Dovecote Decor

Highlighting Madcap Cottage from the Junior League of Greensboro Showhouse and also one of Luther Lashmit's Winston-Salem Homes

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:51:00 +0000

John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon of Madcap Cottage did one of the most delightful rooms at Adamsleigh, the Traditional Home / Junior League of Greensboro Showhouse by architect Luther Lashmit.

via Madcap Cottage's blog: Demystifying Design

John explained how they used the original turquoise color of the breakfast room and paired it with this bold Thibaut wall paper which creates a cottagey comfort vibe that threads throughout their design portfolio. While it seems counter-intuitive to use a large scale paper in a small room. It actually makes the room feel bigger.

via Traditional Home

I am counting at least 6 different patterns in this room alone creating the harmonious collected layered effect of a room that has grown generationally.

The designers encourage clients to use their homes as a form of self expression. A home with no personality in evidence is telling in itself and who wants to telegraph the message: "boring!" John and Jason encourage their clients to push the envelope and be willing to have fun with their environment. They are inspired by the work of Dorothy Draper, Nancy Lancaste r, and Rose Cummings to name a few.

This curio piece on the left is a natural selection for them as it is from the iconic Kindel Furniture Dorothy Draper collection. Again, this aesthetic has a distinct chinoiserie melody that we are seeing so much of this market. This pair of Currey and Company Chinese ginger jar style lamps continues this brush stroke throughout the canvas of the room.

You can find them HERE in our online store or we can give you other suggestions and resources

for creating fun, eclectic rooms with sizzle, personality and comfort. Since architect Luther Lashmit was a local architect for us in Winston Salem, we thought you might enjoy a glimpse of a more approachable Lashmit creation, for sale right here in Winston-Salem.

Luther Lashmit built several model homes at the inception of the Buena Vista subdivision in 1926. Deceptive in size from curb side, this house has been tastefully expanded over the years to accommodate modern sensibilities such as family kitchen spaces, luxurious master bedrooms, baths and dressing areas. You've got the best of both worlds, with generous moldings, arched door ways and architectural flourishes that add character and integrity to the home.

Architectural ovolo molding throughout the house combined with Lashmit's signature octagonal windows and unique hardware lend a dignified character to the non-palatial projects he completed throughout his career.

More Later!!

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to beautiful Lexington Virginia

Junior League of Greensboro Show House 2013 Sponsored by Traditional Home Magazine: Miles Redd's Grand Reception Room.

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:40:00 +0000

We arrived for the press breakfast at Adamsleigh, the unbelievable remnant of the American Country House Movement, to view the resurrection of a home that had been virtually untouched since 1930. To read our last post on the architect, Luther Lashmit and other artisans on the property click HERE.

I showed the main reception room in the previous post, but wanted to juxtapose the dramatic Miles Redd, Oscar de la Renta Century Furniture transformation.

While we can see that Arthur Cassel Griffin, the original designer was adhering to the antiquarian precedents of an ancient structure, Miles Redd relevantly applies a graceful Chinoiserie style throughout the room. Open fretwork Oscar de la Renta chairs are ingeniously placed in the central area of the room allowing a clean, homogenous visual sweep of the room.

Parsing the large space with a central table and chairs creates a functional gathering area maintaining the characteristic airy Chinoiserie effect without sacrificing the density of seating required for large receptions. Flow throughout is achieved by the repetition of the branching patterns on the rug, fabrics, wall panels, that the fretwork chairs echo. This room becomes engaging and complex by Redd's masterful mix of blues, complementery orange, bold large scale ceramic pieces and architectural pediments. The original architect, Luther Lashmit, had a predilection for octagonal windows, so Miles Redd nailed the vernacular in his mirror selection above.

This is a characteristic octagonal window in a friend's Lashmit home in Winston-Salem. Many of the surviving homes feature this signature flourish.

Early mid-century lighting combined with a modern abstract painting convey a light-handed sense of continuity and the evolution of decor over generations. This market more than any other market in years, reiterates a luxurious aesthetic through rich tactile fabrics, carpeting and precious veneers. Chinoiserie, popular since the 17th century French infatuation, has never gone out, but is more visible in the showrooms and has been reinterpreted by many designers. Where did we find the look around market? Let's start with Mary McDonald's beautiful linen chinoiserie wall panels.

Chelsea House had a wide array of Chinoiserie on hand for buyers, as has been their tradition for decades.

The prices are unbelievable!!

Christine and I are never tired of Alexa Hampton's Susanna Table. Hickory Chair is a custom manufacturer, so we love seeing what Alexa does with this piece every market. Don't you love how you can add notes to your images in Google+?

Bungalow 5 speaks fluid Mandarin and Cantonese in their well curated line and demonstrated how to use it with neutrals several markets ago. Here is what they've got going on this market!

Bungalow 5 High Point April 2013

Worlds Away

Liz Gray of HGTV's Design Happens blog and I chatted about our collaboration on a Worlds-Away giveaway for the Feebie Friday post. Worlds-Away does a fantastic job with modern interpretations of Chinoiserie fret work, lacquer and pagoda designs. Finally, I have to say Mirror Image Home has a premium line of Mirrors with design legends Bunny Williams and Barclay Butera. We were delighted to find them in Market Square Suites and look forward to adding these items to our online store.

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If You Don't See That Special Item Online

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Luther Lashmit's Adamsleigh: The Junior League of Greensboro and Traditional Home's Showcase House April 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:13:00 +0000

Thanks to the Junior League of Greensboro and Traditional Home, the spot light is on Luther Lashmit, a Winston-Salem, North Carolina native and architect to the industrial revolution scions of the early 20th century. Tobacco, textiles and furniture revived the broken post civil war South, in the same way that the electronic, and computer revolution generated fortunes at the end of the 20th century. World War I fueled Southern industries as soldiers required uniforms, underwear, socks and gun-stocks, as armies consumed vast quantities of tobacco. Cone Mills of Greensboro produced miles of denim while their heirs fed the modern impressionist artists in Paris. With the South resurrected, versus reconstructed, Southerners transferred their positions as plantation owners to estate builders. The Junior League Showcase House in Greensboro is one of Lashmit's period house masterpieces. Commissioned by textile (hosiery) business man, John Hampton Adams, Adamsleigh has endured as a prime example of the American Country House Movement, comparable to the great estates of Palm Beach, Philadelphia, Newport and Long Island.

Luther Lashmit, of the offices of Northrup and O'Brien was undoubtedly commissioned to lead the Adamsleigh project, because of his great success with Graylyn, the home of Natalie Lyons and Bowman Gray of Winston-Salem. Northrup and O'Brien had maintained close communication with the local Lashmit throughout his education and career. Receiving his architecture degree from The Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, PA., Lashmit went on to win the prestigious Fontainebleau Fellowship, studying at the revered Ecole des-Beaux-Arts, traveling extensively to survey the great houses of England, France and Italy. Having taught architecture in Georgia and Pittsburg, Northrup and O'Brien brought Lashmit home to create the Gray's magnificent Norman Revival estate which was to be the second largest house in North Carolina after Biltmore.

A Portion of the Graylyn Front facade

Lashmit, in conjunction with the Northrup and O'Brien office assembled an unrivaled team to complete the vision of the sophisticated and well traveled Reynolds Tobacco magnate and his wife. Europe had not fully recovered from the Great War and wealthy American industrialists traveled throughout Europe and the Mediterranean purchasing masterpiece ancient rooms, fireplaces, paneling and flooring for their trophy estates. Arthur Cassell Graffin of Baltimore designed and procured much of the interior architecture with Northrup O'Brien. Very notably, J. Barton Benson, a wrought iron master craftsman of Philadelphia, created the detailed intricate gates, locks, railings and other metallurgic flourishes through out Graylyn and later Adamsleigh.

The distinguishing departure of the Country House Movement from its feudal predecessors is aptly noted by Harry Desmond and Herbert Crowly in their early survey: Stately Homes in America (New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1903)

".....our greater rural residences are..... occupied by people who, no matter how varied and sincere, their interest in their country places {may be}, spend their money upon the land without any reference to making money on it."

Graylyn Rear Facade

Harvard trained landscape architect, Thomas Warren Sears, who had worked with Fredrick Law Olmsted was introduced to North Carolina and Virginia industrialists via his Reynolda House Commission through Charles Barton Keen, chief architect of the earlier R.J. Reynolds estate, across the street. The collective design team was easily transferred to the Adamsleigh project. While there are many vernacular similarities, adaptations were made to create a unique estate.

Unusually this house remained in the original family from inception to 2003.

Employing a brick veneer versus Graylyn's stone facade, makes Adamsleigh more Norman English than French Norman. Characteristics of these European houses adapted for 1920's tastes included fewer, but more spacious rooms for grand entertaining with open floor plans. Picturesque, French style estates were designed to look as though they had grown organically over time transitioning from fortifications to homes. To achieve these ends, Lashmit massed irregular outlines along asymmetrical wings. Graceful, quaint chimneys rose above round, square or hexagonal towers pierced by narrow windows enclosing spectacular vertiginous medieval staircases. The Graylyn stair tower has holders for plants and flowers that are reminiscent of Addison Mizner's Worth Avenue. Creative cribbing is common in design, and my friend, Tom Gray who wrote his Master's Thesis on Graylyn discovered an identical previous image from the Newbold house in Laverock, PA.

Grayln stair tower

Adamsleigh has come through a remarkable era of singular family ownership. The current asking price of $4,000,000 will hopefully attract a preservation minded buyer. Meanwhile, we will tantalize you with the empty rooms that are being reinterpreted by this talented roster of designers building on the legacy of the great Country Home architects, landscape designers, interior architects and artisanal craftsman.

Adamsleigh

I chatted up Suzanne Kasler in her stunning space at Hickory Chair today and her excitement over the project was refreshing. She relayed that Miles Redd was up to his usual theatrical magic and was afforded a great amount of creative latitude. I noticed world class floral designer, Randy McManus, was present and accounted for. Blogger friends Lisa Mende and Traci Zeller have been sending fun, behind the scenes posts worth perusing. The list is endless and it will be fascinating to see an intact American Country Place refurbished by a complimentary contingent 83 years after inception.

Suzanne Kasler waxed poetic about the original metal, window doorways that flank the house:

"These are the doors we want to install in both contemporary and traditional houses, we can't get enough of it now, and there they are exactly as we want them from the 1920's."

