Sweet Dreams

Posted in guest blogger | 46 comments

I come from a long line of linen lovers. So it’s no surprise that quite a few years back, when I was just a teenager, I was wandering through the streets of Florence, and stopped cold at a window display filled with hand stitched linens. As I pressed my nose up against the glass, I knew I had to walk in and rub my hands over these smooth sheets. As I walked into the store, I remember the glance the sales lady gave me, as in “Why are you here?” But I didn’t care, I inspected each piece, touching, looking over the stitching, and patterns. I was in love. I was no fool; I knew not to inquire about the price. These were easily in the hundreds. But I did sneak a catalog into my purse, with the intention of researching when I got home.

And research I did. I found a location in North America, so that one day I would know where to find a set. I learned that the sheets were some of the best in the world and so impeccable, that even the Vatican used them. I found Frette linens are used in some of the world’s finest hotels, and that they are still hand sewn. As for thread count, well higher doesn’t mean better. Lastly, I learned that it would be a while before I owned this fine bedding with a price tag that starts well over a thousand dollars for a set.

So what is about fine bed linens that make it a must have luxury? I can tell you that for me, nothing is better than that smooth feeling on your skin, especially on a newly made bed. Crisp linens are inviting, they want you to rest and enjoy a peaceful sleep so that you can awake energized. Colour is everything; I love a clean white or soft neutral shade to keep a bedroom looking bright and fresh. As for pattern, simple is best. I love that I can have a delicate pattern on the border, or a little lace trim for my feminine side. Just enough to make it feel soft and pretty, but not so much that it decorates a space. Linens compliment a bed, and shouldn’t compete with it.

And all this adds up to a really peaceful sleep. So with that I wish you Sweet Dreams my friends.

–

For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about beautiful things. Growing up my father was always bringing interesting pieces home, and my mother was always perfecting things. It’s no surprise that 10 years ago, I joined my father to work by his side running Anvil Wrought Iron Furniture, a company he founded in 1980. I can explore design, and work with some exceptionally talented people to create beautiful furniture. I devote my time to blogging, because I love bringing a fresh and informative perspective to the world of interiors, and all that influences it. Recently, I also started the Canadian Design Blogger Meetups, to build and strengthen a wonderful community of design professionals and enthusiasts.

** http://www.verdgrisvie.blogspot.com ** www.anvilwroughtiron.com ** www.cdndesignbloggers.com **

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I Always Chop with Henckels!

Posted in Uncategorized, guest blogger | 22 comments

Allow me to introduce to you an old and much loved friend. We’ve been close friends for over 25 years and our bond is as close as ever. This is my Henckels Chef Knife and wherever I go, he goes with me! I couldn’t live without him.

As an interior designer and former Caterer, I can tell you that there are some icons that will live on forever, albeit with slight changes in technology. My chef knife is one of them. I reach out to it when chopping, dicing, slicing and I can close my eyes and my hand will fit around the ergonomically designed handle like a glove.

Its blade extends all the way into the handle. This stabilises the blade and no matter what you are cutting, this blade will never, ever snap. Its straight tapered blade profile further stabilises the cutting edge and allows for year after year of endless sharpening and re-sharpening. It has a smooth and clean-cut fine blade edge which slices, dices and cuts anything – be it hard or soft – cleanly without tearing the item ragged. Parsley, onions, garlic, tomatoes – you name it… the Henckels Chef knife will chop it into the finest pieces you desire – thanks to its high tip, which allows you to use the rocking and rolling action we see when chefs use the Mezzaluna.

No need for the Mezzaluna in my kitchen while I have my Henckels Chef knife. This knife’s incredible durability comes from the perfect combination of intelligent design and superior quality materials. Four years of developing it have defiantly paid off! a sneak peak to the latest Design DNA episode will show you why. Thanks to the designer, Matteo Thun, and the manufacturers, Zwilling J.A. Henckels I can cut my parsley in no time! Henckels perfected the craft of chefs and home-cooks not only in my kitchen but also all over the world.

Janine Shmuelevitz: Janine has had an interesting and varied career, which includes being a caterer, interior designer a construction manager and a visual artist. She is currently the owner of Sisters in Sync Interior Design and is always ready and actively looking for the next design challenge.

