Christmas Wreaths & More: Beacon Hill Style

After Christmas last year we went to Boston and I spent a fun afternoon in Beacon Hill photographing Christmas decorations. I especially love these wreaths with the multi-colored ribbons. Look closely through the window and you'll see deer antlers. I have a feeling this home is as stylish inside as out.This would be easy to do - spray paint branches red and place in containers w/moss.

Love this creative peace sign wreath!






Even the post office gets into the act.
More branches - simple and doable.






Love the pattern on the containers outside this venerable home in Louisburg Square. Happy Monday!

Thank you Washingtonian!

Thank you Washingtonian for featuring Annie Elliott of Bossy Color Blog and myself in the Turkey Day Decorating Tips feature!
Annie and I gave some tips for decorating on the cheap. One of my suggestions was to use a canvas drop cloth for a tablecloth. But now that Christmas is coming, I can think of a second use - a Christmas tree skirt that you can let your kids draw on with fabric markers. Each year they can add to their art work so you'll end up with a homemade tree skirt that marks the passing years with their drawings. I wish I had thought of that 15 years ago...


EZ Permanent Fabric Markers

4 DC Designers gain National Recognition!

House Beautiful editors recently named DC based designer Sally Steponkus to their top 20 Next Wave to watch in 2010! Congratulations Sally for this well deserved recognition!

I'm a big fan of Sally and featured her in my DC Designer series back in May. To see more of her fresh & stylish work, click here.


Recognition for DC designers continued with the inclusion of Joseph Ireland and Julie Weber of J.D. Ireland in the top 20 Next Wave. Congratulations! Love the elegant and timeless quality of their designs. They appeared in my DC Designer Series back in March, go here to see more.




More terrific news - DC designer Paul Corrie was selected by Metropolitan Home as one of their Top 20 favorite "Young Designers" for 2009 - another well deserved recogniton! (so happy that was published before they closed) Paul was the second designer I featured in the DC Designer Series and "restrained, elegant and intriguing" were the words that came to mind when I wrote about his work. To see more of the work featured in that post, click here.
Dining room designed by Sally Steponkus, photo by Angie Seckinger.
Design by J.D. Ireland, photography by Scott Henrichsen
Design by Paul Corrie, photography by Michael Crosset of District Creative

Over the River...& Congrats to Turkey Trot Winners!

Over the river, and through the wood, to Grandfather's house we go;

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow.
Over the river, and through the wood -Oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose as over the ground we go.
Over the river, and through the wood,To have a first-rate play.

Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding",Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood Trot fast, my dapple-gray!

Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound,For this is Thanksgiving Day.
Over the river, and through the wood -And straight through the barnyard gate,We seem to go extremely slow,It is so hard to wait!
Over the river, and through the wood -Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done? Hurrah for the pumpkin pie

and Congratulations to my son and daughter who each placed 2nd in their age category in the Christ Church Arlington Turkey Trot! Great job R & J!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

(This Thanksgiving song originally appeared as a poem written by Lydia Maria Child in Flowers for Children, volume 2, in 1844. The painting is by Anna Mary Robertson Moses, "Over the River to Grandma's house", 1947)

Mirror over Mirror

Last July I was in Stacy Hyde in Dallas and was taken with the simple gesture of hanging a mirror over a mirror. The addition of this convex sunburst mirror adds interest and texture to what is otherwise a standard.
Here DC based designer Kelley Proxmire hangs a large, round convex mirror over a mirrored wall, reflecting light and expanding the space. This dining room was part of an Eastern Shore Decorator Showhouse from a few years ago. I happened to go to this showhouse and loved this room. The simple centerpiece would be great for a Thanksgiving table setting. For more - go to Kelley Proxmire's website here.
The mirrors in these two pictures are hung over antiqued mirror for a nice effect. (above Elliott Puckette's home, American Vogue, May 2003, photography by Francois Halard via Style Court)
Home of Dana Slatkin, California Style Magazine, Jan/Feb 08 via Girl Meets Glamour
Tricia Huntley layers a Venetian mirror for a glamorous, custom look. (photography Kevin Allen)

