Tuesday Tip

Did your house get everything it wanted for Christmas? No? Neither did mine.

I'm crazy about convex mirrors and the arrival of this pair of tiny antique specimans was so exciting!
They are reflecting the columns that lead into the kitchen and make the ceiling look 15 feet tall.


And that's okay. Although I did receive a few new treasures. And new items, even the small ones, sometimes provide the push needed to inspire a few changes. And what better time to do it than the start of a new year?

I have a lock collection. My husband gave me this one for Christmas.
It's the first square one I've ever owned!

I think after the holidays, when everything is put away (I finally finished this past Saturday), a house can feel empty and even a bit lifeless. But that also provides a clean slate and the opportunity for little updates and small changes. Turn it into the winter version of spring cleaning. Just add fresh flowers and music and I promise it will be quite enjoyable!

The way the sunlight was coming into the living room today, it almost looked like spring,
except for the red berries that are abundant on the Holly tree just outside the window!

I definately don't think new things are always needed to make changes, sometimes the best place to shop is at home! Just moving a few things such as a lamp, the items on the coffee table, a chair or small work of art, not only gives the house a fresh perspective, but it's owner as well! Now where to put those convex mirrors...

Sometimes, I Miss The Obvious...

If you're a regular reader, you know my mantra is Live Beautifully Everyday. Every once in awhile I look around my house and spot something that says just the opposite!

Each time my husband or I needed to read the fine print on something (gadget instructions, recipes, etc...) out came this hideous thing:

And, when my husband was done with it? Naturally, he'd leave it in whatever room he was last using it, despite my protests reminders. If I found it lying around? I would shove it into the nearest drawer so I wouldn't have to look at it. The problem? Neither of us could find it quickly when we needed it next!

It's amazing it took so long to figure out such an obvious solution! Last week while visiting a favorite shop, we bought this:


Serves the same purpose, but is far more chic.  Now it can be left in any room without offending my design sense!
Hmmm, wonder if I should start a new collection of these??? Would be the perfect stocking stuffer too!!!

Speaking of chic, one of my favorite bloggers and designers created this as his calling card:


Grant was kind enough to send me several boxes to add to my extensive matchbook collection.

Whether it's storing all the remote controls in a beautiful box or tossing some matches in a pretty bowl, one little change can have such a pretty impact!

I still prefer matches for lighting candles (except when I'm racing around just before a party,
 then I'll get out the ugly igniter) since they're pretty and convienent,
plus it's like a trip down memory lane looking at some of these boxes! 

So look around your house and see where you might need a little chic update...just before the holidays!

Newsworthy

When I met my husband, the topic of collections came up and he said he collected news and money. It made me laugh, but also made me curious. Sure enough he had been collecting newspapers that had headlines that marked important events in history such as Kennedy's assassination, Nixon resigning the  Office of the President and more colorful headlines such as the trial of that awful and scary Lizzie Borden.

His collection of money began with a trip to Japan at age eighteen. Interestingly, I too had saved many types of currency from my own travels. Together, we have turned much of it into some of our favorite art, but that is a post for another day.


Sunday's new selections.

 Not only does my husband have newspaper collections, but he's a bit of a news junkie. Never is this more apparent than on Sunday mornings. There is something so decadent about sitting with coffee in hand, a fire going and leisurely perusing the papers. Of course, when the weather is good we raise the windows to let the fresh air in. I am more of a browser when it comes to news. Over the years we've fallen into this pattern where my husband will pass a section of the paper to me that he thinks I will find of interest and I will read those articles in detail. I love the idea of bringing a bit of old fashioned news stands and coffee shops into our house.

Many years ago we used to vacation regularly in Cape May, New Jersey. My husband's family had been vacationing there for decades. One year before we had children, we stayed in a beautifully restored historic hotel. I remember the newspaper display in the lobby for guests was amazing. I saw something similar again in France during a trip in 2001 and then again in March of 2009 during one our trips to Charleston, S.C. We were in a favorite shop and the shop owner had her tissue paper hung on rods and in that moment I thought about newspapers again. I knew as soon as we got home exactly how the papers in the A&A house would be corralled. As luck would have it, I found the perfect bars to hang the papers.


Next to the window, the best place to read.

 Last year while reading A Gift Wrapped Life, Sande did a  post where she talked about how much she and her husband loved newspapers and how he had spotted an interesting display during a trip they took. I couldn't believe the picture as it was the exact same set up we had, although the CM execution was far more glamorous! I've meant to do a post linking ever since....


A glimpse of the newspapers on the right December 2009.
I was trying to capture a photo of the backyard just after a blizzard.
So much has changed in this room since this photo, including the addition of curtains!


While I've been sick the past two weeks, I managed to rack up quite an order from Amazon.com including Charlotte Moss Decorates.  And there on  page 191 were the rods again. It seems CM did this for a Kip's Bay showhouse in 2009. And here I thought I was being so clever. Sometimes, it really does seem like there are no new ideas in decorating!



