Alice’s Letter
2
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Alice’s Letter
3
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Alice’s Letter
4
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Alice’s Letter
5
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Alice’s Letter
6
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Alice’s Letter
7
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Color Theory Yellow, Grey & Robin's Egg Blue A welcome respite from rental white, band-aid brown and that lone merlot wall, this palette alternative is sure to invigorate each corner of your home, and won't burn your eyes out.
photo courtesy of www.doingitourselves.com
It may seem a bit pastel, but you can layer any number of colors over these, without sinking to the usual level of 'neutral' paint schemes that are ravaging the world today. Painting your walls has long been credited as the cheapest and quickest way to change the feel of a room. When deciding what colors to paint where, keep in mind what the room you are painting is used for, as different colors affect your brain in unique ways. Yellow is one of the most difficult colors for your eyes to take in, and also the easiest color to get wrong. The paint chip should look too neutral with yellow - you should wonder whether it will be vibrant enough.
8
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Color Theory Buttery, creamy yellows are less likely to be gaudy, and will accomplish the sunny glow you are after. If you are really cautious, start with adding yellow in the details, like china, textiles, artwork or furniture, and paint your walls grey or blue. Yellow is known for its positive connotations in the color world. Some claim it gives you energy, helps relieve depression, can revitalize your memory, and possibly even help with metabolism, appetite and digestion. Grey can be a comforting, calm color when used as a backdrop for your living space. It would work well in a bedroom, or other rooms used for relaxing. It doesn't take center stage in a color scheme, and allows other vibrant colors to stand out without being overpowering. Again, choose a shade that seems lighter than your instincts suggest. Grey can be awful if it is too dark, or too cold. Pick a grey shade with some brown and green tints to it. Given its classic and neutral qualities, grey would also be a good choice for draperies or larger pieces of furniture, like a sofa. Look for upholstery and drapery fabric with texture-damask, cut velvet, tweed, etc. Grey can symbolize security, stability and dependability. It is calming and undemanding. Robin's Egg Blue, one of the most versatile colors out there, would be at home in nearly any decor. Soft and bright, pale and vibrant, it can bend to complement muted earth tones as well as fiery reds and Kelly greens. Blues are known for the calm and relaxed feelings they invoke. Use blue to create a haven and combat chaos in your home. A good choice for walls as well as textiles and art {even appliances like this one}, robin's egg blue can inhabit virtually any corner of your life.
9
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Color Theory We chose ECOS organic paints in the following shades:
Milk & Honey
Sorbet
Flume
Blue Pastel
ECOS organic paints are made in the UK with extremely high standards, using only the best raw materials. Full quality testing is carried out at every stage of manufacture. Used correctly, ECOS paints will perform as well if not better than old-fashioned solvent-based products. All products are washable and all shades are non-yellowing. www.ecospaints.com Prices range from ÂŁ15.78 to ÂŁ65.55 for eggshell, which isn't cheap, but is worth it! You can also visit your local home center to see what eco-friendly options they have available. The Environmental Home Center in Seattle {EcoHaus} has a good variety. If you are unable to paint, try non-permanent products to add color and pattern to your surfaces. Contributing Editors: Ashley Lauren Cheney of Decor Amor & Shelley Dael Walker Photography: Jason Levine of Doing it Ourselves
10
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Everything you do is Art
11
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Scott Parry
Everything you do is Art
{art history} "My first memory of art was a space shuttle drawing I labored over in grade school. The teacher ended up calling my parents for a conference due to my inability to focus on school work. I remember slipping it into the desk while she wasn't looking over the course of three or four weeks. Somehow I managed to complete the drawing though."
12
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Scott Parry
Everything you do is Art
{domestic locale} " The kitchen and anywhere I can't hear the sound of traffic."
{holiday locale} "The Oregon coast. I go to the coast as much as possible which hasn't been too often lately. Although, the mountains and desert are beautiful too. I guess I just really love the earth in general and it's good to change it up. I'm not much of an international traveler. Although, my favorite city I've visited recently is Vancouver, Canada."
13
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Scott Parry
Everything you do is Art
{inclination} "Windows."
{cache} "coffee pot, coffee mug, bean grinder, paint, brushes" {castle in the air} "I would love to see a day when oil is no longer affordable." {summer high} "See a good meteor shower" *Available for viewing or purchase online: Etsy {www.thecellophanes.etsy.com}, The Beholder {www.beholder-art.com} *email inquiries to thecellophanes@hotmail.com *Price range of your work? $12.00-$20.00 for prints and $500-$1200 for originals.
