A Grocery Store Moment...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpP93GNQNQHfIc9IEBP_Gas3Z6sDy896U5xQO3EkksMVYNs9V3-hFlIEt8GMoW3kN3m9M7NFqJu5GxKJt92bn4WSl4-0ytkBgbRLaYKUHHdfUQiPrCPFoQ84DImeQkPKnbjPL4-uZ_lk/s1600-h/pMichaelGraydonDesHollyDyment.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332863851880884546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpP93GNQNQHfIc9IEBP_Gas3Z6sDy896U5xQO3EkksMVYNs9V3-hFlIEt8GMoW3kN3m9M7NFqJu5GxKJt92bn4WSl4-0ytkBgbRLaYKUHHdfUQiPrCPFoQ84DImeQkPKnbjPL4-uZ_lk/s800/pMichaelGraydonDesHollyDyment.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /></a> After going to the bank, I dropped by the grocery store. There I was at the self-checkout lane, taken aback a bit when I noticed the issue of Southern Accents I was buying was costing more than expected. All of a sudden I felt a chaotic but happy presence approaching. You know the feeling - when you sense someone is coming up behind you. <div></div><div>From the corner of my eye I saw arms outstretched and flailing as groceries were spilling out onto the self-checkout lane next to mine. A package of frozen-something landed in my lane. The person, with the happy-chaotic energy, started to say something charming...</div><div>"How cute" I thought to myself...</div><div>I looked over towards him. It was my husband! "Danny it's me" I said. A huge smile flashed across his face. We started to laugh and reached out and held hands. Love at first sight, all over again, at the Harris Teeter checkout lane.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZEppnAvP2PtAvSup8V6I8e8ZtWvy9tuLJtEFrZEVr4HVL8yB5wwfGFA5Bxprl2-yrwgVg2cMVx3mJoID6GGqCbITm-78K18HWEMLFQYSUcrXlQnv9rgv6zG1Jr_Ae7iDGeDhSQGuhf4/s1600-h/pMichaelGraydonDesiHollyDyment.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332864930527245218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZEppnAvP2PtAvSup8V6I8e8ZtWvy9tuLJtEFrZEVr4HVL8yB5wwfGFA5Bxprl2-yrwgVg2cMVx3mJoID6GGqCbITm-78K18HWEMLFQYSUcrXlQnv9rgv6zG1Jr_Ae7iDGeDhSQGuhf4/s800/pMichaelGraydonDesiHollyDyment.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /></a> These images via <a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/design/bohemian-chic-living-room"><span style="color:#666666;">Canadian House and Home</span></a>, Designer <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/guide/home_and_garden/interior-design/holly-dyment-design"><span style="color:#666666;">Holly Dyment</span></a><span style="color:#666666;">,</span> photography by Michael Graydon. <span style="color:#cc33cc;">The colors in these rooms look like how I feel. For more of Holly Dyment's work to to her site, <a href="http://www.hollydymentdesign.com/">Holly Dyment</a>.</span>

A Grocery Store Moment...

After going to the bank, I dropped by the grocery store. There I was at the self-checkout lane, taken aback a bit when I noticed the issue ...

