Traditions of Yesterday in Today’s Interior Design

P-A-R-T-Y!!!! Still in Mexico and thrilled to discover new things! It’s about the allure of the tropics with the brilliant colors that are so vividly expressed in textiles, architecture, flora, tableware, and jewelry suggesting happy, carefree times. The festive colors evoke the mood of a party – a fiesta in this case. It’s a tradition of color in the southern climes that has been around for ages and is continued today in fabulous passed-down handcrafts and artwork. These exquisitely detailed table runners are woven with care and great historical symbolism and merit by the indigenous people of Chiapas.
While traveling, I enjoy the hunt – ferreting out treasures from various sources, meeting the vendors and in many cases the artisans themselves. The other day, I discovered these tightly woven textile table runners. The workmanship is quite fine, the patterns delightful and the colors bold and exhilarating!
When I weed through the myriad offerings to uncover what I regard as the treasures, I always picture the scene. Where will these beautiful art pieces end up?…From where they were made in the verdant lush hillsides of the jungles of Chiapas to someone’s distressed farm table in a kitchen or dining room in my world. By bringing these things to my shop and my clients, I feel a small connection to the people who fabricated them and a sense of travel – time travel and cultural travel – worlds apart but incredibly, not so far away.
We live in a fast world of commercialism and consumption. Yet, to handle one of these individually woven art pieces and actually take a moment to appreciate the origin and not the mass production that is apparent in so much of what we see and procure, is an awesome opportunity. It’s good to know that these traditions still exist and that they are so appreciated by those who value the art of it all.
So gather your friends and bring out your Fiesta-ware – hand blown glasses and party platters of fun and festivity and enjoy these wonderful focal points at your party! Or…merely place them on your table for everyday enjoyment as a reminder of artisans in the hills, living as they have for centuries with little change and at the least a continuation of these fantastic techniques, the not-yet-lost traditions of yesterday in today’s interior design!

Artists Gather Along the Malacon Fronting the Estudio Café

Like a groupie at rock concert I stood in front of this towering man of a man as I was being introduced to the artist who made the whales!!! Trying to be cool, I shook his hand and marveled at the reality of this moment. As I previously wrote, this magical scene of a waterfront art exhibit every Saturday at the marina in Nuevo Vallarta in front of the Estudio Café, the setting was already not to be believed. Then, to realize that the very first person to whom we were being introduced was that of Octavio Gonzales the sculptor of magnificent mega-scaled masterpieces, I was star struck. Yes, I’m one of those who have ogled and continue to marvel at the stupendous scale of the elegant hump-backed whales that gracefully swim through the sky at the entrance of the marina in Puerto Vallarta. This encounter was a pleasant surprise!
Anyone visiting Vallarta has seen Octavio’s whales, dolphin, musical mermaids, orcas and other incredible renditions magnificently presented in bronze many of which are located on the main malacon downtown. Highland Park outside Chicago even has one of his incredible whale sculptures -shown unlikely but proudly in Octavio’s portfolio in a snowy scene as winter descends on the humpbacks. Arnold Schwarzenegger owns a desk-top miniature of the whales that he references with fond memories of time spent in Vallarta as evidenced in a personal letter in the artist’s portfolio.
And this was just the beginning…several other fine talents were present exhibiting their work and meeting the people who had come to see the art, have breakfast or just were fortunate enough to happen upon this wonderful waterfront scene. Estella Herrera’s work, with her lively glass mobiles, fanciful hearts, jewelry and architectural panels, was elegant, translucent, colorful and creative.
Gonzalo Espinosa crafts whimsical hearts, fish, clouds and other images from found wood that he shapes, colors with dyes and colored wax pencils posting them on iron stands that suspend them in the air above their surface. We enjoyed an interesting conversation as he told me about his techniques and also about exhibiting his work in Tucson – where I hope to discover his work on our next trip.
Meg Munro paints incredible watercolors with the eye of a camera and the soul of an artist. She captures the details but dilutes with shapes and differing levels of clarity for both perspective and emphasis of composition. Her colors are crisp and bold, real and softened to a pleasing interpretation of the reality that she sees.
I didn’t meet all of them – that is left for another visit. But I encourage anyone interested in beautiful Saturday mornings, magical marina settings, quiet music and delightful fresh food to visit this enchanting art exhibit along the malacon in Nuevo Vallarta. www.estudiocafe.net

