I'm LOVING the new Arch Dig

The cover of the latest AD. BTW some lunatic is trying to sell this for 5.99 on ebay...Bid here.


I knew Margaret Russell would be just the one to whip Architectural Digest back into shape as it was the most boring yet well respected shelter mag out there. I just picked up the latest copy because it wasn't desperately trying to attract me with a celebrity on the cover but a beautiful looking interior instead.The spreads inside were colorful and different, not monotone bad modern homes that nobody could relate to or overly done overly traditional messes (Gerard Butler's home).

My favorite spread in the December issue is a tiny 12,000 square foot home by Stephen Sills. It's. Major. The home is in CT, the facade traditional, but the interior is fresh and interesting. Also if you look on the lawn there is the CUTEST little dog.

The large library is filled with beautiful antiques and fabulously faded wallpaper; "burlap hand-painted in a faded ottoman design" by Patricia Arnillas. I mean it looks just A-MAZING. There are little wooden mushrooms crowding around the coffee table, books galore, a library table that looks like it's propped up on frames, a small niche by the fireplace, and a gorgeous lantern. All that's missing is an invitation for me!

The living room is just as large, with tall windows and more beautiful antiques and soft calming colors. I'm still waiting for my invitation...

The study, a slightly more modern looking room looks cozy, don't you think? The white cut-out screen (LOVE) is surrounded by paintings of Islamic pottery. Love the shape of the bookcases--these people like to read.

An antique pineapple hangs over the breakfast table--why wouldn't it? The view from this room is incredible don't you think? I'd never tire of looking at all the beautiful objects and textiles though.

The bedroom is so surprising. There is hardly any real furniture here--I was expecting some upholstered club chairs--but I love the addition of the two modern hanging chairs and how they contrast the ornate frames above them. The large oriental rug and the dog bedside table are exquisite.

I've always loved Stephen Sills' design work--he's SO talented. You must must must go pick up or resubscribe to Arch Dig right away. This spread is one of many in this months magazine.

Paige Rense will always be the "legend" at Architectural Digest but let's face it--we were all pretty bored by the magazine. Margaret Russell has already made this into an interesting and UBER dynamic mag and I'll be hoarding my parents' copies once again.

Alicia B.

New Years Resolution #1

A dining nook from composer, Gian Carlo Menotti's home in Italy. Via Arch Dig.

After being very much against New Years Resolutions, I came up with two things I'd like to do this year. I am against them because I feel like they make you look back at the previous year, count up your shortcomings, and then put you into overdrive on trying to "improve" yourself when you're probably doing well just as you are. Some people go to extremes or come up with so many resolutions that they get in trouble with their husbands (my sister). Be that as it may, I realized that after about four years, I had pretty much forgotten all the Italian that I'd ever learned and that made me sad. My first New years Resolution is to be more Italian. I do not have one Italian bone in my body but if you recall, I spent a semester in Florence (Firenze, sigh.), living with a family and studying art, eating so much pasta, and learning the language. It was amazing and I look back on that time fondly.

Last night I made one of my favorite Tuscan meals for dinner, Pappa al Pomodoro. It is a Tuscan bread and tomato soup, and topped with some fresh Parmesan, it is delicious! Here is the recipe I used; simple and fast.

First, I sauteed some garlic and an onion in olive oil.

Then I added 3 delicious tomatoes (skin removed) to the mix and let all this soften and meld with each other.

During this time I had some day old baguette that I absolutely could not let go to waste, so I soaked it in water for about 5 mins. I broke it apart and added that to the mix as well.

These ingredients should simmer for about 10 mins. I know how this might look, but until you've had it, you don't know how delish it is.

Then spoon some out, top it with some extra virgin olive oil and fresh parm and basil and EAT! It looks scary but is so good!

A room in a boutique hotel, Villa Bordoni, in Tuscany. Via Mr & Mrs Smith.

As for the other part of this resolution, my other sister suggested that an affordable way to bring the Italian language back into my life was to download podcasts. She's a genius because I searched for some and there are tons of people on iTunes that want to teach you Italian! Maybe I'll even make it back to Florence this year, who knows! I'll tell you my other resolution tomorrow...What are yours? One of my friend's is to sew more--great one!


Alicia B.

