More With Martha Stewart

There's more that comes to mind today, as I think about last evening's New York Times' event with Martha Stewart, and I'd like to share it with you!

Interesting bits and pieces...

As Martha sets out for the drive to the city each morning with her hot water and lemon, she carries the beverage in a paper cup, which she reuses. Martha spoke passionately about sustainable living, wanting her products to last. She talked about towels, or was it sheets, that are from her collections, that have lasted 17 years!

In regard to food, Martha was a very early advocate (early 80s) of the locally grown produce movement, a la Alice Waters and Jeremiah Tower, notable chefs of that period. Martha encourages everyone to grow their own produce. As a child, Martha had to do many chores in the garden, on her relatives' farms, where she spent time, and her parents believed in self sufficiency in a big way, teaching tasks to Martha and her siblings with expectations that they would be done properly, instilling confidence and a DIY sort of philosophy in the home. Martha, in later years, raised pigs, sheep, goats, and encouraged her own daughter to do chores outside the house for the animals. She also said that if she didn't do what she was doing now (managing an empire) she'd be a veterinarian. It all makes sense!

Cooking with fresh, preferably, home grown, produce and other fresh foods, is very high on Martha's priorities. 

Martha was friendly, quite outgoing, and surprisingly relaxed. It was a very intimate feeling, at least we thought so!

My Chat With Martha Stewart Tonight...I'm Not Kidding!

I bet that title got your attention! But, it's TRUE! Tonight my husband (the #1 Martha Stewart fan...our whole family calls her his girlfriend) and I went to Times Talks, tonight, a week's series of lectures by celebrated thinkers in the arts, media, politics, and more, organized by The New York Times and held in their new facility in their new, green, building in, where else, Times Square! We're in our city apartment for the weekend, a nice break!

Stewart was interviewed by Kim Severson, a very engaging and funny, New York Times food reporter. Martha Stewart talked about her typical day (breakfast is hot water and lemon (in the car on the way to the city), blueberries, and a hard boiled egg white.) After the morning shooting of her show, she stops all work for one hour, to do yoga and regroup for the second half of the busy day ahead, and ends the day watching David Letterman.

After the talk, there was a Q&A period. I had a question for Martha Stewart. I got up to the microphone and asked Martha Stewart if she had a hands on approach in designing her kitchens. Stewart replied that she has designed her kitchens by herself and was very enthusiastic about her love of the kitchen! Where the sinks should be, appliances, counter space, she knows what she wants.

Martha Stewart also said she really likes the convenience and accessibiity of open shelving. She said that the kitchen is the most important room in the home, even more important than the bedroom. She loves the kitchens that are designed in her KB homes developments.

Mistakes? I heard of one. Martha Stewart made her island in her East Hampton home too big, yet it was useful nonetheless. 

After the talk, there was a book signing, and my husband bought two books, Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook, and a cookbook, which I'll update you on tomorrow. How lucky am I? My husband likes to keep a nice (and clean) home, it's a natural for him. A spray bottle and paper towels on the cover, he wants Martha's secrets! Stewart signed both books.

Oh, and when I introduced myself before my question and mentioned I write a blog, Stewart asked for the blog's name. I gave it to her at the book signing. Ms. Stewart, you're welcome to comment to this post!  It was a great evening! :)  

New Kitchen Chic - Boho Modern

I've been really busy recently working on my clients' kitchens. Deadlines of all sorts are always looming it seems, As a result, I've been remiss in bringing my readers beautiful and interesting kitchens! But, this blog is part of me and will not be denied attention! It tugs at me when I think about something or see something I find important in the process of kitchen design/remodeling, or information that is fun, or interesting that I have to share.

In that vein, yesterday, I think it was, or the day before, I was looking through interior design blog, decor8, which I often do to experience the VERY interesting "voice" of Holly, decor8's author,  Long story short, I was transfixed for a good hour (sorry, clients!) reading, thinking, analyzing, her words about a new look, feeling, focus, of interior design styling that decor8 feels is here, very much alive and moving forward. Holly calls it Boho (Bohemian) Modern.

At first glance, below, one could almost conjure up the words "shabby chic" but SC it isn't. Boho Modern mixes old and new, yet, it's more than "eclectic." Boho Modern is more born out of a deeper self expression, a confidence to style one's home with more personal conviction and personal focus as opposed to blindly (key word, here) following trends and/or images of interiors that manufacturers "suggest."

Anyone who knows me or reads this blog knows that I strongly encourage my readers and my clients to be much more personal in the kitchen in regard to styling, bringing in collections and (living room) artwork, sculpture, whatever. And, then, changing pieces as desired, not to think of the accessorization of a kitchen as being "done." Likewise, with cabinetry. So many possibilities, ideas, ways to mix pieces and on and on. The kitchen is the last bastion in the home that really needs to be kicked up about ten notches with the purpose to express one's self in this VERY soulful room. Sort of a paradox, actually.

Please take some quality time to read this post along with the comments (another gold mine of information.) Read this post as well, and the comments, more from Holly in the comments too. Great stuff. Here's MY interpretation of Holly's words in regard to Boho Modern kitchens. Have fun!!

Images from the fabulous Vakre Hjem & Interior (their website is down) and the last two images from Bo Bedre, always a favorite.