The 4th of July has always been my official favorite holiday.

Ever since I was a baby, we have been going to my grandma and grandpa's for the 4th. Although us kids have grown up and things have changed, the sentimentality of the 4th and the priveledge of being an American still gets to me each year. My grandparent's house is arguably one of my favorite places on earth for the memories, the family and the love that it is filled with.

My grandparents live in one of the most beautiful neighboorhoods in all of Orange County. Floral Park is made up of many blocks of ranch and period revival residential architecture in Santa Ana, California, bordered by Broadway, 17th St., Bristol and Memory Lane. Its a slice of pure Americana. Fully grown trees act as a canopy for large yards and charming homes, each with its own personality. Its the type of neighborhood where they still do old time 4th of July parades, everyone has an American flag out for the occasion, and the impressive Federalist revival homes drape full-sized flags from their two-story entry porticos (see photo at left- my favorite Floral Park home which is also on the Historic Registry). Its a snapshot of a neighboorhood from the "good old days" complete with white picket fences, friendly neighboors that say hello in passing, and children playing in the street.

When I was little, 4th of July gave me license to run around in my bathing suit and drink as many Coca-Colas as I could (no one was keeping count). The radio was tuned to "oldies" and over that background of hits from the 50's and 60's would be, undoubltey, a baseball game on the TV. The sound of a good baseball announcer reminds me of my dad, summer, and the 4th of July. The smell of hamburgers on the BBQ filled the air- if not from our backyard, then the yards of neighbors. Throughout the day, the sound of random firecrackers and screaming Pickle O' Pete's could be heard from blocks away. The anticipation of summer, (which, accoriding to Grandpa officially starts on the 4th), ends since today it finally feels like its here.

When not swimming, us kids were in the front cul-d-sac playing a serious game of kick the can or hide and seek. Fat tree trunks, beautifully landscaped yards and lots of cars parked along the street made for the best hiding spots. The boys and dads would throw the football around, horseshoes and croquet were set up on the front lawn and bikes were taken out for us to ride across the neighborhood bridge. Grandpa would sit with us on the swing and tell us wild stories of the adventures of "Tom, Dick and Harry" and other versions where us kids were the superheros.

My favorite thing at the BBQ was always the light green pistachio pudding Grandma made (which still doesn't turn out the same when I make it myself). As dusk approached and the hot day cooled down from the ocean breeze, we all begged our parents to let us start fireworks early. When they said "no", we woud sit in one of the guest rooms and count the stash, debate over which one should be the grande finale and hammered pickel o' petes for maximun sound when finally lit. Fireworks always started with sparklers, then gradually led up to the bigger, fancier ones. Santa Ana is still one of the few California cities where street fireworks are legal. Sure, it doesn't compare to a big fireworks show... unless, of course, you grew up doing it this way. You can hear the big booms and crackles of the fireworks from Anaheim Stadium and Disneyland a few miles away. When we finished our show on the street, we would go up on the roof to see the last of the big ones in the sky.

No matter how old I get- this is the 4th of July that lives in my heart. I love America...the home of the free, and the land of the brave. I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!

Some beloved family friends just completed the construction of their gorgeous Italianate house (more photos to come). Mr. Wonderful and I were married on the grounds of one of their other estates of Neoclassic style. They just build beautiful things! Its a joy to tour their homes when they are finished and all moved in. Here are a few shots of the Master Bathroom. Enjoy!

Antique mirror and cast concrete columns, a streamlined version reminicent of Bernini's Baldacchino in Saint Peter's Basilica. All of the baseboards, crown mouldings, casings, and cobels throughout the estate are custom cast concrete commissioned especially for this project.

A cast stone soaking tub. Bliss! Out that window is a vista of lush, green rolling hills.

The window threw off the lighting in this photo, so I had to convert it to B+W. Notice the smooth barrel vaulting. Just gorgeous.

All photos are property of J Steinberg Design and may not be used or reproduced without permission. Thank you.

Do you remember my post on Jack Arnold houses and folio books? If not, click here to read it (prepare to be delighted). It was recently brought to my attention that there is a new feature on the Jack Arnold site. Its a "Homeowner Scrapbook". Real photos from real people that have built real Jack Arnold houses. If Jack's portfolio photos aren't enough (which, I'm sure they aren't), be sure to check it out! To visit, click here.

