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Weekend Meanderings -New Outdoor Upholstery, San Francisco’s Proper Hotel, and Mirrored Backsplashes

September 2, 2022 By kimwheeler 35 Comments

On this Weekend Meanderings.. an overnight getaway to San Francisco and Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel, mirrored backslashes for light and sparkle, my newly recovered patio set, tennis bracelets, and more.

It’s time for some cool finds and things you might want to know about -with my pals Elizabeth and Juliet. I hope you are having a good Labor Day weekend and some time to rest and reset. Going back to school after August holidays is called la rentrée in France, and people welcome the resetting of rituals and daily life after vacations and being away. They are excited about getting back to their friends and familiar things. I kind of love that too.

I was born on Labor Day, which seems funny. My mom always joked about that. I love September, it’s my favorite month, and looking forward to fall! This Labor Day weekend we are staying home and having a little barbecue with our family. We did however do a little midweek getaway though…

The Proper Hotel in SF

Flowers in The Proper Hotel lobby
The Lobby at The Proper Hotel

Max planned for us to have our 26th anniversary dinner at Villon in San Francisco on Wednesday. When I realized it was at designer Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel, I was super excited. I have been wanting to go see it in person for a while and shared about it on this post. The Proper is in an historic flatiron building that has been thoughtfully renovated with its original marble floors and architectural details kept and enhanced.

The Proper Hotel, a historic flatiron building in San Francisco
Photo: The Proper Hotel

We decided to stay there for the night, so we could have a drink at the pretty rooftop bar/speakeasy, Charmaine’s.. before doing the Chef’s tasting menu at Villon. We were surprised the tasting menu was $85 which seemed a great price, extra for the wine pairing, which Max did and it was really enough wine for two to share.

Max waiting for another course below, it was a lot of fun.. even thought he looks bored (He’s not good with long dinners..) I would recommend this for a special occasion night in the city!

Dinner at Villon in The San Francisco Proper Hotel

Love the rooms which were a black and white theme and had an eclectic mix of wallpapers.. and a smart little marble table to work on and a mini setee, and a chair.

Hotel room at The San Francisco Proper Hotel
Hotel room at The San Francisco Proper Hotel

The Proper is the perfect name, as it has everything you would want in a proper hotel- beautiful design, dreamy rooms, uber comfy beds and linens, two restaurants, Villon, and Banda-a tapas bar, a rooftop bar, and room service.

On top of Charmaine’s rooftop bar with the cutest little fire pits. I’m wearing one of my favorite easy dresses- this leopard t-shirt dress by Jenni Kayne ( on sale 20% off with code LDW20 this weekend), with my new Paige jacket I wrote about last week on the army jacket post..

Having a cocktail Charmaine's rooftop bar San Francisco
Charmaine's rooftop bar San Francisco

The public spaces are inviting, comfy and gorgeous. You can enjoy a bite or a drink, all day in the main lobby..

Villon, where we did the dinner and breakfast.. Isn’t my yogurt beautiful?

breakfast yogurt with fruit and granola in the Proper Hotel San Francisco
The Villon restaurant in The Proper Hotel San Francisco
The lobby at the Proper Hotel San Francisco

It’s a great spot for a little getaway for two. If you appreciate beautiful spaces and design, delicious food and great service, you’ll love The Proper. It’s a bit of a sanctuary from the bustle and bustle of the city.

I now want to get to one of the other Proper Hotels. There are also hotels in Downtown Los Angeles…

The Proper Hotel downtown Los Angeles

and Santa Monica ..in California..

The Proper Hotel Santa Monica

Don’t you love how each hotel has it’s own design vibe? That is very Kelly Wearstler and if you aren’t familiar with her you can see more of her on her Instagram. She also has cool personal style and I find her dedication to design and dressing fascinating..

