Veggie Pepperoni Roast- Delicious and Easy!

I just made up this recipe for a veggie pepperoni roast and it turned out really delicious!!

Olive oil a shallow roasting pan ( I used a glass one)

Put in the pan- 1 can of baby artichoke hearts; 2 quartered, large, tomatoes; 1 thinly sliced large onion; 1 small jar of sliced pimento with juice; add sliced turkey pepperoni; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin and freshly ground black pepper ( and salt, if desired). Toss all together and bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and serve on a bed of romaine salad; drizzle with Caesar salad dressing( I buy the refrigerated kind in the produce section of the grocery store).

Delicious!!! Easy too!

Next time I’m going to add some sliced black olives———should be fab!

The Power of Decorative Pillows; A Sofa Make-Over

These pictures illustrate the power of decorative pillows for a sofa make-over.The first picture is the before ( but you knew that, didn’t you?). You can change the look and feeling of a sofa by changing a few pillows as I did with this one taking it from traditional to a more transitional look. I did a faux gold and silver leaf effect on the legs; they were a dark cherry as you can see. Paint is the next best thing for an easy make-over of any space. You can paint just an accent wall in a contrasting or complimentary color or paint the whole room (and don’t forget the ceiling!!! Please! No white ceilings————just saying) ! You can pull the color from a fabric in the room………..I try to pull one of the more obscure but dramatic colors in the fabric.

Get creative, have fun, and use your imagination to create your own sofa or room make-over!

Till next time, remember to” Live Life with Joy, Wonder and Style!”

Clay

Bunless Burger Stackers-Low Carb Diet

For the 4th of July we really wanted the traditional hamburgers and hotdogs but we had to get creative  since we’re on a low carb diet. I came up with Bunless Burger Stackers ! Here’s how-

Cook your burger patties to the desired doneness.

Top with a sautéed onion slice and smear some mayo on top.

Salt and Pepper to taste at this point.

Next layer is a thick slice of tomato(hopefully home-grown and not refrigerated) topped with some ketchup , mustard and dill pickle slices or pickle relish.

Place a slice of your choice of cheese and melt under the broiler.

Top with sliced avocado.

Serve on a crisp bed of lettuce.

Voila! Bunless burger stackers! So wonderful and you are still on your low carb diet!

The Cabot Trail in Fabulous Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia in the fall is one of the most beautiful and scenic places I’ve ever had the good fortune to visit! As we drove the Cabot Trail with breathtaking views of oceans and bays, mountains, forests and waterfalls, we sampled exquisite local seafood dishes at every opportunity!

Searching out the most rustic and unassuming restaurants, our contest to see which prepared the best seafood chowder resulted in finding a very charming eatery (unfortunately, I can’t remember the name and have lost my notes from that trip) housed in an old log cabin. They served large bowls of chowder MOUNDED with shrimp, scallops, fish and lobster! The mountain of seafood, surrounded by a tomato-garlic based sauce,  towered at least 6 inches above the rim of the bowls! We couldn’t believe our eyes and it was, and still is, the best and freshest seafood chowder I have ever tasted anywhere!

Following is my recipe for bouillabaisse with flavors reminiscent of that restaurant in Nova Scotia, on the Cabot Trail. If you have never driven the Cabot Trail it is a treat not to miss!

I started making this in 1984 and have served it, with some tweaks along the way over the years, to my dearest friends and family with rave reviews!

This is somewhat time-consuming and requires constant attention but is well worth the effort, not to mention the expense!

Bouillabaisse for Eight

2 lbs. grouper filet, or other white fish, cut in small portions

Fresh mussels, at least 4 or 5 per person

40 large shrimp, shelled and deveined

2 lbs. cooked lobster meat, big chunks please!

4 slices lemon

4 slices orange

pinch of cinnamon

A healthy pinch of saffron or 1 tsp. turmeric

1 red bell pepper, chopped

Fresh garlic, to taste , chopped

Freshly ground black pepper. I use a lot!

Salt to taste; to me, the seafood and tomatoes have enough natural salt but you may want more.

Small sprinkle of cloves

2 large sweet onions, chunked up

2 large tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade

1 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup tomato sauce or ketchup

Handful chopped parsley for garnish

In a large pot , saute onion in olive oil till transparent. Add the chopped pepper and garlic and cook for a few minutes, till you smell garlic strongly. be careful not to burn the garlic, it will be bitter if you do.

Add all other ingredients, except seafood and simmer on low until all flavors are nicely blended and you can smell the orange slices, maybe 10 to 15 minutes. *If at this point you feel you need more liquid, add more broth but remember this is not a soup and should have more seafood than sauce.

Add grouper and cook for 5 minutes

add shrimp and mussels and cook, covered, 5 minutes or until the mussels have opened. Be careful not to over cook! Nothing worse than overcooked seafood!

Add lobster meat and briefly  heat through.

Remove orange and lemon slices and serve topped with some of the parsley along with some dense, crusty bread and the rest of that white wine.

As my aunt Mary would say,”It’s so good, it’ll make your tongue slap your back teeth out!”. Now that’s good!

I hope you will enjoy this taste of Nova Scotia and the Cabot Trail !

Clay

AAHHHH………..DINING ALFRESCO!

AAhhh………..dining alfresco! One of summer’s great pleasures and a great way to enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of nature. Communing with nature always gives my spirits a lift and what better way than dining in an outdoor setting; on a boat dock, under a large tree, in a secluded garden, on the loggia or a poolside deck.

For dinner at dusk, my friend Suzanne used to set a formal table under a large oak in her Alabama backyard complete with a beautiful tablecloth, fine china and silverware, crystal goblets and silver candlesticks. She would hang an old candle chandelier  from a tree branch to complete the setting. It was a very special and unforgettable experience!

Food just seems to taste better alfresco and I always have so much fun coming up with creative and unique table settings. Mix and match china, flatware and unexpected object d’ art to create exotic, whimsical, formal or country casual themes. Fresh flowers are a must and of course candles for those special evening dinners.

So give your imagination some free rein and create your own enchanted space for dining alfresco!

ANCIENT RUINS- I HAVE A VISION!

