tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27453248819652327282024-03-01T00:39:55.259-08:00S. W. Designinspired by history, designed for today....Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-50301064776655070332011-04-24T11:17:00.001-07:002011-04-24T11:17:56.658-07:00Happy Easter<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TbRpQEgwLBI/AAAAAAAABDI/MjIxad0zskM/s1600-h/easter%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="easter" border="0" alt="easter" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TbRpRb_bTFI/AAAAAAAABDM/BT0ufaUhBOE/easter_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="420" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">The Easter bunny left for me….</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TbRpSmPP-9I/AAAAAAAABDQ/YHdjdJ5Zrxs/s1600-h/2011-04-24%2011.04.36%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-04-24 11.04.36" border="0" alt="2011-04-24 11.04.36" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TbRpTbLkviI/AAAAAAAABDU/RGPt10JZo_s/2011-04-24%2011.04.36_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="520" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Three ‘Winchester Cathedral’</p> <p align="center">and</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TbRpUPHjhQI/AAAAAAAABDY/NIVjl7oFkEI/s1600-h/2011-04-24%2011.05.03%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-04-24 11.05.03" border="0" alt="2011-04-24 11.05.03" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDlgK5z8mkh3hTWy-FHB2mn3JFS6S1tVUDC3acLrxzhedmRpgXNhOJ6GhARhV15WwbJZ0ymLBB891RFBkul1rTpuHVw6vn0uwuAUgvk-yjloSfsT2dZ75A8PmXUSXj-yAGUkl8i84OlZM/?imgmax=800" width="391" height="520" /></a></p> <p align="center">One ‘Mary Rose’ David Austin rose bushes.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">“Pretty please, Mr. Easter Bunny, won’t you come dig the holes in our rocky, clay earth and plant these beauties for me?”</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Hope you’re having a lovely day….</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-32875980336838402672011-03-22T15:38:00.001-07:002011-03-22T15:39:45.600-07:00It was love at first sight.<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> Treasure hunting is definitely in my blood, and I credit my mother for much of what I know and love about the hunt. That said, one of my never-miss television shows, American Pickers, was responsible for the score of this latest object of my affection…..</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TYkkyF_89HI/AAAAAAAABB0/609wUReYxN4/s1600-h/DSCN0131grainy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="451" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TYkkzWn2NcI/AAAAAAAABB4/nm93vuhKpEg/DSCN0131grainy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="596" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Our eyes met across a crowded yard and I was instantly smitten. Hidden behind a shed, tipped on her side and covered in mud, I knew instantly that she had to be mine. Alas, when I inquired, I found that she had been promised to another. With a heavy heart, I returned to the sale and though heartbroken, I still managed to find some interesting items to bring into the shop. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TYkk0RaMRKI/AAAAAAAABB8/zC1568SrrOs/s1600-h/DSCN0133grainy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="476" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TYkk12slMeI/AAAAAAAABCA/SQZ3X347o08/DSCN0133grainy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="629" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">But I just couldn’t shake the image of this lovely lady. As I was getting ready to leave, I asked again-- “Are you <em>sure </em>that the other fellow wants her???? “ (Thinking to myself that “<em>no one</em> <em>could possibly love her like I will”</em>)</div><div align="center">The words of Frank and Mike were pounding my head …. “Just because someone says no, it doesn’t mean it’s over.” </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TYkk3ODtzqI/AAAAAAAABCE/tmelz0DWzzA/s1600-h/DSCN0132grainy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TYkk5AnAOvI/AAAAAAAABCI/Mu9iq1AOuwg/DSCN0132grainy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="660" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So I asked if I could leave my number for the seller to call me if the <strike>loathed</strike> competition changed his mind. Even better, she gave me her number and said I could call in a week.</div><div align="center">After a week (of excruciating obsession) had passed, I called and sadly, got her voicemail. Several days passed, but no call back, then several more. I resigned myself to the loss. Then, late one evening, after about a week …</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TYkk6hLuBnI/AAAAAAAABCM/Gt3Zlx3pm58/s1600-h/DSCN0137grainy%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXzCJuQ2JSWaTuCmmnIwuJZoimZ1OcfVHoJkLWevekgldBUsXQ_LePqI95AVrETHgp_KrnhakNWkff-gw4-jYg2XMnzb87UKCJn-UaC52H12SCUcAknSsUxAqn8KdilFWsZhCLCB83Bfh/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none;" title="" width="454" /></a> </div><blockquote><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I GOT THE CALL!!! She was mine!!!!!! My tenacity had paid off. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div></blockquote><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TYkk8rQG85I/AAAAAAAABCU/U5xL-CjNwK0/s1600-h/DSCN0134grainy%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="821" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2WNBcsR5pSFhxCu7h7W57fbWteIHY7ZxfEHGEfeehRqToLI8QtFqZ5hb_WT5_BWi7-r-a5kEDkC4pbXO2GyGKt1mLoTF6_K9eYlaUe8sRuRlfDEN_1djExK-26c7WzY6ZVumlVschaNX/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="508" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Not that you’re reading my humble little blog, but “Thank you!” Mike and Frank for your inspiring words. </div><div align="center">I am truly “Junk Drunk."</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">(Oh, and so sorry y’all, don’t look for her in the shop any time soon, this girl is all mine…)</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-67275319275663197582011-03-14T19:36:00.001-07:002011-03-14T19:36:58.411-07:00LATELY, I’M LOVING….<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy5ouR0Ri2V11gPcFWTSBmZ_gioRu5v1fgNBdLWYukK00EKnUKraHmGmOr6k_pj5AEOyp-uFfN2M0wvVJefFY4_o4jyQSsUnZiu58UNjCBoPHCQ5g4-Gb5Z8YGxeI1121y3zXlY2_ZG-3/s1600-h/scan0322%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0322" border="0" alt="scan0322" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QlvSOHII/AAAAAAAABAw/KU5nvEnsPyg/scan0322_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="520" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QmdO1J1I/AAAAAAAABA0/IwL3-Q_LIus/s1600-h/scan0242%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0242" border="0" alt="scan0242" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QnGk1YjI/AAAAAAAABA4/bLbW-BxMCKw/scan0242_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="468" /></a> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QoMYhTQI/AAAAAAAABA8/L8SxTL9wlks/s1600-h/scan0370%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0370" border="0" alt="scan0370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6o_ENhhsPAgh6ounjugtOK4FzkAnAupg__BwSukfJTnnfsskBsdfkGWuM0yK4mj0kpozNVXiXOviDmSggIAdijEr9761bMRbg8_YTKI4SXoNTMgt2yHRYi4kSyiR2d7UzyCMYOuvIDJf/?imgmax=800" width="405" height="435" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdFUNVMS4OUReXw5u5HvcS0aEgUlFdkTuFHPIFIB6VNfYnFZ-2JcRRhP1uQvo8-67rS3xQbXjd0P3VWtyGnXqQpHy45nb8UJggyjbijBpo7Z5gTgzBuWwCjUnO8Zto6LvKzubKtA-qkF_/s1600-h/scan0427%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0427" border="0" alt="scan0427" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QqwG0rUI/AAAAAAAABBI/cKV5LR41hYs/scan0427_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="403" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QrUJdzrI/AAAAAAAABBM/0C0SqA3yGUk/s1600-h/scan0365%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0365" border="0" alt="scan0365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbrwkQVC8Z_G4WHb1ulAmBQX2UIQGtrvdUDbNtGmKTee39estMeiEQzwauup06fRgU_RoEO2iuuWyjykL-sH0RYXPYHDlNRRBbdduarfZEuMZJNq_7IkCV2jv0yL37q_XEGIbFPWyUNat/?imgmax=800" width="403" height="520" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QtIrGzII/AAAAAAAABBU/liill-hlqeI/s1600-h/scan0179%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0179" border="0" alt="scan0179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1kRdeZXZSMTgwKWdFyAYE8yKNGDMIl1IiEwPVtmduytVjwQ6gYjMfKTyixCFcb3SB7P_qTJUwGP42Jma7gnpfA6_uEx-odu7lim60Vx8QOkjO8nxWwxcU8SjXxkoKnn5hlKvzQCci4jG/?imgmax=800" width="379" height="520" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7Qu8b5OdI/AAAAAAAABBc/fW1OoT5Rn0U/s1600-h/scan0306%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0306" border="0" alt="scan0306" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QvUbsF9I/AAAAAAAABBg/r8LlL6LM-fU/scan0306_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="281" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7QwKTrpyI/AAAAAAAABBk/KNdKNrqXVFw/s1600-h/scan0154%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0154" border="0" alt="scan0154" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7Qw8UHMMI/AAAAAAAABBo/Yft0MIMQDTU/scan0154_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="520" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TX7Qx-8MwjI/AAAAAAAABBs/E7VQqDoDXcM/s1600-h/scan0162%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0162" border="0" alt="scan0162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp8-4Wq1hkKIJ78yNEUhel-TekOZIH26R9veV9ljEgsP6d7G3bvS5tcXSrHFdzjpvSGFUdvmFywxXPojANojj8qhXi0YJRXG8k4MvsTeooAzC4I20aQAGFmjkxw1DDv6RUorowEW1nWvJ/?imgmax=800" width="405" height="290" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Chalky white.</p> <p align="center">No sparkle, no shine, just simple, pure, powdery perfection.</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-9266071228303586242010-09-07T06:54:00.001-07:002010-09-07T06:54:38.927-07:00On hold.<p align="center">It seems to happen every year at this time.  The last brief summer outings, children returning to school, new sporting season begins, schedules all confusing and unsettled, and blogging takes a holiday. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TIZEGnZvmDI/AAAAAAAAA_E/dt3JOube7Nw/s1600-h/scan0053%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="scan0053" border="0" alt="scan0053" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0JJBzj12euNPzTeiihSHa_s0MusuIb3noPHthfUNsBl8TWbAUaeGkKdFIDVivf8Bmygj52AdsozgV9e4Z64Stio5IWkxtaBIQcmeRRkBtN9By4Pb71m8X1dJ7AAjs4C3pEj06pD1eUxw/?imgmax=800" width="405" height="513" /></a></p> <p align="center">Please pardon my absence while S.W. Design regroups and transitions back into autumn’s routine…. </p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-26068381293423222472010-07-16T05:00:00.000-07:002010-07-16T05:00:03.914-07:00You MUST visit here, part II<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBpM2F5wqkgjcfUqjCZZ9e6aNLJ7hrvtDX8cAAjb290YVtai7IxpZVaj-kiPONaW29nqwbo-YzqPoPYJVMKxR2iWfIOq344BVZQzWpXBXNZn5iIKwKcfMU-ZDjQVfv3cx2HvRQCc_cODE/s1600-h/front%20in%20spring%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="front in spring" border="0" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcxih7IALTmayVNS_VG_UsyvWE9VvxkznVA-ydOrbVFnsV4tapDFRR90hfeoB54eCxr5pdo3N2-5T8OetpYeYC16MBx9D5iaYYNdIPVC9oPmnrtHt7PEG2WmfvPQlCYz83xtuCT7tAwQB/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="front in spring" width="740" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">You may remember, a few months ago, I posted about the house at Filoli <a href="http://s-w-design.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-must-visit-here-part-one.html"><span style="color: #800040;">here</span></a>, with the promise to post about the gardens soon. Well, I’ll admit I’m a bit slow sometimes, but I <em>do </em>keep my promises in the end. This past week, I got to go home to the San Francisco Bay Area and visit with my sister and made it a point to visit Filoli again to see what was blooming in the gardens this summer.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2R_qmYmI/AAAAAAAAA24/8wE9btKw6z4/s1600-h/DSCN0228%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0228" border="0" height="757" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1GASkwWhHDI_xveEjudfo0ps0XOnnDfMFE35HzI9S51I05TTF79gie3pPzBTkOB12fRjlZfIIkhjqh7LkVlzvvEOHruGLx6nTmpfPn4Sm7RaiaWbN925a3po3FxPHj3TW5JKwJt9PxSY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0228" width="574" /></a> </div><div align="center">Above is the massive entry way with it’s stunning gothic lantern. Be sure to notice the carved detail in the ceiling overhead. As spectacular as the house is itself, the interiors pale in comparison to the landscape and gardens in my opinion. The plantings and displays change every season. In the nearly thirty years I’ve been visiting the estate, I’ve never once seen the same place twice. It is truly remarkable the amount of talent and hard work that the volunteers and staff put into keeping the home and gardens as magnificent as they always are.</div><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2VB7urjI/AAAAAAAAA3A/pM2bxkLC4Nk/s1600-h/dovecote%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="747" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmB0nPK1b9RpyAWYXWcv5zv5uDTyJBFIn1uNK2DSy_xn7pFB8nwZT0kJH33ccbsa8NjFKtSJIfh7oonThJuhN8KEDIyRcyLbJJNPIDVGnrx0u72ZErDlwJ1Sm0ABDAmKzejpazaHbcm_D/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="564" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Just outside of the front entrance they have recently erected a temporary dovecote covered in succulents and topped with a thatch roof. Robin Stockwell, owner of <a href="http://www.sgplants.com/"><span style="color: #800040;">Succulent Gardens</span></a> in Castroville, California, designed and planted the vertical panels covering the walls of the dovecote and loaned them to Filoli.</div><div align="center">Filoli staff Lucy and Jonathan Tolmach designed the dovecote which was built by Filoli's woodworker, Paul Feichter. The succulents in the dry wall, the containers and the thatch shingles were grown by Filoli greenhouse staff. The design of the structure was inspired by an original aviary in the greenhouse courtyard, which housed the Bourns’ parrots. Dovecotes made today are ornamental garden features, but historically dovecotes were functional and designed to raise pigeons for squab. The word dovecote refers to the dove's cottage and is pronounced “dove cot” in England. The roof of the dovecote is covered in thatch like shingles made from flats of straw seeded with perennial rye.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2YPNFe0I/AAAAAAAAA3I/qPYYQrPj0-E/s1600-h/DSCN0230%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0230" border="0" height="747" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYUDcXcVYbDESoLmTW6xZzyzUJO9TH6MqYveOM2vQm5vdhat_idJ28sabD9lgdJf0g7Mvmhm748ke9Usw4paZZebbm-tmIkfuV82jnRqwIz9R2vfqslD6J8kiSARb7HatPW38p_yshZFz/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0230" width="566" /></a><br />
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<div align="center">The succulents were grouped and selected for contrasting foliage effects. They were planted in plastic panels which are designed for making vertical walls. The panels are watered from above with a drip irrigation system, which drips water from one panel to the next taking about 100 minutes to completely soak all five vertical panels. The succulents are watered every 7 to 10 days. </div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2buMzUZI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/T15ZILJAQT0/s1600-h/DSCN0229%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0229" border="0" height="745" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2c5P3aaI/AAAAAAAAA3U/8Gm5UtDrlBY/DSCN0229_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0229" width="563" /></a> <em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hi there!</span></em></div><div align="center">Filoli’s new dovecote houses three mated pairs of pigeons rescued by volunteers of the MickaBoo Dove and Pigeon Rescue, a division of <a href="http://www.mickaboo.org/"><span style="color: #800040;">Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue</span></a> in San Jose. These pigeons, found abandoned on the streets of San Francisco and San Jose, are named June Bug and Bandit, Squeak and Sesame, and Angel and Bo. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2eEHFHBI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/BZYmncq_ofA/s1600-h/DSCN0117%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0117" border="0" height="818" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2gi1b8zI/AAAAAAAAA3c/qDLp-P9bpZs/DSCN0117_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0117" width="760" /></a></div><div align="center"> Exiting the house, you enter the sunken garden. This is the most formal area of the garden and the floral displays are always spectacular. This was the way we found it today….</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2inPD1II/AAAAAAAAA3g/Ppe1a0lebA4/s1600-h/DSCN0112%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0112" border="0" height="585" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfK_StuqtjDwqmCBkV_CIXuLuvZ66Yk0A1OtwGky-KKMbzPlJBfZnQkObmHtVDP4zHWstfVjfX0V7vlZZelFowLCNREKyY2DxuKWwFEqvzJZbE7EkQ5C6GWllnNn9WE0iI3XVbYkIzTKt/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0112" width="766" /></a><br />
<div align="center">The peach colored flowers are stock.</div><div align="center"><br />
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<img alt="DSCN0114" border="0" height="701" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd_gWN8BkZzR3uDcYocAZE6wNmmz6rsgi2bnJRSxwsEV8isx4SM8KeqnIfEipnpB4rR6La0h65Of6_5GVaGhaXJZ7kDftSYpvcKgyah7mPzYfnZKUC3vSh38JzuBAPu0pLJE3MCrI0D3p/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0114" width="529" /><br />
<div align="center">Notice the potted containers leading up the steps, this is a design element you’ll see over and over again in the gardens. I love it!</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j2FEqQ7cD6c9mkx_UiDHhDqcOFZLB6zqqvEbHwfBtrLO1uP-yyh_NAUF_CXqiiYJVrKWtmUSHT1AdnU_8oIu6Hfj3SRrdOfltKU71J0rmHfxu3u1C_cxFNB2ch_b215BMfqF72p_3jdU/s1600-h/reflecting%20pond%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="reflecting pond" border="0" height="871" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2r2klkHI/AAAAAAAAA3w/49AGXTbGud4/reflecting%20pond_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="reflecting pond" width="764" /></a><br />
<div align="center">A different season, a different year; the garden is equally beautiful. The fog rolling over the hills beyond makes a beautiful backdrop for the blue and yellow of the plantings.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM_qxp6T7Fqjw5xa68GQfF_xRwQxOaBPLFP-zLXo-jWOOPv-YDtrY9v4dfv8ZBxtWQnsSmhGsP-VfMKvB6Fll13FbgfT1ANfaGNsRJ6XH86K9JlPljjYaNwooh1Xhk-bbp0eOmUQa9RbH/s1600-h/cfiles25487%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="cfiles25487" border="0" height="619" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2ws85WoI/AAAAAAAAA34/3KWxqfoNdwE/cfiles25487_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cfiles25487" width="759" /></a><br />
<div align="center">This time the parterre’s are filled with blue-maybe salvia? See the pots lining the steps? Tulips are a perennial favorite at Filoli.</div><div align="center"><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2yVyXKqI/AAAAAAAAA38/98eTJx2dJd0/s1600-h/sunken%20garden%20blue%20and%20yellow%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="sunken garden blue and yellow" border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsj12vEY76OoGPUxFAVf4xOUPM0UDHVwU753p1J1NnfpuDJDQy4nu4NXUwP4tPJbOkZz2mYytRx0g5qP4Jc_xZVNCqmuXtqlc9UcX68FcniiYZtTPrBzPZGDkIUh_c1ZNq5xgu0BLpAMV/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sunken garden blue and yellow" width="768" /></a><br />