Kelly Wearstler from her Instagram

Aesop Skincare Products

Like everything Kelly Wearstler does, the bath amenities at The Proper were top quality. I was lightly familiar with Aesop Products, and loved getting to try the Geranium Leaf body cleanser gel, and Bergamot Rind shampoo and Bergamot conditioner, and I fell in love with this line!

I’m sensitive to smells, but these beautiful formulations are light and so fresh and natural. I also like how they left a pretty scent in the bathroom, but not necessarily on my skin, but enough for me to enjoy the essence in the shower without being overpowering. They are plant based and were formulated to solve skin issues. Aesop products are natural, cruelty free and a B Corp which means they do good by the earth and their employees.

I splurged a little and bought those three products before I left the hotel and I love how they look in my shower. No more mismatched bottles. I think these will last a long time- and it feels like a spa in my bath.

Aesop product for the shower.
Main bath with Aesop bath products

Aesop products sold at Neiman’s (I linked to the hair products there as they are out of stock elsewhere.) The line is also at the Skinstore where this weekend the entire line is on sale 25% off with code LABOR. I like the Skinstore and the brands they carry and have ordered many things from them. They also have a 12 piece gift bag with $130 purchase now. Most brands are included in the 25% off is you need other skincare or cosmetics.

My newly upholstered patio set

I was so happy my old nasty outdoor cushions I wrote about procrastinating on, were done in just under a month including choosing and ordering the Sunbrella fabric. The local spot, Krupp’s Upholstery could not have been more pleasant helpful and I can now verify they do beautiful work. They even made the cushions better by restuffing them and relocating the zippers so the cushions could be used on both sides. I also love the back cushions that they stuffed with an outdoor down alternative that has support, but feels great. Even Max said you could never buy already made cushions this nicely made..

Sunbrella Sea Salt on newly recovered outdoor ottoman and chair

This is the before..

before outdoor cushions with tears

This is the little patio area off of my office. I’m so glad I did not give this seating set away. I could not find the right size cushions and the all weather wicker was wearing beautifully.. after almost 10 years. I really almost donated it, but I’m so glad I chose to re-do the cushions.

On the base cushions I chose Sailcloth Salt and the accent pillows I chose Fretwork Pewter. Both are made by Sunbrella.

newly upholstered outdoor cushions in Sunbrella Sea Salt and Fretwork Pewter fabrics  with all weather wicker and brick patio

I highly recommend this Krupp’s a father/son family business in Campbell. This is not a sponsored thing, just a wonderful local small business that I wanted to share.

Mirrored Backsplashes

I loved this piece on Thomas O’Brien, on Frederic this week and how his secret for bright kitchens is mirrored backplashes. They aren’t as disco as you would think and lend light and a sparkle to what can sometimes be a dark space. Look how great these kitchens where he employed the mirror trick are..

galley kitchen with mirrored backsplash by Thomas O' Brien
kitchen with mirrored backsplash by Thomas O' Brien

In this bar he did the same..

bar with mirrored backsplash by Thomas O'Brien

I also have a mirrored bar backsplash.. Mine is different in that it is tiles that are slightly glazed with a gold. I think it gives a bit of elegance to a modern shape bar and open shelving. It’s another trick to bring light to a space. I would totally do it again…

This is a shot of it. Sometimes with the tiles, it can be hard to photograph and looks busier in pictures than it does in person.

mirrored wet bar and open shelves

My bar has washed oak cabinets, dark gold modern pulls and floating shelves in the same material. The bar top is part of one of the two slabs of quartzite I used in my kitchen called Dolce Vita. It’s a natural stone that wears amazingly well. I have a hammered sink and dark gold faucet.

mirrored backsplash bar and brass giraffe fro Anthropologie holding tangerines.
Wet bar with accessories and mirrored backsplash

The backsplash tiles are called Yesterday’s Glass by Jeffery Court. I chose them as they reminded me of my parent’s dining room in the 1970’s. We had this glass mirror on one wall and back then you bought it the hardware store and I believe it had peel off backs! It was a DIY by my mom. She loved how it reflected her chandelier. I wish I could find a photo of that room.