I have a vision! You know how much I like the juxtaposition of  ancient and organic architecture with modern and clean lined furnishings; like the 12th century oil mill recently featured in Freshome magazine—–love  it!

Wouldn’t it be fabulous to build a modern glass house into an ancient Roman temple ruin? Inspired by a trip to Tunisia, where spectacular Roman ruins are plentiful, I created in the side yard of my Cocoa Beach home, a meditation garden using a Corinthian column that I chipped up with a hammer and faux painted to look like an ancient ruined Roman column. I added a classic  three-tier water fountain, an iron Mediterranean style garden gate, large old olive urns, lots of Bougainvillea and comfortable garden seating. It was my favorite place to sit with a martini and unwind after a hard day’s work!

Expanding on that idea, I had planned to build a moat around the front of the house with  more “ruined columns and a bridge to the entry.

These ideas have evolved to the concept of  the modern glass house integrated into a “ruin”. Of course you could never build on a historic ruin, but you could construct a “ruin” with crumbling stone walls, “ancient” columns and “ruined”Mosaic floors topped with a modern glass house like architect Phillip Johnson’s famous glass house in Connecticut.

Can you see my vision? Wouldn’t it be spectacular to live in?Can we start construction right now?

I would love to hear your ideas on this concept. I look forward to your comments!

Thanks, Clay

Orlando Interior Designer and Online Shop

Clay Stephens Lifestyles of Florida, offers residential and commercial interior design services to Orlando, Winter Park, Orange County, throughtout Florida, the states and beyond.
This Orlando interior designer also offers original fine art services and an online shop for your convience.

What a good interior designer does

I think that most people don’t really understand what a good interior designer actually does. It’s entails way more than placing furniture, accessories and art work to make spaces look beautiful.

A great designer knows not only how to create beautiful spaces but also how to enhance lives and experiences.

I have worked with many clients where, together, we have created a home that nurtures and enhances their lives and actually creates a lifestyle for them.

Have you ever been in a space(home, hotel, offlice or other public arena) that made you feel special and nurtured or that created a sense of joy, wonder or awe? Well, more than likely a talented and creative designer or team of designers planned and supervised the execution of that special place!

A good interior designer can grasp the scope and “feel” of a project and know intuitively how to proceed with planning, research and implementation to achieve the desired outcome.

The first step in a project is to interview the client to obtain as much information as possible about their desires, dreams,and way of life. At this point I will usually have developed a mental picture of the way the project will look when completed! If I don’t get this picture, then I know that I need much more info or that the project isn’t right for me. It is always in the best interest of the client to decline a job that I don’t feel an affinity for and recomend for the client to interview other designers.

Being an interior designer is a hard job, but rewarding when you know you have made a positive difference on a project. I am always happy to hear that I have in some way enhanced a client’s life and exceeded their expectations!

Spring-Outdoor Living and Dining with Mother Nature

Spring, one of my favorite times of the year in the South! Mother nature puts on such a spectacular display just for us! Luscious Azaleas, Cardinals darting among the Dogwood blossoms, fresh asparagus and yummy strawberries. A time for long, leisurely walks in the park, followed by a picnic and dreams of watermelon to come! A beautiful time of awakening and renewal, this is the perfect season to refresh and revitalize your home , indoors and out.

Outdoor living and dining is at it’s best with nature inspired color palettes that provide an oasis of peace and comfort. Beautifully designed garden rooms with soothing water features and stylish , comfortable furnishings create the perfect ambiance for reveling and relaxing with those dear to you.Patios, balconies, verandas, boat docks and poolside decks are a few candidates for planning your own special place of serenity and enchantment for alfresco dining and entertaining.Scented candles, wind chimes, Moroccan lanterns and floating candles in a garden pond scattered with flower petals imbue the balmy evenings with a sense of ease and well-being.

Dress out your special retreat with accents and accessories that reflect the colors of spring. Coral, sea blues, pink and purple are a few good choices. the combinations are limited only by your imagination and daring, let nature inspire you to be your creative best!!

To awaken your interiors, add some seasonal color with accent pillows, new accessories, fresh flowers(Daffodils and Narcissus,ahhhhh! the fragrance!), area rugs or some slip covers. rearrange your art and object d’art to enjoy them from a new perspective.

So have fun with this glorious season of hope and new beginnings and enjoy outdoor living in style!

Clay Stephens-”Live Life with Joy, Wonder and Style!”

Using aged finishes in the home 2009

I wrote this article recently and hope you will enjoy the information on using aged finishes to add warm character and a sense of heritage to your home.
Faux finish illusions for walls and ceilings achieved with layers of paint and glaze are just one of the beautiful ways to create a sense of timelessness and age in your home. Subtle techniques on walls imbue a room with warmth, personalized character and the look of antiquity.Stencils can be used to create an embossed texture that adds lucious depth and detail to any technique. Crackled finishes are another way to bring more textural elegance to your interiors. There are many tools and products available for DIY,or you can hire a professional to design your own very unique look! Just remember that a little goes a long way so don’t faux everything that doesn’t move!!

Found urns, vases, pots and bowls (I love the hunt!!) can be refinished to replicate the ancient look of artifacts and bring an instant touch of history to any room. With the use of a wide variety of tools, textures, paint and glazes, you are limited only by your imagination and daring!

the ancient art form of mosaic, in stone or glass, with a wide range of colors and textures will transform tabletops, picture frames, vases and tired accessories into exotic works of art with your own creative touch!

Antique wood furniture , or new ,made to look antique with distressing, carved motifs and worn finishes with tinted washes give a feeling of heritage and tell a story of human touch through the generations. Furniture and accent pieces found in thrift shops or flea markets make perfect candidates for DIY finishes produced with hand distressing, layers of paint and stain, sanded and rubbed through to impart a comfortable timeworn elegance. I especially love dining tables that are old and worn;I love to imagine the hands that have touched them and the people that have dined around them over the ages.

Bring in antique salvaged doors and hardware, fireplace surounds, old architectural elements, tumbled marble floors or counter tops and reclaimed wood floors, or new finished to look used and worn. Add some charmingly faded antique rugs along with your personally refinished furnishings and accessories to complete your elegant interior with aged finishes!

