Is hodgepodge my aesthetic?
In the ‘70s, my mom taught me the Japanese notion of taking
care and pleasure in slicing carrots on the diagonal and arranging flowers and
branches to flow from the vase. Every detail makes something more attractive and
meaningful. I appreciated and incorporated these values.
Yet, I rarely seem to slice those green onions or
mince that garlic as carefully as I used to and the hodgepodge/jumble effect
seems to work pretty good. Some of my favorite meals are fashioned by
transforming “leftovers” into something better than how it started out. A stir
fry of rice, fresh vegetables and “whatever” hit the spot on a busy night. A
little bit of everything is has become my décor preference as well.
It’s when I’m alone with more time on my hands that I get
into “aesthetic,” a word that Pinterest seems to have brought back into vogue.
Aesthetic is said to focus on nature’s beauty, style
and “visual cohesion of an environment,” by one definition. I call it “the
look.” In this column let’s look at a wine and a style book ready to help
you achieve the look and the feel. Be sure to note those tips about designing a
home to reflect how you live in it!
Pour a glass of
Aesthetic Chardonnay – A cool, green bottle of a brand actually named Aesthetic Wines is
inspirational. The background: Kora Franco built the California label “on the
belief that great wine should be both crafted with intention and accessible for
everyday celebration.” Franko was a banker working with a Big Four Firm in NYC
who made a pivot to a “portfolio that is elegant, balanced and deeply versatile
at the table.” That’s some fancy writing for a fancy flavor.
I love that wine labels help me understand exactly
why I’m enjoying a pour. I loved the chardonnay from this line. I could share
how I imbibed a cool sip and leaned back on the patio to hear the birds singing
and gazed upon the cool purple and pink of a Southern sunset. But let me again
let the good PR for this firm tell it in their poetic lingo:
AESTHETIC CHARDONNAY
Bright
lemon-yellow in the glass with aromas of apple, pear, lemon, and white peach,
this wine is elegant and uplifting with a smooth texture and a long finish. It
moves effortlessly from a weeknight seafood dinner to a spring brunch spread —
the kind of bottle that earns a permanent spot in the rotation once someone
tries it.
"Storied Homes" - What's your signature drink and favorite room in your
house? What are your go-to meals?
Is your home designed around these preferences?
I loved the FAQ format of "Storied Homes: Designs
from Banner Day Interiors." Beautiful homes are designed to live in. This
is inspiration for being happy at home. Here's the PR on the book:
Clara Jung’s design
is known for its signature balance of playful patterns and a minimal aesthetic.
Her work balances traditional interiors with signature color, pattern, and
whimsy. With the underlying belief that home environments should both spark joy
and reflect the personal style of those who live there, Clara creates spaces
that that evoke a sense of happiness and wellness, creatively incorporating her
clients’ sensibilities and personal style. The work of her design firm, Banner
Day Interiors, has been featured in Architectural Digest, Domino, Design
Sponge, Apartment Therapy, and many more.
I feel comfort, family, solitude and joy flipping
through these pages of various homes. Each segment begins with questions the
homeowners have answered about their favorite foods, music, and how they unwind
or entertain at home.
Vampire Weekend, barbecues with friends and New Year's
Eve gatherings are some of the answers from these quizzes. Answers may explain
why big garden rooms, abundant bookcases
More fun house quiz answers from various clients:
Banana bread, The Beatles on a record player, travel to
Switzerland, watching kids be imaginative, Tom Petty and Diwali parties.
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie
appreciating the aesthetics. Share your foodscapes with her via
panews@panews.com
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