<div align="center">The clock tower atop the former carriage house, now garden shop is the only reminder of times’ passage as you stroll through this lovely setting.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWi-zfSyKl-1UIcATlEgiY2xdDETbH4Eqkiwx3hY9OfzeY1IbV8lSOQHqOiuSPxtVxojL3US8Y0LEIxNboCzjuWB_eowk2S-oS34li5gzJ5Tu5nvMB-SsVeT0-7HiLXblo2_nzYacQmof/s1600-h/filoli_sunken_garden_600x%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="filoli_sunken_garden_600x" border="0" height="587" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_24Clcu_I/AAAAAAAAA4I/q1phZl6zcbw/filoli_sunken_garden_600x_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="filoli_sunken_garden_600x" width="768" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Springtime in all of it’s glory. The color selections each year are clearly made by a very well educated eye. </div><div align="center"><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_25qsvSgI/AAAAAAAAA4M/tVxKMVa0dHY/s1600-h/016%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="016" border="0" height="590" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_28pOjctI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/GMuVFIi8bK0/016_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="016" width="771" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Adjacent to the sunken garden is the delightful garden pavilion. Reminiscent of an orangerie, a garden pavilion was a building frequently found on the grounds of fashionable residences on the east coast of America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Similar to a summerhouse or a conservatory, the garden pavilion was a symbol of prestige and wealth.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D-XUQH3rYamZpSR7e28zUVW8xd6f5ksppI6Gy1u-qfT8NPafb0JwlA2CZvFB_pD8c2EWnoi9djnutgQxHwproxgrYfShcqFvF0qTAxG5ccGuUazVUMLoARNfzoWaDrpp-BvT9u3mFHo8/s1600-h/mom's%20media%20card%20120609%20171%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 171" border="0" height="569" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_2_8XYmtI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/pnYBzfD3E3M/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20171_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="mom's media card 120609 171" width="761" /></a><br />
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<div align="center">Filoli's garden pavilion was designed to make a break in the long brick wall enclosing the walled garden and to match the architecture of the main house. It has eight stone figureheads at the top of the French-style windows.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3A6rBsII/AAAAAAAAA4c/kmqohjqUiis/s1600-h/DSCN0106%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0106" border="0" height="721" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqSYP2eUIpQdYJKWC-H5Ns9-skSfvmHPF8LxJxmLTO_Wbue8ir0IVKdLmsX6duvxoDVTyOedIkQMjQYsadIc9Kp_-iZ6yCSY9r_2vzqVb8yw2TVMrvbAwp6U26C91gH7UalMKISvmTIZj/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0106" width="547" /></a><br />
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<div align="center">The interior floor of the garden pavilion is composed of large Tavernelle marble, separating bands of black and gold marble and small squares of Belgian black marble. The wainscoting (or splash panel) around the walls is beige Tavernelle marble. The tabletop is brecciate violet Brocatelle marble. The Bourns used the table in their San Francisco home. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3C49_5EI/AAAAAAAAA4k/PT-ZLPvB-oM/s1600-h/DSCN0110%20cropped%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezLfdL4YEwpKSL8u2OBF8LEoe2IgtN5_mqwGvXYzCy2mnfrAt9oLkwmuk6ksWDdEa0IH0jJVDSYnE9begPFv6M68684SWXN1Sa6Wr-BfX8TXu_sa9MlLz2OjdP_qRkM1yBVa9Df9Cv0SB/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="378" /></a> </div><div align="center">The elaborate wall sconces were originally intended for the staircase area in the house.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwmHp_5jZPjAclo1RfxwHMUQNOnNE7g_bkalGtIq0N44g-5ezSIRK6sZacpvN65dAx3PrEgKnNLbpsNFLVgFx0t14vtQOs9SWtG3Yt4EnxFct-RJdTeS6MlUgrEQGVA8IHjUIFTl85fjw/s1600-h/DSCN0109%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0109" border="0" height="731" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3F-a54JI/AAAAAAAAA40/KVZco9lJItM/DSCN0109_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0109" width="556" /></a><br />
<div align="center">A pair of lovely white doves greet visitors in the summer months.</div><div align="center"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZE3wzjJvomJRaHvPXHs8h7YePBrKVVP6FKPG7SJMDOM0oqUl5C9_gT6vtiGXhMz0Ii3eeM_Jlkrk3ZL-PpTrn3HEMwoW3-3rfBkOkzAHpyU8CUkiyERPOSM9C7C6fwAVymv4dnJ-K646/s1600-h/DSCN0124%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0124" border="0" height="728" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3JWn9R6I/AAAAAAAAA48/tXGe4L-Ze1U/DSCN0124_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0124" width="554" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">Filoli was designed to include many of the elements you would expect on an English country estate. In addition to a formal garden, plenty of space was allocated for a large working kitchen garden with espaliered fruits, berry cages, vegetable garden, cutting garden and greenhouses. </div><div align="center"><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3KbtaxEI/AAAAAAAAA5A/eCh0IC498Z8/s1600-h/DSCN0138%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0138" border="0" height="692" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3Mf1Id6I/AAAAAAAAA5E/XrHUD4c9EBA/DSCN0138_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0138" width="563" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">Summer paths lined with lavender. </div><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3Nc853FI/AAAAAAAAA5I/0XqKn1fo-Aw/s1600-h/DSCN0145%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0145" border="0" height="659" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3O1vr5rI/AAAAAAAAA5M/ivtaQAy71To/DSCN0145_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0145" width="556" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Utterly impossible to resist running my hand through as we travelled up the path.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3QDiV7-I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/ADZ-u7FYz1s/s1600-h/DSCN0137%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0137" border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhq6YIqD-k9CeLFbweJpDMH_5T7LrH-w4D892SMn9owhBg-7sdGmpDlVc3uE1qRNMWFUAVD7IxhTUKOWcoW38VjFxcIALOFuADoU3tlcKe69anffTcgb8bjL_DycsgBuCq9JYwoTRgRhG/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0137" width="555" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">A row of corn-- the knot garden beyond.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3SoR5vhI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/Zi9Ozjpd3rk/s1600-h/DSCN0140%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0140" border="0" height="709" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BpFq0wfKe8NyJUkZvAGE5F8lev2CDPL4dwAcwaQqEWNBFZ4xCp1QY2xV2xTYdCOVL88BsNNczmfqojf4MZspaSiA5rBlHqwTFjCa0JWXYU6SIYdt2LbtFyELE77hqrQ0udufMvC98xwn/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0140" width="559" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Knot gardens were commonly designed to display royal coats <br />
of arms, figures of plants or animals, or stitches of embroidery, and the interstices would be <br />
filled with colored sand and earth (open knot, as at Filoli) or with flowers (closed knot).</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3WyQVqVI/AAAAAAAAA5g/K1wRk0ZvIFU/s1600-h/DSCN0141%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0141" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3YS2spvI/AAAAAAAAA5k/tjPVdPLHmW0/DSCN0141_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0141" width="567" /></a></div><div align="center">While knot gardens are traditionally composed of flat hedges, Filoli’s has a different look; <br />
hedges are shorn and sculpted into three-dimensional under- and overlapping woven <br />
strands, making their maintenance more challenging, but also creating a beautiful, intricate, <br />
undulating effect.</div><div align="center">The shrub that contributes the exquisite maroon color to Filoli’s knot garden is a cultivar of Japanese barberry, <em>Berberis thunbergii</em> ‘Crimson Pigmy.’ The Japanese Barberry’s dark leaves contrast beautifully with the grey and green foliage of the other plants.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3Zi02hwI/AAAAAAAAA5o/cxsHjx_83rQ/s1600-h/022%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" height="430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3a6u9U7I/AAAAAAAAA5s/EcnCPlyVwa4/022_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " width="566" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">In 1991, Mrs. Duncan Low, a garden volunteer had the idea to create miniature versions of the original knots. Filoli’s maintenance staff built two 36” square boxes and engraved the sides to represent the brick pattern of the garden’s walls. Each box took four hours to plant, with dwarf hedges spaced at one inch on center. The lead <br />
horticulturist of the panel gardens keeps an eye on the water needs of these plants, and volunteers are in charge of their weekly pruning with bonsai shears.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3bjr1jZI/AAAAAAAAA5w/bjCmst01w3Y/s1600-h/DSCN0150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0150" border="0" height="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01Gh_40Z8yB8cM9N61_FWLeLgXv8CuY2wAzonpM5Fb-Zs3YWQ8_OW26bUQsTAAEzgm5KHBuUkXE8ASnLKFIJfaZv3WnG_kw3Ch8WZw3SBXQ5YFYYHNuZKy33vGjSgP-JAic7DIa4ENAzk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0150" width="573" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">One of many iron gates in the walled gardens. Each one boasting a beautiful view beyond.</div><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3eK0YAzI/AAAAAAAAA54/0T0pOLTes-Y/s1600-h/DSCN0153%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0153" border="0" height="769" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3gNlp7RI/AAAAAAAAA58/KoHsuIO3qEY/DSCN0153_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0153" width="585" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">Spires of acanthus practically sparkling in the sunlight--recommended by English gardening authorities of the period as an excellent foundation plant and in entry courtyards for bold and architectural effect in scale with large residences and has low maintenance requirements. These were grown by Romans in villa gardens. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3hFT2t0I/AAAAAAAAA6A/5YTCFdfplWM/s1600-h/DSCN0158%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0158" border="0" height="782" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3j7JV3ZI/AAAAAAAAA6E/sHeKmPsHIQU/DSCN0158_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0158" width="593" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">A stunning pink tree rhododendron under the cool canopy of the hundreds-of-years-old trees above.</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3lkr5XuI/AAAAAAAAA6I/vXe-EOo7UR0/s1600-h/DSCN0172%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0172" border="0" height="562" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3ncUjbAI/AAAAAAAAA6M/SsuIqtqMHFo/DSCN0172_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0172" width="737" /></a><br />
<div align="center">More parterres--filled with simple pink begonias.</div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3ohvTmzI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/nw3q2mz-QfM/s1600-h/020%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="020" border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuyRtK8xUYTjdZ53peLFXd3T6sVYAh5DkK6QtPSLBdOZlC6rDTEoIWBqY-cQGAnx6ZXHjmh6w5CS3CaO_16WK0CQzgkh0BtHneG4qDtaF7fc2sZUhKvbvFCve3LWW3qiRFRSsgz_4BeWv/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="020" width="735" /></a> </div><div align="center">A visit last Autumn finds a garden asleep--storing energy for it’s spring spectacle.</div><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3rR_fxbI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/q0bZ_7V1t-o/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20182%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 182" border="0" height="566" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3sZEGW-I/AAAAAAAAA6c/AGBHDiJxjAY/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20182_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="mom's media card 120609 182" width="735" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">An important element to the formal garden is the presence of the evergreen, Irish yews, which permeate the space creating strong, vertical lines. These compliment the formal design and serve to guide the viewer’s eye to important features.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3tYFCiWI/AAAAAAAAA6g/8iT0UR5nXBw/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20186%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 186" border="0" height="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_VWXohS2GaKrNWhsVt4ZS7UnoyE5ZmVkI5ZeHV1pc4fD7b5SUiVRa78x_gcnwobP7DZYkJjdSjg5rUIO8gyOWQZep4hm2P45c9XDiUA4YnO6L4jLM7-R7GOmjYNeBJctaS7rrz0wVZ8S/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="mom's media card 120609 186" width="738" /></a><br />
<div align="center">A view of the back of the house~visible here are 8 of the house’s 17 chimneys.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnpfQYJqyHZYnWXv9D5ce2cdmzkbgJVr4XtO3xWzI5PSbuo-Y8CZy1g-JPm8rYy99phyGUKVwCHI7bCjbRmfF0exTNcXNfCKzTyG9rKpd2h84ewZ7BBBw4t3P5qUX_jYfwP7wqJaqmRID/s1600-h/same%20door%20different%20year%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="same door different year" border="0" height="794" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3xiiRirI/AAAAAAAAA6s/RSk3tmnGuqQ/same%20door%20different%20year_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="same door different year" width="538" /></a><br />
<div align="center">A back door with potted flaming tulips lining the steps.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3y9DK_NI/AAAAAAAAA6w/355wWnjOcGA/s1600-h/steps%20with%20tulips%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="steps with tulips" border="0" height="624" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_301MDX-I/AAAAAAAAA60/cSF5aYQ1BN4/steps%20with%20tulips_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="steps with tulips" width="539" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Another door boasts delicate pink tulips.</div><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_31zQtF4I/AAAAAAAAA64/cIDgRp8XkoU/s1600-h/DSCN0184%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0184" border="0" height="795" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_33vjNXhI/AAAAAAAAA68/jcHBc2nGqTQ/DSCN0184_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0184" width="608" /></a><br />
<div align="center">The estate has many of these stone planters and statuary pieces--a wonderful way to add architecture to any garden, large or small.</div><br />
<br />
<img alt="mom's media card 120609 198" border="0" height="798" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_35FUjgkI/AAAAAAAAA7A/3lNjpgEYGhY/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20198_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="mom's media card 120609 198" width="603" /><br />
<div align="center">A show-stopping Agave plant adds it’s own brand of architecture. I loved this planting so much, the first time I saw it, I came right home and planted my own Agave pot. Hopefully, someday, it will grow to be as jaw-dropping as the one here.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_36NaOzkI/AAAAAAAAA7I/H36CGsE-1gU/s1600-h/DSCN0224%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0224" border="0" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiFVOFWTfbCnTDPfqfbmFWAGGLh4n_8NmWmQmZVSZSJCC-ahPg6ZM8t-GFYr1xrhj8ZwM4-xRPiYmbQNJJuYgyVGlwOZPxd9uPF_kXA2MvCX37xNJlAX48hNN3KmvBf_oDDYIdbMeMCgz/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0224" width="606" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Succulents in a cement basin~does it get any better than this?</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><img alt="DSCN0179" border="0" height="793" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXaDu92N3bFTjWHVH3wQXDX20O70XquQddpoJlID-39aLuAZR0FpVB8D9RmsT8mZGoVLoTIswEjEwmQOS4XQTm0ZxLjlOkbObiYdi4bNrzolvTgkZb-w1yS6_0vyoLaES3GCX7aXo6Wb3/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0179" width="603" /></div><div align="center">Several of the garden gates are topped by these stone cartouches. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_3-fqZmaI/AAAAAAAAA7U/ZiHKZgD0MMQ/s1600-h/DSCN0178%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0178" border="0" height="795" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2L-GOzoZkHPgZyOhl6v2J_B-QV3aBHuTGz7wC4wDX9YZDm_0LEAYLyx56KVghij0gU81-NXD4woiJ3rMHoTb4Zi0hgCxZefAvWcTui6RHH9VjgvU1RNlHyYa8CUYfp9gj_iq_SuJjYrC/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN0178" width="603" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Amazing ironwork--craftsmanship not often seen today.</div><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_4BXsf0YI/AAAAAAAAA7c/C_o0tizaiAo/s1600-h/Filoli%20085%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="Filoli 085" border="0" height="893" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TD_4Do-NvwI/AAAAAAAAA7g/k7g84Uhzxcg/Filoli%20085_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Filoli 085" width="610" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">There is so much more to see and each time I visit I see and learn something new. It is such a wonderful source of inspiration. Filoli offers many educational programs for gardeners and their website is a virtual wealth of information. To learn more about this magnificent estate and all that it has to offer, visit them at <a href="http://www.filoli.org/"><span style="color: #800040;">www.filoli.org</span></a>. To see the post I did on the house, click <a href="http://s-w-design.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-must-visit-here-part-one.html"><span style="color: maroon;">here</span></a>.</div><div align="center">I hope you enjoyed your tour of the gardens at Filoli, I know I did!</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-18832412559914706152010-07-11T16:34:00.001-07:002010-07-11T16:34:29.766-07:00Hot, Hot and more Hot.<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpUv_hkQSI/AAAAAAAAA1w/ODb4ae5e--o/s1600-h/weather%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="weather" border="0" alt="weather" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpUwYK2xNI/AAAAAAAAA10/u-ERVsW_4wU/weather_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="520" /></a></p> <p align="center">Stuck inside.  Too hot to work in the garden and more hot to come.  Typical for these parts, although I think these temps are actually a little on the cool side for this time of year.  I guess I shouldn’t complain:  We lived in Palm Springs the first year we were married--the mercury hit 132 degrees one day and hovered around 120 the whole summer…ugh.   </p> <p align="center">So, here are a few images to take the edge off the summer heat….</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpUxSel9BI/AAAAAAAAA14/lOE_hkg4iIM/s1600-h/scan0043%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0043" border="0" alt="scan0043" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKSB4NYHSFlJu0rquGu50mF6eZ_2uMv4EJpOulm0mKatxcxM-HXnKcUUy-Tn3urM3i1SjBikiWaYFZCJghSm9PcWjrQrK4AKeBepN9ECtcQeYHKw2y4TymkuGxgJQalcdMZUYxPG98wf1/?imgmax=800" width="561" height="717" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpU0DVt8_I/AAAAAAAAA2A/sQ0AKkBto4E/s1600-h/scan0045%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0045" border="0" alt="scan0045" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpU1grO57I/AAAAAAAAA2E/M9vv7ZApcvY/scan0045_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="728" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpU2hc0gcI/AAAAAAAAA2I/9XdoWXcXzL4/s1600-h/scan0046%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0046" border="0" alt="scan0046" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueQcv_-_d0oqyzi4LRplQakKEdZq29HePj6Vd7m2TOWi6MEKAjdmbnJ7dri2CqyNpNTCaDKYcrexWQldmHIIveV0xKGVPKIx469PUwodYG6sXUFdae10xPtI4P4vEpKkAxA0rKRZgjW2x/?imgmax=800" width="574" height="734" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1PvnQVviiUUuX5ZHsiPxsDWA7UomtVD3xj2o2k4IiKi12DhtOQWYcKCmJueBBxKrRrEGpxHZFgwdxCmS_uyypgJya4kaXOPkcBhP3EiNqgXnZzQs1mgWhVP7125npfFr76rV_L_u0DR_/s1600-h/scan0047%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="scan0047" border="0" alt="scan0047" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpU8HC26xI/AAAAAAAAA2U/EQLRLhM5LBg/scan0047_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="576" height="730" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpU9MiSGSI/AAAAAAAAA2c/_RzD7R_OlvA/s1600-h/scan0048%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="scan0048" border="0" alt="scan0048" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpU-pDI2RI/AAAAAAAAA2g/A9LHVNQXfcc/scan0048_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="576" height="602" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpU_iO6DSI/AAAAAAAAA2k/-hI7JhoHtZU/s1600-h/scan0051%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="scan0051" border="0" alt="scan0051" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TDpVBGbEzqI/AAAAAAAAA2o/k5MbzorBcaI/scan0051_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="586" height="707" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">All images via French Interiors, by Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery</font></em></p> <p align="center">Hope you’re having a cooler week where you are!