A Passion For Home

Raise the Roof...

CSN Stores, where you can not only find a bathroom sink, but many other household items including microwave popcorn poppers where two will be donated to the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter.

My hope is it will bring women and chilrden together for entertainment purposes, whether you are enjoying popcorn during a movie, outside playing or having a tea party that includes serving popcorn with the young ladies.

Since we moved to Loudoun County, Virginia five years ago, I decided I wanted to designate our charitable contributions toward a charity in our new hometown.  As I scoured the list of charities in our county, I came across Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter.  

So for the last 3 years, I have assigned a portion of my contribution through my employer's charitable program to this organization.  There are a number of reasons I chose this organization.  One reason I will share is that there are many women and children in need of guidance and assistance as they transition themselves to a new way of life.  Free of abuse in any shape or form.

Through technology (social media), my passion for blogs and home design, I discovered Paula Grace Designs.  What I found comforting is the fact that she resides in the same county as me and her interest and dedication to a worthwhile cause, the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter, is one that is dear to my heart as well.  It was such a coincidence that not only do we live nearby each other but that she she shares a passion for a cause that benefits women and children.  

Today, Paula Grace is helping to bring to our attention a gala event that will benefit the shelter, Raise the Roof.

Becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets to the gala event in October will help this shelter provide assistance and opportunities for women and children who want to begin new lives, free of abuse.

Whether you support the gala event by sponsoring, attending and/or spreading the word, it would mean a great deal to Paula Grace and the women and children of this shelter.

Let's Raise this Roof together. 

It's a bust...

During my visit to the DC Design House in April, I was drawn to many things including the guest room designed by Michael Hampton.  

 Michael Hampton Design

In the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to take our own guest room and create a neoclassical environment.  When I saw the framed vintage busts matted in linen, my heart palpitated with excitement. Ideas floating through my mind of what I could do with this artwork that would set-off a chain of events that are still coming together today.

Mr. Hampton was offering the grouping for sale once the DC Design House ended.  This grouping was too large for our guest room, so he kindly arranged to have a pair framed just like those on display in the design house.

I am overjoyed.  It now awaits my husband's skill at hanging artwork onto the walls of the guest bedroom.  

There are so many great things I am learning about Mr. Hampton, including his appreciation for architecture and wonderful artistic abilities.

Michael Hampton Design

His watercolors are a visional treat.  

For more visional treats from Mr. Hampton, check out the latest edition (July 2010) of Home and Design Magazine.  

The inspiration is ongoing and contagious! 

Guest Bedroom...A Work in Progress

Collaboration is something I like to do when it comes to our home.  I have an idea and direction I like to go in but it always helps when someone with knowledge and expertise to build-on those thoughts you have in mind.  

A perfect example is Aimee, owner of Valerianne (a local luxury linens shop in Vienna, Virginia...they are also on Facebook).  I presented to her my inspiration.

Traditional Home's May 2010 magazine cover.   

I was drawn to the simplicity and tailored style of this bed.  Aimee, an expert on bedrooms, bedding and linens, took one look and made some incredible recommendations for our guest room that houses a full-sized bed.  

Today, she personally delivered and unveiled these wonderful linens onto our guest bed. I'm ecstatic over how she brought together the tailored look I dreamed of.  My only request was for a theme that represents a neoclassical design aesthetic.  And she fulfilled that request.

I want to share the entire space but there remains a few tasks in need of completion.  

Meanwhile, here's a glimpse of the adjoining guest bath where we took down the towel bar I was not very fond of and replaced it with a wall shelf & towel bar.  

I love how this space is coming together and have a great desire to spend more time in this room myself.

My goal is to provide comfort and convenience to our guests.  This is one project I am enjoying each and every moment seeing it come to fruition.

I do have a question for those who take a moment to visit A Passion for Home, and that is as a guest, what do you like to be surrounded with and available at your fingertips?

My task now is to convince my husband how important it is to hang the curtain rod now rather than later. Perhaps I need a guest to visit to motivate him?

I'm sure many of you can relate.  :-)

The Santorini...

My connection to Atlanta when it comes to home design and furnishings is Things that Inspire.  I do not need to travel to Atlanta as Holly, author of Things that Inspire, are my eyes and ears.  I read about a great home element on her blog and the next thing you know, I am browsing faucets at Waterworks.  

Her business, Quatrefoil Design (which was just featured in Atlanta Magazine recently), introduced me to framed intaglios.  I now own 4 pieces, thanks to her blog and design site.  

Quite often she discusses design elements in a home, some of which I've never heard of.  I now have chevron floors

Image from Things that Inspire

 and an allée of trees on my dream home wish list.

Image from Things that Inspire

After collaborating back and forth with Holly about furniture and accessories, she introduced me to the Painted Edge line by The Gables Antiques in Atlanta.  

One glance at the Lido Desk and I was pining for a new home office.

I saw the Higgins Drinks Table while visiting Charlotte recently at a local design shop.  I am entranced by the shape of this table.

It was the Santorini Console that won me over.  

I had not seen it in person but I knew it was the ideal piece of furniture to place behind our sofa in the family room.

The one design element that attracted me to the Santorini Console are the 'x' shaped legs underneath the tabletop.  

It fills-up the back of the sofa with great shape and muscle, so-to-speak.

The finish met my expectations and then some. 

I studied the paint samples for severals days, placing them in the family room during daylight, sunset and evening.

The outcome exceeded my expectations.  And I couldn't be more content than I am today with this piece of furniture.  It's amazing what it can do to one's mood when you have achieved perfect harmony in your home.

It is with thanks to Holly who assisted me with this order from The Gables Antiques which included purchasing the sample finishes, placing the order and arranging delivery.  If you are interested in learning more about this line, please contact Holly at ThingsThatInspire@gmail.com.  

Once again I am very appreciative of blogs that inspire me, the camaraderie among the authors behind those blogs and the opportunity to own a piece of furniture made in the U.S.A.

Paul Robert chairs...

It began when friends introduced me to Peddler's Village in Bucks County, Pennsylvania last week. The area is quaint, charming and filled with a diverse group of boutiques.  

 

One new discovery we made while visiting Gracious Living (just outside of Peddler's Village) is a line of upholstered pieces by Paul Robert.  A friend was struck by this chair (in a different fabric) and it's ability to swivel. 

We thought for placement in the bedroom, it offers coziness and subtle movement when the mood strikes while you relax and/or read. 

Inspiration leads to research which is how I discovered Paul Robert's website offering all sorts of chairs with personality and structural appeal. 

Ottomans are another fascination of mine.  Particularly this one with the nailhead trim in a greek key pattern.

 
If your travels take you to Bucks County, an entire day (or more) can be spent at the Peddler's Village.

If you are passionate about home furnishings, Gracious Living (whose motto is 'Love Where you Live'...I like that) offers all sorts of visual delights.  It's tempting when they tell you that all their in-store merchandise is available for immediate delivery and they network for delivery and installation in Florida and beyond. 

If you are seeking upholstered furniture, Paul Robert is one to add to your list of possibilities.