Before and After

Here are a couple of update pictures of the kitchen in a current project we are working on.

After

Before

This kitchen was totally designed by me and my husband, Steve, who did all the CAD design and specifications from which they were built.  I think it has turned out beautifully and the client is thrilled.

A Sweet Gift from a Reader

Blogging is usually work for no pay, but sometimes it has its perks.  A sweet reader, Anne from queenannesplace, sent me this beautiful Treasure Linen Keeper.  It is an acid-free way to store all your tabletop items such as napkins, table runners, place-mats, etc.  You can even use it to store photos.  It keeps things from turning yellow and brittle.  Mine is the Lady Lydia I design and I love it.  Anne has several collections which include toile, damask, stripes, and polka dots, to name a few.  Head over to her site here, http://www.queenannesplace.com/ and see all the lovely things she carries. 

A Little Vendor Love: Currey and Co.

I just thought I would give you a peek into the biggest project I am working on and pay a little attention to one of my favorite vendors, Currey and Co.

This is the Epitome chandelier that I placed in the foyer. So simple and elegant at the same time.

The Zara Pendant Chandelier in the lady-of-the-house office.

The Belmonte Wall Sconce. So elegant!

The Zara Wall Sconce on the staircase.

Another view of the Zara Wall Sconce.

The pair of Belmonte Wall Sconces on the panelled walls in the dining room.  I love these.

The Salzburg Chandelier in the breakfast area.  Tiny austrian crystals adorn this chandelier and catch the light.  Very pretty!

Another view of the office Zara where you can see the new coffered ceiling treatment and bookcase we added.

Just a quick look at a current project using some of my favorite lighting designs from Currey.

These are a few photos of a sweet little acquisition I made recently.  A complete set of "Asiatic Pheasant" dishes by Burleigh.  I love the color, a soft periwinkle blue.  My next dilemna; eat off of them or display them.  I need to compromise somehow.  They're too pretty to hide away in cabinets!

Hitting the Road in Style

Is this 75th Anniversary Airstream cool or what?!  I would absolutely love to restore and redecorate one.  This is my idea of camping!

Monday Motivation and Inspiration

(A lot easier said than done!)

RIP Dixie Carter

I was so saddened to get up this morning to the sad news that beloved Southern actress Dixie Carter had passed away.  I believe her character, Julia Sugarbaker, influenced a lot of us designers and decorators. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. 

MyRecipes

I think this will be on the menu tonight!

MyRecipes

Formal + Funky = Exciting

One of my very favorite design styles is dressed-down elegance.  I love dressy, glamourous furniture and decorative objects, but these things can make a room take itself too seriously.  The best way to have your cake and eat it too is to take a formal piece of furniture and dress it down with a more casual or even funky fabric or paint color.

A wonderful canape from Cote France.  Not your grandmother's brocade here.  A large-scale modern floral brings a timeless piece into now.

The Francine Sofa from Anthropologie.

The Hollandaise Commode from Cote France.  Classic with a punch of turquoise.

Louisa Settee from Anthropologie.

I love this so much.  Reverent of the past and so irreverent at the same time.

Formal tea table from the oomph line.

French fauteil in chartreuse patent leather.

Traditional tufted chair in pink leather from E.J. Victor.

Tradition with a twist is fresh and exciting.

Monday Motivation and Inspiration

Don't design for everyone.  It's impossible.  All you end up doing is designing something that makes everyone unhappy.

                                                                                                                                                                             Leisa Reichelt

Happy Easter to All!

Kluge Chapel, a private chapel which overlooks vineyards on an estate in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Happy Easter! 

Buttery Herb Cheese Basket Recipe for Easter

Here is a pretty appetizer for your Easter table.  The link to the recipe is below.

Buttery Herb Cheese Basket

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1820978