Reflections

Photo via Elle Decor Aug. 2003

Reflections. Of the year behind us and where we are going. Some, like to make a resolution or maybe a few to ring in the New Year. I prefer to take stock and reflect. Do some tweaking. You know- the old attitude adjustment. Its a good time for change. Even an innately positive person can slip a bit. Negativity can just creep up on you.

via La Dolce Vita

Behold the new mission statement around here. "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." Thank you Thoreau (and La Dolce Vita ). It resonates with me. It's really ALL about perspective. Quite a mantra for 2009. Happy New Year!

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.

Sunny Weekend.

Image from Mary Engelbright's Home Companion July 2008

Wishing the rain would go away on this gloomy Friday! The cheery above photo is from Mary Engelbright's Home Companion and in fact, is of Mary's own home. Loving the summery citrus tones she chose. And I'll take 4 of those charmingly chipped vintage metal chairs. Please. And throw in the oversize floral painting and needlepoint pillow while you're at it. Have a great weekend.

All the Comforts of Home

Photo by Chipper Hatter for Elegant Homes Fall/Winter 2008

Houston's Pink Ribbon Showhouse is the brainchild of Patti Barnett, the talented designer of this understatedly elegant abode. It is certainly full of charming details similar to those we are incorporating into the remodel.

Exhibit A: The soaring library...

Exhibit B : Beams, of course! (And a mirrored former window, that is in the works too.)

Exhibit C : Is for cast-iron tub. Similar to our latest bathroom acquisition.

Without a doubt "All the comforts of Home"!

Red letter date

Couldn't wait to share our good news. Over an impromptu Monday night dinner at our favorite local restaurant, the Liberty Bar (our Volkswagen Easter Post). LondonHim popped "The Question". Completely surprising me into speechlessness. I believe I just shook my head in the affirmative- a lot. LH says he has been hunting just the right ring for a year. Apparently my engagement ring has been hanging out on the top shelf of our pantry for a month or so. Why the top shelf, you ask? Because shorty can't reach.

New Source: Urban Archeology

photo via House Beautiful February 2007

This photo from the House Beautiful website of a wonderfully white Massachusetts kitchen, sparked an interest in those unusual sconces. Leading to my discovery of Urban Archaeology the maker of that striking pair of lights chosen for this space by designer Judith Barrett.

Here are just a few of my favorites from Urban Archeology's online catalogue:

The hanging version of the sconces I fell so hard for.

The last two are budget busters (for me anyway). But a girl can dream...

In the Pink

Photography by Andrew Bordwin for House & Garden July 2006

Fresh from the inspiration archives. I had this article marked for master bathroom inspiration. This July 2006 spread from House & Garden by Damaris Colhoun features the Berkshire home of Pine Cone Hill, Potluck Studios (tableware) and Dash & Albert (my favorite rug company) proprietress Annie Selkie. I couldn't resist sharing some more pictures from the warmly elegant home. Enjoy.

Love the tones of pink and sages and blues. It makes for a serene yet cheerful mix.

This is "THE" bathroom !
Such a gentle, peaceful and magical home. Completely inspiring home and a successful entrepreneur to boot. Annie Selkie seems to me to be very much "in the pink".

The One that got away.

I totally dropped the ball on this one. Missed out on this one of a kind stunner from my favorite ebay vintage fixture importer/vendor! The awesome empire chandelier would have been so perfect over the dining table- you have no idea. In the immortal words of Winnie the Pooh, "Oh, Bother."