Form or Function?

It's the age-old question: Form or Function? Much like heels vs. flats, boxers vs. briefs, at some point we select something based on the practicality of its use, or the way in which it fancies our eyes.
For me, current form v. function decisions usually revolve around something like small kitchen appliances: cool, retro-looks-great-on-your counter vs. a Clydesdale horse of kitchen gadgetry.

I can't even imagine the scope of thought we'd have to put into decisions that come with, say, a complete home overhaul.

For instance, Bedroom: Carpet or Hard Woods?

For looks, nothing beats beautiful wood floors, agreed?

But, I can't stand putting dusty feet into my bed. Two solutions, I suppose: slippers and large rugs.
All our homes have had hardwoods in the bedrooms, and I have to say, I think I'm ready for some soft stuff underfoot.

Office: Elegant Sawhorse vs. Chunky HideItAll desk

Which of us can't see our most productive and creative selves in this clutter-free and complexion-flattering blush office - complete with its sleek glass, sawhorse desk?

Here's our desk at Casa Giese - a very heavy rustic thing I had made years ago in Texas. It does a halfway decent job of hiding all our junk, but it somehow makes me feel bogged down.

In another life, we'll have his-n-hers offices. Actually, mine will be called my "inspiration room." ;)

Bath: To Clawfoot or not?

Cocozy

designismine

It's a simple decision, really. If you have the room and budget for a clawfoot with separate shower stall - high five it. If you must do the combo gig, then leave the classic tub to the pretty images. Have you ever tried to take a shower in a clawfoot? It's nearly impossible to do without a) Getting water everywhere and b) Feeling like the curtain is attacking you. Not to mention the high wax-it factor when you try to climb waaay up and over the tub to escape.
Gorgeous form, but certainly not the winner of the multitasking contest.

As this, and other urgent questions circle my brain. What say you?

'Round Casa G.

Some kind of Brazilian Super Bug has hit Casa G. - Fevers, the trots, backaches, headaches, you name it BUT I'll be back in action tomorrow with some deep design decisions. Join me, will ya?
Tchau Tchau!

Perfection

source

For a kids-free world, this room ranks right up there with Heaven, for me.
My bipolar tendencies towards design are ever-present - some days I'm all about color and pattern, other days, I crave the calmness that neutrals imply. But, when I see an image like this, I have a visceral reaction - I simply want to become a part of it. Perhaps it's the whole vignette of cuddling in a loft infused with some of the best natural light I've seen. I really can't dissect anything out - can you?

PSA: For your eyes only

This morning, my husband asked, "Are you still using that eyelash stuff?"
Me: "Yes, why?"
Him: "Because your eyelashes are out of control."

You've seen those commercials on tv for Latisse - the eyelash super-serum that Brooke Shields hocks? By the way, what doesn't she endorse, these days?

Anyway, I've never had lashes that were anything to speak of. Not especially puny, but by no means luscious. I began using Latisse sometime last year. It took about six weeks, and just when I thought the stuff was snake oil and quit, my eyelashes took off. Just as promised, first they became longer, then thicker and darker. Wanna know a weird thing, though? It didn't work when I was pregnant. Guess some bizarr-O hormone thing. Within a month or so of giving birth, I could tell it was back in business.
Yes, it requires a prescription, and yes, it's pricey BUT once your eyelashes get to the point where you like them, you can use it every other or every two days, as I do. Then, the per use cost goes down to about what a good mascara would be. Which, by the way, I rarely wear any more. When I do, it looks like I might trip over my flippin' eyelashes.
So there - a free beauty tip (and, as you can see, I have sooo many) on what I consider a true-to-hype product. Here's my results*:

...And now, you all can give ME your product picks for crow's feet and under eye circles.
*Yes, I "soft-focused" the hell out of the pic, you don't want me to keep it THAT real!
**I was not compensated in any way for this post, but if Allergan wants to comp me a year's supply of this stuff and/or a bit of botox, I'd be much obliged.

Craving: Gold Accents

I don't know if it's the upcoming season of Autumn, and all the intrinsic references to warm colors, but I'm seriously craving Gold. Specifically, the metallic. After several years of being in the "un-cool" kids club of design, gold has made a comeback. We're seeing it from the subtle beauty that is worn, unlacquered brass, to the bright-blingy bling bling that designers like Wearstler use as signature.
I'm all aboard this choo-choo train. I like that gold can up the glamour quotient of an already pretty room.

The gilded accents on the furniture make this room feel like a jewel box.

jan showers

The golden inside of the lampshade adds just the right amount of luxury

But, I also admire how gold can keep a rustic or worn interior from feeling drab. Since gold is a neutral, it's also amazingly versatile across the color board.
Like all things metallic, though, it's best to let one or two items shine, or you'll end up with something like this:

On the subtle end of the spectrum there's natural brass - especially appealing in the kitchen and bath.
I spy some faucet love in this wondey-ful kitchen.

