California Dreamin'

Still in the throes of winter, I find myself craving bright yellows, oranges, and turquoises.  The arid California mountains looming over the sparkling coastline. Sea anemones. Fruit trees. And a Craftsman bungalow with a colorful kitchen.

The kitchen draws mostly on a yellow, turquoise, and mint palette, with a tiny bit of orange thrown into the mix. The decor is eclectic and geometric, with a definite push to mid-century -- the mint-green Smeg refrigerator, old-school radio, starburst juice glasses, Aladdin-style teapot and other Bauerware pottery. Bird artwork is by Edward Lear and outsider artist Justin McCarthy, with some 1940s toucan salt and pepper shakers for a hint of kitsch. Sage and white bentwood chairs, wicker lounger, yellow pendant light, and gray tile table complete the look.

Monday night at the MET.

Opening night of Andrea Chenier. An understudy observes intermission.

As a child, going to performances at NYCO with my grandmother, I found the Lincoln Center complex cold and hulking. As an appreciation for mid-century design gradually, over a period of years, slipped into my consciousness, I found new things to admire, and yes, even enjoy. The interior of the MET for one. The white marble staircases that coil and snake with both boldness and elegance.  The gilt fish-scale ceiling. The intricately spiky Sputnik chandeliers that rise grandly to announce the start of each performance. The geometry of it all is really quite breathtaking.