I've had the pleasure of being in contact with Lisa Ferraro at DailyPainters.com. They are friendly and unpretentious, something greatly appreciated when dealing with the "Art world". This site is fun because the featured works rotate daily, so the gallery-style site is continually fresh and exciting. At DailyPainters, you can find some truly great art, in a range of styles, from artists that produce quality work.

When I peruse this site, I get the feeling that I'm discovering something special. A lot of the prices are very reasonable. If you are a collector that collects on instinct (which, I hope you are!), you will appreciate DailyPainters. "Instinctual" art collections not only make you happiest, they also add a layer of "you" to your home- and when "you" are woven into your home, that is a design quality that is not only important, but also irreplaceable.

My favorites from today's page at DailyPainters (be sure to click on the artist's name to visit their link):

Jorney Home II by Keiko Tanabe

Abstract No. 780708 by Pol Ledent

One Minute Gesture Pose Series XXIX.6 by Gretchen Kelly

{This editorial went up on My Perfect Color last month, so if you are an avid follower of my brilliant writing (I realize that the sarcasism is not translating, so just in case its unlear- I'm being sarcastic), then you may enjoy this story about an interior designer on her wedding day (me!), and discovering the perfect peach paint...}

I would like to tell you the story of the perfect peach paint color. After Mr. Wonderful and I were married here in Southern California, we took off to Las Vegas for a stand-in honeymoon. You see, I requested Carpi, Italy- but since my husband was finishing his last year of his undergraduate accountancy degree, we couldn’t take the time to go international in October (the month of our wedding, of course). So, he booked us the next best thing to Italy in the United States- a suite at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

After the huge production that started at sunrise, a whirlwind of friends and family, a fantastic wedding and reception and a four hour car drive spent talking about our memorable day- you think I would have been too exhausted to think about interior design, right? Wrong. After checking in, the first thing I noticed when we got to our house-sized digs was the paint color in the bedroom. There I was, a young bride in a gorgeous hand-beaded gown, on my wedding night, basking in the glow of the peach paint- inspecting it, turning the lights off and on to see how the color changed, and marveling that I was falling in love with peach- of all colors!

I fell hard for what I like to call Venetian Peach. And that’s coming from a girl that grew up in the eighties, where the wrong shade of peach mixed with sea foam green left a sour impression on me. Not a day went by that I didn’t comment on the peach in the bedroom.

I started having all these sentimental fantasies that I would paint our bedroom in our first house this lovely shade of Venetian Peach- undoubted, I would have the best back-story to my (future) bedroom paint color. It got to the point where Mr. Wonderful told me I should just ask the concierge if they could tell me the color so I could forget about it.

During that stay, I decided that peach was the most flattering color for a bedroom. Its not pink and its not boring beige. Its sort of gender neutral, at least its more gender neutral than pink would be. Most importantly, it just makes everything glow. Peach really works magic on skin tones. And the light in a peach room is warm, lovely and soft.

I made up my mind that I would schmooze with the concierge before we left. The Venetian is a world-class hotel- I was sure they would find me the paint color if I asked. Mr.Wonderful said only I would do this, and on our honeymoon, to boot! Imagine our serendipitous timing when we checked out a few hours earlier than normal on our last day…the painters were in the suite next door! I couldn’t help but think it was meant to be! I poked my head in and coyly asked if they could tell me the paint color.

One of the painters literally stopped what he was doing and trotted over to the paint bucket. It was unmarked (well- the brand was marked, but that’s it!). He told me he was sorry, the color was not listed. Then, as if a light bulb went off in his head, he ran over to his spraying shield (a piece of card board box) and cut off part of the board. He then made me a paint swatch out of the paint! I just about died. Here, in my hand, I had the most beautiful paint color in the world. I couldn’t believe he did this for me- I was just giddy. All the while, Mr. Wonderful just stood there- holding our bags, shaking his head with a half-smile in disbelief, “Is my wife really doing this right now?”.

