Leaving Your Heart in San Francisco

Tony Bennet made the world yearn for the city by the bay speckled with cable cars and foggy air. Forget Rome or Manhattan, San Francisco was the place where the singer chanted about where he'd prefer to be.

Unlike the iconic song, a long-distance relationship some nearly 20 years ago left me feeling that SF was not the place to be. And, although I experienced all the iconic tourist places, I was never really 'got' the appeal of the California city. However, life happens. After 20 years, I was in for a change of opinion.

Recently, having a business trip that took me to San Francisco, I reluctantly made plane and hotel reservations bracing myself for a not-so-good time in a city where I really didn't want to be in. Knowing the situation [and thankfully ignoring my whining] my friend Jennifer Boles, a contributor to House Beautiful and fellow blogger [peakofchic.com] insisted I met up with two of her favorite designers Scot Meacham Wood and Grant Gibson. "You have to meet them... they're great..."

Trading cell numbers and scheduling shuttling, I was picked up by Scot in a BMW Mini almost as bright and colorful as his personality. We met Grant at a restaurant called Spruce, designed by the then William Sonoma Home Creative Director, Stephen Brady. www.sprucesf.com.





After laughs, a few martinis (ok, I was the one drinking the martinis). And this incredible chocolate desert, Grant and his two, adorable Scottie dogs, took me back to my hotel.

So this post is really a thanks to two people that I really love [and the one encouraging me to reach out to them], not only just for a good time or their continued friendship, but for helping me realize that when life gives you lemons... order a few citrus martinis!

On and off in the next few weeks I'll share some more of my great visit to San Francisco including the Cartier exhibit, the Asian Art Museum, Goyard and a small gallery housed in a building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

I left my heart in SanFrancisco, and I'll be back there soon!

We're back...

Hi everyone. The economy has played such a part in Design Guy University. Each and every time a schedule was released, there were so few participants, that I decided to pause. That will change in September. I'm planning a fall schedule that will knock you out that you'll want to sign up right away!

In addition, I'm planning another field trip for those who want to go again to the Merchandise Mart to the new showrooms and the new Dream House on display. Also, a trip to NY at Christmas is in the works along with a trip to the new Las Vegas Showroom in the Spring.

This long hiatus has taken me to both coasts, up north, and most recently ... to Europe. I've been temporarily in charge of an arts technology entity where I've learned a lot, designed some fabric that was published, and have been finishing up some spectacular work that I'll reveal as photos are available. I'm also honored to be answering interior design questions from the Post Dispatch in the Lifestyles section on a regular basis. It's so fun and really an extension of what I'm doing with the blog.

Also, I have a new location. Some of you know that Tjaden Interiors was located on the corner of McPherson and Walton in the Central West End. Well, I've moved up closer to Euclid alongside Halbert Rug Gallery. The change is great and I'm sandwiched in between two galleries: William Shearburn and Duane Reed.

Being a designer is who I am, what I should be... and to share that experience with you once again is a thrill that I am looking forward to do.

And the winning bid goes to... YOU

Auctions have always been not only a great resource for buying on the secondary market (meaning not new, not retail) but also a great learning experience as you can see every day objects paired sometimes with museum-quality, history-making pieces. Be careful though, once you go, you may get hooked.

Ivey-Selkirk Auctioneers in St. Louis is having an upcoming Modernist sale Auction: November 14&15 ~ 11a.m. CST. Preview of what's up for sale can be seen starting this Sunday: November 8-12 ~10a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. The URL for their upcoming auction is iveyselkirk.com/Twentieth.htm. I've done a little work for you and have chosen my pics that if I had the space, I'd choose for my home.

Note: all images and listings courtesy of Ivey Selkirk Auctioneers. Commentary done by DGU.




