"This Is Boston" a 4-minute trip around America's City!

As we (in America) all head off to celebrate the 4th of July, it's perfect timing to share filmmaker <a href="http://www.bodhifilms.com/" target="_blank">Sean Collins</a>' ode to the shining "city on the hill" that is Boston.<br /><br />"This video was created as a tribute to the beautiful city of Boston. Bostonians are proud of their city and I wanted to make a video they could be proud of, and which attempts to capture the greatness that is Boston. I've had the opportunity to explore Boston and be inspired by it countless times, and I tried to channel that inspiration into this video. I hope Bostonians enjoy seeing their city through my eyes."<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/69025727" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/69025727">This is Boston</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/bodhifilms">Bodhi Films</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />(Note: the video is a little slow to load and buffer, but worth the wait!)<br /><br />We've been through a lot since the 17th century - from revolution to terrorist attack and our city shines all the more brightly for it. We're not perfect, but we're pretty darn great nonetheless. We recently were named to some snobbiest city list. More like standoffish. But we're not really THAT standoffish. Witness the fact that in two months nearly 61 MILLION dollars was raised in private and corporate donations for the victims of the Marathon terrorist attack - and it was all distributed by this week. Fund administrator Ken Feinberg said this week that he'd never seen such generosity on this scale.<br /><br />Yay, New England!<br /><br />And Happy 4th everyone!<br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

"This Is Boston" a 4-minute trip around America's City!

As we (in America) all head off to celebrate the 4th of July, it's perfect timing to share filmmaker Sean Collins ' ode to the shini...

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Real Estate Dreaming: SOLD and a new place to drool over

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/291348081279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/291348081279.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In November is posted about this amazing condo for sale at 177 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. Comm Ave is one of the most venerable addresses in Boston and pretty much anywhere in the country. You can read my post <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2012/11/real-estate-dreaming-back-bay-beauty.html" target="_blank">here</a> where I shared many photos as well as how I would love to decorate it if the opportunity arose. It has gorgeous bones - what a treat to work there! Anyway, I just wanted to send a congrats to listing agent <a href="http://www.julieharrisonrealestate.com/Gorgeous-Second-Floor-Floor-Through-One-Bedroom-Plus-Study-on-Commonwealth-Avenue-a262831.html?utm_source=January+2013+Newsletter+[Final+Version]&utm_campaign=JH+Spring+2013+RE+Newsletter&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Julie Harrison</a> of Gibson Sotheby's who emailed today that it has been sold! Lucky owners! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/21348081276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/21348081276.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />If the $1.315M selling price wasn't in your budget, Julie has a lovely listing at 97 Mt. Vernon Street on Beacon Hill in Boston that I am personally drooling over. (though I'm not currently in the market, a girl can have her dreams!) This is a two bedroom condo for $649K. The building dates to 1920 but the 748 sq. ft. condo  itself is newly renovated. Let's take a tour:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/21352135669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/21352135669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Charming street location and foyer!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/291352135673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/291352135673.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/171352135671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/171352135671.jpg" /></a></div><br />This is a bright and sunny living room. Very nice molding detail on the walls and ceilings. You can see the front door to the unit on right in the hall way - so nice not to have to enter directly into the living room! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/51352135670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/51352135670.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love the symmetry that the molding on the left of the fireplace creates, balancing out the door to the right. I imagine this property is staged for sale, given the consistency of the furnishings throughout. Lovely view out the window to a nice building across the street. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/141352135671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/141352135671.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/81352135670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/81352135670.