Giannetti Home and Your Chance to Visit Patina Farm

April 9, 2019April 9, 20192 Comments

On a trip to Santa Barbara a few weeks ago, I made it a point to stop into Giannetti Home owned by Brooke and Steve Giannetti. They are an incredibly talented couple who have managed to establish a design and architectural firm, retail shop (which they’ve designed a clothing for), build a home/farm in Ojai (and chronicle it on their wildly successful blog Velvet & Linen and new site Giannetti Home), as well as author three books (Patina Style, Patina Farm, and Patina Living). And if that’s not enough, in Steve’s free time he also manages to paint! The retail shop, Giannetti Home, is located along State Street, one of the City’s most prominent (albeit touristy) streets. The shop is housed in a charming two-story Spanish building with a small courtyard out front.

Above Image via Giannetti Home

I love the work of Steve and Brooke Giannetti and have wanted to visit their shop for quite some time. Many of my readers may be familiar with at lease some of their endeavors but may not have had an opportunity to visit their shop so I thought I would share a bit of that with you today. Unfortunately, I stopped by on a day the shop was closed. It’s only open a few days per week, so plan your visit accordingly if you ever pay a visit yourself. Luckily, I was able to walk into the courtyard and sneak a peek through the glass storefront windows to snap a few pictures…

You can see copies of Patina Farm, the Giannetti’s second book, prominently on display. I shared pictures of Patina Farm in a prior post that you can read about here. You also have an opportunity to visit Patina Farm in person…keep reading.

I recently received a couple of emails about an event tied to the release of Brooke & Steve’s newest book, Patina Living. Since the information is now being shared on their website I feel it’s okay to share here on my own blog.

If you happen to be in California next month you don’t want to pass up an opportunity visit Patina Farm. On May 11, 2019, Brooke and Steve will graciously open up their property for a party to celebrate the release of their newest book. You won’t be able to tour the house, but you can walk the gardens, mingle with the animals on their farm, purchase antiques and furniture, and purchase clothing that will be displayed in the guest house. It sounds like a wonderful event and if you would like more information, check out their post here.

AGNELLI STYLE

January 20, 2018January 20, 20182 Comments

At the 2017 Venice Film Festival, HBO released the documentary “Agnelli”. It’s a fascinating account of the late Gianni Agnelli’s life through the 1960’s, 70s, and 80’s as he ruled the Italian economy and high society. He was part industrialist serving as the patriarch of Fiat and part style maker. Every man wanted to be Gianni and his sense of style was one that may men tried to replicate. When it came to fashion, one of his most notable trademarks was wearing a watch over the cuff of his sleeve. Even today not many men could pull off this look but Gianni Agnelli did it with ease and grace. He had an art for making the difficult look simple; Italian nonchalance, if you will.

The documentary “Agnelli” is currently being shown on HBO through January 21. If you are looking for something to do indoors this weekend then I strongly suggest that you check it out. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I’ve already watched it 3 times and I’m sure I’ll watch it again at some point this weekend.

I couldn’t draft this post about mentioning his wife, Marella Agnelli. Afterall, as they say…behind every strong man is a stronger woman. Although Marella came from an aristocratic family (her mother was a whiskey heiress from Peoria, Illinois who married into Italian nobility), her life of grandeur really didn’t begin until she married Gianni Agnelli in 1953.

Today, Marella is well into her 90’s and back in Fall 2014, she coauthored a book, The Last Swan, with her niece and namesake Marella Caracciola published by Rizolli. It’s one of my favorite books in my collection.

It’s a glimpse into the life of privilege that serves as part memoir and part picture book showcasing many of the beautiful homes and gardens Marella created and shared with her late husband Gianni. It’s a look into a life of unimaginable wealth that only very few people on this planet will ever experience. Indeed, la dolce vita.

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ART: RON CHURCH, ARCHIV-E, AND THE PENDRY

December 26, 2017January 20, 2018Leave a comment

In a previous post, I mentioned that Mr. B and I have checked into The Pendry Hotel in San Diego. But while visiting the hotel back in July, one of the spaces I discovered was the pop-up art gallery showcasing the photography of Ron Church, a photographer from San Diego who is notable for his black and white surf photography from the 1960’s. I am a native SoCal (Southern California) girl who has never surfed but I can appreciate the surf culture that is so richly ingrained in the beach communities that stretch along the Pacific coast.

Above: Huntington Beach, Circa 1962

There seems to be a growing trend in the hospitality industry with hotels offering up curated works of art for sale to their guests. The Pendry falls into that category. The collaboration between The Pendry and Archiv-E doesn’t stop at just the hotel gallery. The artwork on display in the guest rooms and one of their restaurants, Provisional, was also available for sale.

If you missed the Ron Church pop-up at The Pendry, don’t despair. His photography is available through Archiv-E who provides affordable, open edition framed art prints from a variety of photographers through their website.

If you admire the work of Ron Church as much as I do, you might want to also consider picking up a couple of his books. Surf Contest can be purchased from a third party through Amazon. I’ve purchased books available from a third party through Amazon on a few occasions. Just make sure to buy one that is in the best possible condition from a seller with a good rating.