RANDALL MCCLELLAND, AMERICAN Walnut sculpture, 1973, signed with monogram and dated. 17 inches, raised on a black painted pedestal overall height 61 inches. McClelland is a sculptor from Quincy, Illinois. This is just a lovely wood piece that would look great asymmetrically placed on a mantel, on a coffee table or even on your dining room table. Anywhere. (This is the middle sculpture and is shown with others available by different artists at the auction)



IKE FORDYCE, AMERICAN COLD FALL OVEN - MARTINEZ HACIENDA, TAOS, N.M., October 1987, gelatin silver print, pencil signed lower margin and again with title verso, matted. This tree print is amazing. I'm a fan of trees and have done my own series with digital photography but it pales in comparison to not only the subject, but the use of light.



ALEXANDER CALDER, AMERICAN (1898-1976) color lithograph, A.P., pencil signed lower right, framed.
This is typical Alexander Calder. A.P. refers to Artist Proof and are usually done before the numbered series as the artist is testing the process or he's making some for himself. This one's signed in pencil. Some are signed on the printing plate, and then you're never sure if it's an original or a later strike. This is a good one.



GEORG JENSEN, DENMARK Sterling silver compote, 1915-1939, slightly flared bowl raised on foliate stem and oval support, impressed signature and numbered 6 underfoot. When it comes to Sterling, you can't go wrong with George Jensen. I go to their shop often in Chicago, but the price can scare you away. Secondary markets allow collectors to keep going and enable the first-time buyer the opportunity to acquire. The craftsmanship on all GJ pieces are unmatched anywhere. Quality. Elegant. Simple.



GUSTAVE ROGER SANDOZ AND GERARD SANDOZ, FRENCH Silver, lacquer and eggshell cigarette case decorated in black and red enamel, interior in silver gilt, signed G. Roger Sandoz and Gerard Sandoz del, with G.S. monogram and French silver punch.
This case likely depicts the heavyweight fight between Jack Dempsey and Jack Sharkey, July 21, 1927 at Yankee Stadium. This is just a cool gift for someone and I would love to have it on my dresser or even on my coffee table. I would even carry it around with me to hold business cards (although slightly too large for that). Unusual and a great pick whether or not you are a sports fan or not. Look at the composition/craftsmanship.



FRENCH ART DECO MACASSAR DINING TABLE circa 1930, with high polished chrome accents. Wouldn't this look stunning in either a very large entry hall against a wall as a console table or as your dining room table or... how bout a very large desk. I have a 7 foot desk myself... maybe it's time to upgrade?



LOUIS MAJORELLE, FRENCH (1859-1926) TABLE, a two-tier mahogany and fruitwood floral marquetry tea table, circa 1900, raised on buttressed legs, signed. Ok, this is an opportunity for someone to own a beautiful piece. Majorelle is in major museums around the world and is known for the craftsmanship of not only the inlay but the delicate nature of the carved parts of furniture. King of art nouveau furniture, it's worth the investment for a lifetime of beauty.

Pet Province...

Normally a client request includes designing around children, elderly parents; and guests, family or friends that visit often or even stay overnight. But when we design our homes, we often look over our pets. I was faced recently with having to really accommodate a family's pets which are as part of the family as the live-in mother-in-law and the three kids. The pets are there with the family interacting 24/7 in all parts of the house. There are no limits and this particular couple wanted to make sure their furry family members were included. I was looking on allmodernpet.com and found just the right things for the job.

Enjoy sitting on your chaise giving yourself a manicure? Well now your cat can do the same thing. This cat bed/scratcher reminds me of the Frank Gehry chair made out of the same material: cardboard. This modern, sculptural bed allows comfort and makes sure the user's paws/claws are maintained -- t doubles as a scratching post.

Dogs shouldn't be left out on comfort... this lucky dog gets to sit in style in this Le Corbusier-inspired sofa. Any dog day will be stylish in this number.

Forget Limoges .. try this stylish aluminum cat dish... this Alessi-like dish would make any finicky feline feast fabulously... now say that five times fast. Not to be outdone, any canine chow would look great in these two wood and aluminum dishes. One is just for food, the other includes a water dish or can be used as a double-feeder. WOOF!


If I had to be in the dog house, these are two that I'd gladly get sent to. Both act like coffee tables but allow both dogs and cats their own space in the living or family room. The Browns should have had one of these for Snoopy... at least he could have balanced his typewriter a bit better on top.



Pets are part of our lives and by including them in the design of your home, you're not just recognizing them, but allowing them to share even more in your space.

