A Passion For Home

The non-descript dining room...

More and more, I am finding myself drawn to dining rooms where the table is stained in one shade and the dining room chairs are stained in another shade.  One is darker than the other.

Like this dining room designed by Frank Babb Randolph, who happens to be the owner, and photographed by Kenneth M. Wyner

 

It was featured in Washington Spaces magazine Early Spring 2006 issue and a favorite inspirational photo of mine.  And for more full-size photos on Mr. Randolph's home, please see a blog entry from Things that Inspire from July 2009.  The photos will dazzle you.

 I find this neoclassical vignette to be architecturally appealing in so many ways.  From Washington Spaces Winter 2005 issue featuring the home of Fred Steckhahn (President of Niermann Weeks) and McKinley Williams.  

It was designed in collaboration with Bradshaw Orrell and photographed by Paul Burk.

My eye lands on the back of the chairs where they are covered in brown fabric and pairs nicely with the dark table.  

This dining room by Phoebe Howard shows a great contrast with nearly white chairs and a warm-toned table.

One of my many challenges in life is to think outside the box.  I am also learning that my desire yearns for less of a matched look.  

And this space also proves a less-matched look can be a wonderful thing.

By Caldwell-Beebe (a Virginia-based interior design firm I discovered via Things that Inspire), have inspired me with the above vignette by showing how chairs with a worn-look can complement a polished table and still look elegant.

This inspiration piece photographed by Lydia Cutter comes from Home & Design Magazine's recent issue showcasing U.S. Senator Kit Bond and Linda Bond's home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. According to the article, Mrs. Bond worked with the infamous Bethesda-based antique shop, Tone on Tone, well known for their collection of Swedish antiques, in furnishing their home.

Another great pairing of different types of wood finishes as well as stains.  

Speaking of Tone on Tone, here is a dining room of the shop owners home depicting great contrast between the chairs and table.

Photographed by Erik Johnson and featured on Traditional Home's website.
 

The reason I chose the title to this entry as "The non-descript dining room..." will explain itself when you see my photo of our very own dining room. 

The title describes the room very well.  A photo taken with my iPhone, I readily admit that there is no camera that can make this room look good in it's current state. 

It was 1990 when I discovered a Bernhardt ad in House Beautiful magazine that soon became my dream table.  

Twenty years later, it is time to update my dream table's appearance.  

With the photos and links I've shared as inspiration, my thought is to keep the chairs in their original state and provide depth by having the table refinished and stained a darker color.

The question is how dark to stain the table?

And so now, a new mission begins.

Prima Alpaca Textiles...

When it comes to Peru and textiles, my familiarity begins and ends with clothing from the Peruvian Connection and their catalog.  

Last Friday night, that changed.  I expanded my horizons having the opportunity to meet the very cordial Sandra Jordan, textile designer of the Prima Alpaca Collection.  

The fabrics have a sensual feel of cashmere and are capable of many things for our home, like drapery panels, upholstery, wall coverings and throws.  And pillows.

The line debuted in 2006 and is represented by Holly Hunt here in DC.  

To see how local designer, Mary Douglas Drysdale utilized these fabrics in her own home, please see tonight's blog post by Jennifer Sergent of DC by Design.  The drapery panels are exquisite.  With the upholstered sofa and throw pillows, it brings together a cozy and sophisticated look.  

I am pretty sensitive to fabrics and how some can make my skin itch.  Let's just say I now want to drape myself in Prima Alpaca fabric.  

Maybe while I am at it, I can drape a window or two and throw some Alpaca over the sofa.  

Federal style and stars...

There are a number of design elements I favor and stars are one of them.  It's a classic design and patriotic in a sense, if you think of our American flag.  Perhaps that is one reason you often see this design element in settings that represent a Federal style. 

Below represents patriotism and very Federal, indeed. 

Image from the Monticello Catalog

Just like this Federal Bulls Eye mirror from 1st Dibs.

 
The light finish is what I love most about this mirror.  And the detail and carved figures are exquisite.

Here's another Bulls Eye mirror from 1st Dibs with stars around the perimeter.

My attempt at incorporating a star-embellished mirror comes from Wisteria.