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DC Designer Series: Sally Steponkus

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBXDhmEtRfi443RP4f2gq5IGX6yXFtx1iIrumvv862NhZuryAOKrfkH9XzJmWSgauZj5TvypYEN5ei1eEV00hNEkCZbs4ASatg-rsYy_qaOse0Aid9bdKii8RWIUOpXJYlvbG44-ct4o/s1600-h/s16.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331707728779802578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBXDhmEtRfi443RP4f2gq5IGX6yXFtx1iIrumvv862NhZuryAOKrfkH9XzJmWSgauZj5TvypYEN5ei1eEV00hNEkCZbs4ASatg-rsYy_qaOse0Aid9bdKii8RWIUOpXJYlvbG44-ct4o/s800/s16.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I'm very excited to feature <a href="http://www.steponkus.com/">Sally Steponkus</a>, a talented designer whose fresh, stylish work is a favorite of mine! Last fall at the NSO Celebrations design event I fell in love with her chinoiserie dining room and the crush continued this spring at the DC Design House where she created a modern sitting room pairing Farrow & Balls taupey-brown Mouse's Back with yellow. (This room is a must see - click <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041501031.html">here</a> for the pics) I think it is one of the most succesful rooms in the whole showhouse.<br /><br />Whether it's a traditional or more contemporary room, Sally has a great eye for detail and color and a confident sense of how much is just-enough but not too much. Love the choice of the black chandelier and the simple accessories in this dining room. The striped chairs are terrific. <span style="color:#333333;">All photography is by </span><a href="http://www.angieseckinger.com/"><span style="color:#333333;">Angie Seckinger</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7DSGi6otrnpEjDtQqeTNIjRIg1cPs-cqHa5psO29_No8wfgpb619GFMvlryRNkcCXFh2vFFc67aNGJmFTL5q01wRgo2woKAXAA86iQZTBYHPr8B6lb1aSoReaqL_yi7-xf6LKI-8vB4/s1600-h/s17.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331707656176961730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7DSGi6otrnpEjDtQqeTNIjRIg1cPs-cqHa5psO29_No8wfgpb619GFMvlryRNkcCXFh2vFFc67aNGJmFTL5q01wRgo2woKAXAA86iQZTBYHPr8B6lb1aSoReaqL_yi7-xf6LKI-8vB4/s640/s17.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="color:#333333;"> photos: Angie Seckinger<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA50sHVzqsB86kcxDK9ENHIcAopAdczdVZ6I_CHy9JXZto0zikar_fElmpe91uzhECSI1t581oAzswGPsQDkOCXy7iS49ueWd-EpFo_dRXOAVp4EZzrMyfiZbn48pxv85M8_oBTANw_vo/s1600-h/_ds_4137.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331812475734023906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA50sHVzqsB86kcxDK9ENHIcAopAdczdVZ6I_CHy9JXZto0zikar_fElmpe91uzhECSI1t581oAzswGPsQDkOCXy7iS49ueWd-EpFo_dRXOAVp4EZzrMyfiZbn48pxv85M8_oBTANw_vo/s800/_ds_4137.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A simple edging on these curtains elevates them to a whole other level.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmdAW6dubNTOyqA6lFsDq_-dsJRNClgEsofi-7u13Nad2Oq3WMAI4t074QNLbEFypXqxHkx_IubYGhO4JN94TK302qbtEJaPzZ36zfmtng79p23lqbbxWgbKU3MbZEAV92Prm5S0e3t0/s1600-h/s14.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331707382327180386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmdAW6dubNTOyqA6lFsDq_-dsJRNClgEsofi-7u13Nad2Oq3WMAI4t074QNLbEFypXqxHkx_IubYGhO4JN94TK302qbtEJaPzZ36zfmtng79p23lqbbxWgbKU3MbZEAV92Prm5S0e3t0/s800/s14.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> More refined, classic styling that is still warm and inviting.