Bold backdrops

I've long wanted to do a bold mural or wallpaper background in a space - either my own or a client's. I seriously considered doing something here at Nook Cottage, but I have a lot of art to hang and not a lot of wall space, so the mural concept hasn't come to fruition. But, it hasn't stopped me from collecting some great image ideas. 

Wallpaper from Mr. Perswall

Designer Jarlath Mellett

via House to Home. Photography Katya De Grunwald

source unknown. Map from Toys R Us

from Laqfoil

source unknown

Designer Raji Radhakrishan for Kips Bay show house featuring a photo mural of a painting by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon.

design by Carlyn And Company Interiors + Design

designer Lauren Liess

design by Paul Marra

 

designer unknown

design by Melanie Turner Interiors

I just love how these bold backdrops have such flexibility. In some cases they are the true focal point of the design and in others, they ground the space. You can use real art, paint a mural, wallpaper murals or photo murals - there are so many options and resources available. Some are listed above in the credits. I would also like to point you to Laurie Laizure's Customized Walls company. They have a wide selection of artwork available or you can send them a photo for them to reproduce on a large scale.  While mural wallpaper can be very expensive, photo murals can be a very well-priced option. 

Outlander: The Glassware

Found 'em! One of the most asked questions I've received since I started doing posts on the Starz Series "Outlander" was about the glassware. I will admit I was surprised that blown glassware would have been typical during the period for an outpost such as Castle Leoch, but there's no doubt the glasses they used are period appropriate and very beautiful. 

I received a nice email yesterday from Mark and David of Georgian Glassmakers in the UK letting me know that they were in fact the makers of the beautiful wine glasses and also some of the bottles used in the series!

This glass #51 is listed under "Early Balusters" on their website.  They advised me that they do ship internationally. For pricing, they don't do bulk discounts as these are individually hand blown and it's best to contact them for pricing. 

Veteran's Day: Gary Sinise Foundation - R.I.S.E. - Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment

One of my favorite celebrities is Gary Sinise. I've long had a crush on him (love me a cute red head!) but beyond that, he's dedicate his life to helping our active military service members, veterans and most especially those who have sacrificed so much so the rest of us can go about our daily business in safety.

One of the Gary Sinise Foundation initiatives is to build smart homes for severely wounded veterans so that they can live the most "normal" lives possible. The technology available is remarkable, as is the dedication of all the volunteers and donors to this amazing program. By the end of 2014 they expect to have 30 homes across the country either finished or in the active building process.  This video below shows what amazing features a completed home will have. If you visit this page on their website, you will see information about each home. 

My dad, Bob Merrill, was in Naval flight school during World War II and though the war ended before he graduated, he was ready and willing to serve. My maternal grandfather Edmund Costello, was an Army Pilot in World War 1.

 Robert Matthews Merrill

Edmund James Costello

In honor of them and all those who serve, I have made a donation to support the R.I.S.E. initiative which includes the building of smart homes for those most in need. 

I would ask you to consider making a donation of any size as well to this wonderful initiative. 

100% of donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicated to serving and honoring our nation's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. 

As a sign of my commitment to providing ongoing support of this wonderful organization and most especially the continued growth of their smart home initiative, I will offer anyone who makes a donation between now and the end of 2014 directed to the Gary Sinise Foundation RISE program a FREE virtual design plan (Jump Start Level 1) valued at $500. You can read more about this plan here.  This would make a great holiday gift for a new homeowner in your life as well!

If you wish to participate, please email me proof of your donation and we'll take it from there! Donations of any size will be fine, but the bigger the better.  

Obviously, there are many, many worthwhile causes to support and I appreciate your consideration. Hug a Vet today. 

Ruby Lane's Holiday Magazine

Ruby Lane is one of the world's largest online marketplaces for vintage and antique goods including art, furnishings, jewelry, silver, crystal and more. I was asked to select a favorite item from their offerings to be included in their holiday issue of Ruby Read, their digital magazine.


Here is the online listing for the Royal Danish Bar set that was my selection.  It's unfortunately way out of my current budget to buy for myself - but I'm keeping it in mind for someday!




Design & Architecture Resources

Interior design and architecture is a world of details, historical facts and mathematical figures. There's a lot to know. I wanted to be sure to share my Pinterest Board called Resources and Info where I collect infographics on all kinds of subjects, including:

Styles of Chair Backs

Optimal dimensions for light fixtures over a table

Sofa shapes and historical details

There's so much more, so, please feel free to follow my board and re-pin any items you find useful. Even if you don't have a Pinterest account, you should be able to access the board and download any of these images as needed.

I'm going to be California later this week for a design business summit which I'm really looking forward to. It was in the 30's and snowing here yesterday. It's expected to be in the low 80's in San Diego by mid-week. While I'm not a huge fan of hot weather, a touch of it will be nice!