Saturday, June 21, 2008
Gone Fishing - back July 7th
Pink & Green - Anne's Gorgeous Office
It's wonderful to have such a nice friend who also happens to be a talented designer and partner at Dwellings by Design. Whenever I enter Anne's office, I don't want to leave. "Oh, what else can we chat about so I can linger a little longer!" I think to myself. From the overall concept to the execution of the details, this work space is inspired. Love the choice to concentrate the palette on two colors and then revel in the may ways to play out the pink and green combination.
Crisp, clean and lovely - the perfect spot to be creative. The Parson's desk from West Elm allows Anne a full view of her inspiration board. Sadly, the desk is no longer offered in this spring green.
Anne ordered the Talia chaise from Ballard Designs and had it custom covered in this cheery pink/green stripe. This is the best place to lounge with a cup of tea and a stack of design magazines. (p.s - note to self - I need a pillow with pom-pom trim)
Love, love, love these vintage pieces from her grandmother. They catch your eye immediately as you enter the room.
Three framed pieces of wrapping paper anchor the wall behind the desk. Below is an expanse of bookcases within easy reach of the workspace.
Can't get enough of this chaise.
A closer look at the framed paper.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Maison Living Georgetown, Washington DC - new website!
I posted about my visit to Maison Living back in April. They were recently profiled in the July/Aug issue of Elle Decor - but it must have gone to press before their new website was up and running. If you're interested in checking out their newest finds here's their new website.
(image via Jean Pierre Antiques/Maison Living's website)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Instant Design Crush
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Summer Cottage: Not the Size but How We Live In Them That Matters
In response to her question "Do you like your cottage?" the renter next door replied, "It's fantastic. It has this unbelievably massive media room downstairs." That response captures it all...With all the beauty of the surrounding area, rain or shine, why a media room?
I think in the end it's not the square footage of the summer place but what you do and who you are when you're there that matters.
Architecture and design can, if we let it, help us truly vacation - leave behind the usual and find the extraordinary of summer time.
What architecture can create this way of being? Here are some pics of my version. (Click here to see a gallery of cottage pics from House & Home)
A gathering place for meals and card games or the 3,000 piece jigsaw puzzle that takes a whole summer to complete.
Everything is simple. (via House Beautiful, photography by Don Freeman)
via Pointclick home, photography by Eric Striffler
via PointClickHome, photography by Mark Lohman
The bedrooms are small and cozy and made even better by oddly angled walls.
above images via House Beautiful, photography by Don Freeman
There a bikes with baskets in the front and a bell on the handlebar.
You take the time to wander down paths and up trails.
No matter the view from your cottage window, you spend time just gazing.
You notice little stuff - you open up to less formal ways of doing things.
You choose words like "tinker" instead of "fix." You sense you have time.
Sandals get left at the edge of the beach. People trust they'll be there when they return. (Chatham, Cape Cod)
You sit next to people you care about. You make conversation with people walking by.
Wellfleet, Cape Cod
Wellfleet, Cape Cod
You find that TV is a poor substitute for nights spent watching this and then gazing up at the stars. (Stonington, Deer Isle Maine)
And when your summer stay comes to an end, you are all the better for it.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Beautiful Pillows
Seeing the above picture made me think of these equally gorgeous pillows Little Byrd made custom for a client.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Part 1: Beautiful Rooms....Part 2: Grateful Blogger
photography by Dana Gallagher (The photos in this post were taken of the book, original photographers noted. I could not find designer credits for the rooms.)
photography by Dana Gallagher
photography by Dana Gallager
photography by Roger Davies
photography by Dana Gallagher
photography by Gordon Beall
photography by Gordon Bealle
photography by John Hall
photography by Gordon Beall
House Beautiful 750 Designer Secrets: Exclusive Design Ideas from the Pros
Part 2: Grateful Blogger
This past week I have been the recipient of some lovely, wonderful gestures that I wanted to share and acknowledge.
A beautiful photo frame from MRR Designs for some very minor assistance with resizing an image (the technological credit actually belongs to my 14 year old son.) This frame is lovely - and so incredibly well made. I have attempted these before - and failed. Check out her wonderful site - you can even have custom message boards made.
From the lovely and inimitable Patricia of PVE Design - an original rendering of a florist shop in gorgeous brown and greens. Click here to see a full sized image of this painting from her original post. Patricia designed my blog header and I'll be posting more on some of the other things she's created for this blog.
Out of the blue, a packet arrived from northwest Canada - more beautiful Cartolina Cards from artist Fiona Richards. I so love this little Hello card - the blue and red are so perfect together. Now I want wallpaper like this for my downstairs bathroom!!
AND from my husband - this Mocha Rumbie delivered to me pool side in our backyard. This past week we celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary!!
Friday, June 6, 2008
English Manor Gardens & Interiors - Leesburg
If you come to No. Va, put Leesburg on your list of places to see. After lunch it was time for shopping - first stop was English Manor Garden & Interiors. Painted furniture and antiqued mirror surfaces dominated, along with lovely accessories and pretty tablescapes.
Love how this book is displayed on a stand - I need to do that!
Gorgeous lamp.
Faux artichokes in a beautiful wooden bowl.
Somehow these hot pink Christmas bulbs look so in-season in this tablescape.
Love the circle motif on these painted cabinets.
This is the illustration from English Manor Gardens & Interiors' business card. They don't currently have a web site but can be reached at 703.669.3300 - 27 South King Street - Leesburg, VA - 20175
The shot below is from a narrow alley leading to the town's parking garage. A store devoted to pets has this wonderful topiary dog there to greet you - how apropos.