Rita Konig Interiors: Layered English Style Lessons and More
It’s the last Sunday in October (how did that happen?), the leaves are finally turning, and I have a full plate of favorites for you this week. A designer whose rooms I could live in, an appetizer that won’t undo your good intentions, what I’ve been wearing, and a peek at a recent interview I did with a local magazine. Pour the coffee. Let’s join Annie and Mary Ann and let’s go.
Rita Konig Design
Rita Konig decorates the way I wish everyone would: for living, not for show. Her rooms feel like they’ve been put together over decades by someone with fabulous taste and absolutely no interest in perfection. Think skirted tables, pleated and patterned lampshades (she is a lampshade genius), sofas you actually want to sink into, and stacks of books that are clearly being read. She layers pattern on pattern and pairs colors I would never have dared to put together, and somehow it all looks effortless and deeply English. Nothing is too precious, which is exactly why it works. A Rita Konig room says pour yourself a glass of wine and stay awhile…my kind of space…
This Rita Konig bedroom has been on my radar for so long I forgot who created it. The chevron planked walls, a caned black bed, rattan, wicker and an indigo block print quilt all layer together beautifully. Add books and red tulips and it feels lived in and personal. Character always beats perfect. I featured this project on my Sunday faves here.
You can follow Rita on Instagram here and you can find her entire portfolio here.
East of Eden on Netflix
We lived many years in the Salinas Valley and John Steinbeck’s novels have their share of poverty, cruelty, violence, and loss. The latest version on Netflix of East of Eden digs deep into Cathy one of his most chilling characters. The Hamilton family supposedly represent his own . The Trasks, on the other hand, are fictional. They supposedly aren’t based on a specific Salinas family. Steinbeck invented them to carry the novel’s biblical story: Adam and Charles, and later Cal and Aron, are his retelling of Cain and Abel, with the wanted and unwanted son fighting for a father’s love. I have heard from locals that they may have represented a real family?
Outfits of the Week-Daily Looks
These are the kind of outfits that I would reach for when I’m running errands in Paso Robles, meeting a friend for lunch, or grabbing a quick bite. Comfy outfits that I don’t feel overdressed or under for that matter. I am coveting the J Crew rollneck in this pattern. I own it in purple and love it. This Gap sweater would be a price friendly option. Do I need a sweater…no but this is one I would wear on repeat like the Frank and Eileen Montecito (yes they are pricey but I throw them in the wash and they hold their shape think PPW) . I am still obsessed with the Chico’s jeans (I have two pairs). I found a pair of the sneaks on eBay. This brand is stylish and supposedly foot friendly! I will let you know. I am loving the MZ Wallace bag for casual wear. Purchase your extra straps on Etsy. They are much cheaper.
Switch out the J Crew Sweater for my favorite Quince Cashmere Sweater and a blue bandana and you have another casual daily look.
This Banana Republic sweater is wonderful but runs big. I had to order the XS online. I love the straw colorway. I will be sharing in an upcoming sweater post. Here I styled it with the Ruti jeans (currently on sale) (these Madewell Jeans are very similar and loved by many readers) a beautiful Zara scarf, Quince bag (that is on my list), Gentle Souls driving mocs (the most comfy shoes I own) and Machete earrings that I own.
In the look below I added the Frank and Eileen jacket and a brown bandana. Asos has a really reasonable alternative to the quilted jacket here.
This outfit has all the punch and style as the others, it is just more price friendly. I LOVE the quilted jacket, and gorgeous scarf from H&M. I own a similar green jacket from H&M that I wear constantly. I want to try the barrel jeans from Gap Factory, and I ordered the t-neck from Uniglo. I didn’t switch out the shoes (I cannot wear inexpensive shoes do to foot issues), and the bag from Quince is at a great price point.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Peanuts & Mint with Lime Dipping Sauce
Last week it was our turn to host the wine group. Technically, the host only has to supply the wine, but I’m a bit of a nervous Nellie and can never resist adding a few nibbles. Steve grilled sausages, and I roasted a big pan of Brussels sprouts so we’d have something on the healthier side!
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Mint & Peanuts with Soy Lime Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Brussel Sprouts
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small clove garlic
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp fresh ginger-you can use ground in a pinch
- sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
Soy Lime Dipping Sauce
- The juice and finely grated zest of 1 lime
- 1 1/3-inch slice of fresh ginger, peeled and smashed
- 1 small garlic clove smashed and peeled
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 or 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 or 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup low fat mayo or greek yogurt
- Garnish with roasted peanuts and fresh mint to taste
Instructions
For the Brussel Sprouts
- Preheat the oven to 400°F
- Trim the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Place the halves on a large baking sheet. Toss the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil mixture. Once all pieces are evenly coated, spread the halved Brussels sprouts out on the baking sheet as much as you can. Flip all halved pieces so that the cut side is facing down.
