My Lunch with Aerin Lauder

Okay, so I didn't actually get to have lunch with her. But, as you all know, Aerin Lauder's much anticipated fabric, carpet and furniture lines for Lee Jofa are now available, through the trade. Everyone has been chomping at the bit for their samples. Gratefully, mine came yesterday, via lunch in my office with my dear friend and Lee Jofa Representative Cheryl Anotti-West. 

Aerin Lauder tabletop

We ate, gossiped and went through some of the most beautiful textiles I've ever seen. (One of my favorite things about having my offices in my home is that I have the perfect excuse to cook up yummy treats to share with my favorite colleagues and clients while we peruse the latest lines, source perfect finds or walk through design plans. What more could you ask for: food, friends and shared passion for pretty things. Though the food was certainly not the star yesterday.)

My fresh prosciutto, provolone and arugula sandwiches. (Bristol Farms deli cuts never disappoints!)

The line is every bit as stunning as I'd expected. Actually, twice as stunning as I'd expected. She has such a brilliant point of view and phenomenal taste. What better partner for a talent like Aerin than Lee Jofa.

Chairs and table, Aerin for Lee Jofa

Hither, Aerin Lee Jofa

Watersedge Velvet, Aerin for Lee Jofa

I love this sofa. The velvet in person is fit for royalty. It has an incredible hand and the color variation, almost an ombré, is exquisite. Love the end table here, too. That's a piece from the line as well. 

I am so excited to carry this entire line! These are the types of quality furniture pieces you buy once in a lifetime. Pieces that, like Aerin, are timelessly stylish. 

If you're interested, contact me or your favorite designer. Have a great weekend. And try that simple sandwich. Even kids love it.

Her Office...Apple and Apricot

Just playing around with palettes for a new client's office. She loves green, like her designer. I've gone round and round. So many gorgeous options. I thought Green + Orange + Blue, Pink + Green, Green + White... But this morning I'm loving 

Apple + Apricot

DIY paper flowers

These giant paper flowers are most definitely this weekend's fun with my girls. Thank you, God, for my craft-loving daughters!

Possible textiles for client's office. Mary MacDonald's Fretwork linen as a banded roman shade or maybe run it vertically down the desk chair. Quadrille's Zeze in Apricot for guest chairs. Scalamandre Hand painted strié paper (but in solid, not the stripe). And the Mary MacDonald's Chinois Palais panels framed on the back wall. Very fresh, very feminine, very much like my office, where I just realized I've got a little Apple + Apricot + Chinoiserie thing going myself.

One of a pair of 18th C cloisonné ginger jars in my office

Family 4th of July

My family has a long-standing tradition of spending every 4th of July back in Wisconsin. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and multiplying second cousins come home from all over the country to celebrate. It's total Americana: the village parade, the big family bbq, swimming, golf and, of course, fireworks. I would have to say it's definitely our most cherished time together. 

However, for reasons too boring to detail here, my son and I had to stay behind in Los Angeles, while my husband took the girls. Today it's hitting me. Hard. I miss them so much. I even tortured myself by clicking through old photos of 4th's past.

I realized, in my maudlin, mopey state, that 4th of July is my favorite holiday. (I might feel differently in December). I love that this holiday not only brings people outdoors, but it brings us all together. Like tailgating fans in a stadium parking lot, there's a sweet spirit of unity. Despite our differences in politics or geography, on this day we are all part of this American family. Like any family, it has its issues. But I wouldn't want to belong to any other. As with my family, I want to consciously appreciate this country each and every day of the year; its diversity in every aspect, its beauty, and its unique spirit of courage and bravery that instills in each member the will to continually fight for liberty and justice for all. So wherever you are in this land of the free, enjoy your 4th, your freedom and most of all your family.  

Happy 4th of July!

My daughter and niece. Can't believe they're celebrating this 4th as teenagers!

My baby and her "twin" cousin. Born the same day with the same spirit.

My amazing son, who is now 6',2" 

A totally vegan menu for the 4th. 

Try this next year.

Atlantic-Pacific

 Ashley Whitaker

Sheryl Salisbury