The other book is Ron Church: California to Hawaii 1960 to 1965. Purchase your copy through The Surfers Journal for a numbered copy that also comes in a very cool slipcover. This would look fabulous put on display.

on church surf photography book ca to hi_Reviving Charm 2 ron church surf photography book ca to hi_Reviving Charm 1 I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post. It’s a little bit art, a little bit design, and a whole lotta surf. But most of all it’s all quintessential California cool.

ENTERTAINING: Set the Table Neiman Marcus Style

November 14, 2017February 3, 20183 Comments

One of my guilty pleasures when traveling to San Francisco is visiting Neiman Marcus in Union Square. I shop the store from top to bottom and last year during the Thanksgiving holiday I fell in love with a particular tabletop store display. The table decorations incorporate old book pages, quotes, and words of wisdom that can easily be recreated. I’ve seen similar book page table runners on Pinterest but I like the idea of incorporating quotes, phrases, definitions, and words of wisdom. Choose wording to fit your particular festivity and you’ve created something really unique.

Old book pages can also be cut and fashioned into a tag that to serve as a creative place card. Don’t forget to incorporate empty spice vials with a fun message contained inside. Your guests will love it.

I love how camera focused in on the word “muzzle”. Is it trying to tell me something!!!??

There were several mobiles hanging above the dining table displaying additional words of wisdom. If you are somewhat of a DIYer this could actually be fairly easy to make. It would be time-consuming, but easy.

Words to live by…”Integrity…Live in such a way, that if someone spoke badly of you no one would believe it.”

A Place to Call Home by Gil Schafer

November 7, 2017Leave a comment

My last post included a beautiful New York home designed by architect and designer Gil Schafer. Gil Schafer is not only a talented architect and designer but he is also the author of several books including “A Place to Call Home: Tradition, Style, and Memory in the New American House” that was released at the end of September. The images I am sharing today are from the new book via Gil Shafer’s website and Amazon. gil schafer book_a place to call home_Reviving Charm_cover

I design houses to be comfortable, gracious, and understated, and to stand the test of time.” –Gil Schafer

gil schafer book_a place to call home_Reviving Charm

My home is filling up quickly with books but after seeing these images I am tempted to make room for one more! You can buy your own copy of the book here. Alternatively, pick up a book at one of the remaining book tour events. You check out this page to see if Gil Schafer is coming to a town near you. If you attend, be sure to tell him that Reviving Charm says “hello”.

Remembering Bunny Mellon

September 27, 2017September 21, 20173 Comments

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I have been long awaiting the new biography of Rachel Lowe Lambert Lloyd Mellon, commonly known as Bunny Mellon. She was born into a wealthy family (think Gillette razor and Listerine fortunes) and later married banking heir and art collector, Paul Mellon. Bunny passed away in 2014 at the age of 103 but her legend lives on. She made major contributions to the horticultural field, as well as the arts, design, and being a philanthropist. She was a friend of the Kennedy’s and put her thumbprint on many landmark gardens, including the White House Rose Garden during the Kennedy era.

The book “Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend” was released yesterday and is authored by Meryl Gordon who, according to the book’s description, had “access to thousands of pages of her letters, diaries and appointment calendars and has interviewed more than 175 people to capture the spirit of this talented American original.” To celebrate the release of the new book, today I would like to remember Bunny Mellon by taking a look back the garden house of her former 4,000 acre Virginia estate known as Oak Spring Farms. The beautifully mastered trompe l’oeil floor to ceiling murals were painted by French artist Fernand Renard. The space is a gardener’s paradise. bunny mellon greenhouse_Reviving Charm 5 bunny mellon virginia greenhouse bunny mellon murals Reviving Charm bunny mellon garden room_Reviving Charm

For Sale: The Former Home of Author E.B. White

August 2, 20174 Comments

Do you recall reading the classic children’s book Charlottes Web? It is American author E.B. White’s most famous book first published in 1952. If you haven’t read it or don’t recall the details, then here is the Cliff Notes version: The book tells the story of a deep, loyal friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a barn spider named Charlotte. Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered and his friendship with Charlotte is what saves his life. Charlotte devises a plan to spin messages in her web in order to persuade the farmer to let Wilbur live. Her plan is successful and Wilbur’s life is spared. The story goes on to explain how Charlotte stays with Wilbur until the very end of her own life. Count on a children’s book to teach us a lesson about true friendship…

“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing…after all, what’s a life anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die…By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that. — E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web.

E.B. White and his wife, Katharine Angell, a former New Yorker magazine editor, called a 48-acre farmhouse property in North Brooklin, Maine “home” for over 40 years. The property was sold in 1985 to the current owner’s, Robert and Mary Gallant, who recently listed the property for sale. The circa 1795 home is the subject of an article that will be published in the September/October issue of Yankee Magazine, but a preview was just posted on their website. It really is a lovely article that I highly suggest you read.