</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-68745835874727362932010-07-07T16:01:00.001-07:002010-07-07T16:01:05.984-07:00Proud mama moment<p> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.vintageweave.com/store/media/hungchest.jpg" /></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">image via Vintage weave</font></em></p> <p align="center">Lately, I’ve been feeling inspired by all things industrial.  So, I’ve picked up a couple of old metal box/trunks, and as usual, I’m not sure yet where they’re going to go, but I like their “old-beat-up-ness.”   The smaller of the two had gobs of old ugly paint on it (yes, I do believe that old chippy paint can be beautiful, but this was just UGLY).  So, this morning I got out my bottle of Citrustrip (the best paint stripper, ever) and started peeling back the layers.   </p> <p align="center">Child #2 (age 8), who has an AMAZING eye, came out to see what I was working on and asked if he could help.  </p> <p align="center">After working on it a bit, he said that he wanted to put it in his room.  I told him “maybe” but we’d have to clean up the rust on the bottom so it didn’t get all over the carpet.  To which he replied:</p> <p align="center">“Oh mom, I like the rust--it’s <em>patina</em>.”</p> <p align="center">Music to my ears.</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-42221120547129629392010-06-29T11:02:00.001-07:002010-06-29T18:18:17.792-07:00Covert Operations<p> </p> <p align="center">They say confession is good for the soul, but myself, I find that playing dumb goes a lot farther….</p> <p align="center">I’ve mentioned before, my crippling inability to leave a “treasure” behind, a problem which has only been magnified over the years.  So, as a result, I’ve had to get creative with ways in which to <strike>sneak</strike> incorporate these pieces into my home.  </p> <p align="center"> I have found that the best course of action is to wait until everyone else has left the house and then stealthily retrieve said items from their safe haven under the jackets and beach towels in the back of my oh-so-roomy car. (Which, may I say, I can pack 4 dining room chairs into, when the rear seats are down--reason #1 why I bought her!)</p> <p align="center">The next step in the mission is to quickly consolidate these finds into the decor before anyone has returned home.   This part can sometimes prove tricky, because I do what I tell others <em>not</em> to do--that is, to purchase items without a plan.  I know better, but I’m afraid that knowing better sometimes isn’t enough.  </p> <p align="center">I would like to add, however, that <em>in the end,</em> because I love them so much, I can always find a way to make these treasured finds work.  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TCo0wnfi_eI/AAAAAAAAA04/qm1kaPu-O1U/s1600-h/bust%201%20no%20smart%20fix%20cropped%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42RjssW0Nbp7yVgXBcbBYwr8JDdZpsmYrdN36tQ0JLySC_kKiWarzachybp6LpBOnnz3EB2KISkao7vuL3F7Ss3S4722LTnP1-SnvSX7FZRcc7ht6YapPEMN2Dp3w7U0Ed-zPovq0Eg4R/?imgmax=800" width="405" height="456" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Take for instance, “Pablo” here (my 8 year old finally named him--don’t ask)….  I lugged him home from the local flea market one day this spring.  The entire LONG walk out to where I was parked, I had him hoisted over my shoulder like I was burping a forty-pound newborn (really, it was ridiculous--children pointing and giggling.)   At the time, I  had no idea where I wanted to put him, I just knew that I had to have him.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNXcJf2ztDw0D7MTCoamEMcIVxIkE0UecRdNkGelpeu9ewOKc9Zj_dS0Z76XlyY1b9lZnYWTxPwrjR3DQNAN5jGDZIoDZNO79DrEqMvZRbz2wH9Haf25Trupnn5n4D_LeeFwVah_TOJBd/s1600-h/DSCN0001a%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TCo07DeFeQI/AAAAAAAAA1E/hkIQNE-lmVE/DSCN0001a_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="425" /></a></p> <p align="center">After much rearranging and head scratching, he has finally landed a home in my dining room/soon-to-be-library on a console in front of the window between two large wheat-sheath Italian tole lamps (also rescue-pieces.)</p> <p align="center">Often, actually almost always, new finds must spend some time being triaged in my dining room--aka “Design Purgatory,” before transitioning into their semi-permanent home (because you know, nothing is ever <em>permanent</em>-permanent.)   </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TCo09PO6rGI/AAAAAAAAA1I/XNkaZn8AGec/s1600-h/DSCN0336crop%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz8SQAydeucJXkKxvjltTY1gHJCx_NCja3ZE5r9Ll50_LtmVVs48K94JQjJxuX4spw8ayqP7yCe7v2KhZtKQcysMRVf3A0SGjzp9OXqeaIuQzF2adqy8F70KvnyTn79h39hHCHgDORPCG/?imgmax=800" width="290" height="520" /></a> </p> <p align="center">When the items are large, like say, a 7’ antique <em>COLUMN</em>, the whole operation must be taken to a higher level.  (This baby took<em> lots</em> of jackets and beach towels.)  Like all the other impulse purchases, it is now serving it’s time in design purgatory.  I have a few ideas for where to put it, but haven’t had the “aha, I’ve got it!” moment yet.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TCo1AHxXEjI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/sUfACheCK8U/s1600-h/DSCN0174%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN0174" border="0" alt="DSCN0174" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TCo1CuB2VlI/AAAAAAAAA1U/MzPxBNib73k/DSCN0174_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="520" /></a>   </p> <p align="center">I nearly wrecked my car when I first spotted this darling chair.   Running late to get child #2 to baseball photos, I was trying to save time by taking a shortcut when… Rrrrrrh! Hit the brakes.  There she was, sitting on a driveway full of junk at a neighborhood yard sale.  What to do?!  Risk missing pictures altogether, or go inquire about the chair?  Well, let’s just say, it was like garage sale-ing on crack…</p> <p align="center">I run across the street, phone to my ear, telling the team mom that I’m “…in the car RIGHT NOW,  just around the corner. Hold the pictures, we’re almost there!”   </p> <p align="center">Me, to the nice man at the sale (wondering how much cash I have in my wallet):  “How much are you asking on the chair?”</p> <p align="center">Nice Man: “I’m asking $20, but I’d take less.”</p> <p align="center">Me:  “Would you take $15?” (Seriously, could I <em>be </em>more of a cheapskate?!”)</p> <p align="center"><em>Really </em>Nice Man:  “Sure, can I help you load it?”</p> <p align="center">SOLD!</p> <p align="center">(BTW, we made it to pictures by the skin of our teeth--no one the wiser.)</p> <p align="center">I don’t think I can make the pink velvet work in my home (love it, though).  So, I’m thinking I’ll reupholster it in a light oatmeal colored linen.  The cushion is down filled--I couldn’t have even bought the feathers for $15, let alone the frame, which is in <em>perfect </em>condition.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TCo1E3zEMvI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/c52cpOfY_9c/s1600-h/DSCN0173%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv3ajj1KAG-qpydyEIVy2FeDoLhwVGxp4nKRM7B-g-nudx7owCgMo6q-1pRoeMrSpajA8-aC2DD20q5CPEJZVCltL5lt_oYMxqz9a06aLo3f1v-en4ZHP5QY9u1QLNdHUHyS9E_2XVLiX/?imgmax=800" width="379" height="520" /></a></p> <p align="center">I kind of hesitate to post this picture, because it’s such an ugly duckling at this point, and I haven’t done anything yet to make it a swan--so you’ll have to use your imagination.   Think Swedish country.  </p> <p align="center">I came upon this cute little roll-top desk some time ago and again, with no plan in mind, I just couldn’t bear to leave it behind.  So, into the dining room it went. (I have very large double doors that swing into the dining room which, when opened,  create perfect corners in there in which to “store” things temporarily.) </p> <p align="center">Several months later, I caught my husband searching Craig’s List for “roll-top desks.”  When I asked him why in the world he was looking at those, (believe me, it’s totally out of character for him to look at <em>anything</em> remotely design related) he said that he wanted somewhere to set up his fly-tying (fishing) stuff.    Currently, the bits and pieces are in a big plastic tub that he drags out periodically to the kitchen table and it’s a big messy production whenever he decides to create some bugs.  </p> <p align="center">“Well” I say, “It just so happens….” </p> <p align="center"> So I show him the desk I bought that’s now been sitting behind the doors for a couple of months.  </p> <p align="center">“That’s exactly what I need.” says Mr. Bass-Pro  “When did you get that?”</p> <p align="center">Me:  “Oh gosh, I bought that <em>ages</em> ago….”</p> <p align="center">Him:  “That will work out perfect!”</p> <p align="center">See, I told you playing dumb goes a long way. I managed to kill two birds with one stone--I got to save a cute little desk and he’ll have somewhere to keep his hobby stuff that won’t be an eyesore and drive me crazy.</p> <p align="center">These are just a few of the larger pieces that I’ve brought home without any idea in the world where they were going to go.  There are many, many more small accessory items that have been dug out of the dark corners of antique stores and estate sales.  They are much more quickly and easily absorbed into the decoration than some of the big pieces.</p> <p align="center">I am <em>so </em>not an “off the rack” kind of girl.  Consequently, when I find something I like at a great price, I grab it.  Certainly not a process that works if you want the instant gratification of a completed room, but I much prefer a space that looks as though it has been curated over time. </p> <p align="center"> I am comfortable waiting for pieces to find me, big and small.  But if you’re not willing to wait, I suggest purchasing the large items, like sofas, beds, etc. from the design center and let the accessories and artwork evolve over time.  The result will be a space that is truly reflective of your own taste and that your friends and neighbors will envy (and will never be able to knock-off, because it was created with one-of-a-kind items.)</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-57118601918875176722010-06-15T15:10:00.001-07:002010-06-15T15:10:13.542-07:00Please forward my mail….<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC-KpxueX4opbDBChYqGJuR6VWSFvJc-ma34uNGqxKy07lXR1LoXt86SayxcaMftejgpO7NXMaU6AtF1ZeqgUlQE53A8EyYdgPOcErTgsTXZWi3NhUmkVZF4SitIQ9Xy5YsIUhS8A8VLc/s1600-h/23947-1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-1" border="0" alt="23947-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TBf6KLs7AnI/AAAAAAAAA0A/BJipYU2bRxU/23947-1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="261" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-0" border="0" alt="23947-0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamE5QG1T21t1fhck1kfGEdg2XdUl1Yq1mjk-AUF9_PI8krVmPMKOE1XNRd2yyc0fyQ0n-gKuzY-2gQPS3DWZ0nmOW4bBMPFd7LCuOkZ3jZoL_17Mlf6cU_AK2_RldQw5cRopw5RvTLIYw/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="272" /> </p> <p align="center">While browsing through French real estate listings this weekend, I came upon <a href="http://www.sifex.co.uk/Propertyresults.asp" target="_blank"><font color="#400040">this</font></a> lovely “petit” chateau.   </p> <p align="center">Listing price you ask?   580,000 Euro-- that’s approximately $710,000 U.S. !</p> <p align="center">Call the movers, I’m packing my bags right now!  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-6" border="0" alt="23947-6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwXz3rE-vaHTDcfzF7q_OI5jNGxwyW_duA6iUWVEOYJIt4BUT-ldVPFUMTIHM9QlOVricVdcau86XSoApW3dOMZ8Yq63zzh8Sk_0Ce9sh4du_4BKXFiXUvbA_CHX1Erbm9LbRcFDsyf43/?imgmax=800" width="303" height="445" /></p> <p align="center">The front door leads into an impressive entrance hall with gorgeous stone flooring with inlays (cabochons).  A wrought iron and stone staircase sweeps up to the first floor.   </p> <p align="center">  Had I the opportunity to do my own entry room over again, I would have done a floor something like this.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>  <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-5" border="0" alt="23947-5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzE2DjNl7h5Anz5kD3F7B-ipAK415rWWeuR9SXA6eA_5qTCOVcxgPxQodOWtWcka5sYDcoMqpB2RNVUewcHOVmJNb-iB_cMFOmup-gifRz4LQ_8GdFZsOS-LStlUwYZynT6a-b-ZretiU/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="450" /></p> <p align="center">To the left of this entrance hall, a door leads into a dining room with stone fireplace and exposed stone walls.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="23947-7" border="0" alt="23947-7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3MlEfzA0aNN5Wqt48VOGuNgYfYSiQTl4EWubmQwUKlS-f2cNxky-Hrnk_nULpOR4HLizYDKeiQw50yCcOldw_rI0iDRxZYHLF8lRY2qRHgWqbRR8X9fwZ6VRQ7oZskNyDXAHUdkZkNYB/?imgmax=800" width="507" height="379" /></p> <p align="center">An eat-in kitchen with amazing stone walls, modern appliances, a farm sink with a bridge faucet and wonderful gray cabinetry.  Unlike so many old residences, this kitchen needs no updating.  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-4" border="0" alt="23947-4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4WUhZXMayenGgnz6ejg0a-1U0sbb-tQydLPLYkmClzlh1VEsY31SD03MSl_xUw-Tg9ZywY3W4B8x0x7Ose1zSbWgIHXaYRSwLmX45ieapixM7ngcGeTEzCQpfXJJxuaK75H3PochDQWB/?imgmax=800" width="317" height="469" /></p> <p align="center">A different view of the kitchen.  LOVE the zinc finials and the sunlight streaming through the French doors.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="23947-8" border="0" alt="23947-8" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TBf6NiGxm8I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/a4lrIrI28qY/23947-8%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="327" /></p> <p align="center">Here is where I will sit with my laptop and blog.  When I need inspiration, I can simply refer to one of my design books housed nearby in the lovely arched cabinetry.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>  <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-10" border="0" alt="23947-10" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h8atOhnti1Xp-kgWngy2gcWyf76XLFHLg6SWjIZBXD2c2bdpe1MRoIEbM-CWH_0N8rwPIdhTTl9MaYT_3AuQKXlYlbaoruc9EBH0bZfUfu4MtR4spkbsOw1z_FZVEWPgfkvRjjvxI2Ck/?imgmax=800" width="420" height="320" /> </p> <p align="center">Although I’ll likely replace the red striped upholstery on the sofa, it is here where I’ll offer you a cup of tea and a croissant when you come to visit.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="23947-9" border="0" alt="23947-9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3IBOuKE5RkQBzZY1n6i6YEs-SYxmjLSa4HlRI7ZxueZoQKU7vAp5w2DIHGWDOf4k49yJQo_q9EQm-OVTP3AE-qJVMYYGwicljdQ_itYbWa5zPlbHlOhOSRznxRYj6uSqABNI-3fOLG7p/?imgmax=800" width="462" height="358" /></p> <p align="center">After a hard day of tending to my garden, I’ll retire to my chamber with my latest design book and a glass of local wine in hand.</p> <p> </p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-3" border="0" alt="23947-3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZzfexX_fwPdmPclQthrLjvxLCmMSappAfhTyQqamUStuvebDUyfeQVFQKNRHu_pShCeNY7FMnqSAk7tF6bWks-YomcedQiNILBwWIu4yQ_wi8nIjkVbzMNoud-XRUhuqUT-P220H4xmH/?imgmax=800" width="456" height="308" /></p> <p align="center"> I suppose I’ll have to change the wall color in the boys bedroom.  And, perhaps some new lamps….</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-11" border="0" alt="23947-11" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TBf6QcGMKaI/AAAAAAAAA0o/Aj-9PkLtDoc/23947-11%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="323" /></p> <p>On the grounds, there is a guest/guardian's house consisting of sitting room, 2 bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom.</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="23947-2" border="0" alt="23947-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51cAgMDItB8_egUHrvQtU5V7cFJWSJi19D-GbA_X-AwFCwbhAsbJ0JKoqJSjfhnLAOnPpH95LUZfEc0dinzbZTeQA0HBj4WBUSiRT-xg6PouRjCRcq3TfmjvyRpAjTR6HfPC27RwzuUfH/?imgmax=800" width="446" height="301" /></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">From the <a href="http://www.sifex.co.uk/Propertyresults.asp"><font color="#400040">listing</font></a>: </p> <p align="center"><em>“This pretty little chateau is set in the centre of a small village in the northern Vienne region of France. The property has undergone a complete restoration with superb attention to detail. Many original features have been retained. There is also a pool and a small caretaker’s cottage. The property comprises: </em></p> <p align="center"><em>Reception Rooms: 4      Bedrooms: 7      Bathrooms: 7”</em></p> <p align="center">(Why don’t American homes have as many bathrooms as bedrooms?!)</p> <p align="center">Although there are plenty of listings for very grand French Chateaux, I would be content to steward this little gem for the next forty years or so.  </p> <p align="center">Can anybody recommend a good international moving company?</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-53821113370122399132010-06-11T08:00:00.000-07:002010-06-11T08:00:03.301-07:00I just had to….<div align="center"> </div> <div align="center"> </div> <div align="center">As many of you know, I live in a house full of boys--even the dog.  I jealously look on as my friends decorate their daughters’ bedrooms and throw <a href="http://gracefullyvintage.blogspot.com/2010/06/cupcake-tea-party.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple">princess birthday parties</span></a> for their little angels, while here at “Chateau-de-boy”, we’re collecting bugs and making home-made slime. </div> <div align="center"> </div> <div align="center">So, forgive me for a moment while I indulge in a little girly pink loveliness….</div> <div align="center"> </div> <div align="center"> <br /></div> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iZQUTt-EvfjWCyRV5h7RvVNFiVOvFtWa_ep18EWXcA142UNKTabeulR-m2pLvKnvcj-5rlPwSLUdofBwAsPMdFcr44JWumMyfIganmMGnqmTd2cEaEhtQsgQuopoScyrAcSmKyyNR4yW/" width="450" height="450" /> <br /></p> <p> <br /> <br /></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik0s5Ky81rCbjf2OuzxZEknyXHSBYyxSjf4_l2qBrDUMd-8PNJg7wxUO1uBjgqwhYBh95BW5sSmSfzVQN9j9b5QdUxJe76_RXpTTxDr4aYE1kfAk9EmrmbCtVpFWp0cTA-VgfapZoi_Dd/s512/scan0009.jpg" width="454" height="684" /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SLVJgoZUOFs8ZEJuZiXGmDpRKg0Gfolf3jl1dmcQizaAy2-RRlWdy5a8MK3upsAJGj5zxHFlWd_u60rqP6sezIZyxRPE-nI9_qlJhC-wgsH5sZRzvtf072229d1hcvGWAERwDi9QpILe/s512/scan0006.jpg" width="463" height="591" /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TBAQiiJqUvI/AAAAAAAAAzg/Rd6TgnqesMQ/s512/mapesbury-road_08.jpg" width="470" height="695" /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdri07QIlUa6Vrv7BAN1-YLBKKbr3BvgTSq3c47qOriM74WHVABPGSGU1vH3fvxNJMVtTGurpiOmMJ-R5_aEkYwiFtdB_ivvrPfQwOsE94aks7yQTjlj9Aw5iSXTdDPuUg3YG7sfKcnGS/s512/lordship-park_28.jpg" width="479" height="696" /> <br /></p> <p> <br /> <br /></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TBAQfVRx7qI/AAAAAAAAAzU/iEubeDVGeMs/s512/scan0009%20%282%29.jpg" width="477" height="643" /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAPtK3Yi6YQ7j9XWMKYIkozm47DUd9yeIlhT1X7WbH85jZlemS-pTFTRrJhA_8r6nlc8wC_Pqy8t0PB56gSiDdeJCBrMBWGPRqTG7_0zJLpSVFA0gHW8R4we69q_eUbcOXTIRlno1f2IW/s512/lordship-park_35.jpg" width="475" height="674" /> <br /></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Ahhh,  that feels better!</p> <div align="center">   Now, off to Little League….</div> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-40902039699001859632010-06-08T04:03:00.000-07:002010-06-09T16:46:17.723-07:00Design CPR: Bring your rooms to life - Element #1<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center">Do you have a room that never seems to get used? Unlike our bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, spaces like the formal living room or dining room, which typically don’t fill an everyday need, often remain largely unoccupied and are left to be admired only in passing. To me, one of the few positive effects of the recent “economic downturn” is the now widely accepted opinion that the showy displays of wealth and wasteful behavior of the past decade are now considered bad taste. </div><div align="center"><em>Rooms that are just for show and never used are wasteful.</em> </div><div align="center">That said, I also realize that sometimes there are spaces in a home that just don’t seem to invite you in. I have found, through trial and error, that there are a few elements that consistently succeed in bringing a rarely used room (even the most formal) to life. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting some of these suggestions. If you have a space in your home that is feeling ignored try adding one or more of these:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;">ELEMENT # </span><span style="font-size: large;">1</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em>Bare-bulbed Light Fixture</em>s</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></em></div><div align="center"> <img alt="image231_thumb" border="0" height="693" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TA190DVIW5I/AAAAAAAAApU/97I4fx5anKg/image231_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image231_thumb" width="497" /> </div><div align="center">Nothing lights up a space like, well, lighting…. But not just any old lighting will do. A single fixture in the middle of the ceiling and a lamp on a table in the corner does not a lighting plan make. A proper lighting plan involves several layers of light and addresses <em>all</em> of the room’s functions, from reading to watching television, to sleeping, and yes, even blogging. While one could easily devote an entire blog to lighting design, there are several types of decorative fixtures and bulbs that I think are especially effective in imparting that inviting ambiance to a space.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> <img alt="img_translatedfrench_3_thumb1" border="0" height="662" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4Exu0GOCunMsvQPW-6RGE_s0UeeDRon-Aj8tqmvEAHuwuDnL8LyWJnKAuSs1q9z49RojrxunloN_TLSgIpvVys6jg6_2Aw-mVmhYonFlDmUxi3-bJi0T-rIShEjhDU8Xzs4RD2i_6O7F/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="img_translatedfrench_3_thumb1" width="488" /> </div><div align="center">My top two favorite fixtures are pictured here: Lanterns and candle sconces. When dimly lit, the bare bulbs on these types of fixtures emulate the allure of candlelight. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> <img alt="image181[1]" border="0" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyft7nrD3F9PcvgkSGXs_U3dd-9dg2PJqYMxwbBotCE4tRO3aFwLh1ANvvw-mV73Z-fuUF1khNOT6DdSQT874xIs4ASdV1itF71pveJo5zNRV5_uRrGMcb41DmsQpgJoPOqTp4CopL4Zis/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="image181[1]" width="704" /></div><div align="center">I love, love, love tabletop lanterns. This pair is outfitted with real candles, but they could easily be converted to electric. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" height="409" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TA198DChXQI/AAAAAAAAApg/BgXFY_Y8FvU/P1010170cropped%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " width="302" /> </div><div align="center">A Blanc d’Ivoire tabletop lantern brightens a corner in my family room. </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Pardon the fingerprints on the glass--remember, I live in the “Maison-de-boys”)</span></em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><img alt="peter dunham" border="0" height="516" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TA1-CNqT71I/AAAAAAAAApk/6ERJ5ZWMYiE/peter%20dunham.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="peter dunham" width="719" /> </div><div align="center">Wall lanterns and a hanging lantern set the mood in this room by Peter Dunham.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> <img alt="bevolo lanterns over island" border="0" height="544" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TA1-DjHEo0I/AAAAAAAAApo/X07m1JnXyBg/bevolo%20lanterns%20over%20island.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="bevolo lanterns over island" width="712" /> </div><div align="center">Instead of a pair of boring pendants, why not a use a gorgeous pair of Bevolo lanterns over a kitchen island?</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> <img alt="14324_0_8-5529-traditional-hall" border="0" height="584" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TA1-Eix__WI/AAAAAAAAAps/o1-XaWQfkj4/14324_0_8-5529-traditional-hall%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="14324_0_8-5529-traditional-hall" width="731" /> </div><div align="center">This trio of star fixtures are the perfect accent lighting to draw you down a long hall. Notice that they are supplemented by up-lighting from the decorative bases of the ceiling vaults.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><img alt="image147_thumb" border="0" height="655" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhie_cAXttK6tprpAVvEl3bUmJmC5FCpL7nMMZphypnoknNpCNnd_h-HrdnlWOjka6t_zXWMF6G1E1OLVCjquc32MJH1_UhfDQiPEZX0AvOEZRatAdYz7E2IVsMpaIi7FDvWQA-MqdBCsfR/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image147_thumb" width="519" /> </div><div align="center">Also at the top my list of favorite fixtures are antique and quality reproduction chandeliers. Here again, the bare bulbs suggest candlelight and the crystal beads and drops on this type of fixture reflect the light throughout the space. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> <img alt="image" border="0" height="753" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SrneNzV_dLI/AAAAAAAAlbw/28IrivDET0s/image27_thumb.png?imgmax=800" title="image" width="532" /></div><div align="center">A suite of modern reproduction candle fixtures.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <img alt="scan0017" border="0" height="836" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE3Ets7gagUyho4HvbxrZ1_e1FnOvE0M9CDuMHeJ75oXvq_ajQqYt9Nfht3VL6KG1dKQwvD2zNsfltS7Pv1fln6lYBXvj6-wr3VvG2NscjlOzvjkEDoHi5sRMndCthOu2F1ULbq00gY_N/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="scan0017" width="470" /> </div><div align="center">Mirrors are a great way to double the effect.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><img alt="pleated slipcovers" border="0" height="531" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TA1-OAGA3eI/AAAAAAAAAp8/g10eSEoIoZM/pleated%20slipcovers%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="pleated slipcovers" width="675" /> </div><div align="center">Two beautiful Empire style fixtures grace this large dining room. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><img border="0" height="604" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs005.snc1/2814_75905139686_75688054686_1499699_1520910_n.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="453" /><br />
<div align="center">Note the thicker candle sleeve on these fixtures.</div><div align="center">On a side note; I also make it a point to <em>always</em> change out those awful white plastic candle sleeves that are often included with fixtures of this nature. My favorite sleeve replacement is a hand-dipped beeswax candle cover in a neutral color. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> <b><img alt="Ivory candle covers" border="0" height="417" longdesc="Ivory candle covers" src="http://www.awestco.com/images/Lamps.JPG" width="284" /></b></div><div align="center">An electrified tabletop “candelabra” is a great solution for gently illuminating a dark corner. Different versions (iron, gilt, tole) of these versatile fixtures can work in virtually any type of room. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TA1-OYjEiPI/AAAAAAAAAqA/G1HctxkoYx4/s1600-h/blacktolelamp5.jpg"><img alt="black tole lamp" border="0" height="406" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/TA1-O9CQC2I/AAAAAAAAAqE/1fZwdH3HrJg/blacktolelamp_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="black tole lamp" width="294" /></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em><img alt="P1010177" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVuCPFGvbhpnFT6v2nId9CRkOvQuzvPVC9WlYzYwiC-cH8sGkEMTeV8gnhceDgXslRXi1ov9VY_nc8OFtza9JiAgD44fGMeoSjNV_N99GQSCSCsXDUdNy9MoohqunfZicHtd727q-XA0R/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1010177" width="317" /></em></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em></em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em> </em></span></div><div align="center">I wish I had the actual “before” picture of my lamp, but this gray Swedish looking candle fixture on the right started out life as a brass-shaded, toleware table lamp, very similar to the black one pictured on the left. All of the parts were saved, so if I change my mind someday, it can easily be converted back. </div><div align="center">Alternatively, a single stem candlestick fixture makes a perfect nightlight for a hall bathroom or a child’s or guest bedroom.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img alt="3 watt bulbs" border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81wMSiffNkly3-fB47V9TYFgvS8GsTlUH4RL-s9RGUEIQ9gzZcOGd69Le4yhV0KMtYd9n-6kixx2Ruva_gKbiv6TJFLdUNaD6tvtW_B0oFa8iV9lm2DvpBXeEe5hB9Bwidk4ZodulxEEB/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="3 watt bulbs" width="226" /> </div><div align="center">The bulbs I like best in these exposed-bulb fixtures? <em>3-watt</em> silicone dipped clear candle bulbs. I have tried dozens of different types of candle bulbs in different wattages and I have found these to be the most attractive. And, at only 3 watts each, I don’t feel a bit guilty leaving them on during the day. </div><div align="center">Now, bear in mind that none of these fixtures alone are anywhere near enough wattage to illuminate an entire room--they are just there for effect, (thus the term <em>decorative</em>). Nonetheless, they are equally important to the lighting design of a room as ambient and task lighting. </div><div align="center">These too-often-forgotten fixtures are the layer of light that can bring a space to life.</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-91482118282447127522010-06-06T07:21:00.001-07:002010-06-06T07:21:50.028-07:00A design legend weighs in on design sensibilities….<p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2000/01/hampton/arsl04_hampton.jpg" /></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2000/01/hampton/arsl05_hampton.jpg" /></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5TLKxYDXZShdmbJYM3W_RGi0SmFXqpehBgBJietGDqyiuqe_XrNcI4H2smzk1eEkTKP2rno7A8pNjSTuVniLJ8s9Z6mgzilIn-N-LOx5NnIX0AiScTuKe2Y8OWzrcou4DXFRBXg6gPPs/s400/Hampton+5.jpg" width="404" height="547" /></p> <p align="center"><em></em></p> <p align="center"><em>“We like to think our taste is a permanent attribute, rather like having blue eyes or being a certain height.  But taste changes all the time, in greater degrees for some people, in lesser degrees for others.  The aging process is the first and most notable reason.  As we grow older,  we become more informed--about what we like as well as about the world around us.  We usually become more serious too.  Growing prosperity enters in; so does a greater need for comfort.  Finally, there is the question of the things we have been accumulating:  Do we still like them?  Or do we want to trade them in?  for most of us, the answer lies somewhere in the middle.  The things we keep gain in importance as time goes by.   At least they should; otherwise we shouldn’t keep them….”</em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2000/01/hampton/arsl02_hampton.jpg" width="310" height="397" /></p> <p align="center">Mark Hampton</p> <p align="center">Architectural Digest,  December 1995</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-539657560001756982010-05-21T19:46:00.001-07:002010-05-22T06:42:24.115-07:00Where do we get our design sensibilities from?<p align="center"> </p><p align="center">I was just wondering….  </p><p align="center">After pondering this question for a while, I think there are a number of significant factors that have definitely influenced my own design preferences.</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFJnAvdKI/AAAAAAAAAoE/MXz7U5nXzEc/s1600-h/DSCN0236edit%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFKoXbmXI/AAAAAAAAAoI/Euy4rM9oBN0/DSCN0236edit_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="547" /></a> </p><p align="center">My father is a very reasonable and logical man and likes everything looking new.   His family furnished their homes with pieces contemporary to the era.  My mother, on the other hand, is a decided traditionalist.  My childhood home was really a mix of both.  My mother was from a large German family and had many older relatives with collections of wonderful antiques that were passed on to her, so our home was an eclectic blend of 18th century meets mid-century modern.  Myself,  I <em>love</em> furnishings with a history older than the 20th century.  I get practically light-headed, imagining where and with whom they may have lived before.  It’s a very romantic notion, I know, but I tend to approach life more emotionally than logically. </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFL4dGfZI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Xpm2raPNuxg/s1600-h/fr%20b%20and%20b%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="fr b and b" border="0" alt="fr b and b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H6BXSPg3Rx7J8VkljoyzdcM_pCC_3P0yR40_kuzdTDiXJSfCkk4houi4WX5jq9aeET7-ypThzv19xkL_UnI5O_ussvHUrbWAE88k0Y3-VbFgO56ci682XWJpH7eZcspGAEwyzsEr6G-k/?imgmax=800" width="620" height="470" /></a> </p><p align="center">As a child, I was fortunate to be able to travel frequently with my family throughout Europe.  Rather than staying in any of the large brand-name hotels, my parents opted for renting a car and rooming in small pensions or sometimes with friends.  I was able to see how families <em>lived </em>in centuries-old buildings with furnishings that had been handed down for generations. I have many vivid memories of things like the Belgian lace cafe curtains on the windows and the cloudlike feather beds that we slept on.  It all seemed so strange at the time (you know--milk, fresh from a cow and all) but I treasure these postcards in my mind all these years later.  </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFPGiesMI/AAAAAAAAAoU/99WylCxXuUY/s1600-h/schonbrunn%20palace%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="schonbrunn palace" border="0" alt="schonbrunn palace" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFQM0Q0WI/AAAAAAAAAoY/D-7bmIDH8c0/schonbrunn%20palace_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="426" /></a>  </p><p align="center"><font size="1"><em>Shonbrunn Palace</em></font></p><p align="center"><em><font size="1"></font></em></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFRWR9PjI/AAAAAAAAAoc/mkY7qeIaAHE/s1600-h/shonbrunn%20gardens%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="shonbrunn gardens" border="0" alt="shonbrunn gardens" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4lhfSYK4Tq59HGG8x0k2kcE7R2K0ulcEqncEhY2cGX1sdo_tYy79Ac8AIhMB729fwNyIncZDum43KlA7pIKVf2DYJU-ZMpixw3rxJWXX02vfSzc0C_Bt7gkXa8K8bpYq7d0W8iXzrw8z/?imgmax=800" width="559" height="438" /></a></p><p align="center"><font size="1"><em>Gardens at Shonbrunn</em></font></p><p align="center"><em><font size="1"></font></em></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFT9mTQfI/AAAAAAAAAok/LIlKOJaR8Yk/s1600-h/clock%20museum%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="clock museum" border="0" alt="clock museum" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrWyCWaFuB1waxLd4uXcS3GsENIbSVTMm_6lUwHtU_uPxgyDymSqNZiiFXSrC21G3VgZzDNpVkjIpy0mrJ-r3PtMx76q06IXEEMQubpILwpratufRHrglZizclCap_Ss5BmqTkYE8_2vG/?imgmax=800" width="547" height="400" /></a> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">On those childhood journeys, I thought that if I had to see ONE MORE palace or museum full of old stuff, I was just going to die.  A million thank-you’s to my parents for forging ahead and putting up with whiny children, thousands of miles from home!  As I’ve gotten older, or maybe as a result of constant multi-tasking, my short-term memory is not what it once was; but visions of the Clock Museum and the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna,  or the Louvre and Notre Dame in Paris hover right at the top of my memory.</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhnew3z9eTflguflSz5_ZLt8S9zPV-3UcQrjFE_d8P_dejUrF7WhfLIIjyegmKJS5l4Y3RzM-fn0uMwsCF86fKAbeyu3Y-ZIO_FT0RE1JuSlHFzMmk99roUGoQRjldAw3HnDmkZcoUJiz/s1600-h/DSCN0593%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN0593" border="0" alt="DSCN0593" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFYiMJy6I/AAAAAAAAAow/CddqIY7PbL8/DSCN0593_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="537" height="408" /></a>  </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFaTetxRI/AAAAAAAAAo0/Z87KDtCblYY/s1600-h/DSCN0597%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN0597" border="0" alt="DSCN0597" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFb4Yo8fI/AAAAAAAAAo4/4PpNQ8WLzWI/DSCN0597_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="547" height="416" /></a><em><font size="1"></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font size="1">Foxglove Antiques  </font></em></p><p align="center">When I was in college (the first time) I was lucky enough to land a job that I <em>adored </em>in a small boutique offering French and English furnishings, gifts and accessories (similar to Foxglove in Atlanta) .   I was surrounded, forty hours a week, by these lovely offerings.  It impressed upon me at a young age, just how much joy can be derived from spending time in a beautiful place that is suited to you and that you love.  Isn’t that what great design is all about in the end?  The ultimate goal is to create that <em>feeling of joy</em> in your environment, not to simply design a space that is pretty to look at.  Had I not had that daily experience of being in an environment that brought me such pleasure, I don’t think that I would have embraced that concept as fully as I do now.</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD0nj2SpScLB9VINuZeXy51mbvKXtc9LvfXaUKdstfAyGYzZ43mtFMesqSxdt5jnvVutlCV-jmBwvUKcJfg77KG9DFQUbdzR_TRQ-625hIRtmlw2n5wXE9iBIjNXOd4fbGDvY8EiGOno9/s1600-h/louis-xiv-moliere1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="louis-xiv-moliere1" border="0" alt="louis-xiv-moliere1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFggDrslI/AAAAAAAAApA/v6Bfe0w3BNs/louis-xiv-moliere1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="779" height="470" /></a> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">My major in college also played an important role is developing my design preferences—but I wasn’t studying design at the time.  My first college degree is in History, and that background has definitely impacted my aesthetic.  I think that now I have a better frame of reference when working with and enjoying antiques because of that education.  When I went back to school for a design degree, my absolute favorite courses were the two sections on the History of Design.  I really could not get enough of those classes—if they’d offered twenty sections, I’d have taken them all!  Because I was familiar with so many of the “back-stories” of the people who created or influenced the design movements, I felt like I really “got” what was going on and wasn’t simply learning to identify a Louis XV piece from a Louis XVI.  </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S_dFiNQluwI/AAAAAAAAApE/MLz2X42cIVw/s1600-h/scan0030%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="scan0030" border="0" alt="scan0030" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKaThrA7SM0unBbsomX-olTq4Lf-FtZQF3qsn-Qjr0s3gMkfwm18aYOtfRZ06teBXJn0q5WObWN0WnciRoPDU9hrMDKHrGgW-A7Hf9RJRz4NRa3b3CrH9qE1bU8R-hjihj0yR_QNqfdp8/?imgmax=800" width="552" height="539" /></a> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">So now I’m left to wonder “What will my children embrace when they are adults?”   Though we don’t get to travel as much as I’d like,  I do take every opportunity to teach them what I can about architecture and design, and even gardening, too.  When we’re in the city (SF) I point out things like interesting corbels or the anthemion pattern in the architrave on a building.  We are regulars at antique fairs and flea markets.  Even when we’re in a thrift store, I try to teach them what to look for.  At 8 and 10, they know the difference between sterling and silver plate and how to spot crystal in a sea of glass.   A couple of years ago, to encourage them to look at pieces with a critical eye,  I started paying them a ten percent “finder’s fee” on items that they found for me that I ended up purchasing.  (Gee, I hope that doesn’t violate any child labor laws!)</p><p align="center">Although I really try to limit TV viewing in our home,  American Pickers, Pawn Stars and Antiques Roadshow are always on the TiVo.  The boys and I love to cozy up on the living room sofa on weekends and watch the treasure finding unfold.   I hope that, in the end,  the result of all this is that they at least will grow up to appreciate the quality craftsmanship and artistry that goes into the making of fine furnishings, artwork and accessories.  </p><p align="center">I understand, however, that this regular and early exposure can backfire, so I make an effort not to force feed it to them and try to only administer it in small doses.  Just yesterday I was talking to a friend who’s parents were avid collectors of all things French.  