Style Dictionary: Design Localvores

Design Localvores: Akin to the trend of eating only what's grown within walking distance of your table, Design Localvores immerse themselves in the style of the local area and seek out local inspiration and resources.

While stocking up on gummy worms and water (absolute essentials in my mind) this morning for a quick trip to Providence, I decided to forgo my normal airline reading material (think, anything with 'shocking' or 'scandal' written on the cover) and get into the vibe with a copy of New England Home. One turbulent take off later I was immersed in cape houses, highlighted moldings, and modern traditional at its best.

Regional design magazines have quietly become the champion in this not so successful year for print periodicals. What use to be thought of as a category of kitchy, homemade and unpolished publications have taken this depressing economic condition and capitalized on their small scale markets. Why is it that in a time when shelter publications are falling like dominos it seems as if these regional publications are booming with fresh, original content and updated layouts?

Sure they may not have the global trend reports and huge name designers quoting their favorite paint colors and coffee brands. And they may have a larger Ad to content ratio than some of the nationals (but if that keeps them in business, I'm happy to flip a few more Ad pages). But they do have interesting spreads and stunning homes highlighted that would never stand a chance at making it in the bigger name glossys.

I don't know if this is the trend across the country, but I also found New England Home's website to be chocked full of digital inspiration, including a full digital edition.

Do you read the regional design magazines in your area? What are some good ones out there we may be missing?

And now, my D*S City Guide and I are off to explore Providence!

Thursday Tabletop: So Others Might Eat

Today's Thursday Tabletop is a bit different in direction. Thomas over at My White Shirt is a local DC blogger who posted a lovely account of his day volunteering with So Others Might Eat. SOME is an organization that has been serving the DC community for 40 years, providing basic needs such as meals to the homeless and others. SOME doesn't stop at meals, also providing many other services that contribute to their mission of empowering those who are ready to make lasting changes in their life.

Stop by My White Shirt and read Thomas' account of his first time as a volunteer with the organization and the impact it made on him and those who shared the meal that day. Because sometimes we get so caught up in making it pretty (we = me, in case you didn't pick up on that) that we forget to stop and be thankful that we even have a table at all.

Thanks, Thomas for letting me repost. Hope to join you in January to volunteer.

From the Reader Files

From the Semigloss Files, this great tablescape was spotted by a reader while visiting a Florida beach home. A mixture of candlesticks, some white n' glossy and a hint of beach...love it!

Look what the magazine fairy brought

Just when we all thought there was not a ray of hope left in the world, I find a stack of vintage Gourmet magazines being passed along to new owners, sitting right on a front stoop. My faith in humanity is restored. Here's some vintage eye candy for you.

My favorite place I've never been...to catch up with an old friend, or share a cozy drink

Image: Gourmet Magazine

Dollars or Pennies: Monogrammed Bedding

If monogrammed linens are at the top of your wishlist, there is no substitute for Leotine Linens. Except when that substitute is a zillion times more affordable and you just can't justify the outrageous expense for sheets that your dogs are going to cuddle up on with you every single night. Is this your dilema too?

Leontine Linens: Hayden + Arch pattern

A few years back, in an old issue of the now defunk'd O at Home magazine, they featured this bedroom in their DIY home makeover contest. I pulled the page out to save for the fabulous monogram idea that instantly struck me as Leotine-esque and compleatly attainable.

A store bought throw was taken to a local monogramer and an instant classic was created. It may not be the coveted Leotine, but the same effect is achieved for pennies on the dollar. A little monogramming goes a long way. Pillows or bedding....in my mind, not both or you'll look like a Pep Rally cheerleader.

Chilly weather, cozy style

Image: Jcrew

The Big Chill Inspiried Showhouse

One of my favorite TV design personalities is Thom Filicia. Not only because he's entertaining to watch and conveys a general fabulousness for life, but also because I LOVE his work as well. Equal parts masculine and feminine, layered with textures and mixed with interesting accessories.

I've been drooling over this extensive spread on House Beautiful's website of the Showhouse apartment he put together inspired by The Big Chill. One of his best, don't you agree?

Wouldn't you be happy to walk into this entryway everyday...

For all those who love the infamous Miles Reed room that was published in Domino, I contend that this one is just as full of style with a touch of guy-appeal as well. Am I wrong?

Anyone who knows me, knows that I run screaming in the other direction when a horse appears in front of me. But this large wall piece is so beautiful, I think even I could live with it.

How many friends could curl up on those sofas for a wine night?

There are no words for how much I love this rope banister.

See even more images from the Showhouse here.

Love ya, Thom!