Fortuny... need I say more... ?

Today, I was so inspired by the craftsmanship and beauty of the fabrics shown to me by my Fortuny sales rep. I held the large, heavy sample book today and felt a chill run through my body as if I were holding the Ark of the Covenant. For an interior designer, it was an out-of-body-experience.

Born in 1871 in Spain (yes, he's Spanish, not Italian), Mariano Fortuny's name may be synonymous with beautiful fabrics but before all that, the accomplished painter, sculptor, architect and inventor, achieved previous successes: the invention of the first dimmer switch, a still-used-today boat propeller, paint brushes, dyes, paper for binding books, lamps, and complicated machinery for manufacturing. I would refer to him as having been a well-rounded, total genius. 

After marrying Henriette Negrin in Paris, he started in the fashion industry creating the infamous Delphos gown (based on the Greek sculptures from Delphi). Stars such as Isadora Duncan and others celebrated his designs. His first factory opened in 1922 in Italy. The rest is history. (you can still buy the dress and accessories, classics at their store in Italy).

There are only two Fortuny showrooms... one in Italy, the other in the D&D building in NewYork... if you want a personal tour, please let me know I'd love to take you.

Pictured are some of the designs coming out in November as well as some old designs updated in newer colors. . Inspiration comes and goes, but Fortuny will be an inspiration for a lifetime.

For more information on Fortuny, visit the website at www.fortuny.com. For their lighting, visit lucegiudecca.com. (Although a lot of lighting or lampshades is made with Fortuny fabric, this is their own line).

For more Fortuny and some shopping (scarves, table runners, etc... venetiastudium.com.

Dyson's latest fan....

I really don't do reviews of things unless I really, really, really love something... so here it goes.

I've always loved the Dyson brand of vacuumes. They're sleek, do a more-than-adequate job, and who wouldn't want one? Well now... they've outdone themselves. They have a line of fans? That's right, fans. A friend of mine forwarded me a photo of one, then I had to do more research. 

The Dyson Air Multiplier™ fan is simply amazing. First off.. wowie zowie on the design. It looks like a large magnifying glass without the glass. I was a little perplexed... where are the blades? There aren't any. The technology allows it to draw in air into a brushless motor then amplify it 15 times before expelling it from the machine. It's draw into the base which activates the technology inside the cylinder and then, in turn, it pulls air through the ring.

A very similar technology happens with turbochargers and jet engines. Amazing. 

Another feature is that it's totally safe. A child, pet or even yourself can touch, pick up the fan, and it isn't going to zap you, cut off an appendage, or hurt you in any way.

It comes in three sizes and a few, limited colors including one with a blue ring (see above). Great for that gadget person you know and any sort of interior space... it's something you'll want. 

It's only available through dyson.com or through authorized retailers.

Dyson... another fan (figuratively) happy. 

I LIGHT YOU... Artemide Lighting

I'm working on this incredible, modern project right now and part of the process is the lighting plan. I was going through binders, websites, and even going to my favorite places for lighting. I came across some really great products and wanted to show you some really neat, new things from one of my favorite manufacturers, Artemide (pronounced ar-TI'-mi-dee).


The first is the Alicudi ceiling fixture. Finding flush mount fixtures is hard enough, but this is a gem and it's just gorgeous, don't you think? It's not glass, it's stretched fabric, diffusing the light evenly.



Aqua Cil is another series from Artemide. The influence is, of course, water. Each piece is molded specifically to be organic, flowing, just like the waves of water. Amazing! It comes as a pendant, a floor and a table lamp.



The Cabildo series is also amazing. Look at that great circular design, very unusual. It comes as a wall mounted fixture, a floor lamp and as a suspended chandelier. It has a halogen light. It's one of my new favorites... yum!



Artimide's Droplet light is another fascinating design. It couples this giant disc with three smaller baby ones that are suspended illuminating up, reflecting off the larger disk. It's like hanging a piece of sculpture. Amazing.

Lighting doesn't have to be boring. And whether you have a very traditional, transitional, or modern home, good lighting is important for both functionality and visual interest/design.