So, that is the story of the perfect peach paint color. The photo above is the actual sample (and, in case anyone is interested, that is a Patterson, Flynn + Martin rug, "Cite Rings" in Ivory- I LOVE Patterson, Flynn + Martin rugs!). And now, as your reward for reading this story, here are the best matching Benjamin Moore equivalents to my keepsake paint swatch:

Winter Melon 093

Delicate Peach 120

Florida Seashells 128

I love the idea of stand-by furniture that actually looks nice. The idea behind "break down" furniture came from the need to travel during political campaigns...all the comforts of home would be neatly folded up, packed, and unpacked at various locations. Portable furniture broke down fast and it was the easiest and best way to transport everything along the trail. Now that we have hotels, "fold-able" furniture usually makes its debut when we go to the beach or the lake, throw a Bar-B-Q...or when we host unusual amounts of holiday company (think cold aluminum chair with a cushion the thickness of a pancake). Now there is no excuse. Find the entire line of British Campaign Furniture here, and visit this site for other fold-able options.

Havana chair in Rosewood with matching table. By Lewis Drake.

Makes a chic picnic setting, don't you think?

The Havana chair, folded.

Rosewood Lounger by Lewis Drake.

Would look great on the deck of a yacht.

Officers Lounge Chair in Rosewood by Lewis Drake

Barbados Croquet Chair by Lewis Drake, also in Rosewood

Great for extra seating for various home styles.

French Cane Back Folding Chair from Stacks and Stacks.

Diamond back folding chair, Stacks and Stacks

Here a few front entry photos to enjoy on this fine Saturday afternoon. Check out these past blog posts on delightful door knockers and colorful front doors while you're at it.

The first one is from a family friend's Tudor/Storybook-ish revival estate (they have since moved), four are from local Floral Park homes right around the corner, and the last one is from a fairly recent magazine clipping that ended up on my bulletin board (publication and designer unknown).

Pintura's textiles are handmade from weave to print (yes, they are hand stenciled!). Its comforting to know that true craftsmanship isn't dead. They draw inspiration from all over the world and turn out classic patterns. Their textiles are truly gorgeous and very well made (I'm waiting for a showroom here in LA!). Here are some of their gorgeous new patterns:

"Summer"

"Milano"

"Oasis"

"Parterre"

"Gatehouse" is a great specialty retail shop offering indoor and outdoor furnishings and home goods. Owner Kim Sankey travels to market and places orders well in advance in order to have floor samples and immediate stock of the latest and greatest in outdoor furnishings. One of her favorite lines is Gloster for their innovation and styling (she highly recommends their swivel rockers!). The product she stocks ranges from beachy-chic to pretty and polished. If you haven't already, stop by this coastal stand-by if you are a local or in Newport Beach on holiday. You won't be dissapointed! (See bottom of post for location information)

*Sidenote: After you shop, head down the street to have a casual lunch at Haute Cakes Caffe (their cold pesto pasta salad is amazing!), and over to Susie Cakes for a Red Velvet or Strawberry cupcake (a client told me about them, and now I'm addicted!). After 17th turns into Westcliff, its on the right hand side if driving from Gatehouse!*

View upon entry.

(FYI: There is a whole other half of the shop to the left, beyond the photo frame!)

Gatehouse is merchandised in seating arrangements. I love this classic Louis Vuitton trunk and the nail head detailing on the club chairs.

Cute vignette of weather vanes, odds and ends...and candles! My favorite!

Gatehouse

270 E. 17th Street #15

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Ph#: (949) 515-2335

Photos by Janelle Steinberg, courtesy of Kim Sankey @ Gatehouse.

This is probably the longest stretch I have gone without blogging on {Maison Classique}. Its a combination of a few things: I am busy with the firm, the weather has been so lovely (I've been beachin' it and playing tennis in my free time, rather than writing), and I just kinda' haven't felt the motivation to write. I suppose its a perfect storm that resulted in a break from blogging (20 days, to be exact). So, in efforts to revamp my dedication to regular posting, I've created an editorial calendar for the month of June. Enjoy!

I received the May 2009 Pottery Barn catalog yesterday. The best accents (as with all retail companies- I usually only shop accents & decor, not furniture), were these great pillows and baskets with natural fibers. So summery and so classic. Not to mention durable. A great way to add some summer to your space- indoor or out.