Charlotte Moss design

Anyone that comes over always remarks about the hanging newspapers. It really does become art on the wall as well as solve the problem  of where to put the papers. It has been great for my kids when they have needed articles for current events. For parties, when time allows, we will hang up some of the old papers. I just love to see people's reactions. After the initial confusion, it always gets a laugh! Hope you had a relaxing Sunday morning...reading all your newsworthy papers.

Is Trend A Four Letter Word?

The word trend is really at risk of being too "trendy" I think. Not when it comes to fashion, we all need to be aware, lest we continue strutting around in the worst offenses ever- also called the 80's. Rather as it relates to the design of interiors. I feel like every time I pick a magazine, lurking around the next page is something telling me "what's hot". Yes, if we are in the business, it's our job to know. But, it's also our job to know trends will come and go and well designed rooms do not need to and should not incorporate all the latest trends.  I know this is hardly a new topic on the blogs and I thought I'd made peace with trends. Turns out I haven't.

Over the weekend I came across an article about houndstooth. Basically, I got my knickers in a bunch over hounthstooth being called "trendy" in this month's  Elle Decor. I happen to like this magazine and have been a longtime subscriber. Nothing trendy on the cover this month. It was an unexpected look of a women's loft office by Bunny Williams and I loved it!

Why is houndstooth a design trend?  It's been around forever. Another thing the Scot's gave us. In fashion, I used to associate it with Geoffrey Beane. Now I think of Chanel. I have a houndstooth skirt that I like, it seems traditional. I'm traditional. Recently, I found a pair of houndstooth shoes that I was madly in love with. The heel was just too high for me. They weren't practical. Besides being traditional, I am practical. Especially when it comes to making purchases for my home or wardrobe. 


My Fairfax ottoman by WSH, covered in brown & cream houndstooth.  Purchased nearly 6 years ago. Does this
mean I was previously un-cool and now I am hip? Please...say it isn't so.

As far as my home, it is highly unlikely anyone will ever going say "your home is so trendy!" Thank god. I think for many, trendy is equated with having style...being stylish.  I like a variety of design elements and styles. I have antiques, retail items along with some modern elements, like glass block lamps. Mostly, I like homes that have things that are reflective of the people who live there and I strive for that in my work. As for houndstooth, I think it's so practical for upholstery, curtains or pillows.  Put it in just about any room, and it works.


When our Golden Retriever was a puppy, she took a little nibble.
 She has no regard whatsoever for trends...imagine that?

Don't get me wrong, I am not at all opposed to the use of  Lucite furniture, garden stools, foo dogs (okay, I am opposed to these only because they remind me of darling Pugs that have gone Cujo) an animal skin rug, antlers, etc...but only when it's reflective of the person's interest and their style.  I am opposed to using them because we read somewhere that we should. In other words, trend alarms are being sounded way too often in my opinion.


One of my favorite tear sheet images. A foyer designed by Nina Griscom. The rug is described as an antique.
Generally, this means a real skin that was from a hunted animal, long before anyone considered it may
cool for decorative reasons. Imagine if the wood console was Lucite and the wood chairs were garden stools?
Would it seem too trendy...would you love it in five years...maybe, maybe not?

I have never purchased a single item ever because I thought it was trendy. I am an emotional buyer. I have to be drawn in by the item. I have to feel like it could live with me for a very long time and I would still find it interesting in 5, 10, or 50 years.  Especially, when it comes to antiques, books, accessories, artwork or collections.


When I was a child I first began a collection of keys. I was fascinated with a diary, clock key as well as the skeleton key to my grandmother's attic. Not only did I think they were pretty, but also mysterious. On one visit I took that attic key home with me- I liked it that much. I also thought by taking it I would be protected  from the scary things that I was convinced were up in the attic! I have been collecting interesting keys ever since. 

The most recent additions to my key collection. The 3 smaller keys given by my son's girlfriend. The 2 large keys
from my husband's travels, found in my stocking. All were among my favorite Christmas gifts this past year.

Yes, they're trendy too. Ridiculous faux keys are being mass produced and can be purchased everywhere. But, I am passionate about them, so the collecting will continue. The same could be said about Ikat. I like it. I just haven't seen a pattern/color that I'm passionate about.  However, I did buy a blue and white Ikat cotton blouse that I love and wore quite a bit last summer. I likely wear it again this summer, Although I am quite sure by then it won't be considered trendy. Perhaps, I will like it even more.

I guess this rambling is really just to express how sick I am of entire rooms that are filled with the items magazines tell us are the latest trends, Worse, when it's passed off as good design. Creative work. Applauded. Granted trend is spelled with five letters, but are we all beginning to say it as much as our other favorite four letter words? Sh*t, I don't know. Maybe I'm crazy? Jaded? Or could it be, you are sick of it too?

Living With What You Love

Struggling.  I have been struggling to write a post about two of my favorite, and I think very important design topics: family photos and collections. Trying to gather the right words and images, including many from my own home, together in a way that clearly illustrates my thoughts and ideas on these subjects has proven to be a far greater challenge than I had anticipated!  Ah yes, so much easier to do it verbally!  So, I put it aside for later.