I love this little brass giraffe guy I just bought at Anthro for the bar. Right now he’s holding citrus.

Anyway, mirrored backslashes are a great trick, that can look clean like Thomas did, or glam and are a fun often forgotten option.

U.S. Open

Have you been glued to the U.S. Open? This season really stared off with a bang with the big night honoring Serena. I hadn’t realized how long she has been playing…Seems like forever. I was so lucky to get to see her and Azarenka play one night at the Indian Wells tournament with friends. She and Venus are legends.. and a lot of people wanted to get a glimpse of her last matches.

Did you know the Arthur Ashe stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world? I did not and the night they had her first match there was not one seat left! The game will certainly not be the same without Serena. She had a long run and great to see a woman still competing at the level she is after 40.

Serena Williams in US Open 2022

Chris Evert and her Tennis Bracelets

Chrissy Evert is back announcing many of the matches after battling Ovarian Cancer. A great article about how she detected it early which was very lucky here in NYTimes this week. It’s so great she is doing well! She inspired me to start tennis as a kid.

If you are a fan you remember her tennis bracelet and how they were once the thing and are now back. Tennis necklaces are everywhere too.

Chris Evert 1978 with tennis bracelet

She was the first to wear them and now she is getting proper credit for them on a collaboration with jeweler Monica Rich Kosan, who launched a collection with her. They have a wide range of styles and prices.. I love the whole collection.

Monica Rich Kosan x Chris Evert tennis bracelets collection

Bloomingdales also has this more affordable version which looks pretty nice and Anthro has this tennis necklace which is a great fake.

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

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PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful.

Kim

If you missed last week’s post I shared how army/cargo jackets can give a cool edge to all your closet staples, a Hawaiian take on banana bread, British home tours to binge and more..find that post here.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

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Filed Under: home decor, weekend meanderings Tagged With: #barstyle, #kellywearstler, #mirroredbackplashes, #reupholstering, #sunbrellafabric, #theproperhotelSF

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It’s weekend meandering time with my pals Juliet It’s weekend meandering time with my pals Juliet and Elizabeth..

I am finally sharing my packing list from the UK trip. The last part of our Edinburgh stop is also on the post along with a lovely Tahoe remodel.

If you need the post messaged to you comment links!

Pop in by our blogs for more good things..links in bios:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#whattopackuk #whattopackscotland #uktravel #edinburghpacking
If you missed it, Juliet, Elizabeth and I are doin If you missed it, Juliet, Elizabeth and I are doing a virtual holiday sparkle party !✨ 

Tomorrow is December and we would love to see your beautiful holiday pins and brooches. If you have some lovelies that you’d like to wear, we’d love if you’d tag us and also use the tag with #ShowUsYourBling or #christmaspin and  we will share your pretties on our stories.

December gives us a chance to fly our sparkle flags and get those special pieces you may have inherited out and wear them. 

I have more ideas on my blog on how to style them and also some pretty vintage pieces  and others if you need to start your own little collection!! They are little pieces of art. 

Tag us and #showusyourbling  #christmaspin 

More on our blogs .. Links in bio
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#broochthesubject #holidaysparkle #vintagebling #vintagechristmas #weissbrooch
I’m super excited because today Juliet and Eliza I’m super excited because today Juliet and Elizabeth and I are starting a virtual brooch/holiday pin party for December and we want you to join us! ✨

I know many of you probably have some lovely little sparkles that are sitting in a drawer or box from your mom or grandma, or perhaps just ones that you haven’t worn for a long time.  Get those lovelies out and let’s see them. 

During the month of December, tag us with #showusyourbling or #christmaspin  and we will share your pretty pins on our stories.

This is another way to get creative with your outfits during this festive month ! It also sparks so many nice comments and conversations. I’ve been chatted up by so many people wearing my mom or grandma’s brooches and I  enjoyed hearing about theirs as well. 