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ABCD Design Serves up Dinner, Lunch and even Dessert in Her Trusty Pyrex!

Posted in guest blogger | 89 comments

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Amy Beth Cupp and four years ago I married Mr. D. That makes me “ABCD!” and I’ve got a digital sketch book called ABCD Design where I write about making a house a home. First I was an artist, then trained to be a chef and a floral designer, and after that I worked with an interior designer and as a stylist. On any given day, depending on what has inspired me I will write about it.

I recently co-founded a lifestyle chat on Twitter with Canadian interior designer Jonathan Legate called #DesignTV. And that is how I got asked to write a post for Design DNA! My topic? Pyrex! In my opinion a kitchen without Pyrex is like having a kitchen without a sink. Really, what kitchen doesn’t have at least one or two Pyrex dishes? My grandmother had them, my mother has them, I have them. I can not imagine life in my kitchen without my Pyrex!

They’ve asked me to share one of my favorite Pyrex recipes with you today. I have many Pyrex recipes, but the mixture of prunes, apricots, garlic, capers and olives in this is one is too good not to share. Chicken Marbella is from the Silver Palate cookbook. It’s one of the first dishes I ever made for the Mister when we we were first dating, so it is a recipe that is near and dear to my heart.

Chicken Marbella is such a spectacular party dish. The recipe measurements below are good for 10-12 servings -or- prepare it as a dish that you can eat off of for days on end. Reason being: it tastes amazing hot or at room temperature and it always tastes better the second day after baking! Keep in mind that the overnight marinating is essential to the moistness of the finished product. The chicken keeps and even improves over several days of refrigeration; it travels well and makes excellent picnic or luncheon fare.

Ingredients:

6-8 whole chicken breasts (12-14 halves)
1 head of garlic, peeled and finely pureed
1/4 cup dried oregano
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup pitted prunes (This recipe calls for only prunes, however I always add a cup of apricots as well!)
1/2 cup pitted Spanish green olives
1/2 cup capers with a bit of juice
6 bay leaves
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white wine
1/4 cup Italian parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped

Directions: Don’t forget! This recipe tastes better the second day, so it pays to plan ahead! The first day I make it I like to serve it hot with brown rice rice couscous. On the second day, I serve it room temp with arugula salad = It’s so super delish! Not to mention, you only need a simple Pyrex baking dish or two to make the recipe.

Day one: In a large bowl combine chicken quarters, garlic, oregano, pepper and coarse salt to taste, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers and juice, and bay leaves. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, overnight.

Day two: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange chicken in a single layer in one or two large, shallow Pyrex baking dish and spoon marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle chicken pieces with brown sugar and pour white wine around them.

Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently with pan juices. Chicken is done when thigh pieces, pricked with a fork at their thickest, yield clear yellow (rather than pink) juice.

With a slotted spoon transfer chicken, prunes, olives and capers to a serving platter. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley or cilantro.

Pass remaining pan juices in a sauceboat.

To serve Chicken Marbella cold, cool to room temperature in cooking juices before transferring to a serving platter. If chicken has been covered and refrigerated, allow it to return to room temperature before serving. Spoon some of the reserved juices over chicken.

What’s that above, you ask? It’s dessert – of course! Apple Raspberry Crisp made in nothing other than a Pyrex baking dish. Enjoy the recipes!

You can find ABC Dragoo on ABCD Design, Twitter, Facebook, and on DesignTV

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Design DNA Takes You to the Show, the National Home Show!

Posted in Baccarat, Design DNA blog, design icon | 0 comments

Design DNA’s latest contest brings home design to more lucky winners! This week we asked you what Baccarat engraves on their signature red crystal. The prize? two pairs of tickets for Toronto’s National Home Show starting THIS WEEKEND!

So what was the answer?? The letter ‘B’ of course! And the winners are…

JANIS DOMBROVSKIS and JOHN_TEETER!!!!!

Congrats Janis and John, we are so excited for you and your +1′s to enjoy all the design and home decor that the National Home Show has to offer! Be sure to join us on Facebook and Twitter when you get back. We want to know – where’d you go? what’d you see? who’d you love? Even post a couple pictures on our wall!

Thank you for participating everyone, we love stretching your design muscles! Stay tuned for more design fun on Facebook and Twitter and don’t forget to tune in to HGTV on Tuesdays @ 9:30pm. We’ll see you there!