Later came in an unexpected way. Via my inbox! A few weeks ago I received the most casual email that said in part "I have been enjoying your blog and I think my newest book may be of interest to you."  I receive a lot of emails these days. Many are from new bloggy friends or readers with questions about a certain item or post.  Some I really can't even discern what they are about.  And, then there are some requesting endorsements, mentions, givaways, reviews and more recently for sponsorship possibilities. I read them all.  I reply only to those I am genuinely interested in myself, sharing with my readers and that fit the style of this blog!

                                                                
I've tried to complete posts on these topics on more than one occasion. Collections & family photos come up inevitably with every client, friend or family member I have ever worked with. It can be a very sensitive subject. It stirs the emotions and quite often are the very components that can make or break a room. Done tastefully, displaying family photos and collections are what gives our spaces warmth, believability and soul.  Most people do not have the ability to self edit, especially when it comes to possessions that are personal. Many are challenged by figuring out the best and most inspiring ways to display their collections. I have successfully helped many, but I am always looking for new and exciting ways to accomplish this important aspect of design.

Enter Monica Rich Kosann. Photographer, designer and author of 3 books. Her latest book is called. Living With What You Love. We exchanged a few emails, she sent me her book and I read it...cover to cover and I simply loved it!  We also chatted on the phone. This talented woman was so warm and engaging. The conversation flowed easily and it was hard to believe we were complete strangers. But, after reading every page of her book, I should not have been surprised by her warmth and passion.

                                                                      Currently the objects of my desire!

Whether or not you are currently working with a design professional, this book has so many ideas to get you started in creating your own tasteful and original displays of beloved family photos and collections. Monica will walk you through ways to incorporate photos and collections into your own home and decor without it becoming a distraction, but instead an enhancement to your style as well as the style of your home. Her book is an abundance of information on everything from framing to curating a collection on a tray. The interiors featured in her book are as varied as the collections themselves. Her approach is fresh and unique. The forward is by Alexa Hampton. This is a book for homeowners and designers alike. A really great resource for your design library!

Here's a tiny sampling of the book:

In addition, Monica designs exquisite jewelry including charm bracelets and lockets as well as items for the home based on vintage pieces. Just last week I saw an ad in Elle Decor for one of her lockets. Katie Holmes has worn her signature locket since the birth of daughter, Suri.  Madonna purchased several of her image cases for a dinner party. She had each case wrapped and placed on the dinner plates as a gift for her guests! I have my eye on a few pieces that I will be leaving not so subtle hints to my family for my birthday next month! And, just this month Monica was accepted to be a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America as reported by WWD!!!

In the coming weeks, I promise to still share some of my own images of how I display my family photos and collections including: antique keys & locks, French opera glasses and corkscrews. In the meantime, as the mercury soars and you find yourself retreating indoors for a reprieve, may I suggest heading to your favorite book seller to get started on Living With What You Love !

All images courtesy of Monica Rich Kosann.  Photographs by Steven Randazzo 

Antlers

Maybe it's the snow that blankets my property, the forcast of more to come, or the deer that made it's way across my yard just before dawn this morning, but I have been thinking about antlers.  Specifically, the role they have played in design over the years.  Once reserved only for boastful trophy rooms or proud displays in masculine libraries complete with tales told around a crackling fire of hunting trips, they have now made their way into every room of our homes.  And to great effect.  They add sculpture and dimension to walls, rustic ambience to tables and mantles and a cozy lodge feeling when combined with plaids.  I think this is one trend that is here to stay for quite awhile.

In the entry:

In living rooms & libraries:

In dining rooms:

In the kitchen:

In the bedroom:

Even here! 

In my house:

Images courtesy of:  Canadian House & Home, Country French, Country Living, Decor, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, Southern Accents, Traditional Home, Veranda and A&A.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Famille Rose Chinese Celadon Plates

I was drawn to these plates simply for the color and beautiful artistry after first seeing them at an antiques fair.  I began to look for them each time there was an opportunity.  Several years ago during the fall, my husband and I attended an antiques show and purchased one large, two medium, and two small plates from an English dealer.  We were so fortunate that day, because not only were we able to purchase these plates at very reasonable prices, but they were void of chips and the overall condition was excellent.  In addition, he took a few moments to give us a brief history:

The celadon plates were made only in the 19th century.  They are hand painted using a raised enamel technique.  Along with the rose details, butterflies and the bird of paradise are prominent features.  The plates also have gilding around the edge.  The dark blue Chinese signature on the back makes them more desirable to some.

Later, I came across this absolutely stunning collection of celadon plates in the November 2004 issue of Country Home magazine.  The homeowner is an antiques dealer!!!  Not only was I still (and continue to be) on the hunt for more small plates, originally I had no idea there were so many other interesting sizes and shapes.  Occasionally, I will come across one on ebay, but still prefer to see them in person.  Hopefully,  one day, I will be able to add some of these beauties to my tiny collection. Then maybe, I too could create a more interesting arrangement!