Sticker Shock

You can file today's observation from The Yogi under "Rants". One of my pet peeves is the UL sticker that seems to pop up in the most conspicuous places. I know it sounds like a small thing, but I think these photos make my case.


At first glance, it appears that someone forgot to remove the price tags.


Are those what I think they are?


UL strikes again!

Here some simple backlit signage is destroyed by the ubiquitous sticker. I understand the regulatory needs that must be fulfilled, but do we always have to sacrifice aesthetics to be compliant? Could they not have been placed elsewhere — like the top of the letter, unseen to anyone except the inspector who is looking for them (or better yet, on the inside where the light source is housed)? I'm just saying.

If you hear about a crazy person being arrested at the Atlanta Botanical Garden with a bottle of GooGone, you'll know who the perp is.

Incredible Edibles

This week's Designers' Day Out was a trip to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to experience the much anticipated Canopy Walk. I have to admit I was more excited about the design of the structure and it's details than the experience itself, which was much too brief for me (as so many are). I guess that's an occupational hazard.

Also new is the Edible Garden. The Yogi got much more excited about this recent addition — perhaps due to my love of food. I was absolutely bowled over by the decorative use of garden vegetables and herbs, as well as, the fruit espaliers. I love a good espalier. The herb wall was also a knock-out. It's an incredibly creative and beautiful way to cultivate. I particularly like the grid of textures and shades of green that it creates.

But don't take my word for it. Go check it out, and tell them the Yogi sent you. On second thought, you better not. They might charge you extra.


The approach to the walk. I was very amused by the number of elderly people who got scared and turned around at this point.


I love the view from the ground as the walk "disappears" into the trees.


This is my favorite part of the walk. The structure is a beautiful thing of engineering and geometry.


I'm a sucker for espaliers... and anything else French for that matter.




The herb wall — my new favorite thing.

What's In A Name?

Happy Cinco de Mayo, friends. I was going to talk about design inspirations from South of the Border, but was afraid that I would be asked for my papers. So, I'll feature some appropriately European designs that I literally tripped over while at ADAC this morning. They are both new introductions from Formations. The first is a translation of the traditional wing chair in weathered oak with a seat cushion and kidney pillow. It's called the Wooden Barrel Chair (who comes up with these?) and is surprisingly comfortable, even for those of us like the Yogi who are posteriorly challenged. I just pray that I don't see it knocked-off in an upcoming Restoration Hardware catalogue.



The second (also from Formations) is the Sabot Ottoman. Not knowing what a sabot (pronounced SAY-boh) was, I googled it and was informed that it is either:

1 : a wooden shoe worn in various European countries (1) : a strap across the instep in a shoe especially of the sandal type (2) : a shoe having a sabot strap

or

2 : a thrust-transmitting carrier that positions a missile in a gun barrel or launching tube and that prevents the escape of gas ahead of the missile

Hmmmmm... I'm still pondering what either of these has to do with what I took to be an abstraction of animal horns. Did I miss something? At any rate, I love the thorny, horny legs on this critter. FUN!

I didn't come into the business to get awards or titles.

This is a quote from one of my favorite actresses, Julie Walters. LOVE HER! That being said, it doesn't hurt to be recognized for your achievements every now and then, or at least once a year. Last Thursday, ASID Georgia held their annual Design Excellence Awards banquet. Having attended a few of these, I have to say that it was one of the better awards events that ASID has put together. OK, I confess... I was on the planning committee. Congratulations to my fellow committee members, Chris Socci, Andrew Harris, Crystal Aitken, Erin Boden, Justin Caldwell Childers, Susan Currie, Jennifer Dixon, Joanna Hebb, Kerry Howard, Matt McBride, James Molinaro, Hillarie Robbins and Judy Talley for all their hard work. It really paid off. I heartily recommend entering projects that you are particularly proud of for all ASID designers. And, for those of you out there looking for a designer, don't overlook these Kudos when making your decision. Did I mention that The Design Yogi and Yogini were awarded a Gold? See Lakeside Townhome on my website. Also garnering honors that evening were alumni from The Design Yogi's first interior design home, Mark Williams and Karen Hott. I also want to congratulate Big Daddy - Design Star - Kerry Howard who served on the planning committee with me for his award. Well I guess it's back into humility mode until this time next year (maybe).

Let There Be Light!

Now that we've fed my god complex a bit, let's talk about lighting. This week I'm featuring a little renovation project that I did with Martha. The lighting was a key feature, and has since proven to be the client's favorite aspect of the interiors. This week's shameless plug goes to Urban Electric Co. Most of the lighting specified came from this incredible company based in the Design Yogi's home town of Charleston, SC. They have recently opened a showroom here in Atlanta in the White Provision complex and threw one great party to celebrate. The event was catered by JCT, another one of my favorites. I was spotted with several other designers, who shall remain nameless, accosting the caterers every time they brought out the hors d'oeuvres (particular, the fried chicken... YUM). But, I digress. We specified lighting for the foyer, kitchen accents, stair hall, and dining area from their fantastic line and were given stellar customer service throughout the project (Thanks, Ellen & co.) The photos below were taken at the installation, so bear in mind that things are not quite complete (most notably the yummy chocolate brown concrete counters that showed up the following week).

What A Pair!

Today's shameless endorsement goes to my favorite showroom in the whole wide world... Jerry Pair. It's my first source for fabric for many reasons. Primarily, I would be in the doghouse were it not (The Design Yogi's Yogini schleps fabric there). Of course it doesn't hurt that they have amazing lines - from the tasteful and restrained linens of Great Plains to the fun and limitless block prints that master artisan Liz Galbraith crafts for Galbraith & Paul. Add to the mix a little Chelsea, some Jim Thompson, a dash of Jerry Pair leather, and a pinch of Mokum & Dedar, and you've got yourself a scrumptious scheme. Feast your peepers on the following and you'll see what I mean. Of course they have some amazing furniture lighting and accessories lines to boot. Just check out their web site and tell them the Design Yogi sent you (unfortunately I'm not set-up on commission... yet).

A Tale of Two Settees

OK. Technically we're talking benches, but it messed up my pun. Anyway, today we're going to look at the same exact bench upholstered completely differently for two polar opposite clients. The first is an exercise in excess (see "All that glitters..." below) and is the ultimate in hooker chic. I custom-designed this low profile, sensuously curved piece originally with another client in mind but saw how the form could adapt itself to many tastes. This one is pimped out in hot pink velvet with contrasting orange silk flange welt and skirt border. It's actually quite yummy and girlie and was perfect for the application. The second (and originally designed) incarnation is a study in restraint and was designed to complete a seating group without competing with the other pieces. It's upholstered in a linear sand matelasse - 2 extremes from the same fabulous frame. It's also available for purchase at The Nicholson Gallery (shameless plug). The Design Yogi loves getting multiple uses out of things!