Extraordinary Home: Part 2

There is so much to share from this home and the gardens that I plan to do it in installments. I think of this house like a wonderful confection - to be savored a bit at a time. At this welcoming back entry you are greeted by a pink heart enscribed with the word Love. The door is wonderfully framed by the shutters and the arch.
Umbrellas and hats to your right...
and croquet mallets and jump ropes to your left!

A kitchen counterscape of lovely things.
The gorgeous porcelain box holds tea.
A microwave and wall oven marries with the art on this wall.
I really fell for these beautiful seascapes by artist Radford Wine.
Collected treasures on a gorgeous wood desk.
The faux bois piece was the owned by the late Bill Blass.
More whimsy; a little modern blue chair sized just right for a grandchild.

The view from the upstairs to the main entry. Light and fresh even on what was a very overcast day. Notice the two croquet mallets here too.
A bookscape of pink and orange, arranged almost as a present. More to follow in the coming weeks from this original home.

Sneak Peek into an Extraordinary Home!

What happens when an extraordinary person whose creativity and tremendous joy for living is expressed in her home? Well, yesterday I had the pleasure of finding out when I of visited one of the most beautiful and unique homes I have ever seen! Here's just a sneak peak to start with.
Above, lions from Beacon Hill standing guard at this writing desk filled with mementos and treasures.
A pink glass ball, just so, setting off this gorgeous blue and cream striped sofa. I didn't notice it the first time I entered the room so it was unexpected fun to come across it the second time.

Hats on chairs remind the cats where to sit and where not to. Philippe Starck - yes, Queen Anne chair - no. Come back tomorrow for more of this whimsical and joyful home - there is so much more beauty to share. And, thank you to Wanda Crossley of Matthews House & Garden and to the wonderful homeowner for sharing it all with me! It was a privilege.

Chair Envy

I know it's a sin to covet. I was raised Catholic, I know my 10 Commandments. 

But, oh, how I covet my friend Becky's new (old) chair. It is so cool. I love its unique shape.

What makes it even harder? She found this chair today while we were shopping together. We had hit a local school's yard sale and had barely been there five minutes when she spotted this chair and decided she needed it. I agreed immediately. If she didn't get it, I would have. Other women there were eyeballing it, but Becky got it - fair and square - for $50! In the world of treasure-hunting, you've got to be fast and fierce. As the saying goes, you snooze, you lose.

Within seconds, I knew where I had seen this same style of chair before . . .

One of my favorite interior designers, Celerie Kemble, featured a pair of these chairs on the cover of her book To Your Taste. When I made this realization, I was even a little more jealous.

After the chair was safely in the car, we made our way to a fabric store to check out re-upholstery options. We found a great little suzani print with vibrant colors that I think will really make her chair pop. Here's the tiny swatch they gave her.

Once she gets it reupholstered, I'll be sure to share an after photo. I just know it will be fabulous.

So, what do you think? Are you as jealous of her find as I am? And I'm not usually the jealous type. I threatened to steal the chair, but I only live a few houses away so I feel sure she'd find it rather quickly.  I guess visiting it from time to time will have to suffice. Sigh. 

Reader Request: Ferrules

A reader was interested to know what was the official name for those metal furniture end caps. She's interested in adding some to her furniture and had only been able to find the type with caster wheels. This was a mutual interest for both of us because I'm missing one on my desk that I found via a post by Domicidal Maniac. Here's a pic of a leg with one - before refinishing.

Well after a bit of research I found out what designers probably already know - it turns out they're called ferrules. These examples are from Paxton Hardware if you happen to be in search of some, although I'm sure other companies carry them. Paxton has an informative guide for measuring the size you need here.

I think ferrules give a nice finishing touch to certain types of furniture. Love them on this Sasha side table by Alexa Hampton for Hickory Chair.
On another note, don't forget to plan on going to the DC Design House which is taking place April 10 - May 9th. I've heard from a reliable source that it's going to be terrific!

Ladies Only

I picked up a great piece of artwork over the weekend. It was on sale. Seriously, art on sale. What could be better?

It's a fairly small piece, just a canvas (I might frame it later), so I've been moving it around and propping it up in different spots. Still not sure where it will land, but probably in my bedroom. It's titled "A Day at the Spa." I could use one of those.