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQJYrNI2PpOC4wq4vGuigqusMoc_TXG63PORJIL6jjxX79J2DU4n8d8TmHFahoQ-q-PmbcuW9DTMSiAu3CV5kGarP3mJsA2kZaSv-joY7A8XTzRFgIFqVxACy0onqB44uXdQOI243Z9k/s1600-h/s15.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331707272808499378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQJYrNI2PpOC4wq4vGuigqusMoc_TXG63PORJIL6jjxX79J2DU4n8d8TmHFahoQ-q-PmbcuW9DTMSiAu3CV5kGarP3mJsA2kZaSv-joY7A8XTzRFgIFqVxACy0onqB44uXdQOI243Z9k/s800/s15.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Sally has a talent for selecting great chairs - love these.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgYZ99-7q9-F9VlPxfe77d0Pfql0Zm3kAB7QJ8wMUEaGF4q-YXie-Ats0uKSafJg4Jg68YtghfO55B0LXdA6tY3ASm5HbbzokEdIQPrj1tUozhALsTyjF7rLCYLPrBu0IB3gqqcVTsjg/s1600-h/s11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331707563525596018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgYZ99-7q9-F9VlPxfe77d0Pfql0Zm3kAB7QJ8wMUEaGF4q-YXie-Ats0uKSafJg4Jg68YtghfO55B0LXdA6tY3ASm5HbbzokEdIQPrj1tUozhALsTyjF7rLCYLPrBu0IB3gqqcVTsjg/s800/s11.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A comfortable space to gather that although relaxed still has a nice, tailored edge to it. Kind of like pairing a crisp white shirt with jeans - comfy but a bit dressy at the same time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolkut8GXLso-1zcQ7ycGG-tfR26OKEhnZMkjvAbrwIszS2MZ1AevbPu5bdrQlQ4r9pk-a1rmmMRIEnpk6ihwW3uEAgQGMz9khjdf-EvIavKS7W3fOST9IQVrbs9ZBwwGjapnbsRv9FCA/s1600-h/s10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331707477987180882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolkut8GXLso-1zcQ7ycGG-tfR26OKEhnZMkjvAbrwIszS2MZ1AevbPu5bdrQlQ4r9pk-a1rmmMRIEnpk6ihwW3uEAgQGMz9khjdf-EvIavKS7W3fOST9IQVrbs9ZBwwGjapnbsRv9FCA/s800/s10.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> This wallpaper is gorgeous and plays off the striped upholstery nicely. Love the flaired wing chairs - this unexpected touch keeps the room fresh and current. Really like the shells paired with the orchid arrangement.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ttckscBBSoZKiM8o4s9-nKEKr-WPtPBpDXH_2ELAxL21ct3S6SPCI-0YpiCMUl7YDOGneH7AecWODcGuC1DAxyxYE7anTvcMTzh6t5e_YtTHIoj29Hf6ZJ-joc8F0hmmRzv86usIUgs/s1600-h/s12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331708306506391634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ttckscBBSoZKiM8o4s9-nKEKr-WPtPBpDXH_2ELAxL21ct3S6SPCI-0YpiCMUl7YDOGneH7AecWODcGuC1DAxyxYE7anTvcMTzh6t5e_YtTHIoj29Hf6ZJ-joc8F0hmmRzv86usIUgs/s800/s12.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="color:#333333;">photos: Angie Seckinger<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQO4E1R9gPSLutMeQc1Xo24y-phz7Q4q2w3WMsc-bclJIT5-WKLPdAiw072En_3uTtJTw37MiMHfCmQD1YYXuhw4DG_MRCVYJJI_i-KGcf8dnFUrRscYZ-T0LIAApZsVOeFVLmwOtMww/s1600-h/s13.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331707030279313890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQO4E1R9gPSLutMeQc1Xo24y-phz7Q4q2w3WMsc-bclJIT5-WKLPdAiw072En_3uTtJTw37MiMHfCmQD1YYXuhw4DG_MRCVYJJI_i-KGcf8dnFUrRscYZ-T0LIAApZsVOeFVLmwOtMww/s800/s13.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> From a neutral and restful design to ...