 
The photo is straight from my iPhone, so please excuse the lack of lighting and focus.  Seeing this mirror in the catalog, I knew it was something I wanted in order to add visual stimulation to our foyer.  That is not to say, though, it will remain in the foyer.  I'm always re-working and re-tooling spaces in our home. 

I also favor stars as a design element on floors and can't think of a better example to share than one designed by Mary Douglas Drysdale (if you click-on Ms. Drysdale's name, it will take you directly to the source of this photo) and the decorative painting by well-known artist, Tom Hickey and his company, Riding Tide Inc.

Notice the stars around the perimeter of another design on the bottom right-side of the photo.  Clean and classic.  It gives me a strong urge to strip our floors and stencil them in an attempt to achieve the same look. Actually, my husband would not be excited about stripping our floors right now but a girl can dream, right?

Speaking of dreaming, I discovered a beautiful and sophisticated mirror in a Flor catalog yesterday. 

 

Has anyone seen this mirror?  I plan to contact Flor and see if they can help provide a source.  It is a stunning mirror.  And I say this even though you cannot see it in it's entirety.  With gray walls, it stands out so nicely.  I can't stop thinking about it.

This mirror from Bee Line Home by Bunny Williams where stars decorate the inside of the frame.

I agree whole-heartedly with Bunny Williams when she says "one can never own too many mirrors". 

As for lighting, I enjoy seeing a unique design, a star being one of them.

 
Circa Lighting - Sofia Flush Mount

Designed by Alexa Hampton, it casts a delicate glow through the frosted glass with two 40 watt bulbs. 

This chandelier, designed by Eric Cohler, captures the design element on a ceiling plate. 

Circa Lighting - Venetian Chandelier

I admire a designer's ability to take something traditional and turn it into a modern classic.   

Even details like fabric star ornaments appeal to me.  Their shape provides another dimension my eyes very much enjoy.

How clever of Ms. Drysdale to include a star-shaped pillow on this bed. 

It's the little things that mean a lot in a home. 

Take a look at the pot holders hanging on the wall Ms. Drysdale designed for this kitchen.

 
Her attention to detail is second-to-none. 

You can read more about this Maine Beach House on Jennifer Sergent's DC by Design blog.  It's art for the eyes.

May you enjoy this visual journey into star-land and continue to stay inspired.

Horses in art form...

My experience with horses are pretty close to non-existent (I rode a horse once or twice in my lifetime) yet I find myself attracted to them in the art-sense.

Over the years, I have seen fine displays of horse sculptures and weathervanes in homes featured in various design books and magazines. 

The first time I took notice of this type of artwork were from homes designed by DC-based Interior Designer, Mary Douglas Drysdale. 

 

I have been a great admirer of Ms. Drysdale's work for many years.  When I read Decorati's recent interview with Ms. Drysdale, it reminded me not only how much I enjoy viewing the photos of her projects, it also reminded me how I love her use of horses in art form in a home.

 
 My eyes are drawn toward the pair of horse sculptures.

 
Not only does the rooster look quaint in this setting but the horse does too.

 
Such a unique horse sculpture in the vignette below.

 

All of the above photos are from Ms. Drysdale's portfolio on Decorati

The cover of Better Homes & Gardens Beautiful Interiors issue showcases a classic vignette by Ms. Drysdale.

I saved this special issue, not only for the inspirational photos in the magazine, but the cover captures the true essence of the neoclassic style I so much admire.

And the cover of Veranda from 1996 features more of Ms. Drysdale's work, including a horse statue on the mantle.

   
This is one of many design features by Ms. Drysdale I favor and will share more in future posts.

Meanwhile, I have discovered more inspiration and resources involving horse artwork.

Lori Graham, also a DC-based Interior Designer, presents great use of a horse sculpture among a chest, orchid plant and framed artwork, all capturing Asian charm in this lovely vignette.  I was unable to capture the photograph to share on this site, so please click this link to Ms. Graham's website to see it for yourself.

What a beautiful antique horse weathervane from 1st Dibs.  Ideal for a collector.

 
This framed artwork titled Neoclassical Cavallo Studies II is a reproduction by Domenico Marchetti, replicating a marble sculpture by Antonio Canova, a well-known Italian sculptor from the late 1700s and early 1800s.

