Interview: Mimmi O'Connell

A few weeks ago, I wrote (see here) about a favorite designer of mine, Mimmi O'Connell. Working out of England, she has a very distinct decorating style whose appeal transcends across the globe. Her "look" consists of the use of casual fabrics such as mattress ticking, lots of black iron furniture, accents of Oriental antiques, visual symmetry, a strong contrast between light and dark, and a

Interview: Mimmi O'Connell

A few weeks ago, I wrote (see here) about a favorite designer of mine, Mimmi O'Connell. Working out of England, she has a very distinct decorating style whose appeal transcends across the globe. Her "look" consists of the use of casual fabrics such as mattress ticking, lots of black iron furniture, accents of Oriental antiques, visual symmetry, a strong contrast between light and dark, and a

Psychology of color

Home pageColor is such an important element in our lives. It has been a part of the natural world since the beginning of time, yet we continue to be fascinated by the mysterious nature of this subject. Our personalities can be reflected in our color choices. Warm colors are red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger

Psychology of color

Home pageColor is such an important element in our lives. It has been a part of the natural world since the beginning of time, yet we continue to be fascinated by the mysterious nature of this subject. Our personalities can be reflected in our color choices. Warm colors are red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger

A Collecting Couple

Recently, my sister and her husband moved from a high-rise condo back to a ground level townhouse. They decided they are just too young to live in a high-rise building and they longed for the advantages of a garage, a garden, a neighborhood. Plus, my brother-in-law really missed b-b-qing outside! I was there the other day helping them hang all their paintings. They're pretty settled after just

A Collecting Couple

Recently, my sister and her husband moved from a high-rise condo back to a ground level townhouse. They decided they are just too young to live in a high-rise building and they longed for the advantages of a garage, a garden, a neighborhood. Plus, my brother-in-law really missed b-b-qing outside! I was there the other day helping them hang all their paintings. They're pretty settled after just

Hill Country House

I want to welcome a new blogger to the design blogosphere: Hill Country House. She's a native Texan, born in Dallas, but now living in Fredericksburg with her husband and children. Fredericksburg is a great town - small, atmospheric, and home to Carol Bolton's famous Homestead. Bus loads and car loads of antiquers flood the town on the weekends and during the summer. It's become a hub of unique

Hill Country House

I want to welcome a new blogger to the design blogosphere: Hill Country House. She's a native Texan, born in Dallas, but now living in Fredericksburg with her husband and children. Fredericksburg is a great town - small, atmospheric, and home to Carol Bolton's famous Homestead. Bus loads and car loads of antiquers flood the town on the weekends and during the summer. It's become a hub of unique

El dormitorio infantil: decorando el cuarto del bebe

Para decorar el dormitorio del bebe, siempre ponemos mucho empeño en los juguetes, pero no hay que olvidar la comodidad y seguridad. Hay que decorar con mucha felicidad, pero tambien con bastante responsabilidad, y es que la llegada del bebé implica mucho trabajo y cambios en el hogar, pues el bebé deberá disponer de todo lo necesario para garantizar su cuidado y comodidad.La habitación del niño

David Easton and his Balderbrae

Years and years ago, when I still formulating my design aesthetic, I stumbled across a magazine article that featured Balderbrae, the summer home of David Easton and his partner, artist James Steinmeyer. The home was large, but consisted of just a few rooms - a living and dining room, master bedroom, and a study, along with two large porches or loggias. This house, a study in symmetry appealed to

David Easton and his Balderbrae

Years and years ago, when I still formulating my design aesthetic, I stumbled across a magazine article that featured Balderbrae, the summer home of David Easton and his partner, artist James Steinmeyer. The home was large, but consisted of just a few rooms - a living and dining room, master bedroom, and a study, along with two large porches or loggias. This house, a study in symmetry appealed to

Colorido dormitorio para niñas con camarote predomina el color verde y rosa

Imagen: miflotador.com

DORMITORIO MARINERO CAMA BARCO PIRATA CAMAS BOTES LANCHAS

Los mas bellos dormitorio para niños, dormitorio pirata, dormitorio marinero, cama barco, cama bote.Esta cama barco para chicos viene con cajonera u opción para otra cama en la parte inferior. Tiene además una mesa detrás para colocar cosas y una red para colgar juguetes. Mide 1.50 m..La empresa de mobiliario infantil VTV propone para los más pequeños de la casa este barco-cama. Se trata de un

Dormitorio para bebito

Imagen de: afxafx.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized

Dormitorio para bebita

Dormitorio matrimonial en madera, color blanco y marron

Uno de los mejores dormitorios de matrimonios de Dissenia Arquitectura de InterioresC/ Evaristo Valle, 3 Gijón - Asturias Tlf. 984 397 809

Dormitorio en rojo y negro

Arriba unas recámaras que combinan muy bien el negro y rojo, ambos dormitorios son bellos diseños de Artdissenia.

Amplia y hermosa cabecera

Dormitorio 2 colores con cama que ahorra espacio

Una comoda y cajones muy interesantes

Dormitorio Juvenil en madera y verde limon o verde manzana fresco e inspirador

Dormitorio Juvenil para espacios pequeños con colores vivos

Closet en esquina.Muebles para dormitorios: artdissenia.com

Dormitorio juvenil y elegante con closet en esquina

Este precioso mobiliaro para una moderna recámara juvenil, es de Art Dissenia - Dissenia Arquitectura de Interiores C/ Evaristo Valle, 3 Gijón - Asturias Tlf. 984 397 809Fuente: artdissenia.com

Dormitorio personal con closet curvo en la esquina de la alcoba y alfombra negra

Dormitorio juvenil en tonos marrones y tierra.Fuente: artdissenia.com

Dormitorio personal de color blanco con madera

Dormitorio juvenil personal en blanco y muebles de madera.Un fresco y juvenil diseño de artdissenia.com

Dormitorio juvenil y elegante con toque de color negro y naranja

Moderno dormitorio juvenil de artdissenia.

Dormitorio Juvenil funcional para pequenos espacios de madera y toques en verde jade

Bellos diseños que pueden adquirir en artdissenia.com:

Dormitorio moderno

La cabecera de la cama esta unida a las mesas de noche y a una comoda

Dormitorio elegante con cubrecama de piedras

Interesante cama que se abre totalmente para usar el espacio debajo del colchon y poder guardar cosas. Diseño de dormitoriosquart.com

Dormitorio elegante de metal y madera

Dormitorio elegante de con una amplia cabecera de cama

Dormitorio elegante de color plomo y negro predominan los colores oscuros

Camas bajas muy cerca al piso con flores y femenino

Camas bajas muy cerca al piso estilo oriental

Camas bajas muy cerca al piso

Camas bajas muy cerca al piso

Dormitorio Juvenil funcional para pequenos espacios

Dormitorio Juvenil para espacios pequeños

Lindas literas abatiles juveniles de Xikara.netFuente: mueblejuvenil.blogspot.com, xikara.net

Dos camas en un solo cuarto

Dormitorio Juvenil para espacios pequeños

Consejos para la decoración de un dormitorio

El dormitorio o alcoba es el sitio donde tu duermes y por consiguiente pasas mas de horas al dia en el, descansando, durmiendo, meditando, pensando, es por eso es importante que escojas un buen diseño, que este apropiadamente decorado e iluminado ya que esto influye en tu estado de animo. Digo apropiadamente pues la decoracion de un dormitorio de una pareja recien casada no va a tener el mismo

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

If you are looking for a western styled, romantic getaway this winter or summer, Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado might be the answer. Dunton Hot Springs - where? Actually, it's a ghost town located deep in the Rockies Mountain Range at the "four corners" area of Colorado where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona all meet. Once a mining town abandoned in 1918, the town has been at times a biker

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

If you are looking for a western styled, romantic getaway this winter or summer, Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado might be the answer. Dunton Hot Springs - where? Actually, it's a ghost town located deep in the Rockies Mountain Range at the "four corners" area of Colorado where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona all meet. Once a mining town abandoned in 1918, the town has been at times a biker

Antique Judaica

The Jewish Bride, by Isidor KaufmanJews all over the world are celebrating the holiday of Chanukah this week. Chanukah, or The Festival of Lights, is a very minor holiday with little religious significance. It's history is thus: Almost two hundred years before the birth of Christ, a battle was fought between the Greeks and the Jews which lasted for three years. Under the leadership of Judah

Antique Judaica

The Jewish Bride, by Isidor KaufmanJews all over the world are celebrating the holiday of Chanukah this week. Chanukah, or The Festival of Lights, is a very minor holiday with little religious significance. It's history is thus: Almost two hundred years before the birth of Christ, a battle was fought between the Greeks and the Jews which lasted for three years. Under the leadership of Judah

Lounge chairs

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Lounge chairs

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Home pageback to sofas - page 1click on images for larger view

Home pageback to sofas - page 1click on images for larger view

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Home pagepage 1, page 2click on images for larger view

Mimmi O'Connell

White walls, symmetry, tufted ottoman used as a coffee table, ticking used for upholstery, black iron accents, seagrass matting: elements used over and over again.In the 70’s - there was a designer in London who started a trend that lives on, 35 years later – the cornerstone of this trend was oriental furniture imported from the far east. The young designer combined these eastern pieces with

