Phrankly Philly

The Snuggie is not a new idea or a phenomenon. It’s the wardrobe of three famous Chipmunks.

Pantone released the color of the year for 2010 today and I think it’s a grand slam. TURQUOISE! Turquoise is fun, vibrant, and really reflects the trend towards the 80’s. www.pantone.com

I considered featuring some turquoise furniture pieces and accents but then I stumbled upon a fabulously chic blog called House of Turquoise that goes above and beyond the call of duty.  I couldn’t find more turquoise if it were my day job!

Well, here are a few anyway!

Michael Wainwright Amalfi Turquoise Large Byzantine Vase

Michael Wainwright Vase: $300 at Bloomingdales

Turquoise Panton Chair

Limited edition Panton chair: $262 at Hive Modern

Now that I’m back from my mini break, I can share my newest DIY discovery: homasote wall panels.

At work, we discussed hanging an art show using the versatile and green building material.  You can find homasote in any Home Depot and it’s typically used for insulation.  However, today I stumbled upon an amazing blog that details how you can use this material to create home wall panels in place of wall paper, art, and wall hangings: Shishomama

Shishomama explains step by step how she used homasote to create a bulletin board. I’m going to do this project and see how it turns out. Stay tuned for the results!

With the Phillies in the World Series for the second year in a row, there is no better time to show your support and love for the team than now! We are headed back to the fall classic, and this time, game 4 falls on Halloween night.

So, who better to dress as in Philadelphia then our finest - the Phillies!

There is no lack of Phillies gear in stores now and it’s sure is a fitting costume.  Phillies Gear

When someone asks you who you are, simply respond, “I’m a Winner” or “A Yankee Killer”.

If I could have any bed in the world, it would be the Alpine Series Bed by Modernica. The Eames inspired bentwood walnut, the tilted headboard for comfort, and the low profile are all to much to resist. But, at $2895 a pop, this bed will have to remain a dream.

If anyone does end up purchasing this bed, please tell me all about it so that I can live vicariously through you.

When the September issue of Elle Decor landed in my mailbox, I couldn’t help but get giddy with excitement.  It’s my style Bible.  I must admit, however, that it breaks my heart a bit each time I read an issue and Philadelphia has been stiffed again.

Granted, we’re not as design-forward as NYC or L.A., but come on! We are the 6th largest city in the country (by population) and we have forward-thinking design.  Take Morimoto: New flash for New York: it started in Philly.

BUT THEN, as if reading my mind, Elle Decor highlighted a new restaurant on Sansom Street between 20th and 21st: Noble American Cookery.

As you approach, you can’t help but be impressed by the large fold up window that opens the entire front of the store to the street.  It’s the most welcoming restaurant entrance in the city, without a doubt.  The front door is fabulous, too.  Custom, I’m sure, it is a glass panel door with wood grain design inlay.  Its large wooden dowel handle has been worn for a great faux- patina. I’m reminded of opening a barn door.

Once inside, the first thing I thought was, “hey, nice Eames chairs!” Clearly no expense was ignored in the furniture selection.  One one side of the room is a long banquet and a row of Eames molded plywood chairs. Opposite the seating is the bar.

The bar is pretty standard with a shelf of wine storage above. The wine is stacked horizontally and held in place by small little pegs which seem to be too short. Honestly, I see a disaster in their future…but anyway…

You walk upstairs to the main dining room and your immediately hit with natural light. So much light enters through the skylights that you feel like you’re outside. It really combats the stuffiness of most restaurants. The decor is sleek with dark wooden beams balancing an simple interior that appears to have had an industrial past.

All in all, it’s a beautiful restaurant. And the food isn’t bad either. What a plus.

Thanks for noticing, Elle Decor. Philadelphians appreciate it.

(Image courtesy of The Barnes Foundation)

(Image courtesy of The Barnes Foundation)

With the recent release of the design for the new home of the Barnes Foundation, the city of Philadelphia is aflutter with opinions and thoughts - just look at all the tweets on the subject: Barnes a Twitter

According to Inga Saffron, the architecture critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer, in her article, Tallying up the worth of the move:

“Even critics who feel the Barnes is wrenching the collection from its historic womb will have to work to find reasons to hate this building. The architecture is that good.”

However, that does not negate the fact that she believes the Foundation should have remained in Merion. It’s a bittersweet move according to Inga and apparently the city of Philadelphia agrees.

Here are some of my favorite tweets on the subject:

I676: At least turn it around & put the woods in back.

elizabethiupui: I love the Barnes Foundation controversy.

chrisgrant: So, this is what the Barnes Foundation is going to look like?

SingularityDsgn: Beautiful design for the new home of the Barnes Foundation on Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Parkway

jashley: Attended the Barnes Foundation architectural presentations. The protesters seemed to miss the point.

What are your thoughts?

I am now working as a freelance interior designer in Philadelphia. After receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree from Tulane University, I attended Parsons School of Design where I studied Interior Design. Once completing my two year AAS program, I worked for two years at Sean Johnson Interior Decoration, a high-end residential decorating firm in New York City.

Now, I’ve brought my love of design to Philadelphia and I’m offering the following services:

Paint color selections

Furniture selections

Bedroom and living room decor

Kitchen and bath remodels

Space planning

Plans drafted

Design consultations

No project is too big or too small. Contact me if you would like more information.

A Make it Right Home

Going to Tulane University, meeting my fiance at school, and getting married in the St. Louis Cathedral next September have all brought the city of New Orleans close to my heart.  That’s why learning of a “floating home” made me want to jump when I read Inhabitat this afternoon.

Brad Pitt’s Make it Right Foundation is an amazing organization that is continually breaking the box to find housing solutions for the next big hurricane that may hit the Crescent City. They have already built 13 LEED Platinum homes in the Lower Ninth Ward!

Their newest design is a house that can rise up to float on 12 feet of water.  It will not drift away and even has enough battery power to keep the lights running for 3 days. According to the site,

“During hurricane flooding conditions, the home could break away from its electrical lines, gas and plumbing and rise with the flood waters.”

Find out more about the Floating Home here: Inhabitat.

With the weather cooling down and the winter chill on the way in, its important to figure out how we are going to stay warm.

Personally, I have two lists. First, there is the item I must purchase this winter: the Max Space Heater I reviewed last November.

Then, there is my wish list. On the tip-top of the PhranklyPhilly winter wish list is the ultra-cool dutchtub. Every deck, yard, and patio should have one this season!

Read all about how it works, why it’s so cool, and where you can get yours here: www.dutchtub.com