Tea Time

I wonder if I will ever have enough dishes and serveware.. There's nothing like hutches and shelves full of beautiful stacked plates, bowls and cups of all sizes and various pieces of serveware. I am particularly fond of the French made Apilco porcelain at the moment, but really have no true favorites because I love so many.

I am mad about the afternoon tea ritual, even if I'm by myself. Which is honestly never, because all my kids love tea as much as I do. Have you ever heard a 20 month old ask for a cup of tea? So cute. This afternoon's spot included the simplest ever treat on the side and you simply must try it.

Pineapple upside down cakes

1/3 c softened butter

1 1/2 c flour

1 c milk

1 egg

1 1/2 teas baking powder

1 1/2 teas sea salt

butter for greasing muffin pan

1 c brown sugar

4+ pineapple rings

Muffin pan ( I love the silicone ones)

makes 12

Preheat oven to350 F

Combine butter, flour, white sugar, milk, egg, baking powder and salt

Beat with electric mixer until smooth

Heavily butter muffin pans

Sprinke bottoms of muffin pans with brown sugar (about 1 TBSP each)

Cut pineapple rings and place in muffin pan over sugar

Spoon over batter

Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown

A perfect warm addition to a hot cup of tea on a cold winter afternoon.

Direct from Europe and oohh soo chic!

I have to share something that a source from Europe sent to me. To me, this is so French, it just puts me in my France state of mind. I know I have sat in metal chairs just like these, at a bistro in France. Here is where you go to a cafe in the afternoon to order a glass of Perrier, yes, a glass of sparkling water. You are offered a small plate of les cacahuetes to go along and here you have a perfect afternoon in an outdoor cafe, sipping Perrier and eating peanuts. C'est la vie!!! and ps, set of 4 available for purchase!!

Unique Display

Beautiful display cases and shelves are incredible heirloom pieces. Collecting wonderful items and having somewhere grand to show them off adds a lot of charm to your home. I have loved wandering through old homes, castles and antique shops breathing in all the details that add to the ambiance of a home. Now I am not talking about oak curious with glass shelves. I am talking about unique pieces that tell stories and add to conversation. This piece by Niermann Weeks is a beautiful example. It's eclectic, it's conversational, it is impossible not to notice.

I would put antique dishes or old bottle collections in here.

Script and Document Fabric Heaven

I am working on a master bedroom for a client at the moment. We have been looking for the right bench for the space and she inquired about this fabric: (click onto each image to enlarge for the best view)

I will post that bench when it's done. I found a antique replica, Louis IVI bench that we are having Heather Moore (who does gorgeous paint artistry and fauxs) add a weathered gold patina to the whitewash to give it a crumbling old rich paint look. AWESOME!! It's going to be a killer piece in what is turning out to be the most gorgeous master bedroom..

But back to the fabric..

It's a Carolyn Quartermaine Fabric, a designer with studios in the south of France and also in London. When I called to find out details, she asked me "What is with this fabric? It's what everyone wants in the US". I told her who knows, it must be that "script" fabrics are SO hot right now and that fabric is to die for. Carolyn has been making script fabrics for 20 years, so we can thank her for it finding it's way to US markets. The collections that she has are amazing, to say the least. I wanted to inspire you with some other beauties that she has created. Of course I would love to do a project with any of them, so if you want something unique and amazing, let's do it!

Living the Dream

Our dream house

This photo was taken in a chateau we stayed in when we were in the Burgandy region of France. This gorgeous room is the living room. The trompe-l'oeil paintings are outrageous. The painting was done in the 1500s (before wallpaper..). Modern day faux-finish, if you will. Amazing that such detail was desired to enhance a room over 500 years ago. I love imagining that I live here. Lounging in the evening on these luxurious down-filled canapes, I might get up for a moment to stoke the fire or ring the bell (a long string hanging from the ceiling that was built in through the ceiling to the servants chambers) for my maids to bring me a tisane. Every room of this place is absolute magic. My true dream house..

Wallpaper is Back!

I must admit, I never stopped loving wallpaper. There are so many beautiful papers that add something to a room that nothing else can. I am excited that it's back in trend. Zoffany has some beautiful, classic designs. Thibaut always shines as well. Lee Jofa is a definate favorite.

TOP TEN for 2010: # 10

Number 10:
Make changes!
Most of us have resigned to the fact that we won't be upgrading to a bigger, better house for awhile. The turn in the real estate market leaves many people staying put. Turn this into a positive situation.  Take advantage of all the great opportunites out there for value-priced goods and services. Turn your home into a dream home! Start by taking an important room in your home that could use a makeover and do it! Rooms that benefit tremendously are kitchens, bathrooms and the master bedroom. My favorite overall furniture line is Harbersham. The craftsmanship, finishes and detail are meticulous and absolutely gorgeous. They have an amazing furniture and cabinetry line as well as magnificent custom options. The sky is really the limit here. I also adore the kitchen designs of Clive Christian. His cabinetry is remarkably fabulous.

