Love

 

 

wallhanging by Paul Smith for The Rug Company

 

 

Happy Valentines Day, lovies!  I hope your day is filled with wine and chocolates, red roses and paper hearts.  Hugs and kisses on this lovely day.  xoxo

 

 

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Madeline Stuart at the Oscars

I like going to the movies and watching the Academy Awards, but I wouldn't call myself a huge film fan (although I REALLY enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook this year-- did you see it?).  Yet, when interior design and good movies unite, well, that's a combo I can't turn down.  When I heard that Architectural Digest had selected Madeline Stuart to design the 2013 Oscar 'green room', my ears perked.  What's this you say?  A 1930s-inspired room specifically for celebrities lounging in black tie attire?  It doesn't get more glamorous than that.  I can only dream that the space will be filled with art deco details and the most elegant furniture, metallic accents and super luxurious upholstery fabrics.  Oh boy, I'm excited just thinking about it.  I can't wait to see what Madeline Stuart will create.  We'll have to wait until the big awards show for that reveal (Sunday, Feb. 24th).

A rendering of Madeline Stuart's design-- with a specific nod to legendary 1930s Art Director, Cedric Gibbons.  Read more about the story here.

Until the green room is actually revealed, I thought I would post some of my favorite images from Madeline Stuart's portfolio.  I love how most of her work is grounded in traditional design, but features a flair for the dramatic (whether that's achieved through bold color, or using yards and yards of yellow silk drapery, each space has a dramatic presence that still feels livable and unique).  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

visit Madeline Stuart's professional website HERE.

 

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Serena & Lily KIDSHOP

I just stumbled upon something, so I thought I would pass it along.  Please take a minute to soak up all the preciousness that is the Serena & Lily KIDSHOP catalog...

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know if I've seen a better "baby & kids" catalog!  The rooms are adorable and the products are even better.  If you've got a nursery in the works, or a little niece or nephew that needs to be showered with gifts, check out the Serena & Lily KIDSHOP catalog HERE.  It's beautiful, easy to shop, and in true Serena & Lily fashion, there will be plenty to see.  :)

 

 

 

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Interior Shutters

 

 

I met with a new Philadelphia client yesterday.  While I was there, we started talking about interior shutters (see her beautiful windows above).  Her 100 year old stone house features 18" think walls with deep inset windows-- it's gorgeous!  Interior shutters seem like a wonderful solution for this historic home. 

 

Originally created out of pure necessity, interior shutters provided security, shade, and insulation from the outside world.  Raised panel designs were most popular in the north east, while louvered styles dominated the warmer climates of the south.  I've been a fan of interior shutters for quite some time.   I love the idea of being able to block everything out and create total privacy.   But my favorite thing?  I love the way built-in shutters enhance the existing architectural details of a room.  They fold away and hide against the wall, allowing lots of light to pour through the windows.  Dave and I are thinking about installing them in our own home this year (mostly for the bathrooms, and possibly for a few other rooms as well).  Add this to the loooooong list of 2013 projects.  :)

 

 

These are some of the inspiration images floating around my desk... 

 

 

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If you're a history nerd like me, or if you own an old home, you might enjoy reading a bit more on the historical significance of interior shutters.  Here are a few interesting links that I've been reading lately...

 

 

This Old House, article by Catherine Lundie

 

Historic New England, Window Dressing: Shutters and Blinds in Historic Houses

 

Dos & Don'ts of Exterior Shutters, Lindsey Daniel, Architect

 

 This Old House, Historic Window Treatments

 

 

 

 

Also, for what it's worth, here's an interesting list of sources (nationwide) for custom and pre-made shutters:

 

Historic Preservation list of exterior/interior shutter products and manufacturers

 

 

 

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A Guest Room in the Attic

I'm currently helping a Philadelphia client of mine furnish her attic bedroom, and it's turning into such a fun project.  One of the wonderful things about living on the east coast is that we have these fabulous attic spaces!  They feel like hidden retreats with little nooks and crannies, sloped ceilings, and exposed beams.  And the views from the third floor are really fun (it feels like you're looking out of a tree house).  Of course, they're ideal for children (what little one wouldn't LOVE hiding out up there?)...  but, attic spaces can also make incredibly chic rooms too.  My client will be using her space as a guest room (as well as a small workspace/retreat for her husband). We're looking at comfy wing chairs, and masculine desks, simple bedding, and lots of layers...  I'm looking forward to seeing the finished result.

In the meantime, here are some of my favorite attic bedroom spaces for inspiration.  So simple, yet so cozy.  Your guests may never leave...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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