Hydrangea Hill Cottage

Thursday, January 07, 2016

TBT - Lynn von Kersting

It's been a while since we've seen any new designs by Lynn von Kersting........she was everywhere about ten years ago and is still popular on Pinterest.

I happened to have Diedre Hall's studio dressing room by Lynn and it has all the hallmarks of a von Kersting design - a mix of wonderful fabrics (chintz, gingham, silk, small checks), books, fresh flowers, botanical wall art, seashells, many, many colors combined beautifully and a dash of antiques and pop art.

In this small room alone, I see green walls along with accent colors of red, yellow, mauve, blue, pink, turquoise, navy blue, red and white stripe and leopard print.

If one was talking about putting all those colors together in one small room, we would think it would never work! But with Lynn von Kersting, it works every time.

Loved her signature look then and still do!
,

Decorating Magazine 2006

Wednesday, January 06, 2016

Palm Beach Villa

After a couple of days of black and white images and cloudy skies in Charlottetown, I need a dose of sunshine!

So-o-o-o, let's take a little trip to Palm Beach where sunny skies pour down over what is considered the prettiest town in all of America.

Strategically situated on the waterfront sits a grand villa that exudes sumptuous charm inside and out. You need only to glance at the yellow stuccoed, Palladian featured villa, surrounded by palm trees and stone balconies and stairs, to realize someone has given a lot of thought to making the most of its very special circumstances.

Having purchased this 1920s John Volk designed home years ago, the present owners worked with architect, Thomas Kirchhoff, to bring the home up to its present standards.

The American diplomat and his wife had spent stints in Europe and with her background in design and love of art, she has managed to lighten and brighten the previously darkened interiors with her swaths of custom colored Donald Kaufman paints in shades of blue that blend beautifully with the sea and sky.

With her wonderful shades of blue on the walls, blue and white ceramics, vases of fresh flowers throughout, mirrored furniture (for reflection), antiques, unique art work, and scads of luscious fabrics, the overall result is a breath of fresh air.

Notice the Picasso and Matisse studies on each side of the fireplace. The buffalo check window treatments certainly lend a relaxed feel to the living room.

The dark antique Chinese cabinet holds Roman glass.

Love this mirrored hutch filled with a collection of blue and white ceramics. Notice, also, the fabric panelled walls.

Soothing, calm and so, so pretty!

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Magnolia House

Keeping with the black and white theme from yesterday, I wanted to share Chip and Joanna Gaines' new B & B in the small town of McGregor, just outside of Waco, Texas.

As the hosts of the reality show 'Fixer Upper', they have gone from strength to strength since their first season on HGTV in 2013.

Now in their third season, they have expanded their business to include the purchase of the Silos which holds their Magnolia Market and will include a bakery by this spring. Joanna personally finds everything sold at the market such as home decor, antiques, signature clothing and designs by local artisans.

Besides their realty business, construction company, design and renovation show, they have recently renovated a landmark home just outside of Waco which will be a B & B for anyone wishing to visit Waco and check out their wares and homes.

They have remodeled this century home to look like their own farmhouse, so if you have seen their farmhouse, this will look familiar. To see more of the renovations, go here. To shop their Magnolia Market, go here.

Oh, and did I mention they have 4 children under the age of 11? Yes, they do! A very busy couple indeed.

Coffee room for the guests

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Moodboard Monday - Black and White

Good morning, everyone - and happy new year. I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing holiday and are all rested and ready for the new year.

According to the current issue of Veranda magazine, black and white is the 'mood of the moment'!

As I am not typically a 'black and white' lover when it comes to interiors and decor, it surprised me a little. However, as I began to research and pay more attention to the color scheme, I realized it is a very hot commodity right now. So much black and white!! Everywhere!

One of the pins I have posted here was pinned over 4,000 times......I don't recall seeing any other pin shared so many times. There were black and white baby showers (not your typical baby colors, but abundant), weddings, candy - you name it - I could go on and on.

The interiors shots I've included are mostly contemporary designs with Wendy Valliere's own bedroom and bath being the most traditional of the lot.

For this moodboard, I've chosen a few of my favorites in art, interiors, fashion, jewelry, stunning designs in cakes, adorable dogs and quotes........all very appealing (and some downright beautiful) for the person who enjoys this monochromatic look. So nice, in fact, it may inspire some to see black and white from a completely different point of view and inspire others to incorporate the scheme in a whole new way into their own homes and lives. So, whether it inspires you or simply gives you a few moments of pleasure perusing the images, it is worth checking out.

I know it has gotten my attention!

Enjoy!