Rear Terraces by Thomas Sears at Adamsleigh

Adamsleigh aerial view

Adamsleigh mantel detail

The Thomas Sears Gardens at Adamsleigh

I spoke with charming architect, Bob Myers, who spent many years working and traveling with Luther Lashmit. He was impressed by the fact that Lashmit moved brilliantly in multiple vernaculars and was able to adapt skillfully to modern architecture. Notably, Merry Acres, for R.J. Reynolds Jr., was a 1940's marvel. Dick Reynolds received his pilot's license from Wilbur Wright and was also a competitive yachtsman. He wanted his house to feel like one great cruise and Lashmit delivered.

Softened by nautical curves with extending decks, a pilot's house and smoke stack/chimney, Merry Acres is a wonderful idiosyncratic home. I, for one, think houses should have personality. Luther Lashmit had a fluid, creative ability to treat with the past and effortlessly leap into the future.

Kind thanks also to my friend Tom Gray for encouraging me to read his master's thesis on the Graylyn Estate with much scholarly insight into the work of Luther Lashmit, Arthur Graffin, J. Barton Benson, Northrop and O'Brien, and Thomas Sears.

I hope you will all come to visit the Junior League Show House

Easter Entertaining

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:06:00 +0000

Happy Easter everyone!!

Whilst many of us have empty nests, we console each other during some of the holidays with pot luck dinners that do not over tax the host, and allow individual's specialties to shine. Last year, with the girlies home, I went all out with the flowers and daughter #2 did an amazing job arranging them.

This year I struggled with my selection of Ranunculus, Tulips, Daffodils and Iris. Despite the tape I grid over the containers, my dainties flopped over like tired ballerinas.

After much pushing, and tucking piled upon even more dissatisfaction, I ripped them out of the largest container and tried working with smaller more manageable bouquets. The fabulous effect of last years flowers was derived from massing many small arrangements creating an exuberant interior garden. Now, I remember. This year, the flowers were pretty, but nothing like daughter #2's effusions.

We have a ginourmous kitchen island that is the center of the action. We dance around each other, weaving in and out between cooks and guests with the practiced rhythms of a minuet. Mrs. R. and I are in charge of the main course and as usual it was an experiment. The food critics present gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up, so I will happily share it with you. It is extremely easy so I encourage you to give it a try. Cooks Illustrated is a trusted source for my frequent safaris to the culinary frontiers. Rethinking Leg of Lamb in the April 1013 is without a doubt the best version I have ever tried.

Roast Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Coriander, Cumin, and Mustard Seeds

Serves 8-10 (we doubled it and really could have served 25)

LAMB:
1 butterflied leg of lamb, (6 to 8 lbs)
Kosher salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 shallots, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 piece ginger, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds and smashed, (1-inch)
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
3 bay leaves
2 strips lemon zest, (2-inch)
SAUCE:
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 shallot, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt
Pepper

Directions

1. FOR THE LAMB: Place lamb on cutting board with fat cap facing down. Using sharp knife, trim any pockets of fat and connective tissue from underside of lamb. Flip lamb over, trim fat cap so it's between 1/8 and 1/4-inch thick, and pound roas to even 1-inch thickness. Cut slits, spaced 1/2 inch apart, in fat cap in crosshatch pattern, being careful to cut down to but not into meat. Rub 2 tablespoons salt over entire roast and into slits. Let stand, uncovered, at room temperature for 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, adjust oven racks 4 to 5 inches from broiler element and to lower-middle position and heat oven to 250°F. Stir together oil, shallots, garlic, ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaves, and lemon zest on rimmed baking sheet and bake on lower-middle rack until spices are softened and fragrant and shallots and garlic turn golden, about 1 hour. Remove sheet from oven and discard bay leaves.

3.Leaving the oven at 250 degrees, thoroughly pat lamb dry with paper towels and transfer, fat side up, to sheet (directly on top of spices). Roast on lower-middle rack until lamb registers 120°F, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove sheet from oven and heat broiler. Broil lamb on upper rack until surface is well browned and charred in spots and lamb registers 125°F, 3 to 8 minutes for medium-rare.

4. Remove sheet from oven and, using 2 pairs of tongs, transfer lamb to carving board (some spices will cling to bottom of roast); tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 minutes.

5. FOR THE SAUCE: Meanwhile, carefully pour pan juices through fine-mesh strainer into medium bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids. Stir in mint, cilantro, shallot, and lemon juice. Add any accumulated lamb juices to sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. With long side facing you, slice lamb with grain into 3 equal pieces. Turn each piece and slice across grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Serve with sauce. (Briefly warm sauce in microwave if it has cooled and thickened.)

My Notes: I was religious with the meat thermometer, not trusting my oven calibration. It is something of an act of faith to go ahead and sear the meat under the broiler at this point, since it's looking a tad on the blue side. I heated the pan drippings and juices dropping the herbs, shallots and lemon juice in for a quick stir, before pouring the sauce over the sliced lamb.

Now for the dessert, I searched around because we wanted something fruity, without refined flour or sugar. We hit on Mango and Lemon Syllabub and it was a hit!! Mrs. P. made this easily in under 1/2 hour with my new Vitamix, which I finally sprung for and adore. In my enthusiasm to dive in, I forgot to take a photo but I am using the images and recipe from Grace's Sweet Life which is an adaptation of a BBC good food recipe. It is exactly what we want to top off a hearty meal. It is beyond quick and simple.

Photo and Recipe from Grace's Sweet Life

Mango & Lemon Syllabub

(adapted from BBC Good Food)

Serves 6

For the Lemon Syllabub:

12 ounces heavy cream
zest of 1/2 lemon & 2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons honey

For the Mango Purée:

3 large mangoes, peeled and stoned, 1 finely chopped (reserve 1/4 to serve)
4 teaspoons honey
juice of 1/2 lemon

To serve Mango & Lemon Syllabub:

flesh of 1/4 mango, finely chopped
mint sprigs

For the syllabub, with a hand-held mixer or wire whisk, whip the heavy cream until slightly thickened. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice & honey, with a wooden spoon, stir to combine. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
For the purée, put the flesh of 2 mangoes in a food processor or blender and blend to a purée. Add the honey and lemon juice and blend until smooth. With a spoon, stir in 3/4 of the finely chopped mango. Spoon the purée mixture into the base of 6 glasses.
Spoon the whipped cream mixture on top of the mango purée.
Garnish with the remaining 1/4 finely chopped mango and add a sprig of mint.

More Later!!

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Nieuw Neo Georgian! Ruard Veltman's Mountain Masterpiece

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:06:00 +0000

House Beautiful has a fantastic spread on this beautiful mountain retreat in the April issue. We posted this article in August of 2010 and thought you would enjoy our thoughts on the subject as well.

Ruard Veltman collaborated with my friend "Mrs. G.," creating a spectacular home for her family of 6 in the English country vernacular of Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens: "Sir Edwin, father of neo-Georgian architecture, please meet Dutch born, Ruard Veltman, of nieuw-neo-Georgian architecture!"

This detail from the rear of the house illustrates the fusion of both schools: The Arts and Crafts ethic of combining hand crafted regional materials with swooping rooflines, deep eaves with Lutyens exaggerated Georgian windows, mullions, and transoms. From the inspirations of the pre-Raphaelite ideals, Lutyens interpretations evolve and thrive in the ateliers of Bobby McAlpine where Ruard Veltman collaborated for many years.

Nieuw (Dutch for new)-neo Georgian, interpreted by Mrs. G and Ruard Veltman, recombined from Atelier McAlpine, Fitz--meaning bastard son of--Lutyens, Fitz-Georgian, Fitz Pre Raphaelites, and Fitz Louis XIII , in an au courant grisaille color pallette, is all I have to say! Lets go through the bastards--shall we?

Candida Lutyens sketch

Candida Lutyens, works within the legacy of her Grandfathers vision. Here we see the Georgian geometric paneling, windows, stone fire surround with the mixed geometry of arches and circles within the space that were the play things of her ancestor.

Bobby McAlpine: Beautiful Homes: Late Summer edition 2009

These ancestral Elements also echo within the Mrs G./Mr. V. living room--Tall Georgian style windows, concrete or stone fire surround, naturally shaded palettes. Recombinant McAlpine, well bred DNA, marries provincial Regency Louis XIII Os de Mouton chairs (sheep horn stretchers), with a new aesthetic. New solvents react, mixing the French regency design period (1560-1643) with the Lutyens Arts and Crafts innovation (1810-1910). Both periods express changes in style, united by economic forces. The meteoric prosperity rise of the middle class, launched a Queen's wave to the past. Both visions unite as economic cusps. Stately declines--nieuw rises, often with economic shifts, often with enduring stylistic effects. Lets look around again. Grand takes on modern era--edge, tempered by soft velvets and palette.

Edwin Lutyens struggled with his aristocratic wife, who immersed herself in the Spiritual Theocratic, schools of the era. Lutyens loved mixing geometrics, and Mrs. G. has had a contemporary seance in this vignette--triangles, on x's, on squares, upon rectangles, within circles--the woman is all harmonious, oxymoronish, symmetry and complication. Welcome to Mr. G.'s world!

Ultra modern lighting in the foreground gets invited to the party. The best parties, like interiors include all ages and types. Mrs. G. explained that the gray palette throughout the house was inspired by the Jasper John's exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mrs. G. wanted the architectural interplay of Geometry and curve to dominate the conversation. The neutrality of tone creates intimacy, and comfort. According to the Met's Johns catalogue, the grisaille application was: "to evoke a mood, at other times to evoke an intellectual rigor that results from his purging most color from his works."

The rhythmic curves, of the nail head trim, break up the right angles in the geometry of the furnishings and architecture. They echo the swooshy Lutyens curves that are so characteristic of his work and relate to the counterpoint of the curvy Os de Mouton chairs. The dining area is raised above the living room adding visual dimension and depth to the large space. It creates a theatrical mood, where I for one, would have spent my childhood creating plays. The landscape, a reflection of the mountain environment, was painted by Mrs. G.'s father.

The kitchen is very nieuw, and forgive our struggles with the light! Veltman's theory of kitchens is that as the contemporary center of entertaining, the refrigerators, dishwashers, coffee makers, and televisions should disappear. At a recent cocktail party, I was delighted to walk into a kitchen full of brightly clad guests set off by the chic aura of an upscale eatery in Soho. It is so very Lutyens, Veltman, Mrs. G. to plant a completely new space, that is united to the house in the color scheme. The accoutrement are cleverly disguised behind the paneling.