14
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Amanda Blake
Everything you do is Art
{medium} "oil paintings are on birch panels and little blocks of wood, mostly poplar"
15
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Amanda Blake
Everything you do is Art
{inspiration} "the ideas start many ways - more and more often i start with the title first and go from there, i also have a large and ever growing collection of vintage photography from estate sales and ebay that provide a lot of inspiration, my dictionary of superstitions is always helpful for ideas and sometimes i just start drawing and see what happens"
16
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Amanda Blake
Everything you do is Art
{art history} "i've always drawn - i have amazing sketch books from when i was five - and started painting in college about twelve years ago"
17
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Amanda Blake
Everything you do is Art
{holiday locale} "to travel Thailand is my favorite place i've been - amazing in every way, beautiful scenery, wonderful food, great cities, the temples and ruins are incredible, just everything about it was the best. Locally i just love everything about Portland, great restaurants (castagna is my favorite) great farmers market, great parks, so much lovely scenery right outside of town. with two little kids the only shopping i do is the art store and the grocery store but i do truly love my grocery store, new seasons- a local chain that is the best place ever and collage and art media are really great art stores." {domestic locale} "i feel really lucky to have found the most wonderful home and truly love it which i feel is especially important since i work at home and spend so much time here. i'd say my top three favorite places are the dining room - paneled wood walls, box beams, built in with leaded glass just perfect, the kids room which i got free reign to decorate and painted a super cute mural and mixed vintage and antique furniture that was mine and my mothers as children with really bright fun newer stuff mostly from ikea and i just love it. and my studio - i love my studio." {inclination} " i like a mix of vintage and new and i like everything to be slightly off, i have a serious aversion to perfection. i love early 1900's homes - pocket doors, dark wood, built ins, original wavy glass windows, wood floors, old radiators and a quiet street near to downtown all the things that made us pick this house." {demolition} "the bathroom without a doubt - ugly floors, ugly fixtures, strange shape, the worst lights you've ever seen and it was probably once a butlers pantry, it just depresses me." {cache} "my art collection - from friends, family, art fairs, and etsy so many great things, a radio i'm a bit of a npr addict, my laptop - i'm at a loss without it, my coffee maker - the only way i can keep up with a seven month old and a three year old and still get some work done, my baby sling - Frances does not like to be set down"
18
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Amanda Blake
19
Everything you do is Art
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Amanda Blake
Everything you do is Art
{castle in the sky} "some day i'll make it to morocco and turkey, two trips i keep planning and just somehow never make."
20
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Amanda Blake
Everything you do is Art
*available to view or purchase: amandablakeart.blogspot.com thisisalliknow.etsy.com, amandablakeart.blogspot.com, Wexler Gallery in Philidelphia, petaline an online store has drawings, and i do art and craft fairs in the spring and summer months. *email inquiries to: amandablakeart@gmail.com *Price range: $10 - $4500
21
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Hadley Hutton
Everything you do is Art
{art history}"I have been drawing and painting since before I can even remember. My mom tells stories about my painting and drawing on the walls of my childhood home. My parents bought a beautiful, dilapidated Victorian, and before they fixed it up, its walls were my floor-to-ceiling childhood easel."
22
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Hadley Hutton
Everything you do is Art
{domestic locale}"I have a tie for the top two favorite spots in my home. When I need a little quiet time I love to sit in my living room. That's because it's usually the cleanest room in the house. As a child, my parents lovingly referred to me as 'pig pen'. I would move from room to room with a cloud of art & crafts supplies left in my wake. Well, not much has changed since then except now I have created another pig pen. My daughter Ella seems to have inherited the project gene. The living room remains relatively craft-free, and can provide a nice respite from clutter madness. My other favorite spot is on the heater vent located in front of a large picture window. I am perpetually cold so I perch on the heater vent and watch the world pass."
23
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Hadley Hutton
Everything you do is Art
{holiday locale} "I'm a home body. My favorite place is chez nous, but when I do occasionally get out, I love to visit paper stores. Presents of Mind and Oblation offer loads of paper inspiration. My other passion is food. My mother is an extraordinary cook and I'm not just saying that because she is my mom. She really is a force of nature in the kitchen! So if I'm not at home, I want to be eating at her house, and if I can't eat there the runners-up are the Heathman, Giorgio's, Lovely Hula Hands, Clay's Barbeque,the Veritable Quandry, or Toro Bravo. I also enjoy trying new places, but I am hard to please. When my husband does convince me to travel, I love Asia. I am a admirer of Asian art. We recently took a trip to Thailand and Japan. The Japanese woodblock prints are extraordinary. I also feel an affinity for the culture and teaching inherent in Asia, so much so that I've become a student of Karate and Chi-Gong practitioner"
24
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Hadley Hutton
Everything you do is Art
{cache}"My personal treasures are a few scraps of paper, drawings my children have made, a love note and drawing from my husband, and a few of my journals filled with anecdotes14. My personal treasures are a few scraps of paper, drawings my children have made, a love note and drawing from my husband, a few of my journals filled with anecdotes from my raising my children, and little scraps of drawings. I adore paper and even the most mundane piece of junk mail can find a cherished home in my studio."