The description on Design Toscano's website of this artwork says it well.  Fraught with incredible detail and form, the horses’ individually rippling muscles captured in historic pose are almost unparalleled.  To me, this affect resonates with architectural features I like in an urn, column or pediment but on a less-defined scale.  The edges and ripples are smooth and subtle.

A hand-carved horse such as the one offered by Restoration Hardware has remained in the back of my mind as a possibility for our home.

 
My home wishlist includes artwork depicting horses and now an urge to visit Middleburg and Upperville.  Sometimes you just never know where your inspiration will lead you.

A Passion for Interiors & Design...

I have been working diligently on the Interiors & Design portion of this site by adding and updating links to resources, websites and blogs that fill the void for me when I crave inspiration.

And I have also changed the domain of the blog to reflect my mood and where my mind is at, at the moment. It is called APassionForHome.com.

The reason I chose to start the title of this blog with "A Passion For..." when it began in 2005 was to encompass all the things I enjoy.  

This is not to say that I have given up on my other passions (papercrafting, photography & scrapbooking), I just have decided to give my primary interest in interiors and design a front seat.  

If Interiors & Design are of interest to you, please take a look at the updated page that will always remain a work-in-progress.   There's also a button at the top of the site as well as on the sidebar under "Our Home Thanks You".

And I thank you for visiting.

I'll leave you with a link to before & after inspiration from Willow Decor's latest home project, if you haven't seen it already.

Let's keep the inspiration circulating.

Billet Collins...

Artists in many forms are to be celebrated for their ability to take a blank canvas and turn it into a great work of art.  Their dedication and talent to bring delight to our eyes is a wonderful thing.

That can be said of Billet Collins, a decorative painting studio outside Washington, D.C.  

Custom wall finishes such as the fretwork you see in the above photo set the tone in a room.  I view this pattern as one that can be used in a classic setting as well as a modern one.   

Silhouettes are timeless and bring an elegant look to this powder room.  How the silhouette color plays off the mirror and wall sconces are oh-so-eye-catching.

Grasscloth walls are quite popular these days and this is a fine example paired with a decoratively painted ceiling.

Custom murals like this one truly amaze me.  It's so serene and beautiful.  All the photos above are a sampling of custom finishes Billet Collins offers.  

And the possibilities do not end with decorative walls.

Taking a chair and turning it into a magical piece of art.  The idea of painted fabrics never crossed my mind as a possibility for a home until I came across Billet Collins blog entry on this topic.

If you struggle in finding the ideal fabric for your home, consider having fabric painted to suit your needs.

Floorcloths are Billet Collins' specialty too.  Urns are one of my favorite design features, so obviously I am drawn to the above floorcloth.  Notice the "x" element too?  A great representation of neoclassicism, at it's best.

While on the subject of floors, Billet Collins truly left me speechless over their wood-painted floors.

The Octagonal Key pattern won Billet Collins a grand prize in a competition hosted by ASID.  It was a challenge trying to convince my husband that this is a painted floor.  The Greek Key pattern around the perimeter is another reason for me to love this floor.  It is lovely architecture for the floor.

Billet Collins painted this foyer, belonging to Skip Sroka, an Interior designer based in Washington, D.C. and published in Traditional Home in November 2004.  They certainly know how to make a foyer look spectacular.  

There is an article Billet Collins own Kellie Hodges contributed to and is featured on Southern Accents website, Steps to Beautifully Painted Floors.  If you want to try this project on your own or to see what's involved, the article defines the process.

Wait, there's more.

A hand wrought iron table hand finished in metal leaf.  This is an option to consider if you have metal furniture and want to change the tone or look.  

The great work of talented artists does not end with decorative art & interior design.  They are generous souls using their skills to offer decorative cards in support of Haiti.  

Not just for Valentine's Day but for any day of the year, these cards, inspired by a traditional Haitian symbol for love, are sold as a set of 6 for $10.  All proceeds go directly to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

Has your curiosity piqued about Billet Collins?  Along with their website and blog, they also post on their Fan page on Facebook.  Stay tuned for more as their future endeavors include paint recycling and decorative painting school.  

I am now headed to our foyer to dream of ideas to turn our hardwood floors into an architectural art piece.  

Beware, the inspiration is contagious!

Four chairs...

Spending much time at home these last few days has given me plenty of time to ponder and re-think how certain spaces in our home function, or the lack thereof.  

