Off to Boston - see you next year!

One of my favorite things to do this first year of blogging was to take pictures of design stores, expecially when travelling. Here's one of my favorite pictures from this past year, taken at Mecox Gardens in Dallas. I still think about those turquoise chairs! Anyway, we're flying up to Boston tomorrow to visit family on the Cape but I'm very much hoping to visit here and take a few pictures to share.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog in 2008 - it's been great fun and I really appreciate it. See you in 2009!!

Dear George,
Remember no man is a failure who has friends.
Thanks for the wings, Love Clarence

Need Some Christmas Cheer - click here

A few weeks ago I needed an infusion of Christmas cheer. I heard Mary Chapin Carpenter sing a soulful version of Children Go Where I Send Thee on NPR. Pure and beautiful. A YouTube search led me to Tennessee Ernie Ford's version, sung surrounded by kids, including his son Brian. Trust me - CLICK HERE and enjoy!!.


(Image of blue door from Living etc.)
Here's some eye candy I recently came across. The image above is a design by Darryl Carter, photography by Maura McEvoy. The design below is by Jan Showers with photography by Jeff McNamara. Both images via Southern Accents.
Image of camellias via Southern Accents, photography by Erica George Dines.

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays. Hope your celebrations are infused with love and joy!

A White House Christmas

In 2005 my daughter's fellow Brownie troop member's Dad was a Congressman and we all had a chance to go on an arranged tour of the White House. That year the theme was All Things Bright and Beautiful and the decor was chosen to highlight the beauty found in nature. There was lime, coral, gold and other pretty color combinations that were a twist on the traditional red and green. The book we received was a real keepsake, with beautiful illustrations by author Donna Green. (all photography by Shealah Craighead)








You can virtually visit any of the White House Christmas decorations since 2001. I understand this year the theme is Red, White and Blue. For me, 2005 remains my favorite.

Cozy & Comfortable

Living in Flanders, author Piet Swimberghe with photos by Jan Verlinde via Habitually Chic
I find this room is both "old money" in its look and comfortable and inviting at the same time.

Southern Accents, photography by Mark Waldron, via All the Best. You can't go wrong with a fireplace in the kitchen.

Designer Stephen Shubel, photography by Thibault Jeanson, Veranda, image via Topsy Turvy

My Entry Way

This is the entry way to my home. It really is an entry way, not a foyer, as it's only 78 inches from the front door to the wall! I had to stand outside to take the photo. When we moved in the door opened into a closet - one of the first things we did was to rip that out.
This is the bureau I mentioned in my 1/2 way projects/procrastination post. I purchased it for about $100 at Upscale Resale and then managed to wait about 4 years before painting it Floradora by Pratt & Lambert. It felt a bit bold at first but now I find it fresh, working well in the summer and the rest of the year too. I trimmed out the flush drawers with gold metallic paint.

This bird is from Alessandra Branca's store in Chicago. He was only $20. I love his expression.

Below is a faux bird nest and bird, resting in my great grandmother's transferware compote. (thanks Mom) As you can tell I like to be greeted by birds in my entry way.

Here's the original yellow finish - captured when I remembered I had forgotten to take a photo before starting.
Here's a close-up of one of the handles.

Recommending The New Classics

I came across the book, The New Classics, by author Suzanne Trocme at Calico Corners where it was marked down 50%, to $20. I noticed on Amazon there were new copies available for $3.94 plus shipping. That's just slightly more than a magazine!

I would highly recommend it if you'd like to see some modern elements added into traditional design. The book is full of wonderful photography by Ken Hayden (my apologies as these are photos I snapped of the originals)




Interior design by Jonathan Reed. My photo is a bit blurry but check out the ceiling!
Design by Ted Russell
Design by Nye Basham - the color of these walls in the book is a beautiful grayish green.


Four poster bed by Christian Astuguevieille. Wasn't able to find the designer's name.

Last Night at Domino Mag. Event

Last night was great fun at the D.C. Mitchell + Gold showroom, the hosts of a book party for "Domino: The Book of Decorating." Dara Caponigro was on hand to sign books and I was lucky enough to be one of the first 50 to receive a free book. The Mitchell + Gold showroom put on a wonderful party, the food was quite good and the flowers lovely.
However, the best part though was meeting fellow bloggers and DC Designers. In addition, I met Bonnie, a reader of my blog who was a delight to talk to. Erika of Urban Grace recently posted about her work with Bonnie on her bathroom. Gorgeous!


Here I am with Stefan of Architect Design and Bob of Homers Odd Isn't He. Thank you for the wonderful conversation - it was terrific to meet you in person! They both look great in this photo. I have a weak ego when it comes to photos so this is a bit hard for me to post a photo of myself. Oh, well...

Also at the event was Jennifer of Washington Spaces , Loda Designs and D.C. designers Annette Hannon, Shannon Munn of Ambi Design Studio, and Anne Hardock, Gretchen Ginnerty and Nancy Schatz of Dwellings by Design.

Love this chair. Isn't the panelling on this wall terrific?

Yes, this photo is from the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams showroom bathroom. You've probably have heard of this idea - but love the tall vase filled with TP and of course this wonderful spool table. It's on sale for $199, if I remember correctly.
Again, thanks to Domino Magazine and Mitchell + Gold for a fun night out!

Wreath Making at Tudor Place Georgetown

Every year I join a group of fellow home design enthusiasts and head over to historic Tudor Place in Georgetown, DC for their boxwood wreath making event. (If you live nearby, as of this morning, there are still spots available for this coming weekend Dec. 12th and 13th.)


Here's the gate to Tudor Place on 31st Street. It really sets the mood for a fun morning.

All the boxwood, magnolia and assorted evergreens are cut fresh from the property's gorgeous plantings.


Below is the carriage house where the wreath making takes place. Wouldn't it be lovely to live here!

My wreath in progress...
An impressive Sago Palm tucked off in the corner of the carriage house.
Gretchen made a centerpiece this year. It smells wonderful!
Lori's magnolia wreath sprayed gold - gorgeous.
Anne's beautiful ribbon-wrapped wreath.

My wreath - ribbon to be added later at home. Kim and Rhonda I missed photographing your wreaths!
Door to the recently renovated exterior of Tudor Place.

Beautiful grounds with pea stone walkways.
Where's this from? Well, of course, how could we make it through Georgetown without a stop at Georgetown Cupcake! These beautiful flowers are from Ultraviolet Flowers.


Afterwards, we came back to my house for a luncheon. I forgot to photograph the table before eating so here's just a picture of my arrangement. It's comprised of 6 tiny glasses each with their own little bouquet. They were spread out with 3 at each end of the table with a compote in the center but here's the "luncheon is over" version. At the last minute I put a piece of leftover brown linen fabric on the table - the color is a bit off in this picture. I'll post a photo where my wreath ended up later in the week ( I usually put up something hardier on the front door) - I haven't decided yet!