a new week . . .

This weekend I danced my way into summer by filling our apartment with beautiful blooms (dying over these dogwood branches), fresh homemade meals and of course busting out my summer sandals. This long weekend was incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating - it was one of those weekends where I was finally able to sit at home with a cup of tea and enjoy some good reads. I even went and picked up two new summer reads: How Did You Get This Number and Atlas of Unknowns. Taking time to slow down, sleep in a little longer and enjoying time at home is exactly the way I needed to start summer. How did all of you begin your summer? I hope all of you relished an extra day off as much as I did - it felt like such a luxury!

Have a wonderful start to your week!

*photo: taken by me

happy friday!

Happy long weekend lovelies! I've got a pretty relaxing weekend ahead of me, which I couldn't be more excited about. I plan on spending some quality time at home with Eric, tackling my bookcase that is busting at the seams and most importantly getting through my stack of glossies and new books. Hopefully we'll be graced with some sunshine so I can take some walks around the neighborhood - they always bring me loads of inspiration.

I can't wait to press the pause button this weekend and just do whatever comes my way. It's so important to have days that you can do this. How are you spending this Memorial Day weekend?

Have a lovely weekend and see you back here on Tuesday!

xx, Caitlin

ps. All of you sure do know how to make a girl feel special! Thanks for all the birthday wishes yesterday.

image via cognac & coffee

time to celebrate . . .

I'm officially in my late-twenties! Sort of strange to say it out loud, but I'm embracing it. It's amazing to look back on what you have done over the course of a year and this one in particular has felt like I've accomplished so many milestones.

What's on the agenda . . . last night I had a lovely girls dinner with my best friends, today I'll be driving up to Napa to spend the day at the pool soaking up some much needed sunshine and relaxing in a mineral pool. To top off the day Eric and I will be going to our friends new restaurant that just opened in the city.

Hope all of you have a lovely day and I'll see all of you back here tomorrow!

xx,

Caitlin

Images: 1. flickr 2. photo by Marlein Overakker via dress, design, decor

fireplace: which one do you adore?

Although we're creeping up on June (can you believe it?) - I suddenly came across loads of fireplaces that gave me a lot of inspiration (which is probably due to the fact that it's cold and rainy in San Francisco today). Who knew it could be so chilly in May? I've had dreams about having a fireplace one day, but if I had to decide I can honestly say that I have no idea what kind of fireplace I would want. Would you have a modern or classic fireplace? I know we all dream of having one, so chime in!

Images: 1. Carol Bokuniewicz & John Smallwood's Home 2. Christian Larsen for Elle Decor Italia 12/10 3. Lonny Magazine 4. Convoy 5. Two Art Directors

sneak peek: glitter guide shoot

This past Sunday the Flemming household was taken over by the amazingly talented Glitter Guide team, Taylor and Alicia. Let me tell you, there was never a dull moment - from the constant humming and dancing of Alicia, to the wardrobe changes, to the wind blowing my hat off my head (got to love SF's gusts of wind). Let's just say we had a blast and I'm excited to share just a few sneak peek photos that Alicia took throughout the day. You'll have to wait to see the rest once Glitter Guide launches mid-June. Enjoy!

images 1 - 3 taken by Alicia and 4. by the Michelle Drewes

a leisurely day in napa . . .

This Thursday I'll be taking the day off to enjoy a little time relaxing up in Napa for my birthday. Spending quality time with good friends, eating a perfectly put together picnic and enjoying a bit of sunshine is exactly what I'm in need of this year . And I think that a day in the wine country calls for lots of color, which I'm trying desperately to add into my daily ensembles. Now, if only Thursday would come even quicker.

Are there any colorful tops or clothes you've been coveting lately? Would love to know because I'm on the hunt to brighten up my wardrobe.

*Products: Equipment Signature Shirt from Net-A-Porter / Clare Vivier Overnighter / Kate Spade Gumdrop Stud Earrings in clear / Solid String Bikini from Madewell / Rail Straight White Jeans from Madewell

Exclusive: A Look Inside Elle Decor’s Modern Life Concept House

Friends since our Design Club High School days, before the word blog existed, it is a treat to be asked by Caitlin to be her New York City contributor for Sacramento Street. As an Interior Designer in New York City, Sacramento Street is my go to Lifestyle Blog for design for a West Coast perspective. It is truly an honor to be apart of such an inspiring blog.

To kick it off I had a chance to work with the talented photographer Jamie Beck, from the blog From Me To You, to cover the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House in New York’s Chelsea gallery district. The ten Interior Designers selected by Elle Decor were each assigned a room and paired with vendors to create their vision in two, two bedroom apartments. After a quick sweep through both, I was drawn to the east apartment 10C featuring designers Beth Martin, Sara Story, Grant K. Gibson and Aurelien Gallet.

