Love: Faux Bois

Translates to english as 'false wood', it originally meant concrete over metal armatures to sculpt realistic looking wood objects, usually for the garden. It's now enjoying an interior resurgence crafted as wallpaper, tables, lamps and accessories...a great way to bring an organic touch to even formal settings...



We used two of these, side by side, to anchor a gallery wall in the 2012 Harrisburg Symphony Showhouse

Old-school from Currey & Co.

From Global Views, this small end table also comes in brass and white marble

Love it!

As wallpaper in a London bath - how great is that zinc tub...



A series of three to make a floor mirror from Uttermost

Photo credits:Uttermost, Currey & Co, Global Views, lastladyoflondon,

Love: A Bit of Chinoiserie

As soon as China opened it's doors to the West, palaces and homes of the nobility began sporting bits of their furniture and decorative arts. Before long, European cabinetmakers and artisans developed their own iterations - anyone catch the lacquered bar cabinet in Downton Abbey? "Stone-cold classic" means never going out of style and porcelain ginger jars, silk-screened wallpapers and room screens fall firmly in that camp...find some inspiration below

Early sightings not for mere mortals

Particularly suited for dining rooms

You can tuck a garden stool anywhere

A cocktail table from Bernhardt

Also from Bernhardt, but done in stainless steel - sigh

Classic silhouette from Hammary

Server from Henredon - I used as a dresser and springboard for an Asian inspired bedroom

Fretwork known as 'Chinese Chippendale'; stepped end table from Henredon

Bold console, also from Henredon

Gilded bamboo and blue & white porcelain - could be priceless antiques or a lucky snag at Marshalls

Images:house beautiful,britannica,thegraybungalow,luxereport

Want: Best of Harrisburg ArtFest 2013

There was a noticeable difference in this year's vibe: less of a gritty street festival and more like a leisurely art stroll...chalk it up to new organizers, the fact that we weren't panting in the shade or maybe a more carefully curated vendor selection, this was the first ArtFest 'want' almost became my master. My picks for Best in Show:

'Leaves by Jenny' garden fountain feature - beautifully made, well-priced and the kit contains everything you need
To Order

  

Barry Middleton of 'Woodsongs' creates these works of art in doors; obvious Craftsman style uses, but would also be wonderful in a zen-like bedroom

Two home-grown artists that are worth checking out: 

Tom Snyder of 'Swamphox Photography' has absolutely fabulous offerings of painterly, manipulated images - every home needs one...

Teresa Haag explores "environment, architecture and atmosphere" in her cityscape paintings...my first response brought to mind hints of an urban version of Maxfield Parrish's not-so-beautiful landscapes, but the longer I looked, I saw the heart underlying the brushstrokes; she's a painter to watch...

Roundabout: New Hope and Lambertville

Northwest of Philadelphia and on the banks of the Delaware, New Hope may be steeped in history, but exudes an artsy, beachy vibe...maybe because of all the outdoor cafes... There are a ton of hand-crafted decorative arts, clothing and jewelry shops reminiscent of a bricks and mortar arts festival.  A two minute drive across the bridge to Lambertville N.J. lies the more serious antiquing offerings... you'll be hard-pressed to see it all, but are guaranteed a lovely, satisfying outing. Here are the standouts:

'Topeo' on North Main has an incredible collection of art glass , including sculptures, fountains and wall decor; if you can't find the perfect accessory here, you don't want one...

The store 'A Mano' has an eclectic selection of handcrafted clothing and jewelry and fabulous customer service. A sister store in Lambertville  has the space to display their 'live edge' wood tables with rivulets of turquoise inlay - love it!

If you only get to one antique store, make it 'Antiques on Union' in Lambertville...incredible selection on three floors from all periods in lighting, rugs, furniture and accessories - especially loved the over-sized jardinieres. Nothing snooty about this store, the partners were a lot of fun!