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Special Guest Blogger Ann Kaiser Brings Baccarat History to Life

Posted in Baccarat, Philipe Starck, guest blogger | 152 comments

Ann Kaiser – I’ve always been a fan of Baccarat, but two of their recent lighting creations have really knocked me out.

Zenith Black Chandelier by Philipe Starck

In 2009, Philippe Starck, one of my favorite designers, reinvented the Baccarat Zenith for the second time. (The first reinvention, using black crystal, produced the “Zenith Noir” in 2003.) The more recent “Unfocused” version is especially characteristic of Starck, whose work is generally streamlined, stylized and full of fantasy.

Unfocused Chandelier by Philipe Starck

I always find Starck’s creations to be a bit cheeky, my favorite thing in any design, and the Zenith is no exception. Even with a tri-colored palette and 24 lights, somehow the piece doesn’t look overdone. Zenith certainly makes an impact, and Starck has made it look effortless.

Solstice Comete by Philipe Starck

And who says the classics can’t go green? The Solstice Comète is a grand update of the traditional Solstice chandelier. The piece is brought into the 21st century with the addition of energy-efficient LED lights, which can be turned very bright or dimmed down to a subtle sparkle. And a fun fact about Baccarat: Since 1997, every chandelier features one “pampille,” a red crystal, which you can see clearly on Solstice Comète. Looks beautiful to me!

Editor – Thanks Ann for sharing more of Philippe Starck’ s designs with us. Starck is one of the world’ s most influential designers and is showcased on Design DNA for his ‘Miss Sissi’ table lamp. Petite, fun and cheerful, Philippe Starck’ s simple design was his response to 90’s excess and has become one of his most iconic and recognizable objects. Visit our Facebook page to see some images of the sassy lamp.

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Special Guest Blogger Kelly James and the Chocolate Cookie Challenge

Posted in collector culture, guest blogger, kitchen | 14 comments

Kelly James – If the KitchenAid stand mixer is the star of the kitchen, then the PYREX measuring cup is its loyal and indispensable companion. Think Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Batman and Robin, Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe…

PYREX measuring cups have played an important role in kitchens around the world for over 85 years. They may not be glamourous or flashy, but they’re durable, versatile, and easy to use with their trademark bright red numbers and lines. And they’re in good company – PYREX measuring cups are made from the same heat-resistant glass as the windows on NASA’s space shuttles. (see below) The recipe for making the glass is a secret, but sand from central Pennsylvania is a key ingredient (all PYREX measuring cups for the North American market are made in Charleroi, Pennsylvania).

Corning first introduced the PYREX measuring cup in 1925. In 1998, World Kitchen purchased the PYREX consumer bakeware business from Corning, and has continued manufacturing the iconic & reliable measuring cup ever since.

CAMBRIDGE, MA – JUNE 29: Julia Child poses in her kitchen on June 29, 1970 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Photo by Arnold Newman/Getty Images) Julia Child

Various measuring cup shapes and sizes have been introduced over the years, including cups with wide flared tops, open handles, and even silicone covers.

Perhaps the most significant modification to the design is the read-from-above feature. It occurred to the World Kitchen people that it was awkward to bend down and read the measurement while pouring ingredients into the cup. They discovered that by reversing the numbers and lines to be read from the inside of the cup instead of the outside, people could read the measurement from above as they poured the ingredients into the cup. It’s sometimes the small details that make all the difference!

If cooking is an art, baking is a science…

Whether you’re a Cordon Bleu chef or a cooking newbie, PYREX measuring cups are an essential tool in the kitchen. For baking in particular, measuring out accurate quantities of ingredients is vital. The wrong amount of just one ingredient could turn your bread into a brick (been there, done that!) Want proof? Then get out your PYREX measuring cups right now and whip up a batch of these uber-fabulous chocolate chip cookies. I know, everyone says that their chocolate chip cookies are the best. But you can forget about all those other alleged best cookies, because these ones really ARE the best!