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqox1V0lTCdItMu6rE393TnJdorMatk2H-zRhYlk-5okN8eaj6a3-nD2yzpCGjnuGewUs8_v55g91-QR-6ES-niNbim_SEKwBggu_TCSRF1IQjUyg_lnIVMFsC6Q-z4XMa0dbXqIWXh9Q/s1600-h/s8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331706887621686178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqox1V0lTCdItMu6rE393TnJdorMatk2H-zRhYlk-5okN8eaj6a3-nD2yzpCGjnuGewUs8_v55g91-QR-6ES-niNbim_SEKwBggu_TCSRF1IQjUyg_lnIVMFsC6Q-z4XMa0dbXqIWXh9Q/s800/s8.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> fun, hip color with attitude. This design is for <a href="http://www.sassanova.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Sassanova</strong></span></a><strong>,</strong> a chic Georgetown shoe salon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTwhcKmgHzebi2MP7V7LCCybsyFR7k5qaXWsGf3Q0Nqlqj3Kq7BfqPFAHWe2NGqyRqbfFeQ47iF_HSNOZpAicbkbVic5gUOjmUXUiajzQQZIdZgsEOUfYQqeR8Lak5SSHzT9whjFheGI/s1600-h/s9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331706761930254642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTwhcKmgHzebi2MP7V7LCCybsyFR7k5qaXWsGf3Q0Nqlqj3Kq7BfqPFAHWe2NGqyRqbfFeQ47iF_HSNOZpAicbkbVic5gUOjmUXUiajzQQZIdZgsEOUfYQqeR8Lak5SSHzT9whjFheGI/s800/s9.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Now for more fun - Sally included pics from her own apartment! I'm partial to greek key borders and like how the trim on the curtain ties in with the key motif on the pillow.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJln8A05bKCIkw2H7jw1uL-8Uov018V74h2KVfqzTkyjf22ecki6NNMAquCkz0fAv8ZCEEZ22seOKhA_CKJsc4HHTOAa7Ks7B_Gx9ji_3QYAsO0c804CvFjhRsSGDDzydiDLTpze4dsk/s1600-h/s5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331706651626830722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJln8A05bKCIkw2H7jw1uL-8Uov018V74h2KVfqzTkyjf22ecki6NNMAquCkz0fAv8ZCEEZ22seOKhA_CKJsc4HHTOAa7Ks7B_Gx9ji_3QYAsO0c804CvFjhRsSGDDzydiDLTpze4dsk/s800/s5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhF4AnAzI5VDrdVgc28LsBAkU0p5emUs94PpoDpDbgLF4K4VGzA0fdzApK6e6rsHTZ-KyZ_vlvxM8IPuBh8l3weDXzSIP9RmN9Rz_GFhTe-4IG1ElFhlnKPhx875tiplpoa-hp_IWq8s/s1600-h/s1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331706575624949746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhF4AnAzI5VDrdVgc28LsBAkU0p5emUs94PpoDpDbgLF4K4VGzA0fdzApK6e6rsHTZ-KyZ_vlvxM8IPuBh8l3weDXzSIP9RmN9Rz_GFhTe-4IG1ElFhlnKPhx875tiplpoa-hp_IWq8s/s800/s1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="color:#333333;">photos: Angie Seckinger<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5n3f6XDKKqX5FYusJBJMkmYpd-zaWTtF6gn-m6f9g-38eaRB4K0ta6b-2Ry9wPTuYv4mAwooG8ujaSky9lzm676WrRso-5ozBCJnXxKEPG9SHciwrH0ZFr0P_EQzj0O33DQP9WCh5nA/s1600-h/s6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331706419273252578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5n3f6XDKKqX5FYusJBJMkmYpd-zaWTtF6gn-m6f9g-38eaRB4K0ta6b-2Ry9wPTuYv4mAwooG8ujaSky9lzm676WrRso-5ozBCJnXxKEPG9SHciwrH0ZFr0P_EQzj0O33DQP9WCh5nA/s800/s6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> If Domino magazine was still around I could see these chairs and pillows fitting right in.