Love: Color

Every now and then, I get a client who dares to go beyond "punch it up with pillows"...thank you, god...this home was so much fun to do: ombre walls, fabric collage, custom rugs AND all with a woman who exudes joy...

The before

the ombre walls in the salon...to keep things somewhat calm, sofa and living room walls almost the same

custom rugs; switched field colors - space is open, so continuity required in rugs and window treatments...I used same patterns in different colors

outside back a lovely print, inside a subtle plaid

Stickley entertainment unit balancing the other side of the room

long view capturing salon side panels - same embroidered pattern in two colors

more ombre on the salon side wall done by Patinas

small details make all the difference; mixed metals in the rodding and adding a cuff is like your windows wearing a bracelet!

detail of two fabrics used on Harden chairs

strike-off on custom rug

Love: Becoming a "Sticklet"

We can all appreciate a beautiful piece of furniture, but seeing how it's made brings a depth of understanding that's worth the trip to Fayettville, N.Y. to the Stickley factory. Begun in 1900, this company has been run by two families and their backstory makes them truly part of American history. Heavy, dark and carved Victorian furniture spawned the design backlash known as the "Arts and Crafts" period. Best known for their quarter-sawn oak "Mission" style from this time, Stickley's other collections run from modern to John Widdicomb's highly ornate styling. All are stunning and destined to be tomorrows heirlooms...

"...the witch's brew of all that's wrong with furniture making today..." loose quote referencing this chair from Leopold Stickley, circa 1900

Yes, it is a factory...but each board has been handled at least 15 times before the initial sanding

Prototype of a dresser for the 'Pasadena Bungalow' collection

'Pasadena Bungalow' dining collection - note the bas relief on the sideboard panels

Never-to-be-seen blind dovetail on dresser rails - you can stand in a drawer thanks to the side hung, center guided rail system

One of my favorites, the 'Metro' collection Morris chair and ottoman - the collection uses walnut and cherry and while the design is archival Mission, the vibe is modern

'Metro' console...the center radiating graining pattern is gorgeous in person!

Unfinished trestle table from the new 'Finger Lakes' collection

...and here it is after being hand-distressed

A chair leg being fitted

Dash holding forth about his craft...here a chest in the 'Before' stage of his magic...

...and here is the 'After'

From the John Widdicomb collection - incredible detail