Boxwood Terrace

Pinterest Point of View

2012-02-16T14:42:00.001-05:00

One of my boards on Pinterest

I'm a reluctant follower and usually at the tail end of a trend. I joined Facebook and Twitter last year. My list of Facebook friends is embarassingly short and my tweets are sporadic at best. It's hard to keep up with my blog, never mind "social media". The problem is that I'm not a very social person. I'm introverted, quiet, reserved. And I like it that way. Socializing with people other than close friends and family makes me uncomfortable sometimes. Socializing online with strangers makes me, well, tense. It's the same feeling I get before going to the dentist. I've realized that since I'm not gregarious by nature, a website won't transform me into a social maven. Even with some comfort of anonymity.

So when Pinterest rolled around, I rolled my eyes. I have enough to do. Full time job, parents, partner (boyfriend, but I'm past the age of using that term), friends, a cat, tennis. And a blog (and I forgot about LinkedIn). I wasn't looking for another reason to sit in front of the computer. But it's done now. I've tried it and like it. Very much.

Pinterest is a different medium than FB or Twitter, for sure. But for me, it's ideal because it's all about visuals. Pinning photos from the web onto your boards is lightning fast and easy. The source of the photo is included within the pin so no need to track the source yourself. Once I got going, it only took me ten minutes to create a board. And if I'm in the mood to write, I can add a lengthy comment to the pin. It's less time consuming than blogging and Facebook and Twitter.

And more fun.

So what do you think of Pinterest? Have you tried it yet? Are you using it more often than your blog / Facebook / Twitter account?

~ D ~

Chinese Blue and White Garden Seats

2012-02-10T10:50:00.003-05:00

I am in the market for some pretty blue and white ceramic garden seats for my living room. These fine examples were sold by Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers (here in Boston). I have been tempted to buy a mass produced version online for $100 or less, but the real thing can also be had for a reasonable price, as you'll see here. I've included the expensive stools too because they are too beautiful to overlook.

My favorites. This pair sold for a reasonable $356.

How about two seats plus an umbrella stand for $88? All modern pieces and not antiques, but an excellent buy.

My second favorites because of their delicate beauty and price. Sold for $95.

Stunning, but sold for $3,185.

Alas, $2,252

This bold pair sold for $1,715.

So, I will try to sit tight, hold onto my wallet and wait for a unique and reasonably priced piece at Skinner. I hope it won't be a long wait.

Cozy & Warm

2012-01-15T10:31:00.001-05:00


Interior by John Jacob Interiors

This is where I want to be on a cold Sunday afternoon. By the fire, books at hand, a desk at which to pay a bill or two, table and chairs nearby for a hearty soup lunch.

Don't you think that in addition to the fire, the brown upholstered wall warms the room too? Without it, the lamps, portraits, and tables would appear to float in mid-air, I think.

Happy Weekend!

A New Year

2012-01-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

Crane Beach, Ipswich, Massachusetts

New Year's day was absolutely beautiful in Boston. Sunny and 53 degrees. A perfect day for a January walk on Crane Beach in Ipswich. We hiked on back trails and strolled the beach just before sunset when I took this photo (with surprising quality from my iphone 4s).

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2012.

Holiday Cards

2011-10-27T18:56:00.018-04:00

Every year, I love to search for the perfect Christmas cards to send to family and friends. I'm often overwhelmed with all the choices and themes. This year, I've made my decision early and will purchase cards featuring reproduction watercolors by Andrew Zega & Bernd H. Dams. In addition to the holiday card collection (a few examples shown here), there are over 250 watercolor cards from which to choose, featuring architectural monuments, garden follies and ornaments, and Chinoiserie among others.

The website includes watercolor renderings of incredible European buildings and serious architecture, but also includes whimsical subjects too (check out the "Architectural Alphabet"). It's an experience not to be missed and I think you'll be just as delighted with their watercolors as I am.

The artists also have a very informative blog, Noted, and you can find the link on my sidebar under "Inspiration".

Please let me know which are your favorite cards after you've visited the Architectural Notecards website....

Happy Browsing!

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Bedroom Makeover

2011-09-30T15:48:00.015-04:00

I've been working on a feminine master bedroom makeover and came up with the following fabrics and furnishings. The only trouble is, I can't decide which lamps would be best to try in the room. Following are four variations of the room and the only difference in each are the bedside lamps. Everything else is the same. Unfortunately, none of the items in the photos are to scale.

Please vote for your favorite in the poll on the side bar or leave a comment and we'll see which lamp is the winner.

Thanks!

I started with the antiqued brass library lamps, but am concerned that the shades will be too wide--nearly as wide as the top of the bedside tables. The shape of the shades have a pleasing geometry and the lamp bases don't compete with headboard fabric. The lamps are also adjustable and 27" is the lowest height, which is plenty for a bedside lamp.

The gilded iron lamps are more modern than the first lamps, but the finish is aged and has an antique quality. The size (and the price) are right. I fall hard for anything gilded.

Here we have the traditional crystal column lamps. They're pretty, but may be more traditional and chunkier than what I'd like to see.

I initially passed on these conical shaped crystal lamps, but I'm giving them a second look. The bottom is faceted, like a diamond, and the gentle curve of the base is feminine, but not fancy.

Pretty

2011-09-27T19:46:00.002-04:00

Interior Design by Tara Shaw. Photos by CocoCozy.

First of all, I apologize for the lack of posts in August and September. These months were the busiest ever at work. The long days and long to-do lists left me little time for much else and resulted in a neglected blog. I would have preferred to be decorating, reading my favorite design blogs and design books, but until I can earn a living doing those things, my day job pays the bills (you know how that is).

Work is less demanding for now, so I had time to savor the October 2011 issue of Veranda magazine featuring the "The House of Windsor". The bedroom designed by Tara Shaw intrigued me and I was curious if Ms. Shaw had designed any other rooms at the house. A quick Google search and eureka! I discovered these photos by CocoCozy of the bathroom designed by Ms. Shaw. I was taken by cool marble, antique mirror and cheerful pink flowers, along with the crisp architectural details. It's pretty, simple and inviting and now at the top of my list of designer bathrooms.

My New Blog

2011-08-11T22:58:00.002-04:00

Photo by briberrie and available to purchase on etsy

I've been experimenting with a new blog, which includes more than interior design and decorating. I'm not sure it's necessary to start an additional blog, but you know how it is with blogging--I blog, therefore I am. My goal was to create a separate site to feature more than interiors and decorating and to focus on briefer, but more frequent posts. If you have any additional time in your already busy day (and long blog-reading lists), I'd be grateful if you'd have a look at my new site here and let me know your thoughts (here or there).

Thank you!

A Designer's French Chateau

2011-07-13T13:25:00.008-04:00

I hope you don't mind another Charles Spada post, but I thought you'd enjoy these photos of his Normandy, France home as much as I did. All photos are from the Polish magazine Weranda (photography by Andreas von Einsiedel/East News).

The exterior of the chateau, formerly a hunting lodge.

The incredible chandelier is original to the chateau.

The walls are a warm, soft gray and the wood floors are laid in a classic herringbone pattern.

Antique framed prints, animal print fabric and touches of damask highlight the main room.

A bold leopard print fabric covers this sofa. I think one needs a room this large (and a skilled interior designer like Charles Spada) to comfortably pull this off.

This French baker's table and plates accent a dining room wall.

A larger collection of plates dominates another wall. On the left, you can see the gray checked drapes at the window.

A charming kitchen with brick floor, large hearth and modern stove.

A collection of creamware (or is it ironstone?)

Here's a peek of the pretty gray and blue toile fabric of one of the bedrooms.

More antique prints and frames.

Plenty of reading material....

And here's a small WC tucked behind a paneled wall in the bedroom.

Visit the Weranda link above in Google and you can translate the magazine article into English. Enjoy!

The Old With The New

2011-06-16T22:31:00.002-04:00

An old rose on a modern trellis

I'm sorry to say that I don't remember where or when I found this image (other than it was pre-blog). The contrast between the old rose, weathered wood, and stainless steel is interesting and appealing, I think.

My neighborhood garden tour is on Saturday and I'm hoping to take some good photos to share with you.

In the meantime, Happy Weekend!

Far Out

2011-06-12T22:05:00.015-04:00

It's been raining again so we decided to take in the Chihuly glass exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts. I took these photos as we wandered the exhibit rooms, which were crowded with visitors even as the museum was about to close-- a testament to Chihuly's popularity.

This is one of six huge glass chandeliers on display. Each arm bends and curls, capturing and reflecting light and shine. I never realized glass could be so dramatic. I couldn't help but wonder too, how do they dust this?

The following photos were taken while looking up. The ceiling is clear glass and hundreds of Chihuly pieces are set above, creating a sea of rainbow light below. I've never been in a room before with so many arms and cameras pointing up, all of us shuffling around for the best photo, trying not to bump into each other. It was a nice atmosphere though--a shared awe about the kaleidoscopic display over our heads.

The exhibit closes August 7, 2011 -- click the link above for details. I have to say, this is one of the most joyful art exhibits I've ever experienced. Have you seen Chihuly's work before? If so, what do you think of it?

Let's Do Lunch

2011-06-08T22:08:00.006-04:00

Photo source: Mary Jane Vaughn. Not part of the day. I just like the flowers.

I don't know about you, but most days I brown bag my lunch and eat at my desk so I can get as much work done as possible. It's necessary sometimes, but not much fun. Wouldn't it be a nice change to have a long lunch with interesting people and discuss art, antiques, and fine jewelry over a delicious meal?

I had the chance to do so last week during a press lunch hosted by auctioneers and appraisers from Skinner, Inc. Skinner CEO Karen Keane and directors of the Fine Jewelry, American & European Paintings/Prints, and Wine departments gave us an overview of Skinner's upcoming auctions.

Not only are Karen Keane and her staff experts in their fields, but they are also approachable and fun--delighted to answer questions and share their experiences. They are as enthusiastic as you'd expect them to be about fine antiques, but also enthusiastic about their more affordable Discovery auctions. I've posted about Skinner before, but avoided mentioning the expensive jewelry and valuable paintings because I can't afford them (hence the brown bag lunches). It would feel, well, a little odd for me to tell you about a platinum and 5.23 carat diamond solitaire ring valued at $40,000 -$50,000 coming up for auction. Instead, I post about finds within my budget (and comfort zone) from Skinner's Discovery auctions which include estate furnishings, decorative accessories, carpets and rugs, and artwork from the 18th to 20th century.

Skinner's Discovery auctions are held every month at their Marlborough, MA location, but if you have the budget or just want to admire beautiful jewelry, then check out Skinner's fine jewelry auction on June 14th (the ring will be there, if you're interested).