Mimmi O'Connell

White walls, symmetry, tufted ottoman used as a coffee table, ticking used for upholstery, black iron accents, seagrass matting: elements used over and over again.In the 70’s - there was a designer in London who started a trend that lives on, 35 years later – the cornerstone of this trend was oriental furniture imported from the far east. The young designer combined these eastern pieces with

Names Can Be Deceiving: Shabby Slips

Veranda's September 2007 cover story features Houston designer Renea Abbott and her work - a large, Provencal-inspired home built in California. The finished product is the culmination of years of toil: construction alone lasted over three years. This project catapults Abbott into the upper echelons of the design business, something she truly deserves. The "farmhouse," as it is referred to, is a

Names Can Be Deceiving: Shabby Slips

Veranda's September 2007 cover story features Houston designer Renea Abbott and her work - a large, Provencal-inspired home built in California. The finished product is the culmination of years of toil: construction alone lasted over three years. This project catapults Abbott into the upper echelons of the design business, something she truly deserves. The "farmhouse," as it is referred to, is a

Yurdan, suzani, and me

I recently was asked by friend and blogger Style Court, whether I had ever ordered anything from Yurdan, and if so, whether I had been pleased with the company. The answer to both questions was an enthusiastic "yes!" As soon as I replied with my answer, Beach Bungalow 8 chimed in to say that she, too, had ordered from Yurdan without any success - she never received her order. Well, that just

Yurdan, suzani, and me

I recently was asked by friend and blogger Style Court, whether I had ever ordered anything from Yurdan, and if so, whether I had been pleased with the company. The answer to both questions was an enthusiastic "yes!" As soon as I replied with my answer, Beach Bungalow 8 chimed in to say that she, too, had ordered from Yurdan without any success - she never received her order. Well, that just

Sconces

One of my favorite blogs that I read is Things That Inspire. Sarah is the voice behind this interesting design blog and she and I email each other regularly to discuss decorating and blogging and other very important topics. Lately Sarah is wanting to talk about chandeliers and sconces and recently, she wrote an interesting blog about chandeliers. She asked me if I would then write one about

Sconces

One of my favorite blogs that I read is Things That Inspire. Sarah is the voice behind this interesting design blog and she and I email each other regularly to discuss decorating and blogging and other very important topics. Lately Sarah is wanting to talk about chandeliers and sconces and recently, she wrote an interesting blog about chandeliers. She asked me if I would then write one about

Summit Talks

On Saturday, Blogger Cote de Texas welcomed All The Best's Ms. Ronda Carmon to Houston to discuss blogging, design, publishing, and other important topics. The summit meeting, held in Southampton, Houston's Museum District, lasted approximately two hours over lunch. In a sign of solidarity, the two parties both ordered the same dish: crab cakes with chicken noodle soup.Over the course of lunch,

Summit Talks

On Saturday, Blogger Cote de Texas welcomed All The Best's Ms. Ronda Carmon to Houston to discuss blogging, design, publishing, and other important topics. The summit meeting, held in Southampton, Houston's Museum District, lasted approximately two hours over lunch. In a sign of solidarity, the two parties both ordered the same dish: crab cakes with chicken noodle soup.Over the course of lunch,

My 50th birthday rolled by 3 years ago and now, it's that time again on the 20th. To my complete and utter surprise, two of my favorite blogging friends conspired to wish me a happy birthday in a most creative way, or course! Patricia Gray, the fabulous Canadian interior designer of Architectural Digest fame, asked Ronda Carmon of the delightful AND informative All The Best to contact Ronda's

My 50th birthday rolled by 3 years ago and now, it's that time again on the 20th. To my complete and utter surprise, two of my favorite blogging friends conspired to wish me a happy birthday in a most creative way, or course! Patricia Gray, the fabulous Canadian interior designer of Architectural Digest fame, asked Ronda Carmon of the delightful AND informative All The Best to contact Ronda's

Houston House and Home

What is this doing in my den? I usually don't show old home movies on Monday mornings! Who are these people and why are they studying a computer in my kitchen? And now, they are eating - don't they know I don't entertain except for my two family holidays - Hanukkah and Father's Day???? The story of these pictures is this: A short while ago, the editor of Houston's oldest shelter magazine,

Houston House and Home

What is this doing in my den? I usually don't show old home movies on Monday mornings! Who are these people and why are they studying a computer in my kitchen? And now, they are eating - don't they know I don't entertain except for my two family holidays - Hanukkah and Father's Day???? The story of these pictures is this: A short while ago, the editor of Houston's oldest shelter magazine,

My Marrakesh, My Maryam

My Marrakesh is one of my favorite blogs. If you aren't familiar with this blog, you should be. It is written by the adorable and quite beautiful Maryam, a warm, sweet, funny and loving woman who moved to Marrakesh some years ago and continues to live there with her husband and son and daughter. Maryam, American by birth, is a social activist - a human rights and democracy specialist. She is also

My Marrakesh, My Maryam

My Marrakesh is one of my favorite blogs. If you aren't familiar with this blog, you should be. It is written by the adorable and quite beautiful Maryam, a warm, sweet, funny and loving woman who moved to Marrakesh some years ago and continues to live there with her husband and son and daughter. Maryam, American by birth, is a social activist - a human rights and democracy specialist. She is also

Home pagepage 1, page 2click on images for larger view

Home pagepage 1, page 2click on images for larger view

Au revoir Blanc d'Ivoire

Almost like a death in the family, I am faced with the loss of my favorite vendor: Blanc d'Ivoire. Recently this French furniture company decided to close their NY office, thus making it nearly impossible for small independents like myself to order their merchandise. They now require you to buy a container and that's unrealistic for a designer with my sized business. So, I am now forced to buy

Au revoir Blanc d'Ivoire

Almost like a death in the family, I am faced with the loss of my favorite vendor: Blanc d'Ivoire. Recently this French furniture company decided to close their NY office, thus making it nearly impossible for small independents like myself to order their merchandise. They now require you to buy a container and that's unrealistic for a designer with my sized business. So, I am now forced to buy

My Design: Original Content Week

A shot of the living room looking towards the family room. Across from this arrangement is another seating group comprised of a tufted sofa and two more chairs.In honor of Decorno's proposal that design bloggers celebrate "Original Content Week," I've dug into my archives and pulled out these shots of a highrise apartment that I worked on last year. My client is a single woman in her 80s with

My Design: Original Content Week

A shot of the living room looking towards the family room. Across from this arrangement is another seating group comprised of a tufted sofa and two more chairs.In honor of Decorno's proposal that design bloggers celebrate "Original Content Week," I've dug into my archives and pulled out these shots of a highrise apartment that I worked on last year. My client is a single woman in her 80s with

Beadboard UpCountry - Brenham, Texas

It's no secret that Texas is a huge state, just to drive from one end to the other is a journey that can't be done in a day. It is so large that we have 254 counties. Several books have been written about the architecture of all of our courthouses. There is even a web site, where a man named Ted has taken a picture of each of the courthouses. Many of them are old buildings that are registered

Beadboard UpCountry - Brenham, Texas

It's no secret that Texas is a huge state, just to drive from one end to the other is a journey that can't be done in a day. It is so large that we have 254 counties. Several books have been written about the architecture of all of our courthouses. There is even a web site, where a man named Ted has taken a picture of each of the courthouses. Many of them are old buildings that are registered

Most Influential Blogs - My Picks

Congratulations go out to the newly named Top 10 Influential Design blogs. The blog Home Rejuvenation hosted this contest and bloggers around the world voted for their favorites. With much fanfare, the winners were announced yesterday. Mazel Tov to the Top Ten!Though in agreement with all the winners, I still felt there were several glaring absences from the list and I just couldn't let the day

Most Influential Blogs - My Picks

Congratulations go out to the newly named Top 10 Influential Design blogs. The blog Home Rejuvenation hosted this contest and bloggers around the world voted for their favorites. With much fanfare, the winners were announced yesterday. Mazel Tov to the Top Ten!Though in agreement with all the winners, I still felt there were several glaring absences from the list and I just couldn't let the day

Vermeer and the Camera Obscura

The new Vogue Living magazine has a photo spread on Dutch Interiors. It shows how you can reproduce the atmosphere of a Vermeer painting. Vermeer, the artist who painted the hauntingly beautiful "Girl with the Pearl Earring" which inspired a book and movie of the same title, was not enormously prolific. His entire portfolio consists of just 30 some paintings, yet he remains one of the world's

Vermeer and the Camera Obscura

The new Vogue Living magazine has a photo spread on Dutch Interiors. It shows how you can reproduce the atmosphere of a Vermeer painting. Vermeer, the artist who painted the hauntingly beautiful "Girl with the Pearl Earring" which inspired a book and movie of the same title, was not enormously prolific. His entire portfolio consists of just 30 some paintings, yet he remains one of the world's