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The kitchen is newly remodeled and very much reminds me of a European style kitchen - very small, but packed with a lot of features, including a front loading washing machine and induction cook top. I'm assuming there is a dryer somewhere close by. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/111352135670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/111352135670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm thinking this is a tiny second bedroom. Not sure I would have tried to squeeze two chair and a half's in like that. Would make a cute little home office though! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/201352135672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/201352135672.jpg" /></a></div><br />This appears to be the master bedroom with the door situated at the end of the hall. Gorgeous views of the tree lined street. Love that this room is on the corner of the building which allows for windows on two walls - not a common feature in the city.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/231352135672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/231352135672.jpg" /></a></div><br />And a view from the communal (I hope?!?) roof deck. Not a nice day, but great views!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/261352135672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/261352135672.jpg" /></a></div><br />A little addition Google digging brought me to these images of this condo pre-renovation:<br /><br />First off, the color is hidi, no? The new renovation returned the door to the original closet to the right of the fireplace. I definitely prefer the closet over the open shelves and also the updated marble fireplace surround. The addition of recessed lighting and removable of the overhead fan were good choices! I am noticing that the ceiling moldings appear to be the same but the wall moldings have been simplified in the renovation. I like the original moldings, but the updated ones do come across as more modern. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos3.zillow.com/p_f/ISnggnebcmmw83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://photos3.zillow.com/p_f/ISnggnebcmmw83.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/171352135671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/171352135671.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/81352135670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos3.zillow.com/p_f/IS1am8d4pes9ndv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos3.zillow.com/p_f/IS1am8d4pes9ndv.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kitchen renovation is a huge improvement! I wonder if there was a lot of debate over whether to go with all white appliances vs. stainless steel? In such a tiny space, the all white does blend in much better. But the stainless usually has a more upscale look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/81352135670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/81352135670.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos1.zillow.com/p_f/ISnggne3gi6obn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://photos1.zillow.com/p_f/ISnggne3gi6obn.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What an improvement in the master bedroom - even if it's really just a coat of paint and recessed lighting. The updated slim radiator is a huge improvement. I also think I prefer the bed facing the two windows vs. facing a big blank wall. It makes a lot more of the windows this way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/201352135672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/201352135672.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos1.zillow.com/p_f/IS1am8d4lgq1jfn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.zillow.com/p_f/IS1am8d4lgq1jfn.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> What a difference the shallow radiator makes! Even just 6 inches will add miles to a tiny space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/111352135670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/files/images/9381/properties/111352135670.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And, happily, I found the floor plan of this unit online. Just a perfect little pied-a-terre, non? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos1.zillow.com/p_f/ISnggndrmbicgz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://photos1.zillow.com/p_f/ISnggndrmbicgz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Actually, I could happily make this my full time home. It's about the size of my Newburyport Condo and I loved it there. Perfect location in the heart of Beacon Hill, all of Boston at your doorstep. When I lived on Beacon Hill in the 90's (the po' street, trust me!), I didn't truly appreciate all the location had to offer.  <br /><br /><a href="http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/Charming-Two-Bedroom-on-Mount-Vernon-Street-in-Beacon-Hill-a266517.html" target="_blank">Here's the listing</a>. If you buy it after seeing it here, you MUST hire me to decorate. Or, even if you didn't see it here first, I'm brimming with ideas already!<br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Real Estate Dreaming: SOLD and a new place to drool over

