The Mississippi River Can't Keep Us Apart

These days, I am on some sort of a strange classic country kick. This week, I haven't been able to stop singing this little diddy...

Best part of the video - the red blazer man's face in the intro.

More Polone

Appreciating his contribution to Padraic Cassidy's pea green pool design, I did a bit more research on Tory Polone, which only confirmed that he is quite talented at designing fresh, unique exterior spaces.

First, a closer look at the patio by the pea green pool...

Great inset fire pit

Other Polone projects...

really love the simplicity of this entrance detailed with intricate lanterns

this is wonderful

interesting

another partially above ground pool...

@charminglyordinary - I know you guys like an above ground pool and am pretty sure Levi would love this.

I'm always a sucker for a grass-rimmed pool - the black lattice is a nice touch

nice architectural sculpture in the design - would love to see more detail of the pool area in the background, as well as the architecture these beams are stemming off of.

a built-in outdoor sofa - blends nicely with the landscaping

all photos from torypolone.com

Pea Green Pool

Well, I have to give credit to Wide Open Spaces for finding this beauty designed by Padraic Cassidy featured on dwell. Located down the road in Santa Monica, this is one of the most unique pool installations I have seen. The simple tile work, black lining and surrounding exterior architecture create an outstanding atmosphere - at least the photos make it seem so.

^landscape design by Tory Polone^

all photos from dwell.com

Don't Think Twice It's Alright

Through the help of a friend's blog, I found out that today is a legend's 70th birthday. It is only fitting to enjoy one of his classics... Mister Bob Dylan.

Another cover by Susan Tedeschi of this song...

And here we are...

...at the Doheny Blues Festival this past weekend. I'm not normally one to show off "fan" photos, let alone take them, but she just seemed too down to earth - so I couldn't resist.

The Melrose Project

This past week for work, I stopped by a great space called...

The Project is a collaboration of showrooms, dealers and artists and is installed with both antique and contemporary furnishings, fine art and one of the more amazing, well-editted rug collections I have seen. The space has a minimalistic antique aesthetic, which makes it feel fresh and almost contemporary, rather than crusty (as my old boss and dear friend might say about antiques in typical executions). If you are on the West Coast, it is worth a visit.

Several vignettes of the space...

A few of my favorite pieces...

A deconstructed take on this 19th century French sofa with basic white muslin upholstery - see the open burlap back two images above.

Italian Neogothic Bronze Chandelier

Quistgaard rosewood & suede armchairs - 1950s

Danish Falcon Sling Chair - 1950s

Scullery table from an English Estate - circa 1770

photos from themelroseproject.com

Original: You Can Make It If You Try

...and the original version of this. Just found it.

Pretty incredible...

Don't Let the Plastic Bring You Down

One of my all-time favorite covers...

Sly & The Family Stone's You Can Make It If You Try

performed by Susan Tedeschi

Reed Young

I first saw his name here and clicked over to see his site where I instantly got lost wandering through his photographs. Documentary photography really interests me, so Reed Young's trademark use of light and captions telling the story behind each photo quickly drew me in.

One of the more bizarre projects Reed Young has worked on is with Colors Magazine developing images for a futuristic, science fiction representation of the Swedish island of Vorland...

All images from reedyoung.com.

Go there to read the captions that accompany the photos above.

Delta Dawn

from fringed shoulder pads...

to leather pants...

she's still shaking those hips.

From The Desk of Lola

The other day, I made an impromptu visit to a great little printing press kept under the radar in downtown Los Angeles called Traction Press. They do beautiful work. Looking through their samples I noticed a letterpress business card with a really great logo...

Maybe I am just out of the loop, but when I got back to my computer, I googled the company and came to find out that they are an LA- and NY- based design firm. Their site portfolio boasts some matchless work revealing an interesting emphasis on window treatments and other outrageously unique design elements...

A few from a Santa Monica residence...

Another Santa Monica home...

And a Gramercy Park residence...

it seems Lola likes lavender

A West Hollywood residence you may be familiar with...

And a Chappaqua Pool House...

Photos from thedeskoflola.com