The nieuw countertop is in the cupboard or just off stage, in the pantry. Ruard is a fan of pantries, as lately, so is the entire blogosphere. Mrs. G. reports that it functions very well for a large family.

Moving upstairs, I had to do a little detective work to discover the meaning of the head boards, and all the little hints Mr. Veltman planted all over the house, as little swooshy motifs, or footnote references.

The eponymous Lutyens Napoleon chair was designed by Sir Edwin in 1910, supposedly after a Jacques-Louis David painting of Napoleon sitting in an asymmetric chair. I think it is because they resemble his hat. Little swooshes are repeated throughout the house. Let me know what you think!

Veltman designed this headboard, in the guest room, and I see the DNA recombined; characteristic Lutyens swoosh meets a glamourous Hollywood starlet. According to the Lutyens Furniture website: "Rhythmical symmetry.... is typical of Lutyens's love of form." I think Sir Edwin would love the nail head trim. Evan Wood of Chandelier and Light in Charlotte, N.C. crafted the sconces throughout the house.

The Thakeham bench has become the archetypal image associated with Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens.

I know, I know where...is the clutter? This house is a completely new installation and has not acquired the layers and perfect additions that only time can provide. Here, we have a Napoleon hat divided by a semi-circle. Another genuflect to the master's delight of interplay of rythmic line, geometry and the occasional symmetry.

Sir Edwin Lutyens jokingly called his neo-Georgian work, his: "Wrennaissance style." I think Mrs. G. and Ruard Veltman can add to the discussion as a Nieuw Wrennaissance style. As always, I like to leave you with a quote. Mr. Lutyens in a famous apology to his wife:

"I will wash your feet with my tears and dry them with my hair. True, I have very little hair but then you have very little feet.’

Devotion: The Country Farm Estate of Blitz and Dick Reynolds

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:37:00 +0000

We are re-posting our article on The Devotion Estate. With a wedding about to take place on the property, the owner decided that the views and the architecture should be a complete surprise. We will post and toast the happy bride and groom in our next installment!

As many of you know, I live across the street from the Historic Reynolda House Museum, Gardens and village. Our pastoral, small city is highly cultural and well preserved greatly, by the perseverance and generosity of the Reynolds family. I noted in my last post, on the Reynolda Estate, that R. J. Reynolds was a highly progressive thinker who married an educated and energetic wife, to whom he accorded a great amount of personal autonomy. The estate was purchased in her name and Kate had full control over the vision, execution and management of this self sufficient enterprise--in 1917. R.J. Reynolds died soon after the house was completed, which was a terrible loss.

From left: Mary, R. J., Katharine, Nancy, Dick, and Smith.

PATRICK REYNOLDS COLLECTION

I mentioned that I recently read: Kid Carolina: R.J. Reynolds Jr. /A Tobacco Fortune and the Mysterious Death of a Southern Icon, by Heidi Schnakenberg. It is a fascinating read. This is the story of the eldest son, Dick, who took his father's death very hard. Kate, his Mother had been warned by her doctors, owing to a rheumatic heart, that she should not have any more children. When she remarried a significantly younger man and died in child birth, Dick embarked upon a life long search for love and happiness that sadly left a great deal of scorched earth.

Owing to his spectacular wealth and notoriety, not to mention looks, Dick Reynolds went on the lamb from time to time, much to the horror of his family. He would simply evaporate, and the family would have to hunt him down. I believe he experimented with anonymity to test his self worth. When he checked back in, he threw his energies into new technology and projects, receiving his pilot's license from Orville Wright, founding the earliest airfields and airline companies, using his family name and wealth to secure success. The burden of legacy is heavy. Dick Reynolds inherited his family's entrepreneurial genius, yet he was plagued by loss. He cycled through presence and absence. When he was good he was very, very good, and when he was bad, he was horrid. So, through my interest in design and architecture regarding various local Reynolds's estates, I was able to visit a spectacular portion of the Devotion Estate he developed with his first wife, Blitz--Elizabeth Dillard Reynolds.

Above: In 1934, on his 28th birthday, Dick and Blitz took possession of his inheritance of more than $25 million. “I know it’s a lot of money, but I can’t get excited,” Dick Reynolds told reporters. I wonder what it would take?

PATRICK REYNOLDS COLLECTION

Tobacco sold briskly during the depression and fueled by the massive inheritance Dick and Blitz assembled 11,000 pristine acres of wilderness along the Mitchell River, naming their rural retreat "Devotion," reflecting their strong feelings for each other. Inspired by FDR's WPA programs, Dick sought to employ as many of the rural population as possible. The rural retreat movement was on, and with Architect, Roy P. Wallace, who had worked with Charles Barton Keen on Reynolda house, they utilized the chestnut trees that had been lost in the blight and the regional stone quarried on site. Long, deep verandas, gabled roofs, board and batten walls, with exaggerated rock chimneys all combine to create charming, unpretentious rural dwellings that compliment and transition between farm and wilderness. Fish Hatcheries, turkey, pheasant and chicken houses, cattle and horse barns are scattered around the portion that I visited.

The trout hatchery still operates and the different sections hold the fish as they mature. It is fed by the creek that comes from the base of the 70 foot dam, that was built by one of the engineering firms that constructed the Hoover Dam. Note the masterful rock masonry facing the concrete.

Carolina Blue Sky in the back ground.

You can walk along the top of the dam and view the valley glade below or the magnificent lake where we spotted a pair of massive Herons that look liked Pterodactyls--I kid you not. I am just going to walk you around the dam and let nature speak for herself!

I am not going to show you the photo of me laying on the ground clutching branches for dear life, as we scaled the hillside.

My favorite quote on design is from Hutton Wilkinson:

"Every night I go to bed and pray that people with money will get taste, and that people with taste will get money." I think this is why I am so enamored with the Reynolda family estates, as they had both taste and money.

If you are as fascinated as I am, regarding the Reynolds family and their estates, I recommend you read: Devotion Rural Historic District Draft of Research for Application to The National Register of Historic Places and The National Register of Historic Lands by William Noah Reynolds. It is beautifully written and detailed. As a grandson of Dick and Blitz, he chronicles the phases of their life with honor and authority. As to the dispersal of the estate, and addressing this portion, he explains : "As part of the divorce settlement, Blitz Reynolds was awarded sole ownership of the rural estate. For the next few years, she and the four Reynolds sons -Josh, Will, John, and Zach lived year-round at Devotion. After Blitz Reynolds’ death in 1961, the property was divided equally among her sons. To this day, William Neal Reynolds II and other heirs of the Reynolds family possess large parcels of Devotion. In the 1990s Raleigh resident Charles C. McKinney purchased a key portion of the estate. During the past decade, Mr. McKinney has undertaken a major restoration of more than a dozen buildings and structures on the site, including repairs made to the large scenic dam, built of concrete and faced with native river rock. Owing to McKinney’s stewardship, one is able to sense the original rustic architectural character of this 1930s-era mountain estate designed for R. J. Reynolds, Jr. and Elizabeth D. Reynolds."

PATRICK REYNOLDS COLLECTION

The Reynolds boys at the main house, which is on a different portion of the property.

More Later!

Written by Liz Morten

with Ashley D'Auria

My brilliant intern from Wake Forest University

Congratulations on your graduation Ashley!

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2013 Interior Design Shopping: The Winter Antiques Show, Scott's in Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:59:00 +0000

While we have been distracted by other topics, not to mention life, I still have some images of my wander through the New York International Gift Fair, The Winter Antiques Show and The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market. Here is a quick round-up so we can put all of that to bed and look forward to High Point. I'll start with a few more images from Scotts.

A handsome grouping of Chinese incense censers with a terrific malachite shade have some age and are beautifully glazed. They would be fabulous on a mantle or scattered across my dining table with the lids removed for low flower arrangements. With a $1,600 price tag (or $400.00 apiece), you can achieve a rich look for a fair price. I try to stick to $300.00 ea. or less for 100 to 200 year old ceramics, but I'll pay a premium for an unusual set. For the same price A Queen Ann style mahogany game table circa 1700, caught my eye. For the look and the price, I'm not too worried about the veracity of the date. Gun to my head, it looks right to me.

I was disappointed to find this pair of head turning French tole candlesticks snapped up . I walked away for a few hours. I think they probably went for $600.00 all together. I shop so much, I have to be trembling to pull the trigger.

The simple elegance of this late Georgian period chest on chest conveys this Regency's neoclassical preference for restraint. Marriages of two separate pieces to combine one functional larger piece is common. In this case, the other function of dividing chests into two parts was for ease of loading onto sailing vessels. $1,400.00 is a good, fair price although I would love to steal it from an estate sale for $700.00-$800.00.

I did see some serious collectors grab up a few things. To train your eye for future forays to Scott's, I'll drag you up to New York, to see The Winter Antiques Show in the Armory, without the fuss of TSA, hotels and bitter cold. I've got a thing for Sailor's Valentines. The irony of burly rough men shell hunting and oh, so carefully creating pretty shell collages for their sweethearts makes me smile.

$8,500.00

Just so you know, historians believe the women on the Islands, principally Barbados, gathered the shells and assembled the intricate designs for the Sailors to purchase for their loved ones. This rough and tumble crowd are unlikely artisans. Don't leave your common sense on the door step or you'll get, well... robbed, although this is a common point of confusion.

Piero Fornasetti was present and accounted for, as the Provenance is the estate of the Tony Duquette.

You do not have to be a connoisseur to guess that this beautiful child is by John Singer Sargent. I love portraits of girls and since I have just read The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro I think everything is fake.
This is of course a vetted show and the dealer, Adelson, has an impeccable reputation and clear provenance derived from the Vickers family. I did not request the price of Miss Dorothy Vickers.

My niece and I immediately recognized this Carle Vernet wall paper, as we have seen it many times in the Directors Room at Santa Anita Racetrack. It is a vivid wood block print that looks surprisingly new. I do remember the price tag as $60,000.00 per panel, which seemed like the bargain item at the show for size and price comparison. Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz is a world renown expert in antique and vintage wallpaper fragments and series. Her Rizzoli book Wallpaper: A History of Style and Trends, is a must for design libraries.

cenic wood-block “Les Chasses de Compiègne” : Le Picnic printed by Jacquemart, France 1812-15, design commissioned to the painter Carle Vernet, private collection of Jean Zuber.

