'Organize Your Life"

The word “save” has many uses in my vocabulary:

It applies to the few dollars I keep in a side pocket for subway fare. It refers to the shoe boxes underneath my bed with pressed flowers, notes, journals and cards from old boyfriends. “Save” is the button that I click when I’m finished writing or uploading photos on my computer.

The word “save” does not mean “to delete, to lose, to rid of.”

But it might as well if you don’t quickly learn the word “organize.”

Before I learned the word “backup” (another good word to master), I had saved five years of pictures, video and written work on my Toshiba laptop. When the hard drive began to groan and sputter out of control, I thought that I was close to losing the last five years of my well-spent life.
This is why printing those snapshots and then organizing them is so important.

1. Gather all your photos lying around – the closet, the desk drawer and even the fridge. Find a place where you can sit comfortably and be able to spray out the photos. Photos in albums can stay where they are as long as you don’t want to downsize.

2. Figure out how you’d like to sort the photos. Either by year, event or milestone works best.

3. Time it. Getting nostalgic and losing focus will make the process taken even longer than it should.

4. Rid your stockpile of photos that are out of focus, fuzzy or are not particularly memorable. The idea is to have images that strike a chord, or showcase a different aspect of the occasion.

5. Make a separate pile for your favorites. These photos will be first to make their rounds on coffee tables and tabletops. The rest should go into decorative photo boxes labeled clearly and distinctly. The photo box can then be placed on an accessible book shelf or side table.

6. After your favorites have enjoyed their tenure, replace them with newer images. Another way to show and tell is by stacking pictures in a clear holder for guests to look through. Or just leave a few colorful photo albums out on a side table.

Let the word “organize” save some of the best moments of your life.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of www.kaboodle.com and www.nabookarts.com

'Have a Seat'

A dream first starts with an obsession. Realizing it, takes passion.

Henrik Lange was just six years old when he bought his own Kive desk chair by Fritz Hansen. Little did he know that it would be the beginning of his obsessive furniture collecting and also a prequel to a love affair with Fabricius & Kastholm.

In an interview with City Magazine, Lange reveals that anyone can turn an obsession into a lucrative venture.

Danish architects Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm founded their design firm in 1961, creating their line of Danish furniture for only eight years. International critics grouped the duo with the likes of other greats like Hans Wegner and Poul Kjaerhom. But a personal battle waged between the two caused a permanent rupture and production ceased.

Furniture enthusiast Lange found himself attracted to the vintage F&K furniture more than 25 years after the defunct company disappeared from the furniture scene. The clean lines and silhouettes of the leather and steel pieces, unusual for the time, were what lured him into buying a few F&K chairs at an antique shop.

But it was an auction over the iconic F&K Grasshopper chair (similar to the one above) that sold for 45,000 Euros that would cause Lange to think: Would it be possible to revive and produce the line, returning it to its former glory?

The answer was: Why not?

“I didn’t think much of the obstacles at the time,” Lange told City Magazine. “It was more of a fantasy.”

Reality settled in once Lange completed the superhuman task of wooing and buying the rights to the company from Kastholm. Fabricius had since died in the 1980’s at the age of 52. And the only conditions to be met were that Lange reproduce the entire collection and that the quality of the line match the original.

This wasn’t a problem for Lange who returned to the original F&K production factory where workers molded the steel arms of the chairs and sanded down the rosewood seats.

“All great companies are built on passion,” said Lange, who now reproduces the line under the auspices of Lange Production.

Passion and excellence, I’d say.

The resurrected F&K line has received positive reviews not only from City Magazine, but other top design publications. New designers such as Grete Jalk, who’s GJ Chair and Nesting Tables are permanent fixtures at MoMa, are also in talks to get onboard.

Living by his vision of form, finish and function (the three F’s), this is one show you better take a seat for. You won’t want to miss it.

-S. Gonzalez

'Office Space'

The Penthouse Office - Not Your Typical Workplace

Take a look at the stereotypical office: The artificial lighting and bleak furnishings in a cubicle resembles more of a padded jail cell without a door. Like the rest of the other inmates, those 40 weekly hours amount to planned water cooler breaks and secret interoffice chats.

Going to work shouldn’t feel like a prison sentence.

Remodeling an office from the bottom up is guaranteed to create a positive work environment (see ‘Brotherly Love’ article), but often it’s the select personal objects that make you feel most at home. And if you’re anyone like me, then you do spend a considerable amount of time plugging away both at your work desk and home office.

