AESTHETICALLY THINKING

PARISIAN PIED À TERRE

2015-08-14T10:09:00.000-04:00

It has been on the list for most of my life to someday live in Paris. I believe in visualization boards so let's call this blog just that- my visualization/inspiration board. As an interior designer, we do get to live vicariously through others, however, and at the moment I am working on a couple of projects that let me channel my French muse. So bon weekend and remember - as Audrey Hepburn so elegantly said- "Paris is always a good idea."

SIMPLY SUMMER

2015-07-02T16:41:00.001-04:00

Nothing shouts summer like the texture of rattan, wicker, seagrass or for that matter natural wovens of any kind. Whatever that object may be, a straw hat, a rattan chair, a woven tote or a wicker chaise - it is always fresh, crisp and ever so graphically textural. These things forever evoke memories of long summer days and sultry summer nights. I hope you all are planning to spend a long, languid weekend at the beach, on the lake or wasting the day away in a hammock on a mountain porch sipping a summery cocktail in a warm breeze for this 4th of July weekend!

"Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."

Henry James

CUBA

2015-06-17T10:24:00.002-04:00

I find myself speechless actually when it comes to finding an adequate description of my recent trip to Cuba. As much as I've been asked what makes this trip different from others I've taken of late, I find myself struggling to answer. Bottom line is it was a visceral experience - powerful and poignant. Much akin to seeing Manet's Le Dejeuner sur l'herbe for the first time, it was one Stendhal moment after another! That was what Havana was and is, all of it, start to finish.

My deepest gratitude goes out to Soane Travels, the Design Leadership Network and Academic Adventures Abroad for the journey of a lifetime. Many, many thanks as well to Hermes Mallea, author of The Great Houses of Cuba, for sharing your insights on all that is Cuba! I feel so very fortunate to have been able to go, now, to see this extraordinary country on the brink of change.

As many have asked for additional imagery via Facebook and Instagram, I've collected many images to share AND for even more to go Instagram #soanetravels and #dlntravelscuba.

Viva la Cuba!!!!

WHITE ON WHITE

2015-05-20T14:45:00.001-04:00

With Memorial Day right around the corner and summer upon us, I'm thinking about white, and more specifically white on white. Sensual, sculptural, quiet and calming - white on white is a "forever" classic in my world. Crisp, cool, collected and always elegant, you can't go wrong. Whether it's an all white ensemble or an all white interior, the end result is CHIC!

FROM THE PARTHENON TO THE PYRAMIDS

2015-04-21T11:00:00.001-04:00

"Travel and change of place impart a new vigor to the mind." Seneca

I've always said there is nothing like travel to inspire and reinvigorate the senses.

Just back from eleven action-packed days in Athens, Greece with the Leaders of Design Council followed by a post-trip to Egypt with our host Marmi Stone, my head is spinning! Can you say "jet lag"? Take two magnificent locales,coupled with an extraordinary group of creative, dynamic people (throw in days of major sleep deprivation, planes, trains, buses and boats-three costume parties and more than a few libations) and VOILA- a good time was had by all! ( please do not scrutinize all the punctuation errors in that paragraph- did I mention the jet lag?)

Thank you Leaders of Design Council for continuing to expand our horizons and to Marmi for a spectacular trip through Egypt. Our worlds will never be the same.

Until next year.......

(To see more of our trip go to Instagram #leadersofdesign.)

PRETTY IN PINK

2015-02-16T16:44:00.000-05:00

All of Paris seemed to be bathed in a pale pink glow despite the dreary gray days. It seemed everywhere we went during Maison&Objet we saw the palest of pinks, nudes and blush - and since my return I've continued to notice the same. Isn't it funny how once you start to notice a certain something - it all of the sudden seems to be everywhere. Is it just my imagination or is it really real? Maybe it's just our collective hope for the promise of spring?

"No winter lasts forever, no spring skips it's turn." Hal Borland

DIVINELY DETAILED

2015-01-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

What is it they say .... "god is in the details" or "the devil is the details" - at opposite ends of the spectrum really, both statements apply. I'm a big picture person as a rule, but at the same time don't we all love the delicious aspects of elegant detailing - that aha moment when you see an inlaid brass strip in a wood floor or bespoke metalwork. I learned something new of late when watching an architect begin a project, they began by initially sketching a very large project in minute scale. When I asked why, the answer was - "if you start really small then you can't worry about the minutiae until later. If you start large, you are already worrying about the details from the get go." And so it goes, we begin with the "big picture", as it were, and refine as we go until we get down to the divine details.

HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS

2014-12-04T10:14:00.001-05:00

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall the old man to the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveller back to his fireside and quiet home." Charles Dickens

May we all keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts year round.

IT'S FIVE O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE

2014-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

In many of our client meetings of late the subject of the "bar" and location of said "bar" has been of utmost importance. I have one client who wanted the bar in their bedroom (and NO that is not a morning bar). Another who suggested the master bath and yet another who talked of having one in not only the living room, but the dining room and also poolside. I think this just goes to show how important gracious entertaining is as the focal point of the ever so gracious home. I've always been a huge fan of the bar cart or the table top bar display- there is something about it- so very warm, welcoming and ever- ready for a party. It reeks of special occasion-ness and every day frivolity, just make sure that in your coterie of acquaintances you have at least one master mixologist! So cheers everyone - it's five o'clock somewhere!

Jeffrey Dungan Architects

SIMPLICITY

2014-10-06T09:32:00.000-04:00

I've been waiting for this book almost half my lifetime. I think that is how long I have been following Nancy Braithwaite and her work, (well initially stalking) and now I am fortunate enough to know her personally. The long-awaited book, Simplicity, was certainly worth it as it is truly "a striking tutorial in the power of simplicity in design."

Nancy's work is opulent in its use of restraint. A complete perfectionist, she adheres to her own manifesto that "every element should strive to be simple and powerful without compromise."

My favorite quote from this iconic designer, from what will most certainly become a classic must have book, is -" I believe in simplicity. I also believe there is nothing simple about it."

Simon Upton

GOD IS IN THE DETAILS

2014-09-09T11:16:00.000-04:00

CARLO SCARPA

(1906-1978)

It is always amazing to me why I'm inherently drawn to certain things. Carlo Scarpa's iconic architecture is no exception. I was not aware of the fact that Scarpa initially shied away from architecture. He, in fact, preferred to practice interior design and industrial design and never actually completed the architectural profession's educational requirements. He ultimately ended up practicing the entirety of his career with no license. Scarpa's style was absolutely unique. His attention to the details in his architectural masterpieces is riveting. For Carlo Scarpa, God was indeed in the details.

SULTRY SUMMER FARE

2014-08-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's just so very hard to believe the dog days are upon us and it's August already! How did that happen???? I'm all about giving it one last hurrah and as everyone who knows me, knows I love a sultry summer's night Sunday supper as much as the next girl with traditional Southern fare and bounty from the garden. So I thought I'd share a few of my tried and true, "go to", fail-safe recipes that will never disappoint and are easy enough to throw together in a pinch. These coupled with two signature cocktails from friends, because God forbid there aren't some custom drinks in the mix from the mixologists.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!!!

Silk Charmeuse

2 parts vodka

1 part Fever Tree Ginger Ale

1 part Domaine de Canton

Juice of a half of a lemon

6 leaves crushed mint

Ice

Shake and strain over ice - garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Aviation

2 oz. Leopold's Gin

1/4 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

1/2 oz. lemon juice

1/4 oz. Creme de Violette

Ice

Shake and strain over ice - garnish with a lemon peel

Thanks Elliott (my very own personal mixologist at Houston's Peachtree Road Atlanta)!

Creamed Corn

4 ears corn

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ teaspoon salt

Small pinch of freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

¼ cup half and half, more as needed

Remove the husks and silks carefully from the corn. Using a sharp knife, cut the corn kernels from the cob. Reserve the cut corn, and discard the cobb.

Heat the butter in a large skillet or frying pan until hot and foaming. Add the corn kernels, salt and pepper to the pan, and stir well to coat the corn with the hot butter and seasonings. Cook over medium heat for five minutes, stirring often, and taking care that the corn does not brown. Sprinkle flour over the corn, stir well to blend, and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add the half-and-half, stirring well, and simmer for 3-4 minutes longer, until the corn is tender and the half-and-half coats the corn lightly.

