Magazine covers

Do you think a magazine cover such as these would sell well today? No 'celebrity' Kardashians or overly air-brushed photographs of interiors; rather a well rendered image by an artist on a topic covered in the issue.

Imagine a special issue of Architectural Digest or Elle Decor on which Jeremiah Goodman produced the cover. Am I crazy or would this be a wonderful thing and have the design world abuzz? I'm not talking inside the magazine, just the cover; don't take away my pretty photographs!  If magazines are always looking for something new, isn't doing something this 'old' the latest thing?

Another 'old' thing I would love to see in a design magazine spread; Detailed floorplans (oh how a boy can dream.......). Everyone loves a floorplan! Yes or no, am I crazy (I realize thats a whole other question!)?

Elizabeth Hamilton and Peter Fasano at John Rosselli, DC

I had the pleasure earlier this week of attending a presentation by husband & wife fabric designers Elizabeth Hamilton and Peter Fasano at the beautiful John Rosselli showroom here in Washington earlier this week. I had first heard of the design duo on everyone's favorite design blog Style Court who frequently references their work. Events like this aren't only great learning experiences but a fun chance to catch up with friends.

Due to some unfortunate weather the crew was small but vivacious.  The ever lovely Sally Steponkus, Josh Hildreth, Frank Babb Randolph (who doesn't have a website but then again is a self-professed NON-reader of blogs), and Atlanta's notable blogger 'The Blue Remembered Hills' (amongst others) were on hand to learn about hand printed and hand painted fabrics.

The banter between Elizabeth and Peter was almost as interesting as the discussion of how they produce their fabrics; both those readily available (at John Rosselli) and their custom projects. You probably saw in last month's issue of House Beautiful magazine an article of 4 designers working with them on completely different custom fabric designs.

Naturally the fabric swatches of the husband and wife team are mounted side by side in the showroom.

Peter specialized in hand painted fabrics while they lived in NYC and after their move they've been concentrating more on silk screening. For all the pattern they are known for professionally Peter said in their own house they prefer more texture and no pattern!

As always the showroom was filled with goodies that I wanted to take home. I also loved that the store is scented with delicious candles. It's more like visiting a stylish friend's home instead of a showroom!  I particularly loved the lounge chairs below with the cute drinks table, available in wood or metal. Stop into John Rosselli in Georgetown to see whats new and prepare to be inspired by visiting all of the links I've included in this posting!

Many thanks to the staff at John Rosselli for making me quite at home and all of my dear friends who were in attendance making for such a fun mid-day treat.

A 'Duesy' of a Duesenberg

Recently while in Maine visiting friends I spent some time in the lovely, revitalized town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; definitely worth a visit let me tell you, charming town! While walking the streets I noticed this fantastic car and thought 'WHAT IS THAT?'. Clean lines like a greyhound and obviously much beloved by its owner in pristine condition.

Duesenberg was an American luxury car company in operation from 1913 until 1937 when it succumbed to the depression. Each car was a limited production and entirely built by hand so they are obviously much valued by collectors today (such as Jay Leno and a fantastic looking car MUSEUM).

While I don't even own a car myself (believe it or not, Americans) and have never considered myself a 'car person' I definitely appreciate the design of many antique cars. Have you noticed any extraordinary cars lately?

Do you layer?

I think the most interesting rooms are layered with finds, accumulated over time, and not 'designed' all at once. This past weekend I picked up a pair of antique Italian gilded wall brackets to hang between the windows in my living room and display some white porcelain.

The treatment of this large set of windows has been kept simple to maximize the view of the park across the street (just one large bamboo shade to cover all 3 windows). I think the brackets add some interest to a rather window treatment -what do you think? too much?

My hope is that the simple lines of the porcelain detract from the ornateness of the brackets. But it's my own house so of course I can be as fussy as I please ;-)

Let there be light

One of the most underrated light fixtures in my humble opinion is the sconce. Mounted at eye level sconces create flattering light unlike the shadow lines created on ones' face from overhead lighting. Also, they don't take up precious table space like lamps or clutter a room like floorlamps.

This weekend I helped a friend install some antique sconces we had picked out at Artisan Lamp (my favorite lighting source here in DC) onto some existing built-in bookshelves in his den. The effect is magical particularly in this small room without any existing lighting!

Not only are they the jewels of the room, the warm light cast by them is ultimately flattering and practical. Don't forget sconces in your next project!

Weekend shopping: Artisan Lamp CO

You may have heard me speak of Artisan Lamp Company before, an antique lighting store in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of DC. They recently got in a large container of fixtures from France where they do much of their sourcing and I wanted to share with you some of my new favorites! This old bouillette lamp is a great classic.

One of my favorite things about Artisan is they change their window display every few days - especially as I live a few blocks up the street and pass daily! They have something for everyone from the most classic to funky mid century pieces.