One space is our living room.  We spend a lot more time in our family room than we do in the space that is also designated for sitting and relaxing.  It does not give off the vibe of come sit down and take a load off. And let's have a conversation over coffee and dessert. Or I want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea here.

Those are examples of what I want our living room to convey.  When we moved into our current home 5 years ago, it was my intention to create this type of space.  I had it set in my mind that 4 chairs surrounding a round coffee table would present the ideal conversation pit.  

Here is a photo that represent what I am looking for.

Designed by Interior designer Henry Brown and featured in the October 2009 issue of Traditional Home magazine, this photo brought immediate delight to my eyes.  The caption reads "The living room's bar area is defined by an antique French frieze fragment repurposed as a mirror frame.  The radial arrangement of four wing chairs creates an instant coziness."  Instant coziness.  I like that.

The height of the table and chairs are dead-on in what I am seeking for a conversation pit.  And the nailhead trim underscores the perimeter with all the classic details I love about a wing chair.

As I searched the 'net for more inspiration, I discovered chairs featured in a space designed by Candice Olson on the Art Dreams Home website that also exhibit the ideal height and appearance of comfort I very much admire.

To me, the chairs give a lean-back-and-relax type of vibe.  Again, it is something I really like in a chair. Not too stiff yet welcoming and exudes comfort.

This environment reminds me of a grown-up version of a tea party.  Four chairs surrounding a table.  And if you were to take it to the same level as Mr. Brown did in the first photo by including a bar in the living room, you could serve a splash of martini instead of a spot of tea.

Here's the headline on the invitation "Martini Party at the Conversation Pit".  Truthfully, I envision many nights curled up in a chair with a cup of tea and a good design book.  

This is what makes home design so much fun.  Dreaming up ways to create the perfect environment in your home.  

Gray matter...

As a massive snowstorm was headed in our direction, I opted to visit Potomac Paint to purchase Benjamin Moore paint samples rather than go to the grocery store for bread and milk.  I viewed being snowed-in as a good opportunity to do things around the house.  If we get desperate for food, there are 2 bags of M&Ms I purchased at CVS.

Focusing on our guest bedroom, which happens to have a guest occupying it this weekend (my mom), is in need of work. The walls have not been painted since we moved-in 5 years ago and there is no cohesiveness to the space. 

Before I do anything else to this room, I want to select a wall color that is neutral and will complement a classical theme.  

I selected 3 paint samples and applied swatches of color on the wall.

They are Stonington Gray (top), Coventry Gray (middle) and Litchfield Gray (bottom). 

Currently, my eyes are landing on the bottom color, Litchfield Gray, which doesn't really look all that gray. It appears as a bit more on the beige side vs. gray.

The drapery panels you see in the photo will be replaced with something else.  

And the theme of the room will be neoclassical.

My inspiration is a room by Suzanne Kasler, which is also featured in her book, Inspired Interiors.

We have been pouring over this book all day for wall color inspiration.  What I have found is that Ms. Kasler is very generous with sharing wall color brands and names on many of the rooms featured in her book.  

If you want to see Ms. Kasler do her magic with color, check out the House Beautiful feature from March 2007.  Some of the photos were included in her book.  I love the pinks & oranges.

And after seeing Ms. Kasler's home featured in Benjamin Moore's Color 07 magazine, I have more wall colors to consider.  

With our guest room is an adjoining bathroom.  My thought is to go light on the walls in the bathroom, perhaps even taking the same wall color in the bedroom and going a few shades lighter.

When it comes to making decisions about colors, I am indecisive.  It's a lack of confidence kinda thing for me.  I realize it will be O.K. as wall color can easily be changed.  I just do not want to ask my guy to do it over again, so I want to get it right the first time.  

Going to the grocery store may have been an easier task than trying to decide on wall color.  Where are those M&Ms.

Intaglios, Part II

Thank you ever-so-graciously, Things that Inspire, for including our home's hallway in your post today featuring the latest from Quatrefoil Design. 

Inspiration is a great thing, which is why I love reading blogs.  And when resources are provided, that is the icing on the cake.  When I see a photo of a fabric or chair I admire, my next reaction is "where can I get it?" 

