The Perfect Chair

Images property of Herman Miller

After I bought my first loft in downtown Chicago, I spent any lunch hour I could sneak out of the office shopping for it.  On my wish list was this molded plywood chair by Charles and Ray Eames.  Originating in 1946, it’s still a timeless classic today.  In fact in 1999 it made Time magazine’s “Best of the Century” list for design, beating out the Swatch watch, which was a runner up.  Alas, I sold my loft before I ever acquired the chair.  I wanted it in cherry red back then, but I think I am leaning towards walnut now.  How about you?  What color would you pick?

Available at www.hermanmiller.com and other fine retailers.

Shake it Up

From Design Milk,

Reverse Salt and Pepper, $32, Chiasso

I have needed new salt and pepper shakers for, oh I’d say about a year now.  What’s the hold up in getting on that, you ask?  Why the opportunity at stake, of course.  I can’t make up my mind.  Do I go with something whimsical and colorful from Alessi? Or something understated, like these brushed nickel ones from Calvin Klein?

Helping, and at the same time delaying, my decision is Design Milk’s round up of salt and pepper shakers.  A long-time follower of Design Milk, I nearly fell off my chair when I read their Facebook post, “Behind Design Milk there is just a girl who loves design.” “A” girl runs this blog?  The features are so diverse; the coverage is so in-depth; the design so lovely, I assumed it was a team of people. 

So please, visit Design Milk and tell me what you think.  And, oh, back to the task at hand.  What salt and pepper shakers would you buy if you were me? 

Coffee worth getting out of bed for

I fell in love with many things the first time I went to Europe, but discovering Illy coffee topped the list.  I adore it for the taste (cappuccinos being my preference) but Illy actually hits on all the things that my “Delicious” blog is about:


Fashion:  Simon Doonan created “Miss Illy” out of recycled Illy tins for Barney’s holiday window display at their flagship location.  Love her gown.

Design:  Just look at that logo.   Also, collaborations with artists like Jeff Koons, Robert Rauschenberg and Daniel Buren make cups and saucers worthy of stowing outside the cupboard.    

Décor:  Heck, I like the Illy canister so much it sits on my kitchen counter.  And for someone who is fanatical about clean surfaces, that’s saying a lot.

Food:  This is the most delectable, bold coffee without any bitter aftertaste that I have ever sipped.  Although an Illy cappuccino is my fav, they have coffeemaker-compatible grinds that are perfect for the home too.  I get my Illy at Whole Foods but you can visit Illy’s global locator to find the store or café nearest you.  Or, download their i-Phone ap to get your Illy info on the go.  Visit Illy’s online shop for lots of great last minute holiday gifts, too.

So if you haven’t tried it, please do and share your thoughts!

Table versus Desk?

I have long favored tables over desks for my home office.  To me, there is just something more comfortable about sitting at a table, rather than toiling away at a proper desk.  But I am so besotted with the Palma desk from Jayson Home & Garden, I think I am about to change my mind.  The natural wear of the wood makes it inviting.  The airiness of the legs keeps the ample workspace light.  See it in action in this room re-design from Real Simple.
 

Photo by Thomas Loof.

2011 Color of the Year

It’s my favorite time of year.  “Holidays?” you ask. Not exactly, although they are a delightful diversion to the everyday.  It's the time of year when PANTONE selects their “color of the year” and their pick for 2011 does not disappoint. PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, is a strong reddish pink said to “lift spirits and impart confidence to meet life's ongoing challenges.”  I, for one, look forward to seeing Honeysuckle pop up on everything from throw pillows to lip gloss in the coming months.

There are already a few ways you can bring Honeysuckle into your world.  Dessy, who makes delightful bridesmaid and special occasion dresses, offers PANTONE WEDDING where color coordinating your entire affair is as easy as clicking swatches.  Or, make a statement in your home by painting one wall (or a whole room!) Honeysuckle with PANTONE Paints.

Come Spring, I intend to retire my Essie “Merino Cool” nail polish for whatever is the best match to this cheery color.