The owner is particular to art deco style and great examples are to be found throughout the shop like this pair of lamps. Can't see see these on 1930s nightclub tables in a Fred Astaire movie?

This cute little arts & crafts bronze lamp would look great on a bookshelf.

I blogged about this interesting peacock lamp before and it's still available!

This aesthetic movement lamp on the right is a stunner. The lit lamp on the left had daisies handpainted on the shade -ideal for a girl's bedroom.

I've been in love with this marble specimen lamp for awhile now (yes, I visit the shop on a near weekly basis!) and can't believe it hasn't yet sold. Now if I could only find the right spot for it in my apartment....

Speaking of marble, this stately lamp is of a red marble with gilt capital and base.

I was obsessed with this fascinating French bronze lamp above but again -no room at the inn.

This very tall chased silver plated candlestick had been turned into a lamp and the detail is just stunning.

This cute little French cherub is a great addition to any traditional interior.

I love this neoclassical orb chandelier; I couldn't tell if the base is metal or stone. Artisan also carries a wide variety of antique decorative arts such as this bronze sculpture and a variety of paintings and glassware.

Don't forget to support your local businesses, especially unique ones such as Artisan Lamp-a real neighborhood treasure. They also sell online through their website and 1stdibs profile.
No payment or sponsorship was received for this post -just sharing an inspirational resource!

R Jorgensen Fine Antiques, Maine

One of the biggest surprises I encountered on my trip to Maine was the large number of fine antique stores. I'm not sure why this surprised me as the area is known for it's historical importance! Probably the most famous and finest of all of these shops is R Jorgensen in Wells, Maine.

Not only featuring fine antiques the structures (a house and barn) date to the late 17th century. The gardens really steal the show here. On their website many of the antiques are beautifully photographed outdoors.

Also be sure not to miss their fantastic, fun, and informative blog. As you can see above there is something for everyone, from the primitive and rustic to highly refined antique.

Most of their antiques are so fine as to be real showpieces like this Chippendale breakfront. One can imagine designing an entire room around one piece.

The inventory is staggering, almost like an encyclopedia of antiques. Merely reading the labels provides one with a real education!

The shop is also thoughtfully staged. I particularly loved this statue admiring herself in the ornate antique mirror.

 Don't forget antique lighting!

 If crystal chandeliers or sconces aren't your thing, maybe Gothic will entice you?

I had never seen such elegant little (milking?) stools such as these and was tempted to buy at least one for my fireplace at home.

Old houses which scream out for antiques generally have the problem of limited closet space. Large armoires, dressers, or compactum such as this are not only handy then but a great focal point. I particularly liked the informality and architectural lines of this English pine piece.

And what hostess doesn't want a beautiful sideboard in her dining room for informal buffets? Doesn't this remind you out of an English Country House drama breakfast scene? Again, I love the architectural lines of this piece and all of the wonderful storage! Definitely stop by R Jorgensen if you find yourself in Maine and tell them I sent you (and to save me that orange painted neoclassical grandfathers clock)!
I received no compensation from R Jorgensen for this post. They actually had no idea I was photographing the shop as I walked through and I hope they approve of my posting! If they felt inclined as to give me a large discount there are a number of items I would gladly take off their hands though - call me!

A vacation in Maine

As I mentioned I just returned from a vacation partly spent in southern Maine visiting dear friends. I wanted to share with you some of the highlights in case you decide to visit Maine yourself (I highly recommend it!).

It wouldn't be a vacation for me without 2 things: house museums and antique stores. Luckily Maine hosted an abundance of each!

The first picture shows gorgeous Hamilton House, an 18th century house museum located in South Berwick, Maine. Famous for its early 20th century gardens and quirky collections we unfortunately visited on a rainy day. All the better to enjoy the house and gardens all to ourselves!

 Two of the most amazing antique stores I have ever visited were located along Route 1, R. Jorgensen and MacDougall-Gionet (respectively in the above photos).  Be sure to check out the fascinating blog on R. Jorgensen's website; I'll be doing a further post on my trip there soon.  I wish I had purchased the Neoclassical French sidechair shown at MacDougall-Gionets!

Of course just driving along Routes 1 and 1a shows one some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country as well as beautiful historic houses and sites.

A visit to world famous Stonewall Kitchen in York was at the very top of my list - I'll be fully stocked on jams and condiments for the year to come (favorites are the Pink Grapefruit marmalade and Major Grey's chutney)!

A drive past the Ogunquit Playhouse was exciting as well, after all of the stories one hears. However their choice of performer during our time there was a bit questionable. Needless to say we didn't stop in.

I highly encourage you to visit the southern coast of Maine (such an easy trip from Boston) and come back to see more in-depth posts on some of my favorite activities! What did you do this summer?