Paper Crochet Pillow Cover

Beachcomber Baskets in various sizes

Jute Braid Pillow Covers in two sizes

Typically, I am not a DIY enthusiast. I have my reasons, and I feel they are very sound. I'm not a huge fan of encouraging DIY because:

1. I am unsure of another person's ability for craftsmanship and detail. I don't want to tell someone they can easily do something on their own to have it blow up in their face and then blame me for telling them it would be easy. "Easy" is relative.

2. I am usually not a fan of the look of a DIY project, even when its executed well. Often times, DIY walks the "crafty" line; however, this can be avoided by picking and choosing which DIY projects should be attempted.

3. Sometimes, some things are better left to the pro who does that one thing over and over and over. They know how to get the job done in less time, with less wasted materials and they may even know of some ways to improve upon the process after years of doing that one thing. A pro has little to no learning curve.

That being said....I recommend *certain* DIY projects to *certain* people. If you have great (not good, but great) eye for detail, you know how to use basic power tools, you know how measure and level, you know how to follow instructions and improvise soundly, you know what I'm talking about when I say something is "crafty" (in order to tell the difference, you must know what you are comparing something to), and you are willing to do some basic research and buy the proper materials required...then I think you are okay to tackle a DIY project.

Also, note that there are different levels of DIY. There is easy and there is advanced. Learn to evaluate your skill level before starting a project.

With that "disclaimer" statement, I realize that a lot of people interested in interior design are very creative. A lot of you are hands-on and have a certain eye and aptitude, if not for design itself- then at least for what "looks good". If this sounds like you- I give you my full support in attempting DIY projects.

As a designer, I do DIY projects all the time. My home is my laboratory. I make something to see a mock-up or just to try something new. I'm less nervous about the outcome than the average person because I know pretty much anything can be fixed and I also know that if it doesn't work out- I can toss it and I am happy knowing I tried it on me first, rather than a client's project. These things range from picture arrangements, to moulding details, framing ideas, refinishing applications, trimming out a lamp shade...usually pretty small details. Occasionally I will venture into the land of sewing something up (maybe an idea I would like to hash out before I hire a workroom to do it, or to make use of an amazing upholstery remnant or something. My past as a fashion designer greatly aids my ability in doing this), or a small upholstered piece- such as a headboard or reupholstering a dining room chair seat. Nothing too crazy (in other words- I hire the tile guy when I want to switch out my back splash. Even I,as fearless as I am, know my limits!).

It would be hypricitical and sorta snotty of me to say that everyone should avoid DIY. So, I am partially making a case for it (if you qualify) because DIY can be pretty fun, not to mention fulfilling. There is something about knowing you made something with your hands that's pretty dang cool. And, its even better when someone compliments your DIY and you can say you made it...it must be what Martha Stewart feels like on a regular basis.

I am going to start trying to add some good DIY projects to {Maison Classique}. Keep your eye out! (Or, subscribe- its easier!). Everything will have directions, photos, a tools and supply list and pointers. I think this could be a fun regular feature- please contribute if you have a great DIY project, I would love to hear from you and feature your savvy skills on {Maison Classique}!

(Photo from Nationaal Archief's Flickr)

I am loving this chevron-pattern "Zigzag" rug from West Elm. And the price is right, too. Less than $700 for a 9x12! 80 wool/20 cotton. Its a steal, if you ask me! Would be great in a transitional interior, or even a more classic interior with handsome geometry.

I realize that a see-through closet is not for the faint of heart. If one were not a naturally "tidy" person, possess the necessary organizational skills and the patience to carry out those skills on a daily basis...I would not recommend a closet like this. But for those of us who do embody these kinda obsessive and nit-picky talents super powers- this closet looks like heaven. A dream, even.

What I find funny is that this closet is loaded with cheapo plastic hangers, mismatched at that. (My closet is concealed- and I still match all of my hangers!) I love the bags all lined up in a row on the top shelf, I love seeing the colors & materials of the clothing, and I love the clean, expansive look of an exposed inside.

