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AT HOME OR ON HOLIDAY

This fabulous linen dress and shirt will take you near and far. Both pieces come in white and flax, shown above. These easy pieces are simple classics which make great cover ups, or worn with a slip or white jeans, can be accessorized with scarves and belts to polish the look. Our Jacquard scarves from France add panache to any wardrobe, spring, summer, winter, or fall!

From Kim:

While studying Art History at UCSB, my favorite courses were always those of Greek and Roman history.  Fast forward 20 years, I found myself in one of the most exquisite and fascinating homes in all the world; that of Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. Now a "Monument Historique" it was built between 1902 and 1908 by French Archaeologist Theodore Reinach. Enamored with Ancient Greek history and architecture, this home is modeled after a 2nd century BC Greek noble house with a central peristyle courtyard.  Every detail be it furniture, fabrics, art, mosaic floors, plaster walls, painted ceilings, etc. etc. are faithfully recreated from the classical era.  The most up to date features of 20th century living were seamlessly melded within the exquisite ancient design.  Take a walk back into history through this magnificent treasure via the Villa Kerylos "visit virtuelle."

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Under 4 photos: EASY AND BREEZY
AYURVEDIC SCARVES

Just in from Kerala, India, these exquisite striped scarves are handwoven of organic cotton and beautifully shaded with Ayurvedic herbal dyes.  The term "Ayurveda" is a combination of the Sanskrit word ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that has its origins in the Vedic culture of India. This body of wisdom seeks to create a balanced and vital integration of the body, mind and spirit.   

Update your spring/summer wardrobe with these lovely scarves and feel transported by an ancient and beautiful culture!

From Kim:

I recently returned from India where I was attending the Delhi Handicrafts Fair. Many of the things we enjoy on a daily basis be it a lantern, salad servers or a fashion accessory do not come out of a machine; they are all painstakingly made by hand.  And that includes the divine scarves above, that I found in Kerala.  A beautiful palm studded state in South West India, complete with inner coastal "backwaters",  I enjoyed a wonderful visit at Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere.  This is the mesmerizing view from my "floating cottage". The resort is a loving ode to the traditions, vegetation, architecture and cuisine of Kerala.  It is grandly and thoughtfully designed to showcase and protect the environment, preserve rich traditions and culture as well as be an oasis of exploration and repose in this fascinating area often referred to as the "Venice of the East."

From Kim:

You wouldn't know it looking at this photo, but mine was a snowy & wintery wedding in New York City at Riverside Church, in the very chapel where my grandparents wed in 1930. The chapel itself is patterened after the eleventh century Roamnesque nave of the fortress church of St. Nazaire at Carcasonne, France. Because so many of you have asked to see "the dress,"here it is!  A vintage ankle length brocade dress with long matching coat that I found at Renaissance next to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, wedding ring by Daniel Gibbings Jewelry, vintage viel found on Etsy and Christian Louboutin silk shoes with ivory fishnet stockings!

For me, "Travel Essentials" translates to: Keeping it simple!  A classic black and white palette is chic and easy  both day and night.  This silk pareo makes an easy cover up poolside along with a white satchel filled with a good book and  lotions. It then does double duty as a cocktail dress by tying it differently and adding a belt around the hips. Grab a sleek black clutch and you are set for a balmy evening! If you are visiting friends, these platinum patterned glasses make a great hostess gift or, enjoy using them for your own cocktail parties at home and feel like you are on a holiday!

From Kim:

There are many marvelous shops and restaurants to discover in downtown Palm Springs. After finding a fabulous vintage dress at The Deja Vu Room, we wandered further down the street and found ourselves in a charming courtyard with an intriguing restaurant called Workshop.  Peering through the windows I vowed to be back one day!  Coincidentally, our friends took us there that very evening where we enjoyed marvelous summer salads, wonderful entrees and creative cocktails. The space, designed with cast concrete walls and tables coupled with a vaulted wood ceiling is a cool oasis in sizzling Palm Springs!