25
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Hadley Hutton
Everything you do is Art
{inclination}"I gravitate toward heat and light. I must have light, especially in Portland where winter nights are long and the days drizzle gray. I have large windows that allow lots of light to flood my home. Every night my husband closes the curtains and every morning I throw them open. I am also a fire magnet. That was my only requirement in my home-- a fireplace, although I would like to demolish my dilapidated garage and build a two-story artist studio."
*Online Portfolios: flickr, www.hadleyhutton.com *Available for purchase online at www.hadleyhutton.com, www.hadleyhutton.etsy.com, www.velocityartanddesign.com, www.artstreamstudios.com, Petaline. *Available locally at velocity, art stream, cheeky b, pistils nursery, fann, presents of mind. *email inquiries to h@hadleyhutton.com or hadleyhutton@gmail.com *Prices range from $13.50 for a small print to $3500 for a 20-panel large-scale piece. {average original size and price is 8"x10" for $135}
26
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Ryan Worsley
Everything you do is Art
{inspiration}"Someone to impress " {art history} "I've been taking oil painting classes since I was twelve"
27
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Ryan Worsley
Everything you do is Art
{holiday locale}"Montreal, Toronto, Portland, the Baranof in Greenwood, Andy’s Diner (RIP), the Crocodile (RIP), Georgetown (Seattle), Earthwise Salvage Co." {domestic locale} "My porch in the summer, bathtub in the winter."
{inclination} "Salvaged assemblage. Novelty, authenticity."
28
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Ryan Worsley
Everything you do is Art
{demolition} "Working on a renovation now in which 2 small, carpeted rooms are being made into one large space with slate tile floors and a big sliding porch door. It’ll be the only large space in my small house. I also wish I could fit a box spring for my mattress up my stairs. Alas, the corner is too sharp." {cache} "My weird collection of old books, 16mm films, and wooden boxes. Fortunately both burglars I’ve had didn’t value these things as highly as I do."
29
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Ryan Worsley
Everything you do is Art
{castle in the sky} "Right now I’d like an 8ft Aristocrat ‘60’s trailer, preferably one that’s in perfect condition and doesn’t smell like cigarettes and tang."
30
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Ryan Worsley
Everything you do is Art
*Where can one find your work to view? http://ryemyles.com *Where can one find your work to purchase? ryemyles.imagekind.com *e-mail inquiries to: ryemyles@yahoo.com *Price range of your work? Prints available on imagekind, originals between $200 and $2400.
31
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Blaze Danielle
Everything you do is Art
{art history} "I have been creating ever since I can remember. There is even a home video of me painting with watercolors when I was three. And it made me just as happy as it does now! I remember sewing aprons in first and second grade during “choice time.� College has just focused my excitement, and has taught me how to use my talents."
32
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Blaze Danielle
Everything you do is Art
{inclination} "I really appreciate a home that is well organized and cozy. I love it when a person’s style is reflected in their décor, and I especially enjoy seeing one’s creativity in their space. I especially like when a home has a balance between vintage and thrifted items and new pieces. I also think collections are so interesting and a great showcase to the home! I have always wanted a little breakfast nook – with the window pushed out and a little place sip tea and read on comfy cushions."
{domestic locale} "My favorite place at home has to be my studio – which consists of my little green desk. I got the desk for $15 dollars at a thrift shop, painted it, and then purchased new knobs. I keep my favorite items and all of my art materials in it. It is so easy to create in this little nook. If not my studio, my other favorite spot at home is on the couch with a good movie and good company." {holiday locale} "Some of my favorite memories are when I have traveled to Seaside Oregon, and Disneyland. Both are wonderful places to go with family and friends. Locally, one of my favorite spots to be is Queen Anne. I love the community feel, and the friendly environment. One of my favorite things to do is sit in the cafes and read or study. I especially have a fondness in my heart for Queen Anne’s Teacup. The service is exceptional, and the atmosphere is by far the coziest. Their tea choice is remarkable too."
