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ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS: →newbie style: Thanksgiving to GoChef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishesfor a perfect potluck holiday. →foodie peeps: Kathy GoodmanKathy Goodman, Well Rehearsed - offerstips and yummy treats for the Fall. →tablescaping: Harvest-to-HolidayKirsten McKay sets a flexible table that’sboth autumn cool and Christmas clever. →design chronicles: GarageformationSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amorosocompletes a mind-blowing makeover. NestingNewbies.com is a cross platform experience featuring a quarterly digital shelter magazine, online cooking segments, and informational blogs aimed at showing those who are new to nesting how to cook, entertain, and decorate.
Citation preview
magazine
COOKING ENTERTAINING DECORATING
For a home tweet home
Premier Issue
FALL 2009
magazine
newbie style Thanksgiving to Go
Chef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishes
for a perfect potluck holiday
foodie peeps Kathy Goodman
Kathy Goodman Well Rehearsed - offers
tips and yummy treats for the Fall
kitchen newbiesLea Raves About Her Faves
chirpWersquod love to know if you used any of our recipes or ideas for your holiday entertaining Email us at infonestingnewbiescom
FALL 2009
COOKING
2
6
16
22
design chronicles Garageformation
San Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
iconic nester Barclay Butera
sweet Whatrsquos New for the Nest
endnotes Best Blogs
tablescaping Harvest-to-Holiday
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible table thatrsquos
both autumn cool and Christmas clever
hot spot Brick Monkey
features
ENTERTAINING DECORATING
nestingnewbiescom 3
24
32
34
42
46
48
Nesting Newbiestrade Magazine is another creative endeavor by McIntosh amp
Murphy For additional cooking entertaining and decorating ideas go to
4
CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
FRONT AND BACK COVERS
Kathy Goodman Lea McIntosh
Jodi Murphy Barclay Butera
Dean Birinyi ( djbphotocom ) Steph Dewey ( refleximagingcom )
Michael Soo ( soophotographycom ) Natalie Wi ( allurewestcom )
Fu Wong ( fcwongweddingscom ) Jed Wormhoudt Photography
Michael Soo ( soophotographycom )
Special thanks to Christopher Peacock for the use of their San
Francisco Showroom for the Thanksgiving to Go photo shoot
Jodi Murphy
editor
Lea McIntosh
creative director
Natalie Wi
photography editor
Betsy Rose
copy editor
nestingnewbiescom
SPECIAL THANKS
Our premier issue is just in time for the holidays Fall is my favorite
time of year and in California you blink and itrsquos gone If this is the first
time you are in your very own nest for the holidays enjoy this special
time of year Chef Lea McIntosh shares some of her recipes that al-
ways win a thumbs-up and Kathy Goodman our foodie peep in this
issue has some wonderful ideas for fall-themed desserts and libations
We love how Kirsten McKay approaches setting a harvest tablemdashitrsquos
so fresh and fun Barclay Butera nationally known designer and our
iconic nester has some sage advice for first-time homeowners And
we know yoursquoll want to makeover your wasted space as soon as you
see what interior designer Shelly Amoroso did for a young San Fran-
cisco family
Whether cooking entertaining or decorating our message to you cre-
ate some memories this holiday season because before you know
itmdashblinkmdashit will be gone
editorrsquos letter
Cheers
Jodi Murphy
nestingnewbiescom 5
Now that you are living on your own chances are yoursquove ei-
ther been put into the family rotation for hosting Thanksgiving or
yoursquove been asked to bring a dish to this yearrsquos celebration ldquoNot
to worryrdquo says Chef Lea McIntosh ldquoWhen you are in charge you
can put your own twist on tradition and pull together a fabulous
potluck party Figure out what yoursquod like to make (or try mak-
ing) and divvy out the rest of the menu to family and friendsrdquo If
yoursquore heading off to grandmotherrsquos house instead and only have
to think about one dishmdashmake something decadent (it is after
all a holiday) and an epicurean delight
Through the years Chef Lea has developed recipesmdashmany of
them from a very traditional basemdashusing unconventional combi-
nations of fresh ingredients Here she shares a few that are easy
to make ahead of time portable and guaranteed to make your
friends and family sit up and take notice
thanksgiving
Chef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishes for a perfect potluck holiday
tototo
cooking newbie style
gogotogototogoto
6
Photography by Natalie Wi
shares dreamy dishes
Photography by Natalie Wi
Put your own twist on traditionand pull together a fabulous potluck partyrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 7
Photography by Natalie Wi
ldquoPhotography by Natalie Wi
cooking newbie style
ldquoForget the stuffing Make my custard bread pudding using buttery bread like challah or brioche as the base This is a perfect choice to bring to a potluck because itrsquos easy to transportrdquo
8
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
magazine
newbie style Thanksgiving to Go
Chef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishes
for a perfect potluck holiday
foodie peeps Kathy Goodman
Kathy Goodman Well Rehearsed - offers
tips and yummy treats for the Fall
kitchen newbiesLea Raves About Her Faves
chirpWersquod love to know if you used any of our recipes or ideas for your holiday entertaining Email us at infonestingnewbiescom
FALL 2009
COOKING
2
6
16
22
design chronicles Garageformation
San Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
iconic nester Barclay Butera
sweet Whatrsquos New for the Nest
endnotes Best Blogs
tablescaping Harvest-to-Holiday
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible table thatrsquos
both autumn cool and Christmas clever
hot spot Brick Monkey
features
ENTERTAINING DECORATING
nestingnewbiescom 3
24
32
34
42
46
48
Nesting Newbiestrade Magazine is another creative endeavor by McIntosh amp
Murphy For additional cooking entertaining and decorating ideas go to
4
CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
FRONT AND BACK COVERS
Kathy Goodman Lea McIntosh
Jodi Murphy Barclay Butera
Dean Birinyi ( djbphotocom ) Steph Dewey ( refleximagingcom )
Michael Soo ( soophotographycom ) Natalie Wi ( allurewestcom )
Fu Wong ( fcwongweddingscom ) Jed Wormhoudt Photography
Michael Soo ( soophotographycom )
Special thanks to Christopher Peacock for the use of their San
Francisco Showroom for the Thanksgiving to Go photo shoot
Jodi Murphy
editor
Lea McIntosh
creative director
Natalie Wi
photography editor
Betsy Rose
copy editor
nestingnewbiescom
SPECIAL THANKS
Our premier issue is just in time for the holidays Fall is my favorite
time of year and in California you blink and itrsquos gone If this is the first
time you are in your very own nest for the holidays enjoy this special