Two Musts - Elle Decor & Vogue Living

The November issue of Elle Decor is out and it is especially beautiful this month. I would suggest you run over to your favorite bookstore today and pick it up. And this month, don't wait for your subscription copy to arrive. My copy is already a mess, totally trashed out from schlepping it around with me. The cover shot is from the Boston Black Bay street apartment of designer Frank Roop

Two Musts - Elle Decor & Vogue Living

The November issue of Elle Decor is out and it is especially beautiful this month. I would suggest you run over to your favorite bookstore today and pick it up. And this month, don't wait for your subscription copy to arrive. My copy is already a mess, totally trashed out from schlepping it around with me. The cover shot is from the Boston Black Bay street apartment of designer Frank Roop

Round Top, Texas

Round Top, Texas - population 77, except for the first two weeks in April and October each year. This is home to one of the largest antiques fairs in the United States. Started 40 years ago by Emma Lee Turney, the festival has grown from one location into a festival that overflows to all the tiny towns that surround Round Top. During the festival, large temporary, makeshift tent cities spring

Round Top, Texas

Round Top, Texas - population 77, except for the first two weeks in April and October each year. This is home to one of the largest antiques fairs in the United States. Started 40 years ago by Emma Lee Turney, the festival has grown from one location into a festival that overflows to all the tiny towns that surround Round Top. During the festival, large temporary, makeshift tent cities spring

Chappell Hill, Texas and the KW Ranch

This is the downtown area of a little town about an hour southwest of Houston called Chappell Hill. Five years ago my husband's brother Kirk and his wife Shannon left the big city to become country folks. Now, keep in mind that Shannon was a city person to the core, someone who knows everybody who is somebody in Houston's social circles. Kirk on the other hand was a faux cowboy who liked to fish

Chappell Hill, Texas and the KW Ranch

This is the downtown area of a little town about an hour southwest of Houston called Chappell Hill. Five years ago my husband's brother Kirk and his wife Shannon left the big city to become country folks. Now, keep in mind that Shannon was a city person to the core, someone who knows everybody who is somebody in Houston's social circles. Kirk on the other hand was a faux cowboy who liked to fish

A Country French House: Authentic Elements

This beautiful home pictured above is located in the French countryside. Typical of the many homes that dot the landscape, this home didn't start out this large, but has been added to over the years. The original structure most likely housed animals on the ground floor and humans on the second. This type of architecture is gaining in popularity in America. In neighborhood after neighborhood, you

A Country French House: Authentic Elements

This beautiful home pictured above is located in the French countryside. Typical of the many homes that dot the landscape, this home didn't start out this large, but has been added to over the years. The original structure most likely housed animals on the ground floor and humans on the second. This type of architecture is gaining in popularity in America. In neighborhood after neighborhood, you

Farrow and Ball and Emma Jane

There is a rash of new design books coming out this fall in time for the Christmas shopping season. My pre-released order with Amazon is obscene: I owe them a king's ransom for all these soon to be released books. But that's ok, this is my only hobby, so I indulge it. These new books are just starting to trickle in. Alex Vervoordt's came the other day and it's a winner, totally gorgeous. Another

Farrow and Ball and Emma Jane

There is a rash of new design books coming out this fall in time for the Christmas shopping season. My pre-released order with Amazon is obscene: I owe them a king's ransom for all these soon to be released books. But that's ok, this is my only hobby, so I indulge it. These new books are just starting to trickle in. Alex Vervoordt's came the other day and it's a winner, totally gorgeous. Another

Paris in Houston, Part Deux

My favorite landscaping company in Houston, pictured above, is Thompson + Hanson. Yes, you read that correctly, I said landscaping! The best part about shopping for plants at T+H is their antiques. OK, that sounds strange, I know, but believe me, their antiques are more gorgeous than their plants. Culled from trips overseas to France, their assortment of goods includes: armoires, chandeliers,

Paris in Houston, Part Deux

My favorite landscaping company in Houston, pictured above, is Thompson + Hanson. Yes, you read that correctly, I said landscaping! The best part about shopping for plants at T+H is their antiques. OK, that sounds strange, I know, but believe me, their antiques are more gorgeous than their plants. Culled from trips overseas to France, their assortment of goods includes: armoires, chandeliers,

Paris in Houston, Part I

I've been shopping in Houston this week, just making the rounds of some of my favorite places. First stop is the romantic antique store M. Naeve, eponym for Margaret Naeve, a darling, twenty-something who actually looks more like a teenager. What's most astounding about Margaret being the owner is how does someone so young acquire such excellent taste? M. Naeve isn't the place for those who go

Paris in Houston, Part I

I've been shopping in Houston this week, just making the rounds of some of my favorite places. First stop is the romantic antique store M. Naeve, eponym for Margaret Naeve, a darling, twenty-something who actually looks more like a teenager. What's most astounding about Margaret being the owner is how does someone so young acquire such excellent taste? M. Naeve isn't the place for those who go

"Something's Gotta Give" at House Beautiful

This month's issue of House Beautiful is a beauty, story after story, I'm loving it. There's a spread on Suzanne Rheinstein's fabulous new fabrics. Suzanne is looking good these days, younger and younger! She's unrecognizable to me in this issue. Then there's a great story on Belgian design and another one on a fabulous apartment by Joe Nye. The Peak of Chic already showcases that story here, as

"Something's Gotta Give" at House Beautiful

This month's issue of House Beautiful is a beauty, story after story, I'm loving it. There's a spread on Suzanne Rheinstein's fabulous new fabrics. Suzanne is looking good these days, younger and younger! She's unrecognizable to me in this issue. Then there's a great story on Belgian design and another one on a fabulous apartment by Joe Nye. The Peak of Chic already showcases that story here, as

Living With Dogs and Slipcovers

My favorite dog book, Living With Dogs, isn't really a dog book, per se. It's about design that pertains to dogs: dogs in art, dogs at home, dogs as collectibles, and so on. Written by the husband and wife team, Larry and Carol Sheehan, it presents dog owners, dog memorabilia collectors, dog breeders, and dog enthusiasts in essays about the lives they spend with their dogs at home and work and at

Living With Dogs and Slipcovers

My favorite dog book, Living With Dogs, isn't really a dog book, per se. It's about design that pertains to dogs: dogs in art, dogs at home, dogs as collectibles, and so on. Written by the husband and wife team, Larry and Carol Sheehan, it presents dog owners, dog memorabilia collectors, dog breeders, and dog enthusiasts in essays about the lives they spend with their dogs at home and work and at

Jackie Blue Home

Not one to usually toot my own horn, I did want to let you know that if you were the slightest bit interested in my blog about my new family room furniture, you may want to visit the Jackie Blue Home blog. Written by published author Jackie Von Tobel, she has taken the story of my family room and critiqued it picture by picture, pillow by pillow. Oy! At least Jackie's comments are quite nice

Jackie Blue Home

Not one to usually toot my own horn, I did want to let you know that if you were the slightest bit interested in my blog about my new family room furniture, you may want to visit the Jackie Blue Home blog. Written by published author Jackie Von Tobel, she has taken the story of my family room and critiqued it picture by picture, pillow by pillow. Oy! At least Jackie's comments are quite nice

Three Chairs

As you may recall, Anne Harwell, the artist on Etsy and on her blog as Annechovie - created this painting of my statue a few weeks ago. Recently, she has been doing silhouettes of chairs in gorgeous, rich colors. These are original hand cut silhouettes on paper.When I saw these chairs tonight, it struck me that they should be purchased together, as opposed to separately, and they should be framed

Three Chairs

As you may recall, Anne Harwell, the artist on Etsy and on her blog as Annechovie - created this painting of my statue a few weeks ago. Recently, she has been doing silhouettes of chairs in gorgeous, rich colors. These are original hand cut silhouettes on paper.When I saw these chairs tonight, it struck me that they should be purchased together, as opposed to separately, and they should be framed

My Design: Family Room

Well, the big day finally arrived. The sofa, pictured above, that I picked out months ago was delivered this week. It's an old cliche, but very true: A designer can decide in a nanosecond what her client needs, but when it comes to the designer's own home? Forget it! The hold up was I couldn't decide what chairs would look good with the sofa because it has dramatic lines, with a high curved

My Design: Family Room

Well, the big day finally arrived. The sofa, pictured above, that I picked out months ago was delivered this week. It's an old cliche, but very true: A designer can decide in a nanosecond what her client needs, but when it comes to the designer's own home? Forget it! The hold up was I couldn't decide what chairs would look good with the sofa because it has dramatic lines, with a high curved

Diana

If you, like me, admired the beauty of the person that was Diana, the once Princess of Wales, this weekend you are probably thinking of Diana and of your own special memories of her. Everyone that knows me, in real life, is keenly aware of how much I adored Diana. There was a point in time where books on Diana and the Royal Family dominated my library. I have scores of these books, books about

Diana

If you, like me, admired the beauty of the person that was Diana, the once Princess of Wales, this weekend you are probably thinking of Diana and of your own special memories of her. Everyone that knows me, in real life, is keenly aware of how much I adored Diana. There was a point in time where books on Diana and the Royal Family dominated my library. I have scores of these books, books about