Please go to Rip+Tan to read the full feature on Kendall! 

Photo courtesy of Rip+Tan

As a foundation for your table scaping, use one of these exquisite white on white appliqué textiles which I just found in Kerela, India. Each piece is entirely made by hand of fine cutwork cotton hand-stiched onto a gauze ground. They also make a beautiful coverlet for your bed. Very limited assortment available in two sizes.

From Kim:

 I had a very short time to plan my wedding in NYC which involved finding resources from across the country.  Gratefully, my mother discovered Polux Fleuriste.  Owners Barbara and Anouchka have an exquisite style combining a composed yet wild, romantic yet chic sensibility to all of their creations.  The shot above was taken at their wonderful shop at the forefront of All Good Things, a marvelous market place and restaurant housed in a turn of the century building located in the heart of Tribeca.  An area full of wonderful destinations, stay at The Greenwhich Hotel, have cocktails and a light supper at Smith & Mills. Have a pedicure at I-Plaza Nails and then try on some fabulous sandals in a jewel box of a shop at Edon Manor.

From Kim:

During my most recent trip to Paris I discovered what is now my new favorite restaurant in the City of Light.  In its 20 years, Le Petrelle has established an impressive following among both locals and tourists. With its beautiful, arty and romantic dining room, le Pétrelle is truly an exquisite dining destination. The menu changes with the seasons and each dish is made with only the best ingredients from local producers. If you're ever in the area be sure put dinner at le Pétrelle on your itinerary, you won't regret it!

-New Arrivals from France, Silk Scarves

From kim: Arriving at San Francisco International Airport a couple days ago, after 30 hours of travel from India where I was finding wonderful new things for Maison K, I was entranced by a marvelous exhibit : Lace: A Sumptuous History 1600s-1900s. Prior to being in India I was in Paris where I found the fantastic silk scarves shown above, designed with a beautiful lace and floral pattern.

I love lace! This beautifully displayed show explores a wide range of laces made over the centuries.  It succinctly explains the historical and technical development of lace and the various types with gorgeous, mind boggling examples be they edgings, parasols, gloves, collars or dresses. What exquisite creations!

 The exhibit was made possible by generous loans from Lacis Museum of Lace & Textiles in Berkely, CA and The Lace Museum in Sunnyvale, CA. I have never been to either museum but now look forward to further exploring this remarkable art form the next time I am near.

Did you know Astier de Villatte ceramics are made in the workshop that once housed Napoleon's silversmith?

Entirely handwrought in Paris, these ceramic plates embody a French style that is simple, unique and timeless.

Astier de Villatte Discovery

I have been in love with Astier de Villatte ceramics for years. I first discovered the line in 1996 at a gorgeous little shop in San Francisco, which prompted the start of my own personal collection with one small exquisite plate.

"Simple Side Plate"

At the time I was buying and developing product all over the world for a candle retailer. Our merchant team would usually start its global trek at the gift show in Paris for inspiration; to see what trends and colors were unfolding.

I would walk down the aisles filled with wonderful creations, scanning the booths for inspiration. I was always fixated on the Astier de Villatte presentations, vowing to sell their wares when I would have my own business one day.

Fast forward to 2002 and the dream of owning my own business became reality, and that included selling what I consider the most beautiful ceramics in the world. Handmade in Paris in the Bastille, in the workshop that used to house Napoleon's silversmith, the Astier de Villatte ceramics have a handwrought appearance that is treasured by its followers.

The Technique

Simple Mug

The base is black clay with a super complicated white glazing technique that only one or two workers have mastered. There is a fine line between too much and too little glaze. Almost every major company has attempted to copy the Astier de Villatte look but none have succeeded. From Vietri & Juliska to Target and World Market, everyone does try to emulate the look but Astier de Villatte is incomparable!

Because the line is all hand wrought and there is such global demand, it is sold in very few places. It is highly collectable and collectors are passionate about their plates, which are very user friendly. Most people use them everyday — the line is to be used, not just admired from afar.