It’s a way to keep those who we inherited them from, close to our hearts at this time of the year . 🥰 I always think my mom or grandma would be so thrilled to know I’m wearing their special brooches. 

Men are wearing brooches now too! So we’d love for the guys to join in as well.

Stop by our blogs today for more ways to wear your pins and links to some good ones if you’re wanting to start your own little collection like I have!

Use the hashtags #showusyourbling #christmaspin 

Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@pineconesandacorns 
@makemineaspritzer 

#broochthesubject #christmaspin #vintagechristmaspin #vintagechristmas #holidaydressing #holidaysparkle
I just had to put this out as I’ve already had s I just had to put this out as I’ve already had several friends saying they are stressed about not doing anything for the holidays yet -and  it’s not even December!!

Then yesterday my dad said he felt some anxiety because all his neighbors had their Christmas lights up and he hasn’t done his. 
That really made me upset. My 84 year old dad! 

This is not a race. 

The person with the most things done is not the winner in fact, that person may not be enjoying the season as much as somebody else who’s taking it slowly and going at their own pace, and doing less.

Remind yourself to enjoy the little things this season that matter to you. Also say no to things . You don’t need to do all you think you do. Let things go that aren’t bringing you joy. 

This holiday season shouldn’t be about stress! 

That’s the end of this PSA from a person who has bought two gifts and still has Thanksgiving decor up! 

Is anyone else feeling overwhelmed?

Tell me below, have you made the season better by doing less?  Are you a late shopper or card writer? That is okay. 

Do you know people used to shop and decorate the tree in the days before Christmas just a few decades ago?? 

#holidaymadness #simplechristmas #holidayzen
Hope you’ve had a great long weekend! If you mi Hope you’ve had a great long weekend!  If you missed the Weekend Meanderings with Juliet and Elizabeth pop on by for some good holiday ideas!
On my weekend post…
-A Thanksgiving table hack
-Pretty wrap from California
-Beauty gift ideas on sale
- J. Crew silver holiday looks
-Part I of my Edinburgh trip 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Including Holyrood Palace and @thebalmoral hotel, in Edinburgh.

It’s all on the our blogs -links in bio:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#weekend #edinburgh #edinburghtravel #holyroodpalace #balmoralhotel #roccofortehotels #scotland_insta #scotland
Finally got my table together ! I added some flowe Finally got my table together ! I added some flowers from Trader Joe’s after picking up Griffin from SFO this afternoon. I found these green napkins at @worldmarket and added some velvet ribbon I had with our @anthropologie dishes… and my favorite candlesticks from my pal Juliet! 

I have my mom’s tureen and my grandma’s platter out and the recipe binder is open to my mom’s beautifully written instructions on how to cook a turkey made for me and other tips. 💛

It will be me and all my guys including dad, but I’ll be thinking of mom and grandma and all the Thanksgivings they did. I am missing them especially at this time of year. I know a lot of you feel the same. 

I’m thankful to all of you sweet friends here on Instagram too.  It’s been a joy to connect with so many kind people. 

Now I am off to trim Brussels sprouts!😅

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

#thanksgivingtable #thanksgivingtablescape #thanksgivingtableideas  #californiathanksgiving
It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the fourth part of our travel to the UK with our visits to Chatsworth House, Bakewell and the medieval walled city of York! I loved this area and if you are a Jane Austen fan, you know 500 year old Chatsworth was her inspiration for Mr Darcy’s Pemberley and in many of the films. It’s amazing it’s been in the same family for 16 generations and you can have the best day there walking the house and grounds and lunch..