O at Home

The new issue of Oprah's magazine O at Home is on the stands, and usually, it's not exactly something I would blog about. But isn't this cover beautiful? I adore it and it really caught my eye today! Gosh, I wonder why? Could it be because of the ultra-chic woman pictured below? Probably. Thanks to my favorite fashionable blogger from New York, the fast-becoming famous Habitually Chic, I already

O at Home

The new issue of Oprah's magazine O at Home is on the stands, and usually, it's not exactly something I would blog about. But isn't this cover beautiful? I adore it and it really caught my eye today! Gosh, I wonder why? Could it be because of the ultra-chic woman pictured below? Probably. Thanks to my favorite fashionable blogger from New York, the fast-becoming famous Habitually Chic, I already

Guardian Statue by Annechovie

My very second post to my blog, Cote de Texas, was entitled Concrete Statuary and in case you missed it, this was the post: My favorite shape is the urn, as in a crusty, old, concrete garden urn. I love placing urns inside the house with or without something inside of them. Another accessory I love using inside the house is garden statuary. This lady has been guarding my front window for many

Guardian Statue by Annechovie

My very second post to my blog, Cote de Texas, was entitled Concrete Statuary and in case you missed it, this was the post: My favorite shape is the urn, as in a crusty, old, concrete garden urn. I love placing urns inside the house with or without something inside of them. Another accessory I love using inside the house is garden statuary. This lady has been guarding my front window for many

Two from Texas

Interior designers from Houston have gotten quite the national press this year. House Beautiful had a cover story of Carol Glasser's design of my friend's Swedish home in River Oaks. Elle Decor did a cover of another Houston designer, Randy Powers. Veranda this month featured Houstonian Renea Abbott's work on its cover. But none of these veteran designers had quite as much press as Joe Shaffer.

Two from Texas

Interior designers from Houston have gotten quite the national press this year. House Beautiful had a cover story of Carol Glasser's design of my friend's Swedish home in River Oaks. Elle Decor did a cover of another Houston designer, Randy Powers. Veranda this month featured Houstonian Renea Abbott's work on its cover. But none of these veteran designers had quite as much press as Joe Shaffer.

Check Mate!

One of my favorite fabric houses these days is Chelsea Editions or Chelsea Textiles, depending upon which side of the pond you are located. Chelsea specializes in hand embroidered fabrics made in India. Besides selling fabric, they also sell reproduction furniture based on Swedish antiques. Though Chelsea is famous for their embroidered fabrics, it's their check fabrics that speak to me. Chelsea

Check Mate!

One of my favorite fabric houses these days is Chelsea Editions or Chelsea Textiles, depending upon which side of the pond you are located. Chelsea specializes in hand embroidered fabrics made in India. Besides selling fabric, they also sell reproduction furniture based on Swedish antiques. Though Chelsea is famous for their embroidered fabrics, it's their check fabrics that speak to me. Chelsea

Southern Accents

There's nothing more exciting to me than going to the store and seeing a new issue of a magazine I love. And I do love Southern Accents. The new issue is not to be missed. It's the 30th Anniversary issue with loads of old photos and commentary by people such as Bunny Williams, Julia Reed, Jackye Lanham and others. There's even a book review of Bunny's not yet published new one, along with a

Southern Accents

There's nothing more exciting to me than going to the store and seeing a new issue of a magazine I love. And I do love Southern Accents. The new issue is not to be missed. It's the 30th Anniversary issue with loads of old photos and commentary by people such as Bunny Williams, Julia Reed, Jackye Lanham and others. There's even a book review of Bunny's not yet published new one, along with a

Shutters Hotel on the Beach

If you plan to visit Los Angeles and want to spend the night enveloped in esteemed interior designer Michael Smith luxury, Shutters Hotel on the Beach will fit the bill. Recently, Mr. Smith spearheaded a total redesign of the charming Cape Cod styled hotel, and it shows: Smith's touches are everywhere, from the checked and striped fabrics, to the luxurious bathroom fixtures to the beachfront

Shutters Hotel on the Beach

If you plan to visit Los Angeles and want to spend the night enveloped in esteemed interior designer Michael Smith luxury, Shutters Hotel on the Beach will fit the bill. Recently, Mr. Smith spearheaded a total redesign of the charming Cape Cod styled hotel, and it shows: Smith's touches are everywhere, from the checked and striped fabrics, to the luxurious bathroom fixtures to the beachfront

Charlotte Moss' Winter House

Charlotte Moss' Aspen home which is the subject of her latest book, Winter House, recently sold for $8,500.000. Interestingly, the house was purchased by a Dallas couple, Carl and Peggy Sewell whose own beautiful home has been featured more than once in Southern Accents. The real estate listing for Winter House states the asking price was at a major price reduction and the house was being sold

Charlotte Moss' Winter House

Charlotte Moss' Aspen home which is the subject of her latest book, Winter House, recently sold for $8,500.000. Interestingly, the house was purchased by a Dallas couple, Carl and Peggy Sewell whose own beautiful home has been featured more than once in Southern Accents. The real estate listing for Winter House states the asking price was at a major price reduction and the house was being sold

The Windsor Smith Home Collection

Windsor Smith, a young interior designer from California, is hot, hot, hot right now. Today, she expands her dominance as she officially launches her own furniture line, the eponymous Windsor Smith Home Collection. This launching is just the beginning for Windsor as more pieces will be added in a timely manner. Additionally, Kravet will be rolling out Windsor's own fabric designs in 2008. It

The Windsor Smith Home Collection

Windsor Smith, a young interior designer from California, is hot, hot, hot right now. Today, she expands her dominance as she officially launches her own furniture line, the eponymous Windsor Smith Home Collection. This launching is just the beginning for Windsor as more pieces will be added in a timely manner. Additionally, Kravet will be rolling out Windsor's own fabric designs in 2008. It

Can You Spell Chandelier?

While on the internet on one of my favorite sites, Houston Real Estate, I came across this lovely home for sale. It's in the Memorial area, one of the toniest neighborhoods in Houston, and as you can see, it's quite a huge house. It's for sale for close to 9 million, just in case you're interested in buying it. But, like they say, money can't buy you taste. I got the biggest case of giggles

Can You Spell Chandelier?

While on the internet on one of my favorite sites, Houston Real Estate, I came across this lovely home for sale. It's in the Memorial area, one of the toniest neighborhoods in Houston, and as you can see, it's quite a huge house. It's for sale for close to 9 million, just in case you're interested in buying it. But, like they say, money can't buy you taste. I got the biggest case of giggles

There's No Place Like Home

Well, like the old saying goes: there's no place like home. After three wonderful weeks at the beach, we came home today to huge stacks of unopened mail, plants that desperately need to be cut back, a dog with a swollen eye (ouch!), hydrangeas dead from heat stroke, messy clutter left from leaving in a hurry three long weeks ago, a teenaged daughter who announced that she didn't really miss her

There's No Place Like Home

Well, like the old saying goes: there's no place like home. After three wonderful weeks at the beach, we came home today to huge stacks of unopened mail, plants that desperately need to be cut back, a dog with a swollen eye (ouch!), hydrangeas dead from heat stroke, messy clutter left from leaving in a hurry three long weeks ago, a teenaged daughter who announced that she didn't really miss her

Bloggers Make the Best Friends

In case you didn't know, or have been hiding under a rock, I've been on vacation for the past few weeks in South Padre Island, a little bitty island at the tip of Texas right across from the border of Mexico. You can't get any further south and still be in America than here. Being the dutiful blogger, I wrote a few posts about the island and showed off the beach here on Blogger. Imagine my

Bloggers Make the Best Friends

In case you didn't know, or have been hiding under a rock, I've been on vacation for the past few weeks in South Padre Island, a little bitty island at the tip of Texas right across from the border of Mexico. You can't get any further south and still be in America than here. Being the dutiful blogger, I wrote a few posts about the island and showed off the beach here on Blogger. Imagine my

Reclaimed Building Materials

I'm currently reading, well, really looking at the pictures in, Building with Reclaimed Materials, published by Beta-Plus, 2007. If you are interested in how you could build a new house and have it look like it is 200 years old, this book is for you. I'm fascinated with that concept because my husband only likes new construction and I prefer old homes. So, using reclaimed materials such as old

Reclaimed Building Materials

I'm currently reading, well, really looking at the pictures in, Building with Reclaimed Materials, published by Beta-Plus, 2007. If you are interested in how you could build a new house and have it look like it is 200 years old, this book is for you. I'm fascinated with that concept because my husband only likes new construction and I prefer old homes. So, using reclaimed materials such as old

Cote Sud: A House on the French Coast

This charming country French home was purchased by an American man from Colorado. He spent a few years completely renovating it to his specifications. Pictures are courtesy of Cote Sud Magazine. Enjoy!Covered porch seen at the very left of top picture. The kitchen lies through the French doors. Typical French "in ground" swimming pool.Rustic wood table set for lunch under a covered porch. Notice

Cote Sud: A House on the French Coast

This charming country French home was purchased by an American man from Colorado. He spent a few years completely renovating it to his specifications. Pictures are courtesy of Cote Sud Magazine. Enjoy!Covered porch seen at the very left of top picture. The kitchen lies through the French doors. Typical French "in ground" swimming pool.Rustic wood table set for lunch under a covered porch. Notice

Dining Rooms Serve up Eye Candy

This dining room by John Saladino is located in a New York highrise. It's a personal favorite of mine and has been for years. There's not one special piece of furniture in it, in fact, there isn't even a dining table, just a couple of linen tablecloths thrown over a nondescript piece of plywood. The chairs, though, are beautiful - but there are only four. The other four are probably scattered

Dining Rooms Serve up Eye Candy

This dining room by John Saladino is located in a New York highrise. It's a personal favorite of mine and has been for years. There's not one special piece of furniture in it, in fact, there isn't even a dining table, just a couple of linen tablecloths thrown over a nondescript piece of plywood. The chairs, though, are beautiful - but there are only four. The other four are probably scattered

New York Social Diary

This week's New York Social Diary is out and as usual, it's fabulous! If you don't subscribe to it, but you love New York shopping, culture, art, society, and design, you should sign up for it. This week NYSD previews fab designer Thad Hayes' new NY design office. Here's a few pics from the layout. For all you design bloggers who LOVE design books, here's a picture from Thad's collection.

