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"Christmas at SMW Design . . . "

December 1, 2015, 8:00 am
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Greetings,

We're finally pulling into the proper Holiday season - and I wanted to share a few images I took last night at our new offices here at the San Francisco Design Center.  We moved into our new digs in early October - and we only have a few boxes left to unpack!

After my many years at Ralph Lauren - I truly missed being able to design and install 'windows' for the Christmas season - luckily our new home has a proper window display space - and I've been plotting these window from practically the first day we moved in . . .

It's not quite the drama of the unveiling of the Bergdorf windows . . . but come . . . join in a bit of holiday cheer from SMW Design and SMW Home . . . 


 We are ALL about colour and pattern this year!
An antique Georgian Secretary was the perfect centerpiece for the
window - and the Schumacher wallpaper creates such an amazing, vibrant
backdrop!

I also took advantage of our lovely products from SMW Home
to create something truly special . . . like our Meacham Tartan Decorative


Since everyone deserves some holiday cheer - I wanted to add one of our

I'm still at that marvelous point in creating SMW Home where I've hand-selected
practically every single piece in the collection - from a Vintage Child's Sporran to
an assortment of English Biscuit Barrels - and even a few pieces of framed Artwork.

For the trees ('cause one always needs as many Christmas trees as one can get!) - it was a 
mixture of vintage tartan ornaments with faux flowers and fruit. 

And what window display would be complete without a few pieces of
Antique Tartanware in the mix.  I love this copy of the works of Sir Walter Scott
bound in Antique Tartanware. 

Thanks for stopping by our wee Christmas display - and I hope you're already having an amazing holiday season!

cheers,
Scot

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"Tartan, Tinsel, and Tile - with SMW Home . . . "

December 4, 2015, 10:20 am
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Greetings,

If you're in the area next Tuesday - December 8th - please join me in the Walker Zanger Showroom for a celebratory Pop-Up Shop - featuring our collection of holiday goods from Scot Meacham Wood Home. 

"Bring a Wee Bit of the Scottish Highlands to your Christmas Celebrations"
Join Walker Zanger and Scot Meacham Wood, of SMW Home, for a one day exclusive Holiday Shopping Event.
Decorative Pillows & Throws, Antique Treasures, Christmas Stockings, and exclusive Tartan Dog Beds, are waiting to be wrapped and placed under your tree.

Date:
Tuesday, December 8th
Time:
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Walker Zanger San Francisco
1101 Henry Adams Street, Suite 412, San Francisco, CA 94103

I look forward to sharing a bit of holiday cheer and sharing items from our collection from SMW Home.

Cheers,
Scot
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"Someone's in the Kitchen with . . . "

December 8, 2015, 10:30 am
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Greetings -

It was a bit of a melancholy weekend.  Today would have been my Mom's birthday.  It's the first one since she passed away last year.  So I decided to spend a goodly part of my Saturday cooking her favourite Chicken Pie recipe.  Now - I've updated this a bit - I have NO memory of mom slow-cooking mushrooms for almost an hour . . . lol . . .but, even with my personal changes - it COMPLETELY reminds me of her.

So Happy Birthday Mom!  I made dinner for you.

cheers,
Scot

**************************************

Ingredients:
1)  2 or 3 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts.
2)  two large onions.
3)  5 stalks of celery
4)  2 to 3 large carrots
5)  2 cups of fresh sliced mushrooms
6)  1 can of fresh corn
7)  3/4 cup of milk (or half and half)
8)  Bisquick

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Step one.
Prepare Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts

In a large stock pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.  Add 2 to 3 large skinless/boneless chicken breasts, a large onion (rough chopped), 2 to 3 large carrots (rough chopped), 5 stalks of celery (rough chopped), and two bay leaves.  Reduce heat, cover, and cook for approximately an hour.  Salt generously.  Place large colander inside larger bowl - pour the contents into the colander.  Remove colander to separate chicken (along with onions, celery, and carrots) from stock.  Dice chicken and set the bowl of stock aside.

Step two.
Prepare Contents

1.  Prepare mushrooms.  In a large pan, melt a large pat of butter and add mushrooms.  Stir to coat.  Reduce heat to extremely low and cover.  Cook for 30 to 45 minutes - stirring occasionally. 