October was a magical time to visit these places with foggy days and fall weather! We absolutely loved it and York has to be one of my favorite cities now. The walls were so fun to walk and we stayed at the most charming hotel..@grayscourtyork 

More on the blog ! 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs too! 
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#uktravel #visitbritain #york #chatsworthhouse #bakewell #falltravel #prideandprejudice #pemberley #grayscourtyork
It’s November’s Signature Style so Cindy and I It’s November’s Signature Style so Cindy and I are sharing great coats and outerwear!  We’ve got fun ideas on how to wear your coats and jackets and the coolest options out there!

I snapped a few pictures of people in the UK in their coats, and I’m sharing a little inspiration from the trip..

Stop on by our blogs if you need a fresh look or maybe a new coat for this year! We are finally getting some real weather, and I love it! 

You can comment LINKS to be sent the post by DM or find the posts in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

#winterstyle #coatinspo #coatseason
Did you get to read my post on the Cotswolds? I’ Did you get to read my post on the Cotswolds? I’m absolutely in love with this part of England that includes Oxford University where we began, Stow on the Wold, and Stratford-Upon-Avon! 

All three are places of incredible history and charm! We even did a little side trip to the teeny village of Lower Slaughter.. More about all of it, and the sweet shops and restaurants and our cute hotel on the weekend post..

If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds save this reel..
On this clip-
@oxford_uni 
@thesheepstow 
@cutterbrooksshop 
@lucystearoomstow 

Link to my full blog on this in bio
@northerncalstyle 

#stowonthewold #cotswolds #cotswoldstravel #oxforduniversity #stratforduponavon #uktravel 

@lambsrestaurant
Today I joined my blogging friends to share cozy b Today I joined my blogging friends to share cozy bedroom ideas and inspiration for the season. 

Do you have a  bedroom that could use some cozy?  Mine needed help.. I used fuzzy rugs, plaid throws, velvet pillows, plus a touch of black to give my own room some depth and warmth during these darker months!  I added a faux wreath above the bed for a festive feel. ✨It feels like a little retreat now and I’ve been reading and having my tea here.

All of us have unique bedroom ideas for this collaboration, so stop on by our blogs!

@northerncalstyle 
@classiccasualhome 
@cindyhattersley 
@most_lovely_things 
@mysweetsavannah 

#cozybedroom #cozyroom #wintervibes #holidayhouse
If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet a If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared my favorite things to do in London in fall and winter! 

I’m breaking my UK/Scotland trip into regions, and this week is all about London, where we stayed, some good spots to eat, my favorite museums, and shops. I also shared a few good things I bought, and the boots I wore everywhere that were fairly inexpensive and very comfortable .

The link to this post is in my bio or you can comment below for it and I’ll DM you. 

On this Reel:
-Our beautiful hotel @hamyard_hotel in Soho
- My favorite museum the @vamuseum which is having the Chanel exhibit until Feb. and don’t miss the gift shop totes! 
- The best place for tea and beautiful tins of it to take home @fortnums 
- The historic and coolest department store in the world, @libertylondon. Must do!
- Max’s favorite museum @thebritishmuseum 
- I always find something at @hmhome 
- Two Italian spots we love @circolopopolare and @_boccadilupo &gelato @gelupogelato 
MORE on the blog!

Save this post if you’re planning a trip.

More on the blog! 
@northerncalstyle 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more fun too:
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#london #londontips #londontravel #londoninthefall #prettycitylondon
I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in th I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in the UK! 🇬🇧❤️ 

I’ve been trying to share everything on my stories, and saving some of them in my highlights in case any of you are planning a trip! 

I’ve been so overwhelmed with the pictures,  I actually let Instagram make this Reel from the highlights of London and Oxford.. 

I just did a little postcard post on the weekend blog with a few fun pics and details, especially about our stop to visit my friend Rosie who lives in Stratford Upon Avon,  which was so lovely.

You can follow along on my stories, or if you’ve missed any, look at the highlights ! I’m trying to categorize by area.

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs too. I know they had a great weekend posts!!

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#uktravel #uktraveltips #londontravel #oxfordtravel #visitbritain

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