If there is someone who can bring old-Hollywood glamour to your everyday, it is Los Angeles-based interior designer Jaime Rummerfield along with her partner Ron Woodson at Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design.  This dynamic duo has worked on projects for numerous celebrities, Los Angeles PETA and the Wexler Palm Springs.  One of their most notable projects to date is the designing of Christina Aguilera’s Beverly Hills mansion, which was featured in InStyle magazine last fall.  Another exciting project that is currently in the works is with the Ritz-Carlton residences in downtown Los Angeles.  The project is sure to be the perfect combination of grand scale and easy living.  This is one busy team who spreads fabulousness to all they encounter!

Living room for Versace in Beverly Ridge designed by Woodson & Rummerfield

Growing up in an incredibly creative family that consisted of a musical mother and a great-grandfather who created jewelry for the glitterati of his day, Jaime Rummerfield always knew that she wanted to be a part of the design world.  Her family’s bohemian lifestyle allowed her to explore her creative passions early on, and thus a path was created to the great creations that emerge from her firm today.  After studying design at Arizona State University’s famed architecture program, Rummerfield launched into a dazzling career that goes right along with her artistic pedigree.

Unlike many Los Angelenos, Rummerfield’s family has generational roots in Southern California dating back to the 1800s.  This translates into the easy manner with which she combines high style and laid-back beachiness into her designs.  It is no wonder that Woodson & Rummerfield’s project with Christina Aguilera struck a nerve with her as she worked to create such an opulent and grand aesthetic that would also serve as a retreat from the flashbulbs of celebrity.

In this Creatives Cook, we learn about how the fabric of Rummerfield’s upbringing has been weaved into a modern time when we all could use a little more glamour in our lives.

How have your deep Southern California roots shaped your sense of style?

For me, Southern California has it’s own look and feel.  Though I am a fan of many era’s, I grew up observing the beachy lifestyle of the 70’s from the fashion colors, prints and patterns to the well manicured rows of bungalows and estates on palm tree lined streets.  Old Hollywood is such an inspiration to me: the fashion, film, dinner parties, soiree’s and all the glamour.  To me, the indoor outdoor lifestyle is innate to Southern California living.  Homes where the indoor rooms open to the out of doors, terrazzo floors bridging the two.  Figurines of birds, murano glass bowls, breezy textiles & colorful pottery are very reminiscent details that have influenced my design aesthetic.

Seated with her design partner, Ron Woodson

You say that you’ve always known that you wanted to work in design. When did you feel most sure that you were following your calling?

I have always been sure as long as I can remember, it wasn’t even a question.  I knew this is what I was going to do.  Just the other day I was chatting with a childhood friend and she reminded me that back in Junior High I would frequently talk about being an interior designer.  I don’t even remember that!

Master Bedroom in Christina Aguilera's Beverly Hills home, designed by Woodson & Rummerfield

What is it about your work that speaks most directly to you?

I so enjoy the design process and ofcourse the reward of seeing the vision come to life makes it all worth it.

As a self-proclaimed “workaholic”, do you find that your views on style permeate into other areas of your life?

Absolutely.  When someone is passionate about something, at least for me, there is no off/on switch.  My wheels are always turning.  I have learned to compartmentalize this however to allow for balance, which is extremely important.

What are your other creative outlets?

Huh?

Just kidding.

Fashion, vintage shopping is a love of mine, cooking and occasionally I paint.

Do they find ways to pop up in your work?

Yes, especially fashion it is such a parallel to interiors.  The lines, forms, color stories.  Even jewelry and accessories give me much inspiration on approach to my work.

Do you find that cooking and entertaining can be a release from a busy week?

Indeed.  This is the balance I am talking about.  Entertaining, spending time creating a gorgeous and delish dish and sharing a meal with great company is divine.  For me, presentation is everything.  From table linens, garnish and interesting glass & plate ware to ambience like music and candle light.

What is your entertaining philosophy? Did you grow up seeing this philosophy in action or did you develop it over time?

Live in the moment & use your best china everyday.

I grew up seeing this philosophy.  My parents didn’t make a fuss over monetary objects.  We had nice things, we had average thing, we had heirlooms, etc. and all were used in a similar way – everyday.  Nothing was ever locked away in a glass cabinet saved for a rainy day.  The benefit from that was really enjoying the beautiful things daily that made for a memorable home.

Describe your perfect evening at home with friends.

A delightful sunset, A well stocked bar, good music, an assortment of food bites, ambient lighting, a little dancing, lots of conversation and laughs.

What is your favorite recipe?

