizedAntique Dealers, ResourcesMrs. Blandings

If, like Maria and Claudio Luti, you think your home might be enhanced by a Picasso drawing, you could hop over to Wright to view images from one of their next auctions, Picasso: Master Drawings from a Private Collection, which takes place this Thursday (April 25th.)

I’ve been working on a project in which Picasso plays a minor role (certainly that was never the case in real life) and I’ve developed a sort of personal attachment to the artist. The untitled etching above is one of my favorites from the sale, though certainly not expected to be the most dear.

But the piece I would want most is this photograph by Andre Villers. For me it is as if this image of Picasso’s studio mirrors the breadth of his creativity. And it’s a jumble, which is unfailingly appealing.

You can view all the lots here as well as the items in Living Contemporary, which are terrific as well. You may be surprised to find that there are many pieces that are incredibly affordable.

Image, top, New York Times Style Magazine, Spring 2013, photography Ruy Teixeira; other images via Wright.

Powerful Balance

April 23, 2013UncategorizedFavoritesMrs. Blandings

This may be one of the most singularly beautiful rooms that I’ve seen. I carry a lot of rooms around in my head like beloved memories and this one will hopefully be happy knocking around in there with the rest.

The home of Maria and Claudio Lutti, he the CEO of Kartell, which was founded by his father-in-law, New York Times Style Magazine, Spring 2013; styled by Carolina Irving and photography Ruy Teixeira.