Happy Landings

Often overlooked, landings can become a restful retreat. A special spot that to catch your breath, to settle in, to pause in a hectic day.

Speaking of. My breath actually caught at the above photo of a stunning Georgian landing by Barnes Vanze Architects Inc.. Graceful, comfortable,and oh so magnificent. I think could gaze at this photo all day.



Photo by Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Gloria Vanderbilt's lovely former home. Where Anderson Cooper grew up.

Photo by Jose Picayo for House Beautiful

What a stylish surprise. This is where I'd take my coffee. From the amazing home of William-Sonoma executives Patrick Wade and Dave DeMattei. The House Beautiful feature of their home is one of my all time favs. You can check it out HERE.

From our friend Pigtown Design. A while back she shared with us the beautiful and charming home she grew up in. What a lucky girl! Just the perfect perch for a young girl to get cozy with hot chocolate and a Nancy Drew mystery or two.

Wishing you all many happy landings this week as we head into the holiday season! Cheers.

Urban Country

Photography by Don Freeman for Country Living Oct. 2008

"Urban Country" the place where town and country meet. Must say its a very nice place indeed. Homeowner Monique Keegan rehabbed a 1924 Tudor in Ohio to spectacular results - in my book.

From the street. This home has such curb appeal.

Moody, slightly edgy with industrial touches throughout the home. Modern country just works.

What a great solution for those of us in older homes. Carving out space for storage and closets is always a challenge. I like how it is tackled here.

The former owners study with a large portion of original details in place.

The three year journey through the renovation process encouraged Keegan to begin her own design endeavour titled Enjoy Co. I for one can't wait to see more from her portfolio!

Through the looking glass...

Decor seen through the looking glass...

almost as magical as Alice and Wonderland itself.

A unique perspective adding a dreamy quality into the equation.

And what a bargain.

TWO beautiful views for the price of one.

Now that's my kind of deal!

Images #1, #4, #5 & #6 via Cote de Texas designer Micheal S. Smith last 3 photos

Image #2 via Stylecourt designer Nancy Goslee Power

Image #3 designer Jean-Louis Denoit

Mix and Match

Photos by Marion Brenner for House & Garden July 2004

Since our engagement last month, I have been forming a collection of differing white milk glass containers to use as table centerpieces for the wedding reception.

Mixing and matching compotes and vases for a vintage and eclectic look.

Mostly English hobnail pattern, some ruffled and some footed. Sharing a common thread but as individual as they can be.

Order up!

We at the tiny Tudor are almost ready to place an order for these cabinet latches. I think they suit the original cabinets we are keeping very well. I like the idea they are not in every kitchen. Outside the proverbial box.

These are great too. I must admit to being just a bit torn between the two.

They seem a good complement to the star of the kitchen. Our black and white vintage stove.

Both are reproductions of classic styles available at Van Dykes Restorers. A fabulous resource with an online catalog truly staggering with its huge array of items available for our shopping enjoyment.

Eat-in Kitchens

Photo by Tria Giovan for Southern Accents May/June 2008

A charm filled eat-in kitchen in the Baton Rouge garden district home of designer Carl Palasota beckons to me. The painted wooden floors, decoupaged botanicals and a lovely antique chair pulled out just waiting for me to sit down to breakfast.

Photo via House Beautiful website.

Remember when I posted about this striking black and white eat-in kitchen. Apparently it captured the attention of the talented Fifi Flowers. And behold her creation - a wonderful artistic rendering. LOVE it! And I almost missed it in the busy fog I've been in. (FYI there are many posts half formed in my minds eye, stay tuned) That would have been a shame.

Photo by Nicholas Ruel for Elegant Homes Fall/Winter 2008

And the sophisticated eat-in kitchen in this Montreal home is every bit of elegant. The coffered ceiling is a favorite of mine and the floors are worth admiration as well.

Dreamy Dress

If it were to be a winter wedding and if I hadn't already bought a dress. THIS would be the one! Its true vintage glamour and if you hurry it can still be yours. Bidding will conclude in about 6 hours. Get it HERE.