Art is such a visceral thing. Either you're drawn to a certain piece or you're not. Some people love landscapes, others favor abstracts (which I also love, by the way). For me, it's always been art with a particular subject that pulls me in time and again.

Here's some more art from around our house. See if you can detect a theme. Don't worry, it's not a test. And if it were, it would be super easy.

This was one of the first pieces of original art my husband and I purchased many years ago. I think it's titled "Old-Fashioned Girl."

A couple of years later, we picked up this feminine thinker at a local art show for a really good price.

And recently, this lovely lady came home with me from an antique mall for just $40. I love her expression -- very Peyton Place -- and her peacock blue dress. You may remember her from this post.

So, have you figured it out yet? I swear I'm not gay (not that there's anything wrong with that), but I keep picking artwork featuring women. At least they're not nudes. Although that would probably make my husband happy. 

Is there a particular type of art that you're drawn to?

Room Envy: Light & Dark

Love the contrast here in this bedroom designed by Sara Scaglione - even though it's dark and light the room still feels quiet and relaxed. Sara also happens to be the owner of Shabby Slips in Austin and Houston.

Hope you're having a great week - TGIt' almost F! Is it too soon to say that on a Wednesday?

(Image via House Beautiful, photography by Luca Trovato)

DC Designer Series: Barbara Franceski

The other week while attending the Washington Design Center's Ones to Watch Awards, the portfolio of Barbara Franceski, one of the nominees, really caught me eye. I like the interesting, layered interiors she creates. Comfortable and inviting but with a bit of the unexpected added in - whether it's a bit glam & glitter, an interesting accent piece or an oversized pattern.
Love the fresh spring green accent pillows in this room and the repetition of the oversized nail head trim.

Great pattern!


A bit of whimsy - often reserved for bedrooms this wire model looks terrific here (which I think is in the main living area of the home)
Love Barbara's solution for those very tall windows - it adds to the comfortable scale of the seating area.
What can you say - this is a terrific bedroom! Love how the upholstered element continues from the headboard through the base of the bed.

If you're interested in seeing Barbara's work in person, there's good news. She'll be creating a guest sitting room in the upcoming DC Design House. In a recent email, Barbara mentioned the window treatments have been installed and the furniture and artwork are about to be installed. Really looking forward to it! In the meantime, if you'd like to see more of Barbara's work, you'll find her porfolio here.
(photography by Gunnar Westerlind or Barbara Franceski)

Thomas O'Brien's New Book

Has anyone had a chance to read Thomas O'Brien's new book American Modern?  I just ordered a copy and am hoping it arrives by Saturday's mail. Canadian House and Home featured O'Brien's apartment in their April 2010 issue and some of those images are available on their web site.

Hope you have a great weekend!



(Images from American Modern via Canadian House and Home)

I Spy . . .

With my little eye, something in my house . . . 

That bears a striking resemblance to this . . . 

This is "The Best" list from the April issue of House Beautiful.

I was a bit taken aback that the humble little rug that sits in front of my sink is mentioned in one of my favorite magazines, House Beautiful.

According to HB, "the ancient tradition of Shyrdak rugs -- handcrafted from felt -- dates back centuries, to nomadic yurts in Kyrgyzstan." 

I'm assuming that what I have is also a Shyrdak rug. If not, maybe it's just a distant cousin. Here's the illustrious history of my particular rug, as I know it. My dad went on one of his mountain-climbing trips (he started this particular hobby when I was 12) to Mongolia years ago and purchased two of these small rugs as well as a large wall-hanging. He believes he may have paid $10 for each rug. That's quite a bargain considering the one listed in HB was $500 (of course, the flight over there and back probably cost a bit). The rugs gathered dust in my parents' spare room until I rescued the one above from obscurity several months ago and brought it into its current incarnation -- as a kitchen rug.

Now, I realize Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan are not the same country but they're pretty close (I looked it up), and apparently in Mongolia they live in gers instead of yurts, but close enough (they're both tents basically).

Whatever it's called, I love my soft felt rug with the fun pattern. I'm glad House Beautiful agrees. Thanks, Dad . . . you predicted a trend years in advance!

Sources: MIL, House Beautiful, www.shyrdak-felt-rugs.com