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eb white barn main The property’s barn inspired Charlotte’s Web. The rope swing still hanging in the barn is referenced in the book.White did much of his writing in the boathouse where the author’s desk, bench, and wastebasket still remain. eb white boathouse maine home of eb white eb white maine farmhouse 2 eb white farmhouse maine home 3 eb white farmhouse maine 4

Poolside Perfection

May 29, 2017December 30, 2018Leave a comment

Happy Memorial Day! I sure wish swimming was on the agenda for today. When Mr. B and I were searching for a home a few years ago we contemplated the idea of purchasing a property with a pool. In our case, it wasn’t meant to be as our seaside ranch home is sans pool. But it doesn’t mean that I can’t covet the patriotic pool on the six-acre property in Northern Italy of noted photographer Oberto Gili and his wife Joy Sohn. I finally ordered Oberto’s book, “Domus, A Journey into Italy’s Most Creative Interiors”. With Amazon Prime shipping, my book should arrive today (on a holiday?). Now if I could only read my new book next to a beautiful pool like this one, it would be pure poolside perfection!

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Image via Architectural Digest

ADVENTURES IN GARDENING

October 12, 2016October 8, 20161 Comment

image via.

I have always loved and appreciated beautiful lush gardens but it wasn’t until Mr. B and I moved into our seaside ranch home that I became interested in our own landscaping. This is primarily due to the fact that we bought a fixer and the gardens left little to be desired. At some point we will rework the outdoor spaces. But for now everything is kept neat and tidy since we are currently focusing on the interiors of our home. When the time comes to reevaluate our outdoor spaces I would love to work with someone like Molly Wood. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the garden as it is, particularly the when the roses and spring flowers are in bloom. I love when I can cut flowers from the garden and bring them indoors. Simple pleasures.

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Flowers from our garden waiting to be arranged – Spring 2016

Even though the garden isn’t quite where I want it to be I have enjoyed trying out new plants and flowers in various areas of our property to see how well they respond. Since I am a planner by nature and have a great affinity for stationary supplies, I am not surprised at the fact that I wanted to purchase a gardening journal to document events in our garden. I recently purchased this journal from Color Box Design & Letterpress. I can’t wait to put it to good use.

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My new garden journal from Colorbox Design & Letterpress.

It has a sweet letterpress design on the cover and is wire bound with 60 blank pages leaving me to decide exactly how I want to put it to use. I am planning to document planting instructions, including what has been planted and where. I plan to incorporate pictures so I can see progress (growth) through pictures and note at what time of year specific plants and flowers were planted and how long they lasted throughout the season. I know it’s winter and but it is never too early to start planning for Spring. Note to self: need to order spring bulbs soon.

Flowers in our garden – Spring 2016

A gardening journal accompanied by a nice pen or pencil (my mechanical pencil shown above is from A.G Spalding & Bros.) would make a great housewarming gift or the perfect gift for the gardener in your life. Heck, they are so affordable why not treat yourself to one also. In addition to Adventures in Gardening, Color Box Design & Letterpress has a few other designs that would make perfect gifts including Adventures in Parenting, Adventures of the World and Adventures in the Kitchen. Journals can be purchased here.

All original photos by Reviving Charm via iPhone.

YVES ST. LAURENT: THE PERFECTION OF STYLE

October 6, 2016October 6, 2016Leave a comment

I am a beauty product junkie and my favorite lipsticks are by YSL. My current favorite shade is a beautiful wine color (No. 54 – Prune Avenue-Dark Maroo n). The little gold tubes make me very happy and are definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. Speaking of the French designer Yves Saint Laurent….

YSL lipstick watercolor via RevivingCharm blog

Original photo via Reviving Charm using Waterlogue

Did you know that tickets are now on sale for the special exhibit entitled “Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style” at the Seattle Art Museum, affectionately known as SAM. The exhibit will run from October 11, 2016 through January 8, 2017 and will showcase highlights from the designer’s 44 year career which will include items that have never been seen by the public before. In 2008 Mr. B and I were fortunate to see the YSL Style exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the SAM exhibit is something I don’t want to miss. These special fashion exhibits are always fun and informative. Trust me, you definitely walk away with a greater appreciation for the world of fashion.

YSL in his Paris studio, 1965. Photo courtesy of the Seattle Art Museum.

AW 1965. Photo courtesy of the Seattle Art Museum.

1961 or 1962. Photo courtesy of the Seattle Art Museum.

The upcoming exhibit does not cover the personal life of YSL but I thought I would take advantage of this post to include a few pictures from one of the homes he once inhabited with his partner, Pierre Bergé. Villa Mabrouka, which means “House of Luck”, is located in Morocco situated on the terraced cliffs overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar above downtown Tangier. The home measures 9,688 square feet and is situated on two acres. The home has since been sold since Laurent’s death in 2008 but you can read more about his history with Villa Mabrouka Mabrouka here.

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Alternatively, you can also purchase the book “The Private World of Yves St. Laurent and Pierre Bergé” by Robert Murphy for an indepth look at their stylish lives. Although the book has been around for a bit (published in 2009), it is a must for anyone who loves the world of fashion and interior design. I just love when these two worlds collide, don’t you?

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Reviving Charm

charming, stylish, and chic

Category: Books + Magazines