Corn can vary greatly in starch content, so it may sometimes be necessary to use a bit more half-and-half to keep the sauce from being too thick. Taste carefully for seasoning, and add more salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.

Deviled Eggs

1 dozen large eggs

Fine Sea salt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

2 teaspoons snipped chives and chervil

Put the eggs in a large saucepan with water to cover by 2 inches. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Immediately remove the pan from the heat, cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Pour off the hot water and fill the saucepan with cold water. Gently crack the eggs in the water to loosen the shells.

Shell the eggs, cut a very thin slice from the bottom of each egg so the eggs will stand up. Slice off the top third of each egg and scoop the yolks into a coarse strainer; reserve the whites. Press the egg yolks through the strainer into a bowl. Blend in the mayonnaise, cream, sugar and vinegar. Season with salt.

Using a teaspoon or pastry bag fitted with a star tip, generously fill the egg whites. Arrange the eggs on a plate, sprinkle with chives and chervil and serve.

Fresh Corn Salad

5 ears of corn, shucked

1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)

3 tablespoons cider vinegar 3 tablespoons good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the corn for 3 minutes until the starchiness is just gone. Drain and immerse it in ice water to stop the cooking and to set the color. When the corn is cool, cut the kernels off the cob, cutting close to the cob.

Toss the kernels in a large bowl with the red onions, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Just before serving, toss in the fresh basil. Taste for seasonings and serve cold or at room temperature.

Old Fashioned Tomato Pie

Pie Crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into pieces

4 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

3-4 tablespoons ice cold water

Filling:

2 ¼ lbs assorted heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1 sweet onion, chopped

1 ¼ teaspoons freshly ground pepper, divided

1 tablespoon canola oil

½ cup assorted chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, and basil)

½ cup freshly grated Gruyere cheese

½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

¼ cup mayonnaise

Prepare Piecrust: Process the first 4 ingredients in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse meal. With the food processor running, gradually add 3 tablespoons ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and process until the dough forms a ball and leaves the sides of the bowl, adding up to 1 tablespoon more water, if necessary.

Shape the dough into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 30 minutes. Unwrap the dough, and place it on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle lightly with flour. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.

Preheat the oven to 425°. Press the dough into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the dough 1 inch larger than diameter of pie plate. fold overhanging dough under itself, along rim of pie plate. Chill 30 minutes or until firm.

Line the piecrust with aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. (This will keep the crust from bubbling up.) Place on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 425° for 20 minutes. Remove the weights and foil. Bake 5 minutes more or until browned. Cool completely on baking sheet on a wire rack (about 30 minutes).

Reduce oven temperature to 350°.

Prepare Filling: Place the tomatoes in a single layer on paper towels and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Let stand 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, sauté the onion and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in hot oil in a skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes or until the onion is tender. Pat tomatoes dry with a paper towel.

Layer the tomatoes, onion, and herbs in a prepared crust, seasoning each layer with pepper (1 teaspoon total).

Stir together cheeses and mayonnaise and spread over the pie. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned, shielding edges with foil to prevent excessive browning. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Crunchy Noodle Salad

Kosher Salt

1 pound thin spaghetti

1 pound sugar snap peas

1 cup vegetable oil

¼ cup rice wine vinegar

1/3 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons dark sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

3 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds, divided

½ cup smooth peanut butter

2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and thinly sliced

4 scallions white and green parts, sliced diagonally

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Drain and Set aside.

Meanwhile, bring another large pot of salted water to a boil, add the sugar snap peas, return to a boil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp tender. Lift the sugar snap peas from the water with a slotted spoon and immerse them in a bowl of ice water. Drain.

For the dressing, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and peanut butter in a medium bowl.

Combine the spaghetti, sugar snap peas, peppers and scallions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the spaghetti mixture. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and the parsley and toss together.

Sauté of Heirloom Tomatoes and Okra with Bacon Garnish

5 slices bacon

1 large onion cut into 1/3 inch wedges

4 cups okra, washed, and trimmed sliced ½ inch thick

½ teaspoon salt, more as needed

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into ½ inch wedges

Cook the bacon slices in a large skillet until crisp. Leaving the rendered bacon fat, remove the bacon from the pan and reserve.

