Eye Candy: A Simple Stunning Entry

One bold statement makes this entry (and, I think, the repetition of the boxwood in both the urn and the landscaping)  The designer is Deborah Silver of Detroit, a landscape designer who also owns the fabulous Detroit Garden Works and writes the blog Dirt Simple.   I originally thought this was a front entry but it turns out it is a side entry. Wow!
 Hope you have a Happy Monday!

A Gorgeous Bathroom via Nova Scotia

After reading House & Home Editor Margot Austin's recent blog post on antiquing in Nova Scotia, I headed over to check out a blog she mentioned -  The Ottoman Empire and found their stunning bathroom makeover.

The inspiration began with a $40 light fixture found at an antique shop.  For more, head here.  Hope you have a great weekend!

Eye Candy: Jeffrey Allan Marks

After posting about Jeffrey Allan Marks upcoming book, I checked out his site. There's a number of new images - here's just one of the fabulous interiors.  Isn't the bench at the foot of the bed amazing?

New Design Books & A Giveaway Thank You

Scheduled to be released Oct 22nd - this cover is fabulous! Stephen Sills: Decoration

Jeffrey Alan Marks much awaited and long overdue book is available Sep 10th!  Should help me get over my post-summer blues. Jeffrey Alan Marks: The Meaning of Home

One of Jeffrey Alan Mark's favorite designers - the uber talented Suzanne Tucker.  This cover shows a more relaxed, informal interior than her previous book.  Definitely on my list - to be released Oct 8th. Suzanne Tucker Interiors

Based here in Washington, DC, Thomas Pheasant is one of our nation's best.  Out on Oct 1st, this should be a treasure. Thomas Pheasant: Simply Serene

If I spend as many hours looking at Suzanne's newest book as I did her first, I'm going to need to set aside lot of free time.  To be released October 8th. Suzanne Kasler: Timeless Style  

Don't have to wait long for Tom Sheerer's first book due out on Sep 10th.  Another fab cover.

        Tom Scheerer Decorates

  

Now a huge thank you to Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home for her giveaway of Mary Kay Andrew's Ladies Night. A fun read listen as I hand painted all the paneling in the basement reno tv area. The first 24 chapters got me through priming and the first coat of Farrow & Ball's Stone Blue - thank you Mary Ann!!  (made up in Benjamin Moore's semi-gloss.  It will never be exactly like the Farrow & Ball color but I was ok with that for this situation.)

Now to end with something pretty, check out Mary Ann's gorgeous home (if you haven't already seen it). Great news - she offers design services too!

My Sofa 4 Ways & Greek Key Trim

While I hate the current trend to find a way to fit the word actually into every sentence, I actually did finish sewing the Greek Key trim on yesterday (if you saw Wednesday's post) but more about that later...  Remember the blue sofa from my basement that I "shopped"for my living room?  Well, here it is back from my all time favorite and best upholsterer, Style-Rite Upholstery.  The dilemma was I didn't have enough of the original fabric purchased years ago, now discontinued, so I found a gorgeous Baker Furniture cut velvet at Haute Fabrics.  I also had Mel change the skirt to drop directly from the bench and to create new box back cushions that were a lower profile than the originals. So here's Version #1: all sides showing w/the nubby gold linen type fabric.

Version #2:  The cut velvet showing on the pillows

Version #3:  The cut velvet showing on the back and seat cushions  (my "winter" version)

And Version #4, my personal favorite, with just the cut velvet showing on the seat cushions.  I can not tell you how soft this fabric is!

So, back to sewing on the Greek Key trim.  It took 1.5 hours - with a good chunk of that trying to thread the needle and re-thread as needed.

I used a dove gray thread and did a blind-type stitch so you can't even tell it's there.

Compare that to the trim on the curtains that I used both iron-on tape and fabric glue.  I know there are people out there that are very good at using those products but I don't happen to be one of them.  So, some rainy day in the fall I"m going to take these curtains down and hand sew the trim on.  I figure I can get them done in two re-runs of Downton Abbey :)

And, if you're in the DC area and want the best upholsterer around, give Mel at Style-Rite a call.  Here's one of the other sofas he did for me.  Hope you have a great weekend!

Will This Shame Me Into Finishing?

A few weeks ago my reupholstered sofa arrived. Absolutely love it.  It should have been an easy post - "Check Out My New Sofa!"   However, I got it in my head to add greek key trim. In the past I've used fabric glue to add trim to curtains but that only ended up coming loose in parts later.  So I decided to sew it on by hand instead.   I mean, how long could that take me...

So here I am trying to finish it today so I can post about it tomorrow.  I've always found avoiding embarrassment to be a motivator.  See you tomorrow!

Eye Candy: The Antidote to Humidity

Cool, classic and interesting.  By interior designer Frank Roop, for more in his portfolio head here. 

Roop also has a book out too.  Hope you stay cool today.

The Huniford Collection

James Huniford, an amazing designer and co-author of one of the all-time great design books, Dwellings:  Living with Great Style, has recently launched The Huniford Collection.   The line is an artisan-made, luxury brand  that offers customizable pieces in a range of lighting, upholstery and case goods. Here are just a few of my favorites - all with a luxe and livable look and feel.

Renwick Sofa - love the subtle tufting in the back and seat fusion.  Gorgeous color too.

Hawthorne Console - also available in a desk, the lines of this piece are strong and bold.

Manhattan Chair - even though this chair has curves it has a masculine appeal.

If you're in the NY area, the showroom is in West Chelsea - 210 11th Ave. Suite 601 New York, NY 10001

"Beach House Bookshelves"

Lately I've been checking out beach rentals and I've noticed a trend - bookshelves mounted on walls in bedrooms.  Now, I am kicking myself for not saving all those images and the time spent going back and finding them would be too much.  You'll believe me, right?
Well, anyway I love this look. This image is from here - Salt Box on Harbour Island, Bahamas.

Do you recognize it from these photos?  Originally designed and owned by Tom Scheerer, it now has a new owner and is available for rent here.

The Best Kind of Chatterbox: Harbour Island

Last year when we were contemplating between Scotland or Harbour Island, Bahamas for spring break we came across Chatterbox -  a Bahamian home in Dunmore Town, built in the late 1800's. It's obvious that someone with a great eye for design owns this home.  From what I can tell, it's Trish Becker of Trish Becker Jewelry.  As you know, we ended up going to Scotland but I've got an eye out for a future visit here.  And interestingly enough, Trish is also working on restoring a second home for rental - aptly named Jewelbox.   (first two images via Harbour Island Realty here.)

these last two images from Trish Becker Home here.