What Would Edith Wharton Say?

Dearest Edith,

I am writing to inform you that formal living rooms are no longer in fashion. Well, at least in the 21st century. Well, at least at my house. And, perhaps a few million other people.

A formal living room that Edith would certainly have enjoyed.

Please don't faint when I tell you that the living room, formally known as the parlour, has far too often become a large box devoid of all architectural detail,  fireplaces and appropriate furnishings. Well at least (no fireplace) at my house. And, perhaps a few million other people.



I have read your book, like any decorator should, cover to cover.

It's incredibly sad. And incredibly liberating! You would be quite shocked to learn that people rarely dress up and entertain in the living room except perhaps during the holiday season. I must confess I often wear pants or jeans, a silk blouse and heels while entertaining. I know you don't know what jeans are and that's just as well. If you did, you would likely gasp. Pants are like men's trousers, but for women. With the exception of hiring the occasional caterer, I do all the cooking for parties. I have no servants. People often gather in the family room (which should really be called the living room because it's where we do most of our activities), libraries and kitchens. Probably because of the lack of servants. Well at least at my house. And, perhaps a few million other people.

Classic yet modern in it's multi-purpose function of working, dining and whining. I love the idea for this space, but I would whine without at least two comfortable chairs next to a fireplace to enjoy my favorite bottle and a good book!

Even though I have a library, it has been my dream for far too long to convert our seldom used living room into a large library/office. The current library is small does not have adequate bookshelves, but it is a wonderfully cozy room with a fireplace and a large window overlooking the backyard and we use it in every season,  every day. It's probably my favorite room. I love to shut the french doors read, listen to music, enjoy my favorite elixirs and even work. A larger library would better suit our particular lifestyle. I don't know if we'll have the chance to fulfill our dream of converting the living room in this house, but it's high on the list for the next one! I think you (and hope architects of the future) understand this preference and shift and would be proud that we (decorators) will strive to include appropriate architectural details and volumes of books.  And of course only a few, well chosen biblots and most definitely keep the bric-a-brac to a minimum!

Affectionately,
A devoted reader

PS: I do understand that not everyone would agree with me on this point. And I have seen and been a guest in some beautiful, well appointed living rooms that the occupants use for formal entertaining. And although it's not for me, as I prefer a room that serves more than one function, I still appreciate the beauty when I sit in one that is well done and love to help clients create one if it's part of their design dream and lifestyle. After all, life unfolds in the rooms we use and love the most. It's where our memories are made and the details of our stories are gathered for future generations. I know dearest Edith, you would approve of that sentiment.

Baby, it's cold outside!

Talk about the shivers!!! On my way home, I passed by this house located in Middleburg, Virginia.  The large icicle over the doorway was about 5 feet long- absolutely horrifying! I was already freezing cold and this just made me want to get home quickly and park myself next to the fireplace for the evening. We still have plenty of snow on the ground and with the latest weather forecast, it seems few will be escaping Mother Nature's icy grip this year. Brrrrr. 

I certainly hope there is another way into this house!?

From McCartney To The Mundane, It Was A Sensational Summer!

Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

Although autumn arrived a few days ago, my mind still lingers on summer.  It was all the things summer is suppose to be- lazy, crazy and full of wonderful memories.  And though I did intend to take a break from blogging  for a month or so,  somehow it turned into the whole summer. It went by in a blink.

It has also been an adjustment period with many changes occurring in a very short period of time for all members of the household. But  most significantly, this was the first time, in years, our family has had this amount of consecutive time together.  So other than attending to my design work,  my only focus was to savor every single day, every single minute possible with the ones I love.


Scenes from our summer, from the mundane to the magical...

Spectacular giant urns and...

and  Limelight hydrangea have been on my wish list for some time. Lunch on the patio of 
The Red Fox Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia.

So inspired by the above, we added a new little garden of our own with Limelight's this year.

It wouldn't be summer without my blue hydrangea, and shrimp tossed with fresh garden herbs.

Summer is always a great time to catch up on your reading, especially for those attention mongers.

A stop in a favorite local flower shop to visit,  which just happens to be just a few doors away from a favorite French bistro.

As I reviewed my photos, I couldn't help but notice, this breakfast from one of our trips 
shares the same colors as the flowers above.
 I swear I didn't use all that butter!

At a little European inn we visited in June.