Add the sliced okra to the skillet, and cook, stirring frequently, over moderate heat for 10 minutes. Add the onion wedges, salt and pepper and continue cooking, still stirring for 5 minutes. Toss in the tomato wedges and reduce the heat to low. Cook, partially covered, just until tomatoes are heated through, 3-4 minutes.

Carefully taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Serve warm with reserved bacon slices crumbled over.

Roasted Shrimp and Orzo

Kosher salt

Good Olive oil

3/4 Pound orzo pasta

1/2 cup freshly squeeze lemon juice, about 3 lemons

freshly ground pepper

2 pounds (16-18 Count) Shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts

1 cup chopped fresh dill 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, medium-diced

1/2 cup small-diced red onion

3/4 pound good feta cheese, large diced

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.

Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don't overcook!

Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.

Breakfast Shrimp for Supper

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 small onions, chopped, about 1 1/4 cups
4 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion or scallion
1 clove garlic finely minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup water

Heat the butter in a heavy skillet until hot and foaming. Add the onion, scallion, garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Pour in the water, and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp are cooked through. Taste carefully for seasoning, adding more salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve hot over plain rice.

Perfect Roast Chicken

1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs

1 lemon, halved

1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 large yellow onion thickly sliced

4 carrots cut into 2 inch chunks

1 bulb of fennel, tops removed and cut into wedges

olive oil

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Remove the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken.

Place the onions, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan. Toss with salt, pepper, 20 sprigs of thyme, and olive oil. Spread around the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken on top.

Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve it with the vegetables.

SETTING SAIL

2014-07-01T09:16:00.000-04:00

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than those you did. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Mark Twain

Wherever you may be - enjoy the journey- Happy Fourth!

STEFANO SCATA

2014-06-06T12:36:00.000-04:00

BLU E BIANCO

There are days where you find yourself in one place looking for an image on that giant worldwide web of ours and before you realize it, six hours have passed. There you are, no idea how you got there or where you've been, but you've stumbled upon something marvelous and unexpected! Such was the case with Italian photographer, Stefano Scata. His work first caught my eye when I spotted Stefano's photographs of a beautiful villa by Italian designer, Michele Bonan (see our previous blog post, The Beautiful Michele Bonan) and from there, I was launched on a virtual tour of photographic wonder. Stefano studied Italian literature and philosophy, somehow you feel that in his imagery. His art reflects his global lifestyle and sensibilities and through the camera lens one glimpses the depth and breadth of this photographer's zest for la dolce vita in the sumptuous images he captures wherever life takes him.

Buon fine settimana a tutti....

DEEP SOUTHERN SOUL

2014-05-19T08:27:00.000-04:00

When I started this blog four years ago, I had a mission statement, believe it or not, which was simply to write about what I found aesthetically pleasing. It was always more about the imagery than the words as the visuals are inherently the inspiration for what we do as designers everyday. I am forever grateful for all the extraordinary people in my orbit and constantly inspired by the amazingly talented people in our field.

Jeff Dungan is one of those truly bright lights-the creative genius and co-founder of Dungan-Nequette Architects. Jeff is a fresh southern voice in the world of architecture. He is a true renaissance man- multi-faceted, humble, spiritual, fearless and eloquent- soft-spoken, yet his words resonate with a power that elicits the same visceral response his work evokes. As I said before, this blog is not about the words, particularly mine in this instance, but I would encourage you to take the time to read his-a warrior poet in a true Southern vernacular - meet Jeff Dungan...

What was the best advice you ever received?

My dad told me-son, no matter how much money you make, you can always spend MORE…and I lived to prove him RIGHT about that. My mom said-son, you are great at starting things, but not very good at finishing them. I actually worked on that one some, but my nature is still to hit 10 nails one time, instead of one nail ten times…

Who was your mentor?

Well, I have learned from a lot of people. My grandfather was a huge influence on me as a youngster: he taught me to work, that man was a worker and not much talking allowed. He was born in 1899- I loved him to death, he taught me how to deal with animals and sling blades, but mostly I am pretty sure he just tolerated me. For which I was very grateful. He told me things I know I have inside me but don't remember being told. My dad taught me to get along with everyone and my mom taught me that education was each person's own first job. She also encouraged me in the arts and in no way am I an architect without her urging. My mother "urges" in a similar fashion to locomotives and large yellow machinery…

Where does your creative inspiration come from?