New York Social Diary

This week's New York Social Diary is out and as usual, it's fabulous! If you don't subscribe to it, but you love New York shopping, culture, art, society, and design, you should sign up for it. This week NYSD previews fab designer Thad Hayes' new NY design office. Here's a few pics from the layout. For all you design bloggers who LOVE design books, here's a picture from Thad's collection.

Tag, I'm It - OY!

ok, I've been putting this off, but I've been tagged a few times and I can't run and hide anymore. So, I hope I don't bore you too much. Here are eight facts about me that you didn't know or ever even wanted to know. I am going to throw in an free fun fact. That person above is MOI, ready to go to the beach, talking on the cell phone, as usual. I refuse to wear a cricket Bluetooth because they

Tag, I'm It - OY!

ok, I've been putting this off, but I've been tagged a few times and I can't run and hide anymore. So, I hope I don't bore you too much. Here are eight facts about me that you didn't know or ever even wanted to know. I am going to throw in an free fun fact. That person above is MOI, ready to go to the beach, talking on the cell phone, as usual. I refuse to wear a cricket Bluetooth because they

Greetings from South Padre Island, Texas!

Hello from the tip of Texas! One week down and two more to go. This was the beautiful view outside my window today. Nice. Ahhhhh, this is living, a few new magazines, reading glasses and a cell phone: Photostyling doesn't take vacations. Check out the perfectly aligned monograms on the towels and the trendy LL Bean beach bag:Over worked Husband doesn't know how to relax. Get off the cell

Greetings from South Padre Island, Texas!

Hello from the tip of Texas! One week down and two more to go. This was the beautiful view outside my window today. Nice. Ahhhhh, this is living, a few new magazines, reading glasses and a cell phone: Photostyling doesn't take vacations. Check out the perfectly aligned monograms on the towels and the trendy LL Bean beach bag:Over worked Husband doesn't know how to relax. Get off the cell

Dressing Tables

Is there anything more romantic than a woman's vanity? Full of beautiful perfume bottles, some old, some new, silver hand-held mirrors and natural bristle brushes, old cut crystal jars that hold lotions and oils - a vanity conjures up images of a daughter sitting on the floor, gazing up as she watches her mother put on her jewelry and fancy dress for a party that night. Vanities represent grown

Dressing Tables

Is there anything more romantic than a woman's vanity? Full of beautiful perfume bottles, some old, some new, silver hand-held mirrors and natural bristle brushes, old cut crystal jars that hold lotions and oils - a vanity conjures up images of a daughter sitting on the floor, gazing up as she watches her mother put on her jewelry and fancy dress for a party that night. Vanities represent grown

Wunderley is wonderful.

Middle Eastern and Moroccan design is all the rage. This company, Wunderely, has both trends. Their prices are very reasonable and their web page is set up to purchase. I'm not sure if the prices are truly wholesale or not, but I had no trouble setting up an account online. One or two of their products can make a room mysterious and oh, so current. Enjoy! Wood and bone mirror. Moroccan rug.

Wunderley is wonderful.

Middle Eastern and Moroccan design is all the rage. This company, Wunderely, has both trends. Their prices are very reasonable and their web page is set up to purchase. I'm not sure if the prices are truly wholesale or not, but I had no trouble setting up an account online. One or two of their products can make a room mysterious and oh, so current. Enjoy! Wood and bone mirror. Moroccan rug.

Trends

Seeing this picture of a NEW item from the 2007 spring accessories market makes me smile. Sculpted coral (faux, no doubt) holds up a bottle of wine. Gee, why hadn't I thought of that? Is there no end to this coral madness?! No? In this month's Domino Magazine, L.A. interior designer extraordinaire Suzanne Rheinstein admitted she can't stop decorating with branches of coral and Miles Redd

Trends

Seeing this picture of a NEW item from the 2007 spring accessories market makes me smile. Sculpted coral (faux, no doubt) holds up a bottle of wine. Gee, why hadn't I thought of that? Is there no end to this coral madness?! No? In this month's Domino Magazine, L.A. interior designer extraordinaire Suzanne Rheinstein admitted she can't stop decorating with branches of coral and Miles Redd

Pink Goes White

Dining Room with pink striped french chairs, pink striped draperies, and pink pillows.If this room looks vaguely familiar to you, it's no wonder why. First published in Traditional Homes in 2003, this house has been in print each year since in one magazine or another. I'll admit that I was intrigued with this house when I first saw it. The owner hired Suellen Gregory to design the entire place in

Pink Goes White

Dining Room with pink striped french chairs, pink striped draperies, and pink pillows.If this room looks vaguely familiar to you, it's no wonder why. First published in Traditional Homes in 2003, this house has been in print each year since in one magazine or another. I'll admit that I was intrigued with this house when I first saw it. The owner hired Suellen Gregory to design the entire place in

Viva la Padre!

And so, last Friday, the three of us, Ben, Elisabeth and myself took off in my new Jeep Commander for our annual trip to the southern most tip of Texas, South Padre Island. We'll be here for about three weeks, not doing much of anything except sitting on the beach and eating shrimp and crab. It's a long car ride as you can see from the map - Houston to South Padre Island (where the red star is!

Viva la Padre!

And so, last Friday, the three of us, Ben, Elisabeth and myself took off in my new Jeep Commander for our annual trip to the southern most tip of Texas, South Padre Island. We'll be here for about three weeks, not doing much of anything except sitting on the beach and eating shrimp and crab. It's a long car ride as you can see from the map - Houston to South Padre Island (where the red star is!

Michael Smith in Malibu

Architectural Digest published an article in 2005 on this Malibu house decorated by Michael Smith. It was my first introduction to the now very famous designer. I loved this house then and I love it still today. I think it was the blue checks that sold me on him, because I love checks and I love blue and white, so there would be no question about me loving Michael. Some of these pictures didn't

Michael Smith in Malibu

Architectural Digest published an article in 2005 on this Malibu house decorated by Michael Smith. It was my first introduction to the now very famous designer. I loved this house then and I love it still today. I think it was the blue checks that sold me on him, because I love checks and I love blue and white, so there would be no question about me loving Michael. Some of these pictures didn't

Stalking Houston Real Estate: Part Deux

Persuing a favorite pastime of mine (see earlier article: Stalking Houston Real Estate) while on vacation in not-so-sunny South Padre Island (more about that another time!), I struck oil! It isn't often that a home published in Architectural Digest goes up for sale in Houston, but one has and it is fabulous. Designed by Michael Siller for himself and his partner, the owner of Hokanson custom rugs

Stalking Houston Real Estate: Part Deux

Persuing a favorite pastime of mine (see earlier article: Stalking Houston Real Estate) while on vacation in not-so-sunny South Padre Island (more about that another time!), I struck oil! It isn't often that a home published in Architectural Digest goes up for sale in Houston, but one has and it is fabulous. Designed by Michael Siller for himself and his partner, the owner of Hokanson custom rugs

Houston, French Style: Indulge

It seems people who read this blog were interested in this pink headboard I posted under "A Touch of Pink." The headboard is the design of a darling, fair-haired shop owner named Cynthia Davis. Her charming store, Indulge, is located in Houston's tony River Oaks area in an even more charming building rebuilt by her husband, noted architect Issac Preminger. The Provencal inspired gardens and

Houston, French Style: Indulge

It seems people who read this blog were interested in this pink headboard I posted under "A Touch of Pink." The headboard is the design of a darling, fair-haired shop owner named Cynthia Davis. Her charming store, Indulge, is located in Houston's tony River Oaks area in an even more charming building rebuilt by her husband, noted architect Issac Preminger. The Provencal inspired gardens and

French Design in Houston: Pam Pierce

The living room: note the thickness of the doorway arches. Mirrors, iron tables, linen fabrics, down cushions - all add to Pierce's style.This is the home of Pam Pierce, a well-known Houston designer who does French, Houston style. These photos come from the cover story of the May 2006 issue of Veranda. Pierce uses gorgeous period pieces along with non-period pieces, but, certainly, you will

French Design in Houston: Pam Pierce

The living room: note the thickness of the doorway arches. Mirrors, iron tables, linen fabrics, down cushions - all add to Pierce's style.This is the home of Pam Pierce, a well-known Houston designer who does French, Houston style. These photos come from the cover story of the May 2006 issue of Veranda. Pierce uses gorgeous period pieces along with non-period pieces, but, certainly, you will

Just a Touch of Pink

Pink is everywhere these days. Southern Accents reported that at the spring home show in Paris, the deeper pinks - the berry pinks - overtook everything and if you didn't have something in this color yet, you will by next year. Patricia Gray has a beautiful blog on pink today, so be sure to visit her! Sometimes, though, all you need is a touch of pink to get the soothing effect that light

Just a Touch of Pink

Pink is everywhere these days. Southern Accents reported that at the spring home show in Paris, the deeper pinks - the berry pinks - overtook everything and if you didn't have something in this color yet, you will by next year. Patricia Gray has a beautiful blog on pink today, so be sure to visit her! Sometimes, though, all you need is a touch of pink to get the soothing effect that light

Just a Few Seconds Earlier....