She told me that she had had enough of it from childhood and now is not interested in collecting anything and prefers retro and mid century modern pieces for her home.   So, I guess you can’t insure that your children will share your design tastes, even after educating and encouraging them in the virtues of whatever your aesthetic.  Alas, when raising children, there are <em>never</em> any guarantees….</p><p></p><p align="center">When I considered writing this post, I thought it would be interesting to explore the idea of what goes into developing a personal aesthetic.  What I didn’t realize is that the title could have read:  “More than you ever, ever could possibly want to know about ME.”   </p><p align="center">What I would <em>really </em>like to know is what has led YOU to YOUR design style?  Was there a defining moment, or did it develop over time?  Did you rebel against your parent’s style sensibilities?</p><p align="center">I’d love to hear your comments!</p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-91010927572077477972010-05-08T18:24:00.001-07:002010-05-08T18:24:37.721-07:00Happy Mother’s day!<p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_IITmPSta0jWr1LDVCVNnfdv21bZQIqnAZOrFyBIb_9cuOGyNmdPr7Tv7r9CH4MG6fLHfVRBj0utaim1effbmmic0_n3MZ8gkZ5lYlEJ2MgoqlqMNaPodrL7sgjotkJxCC07IHOo9mrR/s1600-h/me_and_mom_196813.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="me_and_mom_1968[1]" border="0" alt="me_and_mom_1968[1]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlWJFdhQN59BKwqwzAZBE0hgUmeJ601VcYtRYQJPlfLt3FlzY_dvyvps8WwfiXEFQShD-3qM7njzybWvcRJRGqteQn__5d8JyhZmAdsHE82KkZcl6nRXesaxRKE8-h2kYoj6HWCz6M_7x/?imgmax=800" width="627" height="429" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1"><em>A favorite photo of my mom and I at Bodega Bay a really long time ago : )</em></font></p> <p align="center">Wishing all of you mom’s, and especially my mom, a lovely and relaxing Mother’s Day.  ( I’m happy to say, I’ll be out antiquing with my boys.)</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-86336354320960714322010-04-30T16:14:00.001-07:002010-04-30T16:14:24.896-07:00Lovelies from Bella Notte<p> </p> <p>One of the best things about living in California, aside from the weather, is having access to so many wonderful resources.  One of which is the Bella Notte Outlet in Novato.  Like most warehouse sales, you have to go in with an open mind and a lot of creative energy, because items are not in complete “sets” or even pairs sometimes.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkGgqYPgI/AAAAAAAAAm8/5pywrQ1WJ5Y/s1600-h/DSCN0252%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN0252" border="0" alt="DSCN0252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkIJeyHtI/AAAAAAAAAnA/d_nxSz5kUzc/DSCN0252_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="628" height="477" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">But the offerings are gorgeous.  Textile heaven.  While the prices are good by retail standards, they still reflect the quality of the items.   </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkJK0lnqI/AAAAAAAAAnE/GKm2rVNe3bI/s1600-h/DSCN0253%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN0253" border="0" alt="DSCN0253" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkKuCLCXI/AAAAAAAAAnI/Qh7T5srY6-Q/DSCN0253_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="605" /></a></p> <p align="center">Seriously, I could just crawl up on the shelves and get cozy.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkLI6yNYI/AAAAAAAAAnM/mQjD8Cv51YE/s1600-h/linens%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="linens" border="0" alt="linens" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxifl0LvpPivF-MXXqhyphenhyphen8CTA5o6bE7rZxujTbGnn6xNZfYJ5TUWV5NRGPvqLvJwGTs-1d-6zQ1CatUW1j0bsYOmfzX8WPTtGe99zS7cAZLuCS-MG6HvzEssg66oK9nGmlRbNDXoeYG225/?imgmax=800" width="598" height="602" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Some photos of their products from the <a href="http://www.bellanottelinens.com/" target="_blank">website</a>….</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a title="http://www.bellanottelinens.com/" href="http://www.bellanottelinens.com/"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="neck roll" border="0" alt="neck roll" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EnYmZhqJYNutddKAuEswL5lfKW5HYHJXk6g3LWb0S5xNxRgN3pqWyz7TVeaxlr9ZIGPFNJFNjw-NRrdw4JY095CGVe4iHpUamNNVjkWXIm8bgNuL-6PEvMHje9mPiuqHauO1M1R-dwco/?imgmax=800" width="591" height="402" /></a> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxKka1K5FCeUnEa_-5bMcvEuZ0D1SEIAW5wk3IH6x6qtbWDEV4ywqgZTEBOJJkHdImmw7SaXFuwvfYnGCsmDYYQjWI5KNR5Lf00csQJxvIc5WnIE7DMcfzDkckBGpipVVn2Ugid0GYBp9/s1600-h/linens2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="linens2" border="0" alt="linens2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkPYAXd5I/AAAAAAAAAnc/kgQz1AjgcsA/linens2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="577" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixa-u0ue8OtGNDMsbFUwMVDUEJuagQgAS_5VhrvrzMELUQKw2LflXouZ0fEr-6HB3JsZQIldK61MsVtkBU-8hI3ZWWJMxzxqe5Uf1nxM8GM16xACZJ5iIJ601vq4aDA-iWr2iLe1UoY0zI/s1600-h/white%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="white" border="0" alt="white" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkQsOG0QI/AAAAAAAAAnk/3a7VFzYIrYs/white_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="613" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkRA5yy7I/AAAAAAAAAno/qlzj1DUY5go/s1600-h/Capture%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh94LCoalOWyXHlFtDyY8GOJODoARoHYBilV8gVz8gblMC3doEgzfjH-NLP_JKvuJOaZzy3fOAgIDNTRsPDDw6wsLkwEWZ4K0c-KDwfTjSZnrF4S73awhZdDRs0TpBJ9cukU3To1pVMWO/?imgmax=800" width="386" height="562" /></a></p> <p align="center">   <a href="http://www.bellanottelinens.com/">http://www.bellanottelinens.com/</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkSp2HABI/AAAAAAAAAnw/O6YOVvCpl1A/s1600-h/DSCN0255%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN0255" border="0" alt="DSCN0255" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9tkTxIDoXI/AAAAAAAAAn0/KmU5vHvM4iY/DSCN0255_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="564" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The quality of the textiles is impeccable and the designs are charming.  It was <strong>very</strong> difficult to resist going overboard, but I did pretty well at controlling myself and still managed to bring home a few goodies.</p> <p align="center">The warehouse is open regularly on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2 and has deeper discount sales from time to time.</p> <p align="center">They are located at :  61  Galli Drive ste. E   <font size="2">Novato, Ca 94949</font></p> <p align="center">For more info, be sure to check out their beautiful website at:</p> <p align="center"><a title="http://www.bellanottelinens.com/" href="http://www.bellanottelinens.com/">http://www.bellanottelinens.com/</a></p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-50707584058677059902010-04-26T10:58:00.001-07:002010-04-26T14:09:33.084-07:00I have the sweetest friends….<p align="center">  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9XUIcEDYkI/AAAAAAAAAmk/kt45Nuz0dRc/s1600-h/me%20and%20christina%20at%20the%20sale%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnHM_SPQiE4i7oVbnz0FuOti1vsVBD2r960_u60DqMVAqltUymBWVPuf7w1gY-zECXOkIW48qcspWc-WBjyyKb22fXtrQ6u3LcjqykNnDm1fzGynT9js4UsgdTTVk6Dg3VUZ0PHzRKdu6/?imgmax=800" width="450" height="575" /></a><em><font size="1">Me and Christina</font></em>  </p> <p align="center">This weekend, my boys’ school was hosting a benefit garage sale.  As I am a self-professed magpie who can’t seem to leave anything behind, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some of the goodies out of the garage and help the school out a little bit.   So, I recruited my very dear friend and partner in <strike>crime</strike> err…design, Christina, who brought some of her treasures as well.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9XULW66kHI/AAAAAAAAAms/V4acopOUfuU/s1600-h/stuff%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0lMwz3Q-YX3YohyrDNztqccuxv-Gb8G_oIwia3PMksTve0HUypx_aZJrPgxyyn3azBQ7uIIBeLbOaAwH4qj4YnIf6IMMrdXZrTsGbvOl47P4EeRis8-JvH1-YyQxlQyXAHzJ2psIQyg7/?imgmax=800" width="465" height="568" /></a></p> <p align="center">We brought only decorative items (trust me, I have plenty of straight-up junk that I need to get rid of too).  And, to try to drum up a little design biz, we put up easels with portfolio photos and had business cards handy for anybody that asked.  The sale went great and we had a blast talking to people. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9XUOUQc16I/AAAAAAAAAm0/QbfQ6pgYstQ/s1600-h/gift%20from%20gail%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S9XUPFdA2FI/AAAAAAAAAm4/vbx15jIHfAU/gift%20from%20gail_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="552" /></a> </p> <p align="center">As we were getting ready to pack up, a friend who had been by earlier in the day came walking up with this ADORABLE little footstool in her hand.  She started to ask me a question about if I’d seen someone and I was so distracted by what she was carrying, I could barely focus on what she was saying (this is a bad habit I have—I get <em>totally </em>visually distracted).  I told her that “no, I hadn’t seen her, but that footstool is <em>darling.”</em>  She replied that  “…(she) had had it for a long time and she thought it was right up my alley and that she wanted me to have it.”</p> <p align="center">Do I have the sweetest friends or what?!  Thanks a bunch Gale, I love it!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And thank you to Christina for all your help—it is so much fun to do things together!</p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-48033405753380037462010-04-22T05:00:00.000-07:002010-04-22T05:00:03.301-07:00Adopt and Adapt<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8vM9TNf_zI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/HCs8JGdGtqc/s1600-h/draper13.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="draper1" border="0" alt="draper1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8vM9wqwMZI/AAAAAAAAAmU/PF0Dmi0pbWo/draper1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="386" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">More sage advise from Dorothy Draper….</p> <p align="center"><strong>Shortcut #12:</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong> <br />“<em>There are two words in the English language that you should try to remember when you are looking for new ideas.  Strangely enough they both begin with the very first letter of the alphabet.  The words are “adopt” and “adapt”.</em></p> <p align="center"><em>So many people get discouraged when they look through the pages of the opulent so-called service magazines or try to glean some ideas from the room set-ups in the stores.  “The rooms were all much larger than mine,” or “I could never afford such big pieces of furniture,” are the laments of the majority.</em></p> <p align="center"><em>The idea is to “adopt” the concept and “adapt” it to your own room and your own way of living.  You may not be able to afford or have room for such a large breakfront, but how about a small secretary or hutch?  </em></p> <p align="center"><em>You like that swag idea for the window in your living room, but the heavy damask and tassels is much too heavy a treatment for the size of your room.  Adopt the idea, but modify it to suit your space, taste and pocketbook.  </em></p> <p align="center"><em>You admire the bamboo fretwork on the wall behind that bed, but it looks expensive, so why not use a regular wooden garden trellis for practically the same effect?</em></p> <p align="center"><em>Did you see that picture of the patio with a riot of petunias in planters?  Take that idea and plant some inexpensive petunia seeds or small petunia plants in wooden salad bowls and have three bowls brimming with color on your kitchen ledge.  Learn to adopt an idea and adapt it to your own special needs!”</em></p> <p align="center"><em></em></p> <p align="center">Inspiration is everywhere when you are open to seeing it.</p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-46860829477598644192010-04-19T04:30:00.000-07:002010-04-19T04:30:00.283-07:00Tureens, they’re not just for dinner anymore.<p> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHEvnDMVI/AAAAAAAAAjo/I5s6ImtuQd0/s1600-h/michaelsmithpcgreycrawford3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="michael smith pc grey crawford" border="0" alt="michael smith pc grey crawford" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHF2y7VBI/AAAAAAAAAjs/CT8gxEVT9hQ/michaelsmithpcgreycrawford_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="525" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">photo credit:  Grey Crawford</font></em></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="kitchen-cabinet-0406_xlg mallory marshal pc laura moss" border="0" alt="kitchen-cabinet-0406_xlg mallory marshal pc laura moss" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHHo882FI/AAAAAAAAAjw/kVYABLms4rE/kitchencabinet0406_xlgmallorymarshal%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="515" /></p> <p align="center"><font size="1"><em>photo credit:  laura moss</em></font></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1"></font></em> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHJNY66lI/AAAAAAAAAj0/VDxVuKwPgB8/s1600-h/2960803579_9d345cc2253.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2960803579_9d345cc225" border="0" alt="2960803579_9d345cc225" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHKRHgcxI/AAAAAAAAAj4/UI9bm41tsEM/2960803579_9d345cc225_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="center">I don’t think anyone would disagree that soup tureens (or if you prefer, soupières) can be equally attractive serving a delicate soup or as part of a collection in an open display (Thankfully!  As they can be difficult to store in your run of the mill kitchen cabinet).  But, as I am especially fond of finding ways to make use of those typically less-often-used  items, here are a few ideas for making a lovely tureen do double duty…. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHK5fCWfI/AAAAAAAAAl8/CF9a1g6VaaM/s1600-h/pinkflowerarrangement_3002.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHL9vcfsI/AAAAAAAAAkA/QSDz6fz8_Tg/s1600-h/GourdsFlowersSoupTureenHTOURS1006de3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Gourds-Flowers-Soup-Tureen-HTOURS1006-de" border="0" alt="Gourds-Flowers-Soup-Tureen-HTOURS1006-de" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHNy-hdWI/AAAAAAAAAkE/Ao8xQ9dZids/GourdsFlowersSoupTureenHTOURS1006de_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="551" /></a></p> <p align="center">A floral arrangement is <em>always</em> a perfect fit for an old tureen.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHK5fCWfI/AAAAAAAAAmE/muBjLBEqrW4/s1600-h/pinkflowerarrangement_3004.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="pink-flower-arrangement_300" border="0" alt="pink-flower-arrangement_300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHPEdlBII/AAAAAAAAAkM/5Vsdx6U3nkE/pinkflowerarrangement_300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="536" /></a></p> <p align="center">At it’s best when the arrangement and selection of the flowers reflect the style of the tureen.  A frog or floral tape will help make the job of arranging easier in wide mouth vessels such as these.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNGOZhky7s3RZ7It0fjntdLpD3GwsyhHqOnCoHcPRNtSXdrmeU50-aVW-YESJ1sP05hdg721nDe5tAMo8i65V5lab_XYzzogmLgJh9kYPVpB9a1wDpIvIclH_cDW5kw5P8DZb_ICpanOT/s1600-h/pomegranitesquinceandapplesinapewter%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="pomegranites, quince and apples in a pewter tureen Pedro de Camprobín" border="0" alt="pomegranites, quince and apples in a pewter tureen Pedro de Camprobín" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHQd8mlBI/AAAAAAAAAkU/hsPENaeUTBg/pomegranitesquinceandapplesinapewter%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="444" /></a></p> <p align="center">Why not create your own still life with some fruit from the market and a few leafy stems off of a tree or shrub in your yard?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEiQPEjYK4RNrT2l5FosHFNYZyP4HiOdyRJEUx-Eqjjk2yGObqcKtzCngIX1cZYdfWDQBgNs8Lf0XLS45edaELu6LXrE2R0EMpM34gClOyyVMsn-Y9G8j_4pER24_pDX9AsYaA97Ft1Dz/s1600-h/pewterstilllife5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHSwfVWTI/AAAAAAAAAkc/NF5FbKyKbE0/pewterstilllife_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="506" /></a>  </p> <p align="center">My pewter tureen with flowers from my garden.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHTvkKNII/AAAAAAAAAkg/jzuL5pyizRU/s1600-h/Capture3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHUXn3-CI/AAAAAAAAAkk/FGYyHU8ugLE/Capture_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="381" /></a></p> <p align="center">A  longer-lived alternative to a floral centerpiece, coordinate the fruits you use to the scheme of your table setting—imagine an old pewter tureen heaped with figs or plums and grapes and maybe some baby purple artichokes for an autumn table.  Or place orange, green and yellow citrus dotted with tiny white flowers in white ironstone in the summer. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHVURAkjI/AAAAAAAAAko/zr9yRz37BJQ/s1600-h/PlumsGrapesAndRaspberriesInAPorcelai.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SCA160389034 01" border="0" alt="SCA160389034 01" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHVzmbFoI/AAAAAAAAAks/Y4jgDRVndAQ/PlumsGrapesAndRaspberriesInAPorcelai%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="451" /></a></p> <p align="center">Try piling your tureen high with fresh berries in season.  Strawberries are just coming into season here and we have many local farm stands where you can buy the tastiest fruits in large quantities—I predict that I’ll be <strike>tasting</strike> testing this idea out soon.  I recently read that someone used her tureen in the summer to serve watermelon balls marinated in port wine-yum!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAKZWqf1sSl1J1FGF4V8E7gpVR-1HLMnoIpR8XZQC3sqWR2Z1Pw_YyU1PT7KPsh7SeB8jzBes2AVUoPG6fMo1L_tlhe6ZItwVJeF-Yjr4yfwTYP-zB1C5i7bXMpSIwXOL-9ZaJ9NTSw_h/s1600-h/soupieredevenuejardiniereobjetsrecup%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="soupiere-devenue-jardiniere-objets-recup-qui-embellissent-exterieurs_303783" border="0" alt="soupiere-devenue-jardiniere-objets-recup-qui-embellissent-exterieurs_303783" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHYkdS5LI/AAAAAAAAAk0/iKR9hmhz-IE/soupieredevenuejardiniereobjetsrecup%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="426" /></a></p> <p align="center">I often come across bowls that have lost their lids.  If they are a nice shape, I bring them home in spite of their missing parts.  I very frequently put live plants in old tureens such as this-usually indoors, but this old pot looks great outside.  A small round tureen makes a pretty container for potted herbs in a sunny kitchen window. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.bessiemary.com/editor_uploads/Christmas09%20022.jpg" width="532" height="395" /></p> <p align="center">During the winter holidays, fill a tureen with poinsettia or amaryllis.  <em>Fresh </em>cedar and pine branches with white candles and mercury glass bulbs would be a festive alternative.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHZA3y8_I/AAAAAAAAAk4/pR1bTCDWDQk/s1600-h/mcdonaldbeverlyhills1108110_sm7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="mcdonald-beverly-hills-1108-110_sm" border="0" alt="mcdonald-beverly-hills-1108-110_sm" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzReEogky0VadFPTp6XQTfXfhECIK0w7G7kxmx4VY8S1FRgm-5uXUwMRGUg7umcG63hk1HTEwMGaYZZGqSRGP23fT9qs7bvLdURW65Xq1SpwZMOdwzbLfNMesyVE-n-Q6tEuWQKkXWxDu/?imgmax=800" width="448" height="356" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Last winter, I attempted to force some paperwhites in an old tureen, but I must have gotten a bad batch of bulbs because they just rotted.  <em>This</em> was the look I was going for.  (I won’t show you what I got.)   </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHag4UPSI/AAAAAAAAAlA/2mBIs327190/s1600-h/hyacinth4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="hyacinth" border="0" alt="hyacinth" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt7z0uI6KDlZKrI-ZPIrKf_PvYVuLj00lPgnKk890a4Yn484hqq6WLdAmOJrGk2FT6d7xTF6KZaiNa22hAKI_ZuLmHBjY7qhkG_yqpmBijQAfYdmGz0l8W0QHEPBLz4wR6xyYKvUunm8s/?imgmax=800" width="329" height="480" /></a>  </p> <p align="center">A profusion of hyacinths on an antique console are doubled in abundance by the placement of a mirror behind.  A tureen is a perfect container for forcing bulbs.  