A Little Painting Caught My Eye

At the art show, in front of the Estudio Café on the malecon in Nuevo Vallarta, a little painting with blue blue sky and dancing white leaves falling from a graceful tree gathering in layers upon the ground, caught my eye. It was a happy piece. It conveyed such dimension and texture that the fallen leaves looked like you could remove each one from the painting with the care of a delicate touch. Almost as though tiny translucent grains of rice, these little white leaves, so deliberately rendered, that each individual one had a specific place nestled among the others blanketing the ground
Small things with great impact, it is nice to have the time to savor these details. It’s a luxury to “stop and smell the roses” as they say. Here in Puerto Vallarta, there are many scenes, many different pockets and places, limitless details to examine and enjoy.
After many years of discovering and exploring these myriad nooks and crannies of this fun and fascinating town, we saw things this time through the eyes of our young cousin and niece – both 26 years old and both experiencing Mexico for their very first time. Their wonderment was palpable. There was no pretense to conceal their enthusiasm through cool veils of studied “hip – seen it and done it” placidity. Quite the contrary, these girls were beaming with sparkling eyes and bubbly exclamations for the 10 days that they participated with us in this adventure.
Both are well-traveled. Coincidentally though, neither had been to Mexico. We were thrilled to be the ones to introduce them and share one of our favorite areas. The details that they perceived and about which they enthused were many…from the delicious aroma and tantalizing sizzle of the carne asada cooking on the small grills which circled the plaza in Bucerillas amidst the carnival-like atmosphere of the night’s festivities – to the soft glow of the candlelight dancing on the tablecloths to the sensual beat of jazz in the gentle breeze of the beachside tables at La Palapa – they were amazed.
We tasted tequilas, savored the nuances, and marveled at the smooth warming effects without typical telltale hangovers of the over-indulgent…in fact, they both now swear by the mysterious medicinal qualities of the great blue agaves and their magical distillation! Imagine that! Each tasting experience brought with it a new vessel from which to enjoy the drinks – so exclaiming about the glassware – tall short, green, clear, each had its own unique character that delighted the girls.
The colors and textures of the architecture intrigued them. Those surfer boys on the beach…cute waiters, nothing escaped their observation. Water aerobics in the sapphire blue water of an infinity pool over-looking the sea with thrilling black whales’ tails flipping in the glitter of the sunlight on the water. Surreal…could this be staged? Cameras were constantly clicking off the shots – what did we do before the multi-gigs of our digital camera cards? Hundreds of images were documented for later examination and re-living of the memories gathered in such a short time. An introductory time, we’re sure as each expressed their absolute desire to return again to continue the adventure.
We’ll change gears now and miss their energetic enthusiasm but maybe have more time now to reflect and enjoy before heading back to “reality.” But at home, we’ll see the little white leaves falling through the blue blue sky from the delicate tree branches of the little painting that caught my eye. Thank you Jesus, it’s a treasure.

ART and Magical Moment with a Marine Mammal named Jenny

On Nuevo Vallarta’s malacon a group of friends and artists gather every Saturday to share news, enjoy coffee and present a most marvelous Art Show. Imagine a pristine marina of white sailboats neatly in their slips in a realm of blue as the water touches the sky with surrounding mangroves of lush green completing the scene.
A bonus to the setting, this festive exhibit is prominently positioned along the front of the lovely Estudio Café – Nuevo’s hidden jewel (www.estudiocafe.net) where in a charming open-air dining patio the freshest food of irreproachable quality delights the senses in this magical setting. Excellent musical selections of Chris Botti, Nora Jones, and other jazz vocal and instrumental talents waft through the clear morning air softly adding another dimension of ambiance to this ethereal atmosphere. Yes, it’s like layers of confection each providing a perfectly subtle contribution to this incredible composition. Today, the artists are joined by a special surprise guest, Jenny, the enormous sea lion from the neighboring Vallarta Adventures. She is escorted with her handlers and arrives waddling/bouncing along the malacon to greet her fans.
Jenny is quite friendly and at ease with this exercise. She is not on a leash and responds with alert attentiveness to her handlers. Jenny gives a toothy smile and waves to the small group that quickly gathers around her. With their cameras instantly whipped out in force for this most unusual event everyone realizes that what is already an incredibly enjoyable experience is taking on an entirely new animation! Jenny’s handlers are equipped with a small cooler of fresh fish which they generously use to reward her excellent behavior. She seems more than eager to please and quite happy with the praise and attention. And you can’t believe what’s next… for the morning’s art show, Jenny will paint!
My dear, young friend, Victoria is invited to hold the small stretched canvas that Jenny will use to execute her artistic talents. The handsome young handler has the paints and a special brush with a rubber mouth grip that Jenny readily takes in her teeth and proceeds to apply to the canvas. The handler changes the colors and she applies the paint in a manner that abstractly suggests a vertical green tree with a pink swath of a flamingo and a blue patch of sky. No two of these marine masterpieces are alike. She creates for the moment. She is amazing.
These are the images of magic that you want to freeze and re-open later – to beckon the scene and enjoy when the mood strikes…to evoke the simple luxury of this beautiful morning, in a magical setting, with fine art and conversation, soft music and a communion with a magnificent marine mammal whenever you have the desire and repose to do so. Porque no?