A Boston Pied-à-Terre

2011-06-01T19:22:00.006-04:00

If you've been following Boxwood Terrace since the early days, you know how much I admire Charles Spada's interior designs. I've done a few posts about his work because it always impresses me. The following are photos of a 600 square foot apartment he designed on the top floor of what was once a church in Boston's South End.

The white walls of the apartment highlight the owners' collection of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century German, Italian, and French drawings. The dark walnut parquet floors set off the pale colored neo-classical style furniture, which was designed by Spada to maximize space.

It was difficult to scan the photo of the entire banquette against the wall, but I wanted to show Spada's smart and attractive solution for hiding the air conditioner on the far right wall. He had a folding screen made and covered in burlap, which shields the unit from view, but doesn't inhibit air flow. Have you ever seen such elegant use of burlap? The painted wrought-iron garden urn in front of the screen holds white orchids. It's my favorite thing in the room.

What surprises me most is that this apartment was designed more than a decade ago and it's still fresh and elegant. The classical elements and antiques make it a timeless.

Everyone knows the trick of hanging mirrors opposite windows to make a small space look larger, but Spada's custom-built long shelf saves floor space and minimizes the need for tables. It's another clever idea that anyone can duplicate.

All photos and details from the book East Coast Rooms by Anna Kasabian. Photos by Eric Roth. Interior design by Charles Spada LLC.

Monumental

2011-05-21T09:15:00.005-04:00

Oxford University is a special place for Jon. He attended a summer program there during his undergraduate years. Whenever we watch Inspector Lewis on Masterpiece Mystery (a detective series set in Oxford) he'll quickly point out the Radcliffe Camera when it comes into view. He does this quite often, really. Sometimes more than once an episode. It's touching though, because I know he wants to share it with me since I've never been to Oxford.

What fun it was to discover then, this plaster replica of the Radcliffe Camera (fashioned into bookends) and other important buildings by Timothy Richards of Bath, England. His website features a large selection of intricately detailed models and bookends.

The Radcliffe Camera, Oxford University

I don't want to ruin the joy of discovering Timothy Richards' art for yourself by posting photos here. If you're an architecture buff, visit his website and lose yourself in another time and place.

The website is all the more entertaining if you have another architecture buff with you to point out the less familiar places--or even the familiar places.

P.S. You may have noticed that I've gone back to my previous blog heading and colors after making a fuss in the spring about a new blog format. I missed that blog heading more than thought I would and decided to bring it back. Also, my job has been keeping me busy these days (very grateful for that), so apologies for the spotty posting.

The Perfect Gift

2011-04-30T08:01:00.004-04:00

If you like bright colors, patterns and ceramics then you may already know of Jill Rosenwald. My friend Joanne introduced me to Rosenwald's ceramics many years ago during an open studios day.

Rosenwald's business has grown since then and she has licensed her designs for dinnerware, rugs, pillows and more. Her ceramics have been featured in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and Lonny, among other magazines.

The classic Hampton Links trellis is my favorite pattern in the line and it's available in a variety of vases and a kitchen utensil holder.

The bright colors are beautiful, but I'm partial to the neutral taupe color.

Rosenwald also offers monograms combined with the Hampton Links pattern. The trays are a stylish and useful--perfect for a wedding or house warming gift.

This stunning piece is the Newport Gate Coper Bowl in classic navy blue. The tray above is navy blue, taupe and white.

Rosenwald also has an Etsy shop with pieces in even more patterns and colors. You can also buy pieces through Rosenwald's website (see first link, above) and her studio will make custom-color pieces for an additional charge.

Royal Wedding Morning

2011-04-28T19:14:00.004-04:00

Somehow, the media fervor over the wedding of Wills and Kate escaped me until earlier this week. Suddenly finding myself without the customary treats to celebrate the British Royal nuptials, I express ordered a tin of Harney & Sons Royal Wedding Tea. With no time to bake proper scones, I plan to set the alarm for 4:00 am (well, maybe 5:00 am), heat up some cinnamon rolls and ooh and aah over the pageantry with a cup of tea while waiting for my plumber to arrive. Yes, that's right. Plumber, not prince. Hopefully, the plumber won't arrive at the same time that Kate arrives at Westminster Abbey. Perish the thought!

French Inspired Living Room

2011-04-26T07:30:00.005-04:00

This room reminds me of spring, with its pastel colored flowers and the apricot upholstery on the french chair. Unfortunately, I do not know the name of the designer, the photographer or the publication in which the photo originally appeared. If you have this information, please leave a comment and I'll update the post.

UPDATE: Thanks to Denise who advised that this room was designed by Frank Babb Randolph. I could not find a website for Mr. Randolph, so no link here.

Try A Trend

2011-04-22T16:00:00.005-04:00

Is the giant clam shell trend on the way out? I haven't bought one, mainly because they're everywhere these days and those I've seen are ridiculously expensive. Here's an inexpensive resin shell for $39 that looks like the real thing and it's large enough to make a statement. It's a good way to try the look without spending a lot of money.

Potpourri

2011-04-19T19:08:00.004-04:00

I am just back from visiting my parents in Naples, Florida and what a treat it was to spend time with them while enjoying the hot sun, swimming at the beach and sleeping in until 8:00 every morning.

But, back to work. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.

Roses and boxwood, of course

A pretty blue and white cotton rug in "Ocean" from Dash and Albert

A jumble of silver flatware

Fresh berries over vanilla ice cream in a silver bowl

I hope you're having a great start to the week!

Small Garden Inspiration

2011-04-06T18:10:00.006-04:00

Source: Growth-Earth

Spring seems to have sprung (fingers crossed), so I'm turning my attention outdoors. Although my space is small, I plan to grow cherry tomatoes and herbs in containers this year. The terrace is paved so a full-blown flower garden is impossible, but wouldn't this garden look terrific in a small yard?

It seems easy to maintain and includes only three plants: boxwood, lavender-blue cat mint and white roses. I'm wondering if it would work with containers, using small container roses. The center boxwood is obviously in a container and I already have an old French steel wash tub for the center. Cat mint and boxwood are easily grown in containers.

If you're a gardening enthusiast, I'd appreciate your advice and suggestions about this idea. Thanks!

The One That Got Away

2011-04-04T08:23:00.004-04:00

Photo: Skinner, Inc.

Well, it didn't exactly get away because I never entered a bid, although I should have. The price was reasonable and I could have worn it in any season. It would look great during summer with a crisp white or coral shirt (although I can't find a coral colored shirt anywhere), a black cotton shirt dress or in winter, a black sweater.

Next time, I'll bid.

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-30T21:07:00.007-04:00

Spring is a season of change. This isn't profound, I know. I think many of us feel this way. I'm certainly more aware of time passing as the days get longer and the sun appears more often. This spring also marks two years of blogging for me. So, with the change in seasons and anniversary, I've updated the blog with a new format and lighter colors. I hope you like the changes.

When I started blogging, my focus was strictly interior design. Sometimes, it's been difficult to articulate exactly why I've liked a certain room or a certain style. But the more I've seen, the more I've learned. And what holds true is that I've never been interested in trends or fads. Sure, it happened once in the 80s when I impulsively had my hair cut short during the Princess Diana fervor and a semester in London (somehow I'd avoided the 70s Dorothy Hamill haircut, so it was bound to happen). Never again.

You may notice a change in post topics. Jewelry, clothing and other things may find a place here along with interiors. But I will stay true to my appreciation for all that is classic, well made and beautiful. Even if it's slightly frivolous or unaffordable once in awhile. Just for fun. The economy may still be broken, but my search engine is going strong.

Perfection

2011-03-23T19:11:00.026-04:00

Interior Design by Charles Spada. Photography by Peter Margonelli. Image via Back Bay Shutter Company.

Yes, I'm gushing again, but it can't be helped. Charles Spada's rooms have that affect on me. And while perfection is often unattainable, I know it when I see it. My guess is that all of the rooms in this house are as perfect as this one.

The acrylic table surprised me. They sometimes seem awkward to me, but not here where it floats gracefully among an antique sofa, framed intaglios and a harp. I say harp casually, as if we all have a harp at home. To top it off, this is the only room I've seen with dark gray walls (I'd love to know the paint color name) that's not gloomy thanks to the tall windows.

Find Of The Day: Wedgwood Creamware

2011-03-22T19:10:00.002-04:00

I am curbing my spending for two reasons. First of all, I'm trying not to accumulate too much stuff and secondly, my house is getting a new chimney and liner, which is a major expense. So, I am going to restrain myself from bidding on this Wedgwood compote. It's on eBay and the current bid is a reasonable $29.99. It would look great filled with fresh limes, flowers, or even shells. The gold rams head handles are unusual and the gilding is classic. If you're interested, you can bid here. And if you win it, please let me know. I'd be happy to learn it went to a good home (since it won't be coming to mine).

Boxwood & Lavender

2011-03-16T21:10:00.011-04:00

This is the perfect low maintenance garden, although the boxwood requires occasional pruning to keep its shape. The lavender provides some softness against the structured boxwood, planters, and stone. I wish I could duplicate this look in my own yard (especially now that the snow is gone).

UPDATE: This lovely garden was designed by Steven Kelvin Gardens. Click here for the website.

Seashell Art

2011-03-09T17:58:00.006-05:00

When you stop to think about it, seashells are the ultimate DIY project. They're designed, created, and decorated by tiny sea creatures working alone all hours of the day. There is tremendous incentive for these creatures to complete their homes on time and under budget. Otherwise, in their homeless, shell-less state, they risk being devoured by a pesky predator. Fortunately for us, the consequences of overdue or over budget home improvement projects are [usually] less dire.

I've been intrigued by seashells ever since I learned how to put on a bathing suit by myself. I like to display shells, but I don't want my home to look like a beach house, especially since it's not a beach house. And especially since it's 50 degrees or below outside nearly half the days of the year.

The pieces shown here are by artist Peggy Green. They have an old-world look reminiscent of Sailor's Valentines (above) and Victorian pincushions (below). I'd feel under dressed in flip-flops and a T-shirt around these.

The variety of soft colors and repetitive, carefully arranged patterns keep the frames and boxes from looking weekend-at-the-beach crafty.

I have a large framed mirror from a consignment store that could use some tasteful razzle-dazzle. The shells are inexpensive to buy online. The only problem is that beach season is almost here and the thought of me at home, alone with nothing but a bottle of Aleene's Tacky Glue and hundreds of shells while everyone else is outdoors is not appealing. Although shells are synonymous with summer days and sandy beaches, this may be a better project for the cold nights of winter 2012.