time of year Chef Lea McIntosh shares some of her recipes that al-
ways win a thumbs-up and Kathy Goodman our foodie peep in this
issue has some wonderful ideas for fall-themed desserts and libations
We love how Kirsten McKay approaches setting a harvest tablemdashitrsquos
so fresh and fun Barclay Butera nationally known designer and our
iconic nester has some sage advice for first-time homeowners And
we know yoursquoll want to makeover your wasted space as soon as you
see what interior designer Shelly Amoroso did for a young San Fran-
cisco family
Whether cooking entertaining or decorating our message to you cre-
ate some memories this holiday season because before you know
itmdashblinkmdashit will be gone
editorrsquos letter
Cheers
Jodi Murphy
nestingnewbiescom 5
Now that you are living on your own chances are yoursquove ei-
ther been put into the family rotation for hosting Thanksgiving or
yoursquove been asked to bring a dish to this yearrsquos celebration ldquoNot
to worryrdquo says Chef Lea McIntosh ldquoWhen you are in charge you
can put your own twist on tradition and pull together a fabulous
potluck party Figure out what yoursquod like to make (or try mak-
ing) and divvy out the rest of the menu to family and friendsrdquo If
yoursquore heading off to grandmotherrsquos house instead and only have
to think about one dishmdashmake something decadent (it is after
all a holiday) and an epicurean delight
Through the years Chef Lea has developed recipesmdashmany of
them from a very traditional basemdashusing unconventional combi-
nations of fresh ingredients Here she shares a few that are easy
to make ahead of time portable and guaranteed to make your
friends and family sit up and take notice
thanksgiving
Chef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishes for a perfect potluck holiday
tototo
cooking newbie style
gogotogototogoto
6
Photography by Natalie Wi
shares dreamy dishes
Photography by Natalie Wi
Put your own twist on traditionand pull together a fabulous potluck partyrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 7
Photography by Natalie Wi
ldquoPhotography by Natalie Wi
cooking newbie style
ldquoForget the stuffing Make my custard bread pudding using buttery bread like challah or brioche as the base This is a perfect choice to bring to a potluck because itrsquos easy to transportrdquo
8
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
design chronicles Garageformation
San Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
iconic nester Barclay Butera
sweet Whatrsquos New for the Nest
endnotes Best Blogs
tablescaping Harvest-to-Holiday
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible table thatrsquos
both autumn cool and Christmas clever
hot spot Brick Monkey
features
ENTERTAINING DECORATING
nestingnewbiescom 3
24
32
34
42
46
48
Nesting Newbiestrade Magazine is another creative endeavor by McIntosh amp
Murphy For additional cooking entertaining and decorating ideas go to
4
CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
FRONT AND BACK COVERS
Kathy Goodman Lea McIntosh
Jodi Murphy Barclay Butera
Dean Birinyi ( djbphotocom ) Steph Dewey ( refleximagingcom )
Michael Soo ( soophotographycom ) Natalie Wi ( allurewestcom )
Fu Wong ( fcwongweddingscom ) Jed Wormhoudt Photography
Michael Soo ( soophotographycom )
Special thanks to Christopher Peacock for the use of their San
Francisco Showroom for the Thanksgiving to Go photo shoot
Jodi Murphy
editor
Lea McIntosh
creative director
Natalie Wi
photography editor
Betsy Rose
copy editor
nestingnewbiescom
SPECIAL THANKS
Our premier issue is just in time for the holidays Fall is my favorite
time of year and in California you blink and itrsquos gone If this is the first
time you are in your very own nest for the holidays enjoy this special
time of year Chef Lea McIntosh shares some of her recipes that al-
ways win a thumbs-up and Kathy Goodman our foodie peep in this
issue has some wonderful ideas for fall-themed desserts and libations
We love how Kirsten McKay approaches setting a harvest tablemdashitrsquos
so fresh and fun Barclay Butera nationally known designer and our
iconic nester has some sage advice for first-time homeowners And
we know yoursquoll want to makeover your wasted space as soon as you
see what interior designer Shelly Amoroso did for a young San Fran-
cisco family
Whether cooking entertaining or decorating our message to you cre-
ate some memories this holiday season because before you know
itmdashblinkmdashit will be gone
editorrsquos letter
Cheers
Jodi Murphy
nestingnewbiescom 5
Now that you are living on your own chances are yoursquove ei-
ther been put into the family rotation for hosting Thanksgiving or
yoursquove been asked to bring a dish to this yearrsquos celebration ldquoNot
to worryrdquo says Chef Lea McIntosh ldquoWhen you are in charge you
can put your own twist on tradition and pull together a fabulous
potluck party Figure out what yoursquod like to make (or try mak-
ing) and divvy out the rest of the menu to family and friendsrdquo If
yoursquore heading off to grandmotherrsquos house instead and only have
to think about one dishmdashmake something decadent (it is after
all a holiday) and an epicurean delight
Through the years Chef Lea has developed recipesmdashmany of
them from a very traditional basemdashusing unconventional combi-
nations of fresh ingredients Here she shares a few that are easy
to make ahead of time portable and guaranteed to make your
friends and family sit up and take notice
thanksgiving
Chef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishes for a perfect potluck holiday
tototo
cooking newbie style
gogotogototogoto
6
Photography by Natalie Wi
shares dreamy dishes
Photography by Natalie Wi
Put your own twist on traditionand pull together a fabulous potluck partyrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 7
Photography by Natalie Wi
ldquoPhotography by Natalie Wi
cooking newbie style
ldquoForget the stuffing Make my custard bread pudding using buttery bread like challah or brioche as the base This is a perfect choice to bring to a potluck because itrsquos easy to transportrdquo
8
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Nesting Newbiestrade Magazine is another creative endeavor by McIntosh amp
Murphy For additional cooking entertaining and decorating ideas go to
4
CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
FRONT AND BACK COVERS
Kathy Goodman Lea McIntosh
Jodi Murphy Barclay Butera
Dean Birinyi ( djbphotocom ) Steph Dewey ( refleximagingcom )
Michael Soo ( soophotographycom ) Natalie Wi ( allurewestcom )
Fu Wong ( fcwongweddingscom ) Jed Wormhoudt Photography
Michael Soo ( soophotographycom )
Special thanks to Christopher Peacock for the use of their San
Francisco Showroom for the Thanksgiving to Go photo shoot
Jodi Murphy
editor
Lea McIntosh
creative director
Natalie Wi
photography editor
Betsy Rose