More Design ideas using current color trends

Current color trends for interiors and clothing fashions are showing Orange everywhere from bright citrus orange mixed with black and white, to coral mixed with browns or ocean blues.

Gray is the top choice for garden accents and outdoor rooms using stoney and natural textures. Splash colors such as orange, and peacock blue make great accent colors.

White on white interiors with shimmering metalic silver are as glamorous and sophisticated as a 1930′s movie star! Design ideas featuring metalic silver on furniture, fabrics, leather and accessories abound in today’s design market.

Peacock blue is smashing on dinnerware, accent furniture and accessories or try this design idea; paint a powder bath with Sherwin Williams Posiedon(visit www.sherwinwilliams.com) in a glossy finish and use chartreuse accents for a jewel box effect!

Hot color trend

Orange has become “the” hot color trend and is certainly the color du jour! Pick up any fashion or design magazine and it is abundantly clear that Orange is here. It is a happy color, full of light, imparting the hues of sunrise and sunset.

Mix it with creme; luscious as a Dreamcicle! It’s bold and graphic when combined with black and white and as Exotic as a Moroccan spice market when paired with hot pink and/or purple!

This is truly a “hot” color trend!

Interior Design Trend-Redesign

The current interior design trend of redesign is driven by the recent economic downturn (Thankfully, I feel a little up-swing, hopefully you do too!)

Many homeowners are opting for a one day makeover,or redesign, of their interiors using existing furnishings, art and accessories. It can be a DIY project or you can hire a professional designer. Either way , it’s a fun adventure and the results can be quite dramatic, giving you a “new lease on life” by enhancing the quality of the way you live.

I remember when I was a kid, my Mom was always rearranging the furniture. Coming home from school, I would walk in to a completely new and exciting home, even though she used what we already had, but in a fresh and different way. It really gave you a wonderful emotional lift!

Redesign is about personalizing your spaces by repositioning and repurposing your existing furnshings, art and accessories to breathe new life into your home and enhance your lifestyle.

You need to start with a focal point, usually but not always, the sofa for a great or living room, the bed for a bedroom or a large and important piece of art or group of artwork. Remove all art and accessories to a “selection room”, maybe the kitchen or garage, then you can see the space as a blank canvas and begin to “paint” your new design. Now is a great time to edit and eliminate a lot of clutter and do some “spring” cleaning. Collections or groups of like objects are best used together and not scattered throughout the room.

With the help of a few friends or a professional designer,this interior design trend is an economical way to refresh and renew your rooms today and make a plan for future new purchases, if desired. It’s really great fun and the posibilities are limited only by your creativity and imagination!

Chair Designs

Chair designs through the centuries have been influenced by many things and makes a really interesting study. Did you know? Wing chairs were designed in the late 17th century to be placed in front of a fireplace; the high backs and “wings” kept the heat in around your body and the cold drafts of older houses off your back and neck.

In the mid 19th century, gentleman’s chairs had armrests but ladies chairs had no arms or very low arms and wide seats to accomodate their large hoop skirts.

the Adirondack chair was designed in 1903 to remain level when placed on a sloping mountain side to enjoy the views; hence the severely sloped back.

Chair designs in France have been influenced by the reigning monarchs for many centuries. Louis 15th, Louis 16th etc. controlled the furniture craftsman guilds and had the craftsmen design to their liking. Some liked curves and more ornate designs and others liked straight lines and less ornamentation.

Ergonomic chair designs follow form and function and are based on the human skeletal and muscular frame. Office chairs are a good example of this design.

Do you know any more influences on chair design? I would love to hear from you!
Clay

The Home as Sanctuary

World events being what they are today, your home should be a haven that nurtures your soul and restores your spirit! Restful and serene interiors that reflect nature and incorporate the beauty of organic materials are the hallmark of a restorative home. Lucious silk, fine cotton, textural linen, the warmth of wood and the earthiness of stone are a few tactile choices that awaken the sense of touch and sight, creating the home as sanctuary.

Please click on photo to veiw larger image of this restfull and nurturing  master bedroom; deep, rich colors with silk drapery and bedding. Sumptious!

Enjoy beautifully scented candles, fresh, fragrant flowers and perhaps create a “memories” potpourri filled with shells collected on seaside vacations; flowers, recieved as gifts that you have dried; saved champagne and wine corks from life’s celebrations or other special objects that evoke fond memories! Caress the sense of smell!

Comforting sounds such as recordings of wind chimes or bird song and soft music playing in the background along with the laughter of family and friends imbue a feeling of peace and contentment.

Hand crafted bowls filled with sumptious fruits or vegetables give you a renewed appreciation of nature’s bounty!

Family heirlooms, collected treasures and old books are wonderful for those contemplative moments.

Choose soft color palettes to impart a calming ambiance or darker, richer colors to embrace and cocoon. Color is very personal, you should choose those that make you feel peaceful and happy, then wrap yourself in them!

This step is crucial! Clear out clutter and do some “spring” cleaning. Remove anything that has a negative vibe. It’s great, cheap therapy and will create a positive, happy energy in your home!

Finally, immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of art and objects that speak to you in a special way; wheather a fabulous flea market find or priceless antique, these are the elements that create the home as sanctuary! And always remember to “Live Life with Joy, Wonder and Style”!

Interior design- Ancient meets Modern

One of my favorite designers of all time, Michael Taylor, was mentioned in the May/June issue of Veranda magazine(one of my favorite magazines!!) His work speaks to me on so many levels. I too enjoy mixing organic materials with clean, open spaces. Ancient meets modern! I would love to work with a client that appreciates this design direction and is open to new ideas! Modern furniture shapes mixed with artifacts, original abstract art, and lots of textural play with fabrics and materials;All in a light filled,open space that brings the outdoors in. Ancient Meets Modern– so many posibilities!!!

Summer Newsletter- Spring Market Report-Design and Color Trends

The long, Hot central Florida summer is here! Time to relax with afternoon naps, picnics, reading on the beach and backyard cookouts; don’t forget the watermellon!! Yummm! Love that color, too!