2.  Add onions.  In the same pan - raise heat to medium.  Add additional butter and stir in one rough chopped onion.  Stir to coat.  Reduce heat again to extremely low and cook the onions and mushrooms for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

3.  Add flour.  In the same pan - raise heat again to medium and add another pat of butter.  Add 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour and stir until mushrooms and onions are completely coated.

4.  Add milk (or half and half) and chicken stock.  Reduce heat to medium/low, cover and allow to simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasional.  Add seasoning to taste.  Oregano.  Salt.  Pepper.

5.  Add final contents.  Into the thickened sauce, add the diced chicken and one small can of corn.

6.  Prepare crust.  Prepare Bisquick batter (starting with about 2 cups of Bisquick) following directions on the box for "Drop Biscuits".  I like to keep this mixture a bit on the dry side.

In a large baking dish, pour the contents of the pie and then spoon on the Bisquick batter to cover the entire surface.  Place in a 250 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes - or until crust is golden brown.

Eat.

Enjoy. 

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"Light Up Your Holidays . . . "

December 9, 2015, 8:00 am
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Greetings,

I'm excited to introduce our new SMW Home Signature Candle - just in time for holiday gift-giving.  We've put together a clever combination of . . . 

 Cedar
 Bergamot
 Fir Needles
 Orange Oils
 Eucalyptus 
Grapefruit

All combining to create the perfect toasty, warm scent for your home this season.  You can learn more about them here - and place your orders before we sell out!

Cheers,
Scot
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"Curbed Appeal . . . "

December 14, 2015, 9:59 am
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"The Season of Giving . . . "

December 15, 2015, 10:00 am
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Greetings,



With Christmas and the New Year right around the corner, now is the time to consider all that we have and those that are less fortunate. As you know, I am honored to be donating my time to design a guest bedroom in the newly expanded RonaldMcDonald facility at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, which will now be the largest of its kind in the world. This holiday season, I urge you to think of the children who will be benefiting from my design and make a generous donation to this wonderful cause. 
RonaldMcDonald House is a fantastic charity that provides a home-away-from-home and supportive community for families as their children undergo treatment for life-threatening illnesses at surrounding hospitals. The soothing environment that the RonaldMcDonald House provides is crucial for these families as they grow and heal together.  
With its new 52,000 square foot building, the RonaldMcDonald House at Stanford will feature 123 guest rooms. As of 2014, the Stanford location had to turn away 4,698 families due to their limited capacity and on average had 34 families on their waitlist every night. The new addition will give families with children undergoing treatment for heartbreaking ailments such as cardiovascular surgery, neonatal intensive care, and oncology a rejuvenative, an inviting place to stay during their time of need. 
I am incredibly grateful for all of those who have donated, but am still in need of significant support to complete my design. Your donations will go directly towards purchasing durable furnishings that will aid in creating comfortable spaces for children and families during their time of healing. Please join me in supporting this fantastic cause with a tax-deductible donation here.   



I can't wait to make this project come to life with your help.



Cheers,

Scot
 
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"Mind. Blown . . . "

December 16, 2015, 9:25 am
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Greetings,


Admittedly, me very deep, and totally serious, Star Wars 'nerdity' is not well documented on this blog.  I was 13 years old when the first film came out.  And I think I saw it something like 20 times over that summer.  Seriously.

My music 'nerdity' is slightly more well documented here.  I've been a singer and musician practically my entire life.

So . . . THIS.  This delights me.  Just imagine how great you think it could possibly be.

And THEN you can watch it.  This might be the best thing on the internet today.




May the force be with you,
Scot
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"Happy Christmas Y'all . . . "

December 23, 2015, 8:00 am
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Greetings,

Ok y'all . . . we're rolling headlong into Christmas in a few days.  Just in case your next few days are as busy as mine - I wanted to wish you a Happy Christmas a few days early!

Blessing upon you - a good wishes for the new year!

cheers,
Scot

(image of our Christmas tree for year from Traditional Home.  photography by John Merkl)
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"Happy New Year . . . "

December 31, 2015, 4:15 pm
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Greetings,

Happy New Year y'all.  See you on the other side!

Cheers,
Scot
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"SMW Home's First Annual Post-Holiday Sale . . . "

January 5, 2016, 8:00 am
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Greetings,

Thereareonly 354 shopping days until Christmas 2016.  If I were you . . . I'd get started!