I have always enjoyed following the narrative around the room. It begins with the jolly carriage ride out to the country, continues with the hunt and the kill followed by a festive plein air celebration. I would think this wood block print on paper would be an earlier work, as it depicts the aristocracy at their leisure. Vernet's Sister was guillotined during the French Revolution, after which the artist started painting detailed depictions of Napoleanic battles. Not only did he manage to keep his head, but he was decorated. Below is the best image I could find on the internet showing Santa Anita's version. I can see the dress code has relaxed!

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Castles in the Sky: Penthouse Views

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:15:00 +0000

Yes, there really are houses and even castles in the sky. While the sidewalks are filled with snow in New York, imagine being high above the noise and the drifts. If designers and design bloggers have a common denominator, it is one of optimism. We never stop dreaming and seeing grand images that we can apply to our homes and projects. If something is beautiful, we want to revel in it, reduce it, reproduce it or at least share it with a friend. And yes, I would really love a swimming pool in the sky.

It would have both water and city views. If the wind gets blowing, then maybe a little surf.

This was a $22 million dollar Tribeca property from Douglas Elliman, that I am relieved to report is both sold and closed. I admit to owning a kindle, but only because I am out of space for books. This library in the same house would do nicely.

As you know, I live in Winston Salem, North Carolina and love my garden so, if I ever join my children in New York City, I also need a garden.

We are in Chelsea with water/city views and this closed listing from Sotheby's was $4,495,000.00. As far as my optimistic girl thinking, lottery winning brain is concerned, I am now saving money. If time is money, this is actually, me.

Right, so... as an expression of my admiration for the analog or analogous situation, I could consider this $19 million Brooklyn penthouse marked down considerably from $25 million--saving again! As I have said before, obsolescence is hot, but the endless reminder is a consideration.

I found a great deal in mid-town. Green Goblin's aery is up for grabs for $1,595,000.00. It has definite possibilities.

While we have only one bedroom, 18 foot ceilings over a 19 foot room lead me to believe, there is room for another large bedroom, bath and closet.

If you look carefully at the view you can see the top of the Chrysler Building which would be spectacular lit up at night.

Out of curiosity, I decided to check my own back yard for penthouse offerings. We actually have several! Katy Fisher of Prudential Carolinas Realty is listing One Park Vista for $1,050,000.00.

I like the large private terrace with a view of the historic Reynolds Building which you may notice is the prototype of the Empire State Building, built by Architectural firm Shreve and Lamb in 1929. The apartment is two stories with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, plenty of closet space and is a roomy 3,246 square feet.

If you don't want to use the stairs, a private elevator comes in handy for the grocery shopping.

Great floor to ceiling arched windows bring in plenty of streaming sunlight.

The claustrophobic types will love the feeling of a window in this oversized shower.

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Shopping Art

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:43:00 +0000

Pop Shop Gallery in Winston Salem

Tuesday, February 5th 5-8pm opening cocktails

Wednesday, February 6th 10:00-5:00

Thursday, February 7th 10:00-4:00

3905 Camerille Farm Road, Winston-Salem

I have a terrible problem with January. I go to the Atlanta Mart, I shop Scott's and ADAC...then I go to The New York International Gift Show. I have to process a couple of thousand pictures to illustrate my faves and meanwhile, I catch a cold in the middle of it. Do not think the shopping has stopped for a NY minute. I will push the pause button yet again, because we have a great pop shop art sale in Winston-Salem requiring immediate attention. Since I made my first and only personal purchase of 2013, all the previous forays into the wilds of design are suspended. We will get back to them soon. Let us start with my one and only purchase.

Page Laughlin does interior renderings that are slightly obscured with layers of paint as if they dimly remembered.

The artist describes her work in the following: "In the subject matter of my paintings, things are often not quite what they seem: lovely interiors, on closer consideration, lead to disquieting seduction; wallpaper details, luscious statuary, give way to recognition of issues of power and subjugation. I try to make work that has beauty to attract and complexity to sustain observation." That is the best description I have found of our business!

We are greatly looking forward to her exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art from February 10th-July 28th. I wonder if she will have to keep my painting until then!

Figurative work is going to be the focus of Laughlin's next phase, so I was pleased to nab one, while they are still out there.

Scott Duce, from New York City, produces images of startling clarity. Archetypal images such as trees are repeated throughout the body of his work.

There is a substantial number of paintings by the supremely talented David Kroll.

David Kroll says this about his work: I am interested in beauty, not superficial prettiness. I try to paint substantial beauty. I approach my blank canvases without a definitive image and let the painting develop in a slow organic way. I paint in increasingly refined layers, a practice that allows me to discover the narrative and emotional content of each painting over time. Using this method, I try to express why a sunset fills me with wonder, why a certain quality of light can make a busy day suddenly still, and why the momentary sound of a bird call can seem - for that instant - like the most important thing in the world.

The connection between civilization and nature are constant themes within his body of work. This luminous piece glows and stands out dramatically in a room that is literally stuffed with paintings.
Below, we have a low country canvas by Jacob Cooley. There are several beautiful examples of his crisp compositions.

I was very taken with this grouping of Charles Edward Walker's works. I hope we have tantalized you with the myriad offerings of this fun event. You will just have to swing by the show, or visit the well curated collection at Hiddle Brooks Gallery.

We hope to see you tonight at the show!!

New York Gift Show coming next!!

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Atlanta Market and Scott's Antiques Review January 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:20:00 +0000

Well, Christmas and New Years have come and gone with a resounding thud!! Trees have been hauled, broken ornaments swept up with successful recipes dutifully recorded. Swiftly, we exit for the Atlanta Mart, fabulous Scott's, and a tour through ADAC. I'll send you through a few quick posts to give you the gist. Warning! I have no major trend revelations. We are still seeing organic forms, found objects, obsolescent accessories, mid-century etc... However, it is always fun to have a first hand report. Our first stop will be portraits.

I actually checked to see if this was a likeness of one of the famous six Mitford sisters. I am completely absorbed by their highly eccentric era, and voluminous correspondence spanning a deeply condensed period of political transformation and subsequent world wars. Some were attracted to fascism and communism, while others remained firmly in the patriotic British camp. Their stories are tragically and triumphantly played out. We have to remember, few people understood the dangers ahead. Despite their upheavals, they remained loving and loyal to each other. This beautiful portrait captures the horrific losses of the era while maintaining an outward dignity. She really stops my heart. I will not make this purchase, but as I ramble through Scott's and miles of detritus, I give her a wink and a bow secretly telling her that she is remembered. Art is indisputably an emotional medium.

This American woman who appears perfectly content and happy from the 1950's or early 60's, is sadly floating in the wild of Scott's. Poor portrait to be lost by family and friends, but I am thinking happy lady. I'm not quite pulling the trigger, but again I find her compelling. I said hello.

This is Mida. Can you believe her? Karen Berryman of Old and Proud had her. I was tempted by her intelligent wisdom with a touch of insouciance that is oh so French. Someone will rescue her soon, so meanwhile...I am moving over to landscapes. Yolande Ardisonne, a late to the party French impressionist born in 1927, did a brisk Palm Beach trade via The Wally Findley Gallery. I've seen quite a few of them and like them.

With an asking price of $1,500.00 I was squirming. Ardisonne prices gyrate at auction and range from $400.00 to $3,250.00. A good way to collect art is to go through Scott's, see what you like or establish a long term relationship with reputable dealers. You can do some quick homework on your smart phone, if you are desperately tempted. Live Auctioneers, is a favorite free auction price history site. The painting below sold recently for $1,500.00 so we know above price is a good one . The dealer, Mihnea Nastase has a good reputation and I would contact him or shop on his website.

I have seen and enjoyed sporting art over the years. On my equestrian style posts, I write about how to get the look without going over the highest rail, as so many equestrians are programmed to do. There is a great deal of equestrian art at Scott's and I have bought it, but not this time.

Albert Clark

$4,500.00

A similar Albert Clark sold recently for 460.00 Euros. Again, you have to ship it and insure it but there's still quite a bit of wiggle left in the price action. Especially, as this setting is such a common one I don't have to have this picture specifically. Another dealer purportedly had this John Frederick Herring, Sr. painting.

Buying a highly collectible painting for the price of $4,500.00 is a red flag. I have seen many Herrings but they are wildly reproduced. It's a walk, but if you are longing, look at the Sotheby's records in their free artnet service. Then you will discover that one has not sold recently for under $8,000.00 for a great while (many are in the millions). Going to Scott's is a great way to grab deals, discover sources and as dear old Dad always says: "Train your eye dear."

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Empress of the Eye Selects her Favorite Design Finds in Dovecote Decor's Online Store

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:21:00 +0000

What a happy little Holiday surprise we had at Dovecote Decor, when we discovered Jane Schott, from Empress of the Eye had written a comprehensive post on our online store. We are so flattered and grateful for her thorough research and the time she spent sifting through over 1,400 SKUs.to find her favorites.

We know what our clients buy, but it is fun to see what The Empress distills from our years of shopping. Jane and I have shopped the Dixie Highway together and had the time of our lives, or at least mine. Here is a little tickler from Jane's line.

The operative words here are: "Out of the box--with taste." Jane was inspired to create this pillow from a book jacket, marrying typeset, graphic pattern and message. Her designs are limited editions, and you never know what Jane will do next.

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To see Jane's faves!

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To follow us shopping down the Dixie Highway!

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Christmas Decorating 2012: Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:00:00 +0000

There is nothing like a good deadline, or should I say party, to get the house decorated for the Holidays. Our BookMarks Festival of Books is an organization near and dear to my heart and I am their party venue. It is a selfish volunteer job. Once a year, when the 40 or so top authors in the country come to town for our literary festival, they come to my house. We literally have had everybody who is anybody, for an intimate literary salon. This year a highlight was Gillian Flynn author of Gone Girl while she was #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List!

For anyone who has read Gone Girl, let's just say Gillian was killer. For all the people that make BookMarks Festival of Books happen, we have a Holiday soiree as a respite from the business of begging for money and authors. This year I have the most beautiful fat 10 foot tree--ever!

I have been collecting Christmas decorations for over 30 years. If you read my last year's Christmas post, my friend Mrs. K. has 3 generations worth and the collection is spectacular. Walking in the front door....

Dovecote can not resist an avian themed mantle.

As usual, everyone brings a little nibble. The food was delicious. When everyone brings their specialties, the food is stellar.

Like Elizabeth at Pretty Pink Tulips, I opted for Magnolia and Holly in our family room mantle. Do visit her outdoor decorations they are sumptuous.

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright!