This is a personal entry that has nothing to do with decorating, or French things, or anything else so material.Yesterday, my husband and I went to Marble Falls,Texas to pick up our precious 16 year old daughter from summer camp. On the way home, we stopped for lunch and then headed back on the road when it started to be a typical Texan monsoon. We were in the hills and my husband was driving

Just a Few Seconds Earlier....

This is a personal entry that has nothing to do with decorating, or French things, or anything else so material.Yesterday, my husband and I went to Marble Falls,Texas to pick up our precious 16 year old daughter from summer camp. On the way home, we stopped for lunch and then headed back on the road when it started to be a typical Texan monsoon. We were in the hills and my husband was driving

Wallpapers to Love

This dining room by Fiona Newell Weeks in this month's Southern Accents is my personal favorite right now. I love this room and in trying to figure out exactly why I love it so, and why it speaks to me, I decided it was, without a doubt, the Farrow and Ball wallpaper. This vivid blue and cream paper is probably not one I would ever choose for myself, yet, I absolutely adore this room! What makes

Wallpapers to Love

This dining room by Fiona Newell Weeks in this month's Southern Accents is my personal favorite right now. I love this room and in trying to figure out exactly why I love it so, and why it speaks to me, I decided it was, without a doubt, the Farrow and Ball wallpaper. This vivid blue and cream paper is probably not one I would ever choose for myself, yet, I absolutely adore this room! What makes

Books: Beta-Plus Publishing

Quiet and spare: A beautiful style.Beta-Plus is a publishing house located in Belgium. Their books are simply beautiful to look at, which is a good thing because there's not much in them to read. Each book is themed like: Country Living, City Houses, Timeless Renovations, and Exceptional Gardens. Be forewarned, they are very expensive picture

Books: Beta-Plus Publishing

Quiet and spare: A beautiful style.Beta-Plus is a publishing house located in Belgium. Their books are simply beautiful to look at, which is a good thing because there's not much in them to read. Each book is themed like: Country Living, City Houses, Timeless Renovations, and Exceptional Gardens. Be forewarned, they are very expensive picture

Eye Candy for the Bloggers

While out today, shopping for a client (certainly not for myself!) at Area, a beautiful Houston interiors store on Kirby Drive, my eyes feasted on this site. It made me think of all my new blogging friends!!! Nice, isn't it?

Eye Candy for the Bloggers

While out today, shopping for a client (certainly not for myself!) at Area, a beautiful Houston interiors store on Kirby Drive, my eyes feasted on this site. It made me think of all my new blogging friends!!! Nice, isn't it?

My Design: Inspiration for a Bedroom

A project I am just starting on is a bedroom suite for a couple who have remodeled their house in stages. Last year they added a new kitchen and family room and this year, it's a luxiuous sleeping and bathing space off in a wing all by itself. The area is huge and we are starting from scratch. The husband is adament about the headboard: no upholstered ones (my current favorite), and no canopies (

My Design: Inspiration for a Bedroom

A project I am just starting on is a bedroom suite for a couple who have remodeled their house in stages. Last year they added a new kitchen and family room and this year, it's a luxiuous sleeping and bathing space off in a wing all by itself. The area is huge and we are starting from scratch. The husband is adament about the headboard: no upholstered ones (my current favorite), and no canopies (

Preppy Does Dallas

The August issue of D Home (Dallas) landed in my mailbox today (I really don't remember ordering it, but I'll take it). Anyway, the title on the cover is "Go Preppy." All the articles feature very preppy interior designers from Texas and LOTS of pink. There's even a quiz on being Preppy. It's really a charming theme this month and I don't remember them doing themes before, but it's possible.D

Preppy Does Dallas

The August issue of D Home (Dallas) landed in my mailbox today (I really don't remember ordering it, but I'll take it). Anyway, the title on the cover is "Go Preppy." All the articles feature very preppy interior designers from Texas and LOTS of pink. There's even a quiz on being Preppy. It's really a charming theme this month and I don't remember them doing themes before, but it's possible.D

Quotes from Interior Designers

I stumbled on this web site today: Interior Design QuotesPick your designer for handy quotes or pick your topic, such as "dining room" or "accessories" and see who said what about it. Bloggers may be the only people in the world who would use the web site, but, you never know!According to this web site, here's what Charlotte Moss had to say about decorating: Decorating is like math, a game of

Quotes from Interior Designers

I stumbled on this web site today: Interior Design QuotesPick your designer for handy quotes or pick your topic, such as "dining room" or "accessories" and see who said what about it. Bloggers may be the only people in the world who would use the web site, but, you never know!According to this web site, here's what Charlotte Moss had to say about decorating: Decorating is like math, a game of

Stefanidis: Living By Design, A Forgotten Book

A design book largely overlooked these days is "Living By Design" by John Stefanidis, a London based designer. Published in 1997 by Rizzoli, this book remains an all time favorite of mine. If you, like me, enjoy reading the story of how a home came to be, you will love this one. Stefanidis chronicles his country home, Cock Crow, and its complete transformation from old stables and farm buildings

Stefanidis: Living By Design, A Forgotten Book

A design book largely overlooked these days is "Living By Design" by John Stefanidis, a London based designer. Published in 1997 by Rizzoli, this book remains an all time favorite of mine. If you, like me, enjoy reading the story of how a home came to be, you will love this one. Stefanidis chronicles his country home, Cock Crow, and its complete transformation from old stables and farm buildings

My Designs: French Bedroom in Texas

This is a bedroom I worked on this year. The walls are covered in a Farrow and Ball wallpaper and Chelsea Editions fabrics figure prominently. Yes, I know - those are English companies! But, the furniture is mostly French antique with a few French reproductions pieces added to the mix. The curtains are a gorgeous Nancy Corzine taffeta with a scalloped trim on the lead edges. It's hard to see

My Designs: French Bedroom in Texas

This is a bedroom I worked on this year. The walls are covered in a Farrow and Ball wallpaper and Chelsea Editions fabrics figure prominently. Yes, I know - those are English companies! But, the furniture is mostly French antique with a few French reproductions pieces added to the mix. The curtains are a gorgeous Nancy Corzine taffeta with a scalloped trim on the lead edges. It's hard to see

"Somethings Gotta Give"

I don't think another modern movie ever inspired me from a design standpoint more than "Something's Gotta Give" by Nancy Meyers starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. I loved everything about the featured house in the Hamptons: from the blue and white stripped dhurri, to the shingled exterior, back to the ebony wood floors, to the ironstone in the dining room, along with the slipcovered chairs

"Somethings Gotta Give"

I don't think another modern movie ever inspired me from a design standpoint more than "Something's Gotta Give" by Nancy Meyers starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. I loved everything about the featured house in the Hamptons: from the blue and white stripped dhurri, to the shingled exterior, back to the ebony wood floors, to the ironstone in the dining room, along with the slipcovered chairs

Design Thoughts at Maison Maison

Online shopping at a lovely French antique store in Houston, Maison Maison, I thought these items could be the start of a beautiful bedroom. I adore all the pale blues together with beautiful white linens trimmed in a pale blue scallop. The screen could be a headboard, but it's probably too delicate, so put it a corner with the chair in front of it. Gorgeous taffeta silk drapes, seagrass rug,

Design Thoughts at Maison Maison

Online shopping at a lovely French antique store in Houston, Maison Maison, I thought these items could be the start of a beautiful bedroom. I adore all the pale blues together with beautiful white linens trimmed in a pale blue scallop. The screen could be a headboard, but it's probably too delicate, so put it a corner with the chair in front of it. Gorgeous taffeta silk drapes, seagrass rug,

Design Books Library

My design book library is exploding along with the trend. For years, I had a few books on interior design: ones I had from college, some early youth book-of-the-month club books, a few others collected here and there. But for the past five years it seems, new, glorious and hard-to-resist design books come out every week. The months leading up to Christmas are particularly hard on the pocketbook.

Design Books Library

My design book library is exploding along with the trend. For years, I had a few books on interior design: ones I had from college, some early youth book-of-the-month club books, a few others collected here and there. But for the past five years it seems, new, glorious and hard-to-resist design books come out every week. The months leading up to Christmas are particularly hard on the pocketbook.