copy editor
nestingnewbiescom
SPECIAL THANKS
Our premier issue is just in time for the holidays Fall is my favorite
time of year and in California you blink and itrsquos gone If this is the first
time you are in your very own nest for the holidays enjoy this special
time of year Chef Lea McIntosh shares some of her recipes that al-
ways win a thumbs-up and Kathy Goodman our foodie peep in this
issue has some wonderful ideas for fall-themed desserts and libations
We love how Kirsten McKay approaches setting a harvest tablemdashitrsquos
so fresh and fun Barclay Butera nationally known designer and our
iconic nester has some sage advice for first-time homeowners And
we know yoursquoll want to makeover your wasted space as soon as you
see what interior designer Shelly Amoroso did for a young San Fran-
cisco family
Whether cooking entertaining or decorating our message to you cre-
ate some memories this holiday season because before you know
itmdashblinkmdashit will be gone
editorrsquos letter
Cheers
Jodi Murphy
nestingnewbiescom 5
Now that you are living on your own chances are yoursquove ei-
ther been put into the family rotation for hosting Thanksgiving or
yoursquove been asked to bring a dish to this yearrsquos celebration ldquoNot
to worryrdquo says Chef Lea McIntosh ldquoWhen you are in charge you
can put your own twist on tradition and pull together a fabulous
potluck party Figure out what yoursquod like to make (or try mak-
ing) and divvy out the rest of the menu to family and friendsrdquo If
yoursquore heading off to grandmotherrsquos house instead and only have
to think about one dishmdashmake something decadent (it is after
all a holiday) and an epicurean delight
Through the years Chef Lea has developed recipesmdashmany of
them from a very traditional basemdashusing unconventional combi-
nations of fresh ingredients Here she shares a few that are easy
to make ahead of time portable and guaranteed to make your
friends and family sit up and take notice
thanksgiving
Chef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishes for a perfect potluck holiday
tototo
cooking newbie style
gogotogototogoto
6
Photography by Natalie Wi
shares dreamy dishes
Photography by Natalie Wi
Put your own twist on traditionand pull together a fabulous potluck partyrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 7
Photography by Natalie Wi
ldquoPhotography by Natalie Wi
cooking newbie style
ldquoForget the stuffing Make my custard bread pudding using buttery bread like challah or brioche as the base This is a perfect choice to bring to a potluck because itrsquos easy to transportrdquo
8
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Our premier issue is just in time for the holidays Fall is my favorite
time of year and in California you blink and itrsquos gone If this is the first
time you are in your very own nest for the holidays enjoy this special
time of year Chef Lea McIntosh shares some of her recipes that al-
ways win a thumbs-up and Kathy Goodman our foodie peep in this
issue has some wonderful ideas for fall-themed desserts and libations
We love how Kirsten McKay approaches setting a harvest tablemdashitrsquos
so fresh and fun Barclay Butera nationally known designer and our
iconic nester has some sage advice for first-time homeowners And
we know yoursquoll want to makeover your wasted space as soon as you
see what interior designer Shelly Amoroso did for a young San Fran-
cisco family
Whether cooking entertaining or decorating our message to you cre-
ate some memories this holiday season because before you know
itmdashblinkmdashit will be gone
editorrsquos letter
Cheers
Jodi Murphy
nestingnewbiescom 5
Now that you are living on your own chances are yoursquove ei-
ther been put into the family rotation for hosting Thanksgiving or
yoursquove been asked to bring a dish to this yearrsquos celebration ldquoNot
to worryrdquo says Chef Lea McIntosh ldquoWhen you are in charge you
can put your own twist on tradition and pull together a fabulous
potluck party Figure out what yoursquod like to make (or try mak-
ing) and divvy out the rest of the menu to family and friendsrdquo If
yoursquore heading off to grandmotherrsquos house instead and only have
to think about one dishmdashmake something decadent (it is after
all a holiday) and an epicurean delight
Through the years Chef Lea has developed recipesmdashmany of
them from a very traditional basemdashusing unconventional combi-
nations of fresh ingredients Here she shares a few that are easy
to make ahead of time portable and guaranteed to make your
friends and family sit up and take notice
thanksgiving
Chef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishes for a perfect potluck holiday
tototo
cooking newbie style
gogotogototogoto
6
Photography by Natalie Wi
shares dreamy dishes
Photography by Natalie Wi
Put your own twist on traditionand pull together a fabulous potluck partyrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 7
Photography by Natalie Wi
ldquoPhotography by Natalie Wi
cooking newbie style
ldquoForget the stuffing Make my custard bread pudding using buttery bread like challah or brioche as the base This is a perfect choice to bring to a potluck because itrsquos easy to transportrdquo
8
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Now that you are living on your own chances are yoursquove ei-
ther been put into the family rotation for hosting Thanksgiving or
yoursquove been asked to bring a dish to this yearrsquos celebration ldquoNot
to worryrdquo says Chef Lea McIntosh ldquoWhen you are in charge you
can put your own twist on tradition and pull together a fabulous
potluck party Figure out what yoursquod like to make (or try mak-
ing) and divvy out the rest of the menu to family and friendsrdquo If
yoursquore heading off to grandmotherrsquos house instead and only have
to think about one dishmdashmake something decadent (it is after
all a holiday) and an epicurean delight
Through the years Chef Lea has developed recipesmdashmany of
them from a very traditional basemdashusing unconventional combi-
nations of fresh ingredients Here she shares a few that are easy
to make ahead of time portable and guaranteed to make your
friends and family sit up and take notice
thanksgiving
Chef Lea McIntosh shares dreamy dishes for a perfect potluck holiday
tototo
cooking newbie style
gogotogototogoto
6
Photography by Natalie Wi
shares dreamy dishes
Photography by Natalie Wi
Put your own twist on traditionand pull together a fabulous potluck partyrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 7
Photography by Natalie Wi
ldquoPhotography by Natalie Wi
cooking newbie style
ldquoForget the stuffing Make my custard bread pudding using buttery bread like challah or brioche as the base This is a perfect choice to bring to a potluck because itrsquos easy to transportrdquo
8