It can be quite a few different things, surely art does-or wait a second-SOME kinds of art and I won't even go into the crap that is so not art, but that would be another question.. Travel would be high on my list of inspirational fodder. Impossible to quantify its importance really but Europe is full of great old buildings, towns and cities, however, so many great places are right here in America, even in the south. Basically anything can send me on a tangent.

Of the all arts, music is supreme for daily creative inspiration. I rarely draw without music. It can transport me and move me and is like soul cleaner…(ok I made that up). Music is like, as I once heard the definition of having tears as "words that couldn't get said any other way." Man I wish I had made that up. Some of my recent faves are Water Liars, Beck (Morning Phase), Avett Borthers, and my talented friend Duquette Johnston.

Travel, Music, Art- people also! People can be very inspirational- but as inspiration, not as trustworthy and dependable- or as easy to turn on and off as my iPod….

What do you want your legacy to be?

Well, I think first of all, people make up their own minds about you, so I don't worry about things like legacy too much. What I hope to leave behind when I am nourishing sunflowers is a body of work or oeuvre that is beautiful and cherished by its owners and people who live/work/share meals inside these shelters. What I want most of all is to have effected the lives of people in a way that literally made their life better. That’s a tall order, but I believe in my heart that design has that kind of power…

No matter where you are or who you are- you are inside a structure (ok, you could be standing in a field of sunflowers) but most likely you spend most of your life INSIDE something that some other human being designed. I want the people I work with and for, and people I may never meet, to know a man cared deeply about how they would experience life inside that thing. It can be inspiring. It is inspiring to me to try every day to create such places. Its really about the experience you have there. What do you see? How does the light come in? What materials are used and how does it make you feel…I want the legacy to be in the amazing lives people had there. I want the work we create to be "a gift to the street".

Are you satisfied with your life?

That makes me laugh, I don't know why. I think its because most days I pinch myself that I have the life I do. Of course, I still complain sometimes-but I am probably more surprised at how my life turned out than anyone. I get to do a job that is so much fun, it usually doesn't feel like work. It feels like making art when you are young. I get to work with great people of talent and ability and artisans who can sew beams together like thread, blacksmiths, metal workers and plasterers and the list goes on. It's inspiring the people I work with in studio every day, sharing ideas on our work, collaborating together. Someone has a problem, they are stuck, you help get it back on track, not because you are a genius, but because you have a fresh set of eyes or another idea on how it could work. And vice versa-we all have limitations, but together we make a team that is quite powerful. That is exciting because I love people. My understanding of the extrovert is that the extrovert gets their energy from being around people. Many days I feel like a 100 watt bulb in a 200 watt socket…

Dungan-Nequette Blog

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LUXURIOUS LINENS

2014-04-10T16:24:00.002-04:00

My friend, Jane Scott Hodges, knows a thing or two about linens! In her new book Linens,the founder and owner of Leontine Linens shares two decades of experience and expertise creating couture, bespoke fine linens for "every room and occasion".

Over the years we have had the pleasure of introducing numerous clients to the joys of sleeping in a bed dressed in Leontine luxury and are ecstatic to have our work included in this beautiful book! Living with this luxury, particularly on an everyday basis, changes the way I wake up to this world of ours. Is there anything at the end of a long day more decadent than slipping into a sumptuous bed made with fine custom sheeting adorned with a gorgeous monogram - freshly ironed and crisply folded ? I think not...

"A thing of beauty is ( indeed ) a joy for ever."

Keats

Charlotte Moss

David Kleinberg

Alexa Hampton

Beth Webb Interiors

Charlotte Moss

CLASSICALLY COLLECTED

2014-04-01T16:22:00.001-04:00

When I saw this house in a recent issue of Belle magazine it reminded me of two other iconic properties I've long had a love affair with- Bill Blass' apartment in NYC and his house in Connecticut. All three share a clean, classic and absolutely elegant aesthetic and a color palette I'm drawn to over and over again.

VERANDA

2014-03-07T09:07:00.001-05:00

Since its inception in 1987 by founder Lisa Newsom, Veranda magazine has always held the bar high and under the tutelage of her successor Dara Caponigro continued to grow into the tour-de-force it has become. Clinton Smith stepped in when Dara took leave and two issues later the magazine continues to amaze and inspire - never missing a beat in its continuing mission to present all that is right and beautiful in this lovely world of ours.