With Things that Inspire sharing her passions that include offering classic designs as wall art via Quatrefoil Design is a great thing.  The variations of frames, sizes and intaglios are what I found so appealing about their site.

If you are an admirer of intaglios, here are some of my favorite displays for inspiration:

From Virginia-based designer, Barry Dixon, his portfolio from a residence in Bethesda, Maryland includes a quaint display of intaglios.  A vignette I've long admired.  The combination of cream-colored intaglios with a brown background and gold frames give it such a warm feel.

Let me add that his design book, Barry Dixon Interiors is filled with incredible photos showcasing his projects over the years.  I refer to it over and over again, simply for the inspiration and enjoyment I receive taking-in all of Mr. Dixon's great work.

With intaglios, I like to see different types of groupings of artwork displayed, which I find so pleasing to my eyes.  This is a great example by Suzanne Kasler.  It looks as though the intaglios are outlined in a dark color.  This vignette is one of my favorites in her book, Inspired Interiors.

 Another great source of inspiration comes from Home & Design magazine's website.  Three Italian intaglios from Greek Mythology.  Barbara Hawthorn Interiors designed this lovely classic home. 

It's hard to see closely in the photo but it appears that the frames have a design element I am drawn to, and that is the 'x' embossed around the perimeter of the frame.  It is one of my very favorites.

I am very excited to have discovered Quatrefoil Design and very much look forward to building onto my collection of Joni's.  

And so the quest for the ideal nest continues!

Architectural models...

The rails, mouldings, the wood grain, it swirls, it turns, step-by-step.  This is one aspect of a love affair with architecture, where admiring such qualities of a staircase can simply sweep me off my feet, literally and figuratively speaking.

Fine craftmanship and architecture are evident in many-a-staircase and this applies to miniature ones too. I find them fascinating and love to see how they are displayed in homes, adding structurally-appealing works of art just as you would see in a statue or sculpture.

Examples can be seen on Interior Designer, Grant K. Gibson's website portfolio and blog.

 
My eyes are drawn to all architectural elements, including the greek keys.

Strategically placing a pair of architectural models, one on the window sill and one on the table.  It's like a vignette within a vignette.

Below is a fine example of an architectural model lamp. 

The above is Mr. Gibson's personal residence.  You can read more about it in a New York Times article featured late last year.  You can also learn more about this timeless and classic designer on The Skirted Roundtable's recent podcast.  His design style is one I identify with and I admire his ability to mix antiques, trade-only items and items from Target and Ballard Designs.  It's the best of everything!

As I delve into learning more about architectural models and staircases, I discovered more insight from reading a 2008 blog entry by a local DC designer, Raji Radhakrishnan.  I was intrigued by a collection of antique staircases that once belonged to Bill Blass, featured by Ms. Radhakrishnan.  Her perspective was very enlightening.  

There are several resources I've come across that offer architectural models and staircases.  The George Glazer Gallery offers a number of collectibles, including miniature spiral staircases. 

A small selection of staircase models are available on Amazon as well as a number of architectural models.

David Linley, whose craftmanship is breath-taking, to say the least, offers handsome architectural boxes and a replica of The Metropolitan Museum of Art which serves as a jewelry box.  Proceed with caution to Mr. Linley's website as the prices will make you blink.  It is worth a look though.

Browsing eBay, I found a number of collectible architectural models being offered at reasonable prices. 

Investment pieces, they are, where options are offered at 1stdibs.

Ballard Designs also offers 3 types of staircases.  The Arts & Crafts, Grand Staircase and the Lighthouse Steps.

I will now close this post by saving I now have an urge to visit Monticello.  And I hope you enjoyed the journey into decorative architectural miniatures as much as I did. 

Butterflies and a dining room...

One glance at these prints during a visit to The Nest Egg, I knew I liked them...a lot.

For 2 weeks I thought about them over and over again, wondering where I could hang them.

After seeking feedback on our dining room in a recent post, which I thank you ever-so-much, I realized perhaps these prints of butterflies might work.

I returned to The Nest Egg, where Elisabeth so kindly climbed a ladder in her lovely heels and grabbed the artwork high up on a wall in their shop and where got to home with 2 new butterfly prints.

Today, they were hung above our buffet. (Heeding your advice, I definitely need more color here...perhaps a flower arrangement?  And how about decorative plates on each side of the artwork?)