Our Clear Star Chandelier is hot hot hot!!

Visit our online store for more Holiday ideas

Post Time: Equestrian Design at High Point

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:03:00 +0000

For all our horse lovers out there, we have good news for you from High Point, North Carolina. There is a specter haunting design and the specter is equestrian. We are seeing it in art, fashion and interior design. Cultural motifs ebb and flow, bubbling up from the effluvial social, economic, political and media shores. As an undercurrent, trend is a fascinating. It is not a whimsical branding show derived from powerful operators. In a transient world, trends move fast, but are they shallow, enduring, reliable...predictable? Trends are zeitgeist; the spirit of an age or a time or... a reaction.
Equestrian motifs continue to crop up all over the show rooms. The first hint was in fashion, as designers from all over the world were wearing riding boots, leggings and well tailored jackets.

In fact, the fall 2012 collections of Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Burberry lines are all sporting equestrian themes.

Tommy Hilfiger

Ralph Lauren's leather, plaid and boot combo hits all the right chords for this look. As I mentioned in my last post, an alfresco breeze is picking up speed as a common denominator. Equestrian style denotes nature, fresh air, power, and discipline. I think we are all longing for those qualities. I know I am!

Burberry Fall 2012

In case you missed my last post, Hermes orange is all over design town fanning the flames of equestrian motifs.

We ran into Julie Browning Bova at Hickory Chair, who has a stunning equestrian inspired line at Stanford furniture and chatted with her in front of a video camera--hope it hits the cutting room floor. This is my adorable client (left) posing with Julie. I'm camera shy.

Julie was a great person to interview on equestrian revival, if you could call it that. She's the real deal. As a rider, Mother of four riding children and a designer, Julie fuses her life passion with decor. Any time you take a theme and over do, there is a cloying sense of too much. There is a way to employ a classic style. Julie's classic equestrian elements can combine to create a pleasing, balanced and comfortable room.

The English country house look never gets old. But a punchy fresh fabric on a traditional piece keeps it fun.

This ottoman sports the classic horse bit. Has Gucci ever discontinued their classic loafer?

What are the elements of great English style? Here is the list: Lanterns, large analogue clocks, horse paintings, leather, nailhead trim, black or dark trim, bits, stirrups, leather, and plaid. Julie's stirrup coffee table is a handsome addition to any room.

This needlepoint rug is not over doing it for me. In fact, it would look terrific layered under this coffee table.

The detail of the harness motif and the different blankets on all the horses makes this one a winner. Add an Hermes orange and brown border and you've hit the trifecta.
French Market Collection

This buggy bench reminds of us kinder gentler times. It would be a wonderful mudroom perch to pull off your wellies.
Van Thiel

Typography is still a mainstay in both art and furniture. We noticed as we shopped the showrooms, a nostalgia for the pre-digital age is permeating the scene.

Ralph Lauren has infinite variations on the equestrian motif. You can take it Brit, Western, or Indian. In his own dining room, an elegant chandelier is balanced against an informal collection of equine photographs and paintings that appear to have grown organically over time.

There's a wonderful security and sense of continuity in these layered rooms.

The late and incredibly talented Naomi Leff, known for her spectacular retail spaces, notably the Ralph Lauren Rhinelander Mansion renovation, designed this striking iron and glass bit motif door with a curvy art deco flourish.

Our equestrian enthusiasts love, love, love the Dovecote Decor Saddle Chair

Don't forget to visit our online store
for some fun Holiday gift ideas!!

And a big Happy Birthday to my special girl!!

Posing beneath one of our favorite equestrian landmarks

What's New at High Point: Blue and Orange With Bold Graphics

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 19:52:00 +0000

PANTONE 2012 Color of The Year:

Pantone 17-1463 Tangerine Tango

This interior scheme by Janie Molster fuses everything fresh in High Point design trends. I have had orange in my schemes since my first apartment. I am delighted by its resurgence. It is only a chutes and ladders slide across the color wheel to bring up its dynamic cool blue opposite. It is a fluid addition. The colors, combined with the geometric carpet, with muscular color blocking on the draperies makes this room a hit.

Pantone #1 color of 2013 is Monaco Blue

Lillian August has a spectacularly merchandised showroom at High Point, and this luscious new Karl Buffet styled with bold geometric fabric further illustrates evolutionary patterns in home decor. Karl gets my buffet of the year vote. I covet it. Traditionally, people have shied away from orange in design schemes. I don't know why, as it works beautifully with so many different colors. When choosing color ideas for rooms, it helps to look at china or fabric patterns that you love.

Mottahedeh had fabulous bright gold and orange settings.

Sarreid

These are my colors. Notice the blue and touches of black against the clean white background.

Why, oh why did I not buy this?

If the recessionary griege has gotten you down, you can see how orange accents energize a sluggish monotone. This new Amy Howard chair is the best new upholstery piece at market.

Notice the equestrian pillow. Equestrian is always an undercurrent, but it is resurfacing. The zeitgeist is this Hermes orange floating through design. Don't forget Hermes started as a harness shop in 1837. For many of us, orange is the color of luxury and time honored tradition. For me, it is also a Palm Beach staple, and a look I love.

Thibaut is new to High Point and their new furniture line is dressed in orange, neutrals and blue. They were awarded the best bed at market award...

by me!

Again, bold crisp blue exploded geometrics define this space. A smaller scaled organic leaf pattern fabric cozies it up. Maybe I've been under a rock, but for me pendants as bed side lighting is new. Please weigh in on this question in the comment section at the bottom of the post. I've gots to know.

Global Views Arabesque rug continues to get head swivels from me each market. I love how their showroom designer paired it with the geometric in the cocktail and side tables. You could have a cigarette and a martini in this space. Century Furniture went all out with the color story this market.

Here is another version of the orange (fire)/blue (water) interplay with turquoise and oranges. The testosterone present in the robust scale and geometric shapes of the furniture is balanced with the precision of an endocrinologist. The estrogen is the painted finishes, lacquers and curves. Great design has restrained tension. Great design produces an alchemical endorphin flow, which is why we are all addicted to it. The American players can still custom finish your furniture in any paint color you can imagine. Hickory, North Carolina is back on the fashion map--I kid you not.

A 60's pink and orange combo goes urban in Century's High Point showroom with an unexpected pairing of these uber chic chaise lounges. It is another great example of dynamic yin and yang in virtuoso design. The upholstery is curvy and sexy. The undertone is neutral, but the architectural nature of the case goods combined with bold color blocking on the curtains keeps everything in balance. This space has both strength and harmony. Color blocking has been a fashion staple for years, but we are seeing more and more of it in interiors.

Fashion du jour daily

Suzanne Kasler has known this trick for a long time.

Hickory Chair October 2012

In her book Inspired Interiors with Christine Pittel, Suzanne Kasler's use of bold color blocking on a very feminine piece balances out this vignette in a pleasing way.

What is orange, gray and graphic?

Wesley Hall

Notice the fabulous x benches with a smaller graphic pattern defined with orange trim-- best in show.

This exuberant hand hooked carpet by Safavieh shows how many colors work well with orange and gray. I will add, in addition to color and graphics, design is happier and more youthful than it was during the recession. I know Restoration Hardware is sticking to that story, and it is undeniably a very popular look, but femininity is balancing out that act. I am hoping it is a leading indicator! You can tell what I love by my living room. It has made me happy everyday since 2002!! Orange you glad!

I like it so much, it became my logo.

Come by and view our new market additions

Dovecote Decor.com

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Liz

High Point Market October 2012 Report

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:28:00 +0000

We had some technical issues last week which sent our High Point report back a bit. Also, we are dealing with Google shopping's major paradigm shift. For those of you with shopping carts attached to your web site, Google no longer accepts product feeds for free. In other words, there is no such thing as a purely organic search on Google shopping. It is 100% pay to play. Think about it when you are shopping. With that out of the way, we can talk about design directions at the High Point Market. Most bloggers have remarked about the re-emergence of color. I could do an entire post on orange. My favorite color is all over the showrooms, much to my delight.

This vignette at Century says it all. Complementary oranges and blues are combined with the chic midcentury exploded graphic, seasoned subtly with Asian references. We are seeing way more outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories creeping their way into interiors, which I think is the smart new take on eclectic design strategies. This Richard Frinier group is singing arias to me lately. A client and I stalked for years seeking the perfect scale, design and tone for her new terrace . We bought this line on the spot and it looks amazing with a tortoise shell finish. While Century furniture is not inexpensive, I think the price is a value for generational furniture.

My client's chickens loved it too! They have since been banished to the country.

I digress to share an irresistible chicken snuggle moment.

The way vendors are showing pendants grouped together has an alfresco feel to me. Lighting is hard to photograph so bear with me.

Four Hands

Mason Globe Pendants in hand blown glass

I would say, as simple as this arrangement is, this was my favorite casual lighting vignette. It brings a romantic summer candlelit glow indoors. The industrial filament light bulbs remind me of fireflies.

J. Douglas Showroom

Barn lights in varied shapes, again take the place of a large piece.

Four Hands

Moroccan lanterns reflect an exotic garden glow in this transitional space. Travel and exotic plunder elements have been design stand-by's as long as time. It will always be a stylish dimension in any setting.

In accessories, obsolescence as a collectible concept is picking up speed. Nostalgia for the mechanical and non digital continues to populate the edgier showrooms. Repurposing has been in vogue for a good twenty years, but its been expanding exponentially for at least the last 5 years in High Point. Let's face it, junk eventually converts to treasure and the operative word is--collectible. Keep your old records and turntables if you are old enough to have them.

George Baylor, Noir Furniture owner, designer and showroom stylist drives this trend home.

All of this is making me feel like a fossil. Here is a fun hotel spoon chandelier we put in a client's pantry last October. I first saw this concept at Francine Gardner's stunning New York space, Interieurs. Jose Estevez's energetic creativity has filtered into the U.S. market. His brocante (flea market) line is the real deal. Here is the Cake Vintage interpretation.

Four Hands

We noticed that our main clientele for the rough flea market look are men. There are exceptions, but these showrooms have a lofty, masculine focus, which begs the question of decorating for Mars and Venus.

Cleaned up industrial and mid-century are more to my liking

Century Furniture

Wesley Hall had the best x-stools--ever. Gray and orange continue to crop up in the showrooms.
We have lots more photos, so...
More Later!!

Here is my Halloween Pinterest contribution!!

When entertaining on Halloween, be sure to wear a lot of makeup!
I was a big fan of the Klutz Press makeup kits.

