Ok…The house is not as organized as it should be, the guests are coming over, and I need a good distraction so nobody will notice anything else. Time to pull out all stops! 

Quadruple Chocolate Brownies 

This is a recipe I cooked up when I was trying to use up all of the chocolate in the house. It happens to be the best brownie I've ever had. But beware...it's addicting.

Once they have a taste, nobody will notice a thing.  They take about 30 minutes to make, start to finish.  This is w...

I always like to have some sort of flower arrangement on my dining table. This only becomes a challenge when I’m entertaining and it’s time to eat.  Usually the arrangement needs to leave the table or is moved down to the end of the table so that everyone doesn’t have to fight the flowers in order to have a conversation. Half the experience of eating is visual after all, so it would be nice to find a way to keep it there. 

This centerpiece can remain in the center of the table because ...

I’m always on the lookout for great ideas for recycling. Especially for those materials that NEVER breakdown and are needlessly swamping our landfill and ocean water. Sometimes you can find really clever and beautiful home furnishings, accessories, and jewelry that are quite unique.

Hatch, in Montclair Village, is dedicated to sustainable living.  There is something for all ages, including great little soft stuffed animals made out of old recycled plastic bottles, to fabulous messenger bag...

This past weekend was perfect for spiffing up the outdoor party area.  I decided to wash all the chair and chaise cushions as well as the throw pillows.

Everything came out perfectly except for the large throw pillow covers.  They were VERY faded, stained, and looked terrible even after washing.  They are about 3 years old, so probably about time to replace…although not at the top of my list for spending money on.

I took them out of the dryer and briefly turned one inside out and was very...

A beautifully curated collection of modern beauties, that is what Modernaire contains in its small space on the corner of Shattuck and Dwight in Downtown Berkeley. 

Bruce Crawford opened Modernaire in Berkeley about 3 years ago after having had stores in Massachusetts and Hawaii.

His inventory covers a wide range, from Art Deco through Post War and Mid-Century. 

You will find Scandanavian designers such as Hans Wegner, Greta Falk,...

We all have at least one space in our home that is completely boring. It could be a dark hallway, the laundry room, or even the half-bath down the hall. There is no good reason not to spiff it up.

   

I used to walk through my upstairs hall without a glance. Then one day I decided to bring the outdoors in and liven it up a little. Now when I walk through (several times a day) I feel like it’s spring!...even when it’s dark and dismal outside.

   

Pepe-Lunché Designs

I left off last time with a completed frame with a butcher block top firmly attached.  I decided to put casters on my Butcher Block (just in case I need it out of the way in a hurry).

 

To do this, either cut a piece of wood the same width and length as the frame that is sitting on the floor (this will also give you a bottom shelf) or just cut 2 pieces of wood the same width as your frame, but only about 4 inches long.  I opted for the latter as I thought that I would prefer to have this spac...

OK! Now it is time to put everything together.

On Friday I took a break after assembling the 2 rectangles made out of shelf brackets. Now place one of the rectangles on the floor with the flat side up. This will be the base of your island.

You will be attaching the 4 legs (also shelf brackets) to this. Be sure that your 4 legs are the same length (about 2” less then you would like your final counter height to be).

Snug one leg base up against one outside corner of your rectangle base.  Bo...

A few weeks ago I found a butcher block top at the Crate and Barrel Outlet which had been part of an island that was damaged. I have always wanted more butcher block counter space (on a small island) but never found the right size at the right price for my small kitchen. The one I found was perfect at 42” by 21”.  The question then for me was, what should I do for a base?

I figured it out…and I don’t think anyone has anything like it.  You can do it too!

All you need are some nuts, ...

Remember the glossy white laminate shelves I found at Crate and Barrel Outlet for $7 each?  Well I added some rustic gnarly sandblasted grape wood legs and made one of them into a chic coffee table!

I find the juxtaposition of the slick white top with the grape wood branches very rich. I would place the table on either a dark ebony stained wood floor or a very light creamy white rug to help it stand out even more.

Here is how you can make your own:

Purchase at least 3 (that is what I used) an...

You can get a fast fresh new look for your home for under $100.  

One way to do it is a fresh coat of paint, but that’s not fast and can sometimes run more (depending on how large your room is)

The quickest way to do it is a few new throw pillows for your couch.  This can usually get pricey, but I have found some fabulous, colorful, beautifully handmade pillows at bargain prices.

 

Lily Belles Garden - Etsy

It’s quick, easy, a...

This is a bit of a detour from home furnishings, but I thought you might appreciate a little tip about one of the best used clothing stores in the Bay Area.

I was in San Francisco doing some interiors shopping for a client when I decided to swing by one of my favorite spots, Goodbyes on Sacramento Street in Presidio Heights. It never fails to disappoint. They have been in business for 19 years offering the best deals in men's and women’s designer apparel.

Goodbyes has two stores that sit ...