Beth Martin, one of Elle Decor’s A- List Designers to Watch in 2011, was selected to do the Living Room with Calligaris. New York City ‘alumni’ and now San Franciscan, Martin says the best thing about leaving New York after ten years was putting away her high heels! “New York has a masculine energy,” says Martin “I wanted this space to have the same energy, yet sexy with feminine elements through lyrical feminine forms in the artwork and walking female figure sculpture.”

The juxtaposition carried through out from the cement and metal base coffee table that sat on the soft white alpaca rug, layered with books, a large wicker tray and rock crystal paperweight, to the textured columns that were covered in a slightly metallic cork wallcovering takes the Living Room from cold modern to organic industrial chic.

One of my favorite pieces in the Living Room was the bark covered ‘Giacometti esque’ arm chair - a piece of art rather than a place to sit. Placed next to it, in perfect contrast, was a sculptural steel floor lamp with a single exposed filament bulb from, a new favorite source of mine, Battersea. Check out the rest of their inventory from vintage trunks to Moroccan pottery on 1st Dibs.

Martin’s design flows seamlessly into fellow San Franciscan and A-List Designer to watch in 2010, Grant K. Gibson’s Kitchen and eat in Dining Room with Bosch. Known for his “well edited, classic spaces that are not only beautiful but functional”, Gibson’s design is clean, simple and clever! My favorite part had to be the use of take out menu pages as the Kitchen backsplash - how genius and something anyone can do on their own. What would you use - newspaper? wrapping paper? pages from your favorite book?

The Concept House is open to the public now for three weekends until June 5th. If your in New York, make sure to put it on you weekend to do list and don’t forget to grab a copy of the June Elle Decor to see who else made the A-List!

Until next month,

Lauren

*Photo: All images taken by the talented Jamie Beck exclusively for Sacramento Street

please welcome lauren larson!

Sacramento Street is going bi-coastal! I've been thinking long and hard about something new to bring to my readers - there were lots of brainstorming sessions and finally it became clear. I'm incredibly excited to announce that we'll now have a New York contributor, Lauren Larson. Lauren and I have known each other since third grade. As we've grown from girls with pig-tails, into career women, we've grown extremely close because we both have an incredible passion for Interior Design.

Lauren has been living and working as an Interior Designer and Blogger in New York City for seven years. Her Interiors have been featured in the New York Times and on NBC’s Open House New York “Tips of the Trade.” She recently founded her blog MATERIAL LUST with her partner, Product Designer, Christian Lopez Swafford.

Curating together, they describe themselves as artists masquerading as designers. The Material Lust blog strives to ‘design a conversation’ around their admittedly ominous aesthetic. The blog was initially created as a mood board for the Material Lust brand and their line of products, but quickly turned into its own full time project driving Lauren to feverishly seek out new types of work, artists and designers. Any given weekend you can find Lauren digging through flea markets to find old, discarded fashion and architectural magazines. They are currently collaborating on one of a kind products, including, but not limited to, home goods that are set to launch later this year.

Once a month Lauren will be writing a post here on Sacramento Street centered around events, design and even fashion. Tomorrow will mark Lauren's first post that I can hardly wait to have live. We've been collaborating and scheming up this piece with an amazingly talented photographer. Please welcome Lauren with open arms and look out tomorrow morning for her first AMAZING post!

*Photo: by Jamie Beck

ahhhh, friday!

This week came and went like a blink of an eye - it was busy, busy, and it's going to be that way all the way through the weekend. Sometimes I wish life could be in slow motion because lately it has felt like I'm on fast forward . . . guess that means life is going good, right?

Over the next few days I'll be prepping the house for a photo shoot on Sunday - early morning trips to the flower market, putting my cleaning hat on, and putting the finishing touches on styling the outfits and our apartment. I'm excited to see how it all turns out. Don't worry, you'll definitely be getting an update when it is published.

Hope each and every one of you have a lovely weekend!

xx,

Caitlin

ps. On Monday I'll be publishing a post I've had in the works for awhile now - I'm giddy with excitement. Here's a hint: it includes my New York contributor and an amazing photographer. I can't wait for it to go live!

Images: 1. anna selezneva by mariano vivanco for vogue russia, june 2011 via this is glamorous 2. black*eiffel 3. wit + delight

a pop of color: black

Black walls have been popping up in homes for years now. When I first started noticing them becoming popular was after Jenna Lyons was featured in Domino Magazine in 2008. I've always been tempted to paint a room black but have never had the full courage to do so. I think if it is done right it can be amazing, I think I'm just waiting for the right space.