33
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Blaze Danielle
Everything you do is Art
{cache} "My green desk, my white wrought iron bed, my art supplies, my children’s book collection, and my tea cup collection. (And my Macbook, which is almost my best friend.) *View and purchase artwork: www.Blazedanielle.etsy.com *More: Blazedanielle.wordpress.com *email inquiries: blazedanielle@gmail.com *Price range: $8.00 – $35.00 for prints, for originals please send an inquiry to the email above
34
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Fit to Eat
35
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Gypsy Panaletta
Fit to Eat
Gypsy Panaletta Preparation time = 30 min cooking time=5-10 min per Panaletta makes six Panalettas
1/2 ripe mango, peeled and pureed 1 1/2 ripe bananas, puree the half, set aside the other 3-4 inches of fresh ginger root, juiced or grated* juice of 4 limes 1/3 cup chopped pecans package of 6 crumpets, sliced in half {to make sandwich halves}** 2 T butter 1/2 cup Crème fraÎche 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 2 tsp brown sugar, 1 cup quartered red seedless grapes 3 eggs 1 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla sparkling sugar for garnish
36
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Gypsy Panaletta
Fit to Eat
preheat a well seasoned cast iron pan over med-low heat preheat the oven to 200 1. Mix ginger*, mango puree and banana puree in a small bowl. 2. Add about half of the lime juice, tasting as you go. 3. Measure out 2/3 cup of this mixture {coulis} , place in a separate bowl. {Use the remainder for smoothies, juice, or use it however you like.} 4. Add the pecans 5. Quarter the grapes, place in a small bowl 6. Toss grapes with the remaining lime juice, set aside 7. Mix nutmeg, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp brown sugar into the Crème fraîche, refrigerate. 8. Thinly slice the remaining banana 9. In a mixer, combine eggs, milk, vanilla and remaining cinnamon 10. Beat for 1 min 11. Pour into a shallow, flat bottom dish, next to the pre-heated pan, 12. Take each crumpet, and make a 'sandwich'. spread about 2 T mango coulis over the bottom 13. Arrange 5 slices of the banana on top of the mango, and put the top on, pressing down to seal it a bit 14. Continue with all 6 crumpets 15. Once the pan sizzles brightly from a drop of water, add some butter 16. Dip a sandwich in the egg mixture, coating both sides 17. Place it in the pan, cooking 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom 18. Spoon a little more egg mixture over the top and flip, cooking the other side until golden brown 19. Place in a baking dish in the oven to keep warm 20. Repeat with the remaining crumpets 21. Serve with a dollop of cinnamon Crème fraîche and the lime-grape salad 22. Top with sparkling sugar for crunch! *Ginger- If you are using grated ginger, taste as you go, it is more intense than juiced ginger. **Variation: Substitute small pancakes or the bread of your choice for the crumpets; I am loving 'Dave's Killer Bread" - the Good Seed variety right now - it is delicious.
37
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Fellini
Happy Hour
Mimosas and Bellinis are fine choices for brunch time imbibing*, but for a zippy change, try this fresh combination with Prosecco, lime and ginger. *Pair with the 'Gypsy Panaletta' at your next late-breakfast gathering. Prosecco is a dry Italian sparkling wine, the original ingredient in the Bellini (made with peach puree). Prosecco is gaining popularity in the United States, and with good reason: It is delightful, crisp, low in alcohol - perfect for summer! And it's affordable - a good wine merchant or supermarket may stock several bottles in the $12-15 range.
38
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Fellini
Happy Hour
What: Ginger juice Crystallized ginger Superfine sugar Limes Chilled Prosecco Sparkling wine glasses* How: Juice some fresh ginger root (put it through an electric juicer or grate it and press the gratings through some cheesecloth or a fine-meshed garlic press) or purchase bottled juice. Chop some crystallized ginger, grind it together with an equal amount of sugar in a food processor (a couple tablespoons of each should be enough for 6 to 10 drinks, depending on the glass shape you use), then spread it out in a shallow dish. Juice some fresh limes, then sweeten the juice to taste (superfine sugar works best, but you could try another sweetener). Each lime will yield an ounce or two of juice. Fresh juice is a must for quality cocktails. If you don't have a juicer, a stainless steel or glass reamer is a great purchase, and not too expensive. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, keeping the glass upside down so the juice doesn't run down the sides, then dip the glass into the ginger sugar. If your crystallized ginger is too fresh, it might not stick. You can pour a little simple syrup into a shallow dish, and dip the glasses into that instead of using the lime wedges.Simple syrup is a bar staple. Add two parts sugar to one part boiling water, stir until it dissolves, remove from heat, let cool (and thicken), then transfer to a clean bottle with a lid and refrigerate. You can store it that way for a month or more. For each drink, combine a half ounce (about a tablespoon) of the sweetened lime juice with a 1/4 teaspoon of the ginger juice*. Use a measuring cup or a glass and mix together the total amount for all the drinks you'll be making. Pour a half ounce or so of the lime-ginger juice into each glass. Then SLOWLY pour in Prosecco to not quite fill the glass. *Small champagne glasses from the mid-20th century, like the one pictured, are lovely. But they hold less volume than the more common flute shape. If you use flutes, you won't need as much ginger sugar for the rims, but you'll need more of the lime-ginger juice for each glass - about an ounce.