Regence Fish Platter

The styles range from "simple" which is just that, classic and lovely in its simplicity to more detailed expressions. Every season there are more designers and silhouettes be they plates, vases or candle holders. Every creation is divine!

What distinguishes your interior design sensibility?

A home is at its best when its main purpose is to be lived in and enjoyed with your family and good friends. Not just beautiful to look at. That is always my primary goal when working with my clients.

What inspires you? 

I try to travel to Morocco and Europe as much as possible because I am inspired by the mix of antique and modern elements together.  Because they live in the middle of so much history, when this history is put together with our modern world the result is stunning.  I remember staying in a beautiful old mansion in Madrid years ago that was transformed into a lovely hotel.  The old paneling in the salon was washed in a soft warm gray, the furniture was B&B Italia chaises in a deep red claret, the light was soft and intimate with one beautiful ancient rug on the  old wood floors.  It was fantastic.  I have  never forgotten the impact it had on me.  It was chic and sophisticated, yet comfortable and warm.  So rich and soft, old and new all at the same time.  So I travel as much as possible to immerse myself in this wonderful mix of history combined with our contemporary world.  I learn and experience something new every time I go...

How do you incorporate your client’s style into your work?

The clients I have been associated with are very intelligent and intuitive about what they want and who they want to help them through the process of creating a beautiful comfortable home.  The clients find us as designers.  They choose someone with a similar aesthetic to their own.  Someone they know they can communicate with, enjoy being with and trust to help them express their needs and desires.  When they choose the right person for them it is a very enjoyable relationship and journey traveled together. It is a delightful creative process.

What are your favorite 3 most important rules of interior design? 

Get organized...

Address the background first...the background should be finished and completed before you bring anything into it. Paint, floors, electrical, plumbing etc...kitchen and baths..

Work toward the center...do a general floor plan...start selecting fabrics, furniture and accessories whether existing or to be found.  I never do a complete design board in the beginning because design for me is a discovery process of things you find along the way..If you follow only what is on your plan it can end up being a bit mechanical. I think the free flowing approach is much softer and personal in the end. Always make sure there is continuity and things flow and relate to each other from room to room...and most of all HAVE FUN doing it.

How do you describe your own personal style?

I love simplicity and balance. I prefer homes that are not overdone and over designed. I love natural materials inside and out.  Stone, plaster, wood and glass.  Linens and cottons, cashmere and mohair, silk and leather and metals of silver and antiqued gold.  I love a mixture of modern and antique elements living together.  Not a big fan of faux finishes and making things look old.  Either they are old or they're not.  I love all the treasures I find at Maison K and use many of the things Kim finds on her travels to complete my jobs.  We are so lucky to have her here as a source.

What are your favorite Mantras? 

Edit Edit Edit....only keep the things around you that you really love and mean something to you. Create comfortable spaces to enjoy the simple things in life. Dinner on the terrace with friends..a place to read...a place to nap...a place to meditate or do yoga...a place to have a glass of wine as the sun goes down....if you are so inclined a place to comfortably watch movies...etc.

Don't build or buy more than you need.  Keep life simple so you can enjoy it.  It is not necessary to live in the Taj Majal to have a wonderful home.   

Thank you Micholyn for sharing with us your creative process and inspirations! 

To learn more about Micholyn and her work please visit her website.

Photo courtesy of Micholyn Brown Design

From Kim:

Take this photo as inspiration! Simply fill a shallow bowl with water, cut the stems of several dozen roses and set them adrift.  This makes a dazzling centerpiece which will enchant everyone who sees it. Deciding to take a respite from the bustling medina of Marrakech, we were on the lookout for a place we could take a time out. We spied a hotel with massive doors, sheltering a cool interior. Stepping into this beautiful architectural oasis we were greeted by a marble fountain filled with roses. What a tremendous delight for the senses - the contrast of supple roses and the smooth polished marble, the rose absolut fragrance wafting on the air, the colors mingling and gently floating on the water that softly fell over the edges into the pool below - what a soothing sight!