And  a visit here....

And a few steps away here. 

Then in July...This was my birthday present!!!!

It was an amazing performance and exciting show. Sir Paul's voice sounded remarkably the same as I remember back in his Wings days. A truly memorable evening, put it on your bucket list!

Like these people did! Nationals Park, Washington D.C.

Which usually looks like this.  GO NATS!

Later in the summer we headed up the east coast to swim with the sharks. Kidding, the fin on the left belonged to a beautiful, friendly dolphin in a school swimming within feet of my husband.

A spectacular spot to enjoy ocean breezes,  watch passersby and....

indulge in a frozen coke and hotdog with cranberry slaw!

Benches everywhere to enjoy the beautiful gardens and pool views.

As well as stylish, comfy chairs to sit and have a cocktail before dinner.

Some meals were a bit more refined: scallops, lobster tail and fresh produce.

While others were not!!!
This was waiting for us in our room upon arrival. Very convenient to toss in one's beach bag! 

After sun, sand and surf, we collapsed here. 

A view from our seats at the Kennedy Center before the crowds piled in for The Book Of Mormon
in August. It was  a great show, very funny!

I am going to miss the intoxicating scent of my Gardenia topiaries, but am looking forward to the fall season and spending time with my blog friends and readers once again.
Hello again, how was your summer?

Let's Fall In Love With: P. Allen Smith

If you're an avid gardener you already know this gentleman. Some of you may have seen him on his show or segments he does on other programs such as the Today Show. And, some of you may read his books or have attended one of his gardening lectures. I missed my chance in Charleston, SC  in March of 2009.

Boyish good looks and southern charm make him irresistible!
 Photo from his book Living in the Garden Home.

 My husband and I were there for the annual Festival of Houses & Gardens and the Charleston International Antiques Show. Mr. Smith was one of the featured luncheon speakers for the Charleston International Antiques Show. Had tickets, lost track of time, missed it. Sigh. But at least I can regularly peruse the pages of Living in the Garden Home.

The book has incredible pictures and also lots of inspiration  for
many manageable projects. The best for me? It's broken down by seasons!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the name (the P. stands for Paul) P. Allen Smith, he is a gardening and lifestyle expert. It was exciting to see his house featured in this month's issue of Southern Living.

It's a new house that feels like an old house. A Greek Revival  in Arkansas! For some reason, I did expect Mr. Smith to live in Arkansas, but as he says in the article, even though he's located in the middle of nowhere, he has everything he needs and when you see the photos of his beautiful home and stunning views, you understand perfectly.

This is not a painting. This 650 acre estate is is where Mr. Smith has called home the past 6 years!
Photograph by Roger Foley



Come fall in love...

Welcome! I dream of foyers like this. Actually, I obsessively fantasize about having
a foyer with multiple pieces of furniture that is truly a place to receive guests.

The living and dining room.
His friends include the great Albert Hadley and the late Nancy Lancaster. Mr Smith says of furniture
 "if you sit on it should be new, and if you don't, it should be old". Could not agree more to do this whenever possible!
 He has exquisite taste in antiques, because each piece looks modern and yet the character they exude is undeniable.

Some kitchen huh? A lot of lights for sure, but he needs all that illumination to tape television segments.

Oh, he's also a very talented artist. Who knew!?
 Working on a piece in his studio behind the house with his cute dog, Lucky.
The paintings on the back wall of the dining room were also done by him.

A copper soaking tub with a curtain to pull closed. I hope it comes with a tub pillow,
 because I think I'd be lulled right to sleep on a breezy day!

The master bath.
Mirrors, mirrors on the wall, who besides me,  loves those aqua walls?
 A collection of interesting mirrors, aqua, white and hits of black...so much love!

The perfect way to kick off the month that celebrates love. I'll have a feature for you each week in February highlighting some of my favorites.

All interior photographs by Helen Norman.

Time Traveler

Sometimes, I think I was meant to live in another time and place. One where technology was an unknown term, conversations were the most desirable from of entertainment, and being cordial was as essential as breathing.  A place where brick, stone, lush grass and moss provided the perfect scenic backdrop for your travels on any given day.

I was able to step back in time for three extraordinary days...

Family weekend at my son's college... 

It was a beautiful moment in time. 

All photos courtesy of A&A and may not be copied or reproduced.