I love adore with all my heart glass doors for anything...the kitchen, the door to the pantry, bathroom cabinets that store towels, the refrigerator (perhaps my most favorite "exposed inside"), and I really, really love it in a closet.

My background in fashion has given me two unnatural appreciations: 1) I like seeing bags, shoes and couture (and everyday garments) on display or as part of a dressing room design because I consider them art; and 2) I feel a strange pull to make everything look like a lifestyle or fashion vignette fitting for a magazine (this usually happens in my mind, and not in physical form).

For example, if Miss N. Hilton were not featured in these fabulous shoes on this nice chair...I would perhaps have her open Birkin laying sideways on the chair, possibly a scarf hanging out of the drawer, a few pairs of Louboutins strewn about with their boxes in upheaval, a DVF dress hanging over the chair back, one of the closet doors open half way...and maybe even a coffee mug on the edge of the vanity.

This would all be "posed" to reinforce the idea that:

1) A fashionista lives here

2) A fashionista with great taste who wears current and classic fashion lives here

3) A busy girl left her dressing room like this after rushing out the door, possibly to some glamorous job, and she, too, couldn't decide what to wear in the morning

4) When this ideal glamorous girl isn't busy running out the door- she is organized and there is no doubt this mess will be cleaned up either by her or her staff to get her closet looking the way it does.

5) The fact that the space is custom designed says something, too- she cares about her house (in my opinion, the most important thing to care about in relation to personal style!).

You see how everyday things can carry so much meaning? This is part of selling a lifestyle- and this is how stylists, photographers, advertisers, art directors, etc. do it. And it works! I'm not sure if I would be brave enough to shoot my rooms in such a "real" way, but I can sure dream- it would be a lot of fun!

I didn't really have any intent other than to show this closet, which caught my eye from the March 2008 issue on InStyle. So please excuse my ramblings- I guess I just wanted to write!

I have finally, finally, finally! added a subscription feed button and an email subscription service to {Maison Classique}! Please take advantage- I did it just for you! (For the record, while I adore blogging- I don't adore messing with all the techy html codes and things that go along with publishing a blog). Look to the left, and you will find both options.

Also, are you a subscriber to my monthly e-zine? If not, sign up in the "May I Suggest" section below the {Maison Classique} subscription buttons. I'm telling you...its full of good stuff! (But you will have to wait until next month to get your dose- the May issue just went out on Saturday).

I'm really into brass, brushed brass and gold for metal tones and finishes in my interiors (for the record- I do like bonze and some cooler finishes, too- but the warm metals are my favorite). This frame is just darling. I picture it next to a classic crystal vase filled with baby pink roses. Or on a minimally decorated nightstand, glowing under the light from a swing-arm wall sconce with a smocked linen lamp shade in a creamy oatmeal color. Check out Elias Artmetal " frames. This one is 18K gold plated (also comes in pewter) and is stamped with "Good Forever". Such a little treat.

I love everything French Heritage makes (well, just about everything). I received the French Heritage market booklet with a preview of their new pieces for High Point market. I can't find them on their site yet, so I scanned the booklet in order to show you- circled with a sharpie and all! Great styling on this coffee table and etagere*, very masculine and chic. I'm pretty sure these pieces are part of the new Beaulieu collection by Michel Koehl. You saw it here first!

*Despite my aunt and Mr. Wonderful poking fun at me and all the fancy technical names of furnishings and decorative objects, the word "Etagere" is not pronounced "Ed On A Chair". Just had to throw that in there for them.

Also, in case you are wondering what makes an "etagere" an etagere- its a set of open shelving, sometimes having a door on the very bottom for storage (most cases, its open top to bottom).

I picked these up at Trader Joe's (sorry to readers without a Trader's!) for $1.29 per bunch. One of my friends raved about them on her personal blog- needless to say I too jumped on the $1.29 daffodil bandwagon! Aren't they lovely?! I got home, trimmed them, stuck them in a drinking glass so I could see the stems and set them on my kitchen table. Go get some! Happy spring! (And thank you, Caley for the suggestion!).

