Aged and Gilded (Palazzo-Interiors & Gardens)

Another Time, Another Place

I love history. I love to imagine a life of another time. Each time I visit Europe, I never fail to marvel at how the past seamlessly coexists with the present. When I see old houses I like to think about the people who lived there and what dreams and disappointments were shared within those walls. I can only imagine the lives that unfolded in this lovely hotel particulier du XV siecle (really old--15th century) restored by a couple of antique dealers in the ancient village of D'Anjou...

Campagne Decoration

What I Want...Now

Have you ever needed a holiday from your holiday? That's where I am. I enjoyed Christmas. Truly, I did. The best part of it all was spending time with my little boy in the kitchen. I enjoyed decorating--sort of. Although, the tree fell over--twice! And, I certainly enjoyed all the food. Maybe a little too much! But now...what I want...what I need most...is a little peace and calm. The kind of peace and calm that can only be found on offer at the guesthouse of Jacqueline Morabito. Well, it's not exactly on offer but I can dream. It's just a few doors down from her atelier in the South of France for visitors to "escape, relax and be inspired." Ms. Morabito's aesthetic of "the ethereal, romantic layering of white on white on white" is emphatically embraced by her as a lifestyle. In her interview with Australia Vogue Living she states "I like to mix country and urban; it is perfect when you have a balance. My style is simple, the materials I use are noble and, hopefully, the result is timeless." And she certainly has the training to put these elements in play--armed with a law degree, she pursued her creativity first as a jewelry designer and studied with goldsmiths, woodworkers and sculptors before branching out to furniture and interiors. I could use a little escape about now. Ms. Morabito can you help me?

Ms. Morabito believes that life is not for being serious a la the Venetian chandelier next to the bare bulb and the table with clear plastic. Tres drole!

What else do you need?

Australia Vogue Living

Holiday Blues

You may be dreaming of a white Christmas, but blue is an unusual, surprising and lovely accent color for the holidays.

Campagne Decoration

British Country Homes & Interiors

Winter Wonderland

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is more softer and beautiful." Norman Vincent Peale

Apparently he hadn't been to the shopping mall! Nevertheless, these rooms are nothing short of magical.

Campagne Decoration

Domino

Campagne Decoration

California Christmas

What do you get when you mix California panache with a bit of French elan (besides two words that are generally never used)...French General, of course. Kaari Meng's shop is full of wonderful, oh-so-frenchy papers, kits, textiles, jewelry and ephemera. A visit to her site would surely result in a gift for your favorite Francophile. An author and artist, her summer workshops for next year are already sold out! Meng's home is a perfect reflection of her simple, understated taste.

Home Companion

Holiday Traditions

I know some people cook turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving, but prepare a special yet less involved meal for Christmas. I happen to do the opposite. And there are those who open their presents on Christmas Eve. We open ours on Christmas morning. And we like to watch the same Christmas programs each year even though we've seen them ten thousand times before. Every year I resolve to send out Christmas cards...and...I never do. What happens in your house? What meals are you preparing for your holiday dinner?

British House & Garden

British Country Homes & Interiors

Oh Christmas Tree

There are two camps--those of you who put up your tree immediately after Thanksgiving and those of you who wait just a bit before Christmas. I'm in the latter group. Each year, I buy the same tree--a noble fir--always. And white lights--never color.  However, my ideas about decorating the tree have changed quite a bit over time. I use to get so caught up in elaborate themes. I painfully remember stringing together laborious garlands of cranberries and popcorn years ago. One theme gone bad included gingerbread men whose bodies eventually separated from their heads. (Don't ask.) Another year, the tree was filled with vintage style ornaments--many of them handmade (too many Martha Stewart episodes). I've done the silver bit, the gold rush, etc. Now, I'm finding that I like the tree with very little to just enough ornamentation. An added bonus--less arguing between the children about who will hang which ornament. (Does that only happen at my house?)

British House & Garden

Living etc

Holiday Red

This beautiful old home located on the grounds of Le Chateau d'Ecrainville in the Haute-Normandie region of France was originally intended for the gamekeeper. It has now been lovingly restored and is available for two for a long weekend or for an extended stay. The owners are two artists who also create a line of linens, furniture and decorative objects. Click here to view a video of the decoration and restoration of the chateau itself.

If only we could still eat al fresco. It is alarmingly chilly (at least to me) here in California right now.

Yes, I know I'm obsessed...I love stone!

Breton beauty...

This would do just fine for a long winter's nap...

Maisons Cote Ouest

Noel Scandinave

Simple always works--even for the holidays.

Campagne Decoration

Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

Just not here, of course. Snow is for you to visit and then return from whence you came. Snow is for holidays and postcards. I long ago came to realize this after months of achy bones, snow shoveling, wood chopping, icy roads and a depressingly barren landscape during an interminable stay in Idaho. For me it will always be a change of scenery; a departure from the usual, but definitely not a lifestyle. And though snow bunny I am not, this week I find myself drawn to images where snow is the element that lends magic to the atmosphere. Without it, that superfluous amount of woodgrain so typical of snow lodging might not have quite the same charm.

Campagne Decoration