39
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Hellhole Celebrity
40
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Castle {in Georgetown}
Hellhole Celebrity
When this three-story, turreted Victorian came up for sale in 2004, two long-time Georgetown homeowners attended an open house, with life changing results. The pair of prospective owners, mother and son, each sold their own home, pooling their resources to purchase the turn-of-the-century mansion, known as “The Castle.�
Bamboo chairs and a garden view invite relaxation on the wrap-around porch. During the past four years, the mother-son team has painstakingly worked towards the homes' restoration, keeping much of the original, and adding their own touches as the project crept along. Inside, the walls are painted in saturated hues, reflecting the color of the outdoor garden. Antiques and family photos dress each room with causal grace, and the furniture is a collected mass of patina and comfort.
41
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Castle {in Georgetown}
Hellhole Celebrity
The kitchen boasts expansive windows rather than banks of cabinetry. Already generously sized, its roominess is underscored by the outdoor view. The wall color is almost living, casting an optimistic glow around the room.
42
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Castle {in Georgetown}
Hellhole Celebrity
Along with vegetables, trees and urban artifacts, the garden is colored by bleeding hearts, bluebells and poppies.
43
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Castle {in Georgetown}
44
Hellhole Celebrity
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Castle {in Georgetown}
Hellhole Celebrity
The present interior décor was preceded by a substantial renovation, during which a providential hand seemed to guide the materials’ selection. Without knowing it, two friends purchased identical antique fixtures as gifts for the homeowners; cupboards salvaged from one of their prior homes fit perfectly in “The Castle’s” kitchen; stonework for the garden came from the old Seattle Music Hall, which turns out to have been built in 1902, the same year as the house. The garden has been transformed into a veritable minefield of treasure. The aforementioned stonework surrounds aged tree trunks, and walking paths are paved with a mixture of flagstone, brick and pottery. Mirrors line the fence, reflecting the adjacent greenery. In the rear yard, ornamental grasses fill a vintage bathtub, surrounded by architectural columns and poplars.
"The Castle" garnered attention from the local press as it was built - the cost rising to around $4,000. During construction, it was predicted to be one of the finest residences in Georgetown.
45
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Castle {in Georgetown}
Hellhole Celebrity
“The Castle” was originally constructed by Peter Gessner, who moved to the Pacific Northwest from Montana in the late 1880s. He was a well-known gambler throughout the Seattle area, and dealt blackjack at The Central Tavern in historic Pioneer Square. Before the construction was completed, Mr. Gessner discovered that his wife was having an affair with one of his business associates. Peter didn’t take the affair well, dying of a broken heart {or as local historians report, killing himself by drinking carbolic acid in the back bedroom}. After Peter died, his wife re-married {to the subject of her affair} and the scandalous couple proceeded to occupy the house.
Hops and Hostas inject vibrant green - ornamental grass and found objects add to the magical miscellany that appears in every corner.
46
www.bohemianhellhole.com
The Castle {in Georgetown}
Hellhole Celebrity
Over the years, with each subsequent change of ownership, the property became more worn, amassing a collection of stories within its walls. The house has worn many faces, from a lovegift-gone-wrong, to social club, to brothel, to vacant wreck. After all this time, “The Castle� seems to have finally found happiness in its current owners, who are dedicated to its restoration. The house finally feels like a home, amongst the smell of rejuvenated woodwork and fresh paint.
47
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Horti-Culture
Anarchist containers still obey mother nature. The word "Purge" and elevation off the sidewalk provide drainage, the containers are large and the plants must be extremely drought tolerant since their only irrigation is rain. Location: Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA Successful Container Gardening, Successful Living A beautiful container near the door or on your patio is a great idea, but too often it becomes a showcase of suffering. A few simple steps are essential for making sure that your pot doesn't advertise your tendency to neglect the things you love. Drainage, food, water and light are what your plants need. With a container garden, those plants depend on you to provide them all.
