A Reader's Home & Treasure of Landscape and Chinoiserie MuralsThis is the kind of email that for me, as a blogger, is so exciting to receive. In response to my recent post on windowless dining rooms, I was contacted by a reader about the landscape scenes painted in her historic Woodstock, VA home built in 1796. Winnie, the homeowner, commissioned artist Virgin…
PETA May Not Approve . . .But cowhide rugs are everywhere. I really like the look of them. I just can't decide if I'd like one in my house.They seem to look best in light and airy interiors, which I love, but unfortunately don't have.Maybe if I lived in California. And had cool wide plank floors like these. Why am I thinking…
A Little London LoftI've had these photos of the Loft Suite at Covent Garden Hotel, London floating around in my inspiration file and thought it was finally time to post them. I like the simple furnishings and the contrast between the open space and the more intimate space tucked in under the bedroom loft above. A hug…
Solution for a Windowless Dining RoomEarlier in the month I had wrote about my dilemma in decorating my small, windowless dining room that now functions more as a pass-thru than a dining room. I received so many terrific ideas comments - thank you. Prompted by a suggestion from Beth of Chinoiserie Chic, I've been giving alot of thought…
Before and AfterI don't have too many great "before and after" photos of design projects for a couple of reasons. 1. I haven't redone a whole lot of stuff. 2. More importantly, I forget to take "before" photos thus lessening the "ooh and ahh" effect. Because seriously, who cares what something looks like now if …
Jennifer Sergent's DC by Design!I was a big fan of Jennifer Sergent's work as Senior Editor at the recently closed Washington Spaces and am so happy to hear she has launched DC by Design! Love Jennifer's description - "I'm a design writer and blogger, recovering from almost 20 years in mainstream journalism..."DC needs dedicated …
California Dreamin' . . .I don't know about you, but the weather is getting me down. First we had the arctic blast a couple of weeks ago, now there are tornadoes in the forecast. And the utter and complete devastation in Haiti is horrific and almost unimaginable.At times like these, I could use some diversions. Ornamental…
Big Window Challenge = Eddie Ross Room LoveHip, layered and fearless, Eddie Ross's design for Elle Decor's entry in the Big Window Challenge is a joyful celebration of the power of a room to make you feel happy and optimistic! Why play it safe when you can envelop a room in a vibrant blue splattered print and ground it with beautiful blue ce…
Fireplaces in KitchensIf I was building a dream house, a fireplace in the kitchen would be near the top of my wish list. This kitchen of Canadian designer Brian Gluckstein is my all time favorite. I love the elevated placement of the fireplace surrounded by the beautiful dark wood cabinets and woodwork. Off the the left,…
You Zig and I'll ZagConfession: I love zigzags.Some refer to it as a chevron pattern (chevron is basically a fancy term for the "V" shape). Whatever you call it, I like it. And would like some in my home please.I'm loving these Schumacher chevron pillows from Plum Cushion on Etsy.But where, oh where, should I put them?…
I Spy: Coincidence or Styling?Leafing through the March issue of Traditional Home, I noticed these light blue bottles in the room designed by Ruthie Sommers. Pretty and fresh, I think they look great as part of the tablescape. (photography by Grey Crawford) Ten pages later I noticed the same light blue vases on the mantle of th…
Traditional Home Honors Paul Corrie & Chance to Win A Room DesignD.C. designer Paul Corrie has been named as one of Traditional Home's 20 Young Designers to Watch. Paul was also one of two designer's to be cited in the opening paragraph of the article, "...to the neutral but nuanced urban interiors of Washington, D.C.'s Paul Corrie..." Congratulations to Paul fo…