What about a never-out-of-reach towel bar post-dishwashing. Form AND function, peeps - it's a good thing! (copyright, Martha)

morning T

Taking clever to a whole new level - Brass pipe fittings-cum-cabinet-pulls

urban grace interiors

If you've got a bath overhaul in the works, don't disparage the old-world warmth brass hardware can bring. I'm talking something like this

Not, I repeat, NOT this:

Stepping it up a notch to full-on gold. To me, this is touch-of-gold perfectly executed.

splendid willow

Unexpected and bold. Love 'em.

tambien

Sometimes, the gold craving can get you into way out-of-budget areas, like these gilded pink quartz bookends by Eduardo Garza. However, did you see how these gals did their own version?

eduardo garza

And speaking of budget busters - this headboard from 1st Dibs. Good thing it was sold; the price would've made my eyeballs pop out. This is a gold "fix" on 'roids.

1st dibs

Watch out, Casa Giese! I've got some liquid gold, and I'm not afraid to use it!
To Be Continued...

Craving: Lovely Loft Living

I've always had a craving for loft living. High ceilings, exposed elements like brick and ductwork, keen architectural details, and lots and lots of natural light. Somehow, I just imagine that living in a loft just makes you more hip, by default.
Naturally, the best spaces are those that have been carefully preserved and restored, but sometimes even new construction does a fine job of creating that casual-yet-sophisticated vibe loft-lovers swear by.

See what I mean? LOOK at that brick, that limestone fireplace, the height of that ceiling! Would I want the energy bill? No, but I could certainly handle a week's getaway here.

Nice detail in the column...

Often, "loft" connotes a large space, but, I'm of the thought that rather, it's a state of living. Metal spiral staircase = love.

I can't even tell you how happy I would be to have my morning cup and blog fix in this space.

Note: gorgeous bed, interesting side chair, erotic art. Loft state-of-mind.

Don't rain on my parade loft wanna-be space. Still, the light is sublime.

Bribery and What Not

Ben has been traveling a lot, lately. A lot. I sort of go to shreds when I have to do the single-parenting thing for weeks at a time, hence the paucity of blog posts. My creativity and stamina go out the door in lieu of survival skills.
The other night, the Hubster made a peace offering of sorts, to make up for his recent (and upcoming) absence...Do any of you choose home decor projects when your mate offers you a (within reason) gift of choice?
Yeah, I knew it - I'm a weirdo. But, I also know this idea would go over better than the big, blingy watch I've been eyeing...

We inherited this single, accent chair from Ben's grandparents. The fabric is actually pretty great: Brunschwig & Fils' Les Fougeres, but it's a bit discolored, and has also taken a beating from the Ghost of Crayons that wanders the halls of Casa Giese. ( Nevermind the heinous pirate chest that came as the chair's sidekick. I'm working on making that bee-YOOTY disappear. ;)

Since the chair is a singleton, I'm thinking of using it in our bedroom, next to this blue chest of drawers.

Undoubtedly, the chair would end up serving as a clothes valet for Ben, so I hate to pick too precious a fabric, although I can step a bit outside my usual price range, since it will take so little yardage to recover.

Iman's new Home line of fabrics for Calico Corners is getting a lot of press, and this Punjab Peacock IS rather appealing.

But, I also have more than a slight obsession with these metallic linens I was recently alerted to via MFAMB.

We use a white matelassé bed coverlet, so there's not much in terms of pattern to compete with. Your vote is? Cool pattern, or amped-up solid?

S&L is slayin' me with these...

Serena and Lily's new cross between an ottoman and a stool, the chakki. Loving the classic Indian details, and the choice of fabrics. Consider them on my wish list.

Oh, and a set of the Senegalese baskets, too!

Craving: Hearty Salads

One of my favorite salads is mixed greens, cranberries, walnuts, and blue cheese, so I was immediately drawn to Ina's feature recipe in this month's House Beautiful: A Cape Cod Chopped Salad.

My senses never fail me when it comes to craving comfort foods at this time of the year, and a hearty salad ranks right up there on the "must-make" list for Fall. Ina's addition of Granny Smith apples and bacon, plus a dressing made with fresh orange zest quickly piqued my tastebuds. This salad is easily a one-course meal.

The dressing calls for maple syrup, which I didn't have on hand. Instead, I substituted local honey, and it worked fine. I also cut back on the olive oil, as I don't care for an overly-oily dressing.

My pic doesn't do it near enough justice. As for The Contessa's salad recipe: (as always) two thumbs up!

I'm Lovin' It: Nursery Glider B&A

We picked up the nursery glider from the upholsterer's yesterday. It has already brought me a good dose of happiness. BUH-bye blah brown.

Hey, I'm "It"

I'm very excited to be part of Jill's "It" List this week! Please give her a holla, and check out her other not-to-miss blog recommendations!