Laurella Family Sauce (after Jaime’s maiden name)

1 package Sweet Italian Sausage

1 package Hot Italian Sausage

1 lb lamp chops

1 15 oz can tomato paste

1 25 oz can tomato sauce

1/2 brown onion

1 tblspoon of oregano

1 tblspoon of basil

1 tsp olive oil

In large sauce pot sautee onions in olive oil. Cut sausages into half. Mix in lamb chop and sausages with onion. Cook until browned. Drain if necessary. At medium to high heat add tomato paste. (This is one of the most important parts called “frying the paste”) sizzle the paste into the meat for a good 10 minutes while stirring frequently. Add the tomato sauce. Fill empty cans with filtered water and pour into pot. Stir in oregano and basil. Simmer at a low heat for approx 3 hours, stirring every 15 minutes remove lamb chop bones upon completion. Goes well with spaghetti or rigatoni pasta + a healthy portion of freshly grated parmesan.

Do you have a special story or memory that goes along with this dish?

Talk about comfort food!  Every Sunday my Grandfather Salvatore would make the “sauce”.  Sunday was a family day.  As he taught me the recipe he told me for as long as he can remember his father made it, his father’s father made it and so on.  The sauce comes from his home town of Boiano, Italy where they still to this day grow their own gardens of vegetables, get water from a well and everything is made so fresh, delicioso!

Thank you so much for sharing with us! Visit Woodson & Rummerfield at www.wandrdesign.com.

*All photographs courtesy of Jaime Rummerfield and Woodson & Rummerfield

The first time I saw and met D. Bryant Archie was at a panel discussion at the D&D Building in New York last month.  Brad Ford was singing praises over her fine 100% alpaca throws, and I looked over to find a great beauty whose presence was the picture of elegant creativity.  Later, I bumped into her when I got on the wrong elevator, then again as I was getting off of the correct elevator, and I realized that fate was telling me that I had to introduce myself!

After spending the first years of her working life learning the intricacies of editorial work, design marketing and distribution, D. Bryant left for her honeymoon to Morocco and discovered the surprise that would change her life… gorgeous and exotic blankets.  After much research and continued passion and dedication, D. Bryant now provides the design world with lusciously woven pillows and throws made in Peru in keeping with the hand-looming traditions of the region.  ’Inspired’ only scratches the surface of describing the designs that draw from indigenous influences from around the world.  These textiles appear to have roots that reach back into the histories of each and every person who runs their hands over them.  This feeling goes well with D. Bryant’s strong family history reaching back to rural North Carolina, where she still feels a direct connection with her family’s land.

If you are in New York for the Architectural Digest Home Design Show March 18 – 21, you can see her work firsthand at Pier 94.

For this Creatives Cook we are brought into the fabric of what drives this fantastic creative professional to create and share!

Textiles designer D. Bryant Archie

Your life seems to have been a serendipitous chain of experiences that led you to creating your company. Can you tell us about that?

I grew up loving to draw, paint, dance, act out scenes from my favorite shows,… And almost every weekend would spend hours in local consignment shops looking for interesting clothes courtesy of a chauffeuring dad, and hunting one tag sale to the next with my mom. It was about the fabric. I didn’t know why I was so attracted to old fabrics. My heart would flutter at the sight of a great color, texture or shape. In the end, I didn’t study art in college and the thought of textile design never came to mind.

Instead, I was encouraged to pursue a corporate job like my parents. But it didn’t sit well with me seeing how hard they worked with little time left to simply be and pursue their passions.

I found a part-time editorial job at a small trade magazine during the college semesters and started there full-time upon graduation. Writing provided a creative forum for expression. Next during the next two years at deSede of Switzerland, I felt the excitement working with colorful, avant-garde, contemporary leather furniture. At the same time it gave me an understanding of the business and operational structure behind the scenes. But by far it was working with the great weaver, textile designer and color genius Elizabeth Eakins that ignited the spark inside me. I helped launch her first fabric collection.  Here I soaked in the process of creating something so beautiful, with a sense of place and history tempered by the reality of what sells in the market.

When I moved to be closer to my fiancé, the principals at John Rosselli – where Elizabeth’s fabrics launched first – offered me a job at their shop in DC. At Rosselli’s I gained an ‘education in taste’ working with antiques, reproductions, furniture, fabrics, lighting and rugs and how they all come together in a room. Even so, it became clear that with the distance from textile development, designing textiles was my passion and I had to get back to it.

Now I felt through time and experience I had a unique point of view and something to share. But rugs and fabrics were a little too large a scale for me to start with. On my honeymoon in Morocco, I discovered the most beautifully colored fabrics and blankets. One early morning in Marrakech, I literally woke up from a dream with the idea I could begin with blankets. They’re practical. I could start at home with full creative license to dream and design.  It made sense to me. And happily my husband agreed.