Triple-Threat Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup white sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tbsp. milk*
2 tsp. vanilla extract*
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
¾ tsp. salt
2 cups oats
2 cups (or more) combination of chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and Skor bits

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray with Pam.
3. In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to combine butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
4. Add eggs, milk, and vanila and stir until just combined.
5. In a medium sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to butter & sugars in large bowl and stir until just combined.
6. Add oats and stir until combined.
7. Add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and Skor bits and stir until combined.
8. Use a dessert spoon to drop cookie dough onto cookie sheets. Leave about 2” between each cookie (cookie dough will spread).
9. Put one sheet onto middle rack in oven and bake for about 5 minutes.
10. After 5 minutes, turn the sheet 180 degrees and place on upper rake. Put second sheet of cookies on middle rack and bake both sheets for about 5 minutes (about 10 minutes total cooking time for each sheet). Cookies on top rack are ready when the edges are just barely brown and the center looks slightly unbaked.
11. Remove top sheet from oven, turn other sheet 180 degrees and place on upper rack. Continue this rotation until all cookies are baked.
12. Let cookies cool on sheet for a few minutes, then carefully remove cookies with spatula and let cool completely on a wire rack.

* For an adult version, replace vanilla with Crème de Cacao and milk with Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Editor – Kelly motivated us to the test kitchen with her throw-down Chocolate Chip Cookie Challenge and you are all invited to submit your own recipes to us for comparison. Test out her recipe and let her know how it worked out at http://jaxdoesdesign.blogspot.com/

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Design DNA Challenges You to Sparkle!

Posted in Design DNA blog, News, design icon | 6 comments

It’s time for another Design DNA Challenge!

Last week all our fans showed us just how design-savvy they are when we tested their knowledge on Fiestaware Tableware. This week we are challenging you again. This time, you might have to look a little bit closer but you won’t have to look too far. The answer to our challenge can be seen and heard during our upcoming Design DNA episode which will air at 9:3pm EST on HGTV Canada.

So what’s the challenge question?! We want to know:

What does Baccarat engrave on their chandelier’s signature red crystal?

Make sure you tune in to HGTV Canada to watch our new episode on Tuesday, 9:30pm EST,  February 15th.

Once you find the answer in Tuesday’s episode go to our facebook page at www.facebook.com/DesignDNA click LIKE (if you haven’t already) and write your answer on our wall. Or send us a tweet on Twitter to @design_dna. Or send us an email to designdnainteractive@gmail.com

Get the answer right and you will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the National Home Show in Toronto during the Feb 18-27. This time we’ll be giving out two pairs of tickets so your chances of winning have DOUBLED!

*Contest ends Wednesday, February 16th at midnight. No purchase is necessary; trivia question must be answered correctly and posted on the Design DNA Facebook wall to qualify at www.facebook.com/designdna, posted on Twitter including “@design_dna” in your tweet, or emailed to designdnainteractive@gmail.com to qualify. All qualifying contestants have an equal opportunity to win and will be entered into a random draw and the winner will be announced on Thursday, February 171th, at noon on Facebook.

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Design DNA Spices Up Another Kitchen!

Posted in Design DNA blog, Fiestaware, News, collector culture, design icon, kitchen | 11 comments

And the winner is…ANGIE VALENZANO!

This week Design DNA treated viewers to another special treat. We put out a challenge to name the latest colour of the Fiestaware Tableware, the answer was of course PAPRIKA! Check out this video from last week’s episode of Design DNA that talks about the new kid on the table.

We were ecstatic to see just how many of our design-loving fans knew the answer. Thank you – Design DNA – lovers for playing in our challenge! Check out all the action our facebook and Twitter pages got during the contest:

Out of the 70+ submissions, Angie Valenzano was the lucky winner of a beautiful Le Creuset Cocotte Ronde that will fire up her kitchen with its flame-orange finish. We hope you love your new Le Creuset Cocotte, Angie!!!

As for everyone else, well we don’t have Cocottes for everyone BUT we *do* have a brand new challenge coming up this week!

What will we give away next???   What will we ask you???   Who will be the lucky winner???   You’ll have to stay tuned to find out what happened next. All we can tell you is that the answer will be found in this Tuesday’s episode of Design DNA so start flexing those design muscles and catch us facebook, Twitter and Tuesday, February 15th at 9:30pm on HGTV!

