Seeking Peace and a Makeover

Lately I've felt a bit bombarded with to-do's, events and just general chaos. So sadly, I haven't had much down time to think about architecture or interiors. Niseko was a nice respite but getting back to the quotidian grind has been exhausting. I'm generally not one to complain but boy, I could use a nap! This looks like a good spot.

In spite of my best intentions, I find myself surfing the web in the few quiet moments I have. I've been really drawn to ivories, whites and neutrals lately. This is my favorite new scarf.

Some inexpensive vases I've been thinking about

Maybe a little comfort food while we're at it? I've been wanting to try this clafoutis recipe from one of my favorite food bloggers, Mimi Thorisson. By the way, have you seen her book? My copy finally arrived and it is sumptuous.

I have been starting to shop online a bit for somethings for our US House. I'm absolutely over our Japanese apartment. I once read that babies were usually the end of blogs. I can see that, they certainly require undivided attention for many hours of the day. But I think more so my decline in frequency is attributable to life being more complicated, and really not being excited about our very utilitarian house here in Japan. I find myself surrounded by what was a normal, even Spartan, amount of stuff which suddenly seems overwhelming. I'm not sure if you've ever shopped in Japan at places like Homac or Nitori but furniture here is more of the Ikea variety, maybe not as nicely made. I would say Muji is the exception as their things are very nicely made, but even they are quite minimalist. Occasionally I'll stumble upon a handmade furniture maker of cabinets or chairs or even the odd antique shop. These are exciting finds but otherwise, function tends to dominate form. But in that spirit, did you know Muji Japan keeps a design blog? It is called Idea Park and I saw this makeover the other day.

Before:

After:

Alright, off to finally get that nap!

before-after

The looming move abroad has me crossing all the little projects off my to-do list. A couple months ago I sent this landscape to my art restorer, Pat Mahoney. We just got it back and he did a wonderful job! Here's the before, as you can see the frame is separating at the corners and the paint is flaking :

And here's the after:

As you can see, it is like night and day - at least to me! He restored both the painting and the frame. I'm so pleased.

before-after

I never seem to post pictures of my own things. For the first time, here you go. Since we renters can't paint or remodel, we'll just have to take what we can fix. I have had two of these chairs forever. We used them as desk chairs for a partner's desk we used to have. Now they sit at individual small desks. They're not particularly remarkable antiques or anything, I found them at Source Perrier. I think they're now just Source Collection but I still use the old name. No matter, I love these old chairs.

They originally came with silk covered down cushions which quickly wore out and not to mention shed feathers like a chicken farm. So we found ourselves using just the cane which was not very sturdy and started to break down over time. I know the light isn't perfect sorry, I took it in the parking garage before loading them up...

I finally felt motivated when I saw this gorgeous Lee Jofa taupe linen velvet with a subtle stripe at a discount fabric store. At around $30/yd for the discontinued goods, I knew I wouldn't need much. I don't know if I could have done this myself since it needed a board cut to replace the cane... and honestly I know I probably spent more than some would on fabric even though I think it was a fabulous deal for that quality. I've been spoiled playing with fancy things at Mrs. Howard's lately. So this Lee Jofa was it. My local upholstery guy had them good as new in a week with even some fabric to spare, thanks Mike!

I am a tea drinker, and a clumsy one at that. Hopefully this neutral taupe will hide any Earl Grey.