The Original Design of the Perfect Margarita – Simply Sublime

Why is it so difficult to get a good margarita? Seems like all these bars with their fancy concoctions and infusions try too hard to reinvent that which is so perfect in its original form. Don’t give me the sweet and sour mix or the carbonated fizz, please don’t add sugar or simple syrup, just keep it simple!
While introducing Heather and Tricia to Mexico this week, Tricia thought that I should post the perfect margarita to which I introduced her last year and she has enjoyed ever since – here we are in paradise and Heather staged a photo shot right on our balcony of the ingredients (using Controy instead of the traditional Cointreau) the perfect picture!
So finding the perfect margarita….down here in Mexico we even find this frustration – perhaps the masses have forgotten the simplicity that is so fine – paired with a cultivated sweet-tooth, common margaritas are often waaaay too sweet. Jalisco, the very state in which the precious nectar of the agave root was first extracted and distilled to create this Mexican treasure – tequila – offers many variations on the theme. Yet the original libation created in Mexico City is simply an equal combination of tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice served on the rocks.
Another option of the orange flavored French liquor, Cointreau has been made less expensively here in Mexico in their version called Controy. The other French liquor with an orange flavor, Grand Marnier is often substituted – rather successfully. But the real deal is with the Cointreau.
Whether it’s in a fancy stemmed broad blue or green hand blown margarita glass, big bulbous heavy barbell of a vessel, or even a pilsner like the one I had in the Houston airport at Pappadeaux’s last Saturday, the trick is all in the ingredients. KISS – equal parts tequila, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Usually, traditionally, it is served on the rocks in a short cocktail glass…whether you salt the rim or not is personal preference – but salted is the way it all started. Here in Mexico you often see a small plate slightly larger than the diameter of a slice of pineapple – with a slice of juicy pineapple. It is that and not water or a damp cloth which is used to moisten the rim before twisting it in the dish of course salt.
And then there are the various types of tequila…first it must be 100% agave. There are blends which add sugar cane (like rum) and other ingredients which are NOT 100% agave. Read the label! It can only really be called tequila if it made from 100% agave. Got it? There are three types of tequila white (new, clear, silver), reposado aged a bit and añejo aged a bit more. Not like the years we see in scotch…12 years, 26 years…but they are often aged in whiskey kegs – the oaky barrels discarded after years of service then re-used to age (for a much shorter time) the tequila which takes on the warm colors and rich tones from the other distillations. The flavors are nearly limitless and the tastings for fine tequila are as subtle, rich and varied as the finest wines. The price can vary too – with incredibly well regarded shots going in the hundreds – now THAT’S a shot!
Many people prefer the crisp silver tequilas in their citrusy margaritas while others prefer the warmer, smoother flavor of the aged versions. However you like it – remember the mantra for a great margarita – what is it? KISS – equal parts tequila, Cointreau and freshly squeezed lime juice – simply sublime.