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Put your own twist on traditionand pull together a fabulous potluck partyrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 7
Photography by Natalie Wi
ldquoPhotography by Natalie Wi
cooking newbie style
ldquoForget the stuffing Make my custard bread pudding using buttery bread like challah or brioche as the base This is a perfect choice to bring to a potluck because itrsquos easy to transportrdquo
8
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
cooking newbie style
ldquoForget the stuffing Make my custard bread pudding using buttery bread like challah or brioche as the base This is a perfect choice to bring to a potluck because itrsquos easy to transportrdquo
8
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
(1) In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat sauteacute onions and celery in olive oil
until soft stirring occasionally about 10 minutes Add minced sage to onion mixture stirring
just until combined about 30 seconds set onion mixture aside to slightly cool
(2) Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water add dried mushrooms and soak for about 10 min-
utes or until soft Strain and coarsely chop mushrooms reserving mushroom broth
(3) In a large bowl lightly whisk together cream milk eggs reserved onion mixture chopped
mushrooms salt and pepper
(4) Using a fine strainer strain the reserved mushroom broth and add to egg-cream mixture
(5) Cut egg bread into 1-inch cubes add to egg-cream mixture Gently press bread to im-
merse and let soak for 20 minutes
(6) Pour into a lightly greased 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and drizzle top with melted butter
(7) Bake in a 325ordm oven for 1 hour or until puffed around edges and lightly browned Let rest
at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound egg bread (challah)
2 cups onions chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage minced
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
2 frac12 cups whole milk
1 bouillon cube turkey or chicken
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces dried wild mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
casserole choice
nestingnewbiescom 9
Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding Serves 10 to 12
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
vegetable theyrsquoll eat
10
(1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water and frac12 tsp salt Bring to a boil
(2) Wash yams and cut in half width-wise Add to boiling water and cook for approximately 20
minutes or until easily pierced with fork
(3) Using a potato ricer mash yam halves one piece at a time into a mixing bowl discarding
the skins and fibers that adhere to the device
(4) Add orange juice and salt to yam puree (Adding orange juice helps prevent oxidation or
browning that naturally occur)
(5) Using a rubber spatula evenly spread yam puree into a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan
(6) Add chopped pineapple in a single layer evenly covering the surface
(7) Unwrap Scoth Kiss Candies and arrange in rows on top of pineapple
(8) Tuck 14-inch cubes of chilled butter between the candies
(9) Bake 375deg oven for about 35-40 minutes being careful not to allow white marshmallow
candy to over brown
(10) Serve immediately or cool and reheat
6 pounds medium garnet yams
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh pineapple chopped
and drained
30 Seersquosreg Candies Scotch Kisses
frac14 cup fresh orange juice
frac12 cup cold butter cut into
frac14-inch cubes
scotch-marshmallow-caramel-kissed yams
Serves 10 to 12
a
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
cooking newbie style
ldquoAt 17 and right before entering culinary school I was buying Scotch Kisses at Sees Candies as a gift The salesperson handed me a Xerox copy of recipes including one for Scotch Kiss Yams It called for canned everythingmdashyams pineapple and mandarin orangesmdashand margarine After I graduated from the California Culinary Academy I adapted the recipe by only using fresh ingredientsmdashreal yams real butter fresh pineapplemdashand lots and lots of Scotch Kissesrdquo
nestingnewbiescom 11
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
ldquoOne day I sat down and
looked at recipe after recipe
for baked brie for the holi-
days I saw the same stan-
dard theme over-and-over us-
ing brown sugar cranberries
walnuts and butter I was
determined to make some-
thing different I used all of
my favorite flavorsmdashhoney
pecans and especially white
truffle oilrdquo
Hors drsquo oeuvres Selection
cooking newbie style
12
1 sheet puff pastry
1 tablespoon salted butter melted
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 8-ounce wheel Brie
1 whole egg beaten
1 piece kitchen twine
(1) Defrost puff pastry for approxi-
mately 15 minutes and unfold onto
a baking sheet covered with parch-
ment
(2) In a small bowl combine butter
pecan pieces white truffle oil and
honey set aside
(3) Place brie in middle of pastry
pull flaps of dough up around edges
to top of cheese pressing dough
against side of brie and gathering
together at the top
(4) Before sealing dough flaps
pour honey mixture over brie right
before squeezing together excess
dough and tie together with a piece
of kitchen twine
(5) Brush beaten egg over top and
side of pastry
(6) Bake in 375deg oven about 20
minutes until pastry is golden
Serve warm with French baguette
slices
Serves 8
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Available at bloomingdalescom
Free your culinary spirit with
Calphalon Unisontrade The revo-
lutionary Slide Nonstick surface
releases food effortlessly and
the specially textured Seared
Nonstick surface seals in flavor
ndashprofessional cookware thatrsquos
conveniently nonstick
COOKING REVOLUTION
Chef Lea loves her Calphalon pots See
how she responds to an unscripted Newbie Q
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
ldquoIf you are off the hook and donrsquot have to bring a dish you should make
an edible gift for the host mdasheven if itrsquos
for your mom Try my nut recipes
and package them in Mason jars with
homemade labels
14
Bring a Gift
ldquoWhen I worked at Sunset Maga-zine I had to test this recipe and never forgot it Irsquove put my own spin on it for yourdquo
14 cup ginger syrup or honey
4 teaspoons green curry paste
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 cup shredded coconut
4 cups mixed cashews almonds
macademia nuts
(1) In a bowl mix honey curry paste
oil and salt Add all the nuts and the
coconut mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are dark
gold about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 4 Cups
Sweet amp Spicy CocoNUTS
Photography by
Michael Soo
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
cooking newbie style
nestingnewbiescom 15
ldquoI use pumpkin pie spices blended with the sweetness of maple syruprdquo
14 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin butter