48
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Horti-Culture Make sure to select a container that is frost proof and contains at least one drainage hole. Periodically check to see that drainage hole does not become blocked by inserting something (your choice) into the hole to make sure it's clear. Purchasing feet for the pot or using anything to keep your pot off the ground will also help drainage. Don't feed your plants junk food. Make sure that your fertilizer is organic or close to organic. Avoid Scotts, Miracle Grow and all of those chemical, artificial fertilizers. They disturb the natural balance of beneficial elements in your potting soil that help build a healthy ecosystem in your container. This makes your plants dependent on their nasty product. Starting with good quality potting soil also helps. Many of the better ones have small amounts of worm casings (fancy word for poop), bat guano (another fancy word for poop) or other natural composted materials. Do not buy potting soil with peat moss in it or Sphagnum peat moss in it lest you be responsible for depleting a nonrenewable and essential part of wetlands that helps purify and store water.* Water your container deeply about 1-2 times a week if it doesn't rain. The top of the soil should be starting to dry out, but you should hit moist soil as you poke your finger in further. A larger pot needs less frequent watering. If your obsessive compulsion drives you to water daily, then buy a tiny pot. Knowing yourself is as important as knowing the plants you install. If you're too busy watching cable to be bothered with watering, install plants that can handle severe drought. For sun, use Poppies, Sedum, Agastache, Nasturtiums, Ice Plant, Rosemary, Ceanothus....the list goes on forever. For shade the list is smaller. Use Hellebore, Vinca, Epimedium, Saxifrage, Pachysandra, Carex. Finally and most important, always place plants in the light they prefer. Period. Read what the tag says, not what you want it to say. Give the plants what they want on this one. They will not negotiate. Follow these guidelines and you rule out most of the problems that people encounter with containers. Your plants will look great and people will like you because you are such a nurturing person. Diedre Muns owns and operates a wonderful landscaping business in Seattle. Visit www.Florabunga.com and Leap from Yard to Garden! *Peat Moss Alternatives: www.greenlivingonline.com/HomeGarden/giving-up-peat-moss-forcoconut-coir
49
www.bohemianhellhole.com
In the Kitchen
So many things came from the Ballard Re-Store - it is overflowing with wonderful building materials and fixtures. The chandelier was originally brass. We painted it with red enamel, and strung red coral for the 'bling'.The pot rack was mounted close to the ceiling to optimize shelf space above the stove,and give your brain more room to think. Coffee mugs have a home off the counter, on a towel rail under the cookbook shelf. Subway tile in a mixture of matte and gloss finishes are accented by the egg and dart antique ceramic tile detail inset above the stove. Mirrors are essential in any small space, adding visual depth and reflecting light. I like old mirrors for their scratches and scars.
50
www.bohemianhellhole.com
In the Kitchen At 80 square feet {50 square feet of floorspace}, our kitchen can feel a bit tiny from time to time. When we moved into our house, the kitchen was pretty gross, a mauve accent wall, greasy paint, 60's plywood cabinets, and Formica counters that were chipped and swelling. The overhead light was dismal, and the windows were small and inoperable. I tolerated the windows, lights, and cabinets for a while, changing the paint, even the counters. Eventually though, I took everything out except the sink cabinet. One day I took a hammer to one of the plate glass windows, and started knocking it out. My neighbor looked over and called out "what are you doing?", I replied "It's too hot, and this window doesn't open" It opens now. In fact, I haven't actually finished everything in the kitchen, including the window weatherproofing, so it can be drafty, but I don't mind the fresh air.
The drawer pulls have a space for labels, but instead of actually listing the contents of each drawer, they hold special messages such as 'what to expect when you're expecting a clone' We tore out all the upper cabinets and opted for open shelving. Our everyday dishes and kitchenware are housed here, and other items go in the pantry or lower cabinets. Kitchens are home to loads of useless items. We purged at least half of what we had, and don't miss it at all.
51
www.bohemianhellhole.com
In the Kitchen 'Green' building and remodeling is all anyone can talk about these days, but before you go on an energy-star binge, and purchase counters made of hemp, consider your local salvage shop for a material source. It takes a bit more elbow grease, since nothing there will be made to order, or have instructions, but that is what the www is for, is it not? Kitchen remodels can also be very costly, so recycling as much as possible will really cut down on your costs, and give you plenty of stories to tell.
Vintage milk crates and Ikea rack system components make for a modular recycling system that is also pretty. For a how to, visit our website .
52
www.bohemianhellhole.com
In the Kitchen I will give you a rough breakdown of what our kitchen cost us* Paint: $75{Dutch Boy} Lighting:$120 {Lowes, Re-Store} Windows:$25 {Re-Store} Hardware:$75 {Ebay} Sink:$500 {Ebay} Granite countertop:$200 {craigslist} Granite installation:$250 {craigslist} Plumbing:$150 {Yellow-Pages} Tile:$40 {Re-Store, Bedrock****} Tile backer-board:$10 {Lowes} Grout,etc:$20 {Lowes} Cabinets by stove:$20 {Ikea as-is} Wood countertop:$12 {Ikea as-is} Wallpaper{on the ceiling}:$20 {Lowes} Ceiling medallion{around the chandelier}:$0 {side of the road} Shelving:$100 {Ikea} Recycling bins:$6 each {Ikea as-is for hardware, Goodwill for milk crates} Iron stars:$1.50 each{ebay} Fasteners:$20 Appliances are where it gets pricey... Smeg stove:$1250** {Smeg***} Smeg fridge:$1650** {Smeg***} Bosch dishwasher:$950 {Bosch} Grand totals: without appliances: $1667 with appliances:$5517 *Nearly all the labor was done by us, so we didn't have to pay for it. **I spent six months selling things on Ebay and craigslist back in 2002 to save up for these items. Bit by bit, vintage lunch-box to camera accessories, it added up, and was totally worth it. www.smegusa.com www.bedrockindustries.com
53
www.bohemianhellhole.com
In the Kitchen
The iron stars on the ceiling are one of my favorite things in the kitchen; I used to have black stars painted on, but the iron is much more architecturally quirky. For more information, send your questions to mail@bohemianhellhole.com
54
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Magical Garden Mushrooms
55
Just for the Hellhole of it
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Magical Garden Mushrooms
Just for the Hellhole of it
Larger than life, colorful mushrooms are for sale at almost any garden shop these days. I usually pick a few up and carry them around, dreaming of a fairy tale garden full of these fun, ceramic toadstools. Then, after adding up how much money would be spent on such frivolity, I put them back-feeling very grumpy. The last time I was out thrift-store-shopping however, a cheap alternative presented itself: tiny bowls. Here is what you will need: Small ceramic bowls {try to find bowls with a finished bottom, and a nice bell shape} Wood or bamboo stakes, 12-14 inches long Rock plaster {Durham's water putty is a good choice} Plastic {yogurt or other } container for mixing plaster Exterior enamel gloss paint {Krylon short-cut makes small bottles in a variety of colors} Small disposable paint brush Directions: Mix the plaster to a peanut butter consistency Fill the bowls with plaster Place stakes into the plaster, making sure they don't tip over as the plaster hardens Paint dots on the outside of the bowls using a small disposable paint brush When everything is dry and hard, they are ready for the garden!
