An Empty Nest

Trove Wallpaper

Roots and Wings

If I could give you many things,

I'd give you gold and silver rings

Of knowledge that I've gained with years

The gift of smiling through the tears

Confidence, courage, determination

Laughter and spirit and love of creation,

Wrapped up in a box with a bow, I'd give

To you these gifts to keep as long as you live.

"If I could give you just two things,

One would be roots, the other, Wings."

Roots, not to tie you to the ground,

But to guide you to where your fulfillment is found.

The nourishing start, the firm foundation, 

The source of your inner determination.

Wings to soar over obstacles, wings to fly free,

Wings to glide to the heights of the best you can be.

And when obstacles loom, from your roots grows a hand

Providing a strong, sturdy, safe place to land.

I'd choose these two things for the gifts that are best,

For with Roots and with Wings, you'll find the rest!

                                                    ~anon

Gracie wallpaper

My youngest son has left the nest, moved out of state to join his brother.  The house is empty and quiet and cold and dark and a little lifeless.  I find myself saying, "I'm an empty nester" to describe my new station in life, a transition that is difficult at best.  Coincidentally, everywhere I look I see all forms of birds and cages and nests. 

                                 

Miles Redd

Hunt Slonem painting

Faberge Egg

Antique Gilded Cage Mirrors

ph: Penny Morrison

Tom Sheerer

Jonathan Adler

John Derian Nest Bowl

Roost birdcage lighting

Douglas Friedman

Ingo Murer Birdie Chandelier

Dedon, The Nest Rest

Global Views

Bye bye birdie cocktail table by Frøystad + Kloch

I gave them wings so they could fly, but they assured me I will always represent home to them. That's all a mother can ask.
<3 to J and D

Fall Market 2013 Round Up ~ Part 1

Robert Allen is celebrating its past, present, and future. 75 colorful years in the business offering the trade fine fabrics, trim, and hardware.  A color innovator with wonderful collaborative partners and always an important "go to" resource.

Gracie continues to astonish with it's magical, mystical hand painted wallpapers.  The artistry, always Asian in inspiration, is de rigueur among the society set.  The 4th generation family business is also celebrating a milestone: 115 years.  Ming gave us a little demonstration.  He has been hand painting these papers since 1982.  One 3 by 10 foot panel can take anywhere between 75 to 100 hours to complete.  That's something to celebrate!

This has to be the year of the design book.  There are more than 25 new design books full of eye candy that have come out or are due on the bookshelves soon.

Jan Showers' 2nd book gives us a peek into her signature modern glamorous interiors in 2nd and 3rd homes that she has designed.  They tend to be more idiosyncratic; clients will take more risk in a vacation home.

Probably one of the most anticipated tomes is that of "Prince of Chintz" himself, Mario Buatta.  Always the prankster, he's an original!  The 400 page book is equal parts personal journal as much as portfolio. More about Mr. Buatta later.

Alessandra Braca debuted a beautiful line of fabrics for Schumacher.  The dramatic scale, playful textures, and energetic patterns flip tradition on its ear.  She wanted to create something that was needed in the marketplace.  Honest, true, clear, energetic colors; not just red, for which she is known.  This is not your grandmother's toile, damask, and chinoiserie!  It's re-imagined with a masculine/feminine quality.  Her Italian roots taught her the finer points of living the Bella Figura life, which she injects into her line.  Here's to beauty and a good eye culminating in a fine aesthetic.

We're not done yet, stay tuned for part 2 next time