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!

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...