We're having a jaunty sale over at SMW Home - with tartan accessories all around.  Stop by and enjoy savings up to 40% off a jolly selection of treasures!  Stock is limited - so shop early and shop often!

Cheers,
Scot


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"SMW Home Comes to Atlanta . . . "

January 7, 2016, 9:00 am
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Greetings,

If you're in the Atlanta area next week - join me as we celebrate SMW Home coming to the South.  We are excited to be represented by Steve McKenzie in Atlanta - and to have them as the newest member of Team Tartan!

Hope to see you there!
Scot


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"Will the Real SMW Please Stand Up . . . "

January 20, 2016, 12:00 pm
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So this is NOT John Ambrosio
but, in fact, me and Christian.

Greetings,

Here's how yesterday started out.  There's little more disturbing than finding out that someone is using your images to promote their own business.  It's a bit more creepy to discover that someone is using your headshots to swindle nice ladies out of their savings.  

And THAT seems to be what this 'gentleman' is up to.  He's built a website (two in fact that I've found thus far) showing himself as a successful architect - and then asking for loans from people that he's met on dating websites.

 

 And there's a whole pile of my friends here - Paulo (who is actually THIS amazing designer and friend)- and Jane, your friendly customer service person looking amazing in orange, is actually THIS amazing designer and good friend)


So,I'm kinda flattered.  And kinda annoyed.  And kinda amused. 

cheers,
Scot
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"Checking Yourself . . . "

January 21, 2016, 10:00 am
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Greetings,

Just pleased as punch to be included in the newest issue of TRADHome - focusing on entertaining with great recipes and table service ideas - which launched yesterday!  Check the complete issue - and look for a charming editorial Check Yourself (on page 38) featuring our textile collection and the new "Mayfair Settee" from our furniture line.

cheers,
Scot
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"Colour Inspiration - SMW Home's Leland Tartan . . . "

January 29, 2016, 8:00 am
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artwork by Kazuo Shiraga

Greetings,

As soon as I began the work on our new textile collection several years ago, I started hording away any and every image that inspired me.  Even without thinking of a clear path to its usefulness, they began to litter my pinterest page and the bulletin boards in our offices.  Sometimes it was just a colour.  Sometimes the interplay between colours.  I even found a posting from late 2013 - although somewhat cryptic - that was actually some early scheming for this collection.

So . . . enjoy a wee peek behind my creative process . . .

This almost feel Druid.  Which always makes me happy.

I think I've had this tucked away for YEARS . . . 

One of my clients collects vintage automobiles - so these images are always kicking around


Verdant Scotland is always a good place to begin thinking . . . 



So what did this all turn in to you might ask?  Just a little tartan that I named after my grandfather - and one of my favourites from our new collection . . . 




Now that everything is beginning to settle down a bit - I'll try to bring you more of the inspirations behind many of our new textiles.  

Cheers,
Scot
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"Sunday Runway - Joseph Abboud Fall 2016 . . . "

February 7, 2016, 10:15 am
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Greetings,

Just a wee bit of yummy tweeds, tartans, and velvet for your Sunday afternoon.  If by any chance you're skipping out on the sporting event today and surfing the interwebs hunting for something tasty - well then - consider yourself served.






Mmmmmmm.  Good.

cheers,
Scot 

All photography by Dan Lecca forStyle.com
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"Getting Published . . . "

February 22, 2016, 10:30 am
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Greetings,

Completely excited about sitting down this week with Crystal, Irene, Zahid, and Lindsey for a lively discussion about the art and science of getting one's work published.  If you're in the area this week for Design San Francisco - please stop by for what I know if going to be an informative conversation.

Cheers,
Scot

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"Lowering the Drawbridge . . . "

February 23, 2016, 8:00 am
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Greetings,

To help celebrate this year's Design San Francisco - we've decided to fling open the castle gates at the new offices of SMW Design!  If you're in the neighborhood this Thursday (the 25th), stop by and toast to great design and great friendship.

Many of my neighbors in the 4th floor showrooms are hosting open houses as well that evening - so a good time is here to be had!

Cheers,
Scot
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"Welcome to the Scottish Lodge . . . "

February 24, 2016, 8:00 am
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Greetings,

Last time we had a little stop by the windows here at our new office . . . things were particularly bright and punchy . . . .

Well . . . things have gotten a bit more moody since then . . . lol. 
After almost a decade of designing and installing windows at Ralph Lauren - the prospect of having a proper window display again was one of the reasons that I was SO excited about the new office.  Creating these 'moments in design' brings me great joy . . .

