Dreaming of Gardens

Oh, isn't this lovely.  It's only February 10th and already I'm dreaming of gardens, courtyards, outdoor tables, and greenery!  You can tell where my mind is today.  The forecast in Maine is calling for 6 - 7" of snow tomorrow, and I'm trolling for garden pictures and adornments.  Here's another beautiful photograph that I found, and all I can think of is having lunch in this garden with a group of friends. . . 

I even imagine that this may be in Europe some where.

This is the time of year that we are all thinking of what to plant when the weather does warm up.  I always want fresh tomatoes and lettuces, and of course basil.  And for flowers, I have several peony plants that I'm anxious to see in bloom, and I love the colors of zinnias.  Spring can't come fast enough for me.  What will you be planting this year?

Enamored of All Things French

Yes, I am enamored of all things french these days. To tell the truth, it's probably been a couple of years now that I have scoured french decorating books & magazines, for the beauty of that neutral room full of texture; linen, rattan, rough wood on beams and furniture, and grain sack pillows. Last year my daughter, Erin, and I had a tent and sold at Brimfield for the first time. 

 

   Our tent, filled with all of our finds!

If you haven't had the opportunity to go, you must.  It is one of the best antiques shows there is, and certainly the best on the east coast.   You can almost find anything, but are able to find a wonderful assortment of European goods; textiles, furniture & decorative accessories.   My vision for our tent was all things french, things with a french flair, etc.  It was great fun, and I'm hoping to be there again in May.  It will take some hoarding of things between now and then. . .  Even if we don't sell, we'll be there again walking the fields to find those treasures.  Last year my big treasure was a gorgeous gray and white cowhide rug!  I'll post a picture one of these days.

Loving Neutrals, Especially with Age. . .

Okay, yesterday I mentioned to you how much I am in love with neutral palettes right now.  There are fabulous linens coming out of Europe that make wonderful slipcovers and upholstery, and when they are mixed with vintage pieces that show their age, well there just isn't anything better to me!  I can appreciate and love antiques and vintage pieces when they look old.  I remember when about fifteen years ago, one of my designer friends bought a shelf (not sure what it was originally) that had flaking paint.  I loved it, but some visitors to her home couldn't imagine what the point was, and why she had installed it.  Isn't it interesting to think about the origin, where it may have been and who used it?

This is a picture of a beautiful room by Brooke Giannetti.  She is a designer and blogger from LA, and her husband is an architect.  Very talented couple. . .

Oh, I just love it!
Have a great weekend everyone.

Unleash Your Creative Spirit!

I didn't really ever think that I would be writing a Lifestyle and Design Blog!  Over the last 1 1/2 years, I have been finding and becoming addicted to reading blogs, as a natural extension of having poured over decorating magazines and books for most of my adult life.  About 4 years ago, I opened a home and garden store because I just couldn't get enough, and I've met a lot of wonderful people who, as you might imagine, have the same needs to be creative as I do.  Having a store feeds the creative soul, is a very social career, allows travel to different markets; furniture, gift, and antique, and has allowed me to start offering my services as a decorator. 

It should be no surprise that over the years my style has changed dramatically.  Hasn't yours?  Right now, I'm in love with very neutral palettes that have some European influences.  I find it very calming to live in a home that is monochromatic, and it's much easier to make changes with little touches.  Most of the blogs that I follow have that same style, and I'll share some of them with you as we go along.  So for now, I hope you enjoy what I have to show and tell. . .  Thanks for following!