Mad Men Does Snack Bowls

Did anyone else notice the *adorable* snack bowls (my official term for them) perched on the SCDP conference room table during Don's disastrous Life cereal presentation on Sunday night's episode* of Mad Men? As disarmingly drunken as Don's presentation was, I still managed to be distracted by those beautiful bowls (filled with nuts? pretzels?). Anyone know more about these bowls? Anthropologie's ikat bowls (shown below in green) are the closest I've been able to find so far:

* I DVRed Sunday night's episode and watched it immediately after watching the Emmys -- congratulations to Mad Men the best show on television on its Emmy three-peat!

Jane Sterling: Stealth Interior Designer?

Apart from the California scene in which Don Draper Dick Whitman touches up a wall in Anna Draper's living room with a few fresh coats of a pretty shade of Sherwin-Williams blue paint, Sunday night's episode of Mad Men was relatively light on design (however, the last 20 minutes or so were heavy on debauchery, courtesy of Don Draper and Lane Pryce, of all people). So, for this post, I decided to revisit something that I noticed during last week's episode: Jane Sterling has an eye for design! Last week, we learned that Jane had a hand in decorating Roger Sterling's new office. Jane may not know how to choose a husband (or maybe she does?), but she certainly knows how to choose beautiful office furniture. Beautiful Saarinen office furniture. I definitely spotted a tulip table and chairs in Roger's "Italian Hospital" office.

In honor of the new Mrs. Sterling's good taste, here's a little eye candy:

Saarinen Tulip Chair

(image via dwr.com)

Helvetica, Meet Mad Men.

I loved tonight's episode of Mad Men -- Don Draper and his perfectly messy personal life are back -- and I love every bit of it. (Is that wrong??) I also loved the copy of this Helvetica poster that I spotted in Peggy's office:

My mission to learn the story behind this poster is currently underway (and if anyone has any leads, please let me know!)

Why Hello, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.

I just finished watching the season premiere of Mad Men for the second time. I had to watch it twice to fully absorb all of the changes -- I was prepared for change, but I was not prepared for a seismic shift! (P.S. -- What did Betty and Henry Francis do with the velvet tufted headboard? I so miss that headboard.)

During my second viewing, I was able to focus on SCDP's new digs in the Time-Life building. The new offices have an entirely different vibe -- I do miss the sepia-toned hues of the old Sterling Cooper offices. But the new offices are beginning to grow on me. I was really struck by the bold use of color, which I first thought looked a little anachronistic for 1964. But as these photos from the House Beautiful archives have taught me, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce was just catching up with the times:

circa February 1962

circa May 1962

circa October 1961

circa December 1961

circa February 1960

(All images via House Beautiful)

Where I've Been...and Mad Men.

I've been away from the blog for just over a month! But I have not been away from Ruby Perrin Design. I am still forging ahead toward a January 2011 launch date, and I am constantly brainstorming ideas and seeking out inspiration for what I am hoping will be an exciting adventure. I've also been keeping myself busy with work, family time, and ... a new computer! As of tonight (yes, I just took it out of the box), I am the proud owner of a brand new MacBook Pro (and I'm using it to write this post). I still have a lot to learn about my new laptop, but I'm so excited to have it. What can I say? After a lifetime of PC use, I've officially become an enthusiastic Mac groupie.

I'm really looking forward to more blog time over the next few weeks -- stay tuned for exciting updates! In the meantime, and in honor of Sunday's Mad Men season premiere (I'm so excited I can hardly stand it), here's a little Mad Men eye candy. Enjoy!

Is it wrong that I love that wood paneling?

I still haven't decided whether I like the plaid wallpaper in the Draper kitchen. (Also, did anyone else notice that Francine plays Piper Perabo's sister on Covert Affairs, the new drama on USA?)

I LOVE that headboard. I'm sure it's a major dust collector -- but tufted anything wins me over every time.