Its that time again...the Annual Floral Park Home and Garden Walking Tour! This is one of the most gorgeous neighborhoods in all of Orange County. Boasting homes on the Historic Registry, many different architectural styles, and that old Americana feel of fully grown trees and white picket fences. A must see for locals interested in fine architecture and home design.

Tickets are $30 at the door. Sat and Sun April 25-26, 2009. Click here for more info on how to purchase tickets and where to park. Click here for the PDF booklet of featured homes and gardens for this years tour. I am going with my mother on Sunday- see you there!

Photo: Federalist style home in Floral Park.

I am loving the new Trina Turk for Schumacher fabrics! So bright and fun- perfect for spring and summer. I would especially love to see Trina's fabrics on outdoor furniture. Here are my favorites from Trina's new line for Schumacher. You can find Trina's full line here.

Peacock Print in Pool

Sonriza Print in Java

Santorini Print in Persimmon

Trellis Print in Pool

Trellis Print in Watermelon

Super Paradise Print in Pool

Sunglass Print in Charcoal

I adore the "4154 Chest" (see below) from Polidor, a furniture manufacturer out of Greenwich, CT. I had to clip it to my Polyvore in order to save the photo, so the colors are a bit off (the foam green is actually brown). To see this chest with better color rendering, click here.

Either way, this piece reminds me of Burberry Nova Check plaid. A great example of how fashion inspires interiors, even if this wasn't the original intent (which, I would like to think it is- what a great take on Nova Check!). I love making these connections. Reminds me of my time spent in the fashion industry.

To see other Polidor pieces, visit their homepage here.

Top Photo: Burberry "Nova Check" plaid pattern

Bottom Photo: Polidor "4154 Chest" in Chocolate Brown

(photo from Roullier White)

Remember the post on the symbolism of the red front door? This post goes hand in hand. The door knocker- its gorgeous jewelry for your door. Second to your architecture and landscaping, your front door leaves a lasting impression and also subtly nods towards your style. Door knockers have been in use since Medieval times (possibly even before that!)- to say this is a classic that has evolved is an understatement. While there are tons of whimsical designs out on the market I feel its best to leave the whimsy to a second home or vacation home according to the vernacular. If you have a beach house on the Vineyard- go for the crab, lobster or scallop shell knocker. If you have a chalet in Aspen, go for the pine cone. Select something solid in statement for your primary residence- both to echo the architecture and to give your door some classic style. For an amazing and detailed article on door knockers, visit this page on "Old and Sold Antiques Digest".

Now, lets look at some delightful door knockers! I am a fan of classic brass- both for the longevity and the aesthetics. If you go with a cool metal finish, make sure its plated on brass. It will have great hand and it will also wear well. I will start with my favorite one- a fox door knocker. Just charming!

I would love to see this fox knocker on a high gloss orange front door. *Love*.

Fox Door Knocker by The Brass Gallery

This simple and classic style would be great for both traditional and transitional styles.

Classic Ring Door Knocker. From Jefferson Brass Co.

I would love to see this on a colorful front door (any color will do). This classic French motif would really pop on a brilliant color.

Fleur de Lys Door Knocker from Doorknockers.com

The quintessential classic door knocker. Perfect for engraving a monogram or a family surname.

This one is a reproduction from House of Antique Hardware

This glorious eagle knocker is perfect for Georgian and Federalist style homes. I see this on a navy or crimson red door for the ultimate statement in traditionalism. From PE Guerin

This is a nice take on the very common lion door knocker. I hesitated in including the lion- since I feel its so conventional and sort of overused (especially in situations when one shouldn't use a lion- for some reason, I think some people feel if they stick a lion "something" outside it means "classy"...think oversized concrete roaring lion garden decor in front of a dinky tract house). But- I found this one that's done a bit differenly than other lion door knockers. Its quite tasteful and the lines are elegant. As an FYI- lion door knockers were very popular in Victorian times. This one is from Designer's Brass.

This hexagon door knocker would be amazing in brass (Guerin does offer brass as a finish option for this style). This would be a great knocker for traditional architecture with a transitional interior style. Simple, geometric and classic. From PE Guerin.

Lastly- this lovely and elegant acanthus leaf door knocker. This would suit French and American Georgian architecture quite well.

Also by PE Guerin.