Seeing Things in Black and White

Can I just tell you how long I waited to finally buy this duvet set from West Elm? I waited so long that in fact I did not even buy it...but this lucky girl got her birthday wish hand delivered from the UPS guy this week thanks to some generous and sympathetic family members.

Is there anything better than sliding into crisp clean sheets topped with fluffy pillows and a sweet new duvet...just in time for the weekend? I say not.

And in black and white ikat chevron? Now I know there is nothing better.

I'm telling you, no matter how hard I try to infuse some technicolor into this 1960's house of ours, I always defer back to the old classic black and white. It's been a reliable, comfortable, long term relationship what can I say. I wish I knew how to quit you.

And just to prove I'm on a roll, there is also this impulse purchase that we picked up on an unexpected shopping jaunt last weekend. I absolutely had to have it. Don't ask me where it will end up. I have no idea.

Among the many things I've got planned over the next couple of days is a bit of decorating at the ol' House. I may not be ready for a serious color commitment, but there are certainly more colorful objects I've had my eye on that will help bring in a little more balance and cheer this place up. Here's hoping I'll be brave enough to push out of my comfort zone a bit.

{Make This} The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies...Ever.

My hunt for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe {ever} might have just come to a screeching halt. I'm talking crispy crunchy top crust with chewy chocolatety center madness. I don't want to oversell it, but as far as I'm concerned, G. over at Kiss My Spatula killed it with this take on the infamous Jacques Torres recipe. 

In the end, I'm betting it's those tweaks that made all the difference in the world. The rolled oats (something I've always done as well) and a true revelation to me- orange zest, added just the right...something... that sets this recipe apart. I might have even snuck in one other tweak- a splash of almond extract for good measure. And no, your eyes do not deceive you. These babies get finished off with a sprinkle of grey sea salt. 

Cookies so good, that indeed they will break your heart.

Fiddle Me This

Forget Roses. I'm hoping my Valentine brings me a Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Even a singular tree makes quite a statement. But they effortlessly provide some necessary balance and symmetry when featured in pairs. I've been prone to using succulents around our home. They are easy to maintain with a clean, sculptural quality that I'm drawn to. But there is no denying the powerful punch these babies can bring to a room- and in much the same way.  I love how in the first and last images they almost form a canopy over the seating area. Talk about bringing the outdoors in.

How 'bout you? What types of plants do you prefer in your home?

Via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 

Fernando Santangello

I've had these images of photographer Joshua Jordan's apartment saved in my inspiration file for quite some time. I'm no longer sure how I stumbled upon them, but I do know they were enough to leave me wanting to see more of the apartment I've long admired for it's uncluttered simplicity, roughly honed textures and reserved, yet sharply contrasted color palette. It's so undeniably masculine, but I could easily see myself living amongst all the grainy wood, charcoal slate and chrome accents quite happily.

This bathroom kills me.

I've learned that the apartment was designed by Jordan's friend Fernando Santangello, who also designed the famous Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. As luck would have it, his website offers a couple of other images that give a more complete look at this amazing space.

Some of the other spaces featured in Santangello's online portfolio offer a similar simplicity, reflecting carefully curated furnishings that are more reliant on the individual craftsmanship of the artifacts and less on unnecessary decorative adornment.

Some new favorites featuring my latest trifecta- Carrera, exposed lightbulbs and wood detailing are shared below.

West Village Apartment

New York Loft

Los Olivos, CA