If you see any market photos that you would like to order,
don't hesitate to call

Dovecote Decor
336-705-1316

Alexa Hampton at Hickory Chair High Point Market October 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:49:00 +0000

I admit it, I am a Hickory Chair groupie. Forty years ago, it was Jerry Garcia, and now that
I am older and considerably wiser -- I dance my way over to Hickory Chair the second I roll into High Point. I have shopped High Point for a good thirty years and I have seen peaks and troughs -- euphoria and downright fear. Hickory Chair has managed to fight the tape and maintains a steadfast mission. First of all, Hickory Chair Furniture is a Made in America product, a bold and brave commitment. Equally important, is that of all the manufacturers that we visit, Hickory Chair seeks the most talented designers in the field and follows their lead. The Alexa Hampton space rocks this market for outright energy and style.

Jay Reardon, president of Hickory Chair (below), is the coolest corporate guy in the world. He not only knows little me, but he sits with me at lunch and remembers my children. He has hired the best designers and armed them with the best sales force in the business. Jay is very much a people person. Alexa is the same way. Before they are smart, dialed in and talented, their true gift is that they thrive on a personal level--they are super engaged.

The contrast between the devil red walls and the darker shades of black, brown and grey plays up the furniture silhouettes. The red walls would get on your nerves without the blocking of the space with the tape and nailhead trim. I will say, this is the right color of blue-red. If I see one more dirty, browny red dining room, I will stop eating. This is Diana Vreeland red.

"Red is the great clarifier - bright, cleansing, revealing. It

makes all colors beautiful. I can't imagine being bored with it - it would be like becoming tired of the person you love. I wanted this apartment to be a garden - but it had to be a garden in hell." D.V.

Notice the Moorish detail defined with nail head trim on Alexa's Allen chair --bottom right. Alexa does stylish without being trendy. It's the look that lasts. I had to do a little homework when I came back from the showroom, as Alexa was explaining why so much of her collection works so well together. Classical references resonate to her, and while some of the pieces are Egyptian revival, British Regency, French Empire and Biedermeier, the connective tissue is that all those styles were classical revival movements within the same time frame. We know that aesthetics are infectious, so there is a common DNA to the time period and the iterations of its ethos. Style was and will always be viral--very cool.

Graphic, contemporary patterns kick up the traditional/transitional pieces for a fresh statement. Alexa explained how the furniture, while eclectic, still manages to work harmoniously together as a room. Starting with scale, Alexa uses intermediate scaled pieces that flow together in the space, creating balance and proportion. . Conversely, rooms that are overly symmetrical can be boring, so there is an art to this.

Tompkins Queen Sized Bed
Nadine Arm Chair

The Biedermeier inspired, Alice desk, combined with the transitional/midcentury yet perfectly scaled Claude chair are sexy together and united by color and virtuoso style. It's a jazzy riff. There are no rules, but there are rules. Another design newsflash that I absorbed, is that when you use overly scaled furniture in a room, you cannot use antiques, as most of them are too small. I have always resisted the super sizing of homes and furniture, but Alexa is, of many gifts--articulate. She can tell you why.

The Ilsa dining room chair on my right is the new top dining chair of my dreams. It is beyond comfortable. Your guests will linger and talk at the table in these chairs for many a memorable evening. They are timeless and beyond stylish. That's what we're going for. I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Christiansen dining table with its bamboo turned legs is hands down my favorite dining table. It can be as large as you like.

The Breck chair is of slightly smaller scale than the Gregory, which in this vignette was placed next to the sofa. Alexa says she likes to reduce the scale for the chairs opposite a sofa, for a better visual in either direction--got it? It is always an education at Hickory Chair.

The Morten Chest glows against the red walls with a wet lacquer finish. My photo does not show the interlocking circles well, so I included an image from the website.

More Circle Games

Next, we moved into the Dorothy Draper inspired black room, set off with white, grey and red silhouettes. Alexa made it more West Coast, in contrast to the high New York Regency theme in the red room. To achieve this end, she used curvier pieces

Miss Alice looks very different in this dusky lair. Jerry Garcia has gone out of my head and now I revert to Rolling Stones: "I want i it painted black, painted black, painted black..."

Described aptly as "cool and quiet-- structured and tailored," the Gregoryy takes its history from an English Regency frame club chair. It is has a great yin-yang vibe with a masculine frame with a sexy "arrest me" red leather fabric treatment.

Alexa says this room is as "playful" as she gets, but it's really sort of bad-ass. It is the serial seducer lair of a Hollywood producer. You could get in serious trouble here. This is why I love Hickory Chair. The designers have full reign. The settings are a lesson in contemporary, transitional, and classic, design. The consistent message across the board is scale. If you survey the warehouse in Hickory, you look at a vast space reflecting multiple variations on the theme. The scale is right and you can ebb and flow between designers. But..... I have a soft spot for funny and wonderful Alexa, so she goes first in my march through market.

A Soaring 60's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:17:00 +0000

One of my favorite girls in the whole world was married on Saturday in splendid 60's style. Set behind a restored log cabin on the property Beatles tunes floated through the air in classical strains. We were feeling the love. As the bridesmaids emerged barefoot (some pregnant) with lacy short Mexican dresses, we were reminded of the bride's wonderful grandmother, who embraced the 60's with the exuberance of teenager. I know Anna was smiling.

Our very own "Pretty Woman."

The wedding ceremony was magical, as a breeze rustled the trees and hushed for a blessing. A Blue Jay flitted over the radiant bride and groom.

After the ceremony, we blew bubbles that hovered and surrounded the new Mr. and Mrs. R., like a thousand kisses and wishes.

The bride's sister skipped down the aisle because...that is what she is like.

After the ceremony we gathered by the pool for champagne and tid bits.

Randy McManus created the beautiful swan the topiaries with fluffy orchid tails and gerbera daisies floated in the Tommy Church quatrefoil pool.

Randy McManus of Randy McManus Designs, Inc. and Joe Curran of 1703 Restaurant in Winston Salem collaborated with the bride and her Mother to set a scene that perfectly telegraphs their joie de vivre. The glorious tents are from Premier Special Event Services.

"Ghost" chairs echo the clear tent, while the simple clean linens let the flowers and exquisite place settings take front stage.

The chartreuse pillows at the best friends' table and the sweets tables were the perfect counterpoint to the orange and pink flowers, grounding the lightness of the surroundings. The china came from Panache Party Rentals.

Joe Curran and Randy McManus used 8 different rental companies from around the country to assemble this remarkable soiree.

Big Swing and the Ball Room Blasters have performed and recorded with the musical legends of our era. Their repertoire includes the big band classics, Motown, soul, rock, and pop. The highlight for me was their version of Secret Agent Man, celebrating the bride's father who was a Secret Service agent starting with a young John Kennedy continuing through Nancy Regan. He's got some great stories--trust me all complimentary. We can't get any dirt out of him.

Notice the fresh slices of orange floating in each glass and that every table has a different arrangement.

Chartreuse orchids are captured in glass. The variations in heights on the tables added terrific dimension to the scene and keep the guests wending their way through a yellow brick road of color.

I thought the use of cascading bougainvillea was stunning. Randy warned me that if you are planning to use bougainvillea in North Carolina, you must buy a ton of it to make sure you're not caught while it is napping. It will take a spontaneous bloom break, so they babied baskets of it throughout the summer. The thorns are another issue!

How chic are these night club bars? I feel like I died and went to Beverly Hills.

Some of the furniture came from the bride's grandmother's collection from the 1960's still residing in the pool house. I'm telling you, these people are fun. I am also telling you there are lessons in keeping the things you love and not bowing to fashion. It always comes back--it is way back! The disco ball still swirls there and later we'll take you to the after party.

One of the well mannered flower girls eyeing the sweets. Honestly, she did not dive in.

After the dancing, the stalwart revelers repaired to the disco (pool house) for Krispy Kreme and for some-- a dip. We have some wet silk dresses dripping from hangers, but I guess I should be relieved.

Black lights are still making teeth whiter at Mr. and Mrs. K.'s

Talkin about my generation!!
More Later!
Thank You Mr. and Mrs. K.
and Mrs. R.
for the best party ever!!
xoxo

Sustainable Farming in Bethania North Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:58:00 +0000

In our last post, we wrote about Stauber Farm, a meticulously preserved North Carolina Moravian farmstead. Sustainable farming is at the tip of every artisanal tongue these days, yet Stauber Farm has miraculously been in the hands of only four conscientious stewards since the early 1800's. There is a good amount of concientousness in this pre-revolutionary frontier outpost turned tobacco boomtown. We are lucky to have so much of our past still with us and functioning, despite the "Barbarians at the Gate." I am talking about the leveraged buy out craze of the 80's and 90's and subsequent merger mania that took so many of our treasured benefactors to farther fields. The good news is that preservation was in the hands of founding fathers and mothers for long enough to avoid destruction. Lamar and Charles Taft have remained staunch preservationists, so now we are moving into the house. The welcoming back porch, as we are back door friends

We enter through a welcoming screened porch and admire the seedlings that are being protected for the cooler fall vegetable garden.

The Moravians were famous for their fine building, iron work and wood craft skills.

If you have ever shivered walking past a plastic door in a newly constructed house, fear not. Here you will find heart pine, original hardware and brick--made on the place. Actually the walls are insulated with brick, and they help withstand fire.

This technique is called brick nogging, but lets admire Lamar's interior touches. The chandelier in the dining room is authentic and very old.

The ultimate Thanksgiving wedding location

Thank you again Charles and Lamar for your famous hospitality, delicious fresh eggs and conscientious

tour guides!

More Later!!
Don't forget to visit our flash sale
sharing discounted prices from
some of our top vendors

Product in the media
House Beautiful October 2012
the Best! p.30

Chinright Side Table

$872.00

Jaqcqui Coffee Table

$715.00

As seen in House Beautiful Oct. 2012 issue

Melissa Rufty Instant Room p. 45

This is a great issue!!

Don't miss

Legendary Rooms for Americans Abroad

leading with Tony Duquette's and Hutton Wilkinson's Palazzo Brandolini

It's a great round-up!!

Historic Stauber Farm Bethania North Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:04:00 +0000

My friends Lamar and Charles Taft are the current residents of the historic Stauber Farm in Bethania, North Carolina.

