BATHTUBS & MERMAIDS

 Bathtubs are somewhat controversial these days.  We Americans prefer the convenience and speed of jumping in and out of the shower.  It’s a necessity in the overbooked world we live in.  Many of my clients even opt to nix the tub altogether when renovating in exchange for a more luxurious shower.  That will never happen with me!  Yes my tub times are not as often as I’d like but a good soak can be the ultimate in relaxation and self pampering.   There are two things I love about today’s modern tubs.  They are deep and at the same time smaller than that 80s tract home phenomenon, the Roman tub.  This is great because it allows total submersion without having to spend an excessive amount of time waiting for the tub to fill, not to mention how much less hot water you’ll use! Meet British bathtub manufacturer Victoria + Albert, a global brand with a reputation for creating the most beautiful of baths.  Their innovative tubs are made from Englishcast, a trade- marked blend of volcanic limestone and high performance resins.  Naturally white, each tub is individually hand-finished.

Here’s the cool thing.  Professional photographer Chris Crumley has chosen a Victoria + Albert tub as a prop for a continuing series of fine art photos titled Mermaid and Bathtub Underwater. Known for his fantasy underwater mermaid images, Crumley is the go-to-guy for images creatively conceived underwater and in recent years has made a name for himself in a very unique niche of underwater Mermaid photography. According to the photographer, “The Victoria + Albert classic Victorian slipper tub had the right “look”.  Speaking of looks, have a look at some of Crumley’s mermaids.  Sublime…Did I mention I LOVE mermaids?  Next post PARIS!  Stay tuned.

 

See Chris Crumley’s work at: chriscrumley.com.  To see the full line of Victoria + Albert products visit www.vandabaths.com. 

KITCHEN BLING

A great way to combine art and function in the kitchen is through your cabinet hardware.  We think of it as jewelry, or bling, for your cabinets. Check out this assortment of  stunning handles by Glass Fancy, Art Glass Interior Design Elements.  Glass adds a water element as well as vibrant color to your kitchen or bath.  These particular handles are handmade fused glass created by a glass jewelry artist who segued into creating  cabinet hardware when contemplating ways to beautify her own kitchen.  The result was so successful she decided to add  knobs and pulls to her store selection.  The nice thing is that you don't have to use them on every single door and drawer, just a select few to create a focal point of interest.  Check out her Etsy store knobsandtiles

You can also find her at the following links:http://glassfancy.wordpress.comhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/GlassFancy/55206902579Thanks to my pal and jewelry artist Vicki of Skygypsy Studio for the heads-up!   

LONDON CALLING

It's only one week away from my next great adventure!  I can hardly believe how time's flying and how our plans are quickly falling into place.  Thanks to everybody for all the Paris recommendations and yes we're going to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery.  On Halloween morning we board the Eurostar from Paris to London for part two.  This will take us across, and under, the English Channel in about two hours and twenty minutes.  I did a quick mental review and discovered that this will actually be my 8th visit to the UK, almost a homecoming!  I've always felt a strong connection to our "Mother Country". So, in this post, I thought I'd share with you the things (just a few)  that make Merry Old England so great to me.      

SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE IN KITCHEN DESIGN

I'm loving this kitchen featured on thekitchn.com.  Looks like she's having way too much fun, huh?  Of course I can't help noticing the design. (Maybe that's what she's so happy about.)  There is a great idea here.   Open space.   In this case there is a window in the way which does not allow for an upper cabinet.   Even if the window was 15" or so further to the left that corner area is very difficult to reach.   One solution is to put open shelves there or, nothing!   It's okay to have some open spaces in the kitchen when they make sense.   It can even create an opportunity for art, which is always a good thing!If you'd like to read about these hip-home-owning-kitchen-lovers click here.

Where Steve Lived

I ‘m struck today, like most of the world,   by the wisdom and inspiration that was Steve Jobs.  I admit I really never paid too much attention to his contributions until today even though I write this post on my Macbook!   One thing I heard this morning on the Today Show sticks with me.  Steve’s philosophy was to live at the intersection of technology and art.  Wow!  What an awesome thought!  Where is that more true than in the realm of kitchen design?  Today’s kitchens are all about technology in appliances, finishes and function.  The artfulness is in the planning and design and general aesthetic created when all parts come together.   I think today whatever you do if you can figure out how to reside in this relevant cross section you will do well and you will be a part of the legacy of this great creative.  Well done, Steve, and rest in peace.

Paris, London, Why Not?

It’s official!  I’m going to Paris and London.  Whoo- hoo.  After months of saving our pennies hubs and I took the plunge and purchased our plane tickets.  Wheels up on Oct 26^th and as a lucky Kitchens for Living Reader, guess what?  You get to come along!  Until then you can look forward to a liberal dose of mentions and blog posts on these two amazing locations.  If you reside in England or France or if you’ve visited I want to hear from you while I’m still in the planning stages.  What’s too good to miss? I want to know because I don’t want to miss anything.Our first stop, Paris, will be a first for us both.  A big thanks to my pal Karen for turning us on toAirbnb,   a global network of accommodations offered by locals. It's more fun and usually cheaper than hotels, especially in big cities.  I also love the idea of having a little kitchenette and from what I understand many guests meet their hosts which makes for a much more authentic experience outside the touristy realm.  I was excited to find this cute place right in the trendy neighborhood of Montmarte.  The site posts lots of pix and I can email Marthe, the owner ahead of time with all my annoying questions.On Halloween we depart on the Eurostar train to London.  I am a huge Anglophile and this will be my eighth visit, first for Joe.  Look for London line up soon but right now I'm reading Rick Steve's Paris 2011 cover to cover.  Here are the priorities so far:1)  Le Eiffel Tower2)  Le Louvre (Mainly to see Ms. Mona Lisa)3)  Le Catacombs (Because it's novel and quirky) 4) Le Notre Dame5) Le Buddha Bar (I am the original "chill" music fan so of course)6) Le Pompidou Center (Contemporary art!)7) Le Rodin MuseumDo you think we can do this in four days with a few walking tours (Montmarte, Rue Cler) thrown in?In case you don't know how cool Montmarte  is, here is what Wiki says about it: "Many artists had studios or worked around the community of Montmartre such as Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh."I can't end this without a little French design.  Just saw this tres chic post on Design Sponge about a cute couple with an apartment in Paris.

Au revoir for now!  Looking forward to all you great tips and Parisian tidbits.