Please Say Hello To My New Design Assistant, D.D.

Hi everyone, this is my new design assistant D.D. First name Dammit, last name Doll. She was introduced to me yesterday by a client. My most challenging client- ever. We just wrapped a 14 month project last week.

This is D.D. and according to her resume,
she is willing to take anything me or my clients can dish out!

There were head banging days. There were days when I wanted to pull my hair out- and the client's too! I have never worked harder and longer on any project. But, I'm happy to say all has ended well and the results are really beautiful, the clients are thrilled and I am so proud of the work.


Flowers for the photo shoot.

 I'm still exhaused from the 3 day installation and photo shoot, but look forward to sharing some photos with you all soon and to getting back in the saddle with blogging.

So much photography equipment! Sorry for the blurry picture, it's from my i-phone.
 This is the back of one of the sofas with it's beautiful velvet band and nailhead detail.


On a side note, I wanted to pass along a huge thank you to everyone who commented on the Blogger SPAM issues from the previous post- I think everyone's candidness was so beneficial to all, especially me!

Help! What to do about...

I'm drowning in SPAM. With my blog postings more infrequent, it seems the the amount of SPAM is on the rise.

My first year of blogging, a fellow blogger told me to put comments on a 3 day moderation cycle. Since I allow anonymous comments, this worked like a charm, until lately.

Now I get so much SPAM dumped in my in box everyday. It can be as many as 70 comments a week to the point unless I recognize the name, I usually have no choice but to delete it from my blog and my email. As a result, I've put some emails in the SPAM folder that were important. Oh, there's lots of variety to choose from, much of it down right weird and creepy. Unfortunately, I've dumped some legitimate emails- and for that, I apologize!

So do I stop taking anonymous comments, moderate comments daily, or add the word verification- which I know drives everyone nuts, me included? I need some advice and are any of you experiencing the same thing?


HELP!!!

Happy Easter!

On the mantle: alabaster eggs in pewter egg cups. The bunny is cement and cast from a chocolate mold!



Eggs and bunnies- essential Easter decor! 





This pewter bunny was found at an antiques show years ago.

 On the foyer table: miniature orange roses- a bit unconventional for Easter, but why not?

A quick picture from my i-phone before we sat down to early breakfast of strata, potato latkes, blackberry muffins, fresh berries and of course candy! It seems it was so early I didn't press the napkins or even get the flatware quite right?
Better get another pot of coffee going....

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Gushing Over Green!

While I normally don't care what the " in" color is for any given year,  I must admit to being quite smitten, once again, with emerald green. I'm sure there has already been a deluge of posts done about the "color of the year", but since life and work has kept me away from blogging, I just couldn't resist.  If for no other reason than to be able to refer back to these gorgeous images often!

When I was about 8 years old I was given an emerald green long robe that looked like velvet, though I am quite certain  wasn't. It had a row of gold buttons with green satin loop fasteners that went half way down the front- much like the buttons often found on the back of a wedding dress. It was a total pain to pull the robe over my head and fasten each button, and the static electricity that ensued was a sight to behold on my very long hair, but I loved that robe. It was the first time I can recall feeling glamorous.

This dress  by Ralph Lauren and is very similar in style to a dress I wore to a high school Winter Ball.  Of course the neckline was not plunging and it was definitely not satin! Mine had a matching shrug (only it wasn't called that in the 70's?) with bell sleeves with a little lettuce ruffle. This would be the glamorous grown-up version.



These earrings, from Christies, are among the most beautiful earrings I have ever seen!
 I would wear these with the Ralph Lauren dress.

Occasionally I will meet someone who says they don't like green! It always takes me by surprise that anyone can dislike a color so prominent in nature? I think so often it's more about a particular shade of green. But if it so happens you're having a little emerald envy, like me,  here's a sampling of my fantasy shopping!


Jump in,  it's going to be a beautiful ride...


I'm not a big sports car enthusiest, but the color could persuade me otherwise. However, a green SUV would make me dance a little jig- putting it on the list for my next one!

I'm am obsessed with green barns now and could devote an entire post to them!

E-bay find-  OZ for your tabletop!

Williams-Sonoma Home. The little green faux shagreen box now sits on a table at my house!



Actress Kate Bosworth. Dress designer unknown.

An emerald cut emerald, doesn't every woman want one?



Kelly Wearstler. In real life I could only handle one wall of this tile.

I've had this saved for so long- anyone know who to give design credit?

Not exactly in the emerald category, but I think I could make it work!

Tory Burch. I think I will always be in love with her living room, especially the upholstered walls!



Beacon Hill

Frank Webb

I really, really want this console.  More than the Porsche-way more!


Oh, and Happy St. Patrick's Day too!

Heartfelt

A heartfelt thank you for reading A&A.


Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Tuesday Tip

Who doesn't love a box of fine chocolate's for Valentine's Day, but there are plenty of less expensive ways to say I love you...

Whip up a batch of brownies then cut them out with a heart shaped cookie cutter. Especially fun for kids- of all ages!

Maybe your loved one would like a little peanut butter (from Reese's) with their chocolate?

Krispy Kreme- certainly not a heart healthy breakfast, but...

add a glass of milk and heartfelt sentiment, what's not to love?

As you can see, we're all sugared up at the A&A house!

Red Hot!



Foyer by Alessandra Branca



I think red is such a tricky color to work with on interior rooms. Done right it can be warm & inviting, sexy & glamorous and of course classic. Done poorly, it can look cheap and harsh. The client I've been working with for the past year LOVES red. It's never been at the top of my list of favorite colors, but I thought I'd share some imagines that I've looked to for inspiration during our collaboration. It's hard not to be a little smitten, and what better time to review them since Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

Attic Magazine.
Designer unknown, but I sure would like to know who brilliantly combined red, pink and purple!

Alessandra Branca. Red is her signature color and she always gets it right.



Joe Nye. Gracie wallpaper in red. Swoon.



Unknown source. Fun and vibrant for those who love modern.



Mary McDonald. Never one to shy away from bold color and patterns.



Nuevo Estilo via La Lamp.
 One of my favorite chair styles taken to a whole new level with red velvet only an accent., but still the star of this dining room.



Celerie Kemble. Again just a few hits of red.



Another cozy room by Alessandra Branca showcasing her signature red lamp shades that she incorporates in nearly every one of her rooms!



I proclaimed my love for Tommy last February, but can it hurt to do it twice? I don't think so!



A Lovely room from Cottage Living, if only we could get the kid out of it!!!