Spotlight on local musicians

I really should not point at "American Idol" singers and laugh. Putting yourself out there is not a snap, especially while being judged. (Dance auditions are my personal ring of hell. If I had to do one on national TV, even my own mother would point and laugh.)

Locally, musicians have a new arena to put their art out there -- without the glitz or call for overwrought vibrato. The Media Center has a new locally produced TV show, "American Songwriter," which is seeking new artists to feature.

The first episode was hosted by Gunn High School student Alex Rusoff and featured Sugaree and the Shakedown. Band members are two recent Gunn grads: singer/songwriter Dorothy Wood, who also plays guitar and banjo; and Neva Hauser on bass and recorder. (John Bradshaw also sat in on lapslide.)

With songs such as "Old Train" and "Appalachia," the performance had a folk, Americana feel anchored by the smooth, classically trained strains of Hauser's bass. Wood's voice is distinctive, with a textured feel and lots of sobs and leaps. She cited Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez as two of her influences, and said the band name comes from the song "Shake Sugaree" by Elizabeth Cotten.

The episode is being shown periodically on channels 27 and 28 throughout July -- and you can also watch it here on the Media Center's website.

For information about appearing on the show, call 650-494-8686, extension 11.

Photo from Sugaree and the Shakedown's MySpace page.

Small Space Design

I'm one who appreciates an imaginative table scape. This setting is especially cleaver because the green frosted glass table top opens up this small space. There is an ethereal feel about this space. Everything on top of the table seems to float. It brings light and a sense of calm to this lovely dining area as it looks down on the living room below.

images: Red River Interiors

From the dining area above the eye rest on the coordinating colors in this living space and the views out side the triple Palladium windows.

click on photo to enlarge

Custom Sofas

Finding the perfect sofa isn't always an easy task. It's a place I like to start when putting together a living or family room. Once I determine how the occupants will use a room I then search for the most accommodating sofa style. Going custom allows for options. The sofa frames featured here come in more than one length. You're not boxed into one particular size. If your space is especially large there will be a length to meet its proportions. There are also options in seat cushions, welting, trims and fabric options are unending. Most vendors allow for COM(customer own materials) meaning you are not limited to the vendor's fabrics....you can find something elsewhere. Custom will cost a bit more than stock sofas but don't be afraid of that. You will have a piece that will last a lifetime and all you will ever need to do is reupholster when your color pallet changes... try it! You won't be disappointed.

Kravet -Andante Recamier

Kravet - Thornton

Kravet - Sausalito

Kraet - Tiberio

Kravet - Prelude

Duralee - Isle of Capri

Duralee - Monaco

Duralee - Westport

Duralee - Westside

French Antique

Wallpaper Talks

Wallpaper always has and always will have a place in the world of decor. It changes the entire complexion of a room. Patterns can be subtle or rich and bold. Can you imagine this bathroom without the deep wine color and floral motif on the walls? I can... and I wouldn't feel invited to spend a lot of time in this space. Yet with this time trusted pattern and updated color scheme I'm drawn in. The room beckons me to join in...sit a spell and stay a while....

Image: Red River Interiors

Khimani Plaid wallpaper from Thibaut's Cypress collection pulls this room together. It's classic and adds just the right amount of color. It's a companion to the linen/cotton blend fabric Haleema also from the Cypress collection. Cypress is inspired by the traditional block printing techniques in India. It has an old world feel in its paisley and plaid prints. The various colors in this group are subdued. These prints can be used in almost any room in the home. Anytime you want a classic, old world feel with an updated touch, update your space with wallpaper and beautiful fabrics.

Images: Thibaut

Khimani Plaid - Wallpaper

Mumbai Ikat

Haleema - Fabric

Cypress Collection - Green

Mizoram – Wallpaper

White Spaces

White is defined as the absence of color. But what can be more refreshing in an interior space on a hot summer day than soothing white? It adds coolness and freshness to a space. Use it when planning special events. It makes everything else in the room pop! White calms an otherwise frenetic event and cools temperaments in a crowded room. It's the color of purity in a wedding. It's the opening of spring when added with shades of green. White walls, white floors seem to make furniture recede in a large space. Use it liberally to add contemporary flair and open up a small space. When you want to warm up white add a hint of color...such as Linen White and Navajo White...These whites are great in bedrooms, because they aren't stark. Color is great...but, when decorating with white use pillows, throws, seat cushions and art to add a punch of color. If you are looking to update a room white may be the best way to go.










Images:
Australian Vogue Living
Elle Decor
Metropolitan Home
Traditional Home

Green Hot !

Adding green to the kitchen just became easier. The most beautiful green countertops I've ever seen come from IceStone. Why is IceStone green? That's the question I always ask. It's made of 75% recycled glass and 25% concrete...Wow! IceStone is perfect for projects seeking an LEED certification. An excellent benefit to users of IceStone countertops in the kitchen or a bathroom is....It will not stain. All it needs is a no VOC sealer to protect the surface after installation. If you're considering a kitchen revamp IceStone can be the perfect Green Hot solution!

Image: Traditional Home

Image: IceStone - Ice Pearl

Discount Designer Fabrics

What' s new at Red River?
We now offer customers in the U. S. discounted designer fabrics!
We will discount from 30-40% off the regular retail price.

You find it, price it and email us at:
fay@redriverinteriors.com

From there we will email you a quote. When you're ready we will place the order for you and have the fabric directly shipped to you at your office, home, or your decorator's studio. It's simple... SAVE Money... Enjoy top quality fabrics for your window treatment and upholstery projects!!

Highland Court - Azalea - 180513H-91

Highland Court - Robins Egg - 80584H-210

Duralee Fabrics - Devon Printed Sheer 50612-254Save on: Duralee, Highland Court, Kravet, Lee Jofa, Robert Allen, Scalamandre, Stout, Strohem and Roman, R M Coco .... and more