Making Something Out of Nothing – Spontaneous Great Design On-Site

Instant change in scenery…from the chilly high desert of New Mexico to the expansive beaches along the Bay of Banderas between La Cruz and Punta de Mita. We’re here now enjoying the sky touch the sea and purple mountains shrouded in mist circling the bay creating an awesome scene of tropical splendor. Palm fronds reach from their trunks and crinkle their tips in the breeze like giant green shrimp trying to escape into the air.
Last night we had a dinner party with our fabuous friends the familia Leon de la Vega. Federico, Luli, Victoria and Lupita join us every year for dinner at this magical spot. In anticipation of the evening’s party, I planned the menu on the plane, groceries were purchased on the way from the airport and the first day of our visit unfolded.
Joined this year by niece Heather and cousin Tricia, we are having an adventure! As I explained the plan for the day and tasks to be performed to ready ourselves for the dinner party, one aspect fascinated the girls. I wanted (as I always do) to dress the table – and they looked at each other, shrugged, raised their up-turned hands to the sky and said in unison “with what?” (Can you visualize that scene?)
Always working with available materials the task is like a treasure hunt for me. There were simple woven placemats in a drawer. Their organic color and texture were perfect contrast to the smooth surface of the honed stone table top. Next I grabbed a water glass from the cupboard, went outside and began to prune a trailing pothos plant for the naked center of the travertine slab. In a drawer we discovered a pair of votive candles colorfully wrapped with an angelically handsome face of Jesus in a baggie with a package of matches – intended for emergencies in case of a power outage after dark – until the emergency generators kick-in. Knowing that they probably had these in inventory, I called the front desk to request 6 of these little luminaries – offered to pay for them – but they were delivered to the room gratis. After peeling off the holy wrappers, we stood back and examined our progress…a pretty green trailing plant with small white votive candles…next step…to the beach!! We ventured forth to comb the leavings from high tide where we scavenged gathering our decorative elements… smooth stones washed by the sea and bleached by the sun with white oyster shells pearly and iridescent perfect for bases beneath our little white candles.
Scattering the stones along the center of the table and placing three shells on either side of the center, we positioned the candles on the shells and Voila!! A beautiful tablescape – made more enchanting as night fell and the candles glowed -move over Sandra Lee! All created on-site with the spontaneity resulting from limited, but very successful resources, in perfect context with our tropical beach setting. Mix those margaritas and enjoy!

Picturing Designs – In Advance of Reality

Today started off fun. I saw the finished product of some custom cabinets that I designed with my cabinet-maker, Enrique. We had been working on this for months…stages…interspersed with other projects to keep the peace among eager, anxious clients. The red was vibrant. The maple was clean and contemporary…one project, two rooms, different material, different finishes, side-by-side – sleek, fun, cool.
Also today, I had spoken with another client about her backyard and described to her how after working with a concept and developing it into a design, after awhile the design comes to life so much so that I actually picture the finished product long before it is complete. So much so that I often have entered clients’ homes/yards/offices and not responded to a key component that they had waited weeks to receive and to their disappointment, I had not exclaimed about its addition to the scene. When brought to my attention, I realized that is was as though I had already seen it. I had envisioned it for so long it was as though it already existed. Oops! Sorry…
Then there are the really funny scenes, like that same client this morning who was expressing where she thought her Asian soaking tub should be located and why. She described it in the far corner of the yard…NOT where I had placed it on the plans. She said that she didn’t mind going that far to the tub and that in that particular corner, in the farthest corner of the yard against a fence with spaces between the fence pieces, that it was the most private. Ok, I countered…”So in the depth of winter, when the air is frosty and the night is dark, you are prepared to go streaking in your mid-calf bathrobe with scuffies on your feet to the far reaches of the yard dashing into your steamy soaking tub in the supposed privacy of that far corner of your yard only to find that your neighborhood hoods have set-up bleachers, checked their watches and convened to watch you on your accustomed/predictable schedule through the gaping spaces in the fence that YOU think is a private corner.” She was nearly in tears we were all laughing so hard! I could picture it – she ultimately did.
At the near end of a busy day full of creative consultations and entertaining exchanges, I received a call that my friend Enrique, mentioned in the first paragraph – at the start of my day – my most fabulous cabinet-maker – cut off three of his fingers and of last report, did not know if they could be successfully saved. I picture him mended and back at what he does so well…the stark contrasts between pleasure and pain, reward and disappointment…that’s reality.

Design Trends…Individual, Artful Confections of Expression

Funny how themes spread across popular culture…okay, not so funny, just fact. From what’s in Vogue to passing trends, we see the elements and wallow in the offerings. So have you noticed the cupcake craze? Designer cupcakes for crying out loud!! And you ask, why not? They’re little art pieces, individual confections of expression – and so much fun!
Cupcakes remind us of childhood and yet today are not just used for little girls’ birthday parties – they’re wedding sensations! Tiers of colorful cakes in cups – it just says fun! Once holiday opportunities, something to sprinkle jimmies on for special occasions…lick the frosting off first…orange and black for Halloween, pastel for Easter, red, white and blue for 4th of July – they now transcend mere holidays and have come into their own as spectacular presentations of creativity – gifts of decadence – simple, yet sinful nonetheless.
So we have joined the ranks with our indulgent collection of confections by Susan Roden who renders these delicate temptations in soft, swirling pastels beautiful enough to eat, offering the viewer an escape into amorous indulgence. We even have colorful cookbooks on the subject, flour sack dish cloths adorned with dripping frosted cupcakes and many other representations of this sweet timeless trend!
Can a trend be timeless or does it then become something else? If it is timeless then it transcends the suggested timeframe of a trend. And as I write this, I firmly believe that inasmuch as cupcakes are currently being re-evaluated, redesigned, and appreciated beyond their previous niche – they are NOT a trend – merely their newfound appreciation appears as though a trend…when in fact, they are a delightful little delicacy that perhaps is redesigned and improved with age and rediscovery.
I’m surprised that we haven’t seen a little Volkswagen dressed up as a cross-country touring cupcake…maybe it needs to be attached to a national name – like Sarah Lee or something…flash on the LED lights of Times Square…too bad Ben and Jerry don’t branch out into cupcakes…their Jane Mansfield cups could really run-ith over!!! “Get a load of those knockers!” Oh what Duff Goldman could do!!! That’s enough!!!
Celebrate the cupcake!!!

Dormant Months Provide Planning Time For Garden Designs

They’re not dead, they’re just sleeping!! Dormant yet quite alive, gardens are begging for attention with plans for the next season’s excitement!! We know all the recommendations about planting bulbs in the fall and pruning roses in late February, but now is the time to begin your master plan for the outdoor living spaces that will be so important and exciting in the warmer months! Plan NOW!
I have just completed three studies for a “Fantasy Garden.” The distillation of these plans into one more consolidated design will be a master plan for many years to come…it is the story of a garden comprised of an intimate series of zones and spaces ever growing, changing with the seasons and coming years. It is not static. It is a living, breathing work in progress.
This particular garden was requested by the owner to include many features such as a soaking tub, pomegranate tree, storage for bikes, cactus garden, vegetable garden, breakfast patio, party patio, meditation garden…and more…their love of art invites plans for placement of various pieces currently owned and to be acquired. Does this conjure up a picture of an enchanted maze of discovery and wonderment? It should.
Creating outdoor spaces for expanded living enjoyment can be done on a postage stamp sized piece of property (a rooftop maybe) or sections of a larger whole. Don’t hesitate to explore the possibilities for creating the pleasurable environments of an intensely manicured Japanese garden, wild xeric scene or a multi-faceted collective like the one described here. In any case, it is YOUR space and should be so very inviting that you are drawn to be out there – irresistibly drawn to the magic that is provides.
Use your imagination and envision breakfasts outside, water features providing subtly refreshing sounds, nature in the air of bird songs and soft fragrances, evenings under the stars, parties with festive lighting, outdoor kitchens, fresh air and the ever changing blooms and growth of seasonal plantings. And there’s more! Just imagine!
So, start thinking now! Gather you ideas, make a wish list and begin planning your landscape design in these quiet months, preparing aspects that are not dependent upon warmer days, so that when the time arrives, you are ready to plant, critique, sit back and enjoy!

DESIGN YOUR NEW YEAR’S PROGRAM

I keep thinking that I have finished eating with gusto – holiday fashion – and then another fabulous opportunity presents itself. We have now entered the New Year of 2011 and veal marsala was offered irresistibly tonight and I selected braised spinach instead of the accompanying pasta. Do I get points?
As I recently spoke about “cleansing the color palette” of design and seasonal decoration in the face of the New Year – I recommend that we do the same for that over-taxed gastronomic palette that has been painted with all manner of food extravagances this past season.
Pass those silver platters with crisp leaves of endive topped with olive tapenades or celery stalks stuffed with lighter fare of herbed goat cheese. Chase that martini with lots of water and get out there and walk it off!!!
I was in TWO homes today – unrelated to each other and BOTH of them had two – not just one – but TWO enormous plastic orbs – yes, Pilates balls – smack dab in the center of the primary living area!! I asked each owner how and when they used them – both were shy about admitting that they were NOT employed to the extent to which they were designed and initially brought into the homes. Yet, there they were, front and center in the interior of these otherwise quite well composed living centers.
I’m thinking – put them right by your bed so that you trip over them upon arising and have to face the decision right then and there whether to do the deed and take up the task before the events of the day interfere.
Design your exercise program around a realistic living schedule. IF you can discipline yourself to set a standing appointment away from home before, during or after your day’s activities, more power to you…if jumping into something right out of the sack insures better commitment and continuity – go for it!! But design this new year’s regimen in your home, out of your home, or whatever it takes to burn off the last months’ ingested temptations and get a new start!
Happy Healthy New Year!!!