Fortunately, the design and layout of my penthouse office is on the cusp of modernity with its innovative furniture and minimal clutter. The bare sliding glass doors that run the length of the office give way to the deck, which overlooks the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.

The loft size of the suite is broken up by rows of large black closets. Being a high fashion and design firm, one closet is covered with futuristic calendar spreads – models against a psychedelic backdrop of colors and shapes. The amount of storage streamlines the work space, hiding excess office supplies and personal belongings.

The artwork and bright chairs at the entrance serve as accent colors to the pristine white walls and desks. Cubicles do not exist here. Regardless of rank, everyone works together – as evidenced by the egalitarian setup of the desks.

Keeping the décor sleek and providing one of the sought after vistas are the key design elements to this space. Its appearance is proof that even the simplest design concepts are effective.

But there is always room for a few personal objects to be thrown in the mix. One coworker from Hong Kong plush zebra for her mobile, a flip-book of photographs of family and a ceramic Snoopy figurine that doubles as a calendar. Another colleague has a stuffed zebra next to her PC. And my boss has his rubber-band ball and collection of books.

And me? I have photos from my travels to Europe, A.P. stylebooks and the latest in my favorite fashion and design magazines.

I say that if you’re going to do time, you might as well make yourself at home.

-S. Gonzalez

Where Does My Money Go?

If you are like most people today, you just don’t know where your money goes. Here are a few tips for good budgeting:
•Buy a small spiral notebook to jot down 100% you’re your expenses for one month.
•At the end of the month, put an “M” for musts next to expenses like electricity, food, car payment, gasoline, mortgage or rent, car or home insurance.
•Put a (D) next to all discretionary expenses (those that do not absolutely have to be spent) like clothes, meals out, entertainment, magazine subscriptions, etc.

Most people are surprised by the amount of money they spend on unnecessary items.

Do you spend more than you make? If Yes…
•Eliminate 75% of “D” expenses immediately.
•Target a 10% reduction of “M” expenses through conservation of energy, food coupons, better insurance rates, etc.
•Keep tracking expenses until you bring expenses in line with income.

Your personal goal should be to live debt free on 80% of your income. The other 20% should be put away for your future.

'Brotherly Love'

Show some brotherly love to designer duo Gregory Augustine and Jenise Pencek.

The designers from the Philadelphia-based August Interiors firm are defying the limits of any space; whether it be converting an abandoned industrial space into an office, or a cluttered bedroom into a stylish retreat. Home decorating channel HGTV.com lists several examples of Augustine’s work in the “Designers’ Portfolio: Great spaces, great style from HGTV’s top designers.”

Augustine and Pencek’s approach is one of research, creative expression and functionality. According to the team, “We expand [our clients] design horizons by introducing them to new concepts and materials and execute their dreams using our extensive network of craftsman.”

By combining new and old design concepts, August Interiors is able to transform a rather common corner of a bedroom into a comfortable and interesting seating area. The creams and chocolate color palette is often used because of its warmth and modernity. Notice how artwork is hung below the window – an unlikely place but placed perfectly at eye level for the person seated.

Augustine used a building’s industrial beginnings as a springboard to design an eccentric, but practical workplace. Parts of the white brick walls are left intact and a gray hue is adopted for the other walls. A bright fuchsia recliner is stationed in the middle. A gray mechanical painting on one wall compliments a collage of industrial knick-knacks beside it.

Given the difficult task of remodeling a teen’s bedroom in historic Old City in Philadelphia, the duo mastered the challenge. Their signature collage using various materials and a funky border beats buying the standard bulletin board. The pleating in the bedspread is luxurious and match the white flowers beyond the curtains. The curtains, while whimsical, create privacy.

What makes Augustine and Pencek a duo to watch is that their designs are so clean and structured, yet original. Every fixture and piece of furniture appears to have been selected for its uniqueness. And even with unusual shapes and structures, every space exercises control.

With each glance at the décor, you can’t help but the Philadelphia love bug.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of August Interiors

'No Time To Waste'

Ever since man invented the sun dial some 5,500 years ago, mankind has always had the desire to know what time it was.

And with time, man has gotten better at telling it.