Have you pulled the trigger and painted a room in your home black? Or would you ever paint a room all black? Would love to hear your thoughts on this!

Images: 1. Lonny 2. design*sponge 3. Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles 4. Tiny Water for Rue (sfgirlbybay's home) 5. Domino

gearing up for the summer season . . .

Although we have been graced with May showers for the past few days, all I can think about is shedding the layers for a casual summertime look. I'll be breaking out my Vanessa Bruno tote I bought in Paris two years ago, putting on a summer frock and sport my staple nude flats. Also on the agenda is making sure to take some time offline to enjoy my stack of summer reads on the couch - it's important to check out and get inspired. What will you be doing to get ready for summertime? If only the weather would cooperate on the west coast!

Image: Lonny Magazine May/June Issue

Products: Madewell Dress / net-a-porter Lanvin Turquoise Ring / Vanessa Bruno Canvas Sequin Tote / Book Water for Elephants / net-a-porter Lanvin Flats

dining area: which one do you adore?

This past weekend I was playing around with different vignettes and furniture arrangements in my dining room trying to decide what worked best. When you live in a small apartment you don't really have the option to move a lot of furniture around - le sigh. I've been transitioning little vignettes on my white round table, but haven't found that perfect combination of treasures. Is there a particular dining area above that speaks to your style?

Would also love to know, do you have a signature look to your table and chairs? Do you always have fresh flowers or a beautiful ceramic bowl in the middle of your table? Chime in, I'd love to know!

Images: 1.Emily Henderson taken by Teri Lyn Fisher 2. Undecorate by Dwell Studio 3. inside home page via The Diversion Project 4. Style At Home Magazine

beautiful bones . . .

This gorgeous 1905 Toronto Victorian home had my heart a flutter as I went from one image to the next. The color palette, lovely details, and effortless style is exactly what I look for in a home when I'm browsing for inspiration. It's perfection in my book!

To see even more beautiful images of Emma Reddington's home, please pop over to Design*Sponge.

Images: Design*Sponge photographed by Kristin Sjaarda

currently coveting . . .

Have you ever found a designer where you anxiously wait for their new collection to arrive? Well, one of my favorite designers, Michele Janezic's Spring/Summer collection just hit stores - I've been dying to get my hands on a few pieces this season. Each piece of Janezic clothing I've owned has become an instant staple in my wardrobe. What I love most is that you put each piece on and you are ready to hit the town - no fussing around needed. This season I'm in love with the Liberty print Lou, Metropolis Julia and Marcel in black crepe de chine . . . all are must have's that will get you through summer and will transition perfectly into early fall.

Along with these stunningly beautiful photographs Leslie Williamson took of the Janezic collection is a lovely one minute video that will make your soul sing and your heart my skip a beat from it's beauty. I've watched it far too many times anticipating the arrival of these gems.

You can find this seasons Janezic collection at Dish Boutique on Hayes, Erica Tanov in San Francisco & Berkeley and McMullen in Oakland. I promise one (or three, or five) of her pieces will make you an instant fan of this line. It has truly transformed my wardrobe!

Photography: Leslie Williamson
Hair & Makeup: France Pierson
Models: Robin Ayers-Lee & Mariah Nielson

ready for the weekend . . .

After a super busy week filled with dinner parties, loads of work and then ending the week with blogger breaking down, I'm ready to throw my hair back, put on my weekend comfy's and enjoy a little time at home relaxing. Even though we've got a jam-packed weekend ahead, I know there are a few pockets of time where Eric and I will be able to enjoy each other's company at home.

After a stressful little week it's time for me to put up my feet and enjoy a nice cup of tea. Hope all of you can do the same and have a lovely weekend!

xoxo,

Caitlin

ps. I'll be re-posting all of what was lost from blogger crashing - sorry that your comments have been lost. Hopefully in the coming months I'll be able to possibly switch over to another platform, but for now I'm just grateful everything is up and running again. Do any of you have a platform you love? What do you think of Wordpress or Typepad? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Image: Harper's Bazaar June 2009

garden party . . .

With weather slowly warming there comes a fresh spring air that instantly makes me crave fresh blooms - both in and outside the house. When I came across this botanical garden photo shoot, it made me want to throw a garden soiree. Now if only I had a backyard . . . maybe a deluxe picnic in the Presidio with girlfriends is in order!

Images: Julie Rode by Signe Vilstrup for Elle Denmark via Fashion Gone Rogue