A&A, Explain That Name?

This probably should have been my very post and I intended to do this long ago, but never quite finished it.  Why did I choose this blog name and what does it mean, if anything? This is probably the question I get asked most from fellow bloggers and readers. So finally an explanation to anyone who has inquired or been curious! The basic premise behind the name is that it combines of my love of architecture and nature.


Scrolling Acanthus Leaf Motif

 
Acanthus: The first time I remember the Acanthus leaf registering on my radar is when I traveled to Europe in my twenties. Italy to be specific. They are such a prevalent motif in design, but especially in Italian and French architecture. Most of us are familiar with the famous William Morris design.  


Classic architectural details via Trouvais 

  


Iconic William Morris wallpaper

 


Live Acanthus Leaf


I would guess for most it's the scrolling motif that comes to mind when we think of the acanthus leaf. A real acanthus leaf is wider and far less detailed.  I have recently read that in Christian art, the acanthus leaf represents Heaven. The attraction for me is it's rich history and the fluid scrolling design. It is a design that can be interpreted as masculine or feminine. Over the years, I realized the acanthus leaf detail has made it's way into so many parts of my own home!



Finial from a newel post and favorite piece of salvage.

  


Fabric from toss pillows.

 


Gracing the foot of a wood candlestick.

 
 

Damask fabric on my dining room chairs.

Detail of an old frame.

Acorn: Also known as the oak nut. I'm nuts about these nuts! Autumn has always been my favorite season. I always knew I wanted to have a autumn wedding and was a November bride. And I love trees, but the Oak tree has to be the favorite. It's is just so majestic. There is something about the smooth thick leathery skin of the  acorn nut sitting in the little cup with it's rough & bumpy texture that fascinates me. I guess it's the 2 opposite textures coming together to make something beautiful. 



December 2010


When my children were little, they were always up for a walk through the woods along the paths near our house for an acorn hunt in the autumn and early winter. As they got older, it often became a contest of who found the best or biggest acorn. I try not to take too many acorns from any location, because they feed a ton of wildlife, not just squirrels! However, they are toxic for horses. I still find myself looking for perfect specimens any chance I get.



Acorn finial from our newel post on the staircase I designed.

 

A hand painted design, inspired by a set of decorative plates, on our game table.
 It was done more than a decade ago and it's still one of my favorite pieces.

An acorn tipped door hinge. Door hardware is a huge obsession of mine!
 I need to do a post showing examples I've used in my home and my work.

This acorn topped hitching post belongs to Reggie & Boy.
Oh, how I wish it were mine!!! Their dog Pompey just adds to it's charm.


On a recent trip to Williamsburg, Virginia I gathered these...this time with a little help from my husband...who noticed one had a smiley face. I don't know what was more amusing, the fact that he noticed or because it did! I can't help but wonder if Thomas Jefferson picked acorns from this same tree...



Acorns from Colonial Williamsburg.

Here's to smiling a lot in the New Year!

  Images not noted are from Google.

Vintage Spindles

The popularity of architectural salvage shows no sign of stopping.  I am sure in great part do to the effort of many to be more green.  It may also be attributed to the downturn of our economy.   But I believe for a vast majority, it is a way to avoid the abundance of mass produced items in favor of original artisan creations that add unique character to our homes.

In the recent issue of NapaStyle there was the most unusual and charming Chandelier that caught my eye.  It is made of beautiful lathe-turned wooden spindles that have been salvaged mostly from the midwest.  In addition, there are several other pieces that have been reinvented as fabulous one-of-a-kind useful home decor.  Here is a look at the collection:

Chandelier:

End Tables:

Towel Bars:

Magazine Basket:

Lazy Susan:

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a very big THANK YOU to Averill for giving me the "Sunshine Award" this past Wednesday!  It was a crazy busy week and this was just such a wonderful  surprise!  Averill's blog Odi et Amo was one of the first handful of blogs that I became hooked on!

She is a lawyer by day and a decorating DIY extraordinare in her spare time, who always inspires me with one amazing post after another!!!

So in the spirit of receiving this award, I would like to pass it on to these 5 wonderful blogs:

Tracy at Comfort & Luxury

Debra at 5th and State
Linda at Lime In The Coconut
Renae Moore of Renae Moore Designs
Delores at Vignette Design