Perhaps the best trade show I have ever attended is Maison et Objet (which is currently underway in Paris).  There is just so many exciting new things to see there and I always wish I could make the trip.  So with much excitement I just read a round-up post over at Apartment Therapy by Ellie Tennent about the current show and some of her favorite picks.

Can we all nod our heads in agreement that these stack-able Matrioshka doll-like candle holders (that are perfectly misty/milky at the bottom) are just about amazing?   I’ll take 2….wait make that 10….

‘Bougies Russes’ candle holders designed by Stephan Lanez.

I continue with my lusty search for just the right neon sign to hang near my (hopefully completed this coming season) new deck and pergola.  So now that I have found 5 of them, I am not sure which to choose…..Artist and Designer Rory Dobner created all of these and he launched this collection at the show.  My rudimentary knowledge of the neon sign market makes me not even want to ask what it will cost me to actually own one of these charmers.

images from Apartment Therapy and Rory Dobner

When the holiday hulabaloo dies down I relish the thought of clearing all the clutter and starting the new year with a clean slate.  Clean Slate Mentality  drives me in so many ways.  Its why I can’t wait to do a major refrigerator and freezer scrub down.  It’s why I am especially excited about the lack of snow –  I still have time to go mow down the perennials and clear out before spring.  And it is why places like the Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ appeal (and also its warm).

Bold stark color and straight lines is the opposite of the visual excess that generally pervades in December and this is what I crave for January.  Who’s ready for a vacation?

I have a question for you.  What do you think of these fire pit rings (there are more patterns on the site)?    Here is what I think — totally cool — and very clever.

But, I am still not sure it is enough camouflage to make me happy about fire-pits that are made of these concrete blocks.  Concrete blocks are an economical choice, but I just can’t stand the way they look in this application.  I’m curios, have you built a fire ring like this?  and if you did , how did you make it look natural and beautiful and green garden worthy?  I’d love to see pictures if you want to send them.

Still lacking internet access– so I’m quickly sharing something that I have been meaning to for soo soo long. These images were from Elle Decor a few months back but I am still lusting after this garden and way of life.
1) Is this not the most amazing firepit? I love the idea of using glass for the backrest leaving a clear view of the ocean beyond. I wonder if you get used to leaning on what visually seems like nothing?

2) A breakfast bar set up to the outside. Genius, and utterly perfect in southern California. If I didn’t live in a place where weather regularly causes us to loose power and internet access for days, I would have this sort of set up.

images via elle decor

I love that Erin wrote me to tell me about her firepit.  It is a fantastic project that both she and I are excited to share, because it is a compeltely do-able (contractor-free) project and the results (especially as we are heading into the cozy fall) are beautiful.

Even Erin’s mom helped out.   Great job, thanks for sharing Erin!

If you want to see the full DIY project check out Erin’s flickr stream here.

Care to share your DIY or before and after garden makeover?  We would love to see it — shoot me an email right here.

I have some clients whose discussions of fire bowls has reached epic-marital-trouble proportions.  It’s a long story of gift-absent personal holidays (mothers day, fathers day, birthdays, etc. etc….) that really boils down to being unable to find just the right thing when it comes to the perfect garden fire bowl.  Have you ever had something in mind and then just not been able to find it?– so, you go without for so long that it just starts to get annoying?

Well this is post is for them….may this be just the right thing….;)

Kadai Firebowls are unique cooking vessels from India that are used in festivals and large family gatherings.  Originals are often as old a 100 years but Wilstone (who imports them to the UK) also can provide recycled Kadai.   The Recycled Kadai are made from recycled oil drums and riveted together by the same cast of people in India who made the originals, with the same traditional methods.

No bowl is exactly like another and each comes complete with grills, a choice of high or low stand (9″ or 18″ tall), tongs and a wire brush.

And there is a fascinating accessory that you can purchase with your Kadai fire bowl,  the charcoal maker (above) transforms logs (placed inside) into charcoal.  The instructions direct  to fill with hardwood logs then put the whole unit inside a fully lit Kadai, cover with firewood and enjoy the Kadai firebowl for the evening. The following day, when cool, open the charcoal maker and see how the wood has magically turned into charcoal ready for use on your next barbeque.  I have to try that!!

Now to find a US importer…..