1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons butter melted
16 ounces pecan halves
(1) In a bowl mix maple syrup pump-
kin butter pumpkin pie spice salt
vanilla powder and melted butter Add
pecans mix well Spread in a single
layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
golden and fragrant about 30 minutes
(3) Turn nuts often with spatula as they
cool Serve warm or cool
Makes 2 Cups
ldquoJava fanatics will love this mix The secret ingredient ishellipcoffeerdquo
13 cup brown sugar packed
12 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons dutch-processed
cocoa powder
1 packet Starbucks VIAtrade
Italian Roast instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 cups raw almonds
(1) In a bowl mix brown sugar dark
corn syrup cocoa powder instant
coffee salt vanilla powder and canola
oil Add almonds mix well Spread in
a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch pan
(2) Bake in a 300ordm oven turning often
with a wide spatula until nuts are
caramelized and fragrant about 30
minutes
(3) Remove from oven completely
cool Break nuts apart and serve
Makes 6 CupsMakes 6 Cups
Mochaccino Almonds
Maple-Pumpkin Spiced Pecans
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Kathy Goodman offers tips and yummy treats for Fall
cooking foodie peeps
16
Photography by Fu Wong
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
ldquoWhen I plan an event whether for my business or my family I care
deeply about making sure I create a personalized experience that will
captivate the guestsrdquo Kathy has a knack for creating memorable par-
ties with fun themes interactive activities and one-of-a-kind design
elements Her company Well-Rehearsed is her unique take on event
planning Her specialty Rehearsal dinners but shersquos been known
to bring her creative energies to bridal and baby showers and other
milestone events
nestingnewbiescom 17
Caramel apples mini-pies and fall-tinis
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
cooking foodie peeps
18
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Kathy has some spectacularly fun
ideas for your Thanksgiving Day dessert ldquoMake
it an experience After being stationary so long
at the dinner table let the crowd get up and get
involved in making their sweet treatsrdquo She sug-
gests a caramel apple station where crisp apples
(either Granny Smith or petite lady apples) are
coated with melted caramel and dipped into a va-
riety of toppingsmdashMampMrsquoSreg pretzels toffee chips
nuts sprinkles candy corn and peanut butter
cups Kathy says to make sure the apples go into
the fridge for a few minutes for the caramel to firm
up Then the finishing touch is a final dip or drizzle
into melted milk dark or white chocolate
nestingnewbiescom 19
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
That alone would be over-the-top but
Kathy suggests taking it even further
ldquoMake apple and pumpkin pies in bite-
sized versions and serve two fall sig-
nature drinkshellipa Caramel Apple Martini
and a Pumpkin Pie-tinirdquo
Kathyrsquos a foodie peep who enjoys mak-
ing dinner an event and for this we are
truly thankful
cooking foodie peeps
20
Find Kathy Goodman at wellrehearsedcom
chirp
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
1 ounce green apple-flavored vodka
12 ounce apple schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch liqueur
2 ounces half and half
Caramel sauce for the glass
Apple slice for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
In a cocktail shaker with ice shake vod-
ka apple schnapps butterscotch liqueur
and half and half Strain into a martini
glass that you have drizzled with caramel
sauce Garnish with an apple slice
1 oz milk
2 TBS pumpkin pureacutee
1 frac12 oz Three Olives Vanilla vodka
1 frac12 oz cregraveme de cacao
Pumpkin Pie-tini
Using a small amount of honey rim
a martini glass with graham cracker
crumbs
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice
to combine Pour in remaining ingredi-
ents and shake well Strain into martini
glass
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
AmericasTestKitchencom
Use a cupcake tin to make cute little treats
or individual ramekins with pie crust over the
edges to make apple pot pies
Slice or chop the apples and make sure you
fill up the space because the fruit will shrink
when cooked
If using a cupcake tin make sure to fully seal
each mini-pie Leave enough room between
each tin cup so your pie edges donrsquot touch
Use frozen or refrigerated pie dough and
circle cutters to punch out the right dough size
The top crust will need to be bigger than the
bottom crust to fit nicely over the apple filling
nestingnewbiescom 21
Newbie Notes
APPLE PIES
Be creative with the decoration and use the
leftover dough to make fall leaves to garnish
each little pie Use the tip of a knife to score
the veins in the dough leaves and create some
texture Brush the dough edges and leaves with
an egg wash before baking to create a golden
crust
PUMPKIN PIES
Use the mini-pies as place card holders
Make a sign with each guestrsquos name attach a
toothpick insert into pie and present as part of
the place setting
AN INSPIRATION
Newbie Notes
My favorite apple pie recipe is from
Newbie Notes More Kathy Tips
Serves One
Serves One
Recipe Source NYDailyNewscom
Fall cocktails bring warmth and spice to the bar scene -
by Rosemary Black
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
for your kitchen pantry
22
Tourangelle White Truffle Oil
ldquoThis is one of my secret ingredi-ents for so many reci-pes La Tourangellersquos
White Truffle Oil is infused with grapeseed oil so you just taste the white truff lemdashthey have mastered the art of pro-ducing the aro-ma I find that truffle oils in-fused with olive oil tend to lose the delicate truffle tasterdquo
Available through madeincalifornianetfor $1999
Savory Choicetrade Liquid Broth Concentrate
ldquoSavory Choice makes exceptional liquid broth concentrate from natural ingredients The com-pany is committed to clean label products that contain no chemical additivesrdquo
Available in Chicken and Turkey (shown here) and also Vegetable and Beef
Can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at soupsonlinecom
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Chef Lea Raves
About Her Faves
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
for your kitchen pantry
Scotch Kisses by Sees Candiersquosreg
ldquoYou canrsquot make my Scotch-Marshmallow-Caramel- Kissed Yams without the real deal Buy extra for a little taste testing while cookingrdquo
Available at Seescom for $1560 per pound
Makes the Cut Pineapple Easy Slicer
ldquoThis stainless steel slicer is the only way Irsquoll tackle a prickly pineapple You just insert the cutting shaft apply light pres-sure and turn for the perfect stack of juicy ringsrdquo
Available at Williams-Sonomacomfor $32
Kitchen Gadget Gotta Have The Potato Ricer