The prints are from a gallery, Soicher-Marin, which after looking at their collections, I have a wish list of stunning artwork to dream about.  

I also discovered Suzanne Kasler's collection of artwork exclusive to Soicher-Marin.  Some of my favorites include:

Seals with Shells (they remind me of Quatrefoil Design's framed intaglios, but with a twist)

Tuilleries A Paris

Ribbon Designs Circa 1850  

I may not have discovered Soicher-Marin and their plethora of artwork if it weren't for The Nest Egg, which is available at their fingertips. 

Our dining room, well, that space is a work-in-progress.  The idea of incorporating red accents as well as darker furniture appeal to me.  If I could, I'd replace our dining room table.  It's just not high on our priority list right now.  You are right though, I should consider staining it a darker color.  The tabletop definitely needs refinishing after 20 years of wear-and-tear.  

And what I am learning about artwork is how much of a personal reflection it is to one's home.

Around the house in macro format...

What can be more exciting than a new camera lens.  So I went around the house taking photos with a new Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS lens.  

My car keys were the first victim.

When I used the adjustments in my Aperture software to sharpen and edge sharpen the photo, there was no difference from the SOTC shot.

My next victim was the vase filled with wine & champagne corks.  

I am now realizing how much I love this lens.  The background blur is just lovely.  

The glass of red wine is next.  

The glass stands out and is the center of attention amongst all the electronic gadgets that you see in just about every household.

Up the stairs I went and entered the guest room where I just hung a new mirror I discovered at The Nest Egg.

Wow, the flash really brightened this photo.  I then decided to put the image stabilization to the test and see how the photo would turn out without flash.

The lack of lighting certainly creates ambiance.  

In my studio, I snapped a photo of a pair of wall shelves.

Then I decided to crop the photo, featuring only the urn filled with pencils.

Not bad.  Sometimes I find my photos get a little pixelated, depending how far I crop them.

I am a true novice when it comes to photography.  The journey, though, is quite exciting and intriguing. My wish is to take photos that pop as well as featuring photos on this site that capture your eyes.  

It's fun to share the story when you have pretty pictures along for the ride.  

Whine & dine...

Our dining room is dreary.  I have tried to work with our existing dining room table we've had for over 20 years (thank you, Bernhardt, for producing quality casegoods that withstand the test of time) and I am not satisfied.  

At the recommendation of a professional decorator, I purchased a mirrored buffet (photo is circa 2008...old chandelier & drapery panels are reflected in the mirror and a mirrored-piece on the top & center of the buffet is missing...it has since been replaced).  The bowl was a temporary accessory at the time I took the photo.

I'm not crazy about the mirror hanging above the buffet and need either a different type of mirror or artwork. What do you think?

We added brown velvet chairs to serve as host chairs and last year, I replaced the drapery panels with ready-made dupioni silk drapes.

My thought is to add roman shades and flank with the window with custom-made panels.  Then the question is, what type of fabric and color(s) should I consider?

This room is a part of a master plan I'm working for over the next 24 months.  

If you have thoughts, feedback and opinions to share, I welcome them with open arms.  

White Toast...

When reading blogs, I must proceed with caution.  All it took was a recommendation from Cote de Texas and I was hooked.  

Joni recommended the Cheese platter from Joanne Hudson by providing a link on her blog.  Of course I clicked onto the website and that is all she wrote.  Immediately, I was sucked into kitchenware wonderment and decided we needed new cereal bowls.

Thanks to White Toast's line of cereal bowls, I now have a stylish bowl to fill Rice Chex with each morning. It's not 'Vanilla Ice Cream' but it's the next best thing.  

I do not know anything about Emma Bridgewater from the U.K., but I now utilize her cereal bowls.  Just about anything in cream & beige speaks to me which is why her White Toast line appealed to me.

I am now saving my pennies for her pasta bowls.  

Washington Spaces - Winter 2010...

The economy is playing havoc on the publishing industry, in particular, magazines.  When Washington Spaces magazine announced late last year they were ceasing publication of their magazine, I was heartbroken.  As much as I love the internet, I prefer holding the magazine in my lap and perusing each page as I take-in all the design wonderment the photos have to offer.

