Aged and Gilded (Palazzo-Interiors & Gardens)

Rachel Ashwell's New Book

I just got Rachel Ashwell's new book Shabby Chic Interiors. Surprisingly, I had to order it because it wasn't stocked at my local bookstore. It very much follows the idea of her first book--lots of photos of her own home as well as celebrity friends. How fitting that she has come full circle. The past year has been a rocky one for her with the death of a parent and most of her stores closing. However, the original location has reopened as Shabby Chic Couture and the design theme that made her famous continues. You'll want to purchase this book full of scrumptious eye candy. I would expect nothing less from Ms. Ashwell.

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Interiors/Rachel Ashwell/Photos Amy Neunsinger

I'm not sure I believe in coincidence. Interesting thing--I wrote yesterday's post before I got this book. As I looked through it the next day, I came upon the very same quote by Hans Hoffman. Hmmm....

Textiles

I love fabric. I save scraps of it and have boxes of snippets. I love that two of the senses are indulged at the same time--visual and tactile. What could be more luxurious than the feel of cashmere against your skin? There's no denying the role that textiles play in decor. Fussy, flowery prints to graphic mod design, fabrics make huge impact. It is so easy to change your room with practically little effort by changing the soft furnishings--pillows, curtains, etc. If you have visited the Palazzo website lately, you'll notice that it is on hiatus. I am so excited to shift directions and focus on something I've wanted to do for a very long time--creating our own line of beautiful textiles!

 

Fabric Inspirations/French & Sorrell

 

Country Fabric Style/Julia Bird

 

Carolyn Quartermaine Revealed

 

 

Flying Colors

It is a little bit cold and cloudy here. Try as I might to enjoy the potential coziness of it all, I find myself yearning for a bit of sunshine. The next best pick-me-up--color.

Domino

The Color Design Source Book/Caroline Clifton-Mogg

Textile Style/Caroline Clifton-Mogg

 

Country Interiors/Diane Dorrans Sacks

Flea Market Style/Emily Chalmers

Back to Basics

"Simplicity if the ultimate sophistication."

                                                    Leonardo da Vinci

I've been thinking a lot about stripping back layers--getting rid of what I don't need, looking at what takes up the most of my time that I don't want to do, even losing weight and getting thinner. When I saw this month's UK issue of Elle Decoration, the following images of this beautiful house in all of its simplicity spoke to me.

 

 

 

UK Elle Decoration

Painted Furniture

Long ago and far away when I was much younger, I dreamed of becoming a decorative painter. I had fantasies of attending the prestigious Isabel O'Neil School of the Painted Finish in New York. I briefly did an apprenticeship with a painter but became disenchanted with her "interesting" personality. I love painted furniture. I'm charmed by the sweet appearance of a cherub, a curvy cartouche, or a flowing trail of ribbons and roses. Always when rummaging through the treasures of the flea market, my heart skips a beat at the sight of a painted flourish.

 

Previous 2 images/The Best of Painted Furniture/Florence de Dampierre

 

Previous 2 images/The Painted Furniture Sourcebook/Annie Sloan

 

Previous 2 images/Shabby Chic/Rachel Ashwell

Rock, Scissors....Paper

The earliest examples of using paper on walls originated in China around 200 B.C. Eventually, the knowledge of paper making spread to the Middle East. After several periods of refinement, a paper hanging guild was established in France in the 1700s. Of course, that is an extremely simplified version of wallpaper's history.  I really like bold, graphic paper on walls. It's a simple way to make a strong statement in a room.

 

 

 

Previous 4 images/Living, Etc.

 

Previous 2 images/The French Country House/Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery, Bernard Touillon

Domino Love

I know they say nothing lasts forever but I don't understand why Domino magazine couldn't. It was by far one of the best interior magazines and one of my favorites. I loved going to the book store on Saturday morning for the latest issue. Alas, no more. I was flipping through old issues yesterday and marveling at how relevant the interiors are still today. And I loved the way they gave us a list to help us pull together the look ourselves. Domino, I miss you.

All images Domino

Sticks and Stones: The Chandeliers of Ans Bakker

Dutch artists, Ans Bakker takes sticks, feathers and crystals and puts together magically ethereal halos. As an artist, she also works with glass but it's her "celestial nests" that have caught my eye. Visit here at fineart.wanted to see more examples of her work.

All images Country Interiors/Diane Dorrans Saeks

How Swede It Is

Swedish style uses a serene color palette inspired by the colors of the sea. What is most striking about Swedish interiors is it's translation of grandeur through ingenious simplicity. The skillful work of the decorative artist interpreted the sumptuous Gustavian period with paint and transformed the utilitarian into a thing of beauty. I particularly like the way Swedish rooms always seem to have no more than is necessary. There is a certain modesty that quietly celebrates the joy of everyday life.

(3 images)Campagne Decoration/Fabrice Besse

British Country Homes & Interiors

The Swedish Room/Lars and Ursula Sjoberg

British Country Living/Nick Carter

(2 images) Campagne Decoration/Christopher Drake

Campagne Decoration/Helene Toresdotter

(3 images) Campagne Decoration/Helene Torresdotter

Perfectly Period: Carolyn Quartermaine

Many years ago, I bought a book about Carolyn Quartermaine and her beautiful textiles. I was utterly mesmerized by the beauty of her work. And still today I am completely enamored. Her fabrics capture the mood of eighteenth century Europe while remaining fresh and relevant to today's interiors. In 2008, she was named designer of the year. Whenever I see images of her flat in London or the South of France, I feel as if I have entered the set of a romantic period movie. Without fail, if I happen to see an article about her I always purchase the magazine. Such was this month when I once again discovered her in Australia's Vogue Living and was more than happy to spend the $10.50 to purchase the issue here in the states.

Photos Australia Vogue Living