After some spring cleaning, now is the time to lighten up and revitalize your interiors.The spring High Point Market was abundant with many exciting design and color trends.

Classic black is the “new” black! It was represented in chic black crystal chandeliers, distressed and embellished pottery accent pieces, handsome black bamboo furniture ( I love it!) and even a black seashell chandelier to punch up the popular marine themed interiors.

Sophisticated neutrals in stone, cream, buff and lilac tinted, smoky grays were strong and are comfortable and timeless colors. I never tire of a neutral palette!

As I have said before, orange is everywhere along with hot pink and watery shades of blue from deep azure to pale ice; they are as uplifting and fresh as an ocean breeze!

Luxury fabrics were naturally fabulous in textural linens (always wonderful for a summer interior!), nubby cottons, slubbed silk and leather, they beg to be touched!

Out of Africa motifs with elephants, monkeys, leopards and other wildlife combined with geometric patterns and tribal prints to create an exotic montage for fabrics.

Give yourself a new lease on life for the summer by editing down your living area; less clutter is so calming! Replace heavy rugs with sisal or seagrass- instant summer! Add some bright, colorful accent pillows and maybe slipcover some of your chairs with linen in soft pale summery colors. Even dining chairs take on new life when slipcovered. If possible, replace drapery with creamy, diaphanous fabrics for a light and breezy feel!

Lots of fresh green plants, bowls of citrus scented potpourri and lushly fragranced candles cool and calm the senses. Add an organic water feature to create a soothing ambiance. There are so many choices; table top, wall mounted or freestanding in sizes and prices from very small to as large as your space and budget will allow!

The redesign trend is so popular, especially for seasonal changes, I find myself very busy helping clients get ready for a relaxing and fun summer! I’m also taking some time to rework my own space. It’s fun to rearrange and repurpose furnishings, art and accessories; you appreciate them in a whole new way!

I hope these design and color trend reports inspire you to have fun redecorating for the summer!

Ceiling Design and Details

Ceilings are one of the most over looked and forgotten opportunities for design applications in a home or commercial space. I haven’t done a white ceiling, by choice, in over 20 years. Such an expansive space shouldn’t be just painted white and ignored in the design process, but I see it all the time. Even in an all white room, I will add some color or other details to the ceiling design.

Moldings, panels, beams, coffers, medallions, textures, trompe l’oeil and faux painting add so much depth and wonderfull detail to your rooms.
At the very least, paint the ceiling a color;wheather bold or just a subtle tint, the results are dramatic and finish the design of the space.

Any one studying design, or with an interest in design, should visit the John and Mable Ringling home in Sarasota;the fabulous interiors and exquisite ceiling designs are so spectacular! Inspired by a trip to Venice, John Ringling imported Venetian craftsmen to create many of the design details for walls and ceilings. It is worth the drive to Sarasota just to tour this grand mansion not to mention all the other art venues in that area.
For a preview go to http://www.ringling.org/cadmansion.aspx
John and Mable Ringling named the home Ca d’Zan which means “House of John”; a great place to study the many varied applications of ceiling design and details; beams, coffers, handpainted, trompe l’oeil and more!

Exotic Home DesignTrends

The summer furniture and accessories markets are a magic carpet ride of style! Moorish shapes; Moroccan motifs;Patterns from Egyptian architecture;Berber inspired latticework designs; Hot pink excites orange; Candles scented with orange blossoms caress your senses and transport you to mysterious and mystical places! These home design trends are exotic and alluring! I love interiors that mix cultures and periods in creative and unusual ways!

A day in the life of an interior designer and artist

I drag my tired self (sleepless night- weird dreams about clients/projects!)
out of bed at 6:30 A.M.
-Coffee,news (will this economic disaster ever turn around??), check e-mail, more coffee.
-Feed the fish and Rusty Kat
-Peruse design magazines ( I subscribe/buy a dozen or more!) for inspiration and information.
-Breakfast; a toasted bagel with peanut butter.
-Shower, etc. Ready to face the day!
-Spend an hour or so reviewing/approving selection sheet for large residential project.
-Respond to e-mails; I have Twittered, blogged and am, for sure, Linkedin.
-Work on furnishings selections for 6,000 sq. ft. home.
-Continue work on article for my blog regarding antebellum home interiors and specifically how they incorporated faux finishes. To be posted soon.
-Prepare outline for proposed ” Economic Stimulus Art and Design Expo”.
Note possible committee members and participants.
-Recieve new e-mail ( does anyone talk on the phone anymore??); Client needs to finalize lighting selecions for home under construction. We work on that via. e-mail and get it done!
-Lunch; I try to be good, but——-! Still need to lose 15 lbs. 20 would be better!!
-I get a nice e-mail from my sig. other trying to bolster my spirits regarding this dismal, trainwreck of an economy. I know it will get better soon and try to stay busy/positive! Need to quit watching the news!
-Getting a burst of creative energy, I decide to work on some small paintings that have been marinating in my head for some time. I paint for a while and leave them to start the drying process; at different stages of drying, I will manipulate the paint- these are done intuitively w/ a wet in wet technique and have a landscape/beachscape quality. Neutral palette; sienna, umber, black and white.
-Shuffle notes around ( again!) for cookbook I’m writing and writing and writing!! Will I ever get it done?? You can see excerpts on my web site Http://claystephens.com
-Follow up call to vendor for quote on fireplace surround.
-Prepare space plan/furniture layout for pool side patio and e-mail to client. Looking for furnishings options.
-Back to painting- looking good!
-Schedule yearly check up appt. for our Rusty kat.
-Sig. other is home and it’s 5:15; our martini time!!!(three blue cheese stuffed olives and please make it dirty!) He gets up early to go to the gym, so we don’t get to visit much in the A.M. Now is our time to sit, sip martinis and discuss our day; watch more bad news and prepare dinner. He critiques my new paintings- he likes!! Of course, I will continue to adjust/”pick at” them for a few days more. I never know when to quit!
-Dinner and more conversation about world and local events, art, design, work and possible future travel plans/dreams.
-A little more T.V.; Travel and science channels maybe a sitcom to lighten the mood.
-Final check of e-mail and early to bed—I’m tired, tired! Start it all again tomorrow!

