June Mixology

It's that time of summer when all I want is something cold and refreshing, preferably spiked while lounging by a pool with someone to keep refilling my glass. I often refer to my backyard as "the jungle" because it is, and one day it won't be because I will actually get down to business and landscape that beast, but one thing it does have is a pool with really comfortable sun beds. I am all in favor of mesh over cushions (less maintenance) because they are easy to clean and always look tailored and tidy. Here are some of my favorites, and what I would be drinking if I was in one.

The Barrow Lounger from West Elm & Lemon Fanta with Vodka

If you don't know about Lemon Fanta, it's amazing and hard to find.

Love this lounger because it's got clean lines but that back wheel is like a Fanta Happiness Bubble.

The 405 Chaise Lounge from Room & Board with a Blueberry-Jalapeno Margarita

This lounge is made from 100% post industrial/consumer recycled plastic (that means it's super "green")

Love the shape, even though it is a bit boxy, it also comes in some really great colors and will never warp or fade...it looks comfortable enough to get faded in...HAHA!

The Leaf Chaise by Dedon & Prosecco

It's beautiful and Prosecco is delicious.

Sirocco Chaise by Brown Jordan & Corona

This lounge is simple but can be pumped up with frame color options and different mesh fabrics. I want to sit in it and pitch back a Corona, or 6.



Alize Sunlounger by Fermob & St. Germain with Soda
I have loved Fermob for years, they have the whole color thing down and were the first to do it. All the colors are so fun and bright and this ample lounge chair just beckons to be laid on like St. Germain begs to be sipped.

5 Things I Heart - Ben Collins Edition

I heart Ben Collins...I feel like I start every 5 things post that way but I really do love him (not that I don't love the rest but you know what I mean!) Ben is part owner in Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams in Atlanta, Nashvegas, and Dallas. He travels all the time and it makes me sad because I don't get to see him as much as I would like. But he's a super cute, ultra savvy businessman who has great taste and serious southern charm. Here are his 5 things:



1. My new Billy Reid Duffle...Its a great looking white canvas duffle perfect for summer travel......and when it gets completely dirty from all of my abuse, I plan to dye it a nice grey for Fall. Everything that Billy does is fantastic. He truly make "country" look cool and hip.

2. The new Woodrow Collection from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Made from reclaimed wood, you can know that you are being environmentally responsible while getting a great look. The clean lines of the piece mixed with the reclaimed wood top makes it a great fit for any space! The console and cocktail tables retail for $1120 and the side for $680. The new collection will hit the showroom and the website in August.

3. The non profit Room Service Atlanta....Local Atlanta designers, Dayka Robinson and Erika Ward, have founded a non profit that helps homeless and those less fortunate "get back on their feet". Through donations, and with the help of other local Atlanta designers, these women are furnishing and decorating spaces for those in need. Its truly an amazing organization.



4. My Imogene + Willie jeans.....they are hand made in Nashville TN. You actually are fitted in the shop and wait for them to be hemmed. Great jeans and an incredible shopping experience. It feels like you have taken a step back in time when you walk into their shop.



5. Online home mags.....when traveling it so nice to have my airbook and not have to lug around 20 magazines for a flight. There are so many great online mags to choose from....one of my favorites is Trad Home.

Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish 3

Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish: Paprika

MoMA & Modern Atlanta

Modern Atlanta officially starts this weekend, YIPPIEEEE! If you aren't familiar, you should be ashamed of yourself. Here is the deal (straight from their website):

"The original event was born in 2007 out of a desire for an Atlanta-based forum diverse in content, eclectic in spirit, and international in appeal. Each year the event will be built on these aspirations, attracting a diverse range of speakers, exhibitors and attendees prepared to push the boundaries of applied contemporary design and urbanism.

MA’s aim is to embrace and connect a wide spectrum of practices including architecture and design, retail and trade, industry and academia, the arts, and NPO foundations. MA activities attract innovators, visionaries, independent minds, creative leaders, students, and non-specialist audiences with discussions on how design and innovative products improve everyday lives. MA provides the right conditions and venues for manufacturers and designers to successfully connect with businesses, consumers, and the public alike, by way of elevated local and international design exhibitions that expose all facets of the creative process including innovation and implementation. MA produces programs and events and provides marketing and promotional services for cultivating and showcasing the international design industry in Atlanta. These programs and services are not only a platform for professionals, but also an arena for experimental and student work, and a meeting point for the international community."

I will be doing my best to hit up as many of the events as possible but if you're like me, this is your busy season. I will for sure be checking out Karim Rashid at Pedini on Wednesday and I will be hitting up Room & Board for Annette Joseph's presentation.

All of that is good and well, but not the point of this post. Last night I had the privilege of being invited to the 25th Anniversary Dinner for Corporate Environments. It was a beautiful evening at The High Museum with a private viewing of the "Modern By Design" Exhibition, of which Corporate Environments is a sponsor. This to me is the highlight of MA2011, it's just a fantastic collection borrowed from MoMA and displayed beautifully. I wasn't supposed to take pictures, but I didn't know that until I had already taken some, you're welcome...It is a really beautiful exhibition and each floor is better then the one before it. I got some really good pictures, but I don't want to ruin it for you. GO SEE IT.

This is a robot. He builds furniture. He is Joris Laarman's idea.


This is one of his tables.


It is made from zillions of these tiny metal cubes and held together with glue.


Super awesome. I used that light fixture at DIFFA one year but in white.


MWDA's Table for DIFFA 2008

Those cushy-cabbage looking things are cute. It took every ounce of restraint not to squish them down.


That's enough out of me (maybe even too much) go see it for yourself.
"Modern by Design" at The High Museum of Art
June 4th - August 21st