What is it about your work that speaks most directly to you?

My work brings together several things that ignite and inspire me.  Designing a blanket provides a medium for the beauty of the two-dimensional – a painting or drawing – and the 3-dimensional, a tactile and tangible piece of art to be interacted with. My designs are very strongly informed and inspired by the indigenous – cultures, peoples, nature – as well as fashion, excitement in what’s relevant in a changing world – unexpected color, the drape, movement. Finally I love that Peru and its people, alpaca and landscape provide the perfect sense of place to bring the designs to life. A sense of place and history.  Reoccurring themes.

What do you want people to feel when they first see your textiles?

Ideally, what I just explained but in balance with their own cultural background, life experiences and unique sense of beauty. Many people have said one or more of the blankets reminded them of their country, a color or pattern from growing up – many times a place I’ve never visited. I find that fascinating.

You are obviously very passionate about your work.  What are your other passions in life?

Most of my personal time is spent reading about or looking at fashion, interiors, architecture, indigenous clothing, and jewelry. Vintage clothing shops in the city, consignment shops and tag sales in Connecticut.  I also love music – my husband has an amazing record collection – which we’ve played for my daughter even before she was born. I love seeing her light up in movement when she hears a tune she likes.

My daughter is my greatest passion. I want to show her dreams can come true.

How do they translate into your work?

As a design enthusiast all of these passions directly inspire my work.

But the most significant translation is how I can inspire my daughter through my work. Maybe this is just another dream of mine. She’s only 17 months and may turn out to be a science or math genius. But it’s really about empowering her to believe in her dreams. And to make a living doing what she loves.  Seeing her do that one-day will give me the greatest feeling of success, the most meaningful translation of my work.

What are your other creative outlets?

Simple things like going out dancing with my husband or seeing a film that gets under my skin and allows me to feel and escape to another point of view.  Really almost anything that evokes emotion.

Also dance. From African, to Flamenco to Modern. Whether it’s me doing it or seeing a performance.

Do you entertain and/or cook often?

I used to entertain a few times a month back in the good ol’ days of a large, three-bedroom row house in DC.  Now in a small apartment in New York City, we’re back to basics, less often, hosting intimate get-togethers.

I love potlucks. The sight of a long table, roaring laughter mixed with funny antidotes, candlelight, and the warmth of familiar friends sharing good food family style. In DC with most of us living away from relatives, we called it our urban family.

What is your entertaining philosophy? Did you grow up seeing this philosophy in action or did you develop it over time?

I’ve developed my ‘entertaining voice’ over time.  Relaxed, informal, comfortable presented with flair.  An inviting table setting, layered textiles and natural materials like wooden serving pieces and decorative accents. Something that looks effortless and easy. Basic white or earth-toned dishes. Utilitarian, minimalist flatware. Easy-going yet thoughtful with a bit of unexpected thrown in.

What is your favorite recipe?

My absolute favorites tend to be made by someone else like my grandma’s blueberry-peach pie or my sister’s mac ‘n cheese.

I love to make family style meals. The latest is usually my favorite of the moment. I’m fickle. This dish and salad were the latest hits.

Chicken Sausage Stir Fry over Cilantro Brown Rice

1 lb.   sun-dried tomato chicken sausage

¾ lb.   chopped fingerling potatoes

1 cup   shredded carrots

1 cup   red cabbage

¼ cup   red onion

1 tbsp  scallions

2 tsp   sea salt

½ tsp   dried thyme

1 tsp   cracked black pepper

1 tbsp  olive oil

2 tbsp  teriyaki sauce

1 tbsp  soy sauce

1 ½ cup brown rice

2 tbsp  cilantro chutney

Empty sausage from its casing into a pan and brown in olive oil and red onion. Add dried thyme and a pinch of sea salt.

Boil potatoes in cilantro chutney, a pinch of salt and 3 cups of water. When rice is done, add potatoes, cabbage, carrots and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Cabbage and carrots are al dente. Add soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, black pepper, scallions and sea salt to taste. Serve piping hot over rice.

Fennel and Grapefruit Salad

3 cups  Organic heirloom lettuce

1 cup  chopped fennel

½ red grapefruit, membranes only

1 tbsp  olive oil

2 tbsp  rice wine vinegar

sea salt

cracked black pepper

Mix lettuce, fennel and grapefruit in a large bowl.  Add olive oil, vinegar, sea salt and black pepper to taste. Great as a first course or paired family style with the main dish.