For the concept - like I said, I wanted to give the office entrance a bit more of a dark and sexy feel . . . all the while keeping to our Edwardian roots. . . so I began to imagine a slightly decaying Scottish Lodge just after the turn of the last century.  Completely chic - but, showing its age a bit!  I also gave me a chance to show off more of our textile collection and antiques.

I love the dramatic Clarke & Clarke wallpaper that wraps the space - and our SMWHome Admiral's Bench in navy leather has never looked better than when snuggled in under my collection of vintage tartan samples.  Our new Aberdeen Tartan Damask in navy get its first time outing - in lovely draperies surrounding the entrance to our private offices . . .

This marvelous French Fluted Giltwood Mirror provides the perfect centerpiece for a collection of historical prints and mementos. 

A few treasures from SMW Home as well . . . including this antique Biscuit Barreland a glimpse of our Lambswool/Angora Augustus Throw.

And . . . doesn't everyone have a English maid's uniform from 1910?!?!?!?!

what . . . you mean you don't!

Cheers,
Scot
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"I Knew Sebastian by Sight . . . . "

March 14, 2016, 8:00 am
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Greetings,

When I was first working on my textile collection for SMW Home . . . one of the more daunting tasks was coming up with names for all of the fabrics.  I vividly recall sitting quietly in my hotel restaurant in Edinburgh after finalizing the collection with a legal pad scribbling down family names, literary characters, and important locales in a long stream of possible options.

But, one name was clearly going to be a final choice.


“I knew Sebastian by sight long before I met him. That was unavoidable for, from 
his first week, he was the most conspicuous man of his year by reason 
of his beauty, which was arresting, and his eccentricities of behaviour, 
which seemed to know no bounds... I was struck less by his 
looks than by the fact that he was carrying a large teddy-bear"
                                 - from Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh



 "It is thus I like to remember Sebastian, as he was that summer, 
when we wandered alone together through that enchanted palace; Sebastian 
in his wheel chair spinning down the box-edged walks of the kitchen 
gardens in search of alpine strawberries and warm figs, propelling 
himself through the succession of hothouses, from scent to scent and 
climate to climate, to cut the muscat grapes and 
choose orchids for our buttonholes."
                                         - Charles Ryder, Brideshead Revisited 


SMW Home's "Sebastian Tattersall"in Sky


I wanted a name that implied all the glories of an English summer . . . the dusty blue of an early morning - the lush greens of fresh grass and ancient trees and the soft, heathered hues of a riotous English garden in the full blossom of high summer . . .

We've just used Sebastian Tallersall in our project in Vail, Co.

And, of course, I've used it in my own home - on this deep arm chair in our bedroom. 

. . . and don't think I've forgotten about Charles Ryder.  Stay tuned for more behind the scenes stories from SMW Home.

Cheers,
Scot
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"It's the Little Things . . . "

March 16, 2016, 8:00 am
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Greetings,

I'm so excited to announce a new book from my dear friend Susanna Salk - It's the Little Things - launching this week from Rizzoli Books.  And even more delighted to let you know that my own little home will be included in an impressive collection of interior designers. 

"Featuring beautiful design vignettes and arrangements from
 today’s top designers, Susanna Salk’s It’s the Little Things inspires
 us to be personal and artful with our decorating choices, creating
 spaces that reflect our personality. This jewel of a decorating book
 looks at the design details that make up a room’s decor, the stylish
 little touches that can help any room transcend the ordinary." 


"Whether through the luxurious trim and tassel of a bedroom
 curtain, the whimsy of a uniquely upholstered chair in the dining
 room, a loose but lush visual landscape on an entry hall table, or a
 deeply personal arrangement of treasures upon a dressing table,
 this book celebrates how chic design can be when expressed
 through personal details and provides a wealth of vignettes to
 inspire home owners and designers."

Susanna Salk is the author of Be Your Own Decorator, Decorate Fearlessly, C.Z. Guest, Room for Children, and Weekend Retreats. Salk is also a decorator, stylist and stager, as well as host and producer of the “At Home With" and "Stylish Shopping With" video series on the Quintessence design blog.  So, if Susanna looks familiar to you . . . here's why . . . 





Check out Susanna's new book here. 

Cheers,
Scot
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