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHdJAaIzI/AAAAAAAAAlI/HD8lB4dX0Gw/s1600-h/napkins3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="napkins" border="0" alt="napkins" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHdj9hqSI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ezCNPMcmLVg/napkins_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="579" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Why not place one on your kitchen table to hold cloth napkins?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image105_thumb" border="0" alt="image105_thumb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1QhcV_-cUoldBUNs0vElGPo3C31kW1ekz5Nl_Vx7HaFkbvsJme5uHDSoSYsNTH0QJEghUmUna0MRC08MbKchzcg8oneESQNJtcKiNn5zYbSgU7J6iyK2MUTv4WwkY-2lnBMmgcFMYOIV/?imgmax=800" width="423" height="554" /></p> <p align="center">A tureen would make a great ice bucket, wine cooler or cookie jar.  You might even use one to store all of those attachments for the mixer & food processor.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHhYcgzYI/AAAAAAAAAlU/72v1baWGM0w/s1600-h/breadproofing4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="bread proofing" border="0" alt="bread proofing" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHh-e0dcI/AAAAAAAAAlY/Q3gucNxLVpU/breadproofing_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="343" /></a></p> <p align="center">Or, for the bakers among us (not me, by the way), try using one as the “covered bowl” recommended for proofing dough.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFCV_3MoUzJ6KZpb-jjcSfRghwa4YTlNIjyF9xRhoqflTSRYNM5XaZBSfiBCjt25bfdYVNnW2jKOBCbvC4giLYTQE4pFu_-T6Qns2C2bVVoSdAJiEgdUnSvniAJVy1FNFlqxSs70ORezn/s1600-h/2324644921_bc8e60df86%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2324644921_bc8e60df86" border="0" alt="2324644921_bc8e60df86" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHjPM1UsI/AAAAAAAAAlg/24lf6wDcIqo/2324644921_bc8e60df86_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="357" /></a></p> <p align="center">Easter basket, mom-style.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHk4oUGiI/AAAAAAAAAlk/fFKcmOmxWDc/s1600-h/385606016_a400749b69%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="385606016_a400749b69" border="0" alt="385606016_a400749b69" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHlaAE-rI/AAAAAAAAAlo/rxezZZ-MRqQ/385606016_a400749b69_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="542" /></a></p> <p align="center">Instead of flowers, this tureen could be holding wooden spoons and other cooking utensils next to the cooktop.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHmHRVTVI/AAAAAAAAAls/Z4OZV0Rx7iI/s1600-h/dog%20biscuits.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="dog biscuits" border="0" alt="dog biscuits" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHm_mEanI/AAAAAAAAAlw/2dXJ0_Q-SEc/dog%20biscuits_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="268" /></a></p> <p align="center">Use one for storing dog biscuits. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHnj3hWTI/AAAAAAAAAl0/31e99OJq-h8/s1600-h/717779070212134913_Puppies_in_a_Soup_Tureen_LG_09.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Puppies in a Soup Tureen" border="0" alt="Puppies in a Soup Tureen" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S8uHoYJrVvI/AAAAAAAAAl4/rd5KXiexX4c/717779070212134913_Puppies_in_a_Soup_Tureen_LG_09_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="356" /></a></p> <p align="center">Or puppies!  (too cute) </p> <p align="center">Actually, one of my favorite uses for a lidless tureen is as a dog water bowl for Bennett—<em>so</em> much more attractive than a stainless bowl.  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Here are a few more ideas off of the top of my head….</p> <p align="center"> </p> <ul> <li>Use a big ironstone tureen for serving salad (green or pasta). </li> <li>Offer popcorn or chips from a shallow-bowled tureen at your next game-day party. </li> <li>Or, for 4th of July, make homemade ice cream and serve it from a blue and white transferware tureen. </li> <li>Keep your tea stash in it. </li> <li>Use one on the counter for storing potatoes or onions or garlic. </li> <li>Fill one full of rolled washcloths or soaps and sea sponges to leave on the bathroom vanity. </li> <li>Nothing beats natural accessories; white ironstone looks great filled with seashells or pinecones. </li> <li>Fill with water and float candles and flowers in one for a romantic centerpiece. </li> <li>For holiday parties, instead of a punch bowl, use a tureen for egg nog, punch, spiced cider, mulled wine or whatever your poison. </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p align="center">At last count, I think I have about ten large-ish white ironstone tureens—of those, only a few are pretty good old pieces complete with underplates and ladles that I reserve for display only.  I just recently found that old pewter tureen who’s squatty shape reminds me of a Cinderella pumpkin.  The remainder are just pieces that I’ve picked up here and there that I love to use and abuse for different purposes such as those I’ve listed above.  Hmmm, now I’m thinking that I might need to add some Staffordshire pieces to the collection as well…. </p> <p align="center">Do you have any interesting ways you like to use a tureen?  I’d love to hear your ideas!</p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-77095009467542204622010-04-13T05:30:00.000-07:002010-07-15T23:16:16.534-07:00You Must visit here (part one)….<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharh3UctwFNdufwW6sU5ZOj3xMHtwP8NEVotREM6_GRjRJgt37RBK8IMNOnBLseDQRvwYus_RWvcrzRFDPav24tR3ELAB3IBVQZiZz7KSUjNPV8MK2-sQAN0K1DCrIbcEZkSo4xgIBELR8/s1600-h/front%20in%20spring%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="front in spring" border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDGJUKZQIEbOT3rsH1hT1nE1bO90bFVmpspm07L7DvbENENrp2IqDE_Nr2JpzPnJdUMrdgvH6gV1yuKqQePafu97Adpyj2vgW3WzXShBtw2MaqyGeT6xhduTa7BJeu1BB0PGi-g2trD8X/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="front in spring" width="571" /></a><br />
<div align="center">If you are ever in Northern California, you <em>must</em> include an afternoon at Filoli in your itinerary. Located in Woodside, just 20 miles south of San Francisco, it was a mere ten minutes from my childhood home, but sadly, is now 180 miles from home. Even still, I try to visit at least once a year. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqBf-6bmI/AAAAAAAAAg0/kwQHVVkOiB4/s1600-h/portico%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="portico" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyURBNw_9gMBWsthCV8cw6yvmJM5qPk5JbcJSZrIRimQdF1sQPYtIG3C10z-mDABfOCQFESdgNW1PKrKVg_d_-aI6CmFrlNEB01k53P-lbooVOhPHHJHW3IsqEqZo3KflJBKkCnMDquukd/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="portico" width="555" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Open February through October, with special events during the holidays, the house and gardens are equally spectacular. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AQXZ4PkMkMgyjj-QEgl2nrfTlyKAf44XIg51Vs7rdTY-56E1_ilO4zcrEaGlGssIihCpOQ6aQ_DQDQ07i_J1KmDylrzWagvnwbGaM19XVS9Y-u_vpi5cQ5R6zrffLOkC039pFCB8cxec/s1600-h/transverse-hall%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="transverse-hall" border="0" height="362" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqDY6ExRI/AAAAAAAAAhA/jQgiw_M4Ofs/transverse-hall_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="transverse-hall" width="541" /></a> </div><div align="center">Upon entering through that amazing portico, you find yourself in the Transverse Hall, bisecting the length of the 36,00o square foot Georgian country house. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqEAWcBPI/AAAAAAAAAhE/cEtHznG8Q14/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20148edit%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqEv0G0BI/AAAAAAAAAhI/EfShIquJkxE/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20148edit_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="" width="458" /></a> </div><div align="center">Detail of the door moulding and pediment in Transverse Hall. The quality of workmanship in the details of this home are truly awe-inspiring.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqFOrwEII/AAAAAAAAAhM/5QrsXGXW42M/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20161%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 161" border="0" height="339" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqFgGJRSI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/S0d5vz4xy4M/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20161_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="mom's media card 120609 161" width="446" /></a></div><div align="center">The interior knobs and keyhole covers</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqGOtmSCI/AAAAAAAAAhU/1NYGHiasCt0/s1600-h/staircase%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="staircase" border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukP8EtzTjj0wCojNNNymnsbW3g30mlH4sN40moEtXIKP6tOQwva0BiXSbCvkMe65nDPrEZu3MGD9Qjx6fFtHKTV6VEelmgtY_WGnoMJbHdsSZKPEZ6ANRytPKdcrephwjCRgPdPvw1hbS/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="staircase" width="280" /></a> </div><div align="center">The stairway with it’s magnificent iron railing is just off the hallway. The second story now houses the offices of the foundation, and is off limits to visitors. (I sure would like to sneak a peek someday.)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUGkfN_1c8G21QWkim8SZyaZ5ZDDMPTdK6g_pU5lQ5HMaXYpxFIEdM0f1TnGdYO5-dQRlf9R12zMgTD4Mv92lgeHznq9Nvr8xspqq5TMEPlGoQUv23dlHQpk-D8t1Pp7XS6MgeHLiV6lF/s1600-h/ballroom%202%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="ballroom 2" border="0" height="466" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqISdVC7I/AAAAAAAAAhg/XlJCbdh2YVI/ballroom%202_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="ballroom 2" width="617" /></a> </div><div align="center">Perhaps the most stunning room in the home is the Ballroom. It’s delicate dove’s-egg-blue walls are accent with gilded column capitals and moulding details. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0b4oE0rB_w5PQjsMLscd0_2x9OwtZWorHue83Xxu8HlewmbVBvS4ly8Ip3shfacMpqcBaeXZgrsRwaaDC2Eg8cTOhajh4Hqs7rWRRu_tt4cmYOzEqb9gLwIcS_t6f3j6giPLQmd-0DaI-/s1600-h/ballroom%20chandelier%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="ballroom chandelier" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqJrwnPsI/AAAAAAAAAho/desOefPYiiA/ballroom%20chandelier_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="ballroom chandelier" width="379" /></a></div><div align="center">The magnificent crystal chandeliers are copies of those that hung in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles during the signing of the Peace Treaty in 1920.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqKcYWGNI/AAAAAAAAAhs/vsbyunWZk3A/s1600-h/ballroom%20mural2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="ballroom mural2" border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi4uxoFTDVO_PANsOyC7nWQdkbMxzgb_ArWBgu_sBB7AH753K5efOYS4Z8oHgkpJ6iY_MioVvkGcTOMJJb_cCpdDmSVU_xMlQPkg24Kt0lziydozuo8sE1kCNDnIQXXlkWlYGA-GScSem/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="ballroom mural2" width="588" /></a></div><div align="center">Six elaborate crystal wall sconces with amethyst colored crystal drops complete the illumination of the ballroom. </div><div align="center">The scenes of Muckross, Ireland were chosen because, after a series of strokes, the master of the house, Mr. Bourn was not well enough to travel to this special place. The five murals that encircle the room were painted by Ernest Peixotto in his New York City studio on canvas from sketches made in a visit to Muckross. The completed murals were then rolled up and shipped by train to Filoli in 1925. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqL97fhmI/AAAAAAAAAh0/IjpXcD1qbcE/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20140%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 140" border="0" height="557" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqNaiYFwI/AAAAAAAAAh4/GiB9rcR-dUA/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20140_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="mom's media card 120609 140" width="419" /></a> </div><div align="center">The large French Baroque-style fireplace surround is carved brecciated Italian Machiavelli or Sarrancolin marble decorated with ormulu decorations of the head of Hercules and Nemean lions' heads molded to fit the marble.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqO87PvxI/AAAAAAAAAh8/4hvozDdbcBo/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20141%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 141" border="0" height="318" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqPsqt-aI/AAAAAAAAAiA/CgOAOAsjU_o/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20141_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="mom's media card 120609 141" width="422" /></a> </div><div align="center">It is truly breathtaking.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl54Bmd1Q8VWgpjGAiFatMQsqm_gr0U20Z-p4GPANgmp-wjXpxN3v2zQrSCMYiW1Zp8Qjb_qucjPsClcWOYihhq0O3_g-wbSGzPKuNhcILwbtBp0QX9skKFW5pj-us0bDV9DDs489-5nuW/s1600-h/library3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="library3" border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNj-IbtfUyvDjjj0qtWPIsNZxEfW6VqzbDRdgGjKQS3Q-S-eMKG33nXwVp6wJuDPTpfKOOoVcSWKTB7bHhKErp06g8sPhOHjlH21E4umV9Kb0QR73Lxf6qcdlQvHVCW6XfX8yTKJVPl2E/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="library3" width="535" /></a> </div><div align="center">Across the hall from the Ballroom is the library, a copy of the library at Denham Place, England. The plan and arrangement of wall panels, bookcases, and borders carved in a floral pattern were copied from the English house built in 1690.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqSE1WAEI/AAAAAAAAAiM/hjXrw6EEEck/s1600-h/library2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="library2" border="0" height="546" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqTgHJAfI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/PPcfBqfnL8U/library2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="library2" width="419" /></a></div><div align="center">Though it’s difficult to see in the photo, the floor is laid in an alternating herringbone pattern to create a changing effect of light and dark stripes depending on the position of the viewer.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqUC-gjxI/AAAAAAAAAiU/2HlDnUTYPpU/s1600-h/reception%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="reception" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlv0Q9nRHZ2T7f6Jk0uy7nGdUoRwOJ_d3Bn1yY-bO_i50VtC_vyHOJoLA5SSg385vRx2tcY0a1cvCQqtiWDqTiodbcrs-Vz-svDAu-koTJcxR2-HqBG8dybfhr6cefyEyQVHTEOxj3yao/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="reception" width="485" /></a> </div><div align="center"> Last time I visited, I had to ask a docent “what this room was?” She very politely told me that it was the Reception Room. Well, duh, don’t we all have rooms in which to receive our guests!?! What a different world this must have been.</div><div align="center">Notice the doorway mouldings. The rooms along this axis are set enfilade style, so that you can see straight through the open doorways from one end of the house to the other.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7H4v0jyJsuxkniyisfCIBCptoea1YHPvnyopPiACgkzxzVIkB9hU9AtfW4D13znbJeWlxnBCX79tsGOmtO0P9So_6l8iVT2uFMAMW8bXJVBqT5sCvF3QjKYxjuOQPNRnqz6evgRnRhdos/s1600-h/mom's%20media%20card%20120609%20167%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 167" border="0" height="597" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqXnBZMiI/AAAAAAAAAik/b1l-bvXATTI/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20167_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="mom's media card 120609 167" width="454" /></a> </div><div align="center">At the south end of the house is one of my favorite rooms, the Dining Room, here, set for Christmas dinner. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqYhH602I/AAAAAAAAAio/4y-Qgv6ynG4/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20152%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 152" border="0" height="428" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqZc3zaDI/AAAAAAAAAis/6j5zceMwY-Y/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20152_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="mom's media card 120609 152" width="563" /></a></div><div align="center">The blue linen damask on the chairs is gorgeous.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqZ38SpyI/AAAAAAAAAiw/zSYha0FSh_w/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20151%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 151" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqaiA65NI/AAAAAAAAAi0/FPkxi-kGvwY/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20151_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="mom's media card 120609 151" width="408" /></a><br />
<div align="center">The floral displays are an important part of the decor and are changed frequently.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqbTghIvI/AAAAAAAAAi4/RKPMAuX5T9g/s1600-h/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20157%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mom's media card 120609 157" border="0" height="347" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqcDkWesI/AAAAAAAAAi8/7FD8cfit340/mom%27s%20media%20card%20120609%20157_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="mom's media card 120609 157" width="456" /></a> </div><div align="center">The last stop on this very abbreviated tour of Filoli is the Butler’s Panty. This room made such an impression on me as a young girl—the concept of having an entire room devoted to storing all that beautiful crystal and china, I was hooked. You can read more about that obsession <a href="http://s-w-design.blogspot.com/2009/07/closet-envy.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div align="center"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya7M5Snc_YDPBGbNoomSLUMFlKnz0nTKeO2Mumh39N_yg7mnQFTn2eXFX5qTysVx48F_fLlAdWJ278HMTLTezE4b_UDzwXUV7EXhyHWJoeVBLQlU_UGSWQfTbcw80DwRmE6FjENkH4G-Y/s1600-h/dsc_0281%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="dsc_0281" border="0" height="570" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7wqdyjn_xI/AAAAAAAAAjE/IVwx4qoD2YE/dsc_0281_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="dsc_0281" width="387" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Inside the safe in the Butler’s Pantry. </div><div align="center">To quote Rachel Zoe: “I die!”</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR9_b29Pv9S9wOFDHkq3GBNbPRMFpz8hRyKAO8d3aRtpZz4iDDCiqVKfjufhfBzjKRea66JHJ1Lj9yaH9bUsAoCKCCM4rVjhNwcuFvvqj5pBJt7D21S4ZqXNiUWPySoFKvYASlnUFTwOP/s1600-h/floor%20plan%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="floor plan" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxB2BEx2634yF8DGAliWIv2G6THedMUS315uYimxk3gVmA_MQSsLKgf6AtKHDXQPNg3WYIFOIGC8yKqvhgSqS7gGdhwim6oepnyHKNx6i4GR97tZE5DtLTj8DBeDDGdxnB4f6AY3UWwJyC/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="floor plan" width="397" /></a>The floor plan of this spectacular estate. </div><div align="center">Clearly, there is much, much more to be seen. If you’re interested in learning more about or visiting the house and gardens, you can access the Filoli website <a href="http://www.filoli.org/" target="_blank">here.</a> Trust me, it is not a place you want to miss.</div><div align="center">Next time, part deux, the gardens….</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-703760602871258362010-04-09T05:30:00.000-07:002010-04-09T05:30:01.468-07:00The gospel according to Dorothy Draper<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gXpI2FhdI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/j4K8D98m_IM/s1600-h/draper13.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="draper1" border="0" alt="draper1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gXp4gyK-I/AAAAAAAAAeU/3Bl1sDSVNFg/draper1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="392" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The other day when I was browsing through the “home improvement”  books at my local Goodwill, I spied this book by Dorothy Draper that I was previously unaware of (gasp).</p> <p align="center">I haven’t finished all 365, but I thought I would share an excerpt from #11--my favorite so far….</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em><font size="3"><strong>“</strong>Oftentimes when I get to bed at night these phrases are still floating around my head, “Is it proper?” “Could I use?” “Would it be all right to?” “Are they using?”  “I love such and such a color, but could I mix it with so and so?”</font></em></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Recently an ad for individualized clothes had a heading “Enjoy the luxury of being yourself.”  And to all those people who ask me all of the above questions, what could be a better answer?  