Although the protestant Moravians settled Bethania in the 18th century, this farm was established in the 1830's about a mile outside of the compact outpost of the original settlement, designed for protection from Indians and the various military conflicts of their eras. General Cornwallis billeted in Bethania during the revolution. The French and Indian war compelled the outlying population to seek the protection of their stockade, and later residents avoided the burning of General Sherman, thus preserving this historic and magic sliver of history. Unusually, the Taft family is only the fourth family to hold deed to this property.

This carefully restored plantation house was built in 1852 replacing the previous more modest structures on the property. Charles, a retired orthopedic surgeon, tends his flock of St. Croix sheep, breeding them with great care as they are in danger of extinction.

The St. Croix sheep are considered heritage livestock, in the same way we cherish heirloom flowers and vegetables. In fact, the entire place is an heirloom tribute to the past, although I cannot say sweeter and gentler times. As previously noted, three different armies have marched down this old plank road. The Moravian ancestors were stern religious pioneers.

This would be Anna Vogler, nee Stauber. While I think Charles and Lamar have gone the extra mile in the preservation department, Anna wove and sewed and worked harder than any of us can even imagine. She doesn't look very happy about it either. We were met by some very modern hospitable guides as we rolled into the driveway.

We began our tour through Lamar's magical gardens.

My youngest guide informed me the bell is just for fun.

The Tafts rent their farm out for weddings, photo shoots and vacation rentals. Despite the fact that we are only 15 miles from town, we feel miles and years removed from the world. Charles's domain is the farm and the animals. My opinion is that if the Moravians settled this land in the mid 1700's it must be prime. There are ancient Indian artifacts in Bethania as well, so they thought so too.

In addition to the St. Croix sheep, Charles raises Delaware chickens, honey bees and supporting crops. When we arrived, Charles was hurrying to get the alfalfa out of the rain. He has meticulously restored the historically significant barns, sheds and dependencies on the place.

I really don't know how they do it, but the donkey protects the sheep and lambs from coyotes. He's quite friendly and greets us at the fence for a nuzzle.

I often make a detour to Bethania to buy Dr. Taft's delicious eggs. He has developed mobile chicken houses on the property to fertilize the fields for the livestock and flower beds. The chickens eat the insects and move along to create greener pastures for the sheep.

We just open the door to the traveling chicken house and pick our eggs for breakfast--no foraging around here! I must say they are delicious.

Here is where the Tafts can find a little honey for their toast and tea. Lamar and Charles are inspirational in their love of preservation and commitment to sustainable farming. They walk the walk and share their passion for our roots with all their friends. Next week, we will go into the house and get a glimpse of Moravian life. Ironically, our best selling chandelier is a Moravian star.

Moravian Star Chandelier

Dovecote Decor

In Winston-Salem, we hang them outside our front doors during advent so for us, they fall into the category of Christmas decorations. I was surprised to see what a hit they are for daily use as chandeliers!

More later!!

Photography via Stauber Farms website and Rosalie Horton

Elements of Style-- The Ultimate Downsize

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:09:00 +0000

I was invited for a summer visit to see my friend Mrs. L. Mrs. L. has the same taste as my ODFM--oldest and dearest friend's Mother. I have always adored her house and I feel like I am back home, basking in a place that perfectly combines happiness, comfort and beauty. Mrs. L. has a well edited eclectic collection of antiques and objets. With the help of Happy Martin's interior design studio, Mrs. L. pulled together favorite multigenerational pieces.

I covet this antique (French?) wallpaper screen, and beautiful 5 legged Queen Anne bench. Something in me sings over benches and this is one of the prettiest I have ever seen. Mrs. L. did not know the provenance on the piece so I did my usual amateur sleuthing down the internet rabbit hole.

"Queen Anne (1702 - 1714) was the last monarch of the House of Stuarts. The Queen Anne style is a refinement of the William and Mary style with lighter, graceful, more comfortable furniture. The single most important decoration of Queen Anne furniture was the carved cockle or scallop shell. Cabinetmakers replaced the straight, turned furniturelegs with more graceful cabriole leg. http://www.museumfurniture.com/queenanne/ It could also be the latter Georgian period which incorporated elements from the previous era. If anyone wants to chime in, please do. I looked at images of both periods, but I am swayed to Queen Anne--gun to my head guess.

I know repairs lower the value of furniture, as far as collectors and museums are concerned. What I see is loving preservation. You know the book Blink? It is about rapid cognition. I am not an academic, but with good furniture, I know it when I see it. I've shopped the planet for so many years, my senses tingle when I am in the presence of the authentic and beautiful. Every thing in this house is authentic and beautiful, but it is not unapproachable.

The architecture of the space is lovely. In a perfect small house with living and dining combined, a den/office, and the desired kitchen family area, all elements conspire for efficient living--without compromise. You can have your cake and eat it too. Under the eclectic mix of good things, purchased slowly over time, the humble, neutral sisal rugs allow you to balance your vision. You see an entire room slowly revealing the history of the individual pieces as they form a cohesive whole setting.

Nothing in the room is screaming: "Look at me." There is harmony and scale--key.

I am neither a minimalist nor a clutters, and Mrs. L.'s table tops are interesting without being jumbled. In Winston Salem were still smoking! On this table is an ashtray, snuffer, cigarette and match/lighter accessories.

I have an inside joke with the Flair guys in New York. They have been somewhat amused by my passion for miniature ceramic vegetables and fruits--irresistible actually. If any one sees them for sale, immediately notify me!

I just wanted you to see the entirely perfect, small antique chandelier with complementary candlearbras.

A little glass house for a Staffordshire boy and his goat

I love this pretty powder room with reverse painted antique mirror and lantern sconces

Jewel tones strike a more masculine counterpoint for this office/den, but it is completely out of the man cave category.

You know I am a proponent of a feminine master bedroom for couples. The master belongs to the mistress if you ask me!

This is one of the most handsome burl chests I have ever laid eyes on. The erratic graining in this piece almost resembles tortoise shell. Burl is difficult to work with due of the uneven nature of the grain. It splits easily and is very expensive and rare, requiring a master carpenter.

On our way out, this tidy and entirely simple courtyard is holding up brilliantly. It is blazing hot and I have never seen Rose of Sharon done as an espalier. It is a wonderful plant, and reseeds at an alarming rate, but its blooms through August and September are welcome after our hydrangeas burn up.

Last but not least, this is a close up of a painting Mrs. L. has by a mutual friend. She has put down her paint brushes and I wish she would start up again!

More Later!!

xoxo

Liz

Don't forget to visit our online store

Farm Stand to Table Entertaining

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:58:00 +0000

While we were dying to see how the Old Salem Cobblestone Market was voted #11 in the country after only 8 weeks of operation, we were on a mission. On Monday evening we were entertaining my friend's guests from France along with a few other friends. What do you feed the French? Mexican of course, so we purchased as many of the ingredients as we could from the producers only market, filling in with avocados, tortillas and some Americana for dessert.

In honor of the French I used sunflowers. I love the French word "tournesol," which means turning to the sun, it has such a beautiful and spiritual connotation. Sunflowers are notoriously difficult to arrange, but I took a tip from Mrs. R.'s Thanksgiving table and arranged them individually in bowls and in my collection of Mottahedeh tulip vases.

I made chicken enchiladas in two versions. Enchiladas verdes with fresh tomatillo sauce and enchiladas con queso. Using a variety of farmers market chicken thighs, corn, chiles, and of course heirloom tomatoes, I kicked up the basic recipe I use from Cooks Illustrated. May I add, Cooks Illustrated is the best place to begin for the perfect concoction. I also use Epicurious extensively and keep my recipe files there that I share with my brother and daughters so we can combine our tours de force.

I hope you are not sick of my antipasto platters, but it is the joy of summer for me. I live for the heirloom tomatoes, braised skinny asparagus, cucumbers, avocados, fresh basil and my secret favorite dressing--Le Martinique Blue Cheese Vinaigrette. As my readers know, I love to have parties with the children. This crowd was a pleasure to have as they were adorable and quite happy to join in with the adults.

The middle child's t-shirt says:

I' Am

Simply

The Best

I was very happy to have done all the dishes the night before, so I rewarded my self with my favorite summer breakfast!

Ingredients:

1/2 slice of Mestemacher Sunflower Seed Bread

Goat Lady Basil and Garlic Goat Cheese Spread

Heirloom tomato

Avocado

Fresh Basil/Salt/Pepper

Poached Egg

Prosciutto

You can also melt a piece to cheese over it under the broiler if you like

Don't forget to visit our online store

Hot Sellers for the summer:

More Later!!

xoxo

Liz

Old Salem Cobblestone Farmers Market Wins National Award

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:12:00 +0000

Farmers markets have been springing up all over the country like chanterelle mushrooms. Our nations insatiable demand for artisanal cheeses, heirloom varieties, pesticide free meats and produce has been a boon to small farmers and small batch producers, struggling to maintain their livlihoods within a corporate farming culture. It is all the more remarkable that the Old Salem Cobblestone Farmers Market was ranked in the top 11 Farmers markets in a recent USNews roundup after only 8 weeks of operation. Travel writer Liz Weiss based her criteria on reputation, versatility, online reviews, and overall atmosphere. Set amidst the historic gardens of the early Moravian settlers, this venue is a spectacular destination for a lively morning of shopping.

Single Brothers Garden Old Salem

The museum and the residents were looking for a farmers market to preserve the area's tradition of trade and to serve the surrounding urban neighborhoods. Approaching Margaret Norfleet Neff and her daughter, Salem, of Beta Verde turned out to be a smart choice.

They founded their business Beta Verde together, and as long time residents of Winston Salem, care passionately about their community. Combining their love of horticulture and cooking, Beta Verde produces farm to table catered dinners and a delectable line of seasonal preserves and pickles. As experienced growers and farm market vendors, Margaret and Salem knew they wanted a juried selection of farmers who practice fair trade, delivering food that is pesticide and hormone free. Visiting each and every applicant has paid off, as the quality of product draws the crowds.

Jane Morgan Smith, of Truffles N.C. hit the national news media when Martha Stewart flew down to North Carolina to film her orchard and proclaim her black Perigord truffles truly deserving of their decadent mouth watering reputation. I was lucky enough to catch her at work in Margaret's kitchen creating truffle salt, butter, honey and fudge for the farmers market. Its fun to see behind the scenes as vendors prepare their wares for market.

As Jane works I ply her with ignorant truffle questions and she chats away about her detour down the truffle path. My favorite part is about Friday, her truffle dog whom she describes as having an excellent work ethic. Friday sniffs through the orchard and sits when he finds the black gold. She trained him by hiding bits of truffle throughout the house, and telling him to: "find the truffles." She is quite proud his excellent vocabulary!