56
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Love Your Living Room
57
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Love Your Living Room In my quest for the perfect living room, I have spent countless hours poring over catalogs, magazines and websites. I have searched high and low for the ultimate sofa, subjecting my family to years of trial and error before finding the 9th and final one. Lamps have come and gone, artwork has migrated around our chameleon walls. Four years after moving into our little house, I can say that I feel like our living room is at peace. Little things will change, and someday I am sure I will get bored and re-invent the whole space again. The important thing to remember is that unlike celebrities with personal designers, a large budget for furnishings and big houses, most people I know have to chip away at furnishing their spaces a piece at a time. The three things that are the most integral to designing a living room that works {in my opinion} are: ~ Patience ~ Editing ~ Measuring Patience: Sometimes it takes a really long time to find what you want, for the price you want to pay. Especially if it is a vintage or antique item, and you do anything besides shop. Stick it out; don't settle for a junky table or chair just so you can feel like you are doing something. In the long run, it will just be something you will have to get rid of, and in my experience, it's really not worth it. Make a list of what you are looking for, and keep checking the local shops and on-line marketplaces. Browse routinely, or find someone who is willing to do the shopping for you. Editing: Much of what I didn't like about my living room came from what was there, not what was missing. In my pack-rat way, I had collected whole families of furniture and knick-knacks that multiplied when I was away, until one day I realized, I needed to un-decorate for a while. Keep what you love, ditch the rest. Measuring: Nothing is worse than finding what you believe to be the best couch, table, chair or artwork ever, only to bring it home and discover that there is nowhere that it likes to be. Even if there is technically enough space on a wall or beside a door, really measure how much space you have to work with. Allow for foot traffic, the space a drawer or door takes when it is opened, etc. Move your pieces around, and take notes on where they make the most sense to you. Sometimes this is the exact opposite of what you may have heard on HGTV, but you might find that a piece of furniture looks and feels the best in the last place you expected. Make a list of measurements, find a small tape measure, and keep them with you wherever you go. You never know when you might find a dresser on the side of the road.
58
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Musicale
Bohemian Hellhole Celebrity Playlist – Volume 1
Here it is: Timeless wisdom condensed within a 42.7-minute playlist, compiled especially for you, and fine-tuned to catch the ear of even the most tone deaf. Our playlist is intended to inspire you, the reader, by communicating messages of positive affirmation to your subconscious. Included is a CliffsNotes-style recap (with particularly germane lyrics in quotation marks) to help you take away the most from each and every song. All the songs are available for download on iTunes, so you don’t even need to leave your house! {Search imix for Bohemian Hellhole}
59
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Musicale
Bohemian Hellhole Celebrity Playlist – Volume 1
1.
Song: It’s All Good Artist: El Perro del Mar Album: El Perro del Mar “It’s all good, take a new road and never look back.” 2.
Song: Noisy Summer Artist: The Raveonettes Album: Chain Gang of Love “Why don’t you start right now, I know you won’t regret it.” 3.
Song: Whatever You Want Artist: Club 8 Album: The Boy Who Couldn’t Stop Dreaming “It’s been like this so long.” Go ahead, paint over that accent wall! You knew it was a bad idea in the first place. 4.
Song: Thing I Will Keep Artist: Guided By Voices Album: The Best of Guided By Voices “Selling things for cheap…” is better than keeping them for no reason at all. 5.
Song: Kim & Jessie Artist: M83 Album: Saturdays = Youth There’s a video of this song set to Donnie Darko footage on You Tube. Check it out. What does this have to do with anything? We don’t know. 6.