ldquoEveryone needs a ricer for the perfect mashed potatoes and to make my special yam dish for the holidays I like the Deluxe Angled Potato Ricerrdquo
Available exclusively at Williams-Sonomacom for $32
nestingnewbiescom
cooking kitchen newbies
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
24
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
ldquoand it doesnrsquot have to be expensive eitherrdquo Kirsten co-owns
Brick Monkey a home interiors store she and her two partners opened
under these guiding principles We challenged her to set a harvest table
that wasnrsquot just another clicheacutemdashsomething fresh affordable and easy
to interpret Eager and excited she delivered above and beyond our
expectationsmdasha flexible fall table that will carry through the Christmas
holidays with only a few sparkly changes
Kirsten McKay sets a flexible
table thatrsquos both Autumn cool and
Christmas clever
entertaining tablescaping
Photography by Natalie Wi
nestingnewbiescom 25
ldquo esign shouldnrsquot be taken so seriouslyrdquo says Kirsten McKay
Holiday
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Kirsten had four criteria when approaching her
design 1) make sure everything is budget-
friendly 2) keep the design simple 3) make sure
it wonrsquot take a tremendous amount of time to
shop for and set up and 4) use lots of com-
mon materials that are easy to find She ad-
vises to twist tradition whenever possible espe-
cially the color scheme ldquoYou can get seasonal
without having to resort to brown and orange
for Thanksgiving and red and green for Christ-
masrdquo For her fall tableau Kirsten chose gold
amethyst green and black with bursts of bit-
tersweet orange as accent
Her centerpiece adds drama without eye block
ldquoI chose three glass vessels I purchased at Cost
Plus I wanted height but I didnrsquot want to ob-
struct a dinerrsquos viewrdquo She foraged for interest-
ing branches in her garden stripped them of
their leaves and placed them in two of the glass
vases She purchased dried Japanese lanterns
detached the blooms from their plastic stems
wrapped them with thin gold wire and sparingly
26
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
hung them on the branches ldquoJust use a few
and yoursquoll have a calm meditative look Itrsquos an
interesting way to bring in some orangerdquo To the
third glass vessel she added fresh artichokes
and small creamy-yellow pumpkinsmdashldquoJust go
shopping and choose a few edibles with inter-
esting shapes and textures Keep it to two dif-
ferent choices or the table will look too busyrdquo
Sprinkle small votives throughout the table and
it will twinkle with festivity
The place setting begins with a chargermdashto her
itrsquos critical for creating depth ldquoI prefer black
or gold because they work with everythingrdquo
Next she places a wooden dinner plate for an
organic touch topped with a vintage amethyst
glass salad plate ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces
that makes a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
Kirsten recommends buying basic monochro-
matic linens for the versatility that will carry you
from season to season ldquoDonrsquot feel that you
need to limit yourself to one napkin per setting
Try two so you can bring the softness of fabric
nestingnewbiescom 27
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
entertaining tablescaping
28
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
to your settingrdquo She tucks a bold yellow napkin
on top of the salad plate and rolls a black napkin
with cream polka dots into a playful napkin ring
to complete the setting
Now herersquos where the fun really begins ldquoI pur-
chased pin cushion plants for an unpredictable
seasonal effect I placed adorable ceramic
numbered balls in each to serve as place cards
As your guests arrive give them a glass of wine
in a numbered wine glass When it comes time
to eat they can find their seats by matching the
numbers We carry wine glasses with etched
numbers at Brick Monkey but you could also
attach a label with ribbon to your own glasses
Itrsquos these whimsical touches that will set the
right mood for your partyrdquo
You can keep the centerpiece in place through-
out the harvest season and when December
rolls around turn it into a holiday-scape with
only a few simple changes ldquoI placed a beaded
sari fabric as a runner down the center of the
table It works because it adds just the right bit
of glam and sparklerdquo Kirsten then replaces the
vegetables with a collection of ball ornaments
in shiny and matte finishes and in colors that
she pulled from the runner She removes the pin
cushion plants and the wooden dinner plates
replacing the polka dot napkins with plain silver
layering them with the original yellow napkins
Kirsten fashioned together a napkin weight us-
ing a silver napkin ring and a beaded tassel The
numbered balls rest inside the rings Additional
nestingnewbiescom 29
ldquoItrsquos the layering of pieces that will make a table so pleasing and invitingrdquo
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
30
As your guests arrive give them wine in a numbered wine glass When it comes time to eat they can find their seats by match-ing the numbers to the place settings
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
glass pieces make the centerpiece feel more
dramatic and substantial Finally she keeps the
original branches in the vases but adds some
that are silver beaded for a bit of glam Voilaacute
Follow Kirstenrsquos easy tips and you will set the
stage for fun and festive holiday entertaining A
beautiful table conveys such welcoming gener-
osity Your family and friends will feel special
and appreciatedmdashand isnrsquot that what the holi-
days are all about
Wood plate$35 each
available at Brick Monkey
Set of Numbered (1-12)
Wine goblets$150
available at Brick Monkey
Numbered glass balls$2 each
available at Brick Monkey
Votives purchased at IKEA
Black chargersprivate collection
similar available at Brick Monkey
Silverware and napkins
purchased at Cost Plus
nestingnewbiescom 31
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Brick Monkey
Three friends open the ever-curious always-distinctive home interiors store
Photography by Dean Birinyi
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Three friends Barry Johnson Stephanie Kolkka
and Kirsten McKay dreamed of opening a home
interiors store their waymdashwhere great style is
available at affordable price points In August
2009 their creative vision became brick and mor-
tar in historic downtown Redwood City (near San
Francisco) At Brick Monkey yoursquoll find the sen-
sible juxtaposed with a sense of humor vintage
placed next to ultra-modern and Asian-inspired
blended with cosmopolitan chic The three have
wisely created a destination and source of inspi-
ration for those who desire more distinctive and
original homes
Curious amp DistinctiveBrick Monkey