After spending an inordinate amount of time searching for more pictures of mirrors over mirrors and running dry, I wondered about layering Art over a Mirror?
What about hanging a print that is framed with a surround of glass (like below) over a mirror? You could use ribbon to hang it - maybe even doing something just for the holidays... (pictures from my visit to And George in Charlottesville, VA)
Or, as Kelley Proxmire did here, hanging a Mirror over a Window?
(image from Kelley Interior Design here)

If you're interested in more on layering mirrors, go to Apartment Therapy DC here. I discovered Leah did a terrific post after I stayed up way too late looking for more pics!

The Voting is On! Velvet & Linen's Brickmaker's Table Giveaway

The voting starts today at 8 am for the fabulous Brickmaker's Table giveaway at Velvet & Linen! There are 10 terrific finalists to choose from and you have until Sunday November 29th at 8 am to cast your vote. One vote per person; the top 3 win. I was excited to be one of the bloggers who participated in the preliminary selection and am very curious to see if any of the 5 I voted for made their way into the top 10. Be sure to head over to Velvet & Linen to cast your vote!

Leading up to the announcement of the final 10, Brooke posted many of the 170 entries she received. The entry above is from James B and my first thought upon seeing it was "Who is this guy and does he have a blog?!" Well, Brooke gave me good news, he does! James has created a blog - Garvinweasel - to document the renovation of his antebellum farmhouse (c 1858) in the deep south. If you're as impressed with his creativity as I am, you'll be sure to become a fan of this new blogger.

To check out the details of the gorgeous giveaway coffee table from BoBo - click here.

Making Greenery Centerpieces

This past Sunday I had a chance to attend a free seminar put on by Pear Tree Cottage in Vienna, VA. Amy Strunk, a landscape designer with Merrifield Garden Center, led a very informative, step-by-step class on the principles of arranging greenery. Check out the gorgeous urn the woman next to me in the white shirt/green sweater used as her container. I'm fairly sure it is one she purchased at Pear Tree.
I brought a vintage, aluminum ice bucket to the seminar. Here are some helpful tips from Amy:(1) There are 2 types of floral foam: wet and dry. (we used wet foam for this project)
(2) Wet foam has small holes on one side and those should be placed face down.
(3) Start with your base greenery first, arranging it so it will establish a good background. Keep in mind that odd numbers of branches, etc, work best.
(4) After you establish the base, begin to add the next layer throughout the whole arrangment. I think in the past I focused too much on sections and not enough on the whole arrangement.(5) Ask yourself, "Where will the texture and interest come from in the arrangement?" As you can see in the pic above, I have two layers in and now need to move on to add some layers of color and interest.
Here are pics of three completed arrangements - I think they look great!
One participant brought a second container, this fab turquoise vase from Crate & Barrel. Amy volunteered to create an arrangement for it.
Here it is; simple and stunning. Keeping in mind the mod aesthetic of the vase, Amy used only 3 types of greenery - dark green evergreen, a chartreuse colored green and the third one, with little pinecones, for interest. My ice bucket is off to the right with red berries and a few other things added to it. A huge thanks to Amy for all the great tips and to Frances Brayshaw, the owner of Pear Tree Cottage, for continuing to offer these great design events! Washingtonian magazine ranked Pear Tree Cottage as one of the best shops in Northern Virginina. Agree!
Also, if you live in the DC area, Tudor Place in Georgetown is holding it's annual Holiday Wreath Making workshop Friday Dec. 4th and Dec. 11th, 10 am or 2pm and Saturday Dec. 5th at 10 am or 1 pm. (the Sat. 10 am class may already be booked.) I'm going to the Dec 4th 10 am session this year - pictured above is the boxwood wreath I made last year. All the greenery is freshly cut and the historic setting is wonderful!