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tFbhFyhoQ9a76Zno4Or0WGYeqHvgQ7MH6V2h_LL-2_Y2MQ894n3MMnBNxRrhOC3JApWdQYtDJAUjCMfVDSCVOazk1T6oNDp3sZOCbZ_DIMmSdcrCtoxEYSdROrDT_3Hpca3jJXLDn0w/s1600-h/s2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331706277625819394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tFbhFyhoQ9a76Zno4Or0WGYeqHvgQ7MH6V2h_LL-2_Y2MQ894n3MMnBNxRrhOC3JApWdQYtDJAUjCMfVDSCVOazk1T6oNDp3sZOCbZ_DIMmSdcrCtoxEYSdROrDT_3Hpca3jJXLDn0w/s800/s2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>More great chairs! Homer's Odd Isn't He did a great <strong><a href="http://www.homersoddisnthe.blogspot.com/2008/10/top-designer-talent-in-dc.html">interview</a> </strong>of Sally back in October. In his post he gave the background on her zebra chairs. "Recently I purchased chairs for myself (Craigslist) and recovered them in a wonderful Sea Cloth chocolate zebra print on the front with China Seas ivory linen and chocolate polka dots on the back."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHcsv4LYsJtZPbAcnJ9zAkTDzIGS0oEioHK3UWHxsiejG0Aobz7gsFbiXucyo6GKw_2Z50e0iIk7sT-xhpsxUkLJumiJepcnWl6Wo6q2OO2Sc5iKMy1gp-sjjbkhE_XZgLyhhkhpD9kY/s1600-h/s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331706152239560722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHcsv4LYsJtZPbAcnJ9zAkTDzIGS0oEioHK3UWHxsiejG0Aobz7gsFbiXucyo6GKw_2Z50e0iIk7sT-xhpsxUkLJumiJepcnWl6Wo6q2OO2Sc5iKMy1gp-sjjbkhE_XZgLyhhkhpD9kY/s800/s.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Happy and cheerful bedding. I've only met Sally briefly but I have a feeling that having her as your interior designer would be a fun <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOS3xohVCWxy5GSb7EyKpVjmOUt3XoZgNFCEPByppctmJ1lMiuRpwSmbeandc7eqKJ-yWIFLXtyMCow8IopEcZ-LwZC-u0ptidaNFS75Wd-l5sJtlDCNP-LtJJT6WJkZSVmyVmAD9OG4/s1600-h/_DS_0597_cropped%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331705807378295826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOS3xohVCWxy5GSb7EyKpVjmOUt3XoZgNFCEPByppctmJ1lMiuRpwSmbeandc7eqKJ-yWIFLXtyMCow8IopEcZ-LwZC-u0ptidaNFS75Wd-l5sJtlDCNP-LtJJT6WJkZSVmyVmAD9OG4/s800/_DS_0597_cropped%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" /></a>and cheerful experience too! Sally's firm has now expanded to include associate Heather Safferstone. To see more great interiors, visit <a href="http://www.steponkus.com/">Sally Steponkus Interiors</a>.

DC Designer Series: Sally Steponkus

I'm very excited to feature Sally Steponkus , a talented designer whose fresh, stylish work is a favorite of mine! Last fall at the NSO ...

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Valerianne - from Scottsdale to Vienna

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH0iBhHYVlLE8inFkdY69-TeyreLP1Kh2CBDHFSoQQmsgTSDDqjjI9mI4YW1W1uVFbzduFbD_7ZyZtJqNfQNw0m54899aNoh1N-4wpJC1rglJ0Dn9f6wnQtD8r6toSnpqHYmjcTHW6FQ/s1600-h/v1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330865282070334578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH0iBhHYVlLE8inFkdY69-TeyreLP1Kh2CBDHFSoQQmsgTSDDqjjI9mI4YW1W1uVFbzduFbD_7ZyZtJqNfQNw0m54899aNoh1N-4wpJC1rglJ0Dn9f6wnQtD8r6toSnpqHYmjcTHW6FQ/s640/v1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>This is the beautiful view you're greeted with when you walk into <a href="http://www.valerianne.com/"><strong><span style="color:#cc6600;">Valerianne</span></strong></a> - a luxury home finishings boutique that opened their second store in Vienna, VA in May '08. Walking through the store is a real treat as you are surrounded by beautiful bedding, accessories and furniture displayed in such a way as to get you pondering what you could do differently back at your own home! The owner, Aimee Wedlake, was in the Scottsdale store when I visited but want to be sure to say thanks to Trish for giving me great background info on the unique pieces they carry.