Kathryn Lemaster

Art and Design

Archives for November 2013

Furniture Design Progress Report

In my previous post introducing Trevor Thurow Custom Furniture & Design, I shared with you how I would be working on a furniture design for Trevor to create something one-of-a-kind out of these spectacular barn wood beams:

We decided the best way to preserve the integrity of the authentic scraped texture of the beams would be to create something that incorporated as much length and as little cutting as possible. Thus we decided a dining table would be the way to go.

After sketching, researching, brainstorming and more sketching, the concept drawings were ready:

The concept was based on 45 degree or similar angles to create variations of diamonds or herringbone patterns. I wanted to try and create a “twist” like appearance to give the table visual movement – adding a fresh spin, creating a not-so typical farm table. These beams deserved a unique design!

These were the final concepts we decided to begin with:

As you can see from the below action shot of Trevor, construction is currently underway at his shop in Austin, TX. I’m so excited!!

You can follow Trevor’s updates on the project through his Facebook album, Barn Beam Dining Table. Here’s the most recent update from the album, the first table leg!

Way to go, Trevor! I just can’t get over the wood. The weather gray hand-scraped side or the fresh cut oak center. It’s absolutely gorgeous!

Now remember ladies and gents, this special piece will be looking for a good home once completed. If you think it might be the missing piece to your interior bliss… contact Trevor for more info. 🙂

Happy Monday!

-K

Cafe Lalo

Ah, Cafe Lalo. Is there a more picturesque french cafe this far from France? I think not.

(Brad Kelly Photo via Cafe Lalo)

This is one of my favorite places to visit in NYC, so naturally we had to have brunch there (my favorite meal) on our recent trip. It felt like visiting an old friend.

(via Cafe Lalo’s Facebook)

There are a million reasons to love this little cafe. Here are a few of mine:

1. It’s famous. It is the meeting place “Joe Fox” and “Kathleen Kelly” (aka Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) choose to meet in the classic chick flick loved by many, “You’ve Got Mail”. Look familiar?

(via Guest of a Guest)

2. The coffee. It’s delicious. And I love the espresso machine. And the brightly colored cups, saucers, and cream pitchers. Let’s just face it – coffee tastes better when it’s made and served in pretty things.

(KJL)

(via Cafe Lalo’s Facebook)

3. The interior. I love the brick walls, Art Nouveou art, brass rail bakery case, crystal flower track lighting, marble table tops… the list goes on and on.

(via Simple Recipe Raves)

(via Cafe Lalo’s Facebook)

4. The french windows. I know this technically falls under #3, but the windows are so fabulous, they get their own category.

(KJL)

5. The menu. From breakfast to midnight snack and every meal or treat in between, Cafe Lalo features an impossible array of delicious offerings. I say impossible, because it’s impossible to choose, so I always end up placing at least two orders for myself. A personal favorite: the Belgian waffle with home made cinnamon whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

(KJL)

(via Cafe Lalo’s Facebook)

6. The details. From the working vintage cash register to the souvenir match boxes… it’s the unique and unforgettable details that make Cafe Lalo so special.

(via Cafe Lalo’s Facebook)

(via Cafe Lalo’s Facebook)

Need I say more? I think not.

So next time you’re near the Upper West Side of Manhattan, you most definitely should stop in. Even if you only have time for a cupcake, it will be totally worth it. Until then, you should go like their Facebook page and check out their website.

It’s one of my happy places. I close my eyes and imagine that giant yellow cup of coffee and suddenly all is right in the world.

Happy November. Stay inspired!

-K