All photos from Antique Shops and Designers Magazine, Volume 5. Photographer unknown.

L'Art du Bouquet

2011-03-01T23:20:00.004-05:00

This is one of the most beautiful arrangements of roses I've seen and I felt compelled to share it. The bouquet was created by Laura Dowling, a Parisian-trained floral designer. Visit her website, click each photo and I guarantee you'll feel like it's your own Fourth of July fireworks display. Just for you. Right there on your monitor.

Photo by Katie Stoops.

Tea by the Fire

2011-02-24T07:30:00.011-05:00

Doesn't this look inviting?

Just a quick post today. Unfortunately, I don't know where I found this image, but it's one of my favorites. My guess is it's from either Country Living or Country Home. If you know the source, please leave a comment with the details and I'll edit the post.

A Cottage Kitchen

2011-02-21T09:34:00.005-05:00

Here's a magazine worthy kitchen without massive stainless steel appliances and miles of marble. The countertops are the same material as the floor--earthy terra cotta Mexican tiles in a hexagonal shape. This home is in California so the Mexican tiles work well here, but the French antique cane settee and English cricket table balance the Southwest look.

The old Amana refrigerator is faced with mirror, which was an unusual choice even in 1993. The mirror would certainly keep me out of the Häagen-Dazs. Sure, the house has great architectural details and is filled with antiques, but the appeal also comes from furnishings added to and not permanently installed in the kitchen. The pediment over the window, butcher block island, antique prints, and plate rack all add character to the room.

(Sorry for the badly spliced photo).

The chandelier is lit with candles. I wish my ceilings were high enough to try this at home. I like the urn filled with shells too. The chairs are English.

I still like kitchens with the newest appliances and latest materials, but it's refreshing to see a beautiful kitchen with old appliances and no stainless steel or stone for a change.

All photos from "Kitchens" by Chris Casson Madden (remember her from the early days of HGTV?). Photos by Michael Mundy and John Vaughn. Published by Clarkson Potter, 1993.

Tray Chic

2011-02-16T20:51:00.010-05:00

Veranda, Fall 1994. Interior design by DHS Designs (Darryl H. Savage). Photography by Anne Gummerson. Source.

What I like about blogging, in addition to choosing photos, is writing. I love words, puns and a play on words and like to indulge myself now and then because I can't do so at work. It's all serious business in corporate in America. So excuse the title. I couldn't resist.

The photo above is the only one I could find with an antique tray (papier-mache) table. My mother had a black tole tray from the 1950s or 1960s painted with puffy pink flowers and gold edges. It stayed in the back of the coat closet and didn't see the light of day until a yard sale in 1992. It was pretty, but certainly not "look at me--I'm the focus of the room" material, like the one above.

I can't account for my sudden interest in tole tables, although I did watch Vanity Fair and The Young Victoria this weekend so there was plenty of English influence. Here are antique tray tables that could hold their own in any room.

A French yellow version at Andrew Spindler Antiques

English Regency tole tray and stand at Antiquario Villas & Cottages

Chinoisserie motifs at BG Galleries

Another English Regency table. George Subkoff Antiques.

I'm loving anything yellow lately. BG Galleries.

A French Charles X tray on a later stand from Drum & Company.

Another French tole tray, this time at March

A subtle design on this 19th Century version from Heather & Company

Greek key trim is a winner whether it's on curtains, pillows or furniture. Kevin Stone Antiques & Interiors.

Not a tray table, but a similar style and I have a soft spot for anything neoclassical. Thomas Jolly Antiques.

The only trouble with these tables is that you can't kick back with a pepperoni pizza and put your feet up while watching a movie, but I say put a television in the kitchen instead. Fini.

A Dream Paris Apartment

2011-02-06T20:20:00.006-05:00

I was looking through one of my old Veranda magazines (May-June 2006), which included a Paris apartment decorated by Myra Hoefer. Hoefer is a California native and has completed many design projects in Paris for international clients and for the American vacation rental company, Chez Vous. The owners of this apartment are from Sausalito, California.

According to the Veranda article, (written by Jean Bond Rafferty) Hoefer decorated the apartment in just eight days. The furnishings include a mix of antiques, reproductions, refinished furniture, and even sofas from IKEA. The coffee table above was originally a mahogany color.

The apartment is exactly what one would expect to find in Paris. It's elegant and sophisticated, but also comfortable and relaxed.

Above are the IKEA sofas. Can you believe it? IKEA never looked so good.

The entry way, above, includes a chandelier and an Indonesian mirror which was given a makeover with gray paint.

A closer look at a papier-mache figure in the entry way.

Antique oak daybeds and a bust of Napoleon, above.

A plaster chandelier hangs above the dining table and slip covered chairs. The faience plates are from Astier de Villatte.

Again, the yellow silk drapes are stand outs. I've never considered using yellow in my home, but that may change after studying these photos. I'm trying not to gush, but I'm going to do it anyway. This apartment is just beautiful!

The last photo is of the guest room. The room is accented by touches of lavender, including ribbon which highlights the prints on the wall and organizes bundles of magazines. The ivory silk drapes frame a classic French window.

So, if I could have any apartment in Paris this would be my first choice. However, there are plenty of ideas here to bring Parisian style home, whever that may be:

1) Brightly colored drapes (silk or other fabric)

2) A few antiques or good reproductions

3) Pillows in a variety of patterns and complementary colors

4) A collection of inexpensive plates displayed on a wall

5) Candles and fresh flowers

All of these items can be found at a variety of price-points which is good news for those of us on a limited budget.

Visit Myra Hoefer's website to see more of her interiors.

All photos from Veranda Magazine. Interior Design by Myra Hoefer. Photography by Jacques Dirand. Veranda Magazine article produced by Caroline Englefield.

S.O.S.

2011-02-02T11:42:00.009-05:00

Green Pears, Pink Roses, Artichoke. By Raymond Han. Demiurge.

Mother Nature, I'm waving the white flag. Enough with the snow, thank you. Could we see some green outside before May, please? At least I'm asking nicely.

The reality is that short of a trip to Maui, the landscape is not changing anytime soon. Spring color can only be cultivated indoors for now. My choice is a citrus green that's refreshing, not shocking and maybe a hint of pink that's pleasing, not punchy.

I've found the following for inspiration and I say "inspiration" because most of these items will cost a winter's worth of snow removal service.

Skinner, Inc.

A brightly colored ceramic garden stool is a bold change from the typical white, blue and celadon varieties.

Diptyque Fig scented candle. Happiness in a jar (although the same has been said about Nutella).

Pratesi

Pratesi bed linens with green chain trim. Luxurious and pretty although Lands End, Garnet Hill, Pottery Barn and other stores carry affordable versions.

Antiques On Old Plank Road

A soft green antique trumeau mirror instead of the usual white or gray trumeau

Elise Abrams Antiques

The sparkle of this emerald-colored crystal vanity set is dazzling, but you can find green glass accessories at flea markets and antique shops.

Swank Lighting

Watermelon green 1950's Murano glass lamps. These are unusual, but must be just as bright when they're off as when they're on.

I'm not one for folklore, but Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow this morning so apparently, we're due for an early spring. At this point, I'm a believer.

Leopard and Roses

2011-01-29T18:01:00.001-05:00

Is there anything more inviting about a room than warm colors, rich textures, and fresh flowers? This photo caught my eye while browsing Antiques Shops & Designers Magazine this morning. It's an advertisement for Caroline Ellsworth Antiques in Houston, Texas. I've not had the pleasure of visiting Houston, but when I do someday, I'll be sure to visit Ellsworth's shop.

There must be as many fabulous antique shops in Houston as there are snow banks in Boston during January (January 2011, to be exact).

Contemporary Roses

2011-01-18T12:00:00.008-05:00

It was a toe-numbing 17 degrees outside yesterday morning, which means the piles of snow aren't going anywhere for awhile. We are at the height of winter where the days are a bit drab and the sun is still setting around 4:30 in the afternoon. It's days like this that I crave fresh flowers to brighten the house.

I decided to experiment with a contemporary arrangement so I bought this inexpensive steel container at a local garden center (I must have been the only customer within five miles. The employees seemed a little startled when I opened the door). A quick drive home with two bunches of roses, a big piece of floral foam, and ten minutes later the arrangement was finished.

My house doesn't have a fireplace, so I'm burning scented candles like crazy at this time of year.

A close-up...

For variation, I added a white ceramic tray and two silver boxes...

Back to work today after a long weekend. I hope you're keeping warm if you're in a cold climate.

Have a great week.

My Fantasy Cubicle

2011-01-13T08:34:00.016-05:00

The words "fantasy" and "cubicle" are not often used in the same sentence. Fantasy brings to mind imagination, freedom, and extravagance. Cubicle conjures up restraint, harsh lighting, and office politics.

Times are tough and employers are in business to earn profits, not to cater to their employees' taste. But it must be said: I loathe my cubicle. Like strip malls, cubicles are at best ubiquitous and at worst, ugly. I am grateful to be gainfully employed and many aspects of my job are satisfying. My cubicle, however, is not one of them.

We were blanketed with snow yesterday for the second time in two weeks, allowing me to work from home. After work, I thought about decorating my ideal office. Here are my choices:

Farrow & Ball Silvergate damask wallpaper to replace the unfortunate rust-colored cubicle walls. I firmly believe that the color rust should be banned from the workplace. Rust is decay and there is nothing uplifting or motivating about this color, so why bring it into the workplace?

This Louis XVI style chair from Wisteria

Parsons desk from West Elm

Adjustable Library Table Lamp from Circa Lighting

Apple iBook

I'd hang this Marie Antoinette plaque on the wall. I know what you're thinking. She's not exactly a working woman's role model, is she? I didn't know it was Marie Antoinette until after I chose the piece. Really, I didn't.

Fresh flowers on my desk every day would be a luxury. White and blush pink roses are my favorites.

So far, so good, but things get complicated. The Mont Blanc fountain pen, celebrating the 100th birthday of Greta Garbo, quickened my pulse. It's a beauty "with a hand-crafted rhodium-plated 18K gold nib" and the clip is set with a 5.25 mm round Akoya pearl. Curious, I wanted to know more. Instead of showing the purchase price, the website invites one to call a Mont Blanc concierge for details. I know what this means, but told myself I'll call just "for fun". My inquiry did not last long as the pen costs the better part of a mortgage payment. Apparently, rhodium gives platinum a run for its money.

A gold-rimmed china cup and saucer from Replacements, Ltd. for my morning coffee. No paper cups for me. I'll gladly wash the cup myself.

Soon I will be back in my cubicle, grateful as ever for my job and my 401K. In the meantime, there is no harm in a little fantasy. Common sense keeps me from dragging wallpaper and table lamps to the office. Instead, I just hum along to the same tune everybody else does.