Yacht Interiors

For Yacht interiors, this yacht is unbelievable and the exterior design boggles the mind. A floating island; what a concept, and the interiors; live tree and all! Wally Yachts and Hermes partnered to create this $160,000,000.00 dream. Go to http://www.why-yachts.com then click on “WHY” at upper left and then the different spaces. I think I really need one!!

I’m getting ready for the Women’s Expo to be held this Friday, March 12th and Saturday, March 13th at the Merritt Square Mall from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. I will have a table top vignette of fine art and unique accessories. It will be fun and I hope to see all of my clients and friends there!!

Design Trivia

If you are southern born, you are probably familiar with the practice of painting porch ceilings the color “haint blue”. The ancient African tradition, brought to the south by the slaves, of painting window and door trim, shutters and porch ceilings a watery shade of blue to ward off haints or evil spirits, has become part of the cultural fiber of southern towns like Charleston, Savannah and New Orleans. It was believed that haints could not cross water so this water like color tricked the spirits into believing that they couldn’t enter, therefore protecting the dwellers from misfortune. Visit the Sherwin Williams web site and see color SW6498;this is a haint blue tint. Haint blue can range from sky blue to aqua shades and graces many porch ceilings in the old south.

Silk Road exotic designs

As exotic as a journey on the ancient Silk Road ( check out www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/silkroad It’s a fascinating study!!) classic Asian, ancient Mumbai and colorful Thai motifs are strong design influences seen at home and accessory markets around the globe. These are great mixed with modern and contemporary styles. I love this mix and have used it on many design projects over the years. Interiors I completed dating back as much as 25 years ago still look current. It’s a timeless and exciting approach to design.

The Joy of Herb Gardening

If you have the space and sun requirements, plant a herb garden; or with limited space, you can create your garden in beautiful, interesting terracotta or glazed containers. Nothing compares to the joy and rewards of herb gardening. Fresh herbs for your recipes and the beauty and fragrance of the garden as you stroll through and pick your harvest are pleasures that will truly nourish your soul! I usually plant rosemary (one of my favorites!), basil (so good with home grown tomatoes), sage, mint, oregano, parsley, thyme and sometimes chives. These seem to be the ones I use the most but you, of course, should plant your favorites. Mix in some nasturtiums and marigolds to make a colorful and edible garden. Marigold blooms add great flavor and color to soups and stews and nasturtium blooms look and taste fabulous in salads and the seeds can be pickled to use in place of capers. This arrangement of herbs and flowers looks especially attractive in a large flat dish type container.The addition of a bird feeder, bird bath or water fountain completes the ambiance and brings the added enjoyment,music and joy of song birds to your garden.

Herbs are easy to grow and are most happy with lots of sunshine and well drained soil. Mint is the exception and likes its soil to remain moist. My mother always grew her mint under the backyard faucet, which she allowed to drip very slowly. The mint grew lush and fragrant and perfect to use as a garnish for her home brewed iced tea—so beautiful and refreshing on those hot summer days in Georgia!

This is an excerpt from my cookbook that I hope to finish someday and get published! I hope you enjoyed this offering and will watch for more!

A Brief History of The Legends of Artichokes

This is a brief history of the legends of artichokes and a recipe from my cook book in progress.

Dating back to around 371 to 287 BC the artichoke is believed to be native to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. The part we eat is the flower bud of the plant that opens to a violet-blue thistle flower.

Aegean legend says that Zeus seduced a beautiful young mortal woman and was so smitten with her that he made her a goddess so she could stay close to him at his home on Olympia. Becoming homesick, she made a secret visit back to the world of mortals to see her mother. When she returned to Olympia, Zeus was so enraged by her un-goddess like behavior that he hurled her back to earth in the form of a thistle plant, what we now know as an artichoke.

Artichoke Salad
Combine:
1 can artichoke hearts, quartered
1 large tomato( home grown or farmer’s market,of course!)
1/2 cup fried corn kernels
1/2 cup sliced black olives
Toss with:
A good splash Balsamic vinegar
2 0r 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Garlic powder to taste
Salt
Lots of freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon of Italian herbs
A good sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese

Fabulous and healthy flavors of the Mediterranean! I hope you have enjoyed the legend of the artichoke and my recipe! Stay tuned for more!

The Chaise Lounge

Did you know? The chaise lounge (spelled longue, in French), or “long chair” as translated from the French, is a cross between a chair and a day bed and can be used for sitting or reclining and the correct pronunciation is sheyz long. Almost all cultures including the Romans, Egyptians and Chinese developed some form of the chaise lounge. It became considered a “must have” for the stylish home during the reign of King Louis XV. Sign up for my quarterly newsletter to learn more about the chaise lounge. www.claystephens.com

Faux Painting in Antebellum Times

I had the pleasure , several years ago , to visit the Waverly Plantation Mansion in West Point ,MS. My first impression of this stately example of Antebellum greek revival architecture still remains strong in my mind today; it was a breathtaking two-story structure built around a third story octagonal shaped cupola. All of the rooms in the house opened on the central area and created a natural air conditioning effect with the hot air rising up, as in a chimney, and escaping through the open windows in the top floor cupola. But the thing that so impressed me was the extensive use of faux painting techniques in the interiors. The pine doors ( pine was the most plentiful wood available in the area) were faux painted in wood grained Mahogany, Walnut or Birdseye Maple finishes and wood baseboards were painted to replicate marble. Until that visit I had not given much thought to the history of faux painting and had assumed it was a contemporary art; now I know that the art dates back millennia to the first cave paintings but the faux finishes in the decorative arts began 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia.

Organic and Stone Age colors

My sources tell me that organic and Stone Age colors and textures are HOT! Works for me! Sandstone, nutmeg and other brown tones pair with gemstone colors such as citrine( so pale and gorgeous!), turquoise, carcelian and pink tourmaline; sand, sun and sea mix for a soothing and nurturing ambiance. We just put together, for our new design center, a pool bath with a ceramic wall tile that mimics driftwood planks with an inset wall panel of brown, cream and gray glass mosaic tiles( a nod to beach glass) and a floor of river rock in the same color mix.We will finish with an aged driftwood sink pedestal, a rustic copper sink and then add in some sea water colored towels and accessories and a spectacular cieling treatment to complete this organically inspired bath. Our new design center is scheduled to open in Melbourne, Florida early this fall! Exciting!

Pineapple Motifs in Interior Design

Pineapple motifs have been a popular interior design theme used for centuries. Christopher Columbus discovered pineapple in the Caribbean Islands and transported it to Europe where it was grown in hot houses. From there it made its way to the American Colonies and on to Hawaii, where it was cultivared on large plantations. The Europeans gave it the name pineapple because the outside resembled a pine cone and the inside fruit was sweet like an apple.

Hostesses in the American Colonies would rent them from produce grocers for their special dinners and then return them to be sold to the wealthy for consumption! Because of pineapple’s great popularity for entertaining, it soon became the symbol of hospitality and friendship and the motif was incorporated by artisans into many decorative carvings used as interior design elements above doorways, as finials on gate posts and other areas of the home. Today we still see the motif in dishes, platters , bedpost finials and many more home accents used for interior design projects including decorative pillows, upholstery fabrics and drapery.

Home interiors color trends 2011 – 2012

Home interiors color trends 2011 – 2012 snap shot:
I see soothing shades of turquoise paired with hot and spicy orange hues in home interiors as well as on the fashion runway; this color combo promises to be the star right through 2012!

Combos such as black and white and blue and white remain classics.

Deep, rich and Royal, purple still reigns!

Fuchsia gorgeous with pale chartreuse!

All shades of blue from classic navy to ice.

Watch for emerald; deep and glorious!

Origins of Chintz

Chintz originated in India where it was wood block printed, stained or painted on calico fabric. It was inported by Protugese sailors to Europe in the 1600s. Style consious English women of the 1600s and 1700s re-imagined it and used it for clothing and home decor. It was extremely expensive and rare but over time found its way throughout Europe and America and has remained a perennial favorite since. Google chintz and see the Wikipedia difination- very interesing!

“Black and Bling”- Interior and Color Trends

On a recent trip to DCOTA in Dania, Florida we found lots of “black and bling” leading the interior and color trends we saw on display there. Black is still the timeless neutral of choice and a touch of black works in any interior theme; add in some crystals and metallic threads worked into window blinds, upholstery, accent pillows and wallcoverings for a glamorous touch of “bling”! So sophisticated!

I have always prefered a neutral palette with pops of color brought in with art and accessories. I look at neutral interiors I did as long as 15 to 20 years ago and they still look timeless today. The trick is to juxtapose textures and pay attention to balance, scale and details.

In one of my many residences ( I move a lot—-love the challenge of decorating a new place!) I did my kitchen in all black;black chalkboard walls and ceilings, absolute black granite counter tops, black glazed cherry cabinets and black appliances. It was the talk of the town and my friends loved writing messages in chalk on the walls; so fun! If I had been brave enough,some crystal cabinet hardware would have added some “bling” but was just a little too over the top for me—–I tend to like a more masculine and tailored approach for my personal interiors!!

Great Design Enhances Lives and Experiences

“Design is about enriching lives…………” So says Angelo Surmelis and I couldn’t agree more! I have said before that great design enhances lives and experiences. If you have ever been in a space (private home, hotel room or lobby, museum, etc.) that uplifted your spirits, or gave you a special feeling about being in the moment, you can more than likely thank a designer or team of designers that put a tremendous amount of thought and planning into that space to achieve the result you felt. Nothing gives me more pleasure than having a client tell me that I have enhanced their lives in some way. That is a very special feeling and the reason I love my job as an interior designer!

The Power of Paint

Although Mario Buatta and I have a different design aesthetic, I agree with his views on the power of paint and the use of color, especially on ceilings. I’ve said this before and Mario Buatta says it again in a recent issue of Elle Decor ” The ceiling is the forgotten surface. Paint it a color, or cover it with wallpaper……….” I haven’t , voluntarily, left a white ceiling in any of my interiors in over 20 years. When I walk into a space with a white ceiling it is so jarring and distracting to me! Of course in an all white room with a white on white color scheme you might leave the ceiling white but I would probably paint it a different tone than the walls; maybe pale gray or soft camel, depending on the rest of the elements of the room. I recently covered a tray ceiling in a model home with cork wall covering and it looked spectacular!

So remember the power of paint when designing your rooms and do something with that ceiling!! For example, pale blue brings in the sky and a pale yellow replicates sunshine; be creative and experiment! Rules were made to be broken!

Lemons used for decoration and fragrance

During a tour of Antebellum plantations ( I have had a long love affair with old, historical houses!) in Mississippi and Louisiana we were told by the tour guides that bowls of lemons were placed throughout antebellum mansions for their beauty as decoration as well as their wonderful fragrance. This was also considered a sign of wealth in those days because only the wealthy could afford to buy lemons.

Lemons, as far as research can tell, were first cultivated in China or India and South Asia. From there they made their way to the Arabic countries and lemons, or “Persian Apples”, as the Romans called them, were brought to Italy by Christopher Columbus ( he was responsible for importing so many things back to Italy, including pineapples!). He traveled to Hispaniola and introduced them to the Caribbean Islands. During the Spanish conquest of the New World, lemons were introduced to the Americas.

Lemons, in many cultures are the symbol of longevity, purification, love and friendship. In Christianity they symbolize fidelity in love. The Tibetan Buddha, Jambhala is associated with the lemon because of its symbolization of longevity.

I hope this has been interesting and that this brief history of lemons will come to mind the next time you see lemons used for decoration, in art, for fabric designs or other interior design motifs. I do love to have a bowl of lemons on display in my kitchen.

Today’s Color Trends

Today’s color trends are globally inspired and all over the board but since I prefer natural and earth toned colors, I will address that palette today.

Because of the internet and social media, we really do live in a global society. Our access to news and information is unlimited today and has a great influence on our tastes and the sophistication of our design aesthetic.

The turmoil and unease of today’s world-wide events make us seek sanctuary in our homes. Organic, earth tones and nature inspired palettes embrace, comfort and nurture our spirits!

Recent reports from the High Point Market indicate that this color trend is strong and works hand in hand with globally inspired, ethnic and artisan decorations such as hand carved details, embroidery, beadwork, hand painted accents and handcrafted furnishings and object d’ art.

Deep brown with red undertones, golden Tuscan shades, olive and foliage inspired greens, mushroom tones and deep terracotta are just a few of the earthy and organic colors leading the trend for now. And, of course, spicy, hot orange and cool turquoise are fabulous accents for this palette!!

This color trend speaks strongly to me and is my color direction of choice. I especially enjoy the juxtaposition of modern with ancient!

I hope you have enjoyed this brief talk on today’s color trends and I would enjoy hearing your thoughts and ideas on this topic!

Clay Stephens http://www.claystephens.com

Fabulous Garden Living Rooms!

I absolutely love creating fabulous garden living rooms! This is an area where you can be boldly creative with plants, furnishings and accessories. Summer is the time for easy living, enjoying the outdoors and the soothing sights and sounds of nature! Garden living rooms provide the perfect place to celebrate the season with family and friends.

An enchanted, secluded outdoor room becomes a peaceful retreat with water features, wind chimes and the magic of fireflies twinkling in the dusk. See solar-powered firefly lights at www.fireflymagic.com

All weather furnishings are available to create garden rooms for living, dining, entertaining and even sleeping. No longer the old boring outdoor fabric fare of the past, now we have a banquet of new weather proof fabrics in colors and styles that define Traditional, Exotic, Zen, Modern and just about any combination you can dream up! You are limited only by your daring and imagination, so get started and create your own fabulous garden living rooms!

I will be speaking on this topic in more detail soon, so check back often. If you have questions about garden living rooms please contact me through my site http://www.claystephens.com

I look forward to hearing from you!
Clay

Reclaimed! Repurposed! Reworked!Recycled!

Reclaimed! Repurposed! Reworked! Recycled! I’m feeling green these days! I’m really lovin’ those reclaimed wood floors and furniture!! Check out http://www.urbanhardwoods.com  Fabulous!

Fabulous Wilted Spinach Recipe

Dennis and I decided that we would treat ourselves to grilled lamb chops for dinner last night. To go with that, we came up with a fabulous wilted spinach recipe which will be included in the cookbook  I am writing.It’s really a simple recipe but soooo good!

Melt 1 tablespoon butter and add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large pot; add the fresh spinach and wilt. Toss wilted spinach with toasted pine nuts, freshly ground nutmeg, salt and crumbled feta cheese. Yummm! We served a side dish of creamy risotto to round out our menu.

A friend gave us a bottle of a red wine we were not familiar with ;Napa Valley wine, The Prisoner. It was actually very good so would definitely buy for ourselves.

Since we had martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives ( our favorite drink!) before dinner , we decided this morning that we probably could have done with out the wine! Cest’ la Vie!

We hope you will enjoy our Fabulous Wilted Spinach Recipe!!!

Clay and Dennis

Inspired by Travel- Village Ken, Tunisia

I am always inspired by travel and the culture, art and artists of other countries. A few years ago, I was blessed to be able to participate in a 12 day art and architectural tour of Tunisia in North Africa. It is a country of great contrasts from the most rustic way of life on the Algerian border to the modern Hotels and casinos on the Lybian border.

 One of the most interesting visits was to Village Ken in Sidi-Khlifa. I have never seen so much creativity in one place; it was truly amazing and inspiring! This village ,or city of the arts ,was the dream of Tunisian artist Nejib Belkhodja and architect Slah Samaoui built it acording to the artist’s drawings. Ken in Arabic means ” Once upon a time” and this school is dedicated to re-teaching the dissapearing crafts and all techniques and art forms that express the Mediterranean, Arab-Muslim and African cultural heritage. Nejib Belkhodja introduced abstract art to Africa and was tireless in  promoting the arts there.

“Artistic creation is what links the multiple fibres of a …….cultural personality. This is a place (that) restores our faith in humanity. Love, friendship, art and architecture flow through this village like water.”

Glorious masses of bouganvillea cover the pristine white stuccoed walls which are constructed with only “local materials and ancestral know how”. Music, textile weaving, architecture, pottery, furniture making and the fine and performing arts are just a few of the creative genres taught here with an emphasis on old, traditional methods.

Village Ken remains one of the most inspiring and uplifting experiences of my life and I hope to visit again some day and perhaps spend some time studing the arts there.

Old Rustic House – Hope Town, Elbow Cay the Abacos

Ten days of relaxed bliss, crystalline turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches and that wonderful, salty sea air———ahhhh, the Abacos! My late partner Bill and I stayed in an old wooden house on the ocean that gave you a whole new respect for the term”rustic”! It was riddled with Woodpecker holes ( we didn’t know this until we arrived late on a Sunday night—too late!). Sugar ants wondered what we were doing in their house, so any groceries had to be kept in the minuscule refrigerator or hung in bags from the rafters.

Noisy Woodpecker visits during the afternoon nap in the back bedroom were a little disconcerting, but harmless after the first scare!

Our visit was great fun, though, with long walks on  the beach in search of shells and beach glass to add to our collections. Curly tail lizards, very curious and almost tame, always kept us company while lounging on the deck with our evening martinis. Bill was petrified of them, so naturally, they wanted to give him special love and attention! I thought they were cute and enjoyed trying to feed them leftover bits of food.

We first sampled peas and rice, a staple of that culture, on one of our many excursions via golf cart ( pretty much the only means of transport!) into Hope Town proper. A friendly native lady was cooking peas and rice in a ramshackle clapboard hut and convinced us , easily, that we needed to have some for lunch. It was savory, creamy and delicious!

Here’s my take on Bahamian Peas and Rice with a southern spin and reminiscent of Hoppin’ John eaten by all self-respecting southerners on New Year’s day to bring good luck and prosperity! The flavors of the Abacos and Georgia come together, rich and luscious!

The original recipe uses Pigeon Peas and brown rice and has as many variations as there are cooks! Try your own!

