Charleston Courtyard Goodness

Sometimes you come across an image and think this should be in a magazine. That's how I felt about designer Amy Vermillion's pictures of Charleston courtyards - the first of which is from her client's historic Charleston Battery home.  I immediately added them to my Pinterest Outdoors/exteriors board but then had to share them here.  Hope you have a great weekend.  More from Amy Vermillion's blog here

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and here.

Tom Scheerer Decorates: You'll Want This!

Whenever a designer whose work has graced the pages of major shelter magazines issues a book, you always wonder - will I really be seeing anything I haven't seen before?  When Vendome Press offered me the chance to review Tom Scheerer Decorates,  I jumped at the chance to find out.  Well the good news is, you will.  Even with the homes that I recognized, there were different shots and new rooms that give you so much more than you've seen previously. 

The book is divided into 3 major sections:  City, Country and Tropics. Each is full of large, lush photos by Francesco Lagnese capturing all the elegant, livable chicness Scheerer is known for. 

Mimi Read's narration gives you a real sense of Scheerer's approach and the reasoning behind his choices.  And, isn't that what were looking for from a book like this - a glimpse into the creative process of such a talented designer?

I had mentioned Scheerer's upcoming book in a post back in July and am so happy now to have it in my collection.  An added bonus, the under-the-cover of this book is fabulous. The caning design is even slightly textured!      Tom Scheerer Decorates

Mix Master

Today I'm blogging over at Interior Canvas discussing the often perplexing topic of mixing patterns successfully. While there are no hard and fast rules, so to speak, there are some guidelines that I feel are helpful when approaching multiple patterns in a space.

 

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So please head over to Interior Canvas and check out my tips for becoming a mix master. I've been so busy blogging for others that I've kind of neglected this here blog. Sorry about that. 

Speaking of "mixing," I love adding in unexpected elements in my own home. In my case, this means a lot of vintage pieces that add those all important layers in a space. Some recent finds that will make an appearance in my house soon (somewhere . . . finding the perfect spot is part of the fun) . . . 

A couple of brass lotus candle holders that I would like to convert into pendant lights, like so  (although mine are a lot smaller) . . . 

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And another recent vintage find that I love, however quirky it may be, is a camel saddle . . . 

I've often spied these on eBay or Etsy but have never found one in good enough shape (with all the brass embellishments in place) to buy until now. The leather on this one is very scuffed and rough, but I love the character it provides. I think these are great as little footstools or benches or just to set some books on, like so . . . 

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I've got more family coming in town tomorrow but hope to hit an estate sale or two before it gets too busy. If I don't make it back before the weekend, have a great one!

Guest Pimpin

Today you can find me over at The Green Room Interiors sharing my mood board visions as part of Kim's "Pimp My Dollhouse" series. If you're not familiar, Kim has amazing style and a great little house (that she refers to as her dollhouse) that she's been slowly but surely outfitting in glorious fashion. However, her living room and dining room are the last to feel the love so she's asked some blogger/decorator friends to provide some inspiration. Here are the pieces she requested we work into her designs . . .

She said not to worry about a budget (what a dream) as she's a superior shopper and can definitely find the look for less. I had such fun working on these spaces, so please go check it out here. 

And if you'd like some mood boards for your own spaces (or other decorating services), please shoot me an email. 

What About Raffia Instead?

Grasscloth is popular and you see alot of it - but imagine these two spaces without the raffia wall covering.  It would certainly be nice but not quite the same look.  I think that since raffia has both vertical and horizontal texture the look is even warmer and more enveloping.  (room above by Eric Cohler)

From the home of Dave DeMattei and Patrick Wade via House Beautiful here, photography by Jose Picayo


The raffia that Eric Cohler used was Phillip Jeffries, African Raffia Capri Natural (here).  They also offer some amazing raffia's with a metallic finish and with stripes.  In general,  I think raffia would take stenciling very well too.

Besides well known wallcovering suppliers, you can find raffia from craft supply stores in a variety of widths - nice and cost effective if you're considering backing bookcases or covering a piece of furniture with it. The fine woven raffia cloth above is from Cane and Basket 




These fabrics are from Franks Supply here.  Notice the second fabric comes with the option of backing.  I did read that's important  for ease of hanging on walls.

My bed's headboard is upholstered in a raffia fabric.  Do you have any raffia in your house?

A 40++ Year Tradition

For 40+ years my Dad, my Uncle Don and their childhood friend Ray have been driving from NY, CT and RI to meet-up at one of the most beautiful racetracks, Saratoga, for an early round of golf and a day at the track.  How did these three kids from the triple-decker houses of Providence learn to golf?  By catching multiple buses to the country club where they caddied.  The affinity for horse gambling?  Natural inclination :)

It's always a one-day trip up early in the morning and back home late in the night.  There's routines and rituals - the same places for lunch (always take-out sandwiches) and dinner every year.  They still talk about "the year" when they went to their lunch spot only to find it had closed!  

Bob and Ray - If you knew them you'd agree that this picture  captures the essence of their 70+ year friendship, independent and connected.

The ritual now spans three generations.  This year's trip had a total of 11.  Here's two younger generations heading out with the coolers and gear for the day in tow.

While it's true that time marches on and things are always changing, some things do stay the same.  That's something Bob, Don and Ray know a little bit about.

The Gardens of Twickenham, Huntsville!

Picking up from last week's post on the home, here's a glimpse at the gardens and landscaping of Twickenham.

I took this brick and stone "window" and the white stones creating a path as an invitation to peek.  Would you?

Formal layout with beautiful planters.

Wish I could trespassed have taken a closer look at that sculpture!

While there were occasional flowers, one thing I noticed was that the landscapes took full advantage of all kinds of green foliage to create interest.

Another peek - I prefer these two moody pics to the one that was eventually in focus.

Small notes of color.  Notice how the gate is set-back from the sidewalk to allow for plantings between.

Another smart set-back of pavers to create a more formal, dramatic entrance to the home.

More sweeping curves

Incredible gate!

A good o'l tree swing!

If you're ever in Rocket City (Huntsville) don't be fooled by it's modern focus on space and flight - be sure to head to Twickenham for a true treat of antebellum architecture!