My saving grace is that Washington Spaces magazine lives-on in web format for one more month.  And I happily discovered tonight their Winter 2010 issue online. 

It will make it easier for me to save images in my inspiration file I maintain in iPhoto.

Something that caught my eye in the Winter 2010 issue is the Home to Tradition article with a photo featuring the powder room in the photo gallery.

The scale of the mirror in comparison to the sink and cabinet is truly eye-catching.  I am in the habit of filling out the wall with a mirror according to the width of the cabinet/sink.  Although this may not be a new concept to an interior designer in terms of scaling down the size of the mirror, it is definitely new to me.  

Recently, I read where it was suggested to go tall with the mirror, nearly to ceiling height, for a different look.  I definitely want to give this a try.

The article on Make Space for What Matters has me intrigued by the closet with two different types of ceiling light fixtures.  I'm not sure if I like this or not but it certainly has me thinking outside the box.

Wined & Designed displays a wine cellar that is not pretentious or over-the-top.  Very practical for wine storage.  It is motivating me to go into our basement and clear out the storage closet to convert it into wine storage.

 

Then what would I do with my boxes of coffee mugs, stacks of puzzles or all those Beanie Babies I had to have?  It's a sad state of affairs in our basement storage closet.  So the idea of a wine storage closet is purely a dream at this point.

This is what I love about magazines.  The joy and inspiration I savor with every turn of the page.  I'm going to miss this magazine.

Forever Green Art...

It all began in 2002 when I read an article on preserved topiaries in the Home section of the Washington Post. The article featured a company by the name of Forever Green Art.  The photos with their preserved topiaries placed indoors and outdoors really captured the true essence of what I was seeking in achieving a timeless classic style in our home.

I selected a pair of Blue Point Junipers in urns where they flanked the staircase in our previous home. They survived a move and now sit happily in a guest room, helping to conceal empty space between the bed and console.  

 They remain healthy today as they did when I purchased them 8 years ago.

Only slight aging is noticeable.

They are maintenance-free and require no watering and sunlight.  For me, this is ideal as my responsibilities as a plant-owner are non-existant.  My mother takes pity on our plants whenever she visits. 

The label on the bottom of the urn indicates the juniper was planted in June 1998 and preserved in June 2002.  

As I was seeking updated information on Forever Green Art, I learned that Bellacor carries their line and are offering great deals at the moment.  

I try to tame myself when it comes to topiaries.  If I were to give-in to every topiary I admired, I'd have a museum dedicated to these luscious greens in our home by now.  

Do you need business cards???

CONGRATULATIONS, DENISE!!!

If you do, then you will want to enter this contest for a free set of 500 business cards sponsored by Overnight Prints.  They print business cards, postcards and more.

 

Although the holidays have come and gone, I'm thinking ahead to Christmas 2010 when it comes to gift-giving ideas as Overnight Prints also offers customized bookmarks.  How neat would it be to insert a bookmark that includes your favorite quote on a selected photo into a book as a gift.  Better yet, you could gift an address book that includes a bookmark with your contact details, particularly if you just moved.

A postcard featuring a favorite photo, like your new home, is another way to share that you've just moved. Postcards are also a nice alternative to invitations. Send a postcard of a photo of your favorite wine or bubbly and invite friends and family over for a celebration.  

As much as I love to make my own holiday greeting cards, I'm thinking I may like to send postcards next holiday season.  

The ideas are endless.  

A set of business cards always come in handy.  When I attend social events, I like to have cards handy to give out with my contact information.  It is always a joy to connect with folks, particularly if you share common interests.  

If you'd like to see what Overnight Prints is all about, start here by leaving a comment and I will select and announce one winner of a set of 500 business cards on Tuesday evening, January 13 (Thirteen is my lucky number, I hope it's yours too).  

Let the contest begin and good luck to all!

Missing in Action

I'd like to say that the holidays kept me busy, but it is not the case.

I have been puttering around the house, watching movies, keeping up with my Google reader (which is always a challenge with all of the inspiring blogs available to us) and nesting, plain and simple.

And our nest appreciates the much-needed attention. There are some projects on the horizon which of course gives plenty of opportunity to share and discuss here.

In the meantime, I share here the most adorable handmade Christmas card I received from a dear friend. This was a project in of itself, I'm sure.

I'd like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!