8 servings

You will need:

Olive oil; 1 sweet onion, chunked up; 1 medium jar chopped pimento, drained; 8 or more ounces cooked pork, cut into bite sized pieces; 4 tbsp ketchup; 1 tomato, chopped; 2 cups fresh or frozen black eye peas, cooked with salt and pepper and some of the pork for flavor , than drained; Garlic powder to taste, 2 sprigs fresh thyme( you can use dried); salt to taste; lots of freshly ground black pepper; a 10 oz. can coconut milk;  3 cups water; 3 cups chicken stock; 2 tsp browning sauce; 3 cups uncooked long grain white rice; Worcestershire sauce.

Heat oil in large pot and saute pork briefly to get some of the flavors into the oil, remove pork and cook onion till transparent.

Add Pork back to the pot along with ketchup, tomato, peas, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper.

Stir in coconut milk, water, broth and browning sauce; bring to a boil and add rice. Simmer covered on low heat for 45 minutes.

Serve in bowls with a splash of Worcestershire sauce on each serving along with some Bahamian sweet bread. This is and a wonderful and nutritious one dish meal!

I hope you will enjoy this story and taste of Hope Town!

Clay

Wow!Fuchsia and Orange; Exotic and earthy colors in Mexico

Wow! This combination of fuchsia and orange is so exotic and lush! You know how I love exotic architecture and interiors. As featured in the latest edition of Object International magazine,Casa Torre, in Mexico, was designed by architect Diego Villasignor in the “palapa” style using chromatic earth tones with touches of Luis Barragan styling and colors. A palapa is a thatched-roof, open sided building or “tiki hut” like structure that offers sanctuary from the hot tropical sun.

Luis Barragan is considered the most important Mexican architect of the 20th century and designed some of the most spectacular modernist homes and buildings in Mexico. His use of earth and spectacular sunset colors is fabulous and awe-inspiring. I want to study more about this exceptional, self-taught architect and his use of exotic and earthy colors.

I hope you have enjoyed this brief story on modern architecture in Mexico.

Clay

Syrie-ous Glamour! Syrie Maugham all white rooms.

Syrie Maugham designed her first all white room in 1927, near  the end of the Victorian era when rooms were small, dark and cluttered. She cleaned up the clutter , used all white  colors with mirrored folding screens, shagreen covered tables, pickled woods,  crackled and lacquered finishes; she revolutionized interior decorating and defined the glamour and luxury of the 1030′s.

She was one of the first decorators to strip down and re-finish charming antique furniture pieces, that had little value, in pickled , painted and lacquered finishes giving them a lighter more modern appeal.

Syrie had a penchant for geometric patterned area rugs that she used to ground her rooms and add another layer of texture. As you know, playing texture against texture is so important in a tone on tone interior ; she was a master at this.

Bushy moss fringe, plaster work floor lamps in the shape of palm trees, Dolphin table bases, fur carpets, white leather dining chairs and white velum covered books are just a few of the hallmarks that define the glamour of the Syrie Maugham white on white rooms. 

She has had a lasting influence on many designers since that time including one of my favorites, the notable California designer, Michael Taylor. I look at rooms he designed decades ago and they still look current and timeless today! His rooms combined neutral tone on tone colors with fabulous organic shapes and materials; exotic, glamorous, luxurious and most importantly, comfortable! Syrie-ous glamour indeed!

Interior Design Trends Snapshot 2012-2013

All that glitters is gold!

Cool gray tones move towards brown.

Modern, clean lines in furnishings; less ornamentation.

Eclectic, personal style.

Aqua shades are still du jour.

Sunset colors-orange, pink and red.

The “collected” look- my favorite!

Aged finishes and antique styling juxtaposed with modern, clean interiors- a great mix!

I hope you have enjoyed this brief Interior Design Trends Snapshot for 2012-2013!

Live Life with Joy, Wonder and Style!
Clay

Interior Design Trend Snapshot 2011-2012

This interior design trend snapshot for 2011 through 2012 is a compilation of my observations of what’s hot in interior design for now and into 2012.

All things reptilian;Snakeskin, Crocodile and Alligator on everything ! lamps, furniture, wallcoverings, fabrics and the fashion runway. Love it!!

Graphic print fabrics; bold stripes and chevron in particular. Zebra fits into this category and is one of my favorites and has become a classic—-works with anything!

Lucite furniture. An old favorite of mine re-interpreted in new ways!

Abstract, modern art; especially wonderful when mixed with a traditional interior—-love the juxtaposition of the two different genres!

Wallcoverings are making a comeback and especially grass cloth which I have used for the 3 decades I have been in the business.

Unapologetic elegance and glamour!! Think Hollywood in the thirties and forties! Fabulous!

Of course, anything organic and/or green———-save the environment!

The artful mix; eclectic, in other words! Love, love it—-especially Bohemian, global and ethnic designs!

Persimmon—- HOT and spicy! The new, lush, shade of orange .

I hope you have enjoyed this trend snapshot for 2011 -2012! Stay tuned for more!

Always remember to “Live Life with Joy, Wonder and Style!”

Clay

RECYCLE; REDESIGN-DEBUTING THE QUEEN VIKI CHAIR

This is a perfect example of how to recycle and redesign a chair and end up with a one of a kind object; fun and quirky!

This recycled and redesigned chair comes with her own matching brush for maintenance!!

I’m sure you can tell the before and the after!

Interior Design 2011- Trend Alert!

During  periods of national and global unrest and times of crisis we often look to a time in the past when we felt  safe and our lives were calm and secure. Following are some interior design trends for 2011:

-Looking to the past;all things vintage

-Ethnic designs; drawing on our heritage.

-Calming neutral colors such as brown, beige and white punched up with bold colors of optimism such as orange, turquoise, red and yellow .

- Simple clean lines in furnishings; less clutter and less ornate- traditional and Old World lightened up with a contemporary mix.

-Anything natural, organic and sustainable; this makes us feel good about re-using, re-purposing, re-working and doing something positive for our planet!

-Renewed interest in family, hearth and home; we are spending more quality time with family  and  more time at home.

I hope you have enjoyed this interior design 2011 trend alert and I would love to hear your opinions on our times and how you see it affecting our lives and the way we live today.

Clay