In November is posted about this amazing condo for sale at 177 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. Comm Ave is one of the most venerable addres...

Read more »

Seen at Ellis Boston Antiques Show - this weekend!

I always love attending the <a href="http://ellisboston.com/" target="_blank">Ellis Boston Antiques show</a>, going on this weekend, and this year feels like the best yet. There are 40 dealers and galleries participating in this year's show. The furniture, art and jewelry (oh, the jewelry!) were inspiring. I didn't take photos of jewelry - too heart breaking to have to walk away from some of those sparklers!<br /><br />Here is some of what caught my eye. The show is going on through Sunday, so if you're in the area and love antiques, or want to learn more, it's worth the trip. They also have seminars throughout the weekend as well.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6PV_eTAZItRAcLN2JhMhSN88ieIVp8oajH1jfADM_w0n-QuBn-LN4NqU-fMQ2myjjJFN3p81qL_mwnyZM7kavlhFhGfub26H7P8cpZER5tftwk8rMvKlqWGBmQgWVDG8BW4bK72BrkGh/s1600/DSCN6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6PV_eTAZItRAcLN2JhMhSN88ieIVp8oajH1jfADM_w0n-QuBn-LN4NqU-fMQ2myjjJFN3p81qL_mwnyZM7kavlhFhGfub26H7P8cpZER5tftwk8rMvKlqWGBmQgWVDG8BW4bK72BrkGh/s320/DSCN6595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPwvNlF5z6yHbBAW_YbqdaTnAnNgMliUgM9a7p99h61T3fPqvK29C3kp5uhBzHIAc8O4o0s92ZSjIyGsqVSqKUADx94O0SnrAH6blpsmPRvDpSQ07q1g6GbK-cbVhd1KrcoxRX349dOx2/s1600/DSCN6599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPwvNlF5z6yHbBAW_YbqdaTnAnNgMliUgM9a7p99h61T3fPqvK29C3kp5uhBzHIAc8O4o0s92ZSjIyGsqVSqKUADx94O0SnrAH6blpsmPRvDpSQ07q1g6GbK-cbVhd1KrcoxRX349dOx2/s640/DSCN6599.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>I loved everything at <a href="http://www.hpantiqueanddesigncenter.com/margaret-doyle.php" target="_blank">Margaret Doyle</a>'s stand which included an eclectic mix of traditional antiques to industrial age pieces - very steampunk. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcmAROQqYi7vShyphenhyphenRvWAGAY4L52pb9GyKptgx4KCO93gEfbSqFkhHvRhHzjyiES7eJcn2pgkc_DL_LMbwVIXLCywXiBYIYhl2repgYy9g8x3-JFpVZf1ZjWvMLxH2g77UBj-fwGh7eakDd/s1600/DSCN6600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcmAROQqYi7vShyphenhyphenRvWAGAY4L52pb9GyKptgx4KCO93gEfbSqFkhHvRhHzjyiES7eJcn2pgkc_DL_LMbwVIXLCywXiBYIYhl2repgYy9g8x3-JFpVZf1ZjWvMLxH2g77UBj-fwGh7eakDd/s640/DSCN6600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMY7uQrlRWBldXQFhU3a0o96ywrAQt3VgBVjEa_BtP84SFjesEKNFtT_3e7MrDBWwUVL6vStc_ZfYyp8t3k97J579_awdpbWuuX8_dAZMw3FBo5eEpFJhDsTSkVR9kNmFhPHz0xIFBWf6_/s1600/DSCN6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMY7uQrlRWBldXQFhU3a0o96ywrAQt3VgBVjEa_BtP84SFjesEKNFtT_3e7MrDBWwUVL6vStc_ZfYyp8t3k97J579_awdpbWuuX8_dAZMw3FBo5eEpFJhDsTSkVR9kNmFhPHz0xIFBWf6_/s640/DSCN6601.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaiTpCyiRxRjvzH_2CoJjb0kr374hJOcRdNJsauc3HnMQVlZLQJPXG56EVb2xREQZAV6BqRxP9godelEAeMwP-mf4K6hkSOUGwUgrgWh8oU8JdKIYbm0r-wUuIsURIyjxazYHSeVL03zx/s1600/DSCN6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaiTpCyiRxRjvzH_2CoJjb0kr374hJOcRdNJsauc3HnMQVlZLQJPXG56EVb2xREQZAV6BqRxP9godelEAeMwP-mf4K6hkSOUGwUgrgWh8oU8JdKIYbm0r-wUuIsURIyjxazYHSeVL03zx/s320/DSCN6602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeLuiWVFUM5OL0prbgPMcaQZhFsUQePaDtXy7I1NiUP3GkTxc06znIgk3vFauyKgajhenKyvEnNOQvAnk98GurRFbmTPYTRReYlsVYzplsHQCHktvVp2dRrQ9Y0esUjJqgWCLZabGZjln/s1600/DSCN6603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeLuiWVFUM5OL0prbgPMcaQZhFsUQePaDtXy7I1NiUP3GkTxc06znIgk3vFauyKgajhenKyvEnNOQvAnk98GurRFbmTPYTRReYlsVYzplsHQCHktvVp2dRrQ9Y0esUjJqgWCLZabGZjln/s640/DSCN6603.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><a href="http://www.marcozantiques.com/" target="_blank">Marcoz Antiques</a> - very traditional; very, very beautiful. European and Scandinavian antiques. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwLvHuOAQ0bqKa-dnCwS5ZRzDN2hRy16XT5Cch2zcvGpbr0A6Edc1yoxhAiI2owJqx9F2q8Ua8YglFrVraSX4ifF9den9chVhANvkzoelQ8rf5-bWAXR42n7aXd_MdlHpcjucI7eU4btE/s1600/DSCN6605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwLvHuOAQ0bqKa-dnCwS5ZRzDN2hRy16XT5Cch2zcvGpbr0A6Edc1yoxhAiI2owJqx9F2q8Ua8YglFrