Friday, November 13, 2009

A Personal Visit to the Design Studio: Matthews House & Garden

Yesterday was a dreamy day, full of beautiful design, incredible food and interesting people. Honestly, I felt like I should pinch myself. Do you remember the post on the 175 yr old renovated church in Upperville, VA that is home to Matthews House and Garden? Well, yesterday two friends and I had a chance to visit, tour the store and design studio, and enjoy lunch and conversation with three very creative people! Thank you Wanda, Sharon and Kevin! Wanda Crossley, the proprietor, was kind enough to let me take photos of her design studio/cottage located next to the church. Check out the reflection in this mirror and you'll get a sense of the light, ethereal feel of the space.This large window anchors one end of the cottage and looks out onto the pea gravel entry to the store. I think the contrast in scales between the urn and the bureau is perfection - pushing it to the limit and creating a dramatic focal point in this window.
To the right is the sitting area, with shelves from Staples built-in for a custom look. The floors have a pale, white washed finish and have a very interesting back story. Wanda had them made from all the old wood church pews that didn't sell - planing down the wood and creating floor boards!
A view from the sitting area toward the entry door that is located past the dining table. I believe this is Mr. Timothy (you can see his brother in the distance), who, by the way, are so well matched to the decor. The coffee table is antiqued mirror. I love the button detailing on the skirt of this sofa.
When you enter the studio you immediately notice this beautiful cabinet to your left and this incredible Moira clock ahead of you to the right.
You can see the full picture of the clock reflected in the mirror in the first picture. So beautiful with its aging painted face.
Double chandeliers hang from the peaked ceiling. All the ceiling and walls have been white washed as well, creating a seamless envelope with the pale flooring.
The studio is filled with beautiful arwork. I was really so enamored with everything that I didn't take enough photos, including missing an opportunity to take a picture of an oversized 18th century painting!

Here are some close-ups of the shelves, full of personal items that make this space so special.

A vignette of white located atop a stainless steel cabinet. Below, a beautiful light filled corner with an antique, oval mirror.

Here's the outside from earlier in the year when they were in the midst of landscaping. The window in the front is the one with the urn.
My next post will be all about the store and the incredible things you'll find at Matthews House & Garden. I was thrilled to purchase this piece - an original design from Kevin Chadwick. Kevin is a former DC based illustrator who has now ventured into fabric and furniture design and has launched a series of plates and trays featuring horses. Looking forward to the next post and sharing more from our wonderful visit!

26 comments:

Dumbwit Tellher said...

That beautiful very personal space is almost a religious experience. So much to adore. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous spaces with us. Happy weekend to you ~

maría cecilia said...

A very, very beautiful home, inside and outside... love the garden!!!
Cariños
María Cecilia

Greet Lefèvre said...

Wanda knows what she is doing! I love that space! It is so elegant!

And the two cute cats! I adore them!
Have a nice weekend!

Greet

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Charming!
There are often wonderful churches for sale in the UK...very old, very atmospheric. I have been sooo tempted!!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

A cozy space to be sure, I would want to find a spot to curl up on and stay awhile! Janell

Red Door Home said...

What a beautiful and inspiring space. Thanks to the owners for sharing.

alison giese Interiors said...

Lots of lovely, lovely things there!

Boxwood Terrace said...

It's all so gorgeous and love the Himalayan cats! I wonder how the owner keeps the furniture looking so nice with those fluffy cats (mine shed so much). It's images like this that make me want to paint my walls white/cream. Thanks for sharing such lovely images!

Deborah

Boxwood Terrace said...

P.S. Forgot to mention too that you purchase is beautiful too and so unique!

Deborah

AnneHH said...

Your photographs are gorgeous reminders of a perfect day. Despite the fact that it was a cold and very wet day outside, these spaces glowed with the most beautiful light from all the reflective surfaces, gilding, neutral textures and friendly people.

Pat said...

What a lovely space. I guess atrip is in order.

debra @ 5th and state said...

what a find!
your photographs really captured the essence of this serene setting...i want to go!

can't wait for wanda's website to get up and running so i can visit vicariously from chicago
debra

Unknown said...

This is beautifully captured. I can feel your enthusiasm. What lovely setting and the pieces - to die for!
Must visit someday!

Enjoy the weekend!
XX
Victoria

Michelle said...

Those horse plates look amazing! I love the use of panelling...can't say I've ever said that!!

Best,
Michelle

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a gorgeous space. Isn't it such a treat to spend time with kindred spirits? Just lovely.
Lidy

the.neo.lifestyle said...

Very nice interior, and with animals thats also a good sign.

Thanks for sharing.

David

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

What a beautiful space. I am going to have to make a visit next time I am out that way. I love it all, but especially the coffee table and the story behind the flooring. Cannot wait to hear more about the shop.

Windlost said...

All gorgeous. My favorite part is the fluffy cat on the table. : )

Kwana said...

What a beautiful home. Thanks for sharing.

Charlie said...

Beautiful space. The colors they chose really give it a glow. The white washed peaked ceilings is a lovely feature. The whole place is
stunning!

Haven and Home said...

Oh that sounds dreamy!

Nishant said...

very, very beautiful home, inside and outside... love the garden!!! Work from home India

Fifi Flowers said...

Beautiful home.. merci for sharing!

Unknown said...

It's a graced spaced and will be to all who work, visit and stay. Beautiful snaps and what more can I say except that I love it.

Bette

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
My Notting Hill said...

thank you everyone for all your comments. I'm so glad the mood & feel of this space came through. Michele

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