Do you have a special story or memory that goes along with this dish?

This dish congers our last potluck with friends.  We achieved my ideal vision: dim candlelight, a loud, boisterous group around a long wooden table. Textiles layered under a mix of ironstone plates and wooden bowls. My daughter being passed among all the “aunties”. An earthy, warm feeling of close friends getting together and catching up. Lovely chaos and chatter.

Thanks so much for sharing with us! Visit D. Bryant Archie’s web site at www.dbryantarchie.com.

Kathy Abbott's "Sophisticated Library" from the 2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House; image from HouseBeautiful.com

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House is always a delight for the eyes, but this year’s, which will be open to the public April 30, will be exceptionally exciting.  For the first time ever, the house will be located on New York’s Upper West Side, and is a beautiful 19th Century Renaissance Revival limestone mansion at 26 West 76th Street.  Last week, the 18 designers chosen for the project were publicly announced as they began work on the six-week renovation project on the six-story, 10,000 square foot townhouse. Participating designers are:

Aman & Carson Inc.

Nancy Boszhardt

Sarah Bune

Sherrill Canet

Coffinier Ku Design, Ltd.

Chuck Fischer

Darren Henault Interiors

Noel Jeffrey

Celerie Kemble

2Michaels

Christopher Peacock

Jennifer Post

Monica Rich Kosann

Katie Ridder

Robert Verdi

Rod Winterrowd

Vicente Wolf

To celebrate the beginning of the work on the house, a pre-renovation party was held there on March 2, which was attended by some of the country’s foremost faces of design, including Charlotte Moss, Amy Lau and Jaime Drake. Charlotte Moss, Jamie Drake and Michael Bruno are the trifecta who will be hosting the Black Tie President’s Preview and Party on April 27^th.

Amy Lau and Katharina Plath at the Pre-Renovation Party

Charlotte Moss and Jaime Drake

This year’s space was graciously donated by Adam Gordon of Adam Gordon Holdings. The property’s sales and marketing efforts are being led by Wendy Maitland of Brown Harris Stevens, who says, “We are excited that this property, one of the most exceptional homes on the Upper West Side, will be the setting for this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House. The building’s six beautiful stories will inspire the designers and visitors alike.”

For the past 38 years, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House has showcase the very best trends in architecture and interior design, benefitting the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.  This spectacular event raises approximately $1 million dollars each year for the nonprofit organization, and this year is chaired by Mrs. W. Ward Carey. This branch of the Boys & Girls Club provides essential after-school and enrichment programs for more than 13,000 young people at 10 locations in the Bronx.

This year, for the first time, people will also be able to take a virtual tour of the house from their homes and desks thanks to 1stdibs, who will be linking items pictured in the rooms directly to dealers and vendors. If you can’t make it to the house, make sure you take a look online while the house is open through May 28th.

The Houdan Lamp by Pierre Deux will make a rustic yet refined addition to a soft blue or cream living area that is filled with books and objets. It is hand painted and features a lovely French Houdan Hen surrounded by country flowers.  The rare Houdan Hen is named for the city near Paris where it is bred. It is one of the “three French hens” we sing about each Christmas, the other two being the LaFleche and the Crevecoeur.  Surely bringing this image on this lovely lamp into your home will bestow your room with good luck!

Happy Friday!

South Carolina has an incredibly rich history of producing great artists. Among the many in the ranks are Kristin Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Jasper Johns, Eartha Kitt and Andie McDowell.  The Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Awards are given each year by the South Carolina General Assembly to honor individuals and organizations who represent and maintain the state’s rich arts heritage.  In 2009, due to (ahem) budget cuts by another branch of state government (ahem ahem, cough cough… not going to make a political statement, NOT going to make a political statement), the Verner Awards were cancelled, and no accolades were given.  Not only was the luncheon in honor of the recipients called off, but so was the presentation in the chambers of the South Carolina State House (cough cough ahem).

Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award Lifetime Achievement honoree Pat Conroy

The South Carolina Arts Commission is absolutely thrilled to have once again been given the green light in showcasing the people who help us understand our history, elevate our views of beauty, and aid us in digging deeper into our minds and emotions. The honors are back and better than ever on May 6, when the awards will once again be given in the Chambers and will include Lifetime Achievement Awards given to author Pat Conroy and painter Jonathan Green.  Afterwards, instead of the usual (and fabulous) luncheon, there will be an evening event at the Columbia Museum of Art featuring an art auction featuring works by some of South Carolina’s finest artists.  For a ticket price of $50, guests will be able to mingle among some of the region’s most talented minds and bid on absolutely beautiful things.  For more information and to order tickets, click here.

Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award Lifetime Achievement honoree Jonathan Green

Jonathan Green; Beach Dance; image from avisfineart.com

Will I see you there? You’ll be hearing more on this from me!

There is little that appeals to a true student of beautiful things more than a film by the iconic Federico Fellini.  When I was a teenager I got my hands onto a copy of 8 1/2 and was beyond mesmerized by the visual art moving across the screen in the form of costumes, scenes, and angles, all splendiferous in black and white.  A while later, the juxtaposition of images in La Dolce Vita sent my mind spinning with thought and wonder.

I haven’t watched a Fellini film in quite a few years, but hearing about the new book from the publishing house Rizzoli entitled, Federico Fellini: The Films has me thinking that it’s time to refresh my memories of these great films.

Published on the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of the debut of La Dolce Vita, the book contains notes, sketches, storyboards and behind-the-scenes photos that span the breadth of Fellini’s great career.  Many of the pieces included have never before been seen by the public, and will provide a fascinating glimpse into the thought process of the creative genius who had such beautiful and prolific visions.

PhotoL Marcio Madeira, Style.com

I have this friend whose penchant for one-liners tends to render the people around her doubled-over from the pain of excessive laughter.  She has a stellar sense of style, and a couple of weeks ago while out with her someone asked her, “How can one achieve a great, structured style like yours?”  Her answer hit our ears with lightning speed and a dubious shrug, “Well, buy Armani, of course!”  We all howled, but here’s the thing… she’s right.

Somehow, season after season, Giorgio Armani produces collections that have fantastic angular lines that can make just about any woman look extremely put together.  Armani makes you feel six-inches taller and as if you’ll be ready if The Sartorialist were to dart around the corner and snap a shot of you.

Lately, I’ve been obsessing over lines… in kitchens, on chair legs, in geometric abstract art, in the structure of clothing… It has become a real fixation.  Lines draw the eye to perceive something as smooth, easy, complex or even sexy.

For Fall 2010, Armani has produced yet another collection full of structure that draws the eye right where it needs to go.  So delicious, don’t you think? In what areas of style and design to you find yourself paying the most attention to lines?

Zicci Bea fine bedding has recently come out with a debut line of high quality, beautiful linens for the home.  The Edison collection, shown above, is available in twin, full and queen sizes and is reversible.

Formed by interior designers Yali Katz and Shoshanna Weinstock Zicci Bea is their response to a need for quality and luxurious bedding sets that do not cost an absolute fortune.  All bedding is manufactured in Israel, where the textiles are pigment-dyed and sewing quality meets exacting standards.

For more information, please visit their website at www.ziccibea.com.

Yesterday I was on the phone with one of my girlfriends discussing the house that she will be closing on next month. We started dreaming about decorating the house with pops of blue scattered throughout.  Certain shades of blue such as Tiffany, robin’s-egg, and lapis add a certain subconciousness of elegance to a home setting. The color can add a streak of formality that simultaneously puts bodies at ease in a room.

image from House and Home

A room doesn’t need to have completely blue-hued walls to evoke this feeling.  Pops provided by objets, pillows, or even a corner chair can bring the desired ambience that magnetically draws people in to sit, talk or relax.

image from House Beautiful

Shades can invite you to chat over tea or a lively glass of bubbly the moment you enter a room…

image from Etsy; click for more information as there is one available for sale

…or they can invigorate on a dreary morning when one does not quite wake up in the mood to sit at their desk to attack computer (which never, ever happens to me, ahem).

image from House and Home

With such variety of choices to lose oneself in such as cerulean, midnight, powder and cornflower, the possibilities are endless as to where and how one can make a room pop. How fun to play around with the differing ends of blue’s palette, changing the range of conversation that a room holds!

Jonathan Adler Mrs. Godfrey Chair

At last month’s New York International Gift Fair, Jonathan Adler introduced a new branch of his colorful tree of home goods, Jonathan Adler Junior.  I think so many of the pieces in Adler’s big-people lines can be used for rooms appealing to all ages, such as the above Mrs. Godfrey Chair (I can see it in my master bedroom as well in my imaginary daughter’s retro-equestrian themed bedroom).  But the Junior line adds even more whimsy, I think, as one can instantly envision books and games strewn over the Junior Lampert Sofa and Junior Templeton Chair in a bright playroom.

Jonathan Adler Junior Lampert Sofa; image from iVillage

Jonathan Adler Junior Templeton Chair; image from NYTimes.com

The youth-themed pieces are definitely ones to keep in mind for your summer decorating projects, as they will  be available in May. Check the company’s website this spring for their launch.