Get Real 2013

Next time I am thinking how it is totally fine to put all white sofas and big important art everywhere, please remind me that I have three kids who do projects like this all over my house . . .

This guy and his teammates are soooo way better than any of that designer jazz!  Happy New Year troublemakers!

Let there be light!

One of the most lovely features of this old place is the great windy staircase that goes three floors up but . . .

When we were considering buying our home, it never struck me to test drive the light fixtures which dotted their way up the staircase. Nor did any of the 28,000 inspectors we paid to check the joint out.  Remind me of to do this next time.

NO WAIT!!!  THERE WILL NEVER BE A NEXT TIME. I forgot . . .

When we moved in, we learned that each and every single wall fixture was manually operated!  That meant that when we wanted to turn the lights on or off, we had to mountain goat it all the way up and down three floors flipping switches.

My culo was killing me every night hoofing it. And Mr. G was none too happy and getting gripey.  Non mi piace. E il problema.

So this summer we had the entire stairwell ripped apart and rewired - BIG PROJECT - by true star John Hakewill  of Hakewill Construction who managed this disaster whilst we were on holiday.  And after waiting 8 LONG months (like a voting line in Florida - the design industry is a lead time case study waiting to happen), our new Ironies sconces arrived and we have one switch lighting on every floor. Wheeeeeee!

New Sonoma Cool Kid Sport?

Here is my husband G. captured at bull fighting party in Sonoma.  Don't worry no spears!  But lots of guts.  Is this the new and braver bocci?

Talented Friends

Am I ever lucky when it comes to talented friends!  Make that REALLY lucky.  Case in point the beautiful Michelle Spane Rivera.

You may remember from my wedding as the adorable girl in a strapless top and ball gown skirt with a flower behind her ear and an irresistible freckle on her perfect nose.  The one every guy falls in love with?

But guess what?  She is now an accomplished artist! As a thank you for some design advice regarding her magnificent gothic manse in Piedmont, Michelle My Belle graced me with SURPRISE! two amazing pieces of her art!

Look and see!  Here shown in fabulous framing by Michael Thompson with my adorable blonde bombshell assistant Captain Underpants looking on . . ..

Bright pink!

And Graphic Black and White!  Again with the Captain showing his high approval.

And Now where to put them . . . hmmmmm

Urchin of Charleston

About a month ago, my beautiful cousin Erin Hallock got married in GORGEOUS Charelston South Carolina.  Having never been to the South, this was my big chance as I have always admired Southern style.  I was NOT disappointed. Charelston is perfectly art directed in every way - here are some snaps from my tour with Mom, Step Dad Ronnie and other assorted Berry cousins.

I must say I really appreciated the gorgeous landscaping - what a bunch of impeccable gardeners!

Of course, I did some shopping including a stop by a shop I have always wanted to hit - South Of Market.
I found this great black spiky urchin which I am considering in a pair for my hallway.

Chaise Debut!

After a month in transit (come on . . . really?), my first vintage chaise arrived from La La Land today!  Isn't she chic?

The identical twin sister she has never met arrives from Geneva Illinois on Thursday for lunch!  After they get to know each other, we will send them off for identical facelifts and they will return to Maison de Noise in a lavender grey linen to boldly build a new life together in San Francisco.  I expect they will both be the stars of a few upcoming cocktail parties . . . 

Hope they really are twins and not just sisters. . .  Fingers crossed. 

Caution! Driver May Stop Suddenly and Buy Something

Like all San Franciscans who like home design, I  adore Anthem!

Its chic, easy to shop and there is also something inspiring.  Plus the gals in there have terrific ideas!

And guess what?  I just found my new bathroom light fixture hanging right there in the window on Sacramento!  It was a Screeeeeech PULL THE CAR OVER NOW DAMMIT! moment complete with the panic-y sideways picture to prove it.

Honk if you heart faux bois!  I am really becoming a home design looser/freak.

Also beware of a grey Volvo SUV if you happen to be driving in the area.  It may stop suddenly as the driver is obsessed with Anthem's Mongolian fur bench and cannot be relied upon to act with sanity.   You may spy her in neon green flats rushing from the car and marching zombie like with an Amex in her hand. She is armed and dangerous.  Do not, repeat DO NOT, contact Gregg Brockway if you happen upon this terrible scene.