Moravian Band Plays for opening day

The Famous Friday Truffle Hunter

Meanwhile, Margaret was having a "Pitting Party" so I hung around since I have never seen preserves prepared. More ignorant questions followed, but the Beta Verde jams are super fruity with interesting combinations like the Blackberry Mint Whiskey Jam or Blueberry Basil. The Cherry Lemon preserves du jour had my mind racing with possibilities. I'm a breakfast girl, so I would warm them up and serve them over pancakes.

They haven't invented a way to smell through your computer yet, but I did hang over the kettle repeatedly, with no objections from Lucy from the FDA NC who was on a routine inspection of the certified kitchen. I kept waving her over and believe me, we were like dog Friday in the truffle field. I never quite understood the path from farming, to small batch production to market, but now I have a better idea. The small batches make it much easier to control the flavors and textures.

The vendors at the top juried markets endure rain, sleet, snow, or blight while they create new ways to preserve abundant or meagre harvest to bring to the table. It is a profound means to an end for those of us who are seriously playing with our food.

Plus, farmers markets are fun, educational and social, compared to the business of rolling frantically through the grocery store. In a scary world, there is comfort in discussions with the people that reverently produce your food, as we intermittently pause and chat with friends. We share recipes and admire snoozy babies.

There is music and humor, as we tuck into the shade and nibble our prizes.

The market goes through November, so those of you who are going to High Point should stay through Saturday and shop the seasonal fare.

Traditional Moravian Band Plays for Opening Day

So do not miss the spectacular heritage that is unique to Winston Salem. The furniture buffs in the crowd will not want to miss MESDA (Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts), a museum solely dedicated to the preservation, scholarship, and connoisseurship of southern decorative arts and material culture.

Here are some fun links for the food and history buffs

Heirloom

Notes from an Accidental Tomato Farmer

Old Salem Museums and Gardens

Museum of Southern Decorative Arts

Beta Verde

Cultivate Piedmont

Don't Forget to visit our online store

Summer Entertaining

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:30:00 +0000

We shattered the fun barrier last night with a birthday party for Mrs. J. with just the "girls." Entertaining is all about celebrating our friendships, and we surrounded our friend with love and affection, remembering old times. The setting was a unanimous decision, at Mrs. K.'s Tommy Church quatrefoil swimming pool and swinging 60's pool house.

I will digress a moment, as this style of pool was a distinct signature of this California landscape architect. Church was renowned for his departure from the prevailing neoclassical designs of the time introducing what is now known as California, or modern style.

This is the quatrefoil pool built by Tommy Church in 1958 at Lakewold Gardens North of Tacoma Washington, which is now open to the public. Church was an obvious choice for this family who embracebd the sixties with the same vigor as their children. While my parents were appalled, Mrs. K.'s parents saw the possibilities.

Yes, and the fact that they never re-did the place is even more brilliant! The lights can be switched to black light, and the foil behind the trelliage reflected a twirling mirrored disco ball. I remember dancing in black light with a very big smile, laughing at everyone's very white teeth--a dentist's dream. But, back to the party! Yesterday, we hauled ourselves to the farmers market to gather the flowers, as our gardens are fried from the heat wave. Mrs. B. and I love to do table flowers in small containers so we can all chatter over each other--the decibels.

It really is the easiest way to arrange for great effect, but requires a good quantity of flowers. The farmer's market purchase set us back a mere $36.00.

While I am no Amy Merrick, the talented flower forager, we did tuck around the grounds looking for interesting additions to the bouquets, and I was delighted to find this parsley gone to seed. I think it added dimension and the bit of wildness I love in arrangements. Mrs. B. looked perplexed, but didn't stop me. Now for the food! Normally we split up the dishes and bring them along, but since we had such a special occasion we turned to our dear friend/caterer/restauranteur Joe Curran of 1703 in Winston Salem. I will admit it was nice to be served for a change, we should really do this more often.

One of our hostesses poses with the hors d'oeuvres, a simple, scrumptious summery concoction of goat cheese, fresh tomatoes and basil. In case you are wondering about the wonderful bar, it was done by the famous outsider artist, Sam McMillan, who is beloved in Winston Salem. More about Sam in another post. For the main course Joe prepared the famous chicken marbella recipe from the first Silver Palate cookbook. It has the most unusual combination of ingredients, including prunes! Do not be put off, as the soaking in red wine vinegar overnight takes the cloying sweetness out of them and balances the tart vinegar.

We had so much fun celebrating with Mrs. J. that I have been completely hoarse all day. Her love and friendship has meant so much to those of us who are lucky enough to know her. We felt all the love and happiness that Mrs. K.'s Mother envisioned when she created this space and this little work of art below.

Happy Summer Entertaining to

All You All!

Later, I'll share my Summer reading list with you

which has prevented many a post, but gave me a nice respite

from my self imposed computer vacation.

Visit our online store

Feasting at the Farm Stand: My favorite Summer Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:33:00 +0000

While the holiday week winds down, I wanted to send you my summer stand-by antipasto platter. I love to do them and while the tomatoes are starting to come in, this dish defines the flavor of high July to me. I can happily report, it was completely devoured.

I use whatever looks beautiful at the farm stand, but always the first layers are tomatoes, cucumbers and mozzarella. This time I added chopped olives, red onion, capers and pimento. For the asparagus: drop them in boiling water for a minute, and quickly plunge them into ice water and pat dry. Lastly I tucked in some quartered artichoke hearts and then for garnish, a generous amount of coarsely chopped basil and avocado are ready for a swim in your favorite dressing. It is better if it marinates for a while in the fridge before serving.

I hope you are all surviving the heat!

Thank you for all your good wishes

to my ancient parents! They are hanging on!

What's your summer stand-by?

More Later!

Thank You also to Mrs. Pimpy of Pimp my Bricks

My Favorite New Blog: Pimp My Bricks

noreply@blogger.com (Dovecote Decor) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:17:00 +0000

Dear Bloggy friends, I am more than excited to introduce my clever new Australian friend Pamela of Pimp My Bricks. She is a story teller like nobody else, with a lyrical, humorous and highly literary voice. I hope you will enjoy following her odyssey as she renovates her Regency Wreck overlooking Sidney Harbor as much as I do!

Tap tap ... testing, testing...1,2,3... 

Hello, hello and greetings from wintry Sydney.  Liz invited me to write a guest post and so here I am, pencil in hand, to introduce myself.  My name is Pimp and I am a recovering psychoanalyst.  I live with a recovering financier, a recovering teenager (she is now 20) and two huge hounds (the Herberts) one of whom is recovering from a knee reconstruction.

This is the story. We were somewhat bored. Life had become a tad stale, a little same-same. And so we did  what  we always do when life gets boring.  We shook up the pieces, we threw them into the air and we watched how they landed. And they landed, as they always seem to, in the shape of a house.

Now it just so happened that there is a place I have been mildly obsessed with for years, a small inner city village in the middle of Sydney, right at the foot of the Harbour Bridge and a few hops, skips and jumps from the Opera House.

TBH, I had been stalking the area for years, strolling down its streets in large hats and false moustaches, nonchalantly whistling and peering into windows. But it was an unrequited love for going on a decade because the houses were owned by the government and used as cheap rental accommodation.  It was all very down at heel, neglected, and utterly, utterly beguiling. But then, when I had quite given up hope, there seemed to be some shift in the upper firmament, some re-alignment of the bureaucratic planets, and the houses began to be sold off in dribs and drabs.

One in particular kept me awake at night in a frenzy of wishing it onto the market.  And then when it arrived I was in a further frenzy of impatience to get inside and stake my claim.  Crossing over the threshold that first time, there was a definite moment.   You know those moments - when something inside lurches and you are filled from the bottom up with that thick, syrupy sickness that characterises Love At First Sight. I was dunfer, I tell you.  Utterly unfooted.  And even as my whole body was in a swoon, feeling as though its organs were being stroked in downward motion by a feather, my head was busy clearing the decks for What Was About To Happen.

All I registered that first time was the peacefulness that comes with Georgian proportions, the quiet elegance that shone through the filth. I took in the full height windows, the shutters, the sandstone basement and I was, I will confess to you, in a state of abject and hopeless desire. I wanted the other viewers,  interlopers and trespassers every last one of them, to be banished immediately.  Avaunt thee knaves!

What I utterly failed to see, of course, was the dereliction - the years of emptiness, the rising damp, falling damp, subsidence and extensive termite damage (there have been some good quality termites through there). In fact, had I looked, I could have seen in that poor old house every Tom, Dick and Harry symptom in the handbook for houses on the verge of collapse. But my blindness was, of course, exactly as it should have been, because really,  who on the point of falling in love notices that their beloved slurps their tea, picks their ears and has a wart appearing on the tip of their nose?  No-one!  Because without those blinkers, without that blindness,  think how many passions might fail to be ignited,  how many dynasties sputter out before they set sail.  And, just as importantly, how many houses would collapse, exhausted, into the gutter.   And then where would we all be?  Alone and homeless, that’s where!

So we bought our house and sealed our fate.  Held our noses, closed our eyes and jumped. That was sixteen months ago. Since then we  have been through the Heritage planning process, a year long trudge through documentation, restrictions and regulations, and have come out the other side.

And now?  Now we are in the dismantling process, aka the Dark Night of the Soul  (or at least of the renovation).  The bit before the good bits happen, where the house looks not so much like a house but a pile of dirty rubble.  The bit where you start to doubt your resolve, yourself, your partner, your sanity, your emotional and financial survival.

Do you by any chance remember Edward Heath?  You know, the English Prime Minister who, for a PM, made a fine sailor?  He once said (of sailing) that it was like standing under a cold shower tearing up money.  And I would say that renovating a listed and derelict house is like standing in a leaky boat, in the middle of a raging typhoon,  tearing up money.  You see no exit, you see no sense; you can only hope the sodden paper will eventually plug a hole somewhere and the chaos will stop.

But actually it does stop.  It stops when you walk into the house and find it empty,  the builder gone, the street outside muffled.  It stops when you move around  its rooms slowly, listening.  When you find it waiting for you, patiently, waiting to enfold you in its embrace, lulling you there, and then you remember.

I know that you will now agree with me

that Pimp My Bricks is one of the

exciting new blogs!

stop over and say hello

to a new friend today:

PIMP MY BRICKS