Shades of Blue

Andrew Currier and his stand-up bass graced our cover back in February, when he let me sit in on a rehearsal of his trio Panthelion.

Was it classic jazz, Latin, tropical, or mystical moody music? All of the above, especially when you throw in Peruvian box drums and a golden trumpet. Rain poured outside and it was easy to lose yourself in the music.

Currier, who grew up in Palo Alto, is back on stage again this Sunday as part of the quartet Shades of Blue, presented by San Jose Jazz. He's performing originals and standards with Jonathan Bautista on saxophone, Joe De Rose on drums, and Frederick Harris on piano. The show is at the City Lights Theater in San Jose -- a great, intimate venue -- at 7:30 p.m.

Photo cropped from the Weekly's Feb. 29, 2008 cover, shot by Veronica Weber.

Rate His Space

One of my favorite programs on HGTV' is "Rate my Space". I'm sure you've all seen it. Well now we get the chance to rate the newly renovated kitchen of host Angelo Surmelis. What fun! Finishing this project on time put Angelo's planning skills to the test. That's one of my favorite things on the show. He comes up with amazing design plans for the chosen homeowners. Once the demolition was complete on this 1920's bungalow it took only three weeks to complete the job. Angelo says the ability to make quick decisions on materials and colors was key to meeting the time challenge.
He chose gray walls, white subway tile back splashes, white IKEA cabinets, a black antique hutch, Carrara marble counters and cork floors. The entire project was about $20,000.... The big splurge being the fire engine red stove...painted at a Ferrrari factory. But there were budget items from IKEA like the cabinets, sink, stove hood, and appliance garages. Overall the kitchen has a comfortable, contemporary and vintage feel.....I rate this space A+ !!!

The red Bertazzoni range is a knock out!... love all those knobs

Start with a clean canvas... gut the place and start from scratch

The cork flooring is sustainable... Surmelis' tribute to green

Absolutely love the Carrara marble counter tops and black antique cabinet




Sources: LA Times

Distributor - Woven Company

I am now a distributor for the Woven Company!.... they manufacturer and market high end sustainable window shades sold through designers and retailers. Why do I like this company?...Their products are beautiful, functional and green. They offer a wide variety of shades hand made from reeds, bamboo, and sustainable grasses. Shades can be installed with a cotton lining for increased privacy or without. If you're in the DC metro area email me for a look at the numerous samples. Choosing these window treatments for your space definitely shows off your green sensibilities.

Pull it all together with this woven look....how comfy

Add side panels for a more formal feel

Shades work well for the widest of windows

Don't be afraid to add these shades to a contemporary room

Over 50 samples to view...

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Pretty and Pink

The color pink - subtle, delightful, girly, fun. Pink is red toned down, less bold and just as beautiful. Pink whispers..." I'm here"... and still commands attention. Pink in any space is attractive. Pink with whites or neutrals is soft and soothing. Pink with black adds contrast to a room. Pink and blue is cool. Pink with orange is fun and festive. Pink can be bold when it's magenta or fuchsia...whatever shade of pink you decorate with and whatever colors you choose to work with it ...I always say... make it your own.










Sources: House Beautiful, HGTV, Vogue Living, Stroheim & Roman

Bamboo Vessel Sink

I've often presented sustainable products, especially bamboo to readers and coming across this one is my greatest find yet. It's a bamboo vessel sink! ...beautiful, hand turned and maintenance free. The water proof seal helps the sink maintain it's low sheen appeal for up to 10 years. Place it on top of natural stone or stainless steel and guest will be dazzled when they enter your powder room... order through Totally Bamboo.com.