“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” - Andy Warhol
Count Our Blessings
Running Water
The other day the plumbers had to turn the water off for a few hours. A minor inconvenience, and bit annoying, but it made us realize that something as simple as running water we often take for granted. This holiday season we must also remember to count our blessing for the little things like a tap with running water, lights that turn on, a furnace that heats, and even a washing machine for laundry… the list goes on!
Jewelry for the Kitchen and Bath
While we’re on the subject of the running water, we started to think about plumbing fixtures. The kitchen faucet, water filter, tub filler, hand spray, etc. are the functional pieces you handle everyday. These fixtures are the ‘work horses’ and the familiar furnishings you touch multiple times a day. They are not only functional but can be the “jewelry” in the space - beautiful, sparkling polished nickel, moody black matte, or elegant brass.
Scroll through our December Notes to see some of the faucets and fixtures we’ve used on projects and how they add a finishing touch to the overall design.
Also we have a list of our favorites gifts, what we are cooking, what we are reading and what we are watching!
Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year.
Terrell and Joyce
The Jewelry of the Kitchen and Bath
“I think jewelry can change an outfit more than anything else” - Iris Apfel
We often call the plumbing fixtures “ the jewelry of the kitchen or bath” because it adds that certain sparkle to the space.
Style and polished nickel finish sets the tone for the design of this elegant bath. Fixtures by House of Rohl.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
The polished nickel THG faucets have a utilitarian elegance which work beautifully with the stained wood vanity and the modern wall sconces.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
Front and center, this THG bath faucet integrates with the tub, floor and accent wall design.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
Have some fun! The wall mounted Watermark faucet and bare bulb wall sconce playfully compliment the vintage mirror and colorful floor tiles.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
You can’t hide the shower fixtures so make sure they sparkle! Fittings by Newport Brass.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
The traditional Newport Brass sink faucet style works together with the cabinet hardware, light fixtures and the elegant design of the vanity.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
The faucet by California Faucets peeks above the tub adding to the luxurious design.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
Pretty, pretty, pretty! This Waterstone prep sink faucet is a show stopper!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
How about a beautiful brass water spout by Newport Brass to fill a pitcher at the bar.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
This powder room captures the client’s whimsy and nostalgic memories and sparkles with a brass faucet by Watermark.
Photo: Meghan O’Brien
A Few of Our Holiday Gift Picks
Elevate your slipper situation over the holidays.
A set of vintage monogrammed napkin rings brings a sentimental element to your tablescape.
Oaxaca floral candle. Too pretty to burn!
A tole hibiscus that lasts all year long.
Serving bowl, orchid pot, ice bucket - everyone needs a beautiful cache pot. Handmade in several beautiful colors.
Illuminate your table with shimmering salt and pepper shakers.
L'or de Seraphine x Sheila Bridges Morningside Park Medium Ceramic Jar Candle
Beautifully embroidered cocktail napkins perfect for serving hot chocolate.
A highly detailed, one-off tiny porcelain globe, by ceramicist Loraine Rutthand painted with earth and mineral pigments makes a simply stunning gift.
A sweet wooden holiday wine stopper
A wool blend blanket with a vibrant pattern is always a good idea!
What We Are Cooking
Looking for something delicious to feed your family this holiday, this is a wonderful soup to make. Your entire house will smell good as it slowly bubbles away throughout the afternoon.
White Bean Soup
-Serves Six
1 ½ lbs. smoked ham hocks (shanks)
1 lb. pkg. small white beans
3 sliced carrots
3 stalks celery sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
3 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
water to cover
Put all ingredients in a soup pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 3-4 hours. It will get very thick, so add water when you think it needs it. Somewhere down the line remove the ham (at the 3 hour mark) and cool them. Cut the meat off the bones, discard the fat and return the meat and bones to the pot. When you’re ready to serve, remove the bones and the bay leaves & bring out some crusty bread and butter.
Enjoy!
What We Are Watching
Everyone is talking about the new season of ‘White Lotus.’ It does not disappoint! The cast of characters are complicated and goofy. We are on the edge of our seats with the twists and turns, the deceit and speculation! By the time you receive this newsletter, the mystery will be solved, but no spoiler alerts here!
Watch it here and let us know what you think.
What We Are Reading
Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met my 35 Siblings By Chrysta Bilton
The author’s memoir chronicles her larger-than-life mother’s desire to have children as a single, gay woman living in Los Angeles in the 80’s. A homeless father (or more of a sperm donor), a mother’s wild lifestyle, a dysfunctional childhood, you wonder how the author survives. There are so many twists and turns but the wildest is when the author figures out she is dating her half-brother. A real page turner, this book makes most families look like Ozzie and Harriet.
Happy New Year,
Joyce & Terrell