2400 Broadway Redwood City California Open Mon ndash Sat 10-6 Sundays by appointment
6502601155brickmonkeyonlinecom
nestingnewbiescom 33
entertaining hot spot
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
34
decorating design chronicles
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
nestingnewbiescom 35
GarageSan Francisco Designer Shelly Amoroso
completes a mind-blowing makeover
Photography by Steph Dewey
formation
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
36
Most of us look at an empty unfinished space and
wonder where to begin to make it livable attractive
and inviting But interior designer Shelly Amoroso
can walk into a room and instantly imagine the possibilities
In this San Francisco home she transformed a dreary ga-
rage basement into valuable family living space ldquoWhen we
started this project there was one baby in the familyrdquo she
says ldquoNow there are three So it was important to use ev-
ery spare inch of real estate for their growing needsrdquo
One of the many things Shelly is good at is listening to her
clients ldquoI asked them to write down every single solitary
thing they wanted and felt was missing from their homerdquo
The answer was tons of storage an entry laundry room
extra fridge and pantry full bath family room and office
Shelly deliveredmdashand then some
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
nestingnewbiescom 37
Her first genius move was to make sure to use the existing
structural elements to help define each living area and keep
construction costs down Shelly kept an open floor plan so
therersquos an illusion of space and painted the walls in Benja-
min Moore Alexandria Beige The ceiling was done in Kelly
Moore Swiss Coffee to be consistent with what the home-
owners had already done upstairs Rather than wall-to-wall
carpeting Shelly chose travertine throughout to withstand
the wear and tear of children at play Itrsquos beautiful easy to
maintain and will stand the test of time
The reclaimed wood mirror from Crate and Barrel makes for a dramatic entry and the foyer is a welcoming scene with a modern art print and two ottomans tucked under-neath the table for extra seating
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
38
There is no longer clutter or chaos anywhere thanks to the built-in
cabinetry in the hallway laundry room and office The cabinetry
is a minimalist design in a sophisticated glossy gray in the office
and hallway and bright white in the laundry room There is final-
ly a place for everything this active family had formerly stashed
in their garagemdashbikes athletic gear camping equipment And
yoursquod never know that the children use this new space as their
playground too
Money was spent wisely ldquoI chose furniture and accessories
off-the-rack for durability and cost effectivenessrdquo says Shelly
ldquoMore money was spent on materials such as the flooring cus-
tom built-ins and plumbing fixturesrdquo According to Shelly itrsquos
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
nestingnewbiescom 39
decorating design chronicles
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Finally the homeowners have an extra bathroom The room has a clean modern aesthetic The orange accessories are from Jonathan Adler jonathanadlercom
decorating design chronicles
beforeEven the most undesirable seem-
ingly hopeless nothing-of-a-space
is just an opportunity awaiting
transformation
40
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
important to focus the bud-
get on the roomrsquos bones and
to buy the best you can af-
ford as these are the things
that need to last the longest
Also choose classic materials
with a hint of modernity and
they will be timeless Donrsquot go
for anything too trendy or you
will timestamp your home and
want to re-do it in just a few
years
The sofa coffee table Eames
chair slipper chairs and en-
try table came from Room amp
Board The upholstered pieces
are comfortable and covered in
stain-resistant fabrics Shelly
brought in texture with organic
elements in a reclaimed wood
entertainment center and mirror
ldquoKeeping the furnishings neutral
also adds to the feeling of spa-
ciousness And the homeown-
ers can spice things up with a
few chosen pops of colorrdquo In
this case itrsquos green in a large
potted plant and two cream-
and-green lumbar pillows on the
side chairs Bursts of orange
also stand out in the artwork
and the occasional blooms that
find their way indoors A couple
of zebra-striped pillows on the
sofa add vivacious spirit and
personality
Reach Shelly Amoroso at 4154090431 or visit amoroso-designcom
chirp
nestingnewbiescom 41
What can we take away from
this makeover Even the most
undesirable seemingly hope-
less nothing-of-a-space is just
an opportunity awaiting trans-
formation Shelly can already
see it happening
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
42
decorating iconic nester
Barclay Butera
QampA
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
nestingnewbiescom 43
When asked to share a favorite room
hersquos designed Barclay replied ldquoI love this
breakfast nook in an ocean-front homehellip
but Irsquod hang out here even without the views
Itrsquos comfortable made for conversation and
part of the great room approach Itrsquos a nook
in the kitchen that creates a retreat thatrsquos as
special as any other spot in that homerdquo
For over 15 years Barclay Butera has been the quintessential Cali-fornia voice of interior design From an early age he has been immersed in the business of de-sign watching and working with his mother who had clients all over the world Barclay has grown his own empire based upon his phi-losophy of ldquolivable luxuryrdquo and creates classic interiors and fur-nishings with an edgy element
Celebs love his stylemdashhersquos worked for Reneacutee Zellweger Sharon Stone Josh Groban and Jessica and Ashley Simpson to name a few His recent achievements in-clude a line of textiles for Kravet a rug line for Kravet Carpets his first coffee table book Living in Style and new lines of upholstery and pillows for the Hearst Castle Col-lectionreg House Beautiful calls him one of their ldquoTop 125rdquo designers
Barclay took a moment out of his impossibly crazy schedule to share his thoughts about nesting for the first time
Q You are one of Californiarsquos best
interior designers and the work you do is so
appealing and fresh What advice would you give to
people in their first homes who want to develop their
own sense of style
A I am a firm believer in tear sheets to create YOUR
own story Whenever I work with clients now I like them
to put together their own idea binder or file This may
take months I suggest buying all recent magazines and
going online Pull from fashion cooking travel and
yes of course shelter magazines and web-sites
Q Whatrsquos the first step to making a home your own
A The idea binder will help you see your taste develop