What do you care what</em> they<em> (whoever</em> they<strong> </strong><em>are) using?  Who knows what is “proper”?  Be yourself, think for yourself, be guided by good taste and have what you want….<strong>”</strong></em></font></p> <p><font size="3"> </font></p> <p align="center">You said it sister!  I think if she were around today, Ms. Draper would have a <em>fabulous</em> blog.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>Enjoy the luxury of being yourself!</strong></font></p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-66852750748935633222010-04-06T05:25:00.000-07:002010-04-06T05:25:00.282-07:00Conversational Seating<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQO7KV7KmQxPuBkWNh5vvcCef-TeiOpo7OElBhPh2jyMsBMj-tcZVo2KcgUKzwdDtu1zAUIQbhwA65d0cG4wsntc76842VFw6s95l2G8ORrfvN9SXQNdLASx5zHwhZ8xJzbJcQcoAw1MDk/s1600-h/living3_large3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="living3_large" border="0" alt="living3_large" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWfEAVy6I/AAAAAAAAAc4/MAPyex80ZTo/living3_large_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="567" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">design by Bunny Williams </font></em></p> <p align="center">Recently, when I was fortunate enough to hear Bunny Williams speak in San Francisco, she joked that it has been said of her that “no one can squeeze more furniture into a space than (she) can.”    While that statement may be true,  I challenge you to find a living area designed by Ms. Williams that isn’t perfectly suited to good conversation over a cup of tea for two or for after dinner lounging for a group of ten (or more.)  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWf4SyHoI/AAAAAAAAAc8/nIIy2flkdkw/s1600-h/living6_large4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="living6_large" border="0" alt="living6_large" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx89GV3OvdDuPnsLrIaa3eusSGAu778sg-Dch8R_y-f3i7ll0zQiw89PLSZfTwsOdZG6P8LrxXa2OUUzzJQEZtw3Fmj00gsRZKY2P3pMHm_8g21urwlc0xAHcWB-Ahbex6LBoQWSJJMIi/?imgmax=800" width="561" height="561" /></a></p> <p>Bunny Williams’ formula for furnishing a living room :  “A no-fail arrangement consists of a 7-foot sofa, a 4-by-2-foot coffee table, one upholstered chair, one bergère or other upholstered chair, a pair of open-arm chairs that can be moved around, one 30-by-20-inch bench, two odd end tables, and two low drink tables .”   Translated, that is seating for <em>no less</em> than eight, and could expand to upwards of twelve or more if needed.  </p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWiQLN0-I/AAAAAAAAAdE/8K9Q3Dkrqt8/s1600-h/2southernlivingroomdec0807_xlg5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="2-southern-living-room-dec0807_xlg" border="0" alt="2-southern-living-room-dec0807_xlg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWjQb2ypI/AAAAAAAAAdI/ONsLDERcim0/2southernlivingroomdec0807_xlg_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="571" height="455" /></a></p> <p align="center">The key is not simply to have a<em> lot</em> of furniture, but to have a number of pieces that can be moved easily as well as some that multitask.  For instance, the three armchairs in the photo above weigh considerably less than a fully upholstered chair and can be moved without strain.   The garden stool can be used for seating, drinks, or even to stack books or magazines.  The ottoman in the back is functioning as a coffee table in the photo, but could quickly be converted to seating.  The upholstered chair by the fireplace would be a lovely place to curl up and read a book when alone, but one or more of the armchairs could be pulled over to use for a small conversational arrangement when guests arrive.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWkMSAo1I/AAAAAAAAAdM/jsnCGHUjqxs/s1600-h/1cozyisromanticlivingroom1207xlg3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="1-cozyisromantic-livingroom-1207-xlg" border="0" alt="1-cozyisromantic-livingroom-1207-xlg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWk9nNzcI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/FvM_V8dKv9I/1cozyisromanticlivingroom1207xlg_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="611" /></a></p> <p align="center">One lesson I learned the hard way is to make certain that all of the seat <em>heights</em> in a grouping are the same.   In my family room, I have one large upholstered chair that is especially squishy (granted, it could stand to be re-built and reupholstered) and, when sitting in it, I feel as though everyone else is looking down at me.    When selecting seating, it can’t be assumed that seat height is standard, and if you’re using antique pieces, <em>all</em> bets are off!  Be sure to bring your tape measure!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWlzKQV6I/AAAAAAAAAdU/jCHluV86JDw/s1600-h/bilhuber23.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bilhuber 2" border="0" alt="bilhuber 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4xAOyzhiZA9qomEltkgtbcNVdFJOKEabc3VqCwUWg-wWibO2UmbsMSyBr9YgmGeehfmExz6lAXZz2gBcbny3fPQteLw5oVSlFLShwmw8UJ48hPHIlymUThZm3wjlj3HeNfenKUZ5HC-j/?imgmax=800" width="579" height="449" /></a></p> <p align="center">Large rooms are especially suited to having multiple groups of seating arrangements for different sized conversations.  This much publicized space designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber has it all.  Here and in the photo below, you can see that this room was designed for conversation.   There is ample “fixed” seating, supplemented by several occasional chairs and a number of ottomans.   The arrangement with the sofa and (gorgeous) klismos chairs is perfect for a larger group of people.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bilhuber" border="0" alt="bilhuber" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PimlWpBPxV9wbNYPitzTgHQGSx6E89dVvF8mT1Wop7s22AIWeiDnHChtW0ZXa61e4BHLzj8SnLAx6GAjazS_bJ5um7W1fkwQzmnt6alAOfcCpVMNFgz6zQMtlCI_s2mQSYdMQPOJC9Eg/?imgmax=800" width="590" height="460" /></p> <p align="center">At the far end of the space, under the window, a pair of Bridgewater club chairs offer cozy seating for two and by the fireplace,  there is another pair of chairs with somewhat more distance and an ottoman between them…perhaps a grouping for three, or a place for the homeowners to relax by the fire and read.  (Those of you that have been in a relationship long enough know what I mean—sometimes it’s nice to just be in the same room with your partner without <em>having</em> to converse.)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorCJgHurYTR87k2nq6HNVQDer8XykM01btUTvI_78FW6b-ROJJTNNzmj2foLWelO43C0Fuu4G2O1tsJcvH0K8QhxPW7nPfSt1uaSgmekuuQ677GmQuO3SsaDa7qQvIzYeLQ3qvtl4ULC7/s1600-h/McAlpineBoothandFerrier4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="McAlpine, Booth and Ferrier" border="0" alt="McAlpine, Booth and Ferrier" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWp0D-wqI/AAAAAAAAAdk/Epx90yYF5uo/McAlpineBoothandFerrier_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="598" /></a></p> <p align="center">I think a somewhat unconventional seating arrangement such as this one, designed by the firm McAlpine, Booth and Ferrier, can be tricky to plan, but the less traditional and less expected layout results is a casual and comfortable grouping—one that is easy to live in. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWqSxWZWI/AAAAAAAAAdo/VIph0GP_Bmg/s1600-h/MrsHoward_0034.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="MrsHoward_003" border="0" alt="MrsHoward_003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWrffZe1I/AAAAAAAAAds/NVKv5dzfBW8/MrsHoward_003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="594" /></a></p> <p align="center">In this space, Phoebe Howard uses my favorite go-to solution for extra seating:  ottomans, footstools and small benches.   When I am out thrifting or antiquing, if I come across one of these little gems in good enough condition, I almost never leave it behind (no, really)—they are usually inexpensive and easy to reupholster and if the wood needs cosmetic repairs, that can also often be done at little expense.   I have one Swedish style bench in my living room for which I’ve had several top cushions made (currently it’s sporting a zebra pattern).  It’s so simple to pop off the top and change out the upholstery seasonally or whenever the mood strikes.  These small pieces are the <em>masters</em> of multitasking.  Besides being “back-up” seating, they can hold a tray for drinks or a vase of flowers or support a stack of books or even a small lamp.  Frequently, newer upholstered ottomans offer storage under the seat—a perfect place for newspapers or magazines or a game or a deck of cards or even for that collection of remote controls that seems to plague the modern living room.  Benches can be tucked away under a console table, which, in turn helps to anchor the console arrangement.  (See my previous post on the subject <a href="http://s-w-design.blogspot.com/2009/06/bit-of-consoling.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)  A small pair of stools looks fantastic pulled right up to the edge of the coffee table, or if the table is a bit taller, they can slide in underneath.   I  (quite obviously) can’t say enough about the benefits of having several of these small pieces in a room.</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWsOyfypI/AAAAAAAAAdw/4r9VizwOvVU/s1600-h/0310watkins09de4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="6433709" border="0" alt="6433709" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFqaoIu8TfIFsxIht49b7vdA9346gajSDHUZPKIbDMd9vj-yFmrEobk91TPcqopg8ZEYs97DfP2aCbWLMIhlXquNOYOc_YVlekv6gSmfLh33PvgT8oI73CXrfnBHKnMk1_Cqitpnso70A/?imgmax=800" width="473" height="596" /></a></p> <p align="center">I find that when I have only one guest,  we often seem to wind up seated at my 40-inch round kitchen table.  My theory about why this happens is that when the group is so small, people are more comfortable with some sort of physical barrier separating them.  This is akin to the phenomenon whereby  I stand <em>in</em> the kitchen and company stands on the other side of the island.  (I dunno, maybe it’s just me….)  Designers Babs Watkins & Eleanor Cummings (whom, by the way I’ve become slightly obsessed with upon seeing two of her recent projects <em>simultaneously</em> featured in Veranda <em>and</em> House Beautiful!) have brought the same sized table into the living area.  This looks to me a perfect arrangement for two friends to share a little gossip and a cup of coffee. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHssMWsOfoOo2FcQhM0AXDBffqTAvpZoW4aoJWoZsxF2hRnHZP07Hy1cUGMCFNXWLdcXzG-VERMVHnj4c6rTzDcvSBka4z2iqjk9TnW3RSzJfPUGeyU4gCB6_YwuEaJa9cQjFl9tWmDnG/s1600-h/jeffreybilhuber3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="jeffrey bilhuber" border="0" alt="jeffrey bilhuber" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWvQZwSXI/AAAAAAAAAd8/kqTK4CT_XIM/jeffreybilhuber_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="665" height="516" /></a></p> <p align="center">Have you ever found yourself in the uncomfortable situation of sitting in someone’s living room and having to raise your voice in order to be heard?     It drives me crazy, the enormous living/family rooms so popular in the past decade that have but one seating group of grotesquely over-stuffed upholstered pieces that put people twelve feet away from each other separated by a coffee table large enough to seat dinner for eight. </p> <p align="center">This room, also designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber, makes good use of a potentially awkward space adjacent to the fireplace by squeezing in (comfortably) appropriately proportioned seating for four.    Keeping seating groups<em> tight</em> facilitates relaxed conversation.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHTLnVGlwJtgijMH5GBMR7jqPGYMl9o-g2qSqfbqLUKi4Gel1Mu5bEOD-Dek8j9W-4hyphenhyphen7ShVVtRI3Afr6y7s6tS22-sIYq21QFSS8lOoVnxx4JN6JMGZV9DUks4n0H-qPv0fUH74-aPL1/s1600-h/ericcohler3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="eric cohler" border="0" alt="eric cohler" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWwunl18I/AAAAAAAAAeE/v_Ko5J74dD8/ericcohler_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="487" /></a></p> <p align="center">This arrangement by Eric Cohler is perfect for conversation.  This radial type furniture plan works especially well in a square-ish room.  Everyone gets their own chair, so there’s no sitting at opposite ends of the sofa (because you know, nobody <em>ever</em> uses the middle cushion unless there is literally nowhere else to sit.)  There’s ample comfortable seating as well as some that can move around.  I actually wanted to do something similar to this in my own living room, but the boys won and the sofa stayed.  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7gWxrmSEeI/AAAAAAAAAeI/c6qXsl2vH8U/s1600-h/californiahomebettyburgess3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="california home betty burgess" border="0" alt="california home betty burgess" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8X91QqPV7SRRx0fO4E31OJmQlUwgSeAnG4iIyzTeH0M_vMkToOManl882WLBo6lf8BsZ9g6jHE7p5YokuazuOKkJDayO7ne2dPskiHh1-VjbmPZNuzC9ydRrstg91wedeeFhE2PSWQRT/?imgmax=800" width="629" height="478" /></a></p> <p align="center">I just love the arrangement of this  California living room by Betty Burgess.  It has many of the key ingredients for comfortable conversational seating:  1.  A not-too-big sofa (avoiding that middle-seat syndrome).  2. An upholstered, yet moveable, armchair.  3.  An ottoman doubling as a coffee table.  4.  A long bench with a beefy cushion (bonus-it doesn’t block the view of the garden.)  5. Extra seating tucked under the console, just waiting to be called into service.  6.  All seating is at roughly the same height.  And,  7. The distance between seats is not so great that you’d have to raise your voice.  </p> <p align="center">When designing seating in a living area, I always try to imagine that the chairs are conversing with each other.  I’ll ask myself  “Can left cushion sofa talk comfortably to blue bergère?”  I know it sounds kooky, but it works for me.</p> <p align="center">So, do you have any favorite tricks for seating arrangements?  I’d love to hear your suggestions!  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>P.S. We’re <em>still</em> trying to name the <a href="http://s-w-design.blogspot.com/2010/03/busted.html" target="_blank">newest member of our household</a>—if you have any great (or even not-so-great) ideas, leave a comment <a href="http://s-w-design.blogspot.com/2010/03/busted.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-4339018061933167122010-04-03T18:27:00.001-07:002010-04-03T18:27:04.642-07:00Happy Sunday!<p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7fq5Gm69AI/AAAAAAAAAcs/-OWzzGb0kTw/s1600-h/6a00d83451c0f869e2011570149c4c970b-400wi%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="6a00d83451c0f869e2011570149c4c970b-400wi" border="0" alt="6a00d83451c0f869e2011570149c4c970b-400wi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrwnH67X3XecKSuAzkbiWHYuiepm9Jc6gSFAmb5VGbT95p7pasg14JPp2YZ0fMNRSYlp-NKsZD4QSwtor0t27aCGERuvn81BZtRf8t5hvNNK9uVs5M-xBtoDdcV0OeADhM9cExnwRy38X/?imgmax=800" width="412" height="424" /></a></p> <p align="center">  Wishing you a lovely and peaceful Easter Sunday</p> Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-69930416829434463592010-03-31T11:56:00.001-07:002010-03-31T12:37:10.496-07:00Busted<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OaYsmRdpI/AAAAAAAAAZk/mnSeIIagC_s/s1600-h/busts3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="busts" border="0" alt="busts" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OaZpcNU4I/AAAAAAAAAZo/17MxB-wwhOE/busts_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="464" /></a></p> <p align="center">For some time, I have been looking for the perfect antique bust for my home.  Like any piece of artwork, they are especially personal and consequently, it can be tricky to find the perfect piece that speaks to you.  The right selection can absolutely bring a space to life.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OaaYhjzAI/AAAAAAAAAZs/HqDvk3_yicE/s1600-h/bolander%20designed%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bolander designed" border="0" alt="bolander designed" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oab7hXqII/AAAAAAAAAZw/Md98QzYUCRA/bolander%20designed_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="437" /></a></p> <p align="center">Designer Lars Bolander is a collector of antique busts and frequently uses them in his interiors.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0RaKm5_hD-nS05l0izjI62HdVZJA76UI6VXRpZjaoLcDKfIOYXwJfZUn6eECX0FSUcgsgJAhlL0KWD6VLYanY9iu-fwc8-I-LkdQjAKs8ZOnPLtzfBfqn_T5hiQnt-BkfdIrSRdqTmJD/s1600-h/lars%20Bolander's%20home%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="lars Bolander's home" border="0" alt="lars Bolander's home" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OaeBmSLRI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/srQ9co2eKrg/lars%20Bolander%27s%20home_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="595" /></a> </p> <p align="center">In his own home, he uses them in abundance…..</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oae5-NlqI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/z5GOhc7qwXU/s1600-h/lars%20Bolander%27s%20home%202%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="lars Bolander's home 2" border="0" alt="lars Bolander's home 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oaf1LzQyI/AAAAAAAAAaA/rKQwR6bFm94/lars%20Bolander%27s%20home%202_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="600" /></a> </p> <p align="center">A perfect centerpiece on a center table.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4An_Jw4pfbcNeaghuzhWYxB_hvdugnMUUzsNqhWMFN6rK0iNi1Y-lqPogRAKv9q7te6BzI0VtTUg0N2WTnzzNRGUSqUUelGM4Hv-oRFJiNVdt_laOmMi2NsYyRaBLOqqJQsaI-XQVZly/s1600-h/Charlotte_Moss_A_Flair_for_Living%20copy%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Charlotte_Moss_A_Flair_for_Living copy" border="0" alt="Charlotte_Moss_A_Flair_for_Living copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oahci6o6I/AAAAAAAAAaI/IH_EZSEqNRQ/Charlotte_Moss_A_Flair_for_Living%20copy_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="364" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><font size="1"><em>photo credit Pieter Estersohn</em></font></p> <p align="center">Charlotte Moss cozies up with this fellow f0r the cover of one of my favorite design books:  A Flair for Living.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OaiEmHg7I/AAAAAAAAAaM/7I6pPbVdfGM/s1600-h/estates-greystone-great-house%20pc%20peter%20vitale%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="estates-greystone-great-house pc peter vitale" border="0" alt="estates-greystone-great-house pc peter vitale" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWDipQiJFogVUPfWOFaRhXMxZZRZK0SIFF58mwTxxtHUdxm5zLirWv_yszKpeYpcg_IccTz1Zkxb4UELyBAXDM4yJh4jKH-r22WsIwGsUuu3SIeK3eOKRRl3uolU2I4oAieHJnQPJ7gDG/?imgmax=800" width="463" height="606" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">photo credit Peter Vitale</font></em></p> <p align="center">Several rooms in the Greystone Estate Showhouse included busts. Here, elevated on a marble pedestal, one gets the impression that this bust is, as they say, an “important” piece.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OakuNFXeI/AAAAAAAAAaU/vIl88rWsBps/s1600-h/estates-greystone-great-house-pc%20peter%20vitale%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="estates-greystone-great-house-pc peter vitale" border="0" alt="estates-greystone-great-house-pc peter vitale" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OamAfS7tI/AAAAAAAAAaY/gT3Ukj-3WVI/estates-greystone-great-house-pc%20peter%20vitale_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="599" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">photo credit Peter Vitale</font></em></p> <p align="center">Where this bust, as part of a table arrangement, is more casually placed and feels significantly less stuffy.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oam8zp1DI/AAAAAAAAAac/MUALWlUGKs4/s1600-h/gerrie%20bremmerman%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="gerrie bremmerman" border="0" alt="gerrie bremmerman" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAUSlgopJ3N6lsADr4lJ7hoY-XBCFevJp36wIH1k6OI1fGt_p6rKLF9vGiuzhQhT9qCa8IK7Xh9-EStOjsVA10mEP3HlKIuug4e5yWF4gecxWMZ7FYl2o8jqbyrNN9JH3WgLUTjQxmIRV/?imgmax=800" width="378" height="514" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Gerrie Bremmerman is another designer who likes to include a bust her rooms.  I love how the carefully carved “replica” of the human form, really can give a sense of life to an unoccupied room.