A Family Vestibule

The Charityworks GreenHouse ended a few weeks ago but the eye candy continues! Designed by Miriam Dillon and Rebecca Foley of Custom Design Concepts Architecture + Interiors, the family vestibule is comprised of a mudroom, laundry room and powder room that are stylish, functional and eco-conscious. The reclaimed wood in a herringbone pattern on the wall echoes the hardwood floors in other parts of the home. I think the pendant lights and the choice of a settee, as opposed to a built-in bench, creates a more furnished feel to this very practical space. (all photography by Gordon Beall, posted with permission)
Love the whimsical touches and those houndstooth checked wellies in the cubby!
In the hallway that leads from the garage into the house, an antiqued mirror is surrounded with bordered sections of wallpaper. There's also a console table in this space and a chandelier made from reclaimed French oak wine barrel staves. (in the left corner of the pic)
The powder room is narrow and I think the inset cabinet solution is very effective - providing ample counter space on either side of the sink. The sink is made from cast iron that is 93% recycled and reclaimed and the tiles are 70% recycled glass.
The laundry room also takes advantage of every inch of space, including a narrow counter that runs behind the sink. One of my favorite features is the lift-up cabinet doors that provide concealed storage for laundry products, household cleaners, etc.

Ok, now after doing this post do I really have to go down to my dark, basement laundry room and put the wash in the dryer?!

Part 2: Inside Matthews House and Garden

The love affair with Matthews House and Garden continues! If you read this blog you know that one of my favorite things to do is visit design stores and this is absolutely one of my favorites! All the furniture, artwork and accessories are more than equal to the charming and inspiring architecture of this renovated 175 year old church.
Even on a gray, rainy day the quality of the light is beautiful. One of my favorite pieces of furniture was the high backed sofa with the nail head trim - very stylish and comfortable.
The store is full of interesting tablescapes and vignettes. This one is a reminder of the powerful effect of grouping similar objects together. Love the mix of squash and pears in the compote.

A simple, beatiful vase serves as an adornment to this marble topped table.
Ablsolutely loved this wooden urn with lid. Off to the left is the former alter of the church, now a stunning alcove with peaked ceilings.
Visit Matthews and you might be tempted to spend an afternoon "testing" these chairs while you read a book from the beautiful cabinet.

What I love about this random display of letters is that there are "almost" words in it. Everytime I look at it I think of the words - yes- and -dance-!

My photo of this green tray doesn't do it justice. There was a raised texture to the design and the combination of colors is beautiful. In the peak of the building there is a carved wooden medallion painted in soft colors.
The door to this former church is off to the right of this picture. As you enter the light flooded space, you can look straight ahead out to the gardens. Passing through the archway to the left, you enter the main store with it's soaring ceilings. While we were there I heard a number of visitors exclaim, "wow" as they walked in.

An antique Swedish rain barrel is repurposed as a coffee table.
More of Kevin Chadwick's horse themed trays. I purchased the calligraphy inspired horse but I love these colorful, graffic designs too!


Wanda, Sharon and Kevin were the most wonderful hosts as evidenced by this gorgeous luncheon table. The beautiful, moody painting above is by Kevin.
Two different quiches, two delicious salads and two wonderful desserts (yes, we tried both!)
Here is Wanda Crossley, the creative talent behind Matthews House and Garden. It was such a pleasure to meet Wanda and learn more about her career as both an interior designer and landscape designer. The D.C. area is so lucky now to have Matthews House and Garden on the scene. Can't wait to visit at Christmas time!
9160 John Mosby Hwy in Upperville, VA (540.592.7147) Tue- Sat 10 to 5

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!

House & Home's New Free Online TV - A Basement Makeover

Click here to watch House & Home's premier episode of H&H Online TV. (***If you get a message that says access denied, just click again on that statement and the show will load.)