Song: Gardenia Artist: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Album: Real Emotional Trash Not many songs reference “curb appeal,” and Richard Avedon in the same song, but this one does.
60
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Musicale
Bohemian Hellhole Celebrity Playlist – Volume 1
7.
Song: Torn Blue Foam Couch Artist: Grand Archives Album: The Grand Archives “Sleepless every night.” Maybe it’s time to get a new couch. 8.
Song: Lost and Found Artist: Taken By Trees Album: Open Field “Oh, I’m most dissatisfied…” with my pressboard Danish Modern furniture. And you should be. 9.
Song: Get Your Head Around It Artist: Headlights Album: Some Racing, Some Stopping “Sometimes it takes a month or two to get your head around it.” Don’t be too hard on yourself. It can take a long time to choose between shades of white. 10. Song: Headlights Artist: Sean Lennon Album: Friendly Fire “Insignificant things can bring you dreams.” Think about that for a while. 11. Song: On A Different Shelf Artist: Jim Noir Album: Jim Noir “And when I have got myself down, I like to try something new.” 12. Song: Content Was Always My Favorite Colour Artist: The Most Serene Republic Album: Underwater Cinematographer The song title says it all. Amen.
61
www.bohemianhellhole.com
65th st: 50 blocks of shops
On the Map
A few miles north of downtown Seattle, beginning at 25th NE, and continuing on to 24th NW, 65th street offers food, antique shops, farmer's markets and more. With Green Lake at the center of it all, there are countless possibilities for shopping, eating and recreation.
Funtiques is one of my favorite shops, next door is Silhouette Antiques and gifts, and around the corner is the RR Hardware Fix it Shop. Hardware stores are a must when renovating your space, and little neighbor hood shops like this one can offer a more personal experience than a larger chain store. Plus, I like the way it looks. 65th and Roosevelt hosts a variety of restaurants, bars, home furnishing shops and bigger stores, like Dania. Sometimes you just have to go to Whole Foods. The Latona strip is a little pocket of businesses between the freeway and Green Lake, including Aging Fancies Antiques, a hair salon, pet grooming, a coffee shop, grocery, noodle house and the Latona Pub.
62
www.bohemianhellhole.com
65th st: 50 blocks of shops
On the Map
At the top of the hill you will find 65th and Phinney, where you can get your hair cut at Rudy's, buy some fancy clothes at the Hip Zephyr, or have breakfast at Mae's. On the west slope, All Aboard 2nd Hand is a reasonably priced antique shop, with a high turnover of inventory, so you will always find something new. New Roots Organics is kitty-corner, and they will deliver almost anything to your front door at a good price. Cafe Bambino is a Seattle classic - it's been here since the 20s, and it is really charming. This little stretch of 65th has several bars, including the TigerTail, the Dray, The Tin Hat, Molly Maguires, and The Reading Gaol. You can also have some dry cleaning done, get some pizza at Crash Landing Pizza, and eat it while enduring a tattoo.
63
www.bohemianhellhole.com
65th st: 50 blocks of shops
On the Map
I love mini-marts. This one is right across the street from the Goodwill, so if you need a red bull to get going for a power-shopping spree, you're in the right place.
At 65th and 15th NW, Zesto's can feed you burgers, while the Top Banana can fill your fridge with produce from local farmers.
64
www.bohemianhellhole.com
65th st: 50 blocks of shops
On the Map
Last but not least is Laura Bee, the perfect place to buy a gift, or a handbag. For a more complete list of businesses on 65th, visit Mapquest's Neighborhood Search feature.
65
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Everyday China
Throw away the melamine; china is fancy, colorful and eclectic when accrued in a motley assembly of colors and patterns. For a dollar or two a plate, china purchased second hand has none of the obligatory reverence that accompanies a brand new service. You can break a bowl, chip a saucer, scratch a platter. They are all replaceable, and plentiful. Johnson brothers makes several beautiful patterns, and is easy to come by. Even more desirable makers such as Limoges can be found for cheap if you keep your eyes out. With a little diligence and even less dough, you will have a set of china that is both beautiful, and bursting with history.
66
www.bohemianhellhole.com
Where Credit is Due
etching by Abraham Bosse Alice Almighty editor-in-chief *************************************************************************** Contributing Editors color Shelley Dael Walker, Ashley Lauren Cheney art Shelley Dael Walker, Vegas Rannon Walker Harmon food Shelley Dael Walker, Diane Baker drinks Amy Allsopp garden Diedre Muns features Shelley Dael Walker projects Shelley Dael Walker, Jenn Adams music Tim Harmon bits & pieces Shelley Dael Walker Production copy editor Amy Allsopp executive assistant to the editor-in-chief Tim Harmon
67
www.bohemianhellhole.com