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4leCyjIAj15Huz4CzAJOLhi2qzEbZyL-92wFAd9zRzqhnWcway2smrFGmCYhyJeVGyJ_tcThOaM8DEkiFLW_VPhx15MDFJ8cRl4XIRSrMM5rDDG4F9ax7IM8n28qHKngluO0K12cP1G2r/s1600-h/gerrie%20bremmerman%202%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="gerrie bremmerman 2" border="0" alt="gerrie bremmerman 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oaq9_UbyI/AAAAAAAAAao/LjNvAC7wL6k/gerrie%20bremmerman%202_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="567" height="627" /></a></p> <p align="center">More Gerrie Bremmerman, this fellow appears to just be hanging out.  Seemingly casually placed, he provides a perfect counter-weight to maintain the balance of this mostly symmetrical arrangement.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcVnPT_DORbgNWSra6HNDXcj0D7JSpqqbDJTfj6HLIQK_hp6iuWQvZX2MHSG3y0N7lI-B9yd_VoJj0UYaajijUWCqcO6xtEvsJndwLB1ad5C7RwN4-tI5wIsWcnZXwX6THlsflbMkF2hs/s1600-h/windsor11_thumb3%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="windsor11_thumb3" border="0" alt="windsor11_thumb3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oasfz-pXI/AAAAAAAAAaw/IY5mnLgPisQ/windsor11_thumb3_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="499" /></a></p> <p align="center">This room, by Windsor Smith, shows just <em>how much</em> life a bust can bring to a space.  Without this wonderful piece of sculpture, this room would feel very different.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OatFc1RdI/AAAAAAAAAa0/smSJrCJIT0s/s1600-h/kay%20o%27toole%20via%20cdt%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kay o'toole via cdt" border="0" alt="kay o'toole via cdt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChdb68TZDgd4w7k6TEvbpIefJAMMDym9ivNs1CqcwAUgSunMi6EsiEZKhjEkgF4FwwABRYEXYfUTImTZVoeXugL1AhEWaKnAj4WsKMSic_tAFtsVCt8HszwhDeVZ22hA3vyPXcBV13tx8/?imgmax=800" width="514" height="664" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Houstonian, Kay O’Toole has lived with this handsome gent for some time.  He appears atop a lovely Swedish stove in the March 2007 edition of Veranda….</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-zDGnr0_qZpOVG5D1gS-_3GwbcZObgExAMCX7_OCtjVLH0oEz9WU-7k-Z5jitZit1CgjzNPd8iX8LCjhpjuQA1njQg-Fu62ZKO0BmXaVq64LplM_2USVxIxLNp-l0Wg7Asatj76FNc5R/s1600-h/scan0005%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="scan0005" border="0" alt="scan0005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OawZjEeWI/AAAAAAAAAbA/vRMPdWCCa7c/scan0005_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="685" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And, in March of 2010, he resurfaces in a corner of her kitchen.  This time with a little friend on his shoulder.  I think it’s brilliant when something that is so innately formal is brought back down to earth a bit by the addition of some whimsy.  </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBuR2numlGzHOTOxjvL_ws0uU-hKSQ3pAbkF6XGHfoMZ52I99KBU6tTP4XdOOkMc1u4pTLq3WcCyqmgRhXW8knouyuU9QoEyapaVTRQ32hyphenhyphenmOWGARm1818RBZj86qv0leoBE6EAkc0Tx5/s1600-h/suzanne%20rheinstein%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="suzanne rheinstein" border="0" alt="suzanne rheinstein" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oax9q73CI/AAAAAAAAAbI/ObK8YgFETnA/suzanne%20rheinstein_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="415" /></a></p> <p align="center">On the subject of whimsy--</p> <p align="center">Suzanne Rheinstein embellishes this pair with greenery for a very appealing late winter display.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7OazSorq0I/AAAAAAAAAbM/qBRfT3pkmu0/s1600-h/rheinstein_001_thumb%5B2%5D%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rheinstein_001_thumb[2]" border="0" alt="rheinstein_001_thumb[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa0ipxOLI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/ihFAI9667xI/rheinstein_001_thumb%5B2%5D_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="648" height="474" /></a> </p> <p align="center">More from Suzanne Rheinstein.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa1PaQh-I/AAAAAAAAAbU/PjGHKvxaarY/s1600-h/michael%20trapp%20-%20Copy%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="michael trapp - Copy" border="0" alt="michael trapp - Copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2RnfzelXhOSdAuDkrDE-p5uAsjhvbLsIdFAgv47Fk2H1Mag2x1RQlfR5M0ATxeNReKeLcS_Gci3B_3R76FbLPQryqipdnaBOGi_xXV2ApLP4NsRWSWRvwrB8YdBHcSVGZEq6jbZ6cluX/?imgmax=800" width="506" height="734" /></a></p> <p align="center">A designer noted for his clever and abundant use of architectural elements, Michael Trapp creates what almost appears to be a grisaille painting in this dining room.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa2jplU9I/AAAAAAAAAbc/bhe74CPz84g/s1600-h/michael%20trapp%202%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="michael trapp 2" border="0" alt="michael trapp 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa4D2uCAI/AAAAAAAAAbg/EnW2M7s13L4/michael%20trapp%202_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="632" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">A perfect focal point for a stairway landing. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa5dkOhhI/AAAAAAAAAbk/P6itke1uBZA/s1600-h/homes-houston-dale-pc%20peter%20vitale%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="homes-houston-dale-pc peter vitale" border="0" alt="homes-houston-dale-pc peter vitale" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa6Syl6RI/AAAAAAAAAbo/PcV8_UACObA/homes-houston-dale-pc%20peter%20vitale_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="683" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">photo credit Peter Vitale</font></em></p> <p align="center">As is true with most smaller accessories, small busts look best as part of a larger collection.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4nXtiKndwx_TaBSI-mgFEfh18-Ik4BWWJM2ysiK_wlINe0VtKGr0SpnK-TuR5VlqaJfu6oPApIVIT1r49VgLl0_EURm8AQ9zXz8WD81PvEHYeTSjvvj5SmJs5YO6pCaMz-KLj7N2bPqP/s1600-h/kasler_table%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kasler_table" border="0" alt="kasler_table" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa7vG3YPI/AAAAAAAAAbw/3AGmSQHToW4/kasler_table_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="455" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The side lighting on this collection by Suzanne Kasler is just so beautiful and really enhances the mood of the display.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa8Y3PmUI/AAAAAAAAAb0/aTozYXEyKTk/s1600-h/bust%201%20no%20smart%20fix%20cropped%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S7Oa92WnCmI/AAAAAAAAAb4/kkI-yKsM6OU/bust%201%20no%20smart%20fix%20cropped_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="669" /></a> </p> <p align="center">And finally, this is the handsome new man in my life.  </p> <p align="center">Strong and silent, ruggedly weathered—what more could a girl want!  After looking for the right piece for years, I found him last weekend for a <em>steal</em> at a local flea market!  Not sure where he’s going to land permanently, but I know this will be a long-term relationship.  Right now, the kids and I are trying to decide on a suitable name for him (something not too serious, more tongue-in-cheek), anybody have any suggestions? </p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-62084274555897392952010-02-06T08:15:00.001-08:002010-03-30T11:02:48.363-07:00Check one off the bucket list….<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S22VqOn3HzI/AAAAAAAAAW0/gcGEkwhiuKc/s1600-h/DSCN0097%20fixed%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/S22VrvuOhEI/AAAAAAAAAW4/Wpg9SRDAALA/DSCN0097%20fixed_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="499" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">I was <u>so</u> thrilled to have the opportunity to meet one of my design heroes, Bunny Williams, at the San Francisco Design Center’s Winter Market this week.  Ms. Williams presented a keynote address about her “Point of View” to a standing room only audience of admirers and was kind enough to sign copies of her books following the presentation.  In person and on stage, she was charming and lovely and I felt as if I might pass out from the excitement of meeting her.   What an amazing & inspiring experience…..</p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">(note to self:  When being photographed with celebrities, make sure to use LOTS of powder and try to avoid looking like a deer caught in the headlights!)</font></em></p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745324881965232728.post-38685657499563127912009-08-07T16:34:00.001-07:002010-03-30T10:56:59.516-07:00Scenic Papers<p align="center"></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvPIZXE-9mNQrKkMrsDgH7DxmRNMR_tNoKfTDFRYNH4gchne6vVJgp0RoWm0jojxlO8l1OApJNTU8MonvWS2WbCba59nEDFEk7NtBOKTH_FfcCovv9J6m6haa0QSnsv7Foa9UaHsG9_a3/s1600-h/paulmontgomeryportobello5.jpg"><img title="paul montgomery portobello" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="296" alt="paul montgomery portobello" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5IMVqAoI/AAAAAAAAAU4/AQEsHUTt4Oc/paulmontgomeryportobello_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image Paul Montgomery Studio</span></em> </p><br /><br /><p align="center">I am mad for scenic wall murals. Not the faux Tuscan trompe l’oeil disasters you sometimes see featured on HGTV and DIY network, but the beautiful landscape scenes a la seventeenth and eighteenth century Dutch masters, and especially the grisaille and sepia toned works that portray historical panoramas.</p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjGIE013FFb9VOXODZOS15MjR7TO_PJ9UcCb2_ai_i2L9DM18CqvTG_UgKF1XPAw60CUSzfjK4aQ8zwyo1Z7pI4QLan1PRnPwsrdeZPktyTG1S2by1n-M9Kc-801lDUyLmo2e8Wv01-cr/s1600-h/degournayhenriettaspencerchurchill3.jpg"><img title="de gournay henrietta spencer churchill" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="369" alt="de gournay henrietta spencer churchill" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5JiT8ETI/AAAAAAAAAVA/EU1LDDRWr9o/degournayhenriettaspencerchurchill_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">DeGournay Paper</span></em></p><br /><p align="center">Personally, I prefer the mural to rest atop a chair rail or paneling of some sort as in this bathroom designed by Henrietta Spencer Churchill.</p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5Ka8CroI/AAAAAAAAAVE/U9aAuOC3g2U/s1600-h/viaMrs.HowardPersonalShoppercharlott%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="via Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper charlotte store" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="360" alt="via Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper charlotte store" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5LQZIUzI/AAAAAAAAAVI/4vKc0g4lKNI/viaMrs.HowardPersonalShoppercharlott%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo via <a href="http://www.mrshowardpersonalshopper.com/mrs_howard_personal_shopp/" target="_blank">Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper</a></span></em></p><br /><p align="center">I was thrilled to see that the new Mrs. Howard store in Charlotte includes this lovely sepia toned mural. I can’t tell if it’s painted directly on the wall or if it’s a hand painted paper; either way, it’s gorgeous and I can’t wait to see how they fill the space!</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367631258338494466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 490px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E9kpCS6RQCuRasLefIgYPgc4aiua775KAjde0rkht3TL3unowxoXK9H2veYU1hfiUPYdKkBSAkdVJzjxIpd4F5n6HuRGewu7A26qzHmNLBQxhkSsLWKT3bXgJMoYNF8wv3booqDZZdTR/s400/6a0111683c7ee2970c0120a4d3f602970b-500wi.jpg" border="0" /><br />Update: 08/08/09 - The Charlotte room is a bedroom, and as expected, it is lovely. Thank you to Laurie from JMH Interiors for confirming that the mural is actually painted on the wall--beautiful!</p><p align="center"></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5MV-WiuI/AAAAAAAAAVM/xbldnhQxP6s/s1600-h/marthastewartturkeyhill4.jpg"><img title="martha stewart turkey hill" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="499" alt="martha stewart turkey hill" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5NcolTzI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/ttBOKvOYleE/marthastewartturkeyhill_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via Martha Stewart website</span></em></p><br /><p align="center">This mural is in the center hall in Martha Stewart’s Turkey Hill home. It was previously a more colorful scene, and was updated in the last renovation. The Empire style crystal chandelier complements it beautifully.</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMneG5uB3Nby14mRcAtjm6eL9TNnyn6sIuysR3VBichoIQqs22gUdTa1fR6I2Ws3y65aBcdow0-I8L5gO1sSRwyMjyyBaCHBPtK2Yv2GOfu-XYyhA4srXt35YnrPLtfyvDKqqHnJXnQO7/s1600-h/marthastewartcenterhall5.jpg"><img title="martha stewart center hall" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="520" alt="martha stewart center hall" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5PE8HXUI/AAAAAAAAAVY/3X2gTIro4D4/marthastewartcenterhall_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" border="0" /></a> </p><br /><p align="center">A view from the top of the stairs. I wouldn’t have expected the railing over the mural to work, but somehow, I don’t mind it.</p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoxtvXrZsk7yRrWzJ5cUVH9l5jmLKfJz01Q_YmvUaJDSbOOgOPXrv_an9gAUQhxtD1uPYXcDF6ciZ-Q2J0mJ8GT-U8Q1Rg4y7D-vdpRDTEDAz6r2sBd_mZ4O8OqcfN1Dgtw0GQr7r7zfU/s1600-h/viacdt5.png"><img title="via cdt" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="472" alt="via cdt" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5YDI42VI/AAAAAAAAAVg/wtzPfErSMnA/viacdt_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="428" border="0" /></a> </p><br /><p align="center">These scenic paintings are a natural fit in a formal dining room, where a touch of drama is always appropriate.</p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5Y8li5hI/AAAAAAAAAVk/ngfn2PenDGw/s1600-h/FionaNewellWeeksphotoMichelArnaud4.jpg"><img title="Fiona Newell Weeks photo Michel Arnaud" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="446" alt="Fiona Newell Weeks photo Michel Arnaud" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5aSJLiuI/AAAAAAAAAVo/ObIT7caUzpg/FionaNewellWeeksphotoMichelArnaud_th.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">photo credit: Michel Arnaud</span></em></p><br /><p align="center">Designer Fiona Newell Weeks selected a lovely chinoiserie scenic paper for this very formal and traditional dining room.</p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxhVB8fejBlXIgIsgDTvlS65zrhxtozzwq9qIq-DiuB2wTTI9euJF_UIpqDNbLKGr1wPGZupaG4g_ShkXLaLMZbXUi0FK6Le1bnlw2WKqSKAoZFPI4Ee8-FW4rCvNA8HzNXJS4Wv45Wve/s1600-h/viatheParisApartment2.png"><img title="via the Paris Apartment" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="602" alt="via the Paris Apartment" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5ionT5CI/AAAAAAAAAVw/lyh1Swqcfuo/viatheParisApartment_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" width="438" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>photo via <a href="http://parisapartment.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">the Paris apartment</a></em></span></p><br /><p align="center">A less formal dining room--this delicate painting reminds me of a beautiful linen toile. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to them.</p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOukFIHj9W9xDSi-55iKqyv0JGwuhRN_RVLdPYH1prxUzG7qHSt7WiJPNYGYjvCWVOUbSTyT5TkQtroF5SFJV25IP1RvOc5Kb0oW8DagiQZ58FUPEs6bnaIYxkIjWNjzLWFgUM47ao5ZD/s1600-h/handpaintedpaneling3.jpg"><img title="hand-painted-paneling" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="464" alt="hand-painted-paneling" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5kbJa5fI/AAAAAAAAAV8/J05blmLugVw/handpaintedpaneling_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" border="0" /></a> </p><br /><p align="center">Here, the painting was done directly over paneling. The element of texture that the panel grooves add to the composition is so unexpected and brings down the “stuffiness” factor in the room. </p><p><br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5k6oyGRI/AAAAAAAAAWA/03mBPrI_73o/s1600-h/michael%20smith%20zuber%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="michael smith zuber" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="484" alt="michael smith zuber" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5luASpFI/AAAAAAAAAWE/6wwJxSE_BG8/michael%20smith%20zuber_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" border="0" /></a> </p><br /><p align="center">A bedroom is also a good candidate for a scenic mural. Here, designer to the White House, and fellow Californian, Michael Smith uses a grisaille paper from Zuber in a small bedroom. The absence of color in the painting results in a backdrop that is more texture than pattern and, although it is a strong element in the room, it does not demand the spotlight.</p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9fm-Il1oO1Z1tvwJup7RntQxJtqjaWtXU6mAZn8MjEdqOvPRG56pq3QqOZQrZPLR_rHZOynbN2Tu4eEDjHgo1WPEnZBAsZMZfMCmjmG3IyDhCg9i5kNG_RnVDytIanfITUnxOYJS7DHT/s1600-h/four%20seasons%20maybe%20milan%5B6%5D.png"><img title="four seasons maybe milan" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="457" alt="four seasons maybe milan" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny5znh3QvI/AAAAAAAAAWM/vDEZCWsVnFw/four%20seasons%20maybe%20milan_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="655" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center">From the Four Seasons Hotel in Milan. Do you suppose the scene depicts the Italian countryside?</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwqqMx_Dscx4Rb2gZLwcAACW24EI2QLY17CsXWsIdqnf62gf1MEVpAe3h5RnIEbvPpJM3rae6ISddKK57aAfI5ijZjo6l_O9adgiIa8NJB2JcXvygE3uhPM8K2Leu_LEzVgEIICtPd-Dz/s1600-h/zuber%20Les%20Courses%20des%20Chevaux%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="zuber Les Courses des Chevaux" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="446" alt="zuber Les Courses des Chevaux" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny51vQ2ZgI/AAAAAAAAAWU/Y7AnwnsPB9I/zuber%20Les%20Courses%20des%20Chevaux_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="553" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center">“<em>Les Courses de Chevalier” </em>paper by Zuber. Instead of white or off-white below the chair rail, the designer elected to continue the grey tones down the wall. Grass cloth in a similar shade would work equally well as a wall treatment below the moulding.</p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny52yPdFaI/AAAAAAAAAWY/l-ncREzZlmY/s1600-h/deg8-their-website%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="deg8-their-website" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="533" alt="deg8-their-website" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny54H48OlI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Zp3x3nZXpe8/deg8-their-website_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">DeGournay</span></em></p><br /><p align="center">Scenic with a modern edge. </p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny55Q924iI/AAAAAAAAAWg/o6GIYZ4rLuY/s1600-h/de%20gournay%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="de gournay" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" height="398" alt="de gournay" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Vh8ZSYQmaA/Sny56rQJkuI/AAAAAAAAAWk/ZO5EfOMA-xc/de%20gournay_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="563" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">DeGournay</span></em></p><br /><p align="center">Here, a grisaille panorama goes tropical.</p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center">There are several manufacturers of beautiful hand painted panoramic wall papers that I know of. <a href="http://www.zuber.fr/default_zone/gb/html/page-24.html" target="_blank">Zuber</a>, <a href="http://www.degournay.com/finfo_dg.aspx" target="_blank">DeGournay</a> and <a href="http://www.paulmontgomery.com/portal/WallpaperCollections/EuropeanPanoramicCollection/EuropeanPanoramicGallery/tabid/74/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Paul Montgomery Studios</a> all have some beautiful offerings. I’m sure there are others. For wall murals, research decorative painters in your area. If you are a skilled DIY-er I found a company that sells stencil kits that look promising <a href="https://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/ultimate-mural-stencil-kit.html?category_id=1005" target="_blank">here</a>. I tend to try to do things myself, but I’m not sure that I’m talented enough to pull of a wall mural as beautiful as these. Then again, for the price, it might be worth a shot as the hand painted papers can cost a kings ransom. However they are done, these lovely scenes are a wonderful way to add classic beauty to any home.</p>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264169391239369637noreply@blogger.com7