This 13 minute show features:

Senior Editor Meg Crossley's bright and budget conscious renovation of her basement. Her reno was featured on the cover of their most recent Before & After special publication.

DIY & Thrifter Michael Penney turns mirrors into chalkboards. I think he makes a good point for using a mirror for a chalkboard since it's already framed.

Food Editor Claire Tansey shares her favorite pastry recipe.

I know this post sounds like an infommercial for House & Home but after the depressing news of Met Home's demise, it's great to see this well respected magazine broadening their brand and hopefully their online advertising revenue. So click away and support H & H's new online TV!

- This is my personal opinion and I do not receive any form of compensation for this endorsement.

It's Official - Hoard Your Old Magazines!

I'm sure you've already heard - Metropolitan Home is closing. Their last issue is Dec 2009. It has been a few years since I've read Metropolitan Home but the news is still disheartening.

Here is the future I imagine: A network of private interior design "Magazine Libraries" where you knock on a door, pay your entrance fee, and are handed your white gloves. You then sit and read as many issues as possible before your "admission time" has expired. These relics of the past - paper magazines - are treasured...

Bleak, I know, but I'm not going to recycle anymore of my magazines. I will be hoarding...

The Response: Bloggers Whose Day Job is Different

Thanks for all the enthusiastic response to my post last week, "Calling Design Bloggers Whose Day Job is Different!" It was so interesting to not only to read about everyone's backgrounds, (there were attorneys, scientists, stay-at-home moms, consultants, engineers, etc.) but also your passion and interest in interior design. Some bloggers are already starting or planning for careers in the field while others have a sense it will remain a much beloved hobby. I think these bloggers comments sum it up:

"Blogging has been a wonderful experience. To meet so many people that share your passion is such an amazing gift." Charlie of Charlie's Design Diary

"I have really enjoyed how blogging has allowed me to be more connected with like minded people both on the blogosphere and in person..." Beth of Chinoiserie Chic

"I had no idea that there were so many people out there who were as interested in all of the minutia that make a home a beautiful place, from the architecture to the design to the subtle things that make a house a home." Things That Inspire

Here's a listing of all the bloggers who commented, along with a very brief description. Hope you enjoy visiting their great blogs!

HeddyShea - construction and expectant stay at homemom

Leila - project managment consultant

Decor Addict - corporate travel agent and mom - currently on maternity leave

Windlost - technical engineer in a petrochemical company research center, degree in chemical engineering, specialising in petrochemicals and polymers

PVE - artist and mom (and designer of this blog's banner!)

Spark! (Ada-Marie) - corporate attorney and mom

Beth of Style Redux / Chinoiserie Chic - former attorney, mom

Brilliant Asylum - accounting in a family business, interior designer by training

Blue Hydrangea - stay at home mom

Aesthetic Oiseau - web designer and project manager

Bryn Alexandra - advertising - making commercials, started interior decorating business - Bryan Alexandra Interiors

Beth @ The Stories of A to Z - former counselor, stay at home mom

Melissa Powar - employment lawyer

Red Door Home - mom and owner of a sewing business

Thomas of My White Shirt - accounting manager in large construction firm, home staging business

Deborah of Boxwood Terrace - insurance broker

Marina - fomer lab researcher with degree in Biochem/microbiology, sales marketing, currently studying interior design in London

Name is Grace - stay at home mom

Things That Inspire - former technology consultant and mom

Charlie of Charlie's Design Diary - internet security specialist (anti-virus and cryptology)

Janis of White Alder Home- on maternity leave from job in special education

Wanderluster of Rambling Renovators- on maternity leave from job as a project manager/consultant

JeanetteS - corporate job

Hello Lover...of all things beautiful - pediatric intensive care nurse

Diane Dorrans Saeks of The Style Saloniste - design book author, design editor

V - lawyer

Jenn of Department of the Interior DC - digital public relations

Janet of All Trades- customer service for design related firm

Felicity Slater of Far Away Felicity- tax lawyer

Jill of Forever Cottage - degree in marketing, worked in non-profit management, mom

Maddie G Design - CPA, fund management in private equity firm, mom

Also thank you to these bloggers who are in the design field and who left kind comments of encouragement: Lauren of Pure Style Home, Maria of Colour me Happy, Pamela from The House of Edward, and Janell of Isabella & Max. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone!