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Special Guest Blogger Sigrid McCandless Celebrates Fiestaware

Posted in Fiestaware, collector culture, guest blogger, kitchen | 41 comments

Sigrid McCandless -

Fiesta, a Spanish word that means “party”, “feast” or “festival”

What a perfect way to describe Fiestaware! The vibrant colours make an everyday meal feel like a celebration! Food even looks better on it.

Almost everyone is familiar with Fiestaware. For me, it brings back nostalgic memories of staying over at my best friend’s house for dinner. I can almost taste the homemade mac n’ cheese!

In the 1930s the Homer Laughlin China Company of Newell, West Virginia introduced Fiestaware as a line of open stock dinnerware. Its appeal lies in its bright colors, modern (Art Deco) design, and its affordability.

Fiestaware allows buyers to select by the piece mixing and matching from the colour range. You can’t go wrong…all the colours in the Fiesta palate coordinate with each other!

In the words of an early company promotional brochure: “COLOR! that’s the trend today…”and it went on to say, “It gives the hostess the opportunity to create her own table effects….Plates of one color, Cream Soups of another, contrasting Cups and Saucers….it’s FUN to set a table with Fiesta!”

My first piece of Fiestaware came to me about 25 years ago, a dinner plate sitting under a Ficus Benjamina. A friend was giving up her apartment to travel the world and I agreed to provide her beloved plant a new home with plenty of TLC. Sadly the plant died a short time after but I still have that turquoise plate! Something about it just resonated with me. Over the years I have acquired several other vintage pieces at rummage sales and flea markets. I don’t have a full set so I use the pieces I have as serving dishes providing colourful accents on the table.

Here’s my original plate all ready for a party!

Photograph by Patricia Recourt

When I first began designing kitchens, I used to clip pictures out of design magazines, put them into clear plastic page-protectors and put them in a binder full of inspirational ideas. One of my favourite photos was of an all-white kitchen. Everything was white, the cabinets, counters and walls. It could have been a stark and sterile space, but accented with a rainbow of colourful Fiestaware the kitchen came to life! It was an image I would share with many of my clients over the years to illustrate how easy it is to liven up a neutral space with some colourful accents. I don’t have that picture anymore and due to the Internet, the book is no longer necessary but I found a new picture that gives you the same idea. What a cheerful space!

In total, 39 colours of Fiestaware were produced. My favourite colour would have to be the turquoise… hmm or maybe the lemongrass…too many choices! Fiestaware is still being manufactured today, pretty much the same way as it was when the company first began. It hasn’t changed in almost 75 years.

The reason for its longevity…is its great design!

Editor - We would love to hear from other collectors. Send us a comment if you have a collection of vintage Fiestaware and tell us why you love it!

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Are you ready for the Next Design DNA Challenge!?

Posted in News, kitchen | 8 comments

Last week, Design DNA gave away a shiny red KitchenAid Stand Mixer as part of a contest we held at the Toronto International Design Show!

This week, we’re hosting a new challenge! We are giving away a Le Creuset Cocotte Ronde! Want to be the lucky owner of this fabulous cookware? Tune into the show Tuesday on HGTV Canada at 9.30PM ET/10.30PM PT and post your answer to our trivia question on Facebook!

Here’s how you can win this challenge and be the envy of Design DNA viewers nationwide:

Step 1 – Watch Design DNA on Tuesday at 9.30PM ET/ 10:30PM PT
Step 2 – When you see the first colourful Fiestaware plate pop up on the screen, get closer to your TV screen and watch and listen very carefully
Step 3 – Keep your ears peeled and see if you can find the answer to this: What is the latest colour addition to the Fiestaware Tableware collection?
Step 4 – Run to your computer and go to www.facebook.com/DesignDNA click LIKE (if you haven’t already) and write your answer on our wall. Or send us a tweet on Twitter to @design_dna.

DETAILS | The prize is a Le Creuset Cocotte Ronde (Round Casserole/Oven)
22cm (8 2/3inch) Colour – Flame (Orange) Aprox retail $350.00.

*Contest ends Thursday, February 10th at midnight. No purchase is necessary; trivia question must be answered correctly and posted on the Design DNA Facebook wall to qualify at www.facebook.com/designdna, or posted on Twitter including “@design_dna” in your tweet to qualify. All qualifying contestants have an equal opportunity to win and will be entered into a random draw and the winner will be announced on Friday, February 11th, at noon on Facebook.

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