The Darkroom: My Favorite Store That I’ve Never Visited

I’m sure that I’m not alone in my love for the Darkroom, an itty-bitty design shop in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood. I’ve never been, but that doesn’t stop me from being an adoring fan. I even sent a scout back in December 2010. "I stopped at Darkroom in London," he wrote. "Very cool spot. We should chat about it." The chat revealed that he too was smitten, making a $300 impulse buy in the process.

The overall concept is tricky to describe - modern, graphic, artisanal—all tied together by a strong undercurrent of worldly, tribal flair. While it may be hard to find the words, the visual cohesion is unmistakable. It’s like that indefinable mojo. Darkroom has got an It factor, and I, for one, can’t get enough!

I subscribed to the Darkroom newsletter shortly after my friend’s report, and review it with great detail whenever it enters my inbox. This morning was no different – a perfectly curated grid of eye candy that begs to be bought. In fact, it was the Tweedmill Picnic Blanket that inspired today’s post. Summer in DC means lots of outdoor activities (i.e., sitting on the grass), so it seems like a perfectly justifiable purchase. This may be the moment I finally shop the Darkroom (even if it’s only a virtual visit)!

Images: The Darkroom

Inspired By Earth Day: Retreats for a Modern Thoreau

I first learned of Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond as a freshman in high school. I was a self-proclaimed tree-hugger back then, so his thoughts on man and the environment simply fueled my passion to save the planet. As an adult, I can more fully understand the philosophy behind his Walden stay - to simply observe nature and reflect. In honor of Earth Day, here are two locales perfectly suited for a modern-day, Thoreau-like sabbatical. And, of course, both are ecofriendly.

Fogo Island Studios, Newfoundland, Canada

"I love Nature partly because she is not man, but a retreat from him. "

Located along the north Atlantic, Fogo Island offers four artist studios as part of a program to promote habitat preservation and sustainability. Each structure is completely off-the-grid and perched along the island’s rocky coastline. Imagine what these views could inspire!

The Treehotel, Harads, Sweden

"I have a room all to myself; it is nature."

The Treehotel in Sweden would definitely make my bucket list if I ever decided to create one. Each of its treehouse-like cabins is suspended 13 to 20 feet above the ground, offering fantastic views and sparse interiors (Thoreau would be proud!). My favorite room is the Mirrorcube. Its facade perfectly blends into the surrounding forest.

Of course, we can't all scurry off to Canada and Sweden to be at one with nature, so, look for the everyday opportunities. From community parks to your own backyard, embrace and enjoy!

Images: (1-4) Bent René Synnevåg, (5-8) Peter Lundstrom, WDO | Treehotel
Quotes: Henry David Thoreau

DC Design House 2013: The Media & Morning Rooms

The DC Design House has no shortage of spaces to relax and unwind – from the Lounge on the home’s lowest level to the Away Room tucked just below the rafters. For some, relaxation may come in the form of television and tech gadgetry as found in the Media Room by Akseizer Design Group. Flat screens provide an interface with the digital world but can be easily switched off to enjoy quiet moments in the glow of the skylight and live reef aquarium.

The designers were especially proud of the Black Magic Orchid imported all the way from Australia. They also worked with children from Children’s National Medical Center to create art for the space. Very cool!

The Morning Room by Iantha Carley was designed to “sit down, take a deep breath and relax.” Mid-century modern fans will enjoy furniture inspired by the period to include a reupholstered side chair from Iantha’s childhood home. I personally love her vignette featuring abstract artwork and a console by Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams.

See it all! Visit the DC Design House April 14^th – May 12^th, 2507 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC. www.dcdesignhouse.com

P.S. Friday Fashion returns next week!

Images: (1) Angie Seckinger, DC Design House, (Others) Sukio

DC Design House 2013: The Master Suite

Modern meets glamour in this show home’s master suite, with the latter achieved via shimmering touches in the bedroom. Designer Susan Jamieson created a palette of blue, gray, cream, and gold based on the suite's existing fixtures. Personal favorites include a gold-finished canopy bed, complete with an über-luxe (read "expensive") Savoir mattress, and grand nest chandelier.

Susan paid close attention to the fifth wall throughout the space (aka, the ceiling), covering it in high-gloss paint and reflective wallpapers. She notes, "It’s all about the details and creating contrasting visuals…" I love the Maya Romanoff paper used overhead as you approach the modern master bath.

The master bath's designer, Darlene Molnar, used Bertoia side chairs with custom leather seats in the vanity area. The seats were made by Darlene's father, who just happens to be a skilled leatherworker. Aren’t they fabulous?

See it all! Visit the DC Design House April 14^th – May 12^th, 2507 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC. www.dcdesignhouse.com

Images: (4,6) Angie Seckinger, DC Design House, (Others) Sukio

Interiors: A Contemporary Apartment with Mid-Century Flair

The latest installment of APT with LSD takes us inside the New York City home of Ferebee Taube, founder of the fashion styling website Feyt. After two years of remodeling, Ferebee created an airy family home that mixes contemporary sensibilities, mid-century classics, and space for the kiddies!

Of course, I adore Ferebee's selection of an iconic print by Massimo Vitali, whose beach imagery seems to work in just about any space. She notes, "I love the juxtaposition of the ocean in the photo’s background and the river view from this same room."

Isn't the bedroom perfectly serene?! I especially love the Hans Wegner Papa Bear chairs, great for magazine perusing or iPad skimming.

Images: Claiborne Swanson Frank, Vogue.com