Pictures are from one of my very favorite houses - to see more of this house in New South Wales, click here. (Image via House and Garden Australia, owner/designer Suzanne Dougall, photographer Michael Wee.)

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Book Signing

Last night there was a fun event at DC's Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams - a book signing for their new book, The Comfortable Home. Here's the talented Leah Moss of Apartment Therapy having her book signed. Standing between Beth of Chinoiserie Chic and Stefan of Architect Design is co-author Mindy Drucker. It was great to meet her! Mindy had been quite thoughtful to make sure local bloggers were included on the invite list.
Here's Leah with her sister Nicole. Nicole's coat was the hit of the night - a vintage 70's piece from Ireland.
The store did a great job with the event - the red velvet and lemon bundt cakes (for those of us who tried both) were delicious.
Here's color guru Annie of Bossy Color. Annie has the best dresses - love this black and green one.

I'm really looking forward to reading this book cover to cover. A quick look at it last night revealed alot of practial tips and how-to instructions, along with inspiring pictures. One section of the book focused on gallery-style montages. The pic below is a gallery wall from the DC store.

One of my favorite pieces in the store is the Lillian Console in white lacquer. With a depth of 14", it would be a great solution for a small space.
Vintage bottles; love the dark green one. This weekend I'm taking my daughter to Williamsburg for a ballet weekend and am very excited that we will be stopping in Richmond to visit Linda of Haven on Hanover. Have a great weekend!

1 Room - Styled 2 Different Ways

I came across designer Antony Todd's room on House & Home editor Suzanne Dimma' s blog here. The styling is spare - two metal benches that allow a view to the armless sofa, a beautiful urn on the corbel and an ikat pillow. I think it creates an arresting image that highlights each element.
Here is a larger view of the same room, via La Dolce Vita's wonderful post on the color Peacock Blue. The two open, metal framed benches have been replaced by two solid cubes and a number of pieces have been added - floor lamp, x bench, two chairs and a lamp on a pedestal. Possibly a more functional room... Here it is on the cover of Australia Vogue Living May/June 2007. Almost the same room except that the x bench is gone and it appears that the chairs are covered in a brighter turquoise fabric. Which do you prefer? For me, it's the first one.


(second image via La Dolce Vita via Domino, my apologies as I do not know the photographer credit in these pictures.)

My Entry Way - from Green to Gray

A while ago I posted about my living room color change - from yellow/green to a blue gray. Well, this meant the entry bureau had to change too. It's now painted Farrow & Ball's Pavilion Gray with a narrow trim painted around the edges for contrast in F&B's Pigeon. With the change in weather it felt a bit cool so I added this ribbon. The gold dish is from Pear Tree Cottage in Vienna, VA. I rather like it empty although it's often full of sunglasses, keys and other stuff. Here is my entry way from a post last December 2008. In all honesty, I don't think I ever really liked it green.

It's really hard to get a photo since the entry way is fairly shallow, only 78" from the front door to the wall. There used to be a claustraphobic closet where the bureau is now. For this picture, I'm pushed to the very edge of the outside entry. Off to the right you can see the beginnings of a gallery wall, currently stalled and w/crooked pictures!
What's in this lovely pink package? The incredible book, The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent & Pierre Berge, that I was very fortunate to win from Little Augury. She has impeccable taste as evidenced by this book choice for a giveaway - it is a visual feast. Thank you!!

(Photography in this book is by Ivan Terestchenko)