Sunday, December 19, 2010

Tranquility of Jnane Tamsna

Jnane Tamsna was our tranquil guesthouse from the bustle of Marrakech during our Morocco trip. Merryanne Loum-Martin and botanist husband Gary designed the peaceul architecture and organic gardens amongst palm trees. It feels like a desert oasis. This delightful room is tucked behind the pool and was my favorite reading nook. I loved being surrounded by a collection of Moroccan portraits stacked up high along the walls. Jnane Tamsna is known for gracious hospitality, delcious cuisine and exquisite design.We look forward to our return.
www.jnanetamsna.com

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Essaouria Blue

The seaport of Essaouria in Morocco bustles with fisherman and seagulls. The magical site of the small fishing boats piled up at dock is facinating, a photographer's dream. I captured that perfect image just before my battery died on my Cannon--I got it, all is good! This cobalt blue is a signature color of Morocco and a favorite of artist, Yves Klein, the master of monocolor as shown in his current exhibit at Walker Art Center. Don't miss this great show! calendar.walkerart.org/canopy.wac?id=4489

Sunday, December 5, 2010

A Feast for the Senses


Upon my return from a 10-day culinary adventure with Peggy Markel and Chef Bahija-I am yearning for more! More time in Morocco, more time to soak up all the culture and frankly more shopping in The Souks. We travelled from the Medina of Marrakesh to the Beaches of Essaouria and Imlil in the Atlas Mountains. I devoured delicious food and met lifelong friends while exhausting my camera battery, composing 700 photos. The sensational colors of the architecture and tantalizing spice markets were in abundance. I just have so much to share about the magic of Morocco.....I will write another blog!
www.peggymarkel.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Pillows Galore!

Pillows, Pillows, Pillows! From Clarence House and Osborne & Little to Bergamo and Pierre Frey we are buried in hundreds of pilows. From fancy bobble trims, metalic brush fringe and glitzy beads-all our pillows are adorned. We brought in textiles fom Marrakesh to Guatemala-a little something for everyone. Katie Sidenberg & I host our 2nd Annual Pillow Party on December 2nd from 4:00-8:00 PM at International Market Square! Join us for bubbly & nosh. You will be serenaded with holiday favorites by our guest guitarist. Bring a friend-pillows are awaiting a new home!

Monday, November 29, 2010

2010 ASID Awards-25th Birthday Bash

It was a packed house at the 25th Birthday celebration for IMS and the designers were all a buzz during a fun-filled evening of fab outfits, great conversations and stunning awards. We were thrilled to receieve a First Place Award for an Entire Residence over 5,000 square feet. Melinda Nelson, in her vintage hot pink number did a superb job presenting the awards. Read her Party Patrol blog at MSP Magazine.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Digital Print Textiles: The New Wave in Design


Digital Textile Printing is exploding! We love the us of a pop of color for pillows or for a dynamic drapery. Trisha Guild is a color master you can't resist! It is so exciting to have no limitations in use of color or repeats. Uncover this and other gorgeous fabrics.

http://www.designersguild.com/fabric-and-wallpaper-showroom/fabric/

Monday, November 15, 2010

Unbridled Farmhouse

Not Country Cliche: An awe-inspiring farmhouse in Lakeville, Minnesota circa 1910
The crooked walls, damaged floors, and crumbling foundation over time changed to bright, open, and airy rooms that bring the outside in. Marjie Newton was ready to turn in her traditional past of oil paintings, restrictive mahogany furnishings, and muted Persian rugs for modern sensibility.

This kitchen is a favorite gathering spot among family and friends and exudes fun while promoting productivity. Bright wonderful colors like orange, blue and lime green add a modern spin, but comfortable feel. Many unique original features of the house blend with new furnishings which complement each other. All the rooms details, seem as if they were always there, meant to be, they just belong. A perfect balance between masculine and feminine forms allow for comfortable entertaining spaces. A striking Micheal Eastman photograph is the perfect personal touch that welcomes all entering from the barn.

The design exudes a friendly sense of style in an old farmhouse, Marjie Newton gets to live with modern things comfortably. Now, Indonesian teak cabinets, modernist lounge chairs, and cowhide details create the perfect eclectic mix of furnishings, nothing feels out of place. The home is a rejuvenating hideaway from all the pressures of the world so caring for her horses and children comes easily. She enjoys country living and all it has to offer, beautiful views, privacy, and a sense of calm. The barn, stables, chicken coop, horse arena, and a caretakers apartment were also part of this labor of love renovation. This intimate refuge embraces design continuity that will age gracefully for many years to come.