Architects Take Note

The Institute of Classical Architecture (Dallas has a chapter) and Habitat for Humanity have published a pattern book on how to build low cost housing that’s beautiful and appropriate for the neighborhood. NIMBY no more.

Sputnik Modern and George Nelson

I have a thing for Mr. Nelson. I know, I know. His bubble lamp and marshmallow sofa are a bit overdone. (Overheard from a homeowner at a photo shoot today: “Design Within Reach is quickly becoming as ubiquitous as Pottery Barn.”) But the man knew his design and I love his work. If you do too and you have $1,200 to blow, click over to Sputnik Modern. Owner Chris Thurman — a man who knows his mid-century modern — has some Nelson seating for sale. The bench featured on the site is powder-coated sexy with a graphic print. But move fast. Chris’ stuff doesn’t last long.

Dallas Design Sponge

Former D Home contributor and current Dallas Morning News maven Paige Phelps sent me a link to Dallas Design Sponge. Despite the fact that I immediately think of a certain Seinfeld episode every time I see the name, I like it. Like Paige, it’s super fun and there’s lots of good information about home decor stores. Check it out.

Gloom And Doom for Design As Well As Real Estate, Stocks?

As long as we are talking gloom — yucky weather, stock market plunge, no jumbo money, piddly 1/4 point out of Bernacke — a favorite reader has pointed out that designers are hurting, too, from all the Real Estate woes. Designers like Bombay Co. and Levitz. Gosh. My heart bleeds.

A Green Christmas

Looks like Barneys is touting the Green bandwagon for its Christmas campaign this year. No matter how much I love candy (and I do, dearly), I’m not sure I’d ever pay $145 for a Tootsie Roll Tree. But I do love the Magpie Covered Ice Bucket pictured. My question—how did some these items make the “green” cut?

RE: The Shelton and Dr. Phil

Yes, he may be a shrink (not an M.D.) but he’s human. He went all postal on me a few years back when I met him at a Robb & Stuckey event. He was ticked off about a story D Magazine had written about him. I told him I felt his pain, then reminded him that though I write for a sister pub, I was not the writer who had so angered him at D Magazine!

And anytime you want to talk about it…

Fed Cuts Federal Funds Rate

By only one-quarter of a point.

Google Maps are the Coolest

Do this now. Go here. See all those red-dotted cities. Those are cities where “street view” is available. Dallas was photographed this summer by Google. I can tell by looking at the street view of our house–our yard was green, and our blue recycling bin is out. (Must have been a Thursday.) Anyway, then type in your address in the search box, and click “search map.” Okay, nothing special yet, BUT choose “street view” from the options on the top of your map. See the little yellow man sitting on your address? Move him, and a screen will pop up. You can see your house, your neighbor’s house, people who you stalk on DCAD’s houses, etc. If you find a great house on Ebby.com, give the street a test run via Google Maps. So cool.

RE: The Shelton (and Dr. Phil)

Hey Candy, see if you can find out if Dr. Phil still has one of the penthouse units there. I heard a rumor that he got if at no cost - completely updated - so that the building could use his name. Then I heard that he was unhappy about something and decided to pull out. Hmm. I wonder whom he turns to with problems?

RE: The Shelton

Just spoke with Ames Pinheiro at The Shelton, who tells me that of 105 units (give or take, many people put two together) 48 to 50 are sold. They have given 10 units to three brokers to try to move and get a wider audience — more exposure and all — are are waiting to see what works. Meantime, don’t know if you know that big changes are in store for sleepy Preston Center. Or what used to be sleepy Preston Center. Stay tuned…

Re: Eco-Chic Holiday Gift Bags

I love those, too, Loyd. I recently stumbled upon this site, and found this Gecko Trader tote. It’s pricier ($35.95), but there’s meaning behind all of the ones in this line: They’re 100 percent recycled, made from rice and feed bags originally used for transporting goods in Asia. They’re handcrafted by Cambodian workers through a Fair Trade Co-op (meaning each bag sold provides proceeds to Cambodian weavers and producers, many of whom who are disabled or economically disadvantaged single moms), and each piece is unique. They’ve got cushioned handles and stand upright for easy packing. The one pictured is the one I’ve got in my shopping cart. But I want at least three.

Real Estate Report: A Happy 2008

So while this year may have sucked bad air for those selling anything less than two million, the outlook for 2008 is pretty upbeat. My sources here in town are all taking vaca right about now — no one buys this time of the year — but the local prediction is that our market will sizzle come spring. As for the condo market, please hit me over the head with a hammer if I am wrong about this, but weren’t there some condo projects slated north of LBJ a few months back? And what has happened to them? Overheard: The Shelton is giving some condos to top agents to help move the meat.

Bad Bob Justice

With all this blogging about yard art, you have to consider the source. “Bad Bob” Justice is responsible for the carousel and train set that you see on the corner of Armstrong and Rheims. You know, the home that has the motto “if you can still see grass there’s not enough going on.” Read about it here. There are some great stories from Harold Hand about 10,000 unbreakable balls rolling down Armstrong and an angel made to look just like the woman of the house.  So, questionable seasonal decor is not really a new thing - it just keeps getting worse.

Re: RIP Blueprint

Laura, don’t forget Dallas Home Design. And after that cute December cover, too. That’s three in three weeks. Rebecca blames it on paper costs.

Blueprint RIP

Just read the news on Jezebel that Martha Stewart’s Blueprint is no longer with us. First Home and Garden, now this?

Eco-Chic Holiday Gift Bags

Designed to replace plastic shopping bags, Envirosax make stunning gift bags and a great environmental statement. Check out the full array - I LOVE these.