- Roast Brussels sprouts until caramelized and tender, about 20 minutes. I recommend setting a timer. No need to flip them or stir them around at the halfway point!
For the Dipping Sauce
- Blend with an immersion blender until creamy and smooth. Taste for balance: it should be perfectly tangy-salty-sweet-creamy. If it needs more of anything (lime zest or juice, tamari, honey, sesame, ginger) add it and then taste again. It might take a bit of tinkering so try not to be in a rush during this part because you also want it to be nice and creamy, so if it’s too runny then you’ll probably want to add more cream or oil. This makes about 3/4 cup, but you could easily double it.
My Interview with Central Coast Voyager
I was interviewed for a local magazine last month and thought you might enjoy the interview Conversations with Cindy Hattersley here.
Be sure to pop over and see what my friends are loving this week. Mary Ann at Classic Casual Home and Annie at Most Lovely Things always have the best finds, and their picks are entirely their own (that’s half the fun).
Here’s to slow Sunday mornings and the people who make them sweeter. See you next week.
Good morning Cindy,
I am not a brussel sprout fan but my husband will love these!
So many cute outfits! And that Zara scarf! Sadly, sold out. Off to check out the other ones.
Great minds…I have a Rita Konig post coming up to.
I hope that you have a gerat week.
xo
Hi Eliz
Zara has really upped their game especially in the scarf department!
Cindy the recipe sounds delicious and I might make it for Thanksgiving with the peanuts! These outfits are so good. Love the loafers and the jackets. I have the Ruti jeans and like them. The BR sweater is a great color and you find the best scarves.
Congrats on the interview! Hopefully more will find you.
x Kim
P.S. Love Rita Konig!
Hi Kim
Aren’t those Ruti jeans just the best? I liked that BS recipe because it was different. I don’t care for the really sweet versions (you know me and sweets), and this one hit the spot with the fresh mint!
Hi Cindy,
Love the sound of the brussel sprout recipe thank you! Congratulations on being featured in Central Coast
Voyager how fabulous!!
Hi Francesca
Give the brussel sprouts a try. I think you will like them!!
Rita’s 1st Create Academy course, which features the house in the 1st picture, is excellent. The bedroom might be from the Mill Valley house, which was her 1st big job in the US.
& She has a book being published in the New Year that documents the 3 iterations of her London home, which has changed to keep up with the changes in her life.
Hi Leu
Yes that bedroom is from her Mill Valley project that I have constantly gone back to! I have gifted Create Academy but have never gifted myself. They have so many great people including Rita! Just love her style.
I like the look of those utility jeans by Chico’s — I was just thinking of cruising by there! Feeling like I need some straight-ish options in my sea of wide-leg jeans. So far, I’m not loving the barrel leg trend. Then I remember how long I resisted skinnies way back when…I got there eventually.
Hi Chris
I hear you! I don’t exactly hop on the latest trends either. Remember the one trend where the jeans had huge cuffs that looked like they were on the way to the tailor. That one didn’t last.
Cindy Thank you again for these stylish outfit arrangements. The olive colors and brown suede pieces are lovely and should translate to repeat seasons. I am now looking for loafers and moccasins; my stash of Coach loafers is dwindling. I found a pair of them about 6 years ago that fit and were comfortable as I have a bunion to be honest. I purchased every Coach similar pair through websites and sales no matter what the color at that time. Now discontinued there are two pairs left. Does anyone else do this? So the hunt is on.
Hi Donnie
Yes! I have a bunion and I do the exact same thing!
Enjoy your column and interested in the Brussels sprout recipe. There is no mention of the peanuts or mint in the ingredients or directions. Are they both added as a garnish? Are the peanuts roasted or salted? Appreciate confirming. I love roasted vegetables at this time of year and these sound delicious.
Thank you,
Debb
Hi Deb!
Sorry as you can probably tell by now my recipes are on the fly! Yes I just garnished with mint and peanuts. I will add that. I use the roasted peanuts from Trader Joe’s!!
I have to bring a savory side dish to a travel meeting tomorrow. Your brussel sprouts sound like a great option.
How’s the house sale and new property going?
Hi Cristi
No offers yet! You will love the brussel sprouts!
I cannot believe you have not had offers yet. I thought you would sell that baby so fast…..soon, it will be sold very soon. It’s spectacular.
I cannot watch East of Eden – I think it will be too sad for me. Good but sad. Reminds me of A River Runs Through It. So good, but just devastating.
Hi Gray
I understand why you would not want to watch it. I found the first few episodes difficult too. A River Runs Through It sooooo sad. No luck on our house yet.
I love your recipes. I started watching East of Eden…then remembered the story that I read in high school…sad ending! But I will finish it.
I have those suede flats too…love them…and yes so comfortable.
Hi Mary Ann
I agree it was really depressing in the beginning but it got more tolerable! I have read all of his novels. They are of particular interest if you have lived in the Salinas Valley, which as you know we did for over 40 years!