Window Shopping: Bergdorf Goodman

This Sunday, after spending a solo night in NYC, I  awoke early and set out for a brisk walk.  Couldn't help coming to a complete STOP at Bergdorf's windows.  I'm somewhat relieved there was an early flight back to Boston, otherwise there may have been some serious damage done to the family budget.  Take a look at its Spring's window dressings.  I have my favorites.  What are yours?

'Til Monday, On Monday

This week's 'Til Monday image comes to you a bit late.  I had a crazy, fun weekend.  It started in Maine, celebrating a friend's birthday and finished in New York City with a family reunion.  This bike speaks to the weekend.  Filled to the brim with friends and family, colorful conversation and always on the go.

Hope you had a good weekend.

To Antler Or Not: A Reader's Challenge

 

I received an email a few days ago from a reader asking my opinion on the growing popularity of mounted antlers and animal head trophies.  Once a symbol of successful hunts recently evolving into purely decorative accessories.  What made this email even timelier was that just a day before it was received, my mother- in-law told me of her plans to order one for her home. She needed help deciding whether to go for a full head or just a pair of antlers.   Read the email below and take a look at how these 3 dimensional accessories are being used to adorn modern spaces.    Then see my take on them and perhaps find out which ones my mother-in-law decided on.

I was at the Atrium Mall today, and — not that it is the design center of the world, but — I saw wall mounted animal heads in 2 places.  Somewhat serious ones at Restoration Hardware, and whimsical ones (e.g., in newsprint papier mache) at Anthropologie. I prefer the staghorn fern you blogged about.  But what do you think?  Why animal heads at a time when more Americans than ever are going Veg and Vegan?  I liked the humor of the Anthropologie one, but am not sure I would hang it.  What would I say to the children?  (Same dilemma prevents me from putting a cowhide rug on the playroom floor.)

image: Stylizimo

images above and below:  Femina.dk-pinterest

Easily worked into kids' spaces, dining areas and living rooms alike these mounted "trophies" are clearly making bold interior statements.  In response to our reader's question, why now at a time when so many people are going vegetarian?  I guess it's about being adventurous and unpredictable.  I actually do like them.  They add a natural element to interiors with their texture, depth and color. I prefer the mounted antlers (sans skull) and also like when they serve a purpose, such as doubling up as towel hooks or necklace holders.    I confess: I own cowhides,  they come in and out of use in our house and are perfectly easy to clean.  My children have asked about them and, yes, I've been put on the stop,  but I plainly told them what they are:  animal skins.  In the tradition of native Americans, nothing animals sacrifice on our behalf should go to waste.

If you're a true vegetarian your home should be devoid of leather couches, your walls bare of mounted antlers or other hunting trophies, and your grill obviously steak-less.  For the rest,  decorate as you envision and to your own comfort level.  But do take chances on occasion, since both children and adults need a an element of surprise to expand their sensibilities.

Thanks to CT for the awesome email challenge!

Stay tuned for my mother-in-law's 'antler decision'  reveal...

Shadow Effects

In last week's post, Light Effects, we saw how light fixtures hanging in clusters added depth and drama to spaces exploring not only their "light" effects but the "shadows" they created as well.  It takes only one light to create a fantastic shadow.   Take a look at some shadows I found in our home.

Above:  The shadow cast from the entry hall lamp can be seen through the front door.

Next time you're chilling on the couch look around to see how the light in your home expands itself through shadows.

Don't forget to check out Cocoon's Facebook page for additional photos, comments and related links.

Off The Counter

Welcome to "Off the Counter",  the new foodie section of Cocoon's blog.  I've only done a couple of food related posts and each one of them has been very well received (thank you!).  I noticed that every photo taken for those posts was of the same spot on our kitchen counter.  The exact spot where I measure, chop, whisk and stir with my children in tow.  Cooking has become somewhat of a parenting survival method for me.  It's one of the few activities wherein all three of my kids participate at the same time.  Not an easy feat but one well worth the effort.  Kitchens are the heart and soul of a home, sharing the cooking experience with children gives them the opportunity to create, explore and relate to food on all levels.  With that said, take a look and read about our most recent salad creation:  beets, apples and blue cheese.  Mind you, the kids did not want to taste the salad but they all took a sip of the beet infused water (know when to pick your battles).

Salad ingredients: beets, apples, blue cheese and arugula

Dressing ingredients: Olive oil, seasoned rice vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.

Boil beets until they soften, peel and then toss them with olive oil and salt.  Roast for about 15 minutes.  This allows them to dry out a bit.  Chop the beets and apples into large cubes, set them on a bed of arugula and top with blue cheese.  The dressing is prepared to taste (adding a bit of honey tends to off-set the pungency of the blue cheese).

Enjoy!

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