Interior Design- Beverly Field
Architecture- Richardson Robertson III
Photography Max Kim-Bee
Produced by Carolyn Englefield

Interior Design- Greg Stewart of ODADA
Photography- Laura Resen
Produced by Carolyn Englefield

Interior Design- Furlow Gatewood
Photography- Max Kim-Bee
Produced by Carolyn Englefield

Interior Design- Rob Southern
Photography- Peter Murdock
Produced by Rich Michels

Interior Design- Cristina Azario
Photography- Francesco Lagnese
Produced by Carolyn Englefield

THE INTERIOR STYLIST

2014-02-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

This gorgeous book gives new meaning to the words "interior stylist". Karin Meyn is positively brilliant and totally elegant in her approach, philosophy and ability to blend all the myriad components of interior elements to create pure art. This husband and wife team along with their stellar group of associates continue to inspire.

All Photos Copyright Karin Meyn

See Piet Boon Styling Pinterest page.

MILIEU

2014-01-16T10:19:00.001-05:00

Thank you Pamela Pierce for braving the world of shelter magazines in the aftermath of the recession. Beautiful magazines featuring fabulous projects will always continue to delight, and although I enjoy all the new digital formats- there can never be a substitution for the joy of holding those glossy pages fresh off the press in the warmth of my bed on a rainy Sunday morning!

The first two issues are gorgeous, keep up the good work and congratulations- job well done!

Milieu Magazine

Photography- Maxine Helfman

Interior Design- Richard Carnill
Photography- Clive Nichols

Architecture- Don McDonald
Photography- Peter Vitale

Interior Design- Kelly Schandel
Photography- Dominique Vorillon

Interior Design- Dan Nelson
Photography- Peter Vitale

Interior Design- Connie Buckner
Photography- Peter Vitale

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

2013-12-23T11:16:00.004-05:00

Happy holidays everyone. Enjoy the season!

IT'S A WRAP

2013-12-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

The problem with Thanksgiving being late is that now Christmas is early! Technically we have a mere 21 days to panic. I swore I'd be ahead of the game this year- but alas- as per usual- NO! Oh well, happy wrapping!

LUMINOUS INTERIORS

2013-12-02T13:57:00.000-05:00

In Brian J. McCarthy's new book Luminous Interiors, just released from Stewart, Tabori & Chang, Bunny Williams writes in the forward that Brian "has an incredible eye and passion for art, always seeking new talent. Because of this knowledge his projects are always unique, and the variety is that of a truly great designer." How true! The work throughout is divergently diverse and it is abundantly clear that this is a man who listens carefully to his client and avoids the "branded " look- no two projects are alike.

Although the book features nine luxurious residences, I chose to focus on one as I had the privilege of seeing this spectacular hotêl particular- an Atlanta property and intense collaboration between Brian and a very talented friend of mine, architect Peter Block. To say the home is extraordinary is quite the understatement! After thirty-five trips to Europe and a collaboration with the venerable Feau & Cie in Paris, a fantasy was realized. The grandeur, opulence, layers and intricacy of this home are stunning in every imaginable way possible.

To see more of both Brian and Peter's work click here and here.

ANDERS ZORN

2013-11-19T17:17:00.001-05:00

While in San Francisco last week, the Zorn exhibit was on at the Legion of Honor. Although Zorn is a household word in Sweden, he is not as well known here but he should be as his work, in my humble opinion, is extraordinary and rivals that of Sargent. He was, in fact, one of the most important portraitists of the Gilded Age. The exhibition is the first major retrospective of his work in the United States in nearly a century, and it was such an immense pleasure to be able to see it in person! I'm inspired...

SUCCINCTLY SILLS

2013-10-25T15:54:00.000-04:00

For years I referenced the first book Dwellings and it sits on my coffee table to this very day- ten years later. So imagine my pleasure when the much anticipated Stephen Sills: Decoration came out! His work is indeed a dialogue between past and present, always relevant, but iconic in that it is in that combining of elements from different eras, that his work becomes transcendental and timeless.

Extraordinary work Mr. Sills!