Hydrangea Hill Cottage

Thursday, February 04, 2016

Throwback Thursday - The Home of Annie Brahler

This is the Illinois home of Euro Trash owner, Annie Brahler. Of Dutch heritage, Annie grew up using the 'good' china and silver every day (unlike in America where the 'good' things are often kept for special occasions). If something got nicked or cracked it only added to the patina and "became a memory and not a scar". What a nice way to look at it!

Loving what appealed to her keen eye allowed her to load up on 'old' pieces and not necessarily anything with a pedigree. So, searching for antiques in France, Belgium and Holland became a business and with her interest in design Euro Trash was born.
Enjoy!

Beaux Art Italianate Victorian 1868

Country Living

Foyer via The Paris Itinerary

Belgian bergeres and Louis XVI side tables

French gilt settee and Dutch footstools

Belgian crystal chandelier

Daybed, gilt tables, overmantel and chandelier are all French. A large empty gold frame sits in front of the large mirror and antlers her children found on hikes decorate the mantel.

Magnolias from Annie's backyard.

Annie's Dutch heritage is reflected in the blue Delft tiles around the fireplace. Double door cupboard, chandelier and zinc finial (on left by window) all come from Holland.

Notice the antique demilune cabinet as the island. Annie added cupboard space to the back and a marble top to create the island.

Love that!

The back of the demilune island.

Antique cabinet and caned chairs from Holland with Rachel Ashwell's pendants over the table.

Rachel Ashwell's slipcovered chairs surround a 19th century Dutch dining table. Notice the portiere curtains to close off the parlor during colder months. Portieres are commonly used in Europe instead of doors.

Dutch chandelier and several mirrors reflect the light in the upstairs hallway.

The master bedroom headboard was retrofitted from an antique daybed by joining the headboard and footboard together.

Annie's daughter, Isabel, decorated her own room with a Louis XV style bed and French mirror.

Son Daniel's room reflects his interest in British history with a Jonathan Adler Union Jack rug .

Master bath with recycle tub and chocolate walls.

Annie's carpenter 'stretched' an antique armoire to hold Annie's shoes and the Belle Epoque chandelier casts a rosy glow over the room.

House Beautiful

May 2012

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Conversational Quartets

Hi there,

Here's a trend that has been around for some time now and seems to be growing. A conversation area consisting of 4 chairs in a circle. Sometimes there's an ottoman in the middle, a low coffee table, a tall (tea) table or nothing in the middle - perhaps small side tables or garden stools instead.

I prefer the ottoman in the middle (to elevate your legs and provide comfort while alone and reading) with two small tables situated between each of a pair of chairs (to provide functional table space for drinks, etc. while entertaining, as in the last photo below. I also like the reading lamps in that photo.....because I love to read!!). The tall table also functions well for entertaining as do the garden stools, and the stools could be moved around or into the centre of the circle, as needed.

So, all would work and all would look good and function for entertaining - what look would you choose? Something to think about!

Dustjacketattic

Traditional Home

Willowbeeinspired

BHG

Lauren Nicole Designs

Henry Brown

At Home in Arkansas

Penny Bianchi

Coastal Living

Harbor Springs Cottages

Houzz

Sarah Richardson

Southern Living

Traditional Home

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Kelli Ford's Southampton Home

Sometimes it's kind of nice to think about summer homes while experiencing the deep snows of winter on Canada's east coast.

So, since I came upon Kelli Ford's Southampton summer home in Veranda recently, I thought I would add to my 3 other posts about her homes here, here and here. It's always fun to follow the wealthy with multi homes and see how they live, especially when they are as colorful and beautifully designed as the Ford homes.

As a lover of color and avid art collectors, Kelli and her family are able to enjoy the comforts of their homes scattered across the country and surround themselves with what they love as they travel. It can't get much better than that.

Enjoy!

I love this bedroom! The colors are absolutely sumptuous.

The tv is hidden in the cabinet at the foot of the bed - hydraulically controlled, of course.

The top of the cabinet rises to display the tv.

Bedroom seating area.

What a beautiful mix of colors and fabrics on the veranda with multi seating areas for entertaining.

Black striped cushions, brown buffalo check chairs with a dash of coral.

KirstenKelli Designs

Monday, February 01, 2016

Moodboard Monday - Orange Obsession

Good morning, everyone!

Hope you're all refreshed for the busy week ahead!

I found some beautiful orange ideas for this post - because it's such a strong color it may not appeal to everyone. However, it's also a fresh and "happy" color and whether you use a touch of it or more than a touch, it's a standout!

And it looks like orange will be big in fashion this year - the clothes and jewelry are gorgeous!

Enjoy and have a great day!