TOP TEN for 2010: # 9

Number 9:
Reuse, Recyle, Reduce!
Don't throw it out, transform  it! Take something in your home that you would like to replace and give it new life.
We took this mantle that was a very plain white gloss, typical for new construction, and made it into a beautiful old world mantle. This technique involved many layers of hand distressed and hand painted artistry. This room was formerly a shade of yellow and it has been transformed into a gorgeous french gray. I think all the main floor moldings are next!

TOP TEN for 2010: # 8

Number 8:
Find inspiration in your own backyard.
Explore local historical areas that are inspiring and beautiful. Be a tourist in your own city and state!

TOP TEN for 2010: # 7

Number 7:
Sleep like royalty.
Make sure your mattress is giving you the best nights sleep and update your linens for a luxurious sleep. Sheeting should be high-thread count cotton, at least 400 TC. The pillows should be down, eco-down or a synthetic version. Make sure you have a plush, fluffy duvet that is white goose down and filled with at least 500-fill power. Everyone in the house should enjoy the same luxuries (even the kids)..

TOP TEN for 2010: #6

Number 6:
Find a signature fragrance for your home and use it religiously. Giving your home a distinct scent is as important as you wearing your signature fragrance. Your family and friends will love entering and being welcomed by that special scent, every time they come through your door. It's very comforting.

TOP TEN for 2010: #5

Number 5:
Light up your life with candlelight.
Stage various types of candle holders throughout the main living space of your home. Candlesticks, votive holders, candlelabras. Go around in the evening and light them. Dim or turn off the electric lighting and you will bring home an incredibly ambient European mood. I'm crazy about candlelight.

TOP TEN for 2010: #4

Number 4:
Start a collection.
Collecting things that bring you pleasure to use is wonderful. It's particularly fun to collect tea cups, particular types of china or pottery, silver flatware or serving sets. Serving with unique pieces is very cool. Make sure you invite friends over for brunch, afternoon tea or tapas to enjoy your collection!

TOP TEN for 2010: #3

organiNumber 3:
Declutter and reorganize.
Concentrate with one area at a time and get a system in place. If you need any motivation, tune in to one of the HGTV or Style Network projects devoted to homes completely overhauled with crap! Then get to work on your own stuff. You will be amazed at how much happier and focused you will be. If you have children, find areas in each family space to hide and store their things. People like to think that the kids stuff will only be housed in their bedroom or a playroom, but if this is your approach, you will most likely always be battling toys, crafts and games. Find an area to keep things out of sight and organized. You can rotate things to keep them feeling new. For example, make an arts and crafts section in a Family Room built-in or media center cabinet or line beautiful baskets under a console or sofa table for storage.  Below is a closet system put in by Califonia Closets. If the task is too daunting, hire a professional organizer. Living in clean, organized space is worth what time and effort you put into it.

TOP TEN for 2010: #2

Number 2:
Re-Paint!
I have so many colors that I love to use. Right now I am getting ready to re-paint these 2 colors in our family room. Benjamin Moore has the best colors. I love the new Affinity line. Repainting a room is an easy way to change the mood, the ambiance of your home. After you paint, go "shopping" around your home for things to move into this new room. It's a good idea to re-look and rearrange items to keep it fresh.

TOP TEN for 2010: #1

Number 1:
Create a cozy reading nook with a chaise lounge. I love this French antique reproduction. Adding some grandeur that pairs with function is a beautiful statement in your home. I love the neutrality of these  types of linen pieces. Add a beautiful down pillow and your favorite book and there you go.

Freshen up the new decade!

Out with the drab and in with the Fab! Time to rearrange and make your home fabulous. Vintage is HOT and linen is still gorgeous in any setting. Bringing a touch of farmhouse to a sophisticated decor is an incredible comfort whether you love Napa Valley, Tuscany or Provence.

4 WORDS

Love at First Sight

Timeless, Gorgeous, Chic: Script Fabrics are at the TOP of my favorite list. This beautiful collection is done, perfectly, in French. I'm in love!

Fresh and Fabulous

This ensemble by Bliss Studios is so fabulous! It is my current favorite look.

FOUND

There are so many beautiful objects that ignite inspiration, reflection, admiration. I love history and things old, vintage, worn. A piece that tells a story lends a beautiful aura in a space. On a recent trip to Europe,  many things were found. Pieces discovered. The top photo is the simple kitchen of Marie Antionette. A true wood burning stove copper top. The huge fireplace for the kettle to hang. The long communal tables. The bottom picture is a piece of an uncovered mural  in the Chateau de Bagnols, France. This painting from the 1500s was uncovered in a chapel. This room is now a suite. The murals are magnificent. The history becomes alive. Now 500 years later, we are still making works of art on plastered walls. The elements of interior design just circulate through the centuries.