Another New Orleans Stop: Ann Koerner Antiques

Magazine Street was blessedly spared Katrina's wrath and the antique stores there are open for business, many never having closed for very long at all. Ann Koerner features beautiful Swedish and French designs, all displayed in a quiet and elegant manner as these pictures reveal. When I go to New Orleans, I skip shopping for antiques in the French Quarter and head straight for Magazine Street. If

Another New Orleans Stop: Ann Koerner Antiques

Magazine Street was blessedly spared Katrina's wrath and the antique stores there are open for business, many never having closed for very long at all. Ann Koerner features beautiful Swedish and French designs, all displayed in a quiet and elegant manner as these pictures reveal. When I go to New Orleans, I skip shopping for antiques in the French Quarter and head straight for Magazine Street. If

Lucullus Antiques: New Orleans and Breaux Bridge

Beautiful images from Lucullus, epicurean antique stores in New Orleans and Breaux Bridge Louisiana (second store opened when New Orleans was clinging for dear life after Katrina.) Lucullus has everything French for the stomach = furniture on which to sit while you eat, plates for your food, glasses for your wine, pots to cook in and much more. Heure pour le dîner!

Lucullus Antiques: New Orleans and Breaux Bridge

Beautiful images from Lucullus, epicurean antique stores in New Orleans and Breaux Bridge Louisiana (second store opened when New Orleans was clinging for dear life after Katrina.) Lucullus has everything French for the stomach = furniture on which to sit while you eat, plates for your food, glasses for your wine, pots to cook in and much more. Heure pour le dîner!

Suzanne Rheinstein

Today, the fabulous blogger Style Court wrote about Virginian houses highlighting the Californian interior designer and owner of Hollyhock, Suzanne Rheinstein. The owners of this house again collaborated with Rheinstein on a Florida home several years ago. Take note of her use of painted wooden floors, beautiful French antiques, sconces, and her famous "racetrack" ottoman. These photos come from

Suzanne Rheinstein

Today, the fabulous blogger Style Court wrote about Virginian houses highlighting the Californian interior designer and owner of Hollyhock, Suzanne Rheinstein. The owners of this house again collaborated with Rheinstein on a Florida home several years ago. Take note of her use of painted wooden floors, beautiful French antiques, sconces, and her famous "racetrack" ottoman. These photos come from

Jeffrey Bilhuber

April's issue of the English House and Garden magazine caught my eye today. A feature spread showcasing an upper east side apartment designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber was especially delicious. He uses a Peter Fasano print that I've wanted to use for time. It shows up on the drapery and on a crescent-shaped sofa. The colors are khaki with some Russian blue upholstery fabric and two chairs in lavender

Jeffrey Bilhuber

April's issue of the English House and Garden magazine caught my eye today. A feature spread showcasing an upper east side apartment designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber was especially delicious. He uses a Peter Fasano print that I've wanted to use for time. It shows up on the drapery and on a crescent-shaped sofa. The colors are khaki with some Russian blue upholstery fabric and two chairs in lavender

Stalking Houston Real Estate

Whenever I'm bored (well, before I discovered design blogs) I search the MSL for Houston homes. I always start with the most exclusive neighborhoods: River Oaks, Memorial Villages, West University, or Tanglewood. It is so fascinating to me to take a glimpse inside a stranger's house. Mostly, though, I am searching for interiors that speak to me.The biggest "find" is to see a house decorated by a

My Designs: Thoughts on a Design Process

I had seen this picture in a magazine, it was of Atlanta's Suzanne Kasler's dining room and the lovely pink draperies struck me as such a daring choice, and yet, they were so beautiful. Several weeks later I had an appointment with a client whom I profiled earlier and I mentioned that I wanted to bring pink into her room. The walls of her living room were already painted in a light celadon,

Stalking Houston Real Estate

Whenever I'm bored (well, before I discovered design blogs) I search the MSL for Houston homes. I always start with the most exclusive neighborhoods: River Oaks, Memorial Villages, West University, or Tanglewood. It is so fascinating to me to take a glimpse inside a stranger's house. Mostly, though, I am searching for interiors that speak to me.The biggest "find" is to see a house decorated by a

My Designs: Thoughts on a Design Process

I had seen this picture in a magazine, it was of Atlanta's Suzanne Kasler's dining room and the lovely pink draperies struck me as such a daring choice, and yet, they were so beautiful. Several weeks later I had an appointment with a client whom I profiled earlier and I mentioned that I wanted to bring pink into her room. The walls of her living room were already painted in a light celadon,

French Wing Chairs

A few blogs prior I showed you my new French sofa that's coming to live in my family room, one day soon - I hope. I've been struggggggling with what kind of chairs to go with it. I think I've finally decided: French wing chairs with a mouton leg, like the sofa. Too matching? Probably, I've given up. Here's a picture of the chair I've chosen. Also I've posted a picture from the Houston Real Estate

French Wing Chairs

A few blogs prior I showed you my new French sofa that's coming to live in my family room, one day soon - I hope. I've been struggggggling with what kind of chairs to go with it. I think I've finally decided: French wing chairs with a mouton leg, like the sofa. Too matching? Probably, I've given up. Here's a picture of the chair I've chosen. Also I've posted a picture from the Houston Real Estate

Want to Rent an Apartment in Paris?

I love this web site: Chez Vous Paris . If you're looking to spend a vacation in Paris but don't want to stay at a hotel, this is the place to start your search. What sets this apartment locating company apart from the others is: Myra Hoefer. Hoefer is an extremely talented interior designer from Healdsburg, California whom Chez Vous hired to redesign many of their listings. These redo's sing. So

www.New York Social Diary.com

One of my favorite web sites to read is the New York Social Diary. Not the whole site, but one part only - House. Here different designers are interviewed in their own homes. The question & answer is only slightly more interesting than the fabulous pictures. This week interviewed at his home in Paris is the designer Juan Pablo Molyneux. Can you say gorgeous? An empty space is completely paneled

Want to Rent an Apartment in Paris?

I love this web site: Chez Vous Paris . If you're looking to spend a vacation in Paris but don't want to stay at a hotel, this is the place to start your search. What sets this apartment locating company apart from the others is: Myra Hoefer. Hoefer is an extremely talented interior designer from Healdsburg, California whom Chez Vous hired to redesign many of their listings. These redo's sing. So

www.New York Social Diary.com

One of my favorite web sites to read is the New York Social Diary. Not the whole site, but one part only - House. Here different designers are interviewed in their own homes. The question & answer is only slightly more interesting than the fabulous pictures. This week interviewed at his home in Paris is the designer Juan Pablo Molyneux. Can you say gorgeous? An empty space is completely paneled

My Summer Garden - My Spot of Heaven

My backyard is at its prettiest this year, I think. Pink and white caladiums are up and smiling as big as life. The multicolored impatiens are tall, almost ready for cutting back to start over again this summer (or should I not?) Newly laid gravel looks fresh and clean. The fountain is a little green from the heavy, daily deluges - but that will change next week when it will be clear and clean

My Summer Garden - My Spot of Heaven

My backyard is at its prettiest this year, I think. Pink and white caladiums are up and smiling as big as life. The multicolored impatiens are tall, almost ready for cutting back to start over again this summer (or should I not?) Newly laid gravel looks fresh and clean. The fountain is a little green from the heavy, daily deluges - but that will change next week when it will be clear and clean

www.Southernaccents.com

The web site for the magazine Southern Accents is one of my favorite places to visit. It's an extensive site filled with pictures from their magazine plus other magazines owned by the house: Southern Living and Coastal Homes to name a few. Highlighted are separate sections on gardening, architecture, and decorating and masses of articles are reposted on all aspects of design and how to's. One

www.Southernaccents.com

The web site for the magazine Southern Accents is one of my favorite places to visit. It's an extensive site filled with pictures from their magazine plus other magazines owned by the house: Southern Living and Coastal Homes to name a few. Highlighted are separate sections on gardening, architecture, and decorating and masses of articles are reposted on all aspects of design and how to's. One

New French Mouton Leg Couch

I've bought this couch! It will be coming home soon: the slip cover (white linen) needs to be made and the nailhead trim will be removed. I hate to do that but, it shows through the linen and I can't see the point of that. This couch was a special order, made in Houston and shipped out to LA. Upon arrival there, it wouldn't fit through the client's door, so they shipped it back to Houston's

New French Mouton Leg Couch

I've bought this couch! It will be coming home soon: the slip cover (white linen) needs to be made and the nailhead trim will be removed. I hate to do that but, it shows through the linen and I can't see the point of that. This couch was a special order, made in Houston and shipped out to LA. Upon arrival there, it wouldn't fit through the client's door, so they shipped it back to Houston's

French Library

I am working on a library, French style a la Texas Cote. My client and I had decided to either recover and restyle her old sofa or maybe go with a newer version of a traditional, cushy one. The two armchairs hopefully are to be French antique bergere's, if not, then English saddle arm ones. Everything will be covered in linen, linen colored with pastel pink and white pillows. The dark paneled