it further and create your personal story of who you are
Then you can hire a designer to help you determine the
aspects of the design you might want
Q What room would you focus your efforts and why
A It really depends on the homersquos floor plan But for me
itrsquos the great roommdashincluding the kitchen and entry - QampA
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
44
decorating iconic nester
ment I like richer warmer colors such as reds choco-
lates and golds But in any environment I use touches
of animal print
Q You also design furnishingsmdashwhatrsquos one of your
latest pieces that you love
A The Del Mar chair I just did for the Hearst Castle Col-
lectionreg The arm has some great detail on it and itrsquos a
classic looseback chair with great comfort both in width
and depth I like that it works beautifully for both petite
and larger people
Q Any other words of wisdom
A I think itrsquos nice to have a room that combines heritage
with current flavor I believe in elements that tell a story
in a homemdashthey can be as simple as pictures from your
childhood or your familyrsquos background your own person-
al art collection or a piece you found at a flea market
Whatever tells a story Conversation pieces break the ice
and add a lot of character to a room
because thatrsquos where you live This whole area is where
we socialize and entertain Rooms were more separat-
ed in older architecture from the early 1900s up into the
1960s For that kind of layout Irsquod say kitchen because
again we live in the kitchenmdashitrsquos where we begin our
experience in the home For me growing up I wasnrsquot
allowed to use the living or dining rooms except on
special occasions
Q In the great room where would you spend
your money to make the biggest impact
A This is hard Irsquod say the entry because it is
a major portion of your home and what people
see from the street I also think this space is
important because it leads into the great room
There is a certain expectation of entryways and
you can even do simple things there with pictures
of family a good lamp or fantastic entry table
And Irsquod even focus on the powder room off the
great room because it too makes a first impres-
sion Obviously in the great room a comfortable sofa or
seating arrangement is imperative
Q What are easy ways to add some style to a space
A Area rugs wallpaper (I use it a LOT) lamp shades and
throw pillows Also now therersquos such a vast price range in
artmdashfrom flea markets to art web-
sites to designer linesmdashyou
donrsquot have to spend a
lot of money on art
to make a big im-
pact
Q What are some
of your favorite
color combinations
A This depends on the
area or environment In a
warmer climate I tend toward lighter color
schemes that feel like a breath of fresh air in
particular celadon and touches of chocolate or
of course blue and white In a colder environ-
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
wwwDecorMetrocom
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
46
amp White
pillows your waypillows your way$330
To find a retailer call 8666962493 or visit LaufenUSAcomThe Inmod Pillow Design Studio
allows you to design your own How cool is that You start by se-lecting a pattern theme choos-ing your fabric type selecting a size and finally a base and embroidery colormdashthe result is a pillow you can be proud of Available at Inmodcom$50ndash$85 price range
In a colorful world therersquos nothing better than a little black and white
ampBlack
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
The bathroom is one of the big-gest germ havens in the home and the shower curtain Yuck We donrsquot even want to think about that Laufenrsquos new Mimo Collection has an innovative shower curtain that features antimicrobial propertiesmdashrepel-ling water mildew and bacte-ria It can be washed at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit And itrsquos cute too This germ-free cur-tain is available in a pattern of interlaced loops in black or pink on a white background (or just plain white)
Jonathan Adler believes that ldquoyour home should make you happyrdquo and his new lacquer tray table makes us very happy Itrsquos a versa-tile piece perfect for a side table and easily put into action when entertaining Adler calls the look ldquocrack cocaine for the eyesrdquo It comes in white orange chocolate and turquoise blue
germophobe no more
Shine Home is one of those com-panies that gets it Today most of us want great design thatrsquos beautiful and makes us smilemdashnothing too serious but always seriously chic Their Sugalite Pen-dant has a contemporary profile with understated classic embel-lishments Itrsquos made of mdf res-in and lacquer and comes in jet black or pure white
lacquer-licious
Available at Jonathan Adler stores or on-line JonathanAdlercom $495
Find a retailer or order on-line at ShopShineHomecom$650
modern illumination
nestingnewbiescom 47
decorating whatrsquos new
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
endnotes best blogs Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
Bakerella MattBites
We canrsquot sing enough sweet praises for Bakerella The recipes for and presentation of homemade treats put Willy Wonka to shame Her pops and bites are beyond clever
Matt Armendariz combines his love of cooking writing and photography into mattbitescom a blog about his obsession with food drink and everything in between Warning Once you begin to read yoursquoll be addicted
Letrsquos Entertain Tastefully Entertaining
bakerellacom mattbitescom
letsentertainnet tastefullyentertainingcom
Letrsquos entertain offers tons of doable party ideas decorations and recipes Product discoveries can be purchased on their parent site HostessJocom
Tastefully Entertaining has inspiration boards and ideas for all kinds of parties and events The color themes are scrumptious
48
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Wersquore buzzing with enthusiasm for bloggers Take a peek at some of our current favoriteshellip
SFGirlByBay Coco+Kelley
Coco + Kelley share insights about interiors and fashion that are glamorous but reachable Posh style oozes from their posts
Written by Victoria Smith sfgirlbybay is a bohemian-modern look at design featuring new product reviews shopping tips design resources and home entertaining and lifestyle stories Itrsquos a fun romp that will stimulate your own creative juices
Anh-Minh
sfgirlbybaycom cocokelleyblogspotcom
anh-minhcom
Anh-minh writes for the San Francisco Chronicle Home amp Garden section and her blog is the perfect blend of inspirational images and useful commentary She has a great eye for design and a keen observation of whatrsquos in vogue We love ervery pic she profiles
nestingnewbiescom 49
Wedding Blogs are great for finding event resources amp ideas
Search at OmniBridecom
chirp
Bon AppetweetTM
Bon AppetweetTM
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