Love: Signature Color and Pattern

...okay, so this was inspired by back-to-school shopping at King of Prussia;  found what I was after out of the gate, so that left MANY hours to wander and muse while the girls terrorized the mall...beyond branding genius, here a few iterations for the home...

Hermes orange...sigh

If you don't want to go all-in, just a bit of it makes a statement

Doesn't even need a caption...

Painted back of a cabinet always a good idea...

Emilio Pucci's "stained-glass-meets-Mod Squad" prints

A little bit goes a long way...

Images:houzz,1stdibs,jtinteriors,envogue,colorspecialist,matterofstyle,studiowellspring,fashion.wikia,thedecoratedhouse

101: The Fifth Wall

The plane over your head (pun inexcusable) deserves your attention: from architectural solutions to wallpaper, a ceiling with some added interest brings dimension into the feel of a room. At the very least, add a little wall color paint into the can of ceiling white, especially in two story spaces. Pay attention to the scale of the treatment (architectural and wallpaper pattern) with the room footprint versus the height of the ceiling - done right, the ceiling plays well with the rest of the room...

Not just for wine cellars anymore

Dark color grounds this room and adds drama

Circular stenciling adds movement here

Tin or embossed paper still a classic

Adds oomph to a boxy room

Here's a "Don't" - scale and depth overwhelm this space

Here it's done right

Simple and serene - love how the architectural cornice divided a too-long room into intimate spaces

Beautiful copper patina - gilding just works in dining rooms

Subtle stripe perfectly doing it's job

Classic tray ceiling - imagine how boring if 'ceiling white' was used

Wainscotting repeated on ceiling - note scale and pattern mix

Images: elledecor,intd222,facebook,wainscotsolutions,amanda,fanaticfinish,fabuloushome,furnishism,thehousedesigners,pinterest,designindulgence,traditionalhome

Roundabout: Bedford Springs Spa and Resort

When you want to get out of Dodge for a few days, be it a romantic or girls getaway, head West on the PA Turnpike to this gem on the register of  'Historic Inns of America'. The healing properties of the mineral water attracted people before the Civil War and over time a resort emerged. Falling on hard times more recently, it was rescued by Omni Hotels who eclipsed its' former glory. Now a world-class spa known for the Bath Ritual (deluge shower & exfoliation, steam room, cold plunge and mineral whirlpool), it's the interior furnishings I want to highlight here. Silks, velvets, fringe and embroidery are everywhere, as are wallpapered ceilings and monogrammed carpets -  what a lovely, fresh spin on old-school...

The original building

Beautiful carpets throughout

How much do I love this pink velvet!

Shopping alley

Indoor mineral pool - marble mosaic everywhere

Library - look at the carpet

Detail of window treatment - someone, please let me do this for you!

 

Gorgeous gallery walls

Outside the Ballroom

Love: Hair on Hide

About a hundred years ago, I came across a design book that featured Hollywood homes - I was maybe ten - and one picture has stuck with me all this time. It was a cavern of a room with multiple groupings; at one end were two french carved-arm, accent chairs with the outside backs covered in white hide with just a couple brown spots on them...it registered as stunning then and still does. I have yet to see it done as well, but here are a few ideas that come close...and luckily, there are some fabulous faux hides to choose from, too.

Wouldn't these be great as Host and Hostess dining chairs

Could go in any room

Just did two of these to tuck under a glass cocktail table for extra seating in a small room

From Theodore Alexander - love the Chinese Chippendale fretwork

Image Source: animalessentials, caracole,lofthome,ebay,Theodore Alexander

Love: Backyard BBQ's and Fireworks...

...instead of massive military parades to celebrate our independence. I love our small town parades, red, white and blue desserts and gathering with family and friends instead of a chilling display of might...Before this devolves into a country song, these pictures say it all and I'm grateful I live here...

 

Happy 4th of July!