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYyhp52NWTNzr7wlXaWflkgn-ZxUGNlHLklYO6TrEbcwR8rHSFdUS_rezcclx7GWmoBteGadUyofczRN8_bAvrz2TWhEnnb6eRNxd4xT2l8F-oYL04yHCeb5QoAYU_qRTy00x16QB82A/s1600-h/v.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330865104531333170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYyhp52NWTNzr7wlXaWflkgn-ZxUGNlHLklYO6TrEbcwR8rHSFdUS_rezcclx7GWmoBteGadUyofczRN8_bAvrz2TWhEnnb6eRNxd4xT2l8F-oYL04yHCeb5QoAYU_qRTy00x16QB82A/s800/v.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Valerianne represents over twenty designers - the gorgeous pillows on the bench from Bliss Studio, Union of Art, Anichini, and Aviva Stanoff ($140-300) are combined together for a custom design. The blue/gray pillow with the orange horse is actually an Arabic love poem. The horse is made up of the words. I love the mix of traditional and contemporary and the color combination.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9k5ZaWO8fv3JKqQOwf8B1EMmDAy_SQTQrAsjZlr9hjrsUOx_oAkDcQrMm5AYjzibrbNC5Hlz2B1w80ddiukf8aoTaLfrkPD3wUWopMdC5hLEA77Gu2biOt8NfpPCennQkDfHl_EKKwMs/s1600-h/v11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330864572779765762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9k5ZaWO8fv3JKqQOwf8B1EMmDAy_SQTQrAsjZlr9hjrsUOx_oAkDcQrMm5AYjzibrbNC5Hlz2B1w80ddiukf8aoTaLfrkPD3wUWopMdC5hLEA77Gu2biOt8NfpPCennQkDfHl_EKKwMs/s800/v11.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I am completely<strong> <span style="color:#cc33cc;">in-love</span></strong> with this pink and brown Osbourne & Little wallpaper. The first picture is a better color match than the close-up below. Couldn't you see this paper rescuing a 1950's pink bathroom and taking it to a whole other level?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hZ-RO5LIxEVgC38r6iMjWV4bSiWnxB06P9W2PfVuRvAtqLp9tTkrxPpUW6hpBt8-g7BxZuqfTpz3HAn92Yy0S7Pq5ftrIo6MjpryI5WfkKIqF3an3NS2koo1_exQDNpb4axVZ-GsZy0/s1600-h/new+269+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330864000525690914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hZ-RO5LIxEVgC38r6iMjWV4bSiWnxB06P9W2PfVuRvAtqLp9tTkrxPpUW6hpBt8-g7BxZuqfTpz3HAn92Yy0S7Pq5ftrIo6MjpryI5WfkKIqF3an3NS2koo1_exQDNpb4axVZ-GsZy0/s640/new+269+(2).jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUHSpNMjJViLfjwGPqE8uJvzTpSYZ9zc-79mJ912jcLhkiPOyrg4hjSkGLgsjg_oNX0ywPXUjtHgeTnWHpqaxhX-oo2qB7AYnjLIpu2yF3WMDjXWocraPnwwa1J94pCJTt0B5WQTNPGg/s1600-h/v6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330864802914978050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUHSpNMjJViLfjwGPqE8uJvzTpSYZ9zc-79mJ912jcLhkiPOyrg4hjSkGLgsjg_oNX0ywPXUjtHgeTnWHpqaxhX-oo2qB7AYnjLIpu2yF3WMDjXWocraPnwwa1J94pCJTt0B5WQTNPGg/s800/v6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> There are a number of unique hand blown glass lamps in the store. The clutches are original textile designs from two Chicago designers. Love the orchid in the cement pot in the background.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIkqF2GTQQk5p-yvxSNFjbQaC0nwd-v-paUYSECnxXTM4qSTmdhWpKJbXsXQ5FovT9KI2qYkAqzWepDk3yklbz7285x8fb4-zfohgwNFe_kRRINvUZEh-ztjdjX5JsCW80qCiW5CdlkY/s1600-h/v4+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330863524686188338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIkqF2GTQQk5p-yvxSNFjbQaC0nwd-v-paUYSECnxXTM4qSTmdhWpKJbXsXQ5FovT9KI2qYkAqzWepDk3yklbz7285x8fb4-zfohgwNFe_kRRINvUZEh-ztjdjX5JsCW80qCiW5CdlkY/s800/v4+(2).jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> More gorgeous bedding - these pillows are hand made in India.