What began as sundials soon evolved into water clocks, then into the pendulum clocks of the 1500’s. Vintage clocks, dating from the 1920’s, used quartz crystals for precision in timekeeping. With the discovery of microwaves came the arrival of the atomic clock. Its accuracy, affordability and low use of power make the atomic clock the most popular choice.

From catching the nearest train to paying bills, time is of essence. This is perhaps why there is always a clock in practically every room of the house.

Kit Kat Klock

With its eyes and tail darting back and forth in tick-tock harmony, the Kit Kat vintage clock (shown left) brings me back to memories of my mother bent over the stove with a pot of steaming rice and the scent of roasting chicken coming from the oven. Hanging on the kitchen wall above my mother’s head would be the Kit Kat clock.

The vintage clock is a personal favorite and has been since the Great Depression, when down-and-out families appreciated its cheerful Cheshire-cat grin and wagging tail. Looking a lot like ‘Felix the Cat,’ the retro clock can still be found today.

Granddaddy of Clocks

Classic. Traditional. A grandfather clock complete with a swinging pendulum, chimes and tolls, and a golden face with Arabic numerals is one of the most treasured heirlooms. Stately and proud, the grandfather clock is its own piece of furniture, complimenting almost every style of décor.

Victor, Victorian

There is no need to head to the nearest ‘Antique Roadshow’ for a selection of antique pendulum clocks or a freestanding grandfather clock. A Victorian mantel clock (below right) crafted from wrought iron is far more reliable than the real thing. Pairing well with dark Victorian tables and tufted chairs, the iron arabesques and the intricate design running along the face gives the clock a strong, but softened character.

Gone Cuckoo

Don’t like the annoying buzzing sound of an alarm? A lot of people go cuckoo for cuckoo clocks. The cuckoo clock uses small pipes and a wire gong to imitate the sound of the well-known bird. But if a cuckoo bird jumping out of a trap door doesn’t strike your fancy, there is always the option of having a group of Bavarian dancers, a watermill, woodcutter, or animals. Variety is the spice of life.

With choices like these, you’ll never be late for anything again.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of www.wayfaring.info.com; KitKat.com; Decor Innovation; site.mycuckooclocks.com

'Life Is A Beach'

A salt-covered breeze. The feeling of sand crunching under the weight of my feet. And the rising pitch of seagulls fighting over their next funnel cake lunch.

Each summer, these small delights are reserved for the few weekends that I manage to escape the crushing city life. While I start the countdown to my next getaway, those with summer homes have already started theirs.

For those with summer homes, the boards have come down from the windows. The last strokes of fresh white paint have dried on the deck. Duvets and pillow covers have been washed, pressed and fitted to the beds.

The overall maintenance of the house has been inspected and scheduled for repairs. Yet, many overlook the décor – essential in ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay.

With a selection of natural, organic fixtures and quirky accents, make your home as inviting as the ocean. Charm guests with sea turtle coat hooks, or entertain your friends with salt and pepper shakers shaped like lobster claws.

Get swept away with the following finds:

Made of seashells, starfish and conches, a wreath is the best way to welcome those into your new home. Plus, it sets the tone for the duration of their visit (above left). Crafty? Spend a few minutes combing the beach for seashells and create a wreath together with friends and family.

Shine a little light in your home after hours. Take a decorative night light (bottom left) in the shape of a fish or a crab, for example, and avoid fumbling in the entrance for the light switch after a night out on the boardwalk.

The only way to create dimension and interest in décor is through opting for bold purchases like a lighthouse-styled cabana floor fan. Integrating organic elements like a sea-urchin table lamp is another way to do it.

Born to a family of jewelry designers and seamstresses, I don’t have to look very far for bracelets and necklaces. My favorite pieces of jewelry are those with coral for the summer: a brick red necklace bought in Peru; another in a sea blue made by my mother; and the last bought in an atelier from a Parisian designer in a Le Marais atelier. Coral is just as stunning on a person as it is in the home. Hand painted red coral serving trays are just the beginning.

Go green! Avoid settling on a beach chair in the typical all-white or nautical navy blue. When replacing your outdoor beach furniture, go for a more unexpected color. Go for a lime green rocker made of southern pine. The lumber comes from a renewable supplier and is both insect and rot resistant. Get ready to rock and roll!

This summer is bound to be a hot one.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of laurensaccone.files.wordpress.com; decorinnovation.com; coastaldecorshop.com