With a smile.

A Dallas Designer's Home For Sale

2011-01-08T10:23:00.008-05:00

Does this look familiar?

During a recent web browsing session, I came across these photos of Dallas designer Shannon Bowers's beautiful home on Sotheby's website. The interiors, furnished with French and Swedish antiques, will be instantly recognizable to Veranda magazine readers since the home was featured in the September 2008 issue of Veranda. I remember marveling over these interiors when my issue arrived that month. Antiques, soft colors, and abundant sunshine filled every room. And now, to see even more photos of the home on Sotheby's website is a bonus. This naturally lead me to compare the rooms from Sotheby's website to the Veranda photos (all Veranda photos by Peter Vitale).

But first, here is the exterior of the house. It's just as beautiful and well manicured as one would expect for this home. Neatly trimmed boxwood hedges and topiary (at least it appears to be boxwood) frame the entrance.

Here is the front entry from Sotheby's website. The soft colors of the rug complement the pale floors and white walls. A few key antiques are allowed to shine. Compare this to the photo below from Veranda, which presents the room from a different angle.

Moving on to the living room, below, this photo is a wide angle shot from Sotheby's website.

Ah, so this is the entire room, above (from Sotheby's), instead of the small portion of the room Veranda showed, below. I was curious to know the context of the trumeau and daybed in the Veranda photo. Where in the house was the photo taken? And now we know--it's part of a larger living room. Of course, the difference in views is not surprising as we all know that the photos for a real estate listing should help the viewer see as many rooms as possible and the purpose of the magazine spread is to highlight the designer's work.

And here, below, is Sotheby's photo of the other half of the room.

And compare that to the photo below that appeared in Veranda.

A few of the chairs in the Veranda photo are different from those in Sotheby's photo and the Veranda shot includes a cream-colored rug, which doesn't appear in Sotheby's photo. Also, the table in front of the sofa is different in each photo and the pillows on the sofa in the Veranda photo are Fortuny. The pillows appear to be linen in Sotheby's photo.

This is my favorite photo, which is the dining room with a view into the kitchen. What a beautiful room in which to have dinner after a long day at the office (I digress...). The blue and green painted doors are fully visible and at the center of the room is a worn, light colored, painted table. Compare this to the Veranda photo below.

The dining chair seats are covered in pale blue linen in Veranda's photo. The table is smaller and a dark color. Also, there is a bench in Veranda's photo which does not appear in Sotheby's photo. I think I prefer the room with the cream colored seats on the chairs and the larger white dining table.

Above is another living room / seating area in the home from Sotheby's. Compare this to the photo from Veranda below. Again, there are some subtle differences in the home. The rug is gone and a dark bench replaces the light bench that was in Veranda's photo. The art is different as well in Sotheby's photo.

The photo below of a library/office did not appear in the magazine. It's a nice sized room with plenty of shelves and storage space. It's sparsely furnished, but the dark stained table is highlighted by all the white wood work. The pale, bleached floors are beautiful and remind me of beach sand. They give the rooms a calm and serene look. The same look can be achieved by using sisal, wool, or sea grass rugs (but sisal and wool are more susceptible to stains).

The children's playroom, below, as shown on Sotheby's website. I like the wood shelving unit and baskets. There's plenty of room for storing toys, books, and games.

And here is how the same room appeared in Veranda, below.

And the pretty bedroom for a little girl, behind the french doors off the playroom, is shown below, from Sotheby's website. This room appears to be the same as it was in Veranda, except that the colors are not as vibrant in this photo and the lavender rug is gone.

The bedroom below did not appear in the magazine, at least not decorated like this. It looks like it could be a guest room and there's a view out the window to the garden.

But Veranda also included a baby boy's room, below. I wonder if the room above is the same room, redecorated for an older child?

The master bedroom, below, is dressed in neutral linen punctuated with touches of lavender, as it appeared in Veranda.

The furnishings in the master bedroom, below, on Sotheby's site are pared down. Roman shades are used on the windows here, where most of the other rooms have wood shutters on the windows.

It's surprising that Sotheby's photos do not include the kitchen, shown below in Veranda. I wonder what their rationale was for not including it on the website.

There is also an outdoor deck with a dining area and separate seating area. The furnishings look just as expected, based on the interior of the home.

The listing also mentions separate guest quarters on the property, below. It's a charming house in its own right.

Here's a view of the interior of the guest house, including a lovely bedroom with two twin beds and a bathroom. Who wouldn't like to stay here for a few nights?

This is such a beautifully furnished home that it's difficult to imagine what it looks like empty. It's clearly a spacious property that's well cared and I would think it will (or did?) sell quickly. The difference in real estate prices across the country continues to amaze me. The listing price of this home would be twice as much in the Boston area.

To learn more about the home, click the Sotheby's link in the first paragraph above and to see the Veranda article, click the link to the magazine in the same paragraph.

Ruffled Roses

2011-01-02T13:51:00.003-05:00

I recently had a birthday and received a dozen beautiful long-stemmed coral roses. For reasons only mother nature knows, they quickly began to wilt. I couldn't stand the thought of throwing them away, so to salvage the flowers I trimmed the stems, wrapped them with wire, and hung the roses upside down from a mirror to dry. Still pretty enough for a photo.

Looking Ahead to 2011

2010-12-30T08:00:00.011-05:00

The year is coming to a close and I want to thank everyone who reads, comments, emails, follows, and subscribes to my blog all year long. Having a blog is great fun and I've enjoyed getting to know new people and fellow bloggers near and far. Thank you all for your support and friendship.

And lest I carry on like Sally Field at the 1985 Oscars, I'll move on now to a few of my plans for 2011. Nothing strenuous or exciting like climbing K2, but it's good to get even the little things down on paper:

1) Spend more on fresh flowers and less on imported cheese

Sure, I love French cheese (who doesn't), but it would be best to eat it less often. Sometimes I balk at the bunches of fresh flowers at Whole Foods, thinking do I really need to spend $12 on flowers? But then I get home and while putting away the groceries realize that in three days the flowers will look better than a half-eaten $9 wedge of St. Andre and I regret not buying the flowers.

2) Consider drapes for the living room and bedroom

I have lived in my house for ten years and never considered myself a drapery kind of person. They always seemed too fussy and too puffy for my taste. Shutters have been my window treatment of choice since there is not much privacy in the city and shutters allow light to come in while shielding views from the neighbors. But the idea of adding drapes is growing on me. Drapes to bring warmth, coziness, pattern, and color to my rooms. Yes, these are definitely on the list for 2011 and I've recently become smitten with these crisp chocolate brown checked drapes.

Interior design by Pamela Pierce. Southern Accents Magazine, Nov/Dec 2003. Photography by Tria Giovan

3) Finish painting the walls upstairs

This is self-explanatory. I changed the colors of my walls from taupe to white this summer and am very happy with the change, except that I haven't finished the rest of the house yet.

4) Post a photo of myself on my blog

I have been reluctant to put my face "out there" on the web. I have a "day" job and wonder what will happen if a colleague or client discovers my blog. Will they think it's frivolous, silly, or unprofessional? One of the benefits of having a blog is getting to know other bloggers. I enjoy seeing photos of bloggers and putting a name with a face and sometimes even a voice with a face. People like to know who they're communicating with, right? So, I resolve to post a photo of myself on my blog profile and leave it up. For at least for a month anyway.

5) Buy or make a Christmas tree skirt

For years I have deluded myself into thinking that a Christmas tree skirt is unnecessary and it's just not so. The tree looks fine with a few nicely wrapped gifts under it, but after Christmas when the boxes are unwrapped and the gifts are put away, one is left with a bare, cold, metal stand that just doesn't look good. A piece of burlap or leftover fabric draped around the tree would be better than nothing. Enough said.

6) Post more of my own photos

I will make it a point to never leave home without my camera this year and will attempt to post more photos of my home. Even if it's a simple grouping of items lying around the kitchen, like the first photo above, taking my own photos is a way to express creativity and originality.

7) Plant the paper whites earlier next year

The purchase of the bulbs took a back seat to the purchase of everything else this holiday season and I did not plant my paper whites until just before Christmas. I almost can't bear to look at these little stubs everyday and part of my morning routine is to rotate the pots to maximize sun exposure and then stare at the bulbs for a few minutes, silently imploring them to grow. Faster. Please.

8) Add more plants outside

My outdoor space is only about 300 square feet and oddly shaped, but it could use more plants next spring. More boxwood, more flowers, more everything. This white garden will be my inspiration.

Photo of Loi Thai's garden by Jennifer Sergent of DC by Design Blog

9) Invest in outdoor furniture

Even if it's just a a few French style folding chairs like this one from Wisteria and a metal table, dining outside once a week will be a priority next summer. The two feet of snow on the patio should be gone by then.

10) Take a painting class

I love to visit museums and when it's not too crowded, I like to get up close to a painting and study the brush strokes, the blending of paint, the highlights and the shadows. Oil painting, in particular, fascinates me and I am determined to take a beginners painting class this year. I'm no Sarah Lamb when it comes to painting, but I'm looking forward to giving it a go.

So as 2010 comes to a close, I thank you again for your readership and your friendship and wish you all a very happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.

Snowed In

2010-12-26T12:34:00.001-05:00

We are expecting a blizzard today in Boston so the after-Christmas sales will have to wait, but several hours of guilt-free interior design web and blog browsing lie ahead. Fun! Then some shoveling ahead. Not so fun. And although Christmas 2010 is over, it's still "the holidays" which means that my ongoing interest in Christmas decorating is justified. It's never too soon to plan (although I use the term loosely) for next year.

This room was designed by Pam Pierce of Houston and the photos were featured in the Houston Chronicle, December 2009.

I like the use of pears, surrounding an olive tree in a French terra cotta pot. What a clever, inexpensive way to bring some natural color and texture into holiday decorating.

White roses, more pears, and branches decorate the dinner table.

Here's a view of the entire room. The greenery above the curtain rods is another pretty and inexpensive way to liven up rooms for the holidays.

To view the entire article in the Houston Chronicle, click here and to view Pam Pierce's website for extensive photos of her interiors, click here.

If you are in New England, hunker down for the storm and stay warm!

Six Days Until Christmas

2010-12-19T09:19:00.003-05:00

Do not attempt to adjust your monitor. My photo was blurry so I added the painting effect using Paint Shop Pro .

Still shopping, wrapping, working, writing Christmas cards (take a breath), and not yet baking with only six days until Christmas. Somewhere along the way, I misplaced my plan to be "more prepared than ever this year" for the holidays and I can't seem to find it.

If you're in the throes of holiday preparations, I hope you're having a productive weekend. And to those who are done with everything they needed to do, savor the fruits of your labor.

Before and After: The Christmas Tree

2010-12-12T10:49:00.002-05:00

The tree is up and in the stand and decorated for Christmas 2010. This always seems like a major accomplishment at Christmas-time, since it's a busy time with year-end issues at work, shopping for gifts, and a few holiday parties in between.

Here's the "before" photo of the tree. We cut our own tree, as we have for the past few years and always on the Friday after Thanksgiving week when there are no crowds. I'm sure if there were more people at the farm, I'd get some odd looks for photographing pictures of bare, soon to be cut trees, like a proud parent at her child's Harvard commencement.

I was concerned with getting a tree that wouldn't be too tall for the living room, thinking on the drive up to Newbury that we needed a tree less than eight feet tall. As it turns out, nearly all the trees left were no more than seven feet tall and we were hard pressed to find a tree tall enough! We went home with about a six-footer. The owner informed us that 250 people descended on the farm the day after Thanksgiving, which was why there were so few tall trees left. Note to self for next year: Better to brave the crowds during Thanksgiving week than risk having a Lilliputian-sized Christmas tree.

So here it is in all its glory and waiting for a few wrapped gifts. Most of the ornaments are vintage mercury glass from my childhood along with many that I've been collecting on eBay. By the way, please excuse the bare wall to the right. I've ordered a new mirror for that spot that unfortunately won't arrive until after the new year.

And lastly, thanks to Brooke Gianetti for the sweet Christmas ornament that I won during a give-away on her beautiful blog Velvet & Linen. I've hung it on a boxwood wreath which hangs over a mirror. It's difficult to see here, but the ornament is made from a vintage silver spoon and is stamped with "Happy Holidays".

So with only thirteen days left until Christmas, I hope you're having a festive holiday season!

Beacon Hill Decorates for Christmas

2010-12-04T19:18:00.011-05:00

The nearby neighborhood of Beacon Hill in Boston is charming anytime of year, but I especially like to walk there during the holidays. Many of the doors and window boxes of these historic homes are beautifully adorned for the holidays and a walk around the neighborhood is a good opportunity for inspiration and ideas.

This pale blue door is my favorite. Most of the doors on Beacon Hill are painted glossy black. The blue is a nice change and really sets off the evergreen wreath and miniature trees.

This striking facade with a statue of a reclining woman is very unexpected. The soft greens and grays of the plants in the window box complement the gray trim of the window frame. She looks to me like she is waiting for someone to return.

Here's a window box filled with a classic combination of evergreen, ivy, pine cones and red berries.

An unusual, but pretty yellow door with traditional swag and wreath. A classic gas light is just to the left, with an equally classic Boston "no parking" sign.

Another black door. This time with a contemporary container and traditional window box fillers arranged in a modern style.

A pretty window box filled with a variety of greenery

A vibrant cherry-red door

I was taken with this gray brick house with gray shutters and a bare tree. It's difficult to see, but the homeowner has hung gilded wreaths on the windows inside the home.

Plantings don't have to be elaborate. Here, simple boxwood and variegated ivy in black containers are all that's needed to enhance this simple entry way.

A closer view

This box has leathery magnolia leaves tucked behind miniature evergreens. The magnolia leaves provide an interesting contrast to the lacy ornamental kale at the front of the box. I like the variety of textures used here.

Another simple and striking arrangement. Evergreens and ornamental kale with pink highlights.

This entryway caught my attention from down the street. A beautiful stained (instead of painted) door is paired with tall copper planters and small concrete containers. I'm not sure what the green vine-like plant is, but it's a nice alternative to evergreens.

A closer view of the copper planter

Colorful fall gourds and kale. They still look fresh, even in December.

I hope this post has given you some ideas for decorating the exterior of your home for the holidays. Even if you don't have an elaborate home or your own gardener (I have neither!), a little greenery and color can go a long way to brighten the outside of your home during the winter months.

All photos by me and my trusty Olympus D-520 Zoom camera

Blue and White for Christmas

2010-11-27T10:16:00.006-05:00

Interior Design by Lisa Luby Ryan, Veranda Magazine, Nov - Dec 2010. Photography by Erica George Dines

Here's an alternative to the traditional red and green Christmas decorations. Lisa Luby Ryan's interior design for this home in Dallas, Texas features holiday decorations in a Tiffany-like blue accented with white and the natural textures of raffia, burlap, and fresh greenery. Not everyone may appreciate a gift wrapped in burlap (i.e. my mother), no matter how trendy it is, but who wouldn't like to receive a gift that looks like a box from Tiffany's?

The gift-wrapped boxes also give me another idea. I still haven't found a reasonably priced Christmas tree skirt that I like and don't want to tackle sewing my own. Throughout the year, I've been saving cardboard boxes and plan to wrap the empty boxes and place them under the tree along with the gifts. We're not big gift-givers at my house anyway, so the wrapped boxes will hide the tree stand and keep it from looking so bare.

So, what do you think? Has anyone else tried this look before?

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T22:58:00.005-05:00

19th Century Carved Wood Turkey. This proves my theory that one can find absolutely anything on 1stdibs.

We are trying something new this year and treating ourselves to Thanksgiving dinner at The Taj Boston, since we've been eating out less often lately. No worrying about my Thanksgiving turkey being as dry as this one (although I've not had this problem in the past). I love to cook, but preparing the feast takes hours and it's over in about fifteen minutes. We thought it best to let someone else to do the cooking so we can savor the meal and the day at a leisurely pace.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving holiday and long weekend. Here's to the official start of the holiday season! I've vowed to be more prepared than ever this year.

Free Ride

2010-11-20T08:15:00.008-05:00

American Weathervane from the Art of Americas Wing at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
I don't have more details about the piece as I was more focused on making sure that the flash on my camera was disabled than I was about recording what I photographed.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is offering free admission today from 10:00 am to 4:45 pm to celebrate the grand opening of the new Art of the Americas Wing, which has been under construction for quite some time. It's sure to be a full house, but it's a great way to spend an afternoon, even if you have to wait in line for an hour or so. I usually don't have the patience to stand in line, but do make exceptions now and then.

Bright Ideas

2010-11-16T17:33:00.006-05:00

Continuing on from my last post about the bedside tables, it's time to consider some new lamps for the tables. I've chosen three options and any of them could work as they're all about 27" tall.

The first candidates are--do you believe this?--old cast iron bathtub feet made into lamps. I'm surprised I'm considering these and willing to admit so publicly. Usually when I see something like this, I tell myself: Gee, I could make these for a fraction of the price. But do I have time to scour antique and salvage shops for old bathtub feet with just the right amount of patina (okay, rust), have them mounted onto bases and then find the perfect shades to match? I think not. I do love the lampshades. Perhaps more so than the feet.

Next up is a pair of crystal French balustrade lamps. Not only are they beautiful, but also elegant and classic, which means I'd have them forever. They do seem a tad predictable though as these lamps are everywhere lately. I still like the quirkiness of the bathtub feet lamps.

My last choice is a pair of silver-plated candlestick lamps. They are the least expensive of the three options, however, there are no shades, which means I'd have to shop for just the right ones. They are pretty with an old-world look, but they could be somewhat small in scale for the tables.

So, there you have it. This is what I think about when riding the bus home from work. Really.

All opinions welcome if you'd like to leave a comment.

What a Difference a Glaze Makes

2010-11-10T19:16:00.013-05:00

I know this is not an exciting post packed with photos of gorgeous interiors, but I'm redoing my bedroom and decided to paint and glaze my bedside tables and wanted to share my triumph. Mind you, these are made of inexpensive pine and were purchased years ago at an unfinished furniture store. They have been painted two or three times before, but are handy since the draws hold the flotsam of my bedtime preparations--hand cream, lip balm, television remote control. You get the idea.

(Phew, no dust bunnies). My long history of painting furniture has not been fruitful. Everything ends up looking like, well, a piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint on it. Better than it was perhaps and yes, smooth, perfect and even. But too even and too one dimensional. Behold the power of glaze.

Both tables have been painted a light gray and the one of the right has been treated to a dark brown glaze, achieved by tinting the glaze with artists acrylics. I applied the glaze and after a few minutes, wiped it off with a rag. The intended effect was a Swedish-antique look and I think they turned out pretty well. Glazing is messy, but water soluble so easy to clean up.

So there you have it. Special thanks to Stephanie at Mrs. Jones Painted Finishes for the tips and encouragement. If you haven't seen Stephanie's blog be sure to visit for DIY inspiration. Her skill with a paint brush is remarkable.

Congratulations!

2010-11-10T12:57:00.005-05:00

Kellie of the blog "Running the Race" is the winner, chosen randomly, of a Ramsign house number or address sign of her choice.

Thanks to all for participating in the giveaway!

Last Day for the Giveaway

2010-11-09T07:33:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder that the Ramsign giveaway with your choice of either a house number or a name sign ends tonight at 10:00 pm EST. To enter, visit Ramsign and then leave a comment about your favorite house number or name sign in the original post below. The name of the winner will be posted here.

Good luck!

A Giveaway: French Style House Numbers

2010-11-06T12:24:00.002-04:00

While many of us reading and writing design blogs are focused on interiors, sometimes the outside of our homes (including mine) could use a special touch too. Changing or updating your exterior house or apartment number is an easy solution. Ramsign, a Danish company manufacturing enameled house numbers and name plates, is sponsoring a give away. Their products remind me of the charming building numbers seen throughout Paris. Here's an opportunity to enhance the entry of your home or apartment with little time and effort.

Ramsign will give away either a custom house number or a name plate of the winner's choice. Here are some options from Ramsign's website.

The house numbers look great on contemporary-style homes too.

Gorgeous blue and white enamel.

You can even attach house numbers to a fence post.

These would be great for an apartment door.

Or, you can chose a name sign.

To enter the give away, visit Ramsign's website and then leave a comment here with your choice by Tuesday, November 9, 10:00 pm EST and I will randomly choose a winner.

Please be sure to include your email address in your comment so I can contact the winner.

Good luck and happy browsing!

And thank you Ramsign, for the generous give away.

The Highlight of My Week

2010-10-30T08:56:00.018-04:00

We went to Ina Garten's book signing at Williams Sonoma yesterday for How Easy is That?, her latest cookbook. We cheerfully waited in line for two hours to see Ina and let me tell you, I've never waited two hours in line for anything. Ina Garten was just as I imagined. She was genuine and gracious, even after signing about 900 books with another 400 to go.

I was a little star struck so all I could say was thank you as she signed my book, smiled warmly, thanked me for waiting and said she hoped I'd enjoy the book. I couldn't muster the courage to say that her mushroom lasagna is one of my favorites and that her show is the best. If you gave the nice people at Williams Sonoma your camera, they would snap a photo while you stood at the table and Ina signed your book. Unfortunately, the photo on my Blackberry didn't do Ina or me justice, so I've posted her book cover instead.

If you're an Ina fan, visit her website for details about the book tour. It was a fun (and easy!) experience.

How Easy is That? published by Clarkson Potter. Photo by Quentin Bacon.

A Perfect Match

2010-10-20T08:48:00.001-04:00

When it comes to interiors, there is nothing better than thoughtful design highlighting beautiful art and the Museums of Old York Show House this summer provided a fine example. The living room below by Boston interior designer Frank Hodge features an ethereal landscape painting by Seattle-area artist Victoria Adams. You may remember my posts about the work of both Frank Hodge and Victoria Adams (click for links to post).

I discovered Victoria's art in Veranda magazine. John Saladino had included one of her paintings in a show house room he designed at Soho Mews. A few google searches later and I got up my nerve to email Victoria and ask her about the painting. An email later, I connected with Frank who also admired Victoria's paintings. The rest, as they say, is history. Or a living room. Victoria created the painting above the fireplace especially for Frank's room and I was delighted to see both this summer at the show house in York, Maine, thanks to Frank's very kind invitation.

The afternoon would have passed quite nicely for me, sitting on the sofa and lingering over the details in the room, but you know show house rules. No sitting on the furniture and best to keep moving so all visitors can admire the space.

The room was so stunning, I walked through it three times. Frank included more art and details like flowers and unique accessories, but nothing was cluttered or overdone. The room perfectly enhanced the painting and the painting perfectly enhanced the room. Traditional Home Magazine will include the room in an upcoming issue, about a year from now. Fortunately, we don't have to wait that long to see some photos.

Visit Frank Hodge's website (F.D. Hodge Interiors) here and the website of Victoria Adams here.

All photos courtesy of F.D. Hodge Interiors

White Hydrangea and Silver

2010-10-09T10:29:00.005-04:00

I've been changing up my living room lately and took some photos of these white hydrangea and silver boxes. During the spring, I deliberated over whether or not to paint the interior of the house white and even did a post about not painting and leaving the walls the same taupe/buff color I'd had for almost ten year.

In the end, white won me over. I took a few days off from work this summer and painted with gusto, finishing the downstairs in about three days. And I'm glad I did. As you might expect, the soft white really brightened the rooms. Although you can't see the entire mirror here, it's a consignment store find that was an ugly orangey-pine color that I gold leafed and finished with an antique glaze. The only problem was that I had to restrain myself from gold leafing five other things in the house. A gold leaf little goes a long way.

Elegant Simplicity

2010-10-04T08:15:00.005-04:00

The October 2010 issue of Traditional Home Magazine arrived in my mailbox this week and I eagerly flipped through it to see what was in store. I was immediately impressed by the feature on Washington D.C. designer Paul Corrie. His living room, shown below, strikes the perfect balance of combining contemporary furnishings with antiques--something I am drawn to more and more these days. No trends here, no clutter, no particular look; just elegant simplicity. You can barely see it in this photo, but the flat screen television is neatly mounted on the wall above an antique Swedish cabinet.

Paul Corrie Interiors, LLC, Traditional Home Magazine, October 2010, Photo by Gordon Beall

And by the way, this room makes me want to ditch the ho-hum matching lamps and end tables on either side of my sofa (are they even referred to as "end tables" anymore?).

I won't spoil the fun by posting the additional photos from the magazine. You can see them for yourself by visiting Traditional Home Magazine here and also at Paul Corrie's website here. Michele of My Notting Hill also did two posts about Paul Corrie's interiors, which you can find here.

I Had It All Figured Out

2010-09-23T09:22:00.005-04:00

Charles Spada Interiors, via designtrade.net, Eric Roth Photography

So, I had a plan for redecorating my bedroom (see previous posts if interested) and then I find this image and realize I may have to start over. Why is it so hard to make decisions about decorating my own house?

On one hand, I am drawn to antique furniture, time worn charm, and gilt finishes. On the other hand, I admire rooms which combine antiques with contemporary furnishings and the designers who skillfully blend pieces from different eras to create perfect harmony. The contrast of antiques next to contemporary pieces, like the chair and chest above, always surprises me and captures my attention, inviting me to look, study, and wonder.

There's a complexity to rooms like these unlike those completely furnished with pieces from the same era. I think the bottom line is that I like my life to be simple and predictable, but I favor rooms that are decorated to highlight contrast and complexity.

That's not too much to ask, is it?

Overboard for a Headboard

2010-09-09T07:02:00.002-04:00

If you saw my last post, you know that I'm considering revamping my bedroom and in particular, my headboard. Lately, I'm intrigued by anything gilded (see most recent post) and was also inspired by this pretty bedroom of antiques dealer Kay O'Toole.

Veranda Magazine, March 2010, Interior Design by Kay O'Toole, photo by Tria Giovan

The room is awash in creamy tones and a delicately patterned white Fortuny fabric adorns not only the headboard, but also the coverlet and the drapes. If you know me from reading my blog, you will know that there will be no Fortuny in my bedroom (not even a pillow for now, I'm afraid).

But I like a challenge when it comes to decorating and I'm mulling over a few ideas for the room. I would like to try gold-leafing (with an antique finish) an architectural element (above) to hang over the headboard. It is quite large though; almost as wide as a queen-sized headboard. And, I'm concerned about a possible tackiness factor. There is the potential for a 1970s Las Vegas hotel room look here that would, to put it mildly, ruin the whole thing and embarrass me to no end.

My headboard currently sports a peach linen damask fabric. I will definitely reupholster it, but I'm not sure if a solid white or linen colored fabric would be best or if this large scale damask print fabric in "Oyster" might work. I received the fabric sample in the mail this week and it is actually lighter than shown here and a little more ivory in color too.

Or, I could use this fabric in the same pattern which is sightly darker in "Stone". My concern is that this fabric may compete with the architectural element, which is already very ornate. So, I could keep shopping around for different fabrics without buying any, which I'm very good at these days.

It seems best to keep the bedside lighting simple if I use the gold-leafed piece described above, so these swing arm lamps from Circa Lighting might be a good choice. The bedside tables will be simple one-drawer nightstands which I already have, but will paint to complement the rest of the room. Since these lamps cast light downward, I'm not sure if they'll reflect enough light off the headboard to get the effect I want. The idea though is to keep the bedside lighting simple since there will be enough going on with the piece above the upholstered headboard.

So, we'll see what happens with these choices. At least this gives me something to think about during my commute and is more interesting than checking email on the Blackberry.

The Crowning Touch

2010-08-30T09:13:00.003-04:00

My bedroom could use an overhaul and I'm drawn to using some kind of carved, gilded headboard. I have a plain, upholstered headboard with a peach damask linen fabric and the peach is passé these days. Actually, the peach fabric was probably passé when I bought it, but that was before I discovered design blogs.

Nate Berkus designed this room. Unfortunately, I do not know what publication this is from or the photographer's name. Mr. Berkus' website is being renovated, so I could not find any information there. Please let me know if you have details about this photo and I'll update the post.

Of course, I cannot afford an antique, carved, gilded headboard like the one above or this:

1stdibs

The price for this is not shown on 1stdibs, so it's likely an "if you have to ask you can't afford it" item.

Here's another headboard identical to the one above. They are both Italian, apparently from the 1930s. I wonder if there was an Italian version of Crate & Barrel back then where everyone could go to buy the same thing. The bottom half is a pretty blue-green-gray color.

1stdibs

This headboard is more substantial than the others. It's also Italian (I know you're not surprised). This is beautiful, but even if I wanted to buy it, it's too over-the-top for my room. Surprisingly, the price is not over-the-top for an antique.

1stdibs

My taste is more simple--think jeans with flats---so I'm not sure these headboards are really "me", with the exception of the Nate Berkus room, which I would be happy to have as my own. But the room could use a "wow" or two. I've been thinking about the concept and could make my own headboard with some supplies I've found, but I'm concerned that it will look too faux, too Disney-Italian. So, I'll continue to ponder and maybe one of these days I'll take the plunge and make my own. If I do, photos will follow for sure.

Early Riser

2010-08-20T06:53:00.008-04:00

Country Living

If you are sometimes slow to start your day (like me), would you be more enthusiastic if this was your bathroom?

It would be a well deserved reward for waking up early five mornings a week.

To see more of this charming house, visit Country Living (link under photo). Home of Douglas Stocks, president of the Canadian Antique Dealers Association (at time of publication). Susan Burns interior design. Photography by Robin Stubbert.

Fade to Pink

2010-08-17T22:54:00.008-04:00

My own photos
Ocean Drive in Kennebunkport, Maine

As summer gradually gives way to fall and the sun sets earlier every day, the clouds reflect soft shades of pink much like this hydrangea. Another admirer said that the blooms are white all summer and turn pink as the August nights become cooler. Maybe it's Mother Nature's reminder to savor these last few weeks of summer.

Withington and Company Antiques

2010-08-12T10:19:00.002-04:00

Last Friday, while I was off from work, I drove up to York, Maine for the Museums of Old York Show House at Twin Cottage and to meet with Frank Hodge of F.D. Hodge Interiors and see the gorgeous living room he designed for the house (more about that in my next post). The show house is open for a few more days until August 14th (go to www.oldyork.org for details) and features many beautiful rooms. The house is a must see if you are in the York, Maine/New Hampshire Seacoast area.

After I finished the house tour (and after going back to look at Frank's room a second time!) I could not wait to stop in a few antique stores along Route 1 in York. One of my favorites was Withington and Company Antiques. The store is very large and has antiques from four different dealers in addition to those of Bob and Debbie Withington. The store is not arranged with separate areas for each dealer, but is instead a mix of all the dealers' items pieces arranged mostly in settings, which is great because it gives you a sense of the scale of the pieces and how they might fit into your own home. There are antiques from the mid to eighteenth century and Withington ships to clients all across the country. There is so much I wanted to take home with me, but did not. Although, I did buy a really nice white ironstone fluted compote filled with silver and gold mercury glass Christmas ornaments, which will be great for holiday decorating.

Please excuse my camera flash in the mirror! Patsy who works at Withington was so kind and let me wander around the store and take some photos to share with you. Patsy is so friendly we had fun chatting about the store, antique shops and other places to visit in York. Thank you, Patsy!

I have a soft spot for gilt mirrors and candlesticks these days!

This settee has be recovered in a pretty green toile fabric. The lamps look to be made from wood architectural elements.

There are plenty of urns and the most unique lamps I've seen anywhere, all with great shades.
.

Unfortunately, my photo does not do this setting justice. The floral fabric is amazing in person. The lamps are alabaster or marble with linen shades. I have a pair of lamps like this at home, but these shades really enhance the lamps more so than the average shade.

This neoclassical mirror with candle holders caught my eye.

Here's a close up. It's one of a pair of mirrors flanking a doorway.

I love this creamy white alabaster column lamp with pleated linen or burlap shade, which looks custom made. This is also one of a pair.

Black iron urns with shells. I've recently gone through a shell display phase so will definitely keep this idea mind. I like the contrast between the pale shells and black painted iron.

These antique dealers all have great taste and an eye for beautiful things.

Withington does not have a website, but their email address is withingtonandcompany@yahoo.com and the phone number is (207)-363-1155. The store is open year round Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 and Sundays from 11:00 to 4:00. They're located on Route 1 North in York, Maine and the other dealers at Withington are Michael Winslow Antiques, Schwarz-Smiith Antiques, and Kate Alex and Co. Acquisitions.

Crane Beach

2010-08-08T08:27:00.011-04:00

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous, so we drove up to Crane Beach in Ipswich for a long walk and dinner in town. Here are some photos of the day.

Others have the same idea...

One of many clam shells

Plenty of wide open space

A rhythmic pattern of shells

A lone gull, but not for long.

Surf's up (well, not so much).

Love Birds?

Flying solo

Footprints

Making inroads

Driftwood

More of the same

Last one

Lobster Dinner. Or, as some Bostonians would say "Lobstah Dinnah".

Two Alligators

I hope you're enjoying the weekend wherever you are.

Timeless

2010-07-21T06:25:00.011-04:00

A funny thing happened the other day when I read Linda Merrill's blog Surroundings and the post she did here on the Nantucket Home of interior designers Lee Bierly and Christopher Drake featured in New England Home Magazine. I bought the issue for a closer look at their beautiful home and while thumbing through it, discovered a Connecticut home that Charles Spada had designed twenty years ago, but that he'd recently "refreshed" for the clients. My Charles Spada folder is well stocked with photos of his work and I immediately recognized this bedroom from several years ago...

And here it is in an earlier photo from hgtv's website. The quality of the New England Home photo is much better than hgtv's and the room looks warmer now with a new rug and bed linens including a taupe coverlet. My bedroom needs some sprucing up and the refreshed bedroom has a look I'd like to match--classic style with French flair that will never go out of style.

Top Photo: "New England Home Magazine", July/August 2010 issue. Title of article "Refresher Course". Photo by Bruce Buck. Interior Design & Architecture by Charles Spada. Article text by Stacy Kunstel. Visit the New England Home website for more photos of this home and the article here.

Bottom Photo: hgtv.com. Interior Design & Architecture by Charles Spada. Photographer and writer unknown.

Lovely to look at, delightful to hold...

2010-07-08T21:50:00.012-04:00

I received an email update this week from Skinner, Inc. about their upcoming July 10th auction of European Furniture & Decorative Arts. The auction will feature the Wedgwood collection of Joe Skirchak and Pat Cerra. Apparently, Skirchak and Cerra have collected Wedgwood for 30 years and have been dealing in Wedgwood since 1984. According to Skinner's website, the collection "encompasses the full breadth of Wedgwood’s manufacture, the collection numbers approximately 350 lots and includes many fine examples". Here are a few pieces that caught my eye. These items have estimated auction prices of less than $800, but I suspect that the sales prices will far exceed some of the estimates.

Here is the classic Wedgwood Creamware that many of us love so much. These are four 19th Century pieces from England.

I've seen plenty of Cream Ware fruit baskets around, but have never seen any with chocolate brown enamel like this Queen's Ware late 18th century English basket with underplate.

I usually prefer the all white Cream Ware, but this set of Queen's Ware "Mared Pattern Items" from England, late 18th Century each with a blue feather edge and onion border is just beautiful.

This is an 1882 calendar tile with "Bonner's Map of Boston" printed on the reverse. I would love to hang this on my kitchen wall.

A Diceware "coffee can and saucer" with three-color Jasper dip, England mid-19th Century with "green ground with yellow quatrefoils between white foliate banding". Can you imagine sipping your morning coffee from this cup?

I'm drawn to the Wedgwood Terra-Cotta pieces too like this classical English cooler circa 1865.

This English food warmer set from about 1800 looks to be in fine condition.

Above is a Diceware teapot, sadly with broken handle and a Queen's Ware monteith with foliate handles and blue enamel trim. I'm not sure what one does with a monteith (even after a quick Google search), but I'd fill this with soft pink colored peonies and set it on my dining table.

Charming rabbits on "Daisy Makeig Jones Designed items", English 1923.

And lastly, I've never anything like this before. So unusual (to my untrained eye) and elegant. This is a boxed set of George III Silver and Wedgwood Blue-Japser Handled flatware. I'm sure these require hand washing only.

All photos and information from Skinner, Inc. Click to visit the website and register to be notified of upcoming auctions. This is not an advertisement and I'm not affiliated with Skinner, Inc. (although I'm not opposed to the idea). I just like nice things.

Ode to a Dining Room

2010-07-02T07:12:00.008-04:00

Image via Antique Shops and Designers Magazine, Volume I. Designer, J. Randall Powers

Photographer, Unknown

Caramel, butterscotch, and gilded arms

Oh, how your parchment painted walls hold such charm

Touches of gold punctuated with green

Old and new together, a lovely scene

No Crate & Barrel nor Pottery Barn, hmmm gosh darn

It's all beyond my budget

But thanks for reading this bit of a yarn

No, it's not bad poetry week in Boston. I'm just fresh out of creative ways to express my admiration for beautiful rooms and the talented designers that create them. Hopefully, you're laughing with me and not at me. And, to view more work of J. Randall Powers, visit his website.

Post-Haste: Boxwood Hedge

2010-06-28T07:45:00.004-04:00

Image via Domino Magazine. Designer, Stephen Shubel

When I first saw this photo, I had no idea that this boxwood hedge is actually artificial boxwood. I think it looks great and wouldn't hesitate to use in it in a small space such as a concrete patio or a rooftop deck (properly secured!). In this case, the hedge hides an ugly chain link fence. What do you think? Is artificial greenery the way to go if you can't have a garden or is it best to forgo if you can't have the real thing?

Boston Design - F.D. Hodge Interiors

2010-06-15T08:54:00.002-04:00

Some of you may remember my post about the work of Seattle area artist Victoria Adams. Soon after that post, Boston interior designer Frank Hodge contacted me about Victoria's paintings. He had stumbled upon my post after doing a search about Victoria's work and was interested in her paintings for the same reasons I was, but was also looking for art for his client's project. Frank's email about my blog was very kind and encouraging and we exchanged a few emails they way we all do when we make a connection over the shared interest of interior design. I visited Frank's website and was immediately impressed by his work and if you visit his site, you'll understand why. I was so pleased that Frank agreed to let me post photos of his work that I could share with you here. The images to the left and below are of a sun room he designed for his client in Rye, NH. This home is a work in progress and I hope Frank will have more photos to share as the work continues. It looks like a beautiful home!

Frank is one of those fortunate people who has a focused eye and a great sense for color. He is mostly a self-taught designer, having attended classes at the Boston Architectural Center and having worked for Judy Ross & Co., and as a consultant to Charles Spada (another of my favorite Boston designers) before striking out on his own in 2006. His website features some of his projects, including show houses for the Museums of Old York in Maine. Frank got his start in the business after renovating a farm house he purchased in Chester, Connecticut. Word soon spread about how beautiful his house was and the editor in chief at the time of Woman's Day magazine, Jane Chestnutt, asked to see his home. She was looking for a designer to redo her apartment in New York and hired Frank for the job. Quite a start, no? Take a look at some of Frank's projects below.

"Marjorie's Room"

This is the guest bedroom Frank designed for the 2008 Museums of Old York Show House. The pistachio green walls were a surprise to me, but aren't' they unique and refreshing? Oh, how I love this room. I almost don't want to show the before photos, but you have to see the transformation to fully appreciate this room......

Below is the wall on which the bed and canopy were centered:

Following are before and after photos of Frank's work in the kitchen of the same show house. Most of the original cabinets remained and it's a great example of what a little ingenuity and creativity can do without completely gutting a kitchen. After. Cabinet doors removed and filled with Paris porcelain and silver: Sink area before: And after: Before the installation of a new green cupboard: And after:

Another view of the sitting area in the finished kitchen:

Moving right along, here are photos of rooms Frank designed for the 2008 Museums of Old York Show House. This is the "after" of the Master Bedroom. Neutral tones make this room a calming retreat: Fireplace before:

After. A reproduction unfinished George Washington portrait and iron lantern are unexpected touches in a bedroom. The floral pillow on the love seat adds a hint of color to the room.

Plenty of natural light....

...makes a great spot for a bookcase and antique writing desk:

I could move right in! If you'd like to see more of Frank's work and press coverage, visit his website here (F.D. Hodge Interiors).

Frank will also be designing a living room for the 2010 Museums of Old York Show House in York, Maine, if you'd like to see his work in-person. I've marked the date my calendar and won't miss it! The show house will be open to the public from July 17 through August 14 and you can find more details including directions here.

A Nantucket Cottage Before and After

2010-05-27T06:51:00.006-04:00

It was 92 degrees today in Boston and the start of Memorial Day weekend is only hours away. Summer is here along warm breezes, sunny skies, open windows and weekend trips so it's a great time to think about summer cottage decorating. Unfortunately, I don't own a summer place, but I recently found photos of designer Jeffrey Bilhuber's summer cottage on Nantucket. These before and after photos of the cottage are from the September 2003 issue of Architectural Digest and show his unique take on the cottage look. The living room (shown here) is crisp and tailored with classic upholstered furniture, but also light and airy thanks to the open beamed ceiling and white sheers on the windows. The tangerine accent color on the chairs and pillows is a refreshing change from the blues typically used in summer homes near the beach.

Above is the same room before Bilhuber's transformation. To say that this designer has great taste and skill is almost an understatement.

Here's a before shot of what appears to be a den.

And the after. Chocolate brown walls warm (or cool) the space.

The dining area before with its gray stained walls.

Bilhuber kept the gray colored walls and added more tangerine colored accents. My favorite elements are the white contemporary dining table paired with traditional style chairs.

Here's another view into the den from the dining area.

And of course, the house only gets better. Here's a before shot of a room....

...that was transformed into a master bedroom. The matching chests must provide ample storage in this house where closet space is likely scarce.

A bright bedroom gets even better....

...with the removal of dated carpeting and wallpaper and the addition of original art plus sheer cafe curtains.

The house looks so tiny from the exterior, which is typical of the original cottages on Nantucket. No one would know from passing by what a fresh and inventive interior awaits inside. It's the perfect weekend retreat, if you ask me.

Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend!

All Photos by Peter Vanderwarker for Architectural Digest

Trunk Show

2010-05-20T11:19:00.004-04:00

I am not a designer logo handbag kind of girl, although I would not turn down a small black quilted Chanel handbag (you know, the classic bag with the gold chain strap), but it's just not my look. Don't get me wrong. I like nice things including handbags that are stylish and well made. It's just that my lifestyle and budget at the moment don't support anything with a logo other than a Lacoste polo shirt.

So, why I woke up this morning thinking to myself "wouldn't the living room look great with a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk for a coffee table?" is still a mystery to me. Sure, the trunk would be eye catching, but also prohibitively expensive. It occurred to me in a brief (thank goodness) flash that the LV could be "fauxed" onto a trunk to look like the real thing, but as with fake designer handbags, it's better to own something affordable and authentic rather than a cheap copy of a luxury item.

From there, I made my way to Google (sounds familiar, yes?) where I found these images of Louis Vuitton trunks used for tables. They've probably been drifting around the interior decorating blog world for a long time, but they're new to me and hopefully you as well.

Photo sources from top: blossominteriors.com; Home of Ken Fulk, House Beautiful Magazine, photo by Victoria Pearson; HGTV.com; maisonclassique.com

To Paint or Not to Paint

2010-05-12T06:31:00.003-04:00

Miki Duisterhof, Country Living

It seems lately that wherever I look there are images of homes with creamy white painted walls. There's a whole world out there of white walls that are not overly bright, sterile or bland. If my walls were just the perfect shade of white, I would finally be satisfied with my house. And I long to have this perfect white on my walls. Now. But, there's really nothing wrong with the wall color. It's a quiet neutral taupe that works just fine with everything in the house.

via the blog Belgian Pearls

Yet, I want to paint. But, I'm trying to talk myself out of it. And with good reason too as summer is approaching and why should I be stuck in the house prepping and painting when there are beaches to walk, antique stores to shop, and tennis to play.

Charles Spada Interiors / This Old House

So, to get beyond my infatuation with white walls I looked through my favorite of images that feature warm, taupe colored walls.

Laura Bohn

I see my home in a new way now and focus less on the wall color.

Eric Prokesh, Southern Accents

And more on the furnishings, lighting and accessories in the room.

Amelia Handegan, Southern Accents

This little exercise has convinced me not to repaint the entire house or even part of the house white.

Charles Spada Interiors / This Old House

It's lead me to realize that what my house needs is not a new paint color, but more oomph. Pizazz. A hint of color. Contrast. Texture. Interest.

My Living Room
All on a tight budget, naturally. But, I'll get there eventually.

Happy Weekend

2010-05-08T09:52:00.011-04:00

Hotel Verhaegen, Zoom Interiors

It's raining here today, but it's a good day to get some things done. I've been behind in my posting and hope to catch up this weekend.

Have a great weekend, everyone and Happy Mothers Day to all Moms!

Light and Dark

2010-04-28T21:30:00.002-04:00

Architectural Digest

I'm just back from visiting my parents in Florida and did not have a chance to keep up with my daily perusal of the New York Times. So, on the bus to work today I read this article in the Times from last week about Duane Hampton, wife of the late interior decorator Mark Hampton. Mrs. Hampton is quite a lady and it seems she and her husband had quite a life together.

This is the living room of the Hampton's Southampton home from 1996. According to the AD article, Hampton painted the walls dark brown because "dark walls are warm in winter and cool in summer." Oh, of course. Perfectly logical. He makes it sound so simple. Yet, perhaps there should be a caption for us average folk...don't try this at home. I wish I'd had the foresight (not to mention the nerve) to try this, including the jumble of different style chairs. The room looks so undecorated and unplanned. Was that the point? I am curious about what Hampton's process was for creating this room, if there was one. Maybe I'm over planning and over analyzing when it come to "decorating" my own home. Could it really be so simple? Naturally, I'll spend some time pondering this theory. On the bus.

Shells, Part II

2010-04-11T13:45:00.001-04:00

You may remember the Shells, Part I post from a few weeks ago where I was looking for inspiring ways to display my shell collection in a non-beachy way. I asked readers to leave comments with suggestions and not only did some great ideas come my way, but also photos too. The above photo was sent to me by reader and interior designer, Sue Murphy (www.suemurphydesigns.com). This is a display Sue created for a client and the image really knocked my socks off. It's a brilliant idea to pile large shells in an antiqued wire urn. The urn has a classic shape, gives some height to the arrangement and lets one see the color and texture of each shell. This is gorgeous and definitely a departure from the beachy look.

Here's another photo from Sue Murphy of the same home and it also has a decidedly French feel. Shells are piled high into a silver bowl on a silver tray, surrounded by old books and candles. A huge French trumeau reflects the vignette and tops an elaborately carved console. I love everything about this image and the soft coral colored accent wall and iron lantern contribute to the vintage French feel.

A close-up of the photo above. If this is a small area of the house, the rest of the home is sure to be just as beautiful and detailed. Maybe Sue will fill us in (hint, hint)!

This image is stored in my "The One That Got Away" file. A pretty silver tray like this that I saw on ebay would be an elegant way to display a collection of shells, don't you think?

Sue also shared this photo of shells in a concrete urn from her own kitchen. Such a classic look!

Here's a more holiday type of display for shells, but this could work year round too. A French gilt console with a black lacquered top holds topiary, lamps and shells in glass vessels. This is the home of Luce Gayrard and was featured in the November 2008 issue of Canadian House and Home (photo by Angus McRitchie).

A close-up of the above image. The glass urn in the background is so versatile for displaying shells, flowers or Christmas ornaments. Again, I like how the individual shells can be seen through the glass and the black accents of the console and lamp shades really set off the pale colors of the shells. Beautiful.

When looking for over-the-top elegant inspiration, I always turn to Veranda Magazine. There's a lot to see in this photo of Kay O'Toole's former home in the April 2007 issue. But, my point is that although most of the elements in this room may be unattainable for most of us--the antique chairs and French Aubusson rug, among other things--anyone can find an old metal urn and fill it with shells for a pretty display. I plan to try this for my dining table this summer and put flowers elsewhere in the room for a change of pace.

Lastly, here's a photo of a table in my home with coral and a small sample of my shell collection.

I hope you enjoyed this post about displaying shells and please let me know if you have any other ideas or images to share.

Happy Shelling!

Happy Weekend!

2010-04-02T23:22:00.011-04:00

Wrest Park near Bedfordshire, England

photo via archinspire.com

Shells, Part I

2010-03-28T10:32:00.017-04:00

Spring has sprung in Boston and every year at this time, I get impatient and start thinking ahead to summer. This then leads me not to the beach, but to a closet in the back of my house where I keep a good sized collection of shells gathered during visits to my parents in Naples, Florida. Somehow, I'd like display my collection of shells without my living room looking like a beach road shell shop. But, I having trouble getting there.

At this point all I can muster without fear of veering into tackiness is the above ironstone bowl of whelks on a side table. My free time this week will be spent looking for inspiration and if anything promising comes up, I'll be back with more. If you have any ideas please let me know.

It's difficult to resist the call of the hot-glue gun, but I'm holding out.

For now.

A Real Gem

2010-03-22T08:00:00.004-04:00

A little jewelry for the ceiling?

"A Mid-Century Belgian Crystal and Brass Sphere Chandelier"

Source: Andrew Spindler Antiques

I'm not affiliated with Andrew Spindler Antiques and this is not an advertisement. I just really like everything they offer!

Now this is a Boxwood Terrace....

2010-03-15T10:00:00.012-04:00

Garden by Arabella Lennox Boyd on the Rue du Bac in Paris

Although these boxwood would require regular pruning by the gardner. And of course, I have no gardner. Or the house to go with the garden. On the bright side, however, if the relentless rain in New England keeps up, the boxwood on my patio will be as green as these.

Storage before Walk-In Closets and the Stainless Steel Fridge

2010-03-09T07:20:00.003-05:00

Whenever I read a book that's set in the 18th or 19th Century I'm always most curious about how the subjects lived day to day. It's fascinating to read about what people wore, what they ate and what the interiors of their homes looked like.

In the days before walk-in closets, people stored their lace ruffles, neck bands and collars in colorful bandboxes.
These examples of 19th Century bandboxes can be found on Skinner's website, which is a Boston auction house for antiques and fine art. The boxes were sold at Skinner's most recent auction of American Furniture and Decorative Arts.

The paper on the large box on the left looks like birds eye maple to me and I'm drawn to the creamy white color of the small box on the upper right. All of the boxes shown here were made by Hannah Davis of Jaffrey, New Hampshire during the last quarter of the 19th Century and her label is affixed to the interior cover of each box. I imagine that if Hannah Davis were here today, she'd be blogging away like the rest of us about interior decorating, storage, furniture, paint color and wallpaper
.

The large box on the right in this photo is my favorite of the group with it's pretty floral paper. Bandboxes originated in France and the paper used to cover the boxes were wallpapers made of vegetable and mineral dyes.

A few of the boxes in this photo are from the early 20th Century, although the website did not specify which boxes were from that era. I'm struck by the design of the box on the left which looks like caning with vivid cobalt blue squares. It's such a unique design and combination of colors.

Here's a group which includes a box with its original ribbon. I even found an article from 1912 in The New York Times titled "History in our Grandmother's Bandboxes." It's a fun read if you'd like to learn a little more about these sweet old treasures.

Another favorite of mine in this group is the box on the left with the soft gray background, pink flowers and bright blue trim on the top of the lid. I can imagine designing a feminine bedroom around this box.

Here's the the last of the bunch with my favorite being the small square blue and gold box on the right. It almost looks like end papers you'd see in an old book or even a contemporary print on a fabric you could find today.

And how about an example of 19th Century kitchen storage? Pictured above is a charming 19th Century cheese plate with a glass dome. It's a unique piece and with a low auction estimate, I toyed with the idea of placing an online bid for it. It seemed romantic and quaint to keep a wedge of Brie, St. Agur Blue, Explorateur and other fancy cheeses in this beautiful antique, which could sit proudly on my kitchen counter. But, in the end I decided against bidding. Good thing, too as the cheese plate actually sold for more than I paid for my refrigerator. Saran Wrap and a zip lock bag are just fine for my cheese after all, thank you very much.

All images Skinner, Inc.