All Aboard. Yacht Design

Today, in NYC it's a high of 21 degrees, and apparently it's supposed to be getting warmer? Well let me tell you something--I can't take it anymore! I'm freezing! I know I don't live in Chicago, where 21 degrees feels like shorts weather to them, but I've decided that I've had enough. My younger sister and I have decided to take a trip together to Miami! We dabbled in going to Mexico, the Bahamas and almost went for it with a cruise, but we decided that it would be best if we just laid on the beach and put on 45 SPF and got "tan." The cruise idea led me on a little bit of a design trip down yacht and plane designs! There are some pretty terrible and uncomfortable designs out there but I found a few that you all might like.

Shahira Fahmy, a young Egyptian designer, designed this yacht. Here is the veranda, for dining and enjoying the fresh air. I love those three chairs with caning--so graceful.

The sun/sitting room doesn't have much color but I love the billowing walls towards the back.

Not sure why there are two beds in the master bedroom suite, but there are. Looks cute with the custom fabric canopies, though. I still wish there was more color here.

Finally, she uses some color and exoticism in the living room. Reds, browns, yellows and patterns in here break the mold of the rest of the yacht.

Another more exotic scene in the yacht with punches of green from the plants.

The yacht above looks a lot like the yacht that my parents gave me for my 21st birthday! JUST KIDDING. This was designed by Bannenberg Designs and was featured in Architectural Digest.

I think this yacht is a tad sleeker, but it doesn't lose its personality. Fun ceiling right?

The bathroom is quite luxurious with marble on nearly every surface. I super love the look of those sinks--blocky but beautiful.

Tocar, who usually designs for residences was asked to design a client's yacht as well. They went with the classic navy's, wood surfaces, and white--very nautical.

Darren Henault wins my prize for the most livable and creative solutions of yacht design. I think the key is to keep it simple but not too spare. You probably can't over accessorize on a yacht-- because you're on water.

Here is a little reading nook where you can relax and enjoy the view. Take a look at those sofas; they even have scalloped edging on the upholstery! Adorable.

Another sitting area with a sweet little cocktail table to put your gin and tonic on! I love the floor tiles as well.

This is probably is a snug little bathroom but Henault uses lots and lots of mini tiles and many mirrors to expand the space.

How clever is this desk area? It folds out when you want to write a letter, slip it in a bottle, and throw it into the ocean. Then when you're done you can close it up and have space in your bedroom.

Bedroom with a Buddha head.

And, finally the dining area. Lighting must be particularly difficult when designing something on water. It can't sway too much, and you don't always want to have recessed lighting because that can be boring.

Well, even if i don't have a yacht of my own to design, I'm still loving the idea. I love the nautical motifs and all the classic colors that are associated with sailing etc. And remember, it's not a boat, it's a yacht. If anyone can name what movie that quote is from, I'll give you a dinghy.

Alicia B.

Map Me

Something I've always loved are antique maps. I bought an antique map of New York City at an antique store out in the country about a year ago and I'd love to re-frame (as one part of it is damaged) it and be able to hang it (it's still in my room back home much to my parents' dismay). It's a nice way to create art in an inexpensive way. You can buy antique maps at antique or print shops or buy new ones and frame them to make them look old. I like to look at them and reminisce back to a time when I was in that place.

From Architectural Digest, Gayle Wells Mandle and James Brayton Hall. Wall paper map on the entire wall! I like how it is stained dark.

Country Living. This is a DIY project; break up a map into several frames.

Katie Ridder. I used to have a map of the world like this from National Geographic when I was a child. Considering my sense of direction, I think I should have looked at it more.

Tocar Design. If you have several small maps you can group them to add interest to this small empty space above the door frame.

This antique map of Connecticut is one of many valuable antique maps from The Philadelphia Print Shop in Chestnut Hill, PA.

I'd love to be able to find some good map wallpaper. Anyone? Bueller?


Alicia B.

AD Open Audition

For everyone who is trying to make it big in the design world, Architectural Digest is having open auditions in the D & D Building in Manhattan tomorrow and Thursday!!! Paige Rense will be there to judge you as well as other editors etc. Sounds pretty scary but isn't being in Architectural Digest meant to be the pinnacle of your career? Could be a jumping off point in this case (if not just a great opportunity to have someone like that judge your portfolio). SCARY/AWESOME. HERE is the link.


Alicia B.