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXR2wLbYb2WeQnVpNP_VvmnXlb6u_5pK3rfu_93baWyFOZN41nuQYszTguBeVZnWza6eyw6_OvOSBcH-4uAQTqvdzX65ZZahDgC8rH7kKTA8X9UP_VPJYQOszGMW3wsp8UmodMw6ERro/s1600-h/new+258+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330863340666439442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXR2wLbYb2WeQnVpNP_VvmnXlb6u_5pK3rfu_93baWyFOZN41nuQYszTguBeVZnWza6eyw6_OvOSBcH-4uAQTqvdzX65ZZahDgC8rH7kKTA8X9UP_VPJYQOszGMW3wsp8UmodMw6ERro/s640/new+258+(2).jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhI6GoD1qWxMNg5G2HOpyLXAj-p4j_g4phNcaAWpcXKYl62DBbrXyAj8SsJjPscInhn6fg5_FkIsSUeDQMWHrV9vNDKPVxMx9ORoGEkW0wc6rdt9zYgLC29wjQz_TVmRgO9F1rAy19qk/s1600-h/new+255+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330862981272951490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhI6GoD1qWxMNg5G2HOpyLXAj-p4j_g4phNcaAWpcXKYl62DBbrXyAj8SsJjPscInhn6fg5_FkIsSUeDQMWHrV9vNDKPVxMx9ORoGEkW0wc6rdt9zYgLC29wjQz_TVmRgO9F1rAy19qk/s800/new+255+(2).jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> This faux potted orange tree is striking on this Oly bedside table. The pillows from Aviva Stanoff are really interesting - they are actual leaves specially treated and hand applied to the fabric.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtCEs8nTo7MI4bWGBse-6OR1gCmWeteAyitk607sSVmOfFb3bdlcoj7QTDamFoqLRjwrCR6jzQXg497KAN7bpu1wkpIoq-0G04GctI5M2PTtqJp2kqFuaAWKwHLaOBLLSoSWYhA2RgXo/s1600-h/vv3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330862242237772354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtCEs8nTo7MI4bWGBse-6OR1gCmWeteAyitk607sSVmOfFb3bdlcoj7QTDamFoqLRjwrCR6jzQXg497KAN7bpu1wkpIoq-0G04GctI5M2PTtqJp2kqFuaAWKwHLaOBLLSoSWYhA2RgXo/s640/vv3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> An Anichini pillow - one of my favorite pieces in the store.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYFojYnQtXapXpkf7Wflt3D6kSyRwfz0_YmMz6qcAGjuYtiJ2U7rhdTFmwyIFvdttAxSrfFVRK2xvZWBRBoWv-HFfYbScqtCqMqqUlDZJT9KfSKKqyLwHnbip0NbTMqYM2OprMImsvjo/s1600-h/v7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330862080840822610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYFojYnQtXapXpkf7Wflt3D6kSyRwfz0_YmMz6qcAGjuYtiJ2U7rhdTFmwyIFvdttAxSrfFVRK2xvZWBRBoWv-HFfYbScqtCqMqqUlDZJT9KfSKKqyLwHnbip0NbTMqYM2OprMImsvjo/s640/v7.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQjU6CYis7QBJyIzgoSGqmAorup44uihrY3SlEdvW1LZ-rjkUOpNXGSIIqx7fMxbuxr2t_MPFSfm6jRRJVDY-4mvK14haOpTrZWQti8ECHF4qgFX2j1Q-TcJvsorz1CfC96V5JGhBg4M/s1600-h/v8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330861914666293362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQjU6CYis7QBJyIzgoSGqmAorup44uihrY3SlEdvW1LZ-rjkUOpNXGSIIqx7fMxbuxr2t_MPFSfm6jRRJVDY-4mvK14haOpTrZWQti8ECHF4qgFX2j1Q-TcJvsorz1CfC96V5JGhBg4M/s640/v8.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9vhLZ4cETRSCCOwnCUcKxG6JL7VJri5fSt6Y-hA-bE3VbJoRF_A_z-v0cYCc7pzVo1m_AJEt_ZWmcGkR9N7cTNcy1ai-6BWRcfiFYcX9FgHdnLFiInuC1oQBj6igjyG3PWO551LhZBE/s1600-h/new+261+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330861708089072082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9vhLZ4cETRSCCOwnCUcKxG6JL7VJri5fSt6Y-hA-bE3VbJoRF_A_z-v0cYCc7pzVo1m_AJEt_ZWmcGkR9N7cTNcy1ai-6BWRcfiFYcX9FgHdnLFiInuC1oQBj6igjyG3PWO551LhZBE/s800/new+261+(2).jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> There are also a number of unique pieces of artwork in the store. The four botanicals are from a university in France in the 1800's and the piece just above is an original hand painted wallpaper rendering, circa 1900 ($612). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33nhmiik16Dzc85eIBvKkDqtcAVN9iyXERVi7EmBbqGAJKWN3glHHObT9sDuQAP01j18usL1vpvglH-3bg0gIt03fBWIMBT1Oq8JG7ncBY9Uf8V8Uo3WLXKfqyoxl6orKzm-GRCs2XTY/s1600-h/v9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330861523921072706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33nhmiik16Dzc85eIBvKkDqtcAVN9iyXERVi7EmBbqGAJKWN3glHHObT9sDuQAP01j18usL1vpvglH-3bg0gIt03fBWIMBT1Oq8JG7ncBY9Uf8V8Uo3WLXKfqyoxl6orKzm-GRCs2XTY/s640/v9.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Valerieanne carries Santa Maria Novella - a line from a 15th century pharmacy in Florence, Italy. The pomegranate is terracotta infused with the essential oil of pomegranate and the scent lasts well over a year! ($60) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R2hFbzyAgdk3hitYLVbzzWf46M9t6vZjt4vxoM4S7f7wb0DHNpavkr30XHHSZDSzxpn_WQ2YpVF46BokdMvj3rrRkqiV8o7uhGNJilRwZAYNo5YPJeX2NrNFMV_tsg-XXeLW4iFYN70/s1600-h/new+259+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330860835443520482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R2hFbzyAgdk3hitYLVbzzWf46M9t6vZjt4vxoM4S7f7wb0DHNpavkr30XHHSZDSzxpn_WQ2YpVF46BokdMvj3rrRkqiV8o7uhGNJilRwZAYNo5YPJeX2NrNFMV_tsg-XXeLW4iFYN70/s640/new+259+(2).jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6Iru8_kUVSnaM2sBMWs9t9ic_ui6hq3jKp_RHFwOljOrjso86FTozT5vG4gSYvnYX-mg6-Ap3B4O7pwA3oWEEK1k3fsOeTagvHgs2PZU7zTC8MwMVa2yYB0T6uh234ZeIvqR-_8-xc0/s1600-h/v12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330860190776943762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6Iru8_kUVSnaM2sBMWs9t9ic_ui6hq3jKp_RHFwOljOrjso86FTozT5vG4gSYvnYX-mg6-Ap3B4O7pwA3oWEEK1k3fsOeTagvHgs2PZU7zTC8MwMVa2yYB0T6uh234ZeIvqR-_8-xc0/s640/v12.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Sorry for the poor photo but couldn't resist posting a pic of these cotton/silk blend p.j's (especially since Mother's Day is coming up) Love the pewter color - wondering if you could get away w/wearing the top paired w/a pair of slacks for an outfit you wear out??<br /><br /><a href="http://www.valerianne.com/">Valerianne</a> is located at 111 Church Street in Vienna, VA - look up from the sidewalk as it's in a lofty, bright space on the second floor. You could make an afternoon out of shopping there and at a number of the other great stores in that part of town.<br /><br />Also - <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Thank you to Terri Sapienza</span></strong> for including my posts on the DC Design Center showhouse in the recent <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042901204.html">Blog Watch</a> Picks to Click this week. I appreciate it! Also featured were <a href="http://www.flythroughmywindow.blogspot.com/">Fly Through My Window</a>, <a href="http://www.pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com/">Pink Wallpaper</a> and <a href="http://www.alifesdesign.blogspot.com/">A Life's Design</a>.

Valerianne - from Scottsdale to Vienna

This is the beautiful view you're greeted with when you walk into Valerianne - a luxury home finishings boutique that opened their seco...

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