French Library

I am working on a library, French style a la Texas Cote. My client and I had decided to either recover and restyle her old sofa or maybe go with a newer version of a traditional, cushy one. The two armchairs hopefully are to be French antique bergere's, if not, then English saddle arm ones. Everything will be covered in linen, linen colored with pastel pink and white pillows. The dark paneled

My Designs: French Lamp Shades

If you look closely at this lampshade you might make out that printed on it is an antique map of Paris. Antique maps are the rage these days, along with coral and shells and birds and foo dogs. Most of the available maps are not antique, but are copies of antique maps, especially ones of Paris and Rome. These maps are showing up everywhere these days, even on wrapping paper.My Paris lampshades

For the Birds

At Indulge, in Houston, I bought these beautiful faux bois candlesticks featuring birds perched on the limbs. I lusted for them for a few months and finally couldn't resist any longer. They're at home on my dining table now, for a while at least. Have you noticed the trend this year is birds? They are everywhere: on designer file folders, on fabrics, on notecards, on prints with cheesy frames. It

My Designs: French Lamp Shades

If you look closely at this lampshade you might make out that printed on it is an antique map of Paris. Antique maps are the rage these days, along with coral and shells and birds and foo dogs. Most of the available maps are not antique, but are copies of antique maps, especially ones of Paris and Rome. These maps are showing up everywhere these days, even on wrapping paper.My Paris lampshades

For the Birds

At Indulge, in Houston, I bought these beautiful faux bois candlesticks featuring birds perched on the limbs. I lusted for them for a few months and finally couldn't resist any longer. They're at home on my dining table now, for a while at least. Have you noticed the trend this year is birds? They are everywhere: on designer file folders, on fabrics, on notecards, on prints with cheesy frames. It

My Designs: French Design - Before and After

This beautiful living room is located in a client's house that has undergone a total design transformation. Originally I was called to this house to finish up details my client's previous designer had left undone. She and her husband had recently "downsized" to this townhome and tried to use all their furnishings from their previous, much larger, home. They wanted an area rug - that was their

My Designs: French Design - Before and After

This beautiful living room is located in a client's house that has undergone a total design transformation. Originally I was called to this house to finish up details my client's previous designer had left undone. She and her husband had recently "downsized" to this townhome and tried to use all their furnishings from their previous, much larger, home. They wanted an area rug - that was their

Blue and White and Transferware

I collect transferware in many different colors: blue and white, brown, lilac, black, and red. For reasons that I can't explain, it just attracts me like the proverbial moth to a flame. I'm also partial to toiles, so I suspect it's something in the patterns that appeals to me. I started out with blue and white, then moved on to black and white, red and white, and on and on. I love to see all

Blue and White and Transferware

I collect transferware in many different colors: blue and white, brown, lilac, black, and red. For reasons that I can't explain, it just attracts me like the proverbial moth to a flame. I'm also partial to toiles, so I suspect it's something in the patterns that appeals to me. I started out with blue and white, then moved on to black and white, red and white, and on and on. I love to see all

My Designs: Romantic Bedroom on the Cheap

This is a bedroom I just completed for a client who was recently separated after many years of marriage. Her friend talked her into redoing her bedroom and I tried to make it cosy and romantic for her to start her new life in it, hopefully, with a new man one day. She was wary of decorating while newly single, so I told her we could do it "on the cheap."The budget was small, so I found her this

My Designs: Romantic Bedroom on the Cheap

This is a bedroom I just completed for a client who was recently separated after many years of marriage. Her friend talked her into redoing her bedroom and I tried to make it cosy and romantic for her to start her new life in it, hopefully, with a new man one day. She was wary of decorating while newly single, so I told her we could do it "on the cheap."The budget was small, so I found her this

Sconces

I love using sconces in my designs. Nothing says romance more to me. I just finished a bedroom yesterday where I added a pair of sconces over the headboard. The room is so dreamy and seductive - without those sconces, I'm not sure I would be able to say that. These sconces shown to the left are from Tara Shaw of New Orleans, and now Houston, fame. French, antique, though I'm not sure they are

Sconces

I love using sconces in my designs. Nothing says romance more to me. I just finished a bedroom yesterday where I added a pair of sconces over the headboard. The room is so dreamy and seductive - without those sconces, I'm not sure I would be able to say that. These sconces shown to the left are from Tara Shaw of New Orleans, and now Houston, fame. French, antique, though I'm not sure they are

Pool Room - Texas style

This client had waited nine years to furnish her pool room, a large area off her kitchen that leads to a beautiful backyard with a large pool that helps her family and friends keep cool during hot Houston summers. For nine long years this beautiful room stayed empty. When we met, she knew what she wanted - the Pottery Barn seagrass sectional. I chose outdoor fabrics from Lee Jofa (floral) and

Pool Room - Texas style

This client had waited nine years to furnish her pool room, a large area off her kitchen that leads to a beautiful backyard with a large pool that helps her family and friends keep cool during hot Houston summers. For nine long years this beautiful room stayed empty. When we met, she knew what she wanted - the Pottery Barn seagrass sectional. I chose outdoor fabrics from Lee Jofa (floral) and

Living rooms

Home pagepage 1, page 2click on images for larger view

Living rooms

Home pagepage 1, page 2click on images for larger view

Home pageAalto Alvar (3.2.1898, Kuortane - 11.5.1976,Helsinki). Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto established an architectural office in Jyväskylä in 1923. The office moved to Turku in 1927 and to Helsinki in 1933. In 1955 he was granted membership in the Finnish Academy and held its presidency in 1963 – 1968. From 1946 to 1948 he was visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He

Home pageAalto Alvar (3.2.1898, Kuortane - 11.5.1976,Helsinki). Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto established an architectural office in Jyväskylä in 1923. The office moved to Turku in 1927 and to Helsinki in 1933. In 1955 he was granted membership in the Finnish Academy and held its presidency in 1963 – 1968. From 1946 to 1948 he was visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He

Home pageJosef Hoffmann (December 15, 1870 Pirnitz, Moravia, now Brtnice, Czech Republic – May 7, 1956), was an Austrian architect and designer of consumer goods. He played a major part in the shaping of the aesthetic perception and aesthetic understanding of the 20th century. From 1887, Hoffmann attended the technical college in Brno, where he studied the methods of classical architecture.

Home pageJosef Hoffmann (December 15, 1870 Pirnitz, Moravia, now Brtnice, Czech Republic – May 7, 1956), was an Austrian architect and designer of consumer goods. He played a major part in the shaping of the aesthetic perception and aesthetic understanding of the 20th century. From 1887, Hoffmann attended the technical college in Brno, where he studied the methods of classical architecture.

Home pageEero Aarnio (born 1932), is a Finnish interior designer, well known for his innovative furniture designs in the 1960s, notably his plastic and fiberglass chairs.Aarnio studied at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, and started his own office in 1962. The following year he introduced his Ball Chair, a hollow sphere on a stand, open on one side to allow a person to sit within.

Home pageEero Aarnio (born 1932), is a Finnish interior designer, well known for his innovative furniture designs in the 1960s, notably his plastic and fiberglass chairs.Aarnio studied at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, and started his own office in 1962. The following year he introduced his Ball Chair, a hollow sphere on a stand, open on one side to allow a person to sit within.

Home page Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (March 27, 1886 - August 17, 1969) was a German - American architect. Ludwig Mies, along with Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier is widely regarded as one of the pioneering masters of modern architecture. He created an influential Twentieth Century architectural style, stated with extreme clarity and simplicity. His mature buildings made use of modern materials

Home page Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (March 27, 1886 - August 17, 1969) was a German - American architect. Ludwig Mies, along with Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier is widely regarded as one of the pioneering masters of modern architecture. He created an influential Twentieth Century architectural style, stated with extreme clarity and simplicity. His mature buildings made use of modern materials

Home pageDifferent colors for different tastes. Color is such an important element in our lives. It has been a part of the natural world since the beginning of time, yet we continue to be fascinated by the mysterious nature of this subject.Blue. Do you want to paint your room blue? If so, you´re in good company. Depending on the shade, blue relax and make us feel more spiritual and centered. Blue

Home pageDifferent colors for different tastes. Color is such an important element in our lives. It has been a part of the natural world since the beginning of time, yet we continue to be fascinated by the mysterious nature of this subject.Blue. Do you want to paint your room blue? If so, you´re in good company. Depending on the shade, blue relax and make us feel more spiritual and centered. Blue

Color theory and color harmony

Home pageColor theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design applications. All the information would fill several encyclopedias. As an introduction, here are a few basic concepts.A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666. Since then scientists and artists have

Color theory and color harmony

Home pageColor theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design applications. All the information would fill several encyclopedias. As an introduction, here are a few basic concepts.A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666. Since then scientists and artists have

Home pagePierre Paulin. This exhibition is a homage to the talent of one of the most important French designers of the mid-20th century. In 1952, Pierre Paulin's first designs caught the attention at the Thonet firm through which he discovered and mastered new materials in the manner of the American designers Eames, Saarinen and Bertoia. It is only in 1956, after responding to harry

mouse - Philippe Starck

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