Vintage whimsical

One of my favorite things is Roadside Architecture.
That means restaurants shaped like coffee cups or hot dogs, trinket shops shaped like geese, etc.
I love the artistic bizarreness of it, the Americana, the whimsy.

In that same vein, I love old playground equipment, especially the ones shaped like animals, or monsters or something.
This image, from Charles Phoenix, is fun in every way.
I mean, if you're going to build a structure, why not make it a work of art?

San Diego Treasure

A couple of days ago, the newspaper announced that the Marston House would be closing to the public.
The Marston House is a home situated on the outskirts of Balboa Park, and is a grand example of the Arts and Crafts movement.

The house was built in 1905, designed by William Hebbard and Irving Gill for local philanthropist George W. Marston (of Marston's department store. He also gifted San Diego with Presidio Park).
The Marston House is currently protected as an historical landmark, and has been under the umbrella of the San Diego Historical Society.
The Society, however, cannot afford to maintain the property, so is giving control back to the city.
Note the city is close to bankrupt.

This weekend is the last time to tour the residence (now a museum), so my mom and I made sure we didn't miss the opportunity.
The interior reflects the simplicity and clean lines that Craftsman style embodied.

This fireplace was inspired by one at Wellesley College.
The gorgeous chairs are Stickley.
The Arts and Crafts movement also embraced the idea of bringing nature in...with beautiful views of the canyons and grounds, wood built-ins, and details such as quarter-sawn wood and burlap wall covering.

The small souvenir shop was selling its contents at 50% off.
I saw people leaving with reproduction lamps, architectural books, and purses.
I purchased a coffee mug with a quotation by Gill:
"Any deviation from simplicity results in a lack of dignity."

I also purchased a couple of greeting cards, including this one with its amazing pomegranate imagery by Yoshiko Yamamoto and printed by The Arts and Crafts Press.

Save our Heritage Organization is not able to undertake responsibility for this property at this time, but I hope another organization will.
This is a treasure that this city needs to preserve.

It's a bird, it's a plane...

Most of you already know how much I love green design.
Stuff like this just thrills me
(there's a very short commercial first, just be patient)

More goodies

Sorry if it bores some of you, but I just have to share more of the fun stuff I've found today.
Like this amazing sculpture of two spilled cups, kissing.
"The form and concept design fully complement the theme “Yuanyang” (a typical Hong Kong beverage of mixing tea and coffee), a symbol of marriage and love, with a touch of humour for artistic creation."
I found this on Freshome.

Whimsical upside-down house. (link includes a video)


Bird-shaped clothes pins, from Bodie and Fou (as seen on Retro To Go).

Expensive because they're in the UK, but perhaps could you MAKE some of these?
I love getting inspiration from ads and catalogs.

My Dream House

I stay in a lot of homes all over San Diego County.
Some are more comfortable than others, some are more inviting, more welcoming, more like places I can really feel at home.

My friend Carol's house is one of my favorite places to stay.
And not only for the bay view




The house was built in 1927.
For someone like me, who is in love with architectural details, it's a joy.
The ceiling was white when they moved in. They sandblasted it and discovered redwood beams underneath all that white paint.
The archways are lined in wood.
The bookshelves are built-ins.
There's an interior courtyard where they plan to place a fountain.

It's my dream home.

On my first visit here, I spent most of my time with my mouth open in awe, pointing out details.
Carol and I have known each other since 7th grade, but even she didn't realize the extent of my passion with architecture.

I plan to go to the San Diego Museum of History and do some research on the architect.
They're looking for sconces that are similar to the originals (which were taken before they moved in).
I love that this couple is aiming to keep the character and integrity of the home intact.
Too many people remodel without consideration of the age of the structure or the architect's intent.

Here's the girl I'm watching.
It's so fantastic here, I'm taking a vacation in San Diego--I took two weeks off from my retail job.

A little slice of Heaven...