Local Hero: Chez Panisse

Chez Panisse, and its founder Alice Waters, are known around the world for celebrating food (and those who grow it) in an original way. We feel lucky, and proud, that the revered Chez Panisse archway is just around the corner from us. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, this restaurant and cafe offers a dining experience that is truly intimate, special and pampering.

The history of those 40 years, including celebrations, wine collections, and the sustainable food movement, are well documented in the gorgeous new book 40 Years of Chez Panisse: The Power of Gathering. Featuring photographs and profiles of the various chefs and supporters that make up the Chez Panisse family, celebrity guests, and the beautiful linocut artwork of Patty Curtan, the book is a feast for the eyes.

Pictured below are two pages from the book, featuring  a menu created for the (then) first ladies and some scrumptious food shots.

A First Apartment

Is there anything more exciting than moving into your first apartment? A new start, a fresh perspective . . . but what to do about those bland floors and white walls? Just take the stuff you have, mix in some new accessories, throw in a few vintage pieces -- and you've transformed a sterile, ubiquitous space into a pad that reflects your personal style.

For example, take this living room: it started as a basic box, but styling magic changed it into a comfortable, colorful hang-out spot.

Sources: Ikea lamps and couch, West Elm rug, vintage flea market art, Crate and Barrel Marimekko pillow, handmade leopard pillow.

And in the bedroom, a happy color wall makes the other accessories pop!

Sources: vintage mid-century chair, CB2 bedding and side table, Ikea lamp, wall color: Bali Hai from Glidden.

Since the dining room is also serving as a home office, we chose to paint one wall a warm red to help differentiate the two spaces.

Sources:  Ikea chairs and tables, CB2 clock, wall color: Old Glory from Glidden.

And don't overlook the entryway! This is a great focal point for colorful accessories, as seen here:

Sources: Vintage stool from Mignonne, plexi console from CB2, pop art from Ikea and our personal stash.

Although the results look like weeks of work, we pulled together this apartment in one weekend! Your first apartment can be your first interior style statement -- just try different combinations, mix old with new, and introduce some color to your world.

All styling by Allie and Jill McCoy.

New Lighting from Old Junk

Never before have there been more eclectic choices in pendant lighting. We're especially excited about the trend toward creating fixtures from vintage or cast-off materials. Check out this Jupiter Scrap Light from Graypants (featured in this month's Dwell), made from upcycled cardboard boxes:

Another cool creation: the Mixer Ceiling Pendant (made from -- you guessed it -- a repurposed industrial stainless mixer) from local favorite Omega Too:

And the Workstead 3-Arm Industrial Chandelier is made from repurposed industrial joints and vintage brass sockets (found via Remodelista).

Have an old wire basket or stainless bucket hanging around? Instead of banishing it to your basement, bring it to your local lighting store. Many can turn it into a one-of-a-kind fixture for you.

Time for a Change?

Is your space feeling a little stale? Wish you had the time (and budget) to completely redecorate? Well, we have some great news: you can freshen up your rooms with minimal investment -- and have fun doing it. It's all about color.

Check out the difference in this dining room . . . we changed the paint color (and some accessories) and completely transformed the space.

And just switching out the accessories on and around our beloved Karlstad sofa is a great way to signify a change in seasons (or mood). What makes it interesting is the mix -- these pillows are from CB2, Ikea, ABC Carpet, Urban Outfitters and the Alameda flea market -- but all fall within the same color theme.

Try it yourself -- grab some color swatches and your paintbrush. Visit your favorite store. Just a small investment in time and money can make your space feel new again.

We're Seeing Spots!

Have you noticed? Leopard is everywhere . . . adorning chairs and sofas . . .

. . . and on some pretty fierce shoes!

You can be as bold as you want to be, but even a touch of this animal print can really make an impact. Check out how Elle Decor incorporated a leopard pillow with a gallery wall, then look at our interpretation:

Meow!

One Love: Metal Stock Tanks in the Garden

If your garden is full of terra-cotta and painted pots, why not try something different? We love this metal stock tank (also called a cattle trough) that's housing our new herb garden.

We bought ours at our favorite local nursery -- Flowerland in Albany (which was also recommended by Berkeley designer Erica Tanov in the September '11 edition of  Elle Decoration UK). These troughs come in different sizes (3-8 feet long), and they complement all types of spaces--from urban rooftop to country garden. They are especially great for growing bamboo, which can become unruly if planted directly in the ground.

Maybe it's the juxtaposition of the industrial (metal) vs. the natural (earth); maybe it's the contrast of the green against the silver. Any way you look at it, these are beautiful and modern alternatives to more traditional container gardens. Special thanks to Marco, our landscape designer!

Neutral + Color = A Beautiful Balance

Camel. Beige. Tan. Cream. Taupe. What do these neutrals mean to you? Calm? Peaceful? Safe?

Now add a little something . . . how about a pop of pink? A bit of bright blue? A racy orange stripe or a burst of yellow?

A little color can change everything. Lately we’re noticing some great blends of neutral sofas and chairs combined with shots of color via pillows, lamps, blankets and artwork.

If you love your creams, whites and camels, try layering a little color on top and see what happens to your room. And when you’re ready to change the whole feel again, just change out your color accents. It’s the fastest, easiest and most affordable way to make your room feel new.

Images via House Beautiful and Elle Decor

Seaweed Lamp by Sarah Foote

 We bought a new lamp!! We found this item at the Lolahome store located on College Ave.  The seaweed lamp is a great addition to our entry way. It adds a whimsy, natural and organic element in the space.  Since its such a unique piece it can also serve as a conversational feature.  With its twisted and tangled white maple wood veneer strips it is reminiscent of a hanging nest.  Sarah Foote, the creator of the lamp, is originally from the bay area, but she now resides in Brooklyn.  She has been creating lamps for 10 years.  You can go to her website and check out her other artistic home products.

                                                                                Here it is in our entry way!

Decorate

We purchased the book "Decorate" by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick.  It's helpful to use book as a resource when decorating; you can get lots of inspiration and tips on decorating.  Here are some of our favorite rooms and quotes from the book.  "Decorate" is currently available at West Elm and Anthropologie. 

CB2 Pillows

Pillows are an easy, affordable way to switch things up and make a new statement. Here are some of our favorite pillows from CB2's latest collection.  Mixing your new pillows with existing pillows is a great way to refresh your color scheme or decor.   

We mixed some of our older pillows from West Elm, Urban Outfitters, Ikea and CB2 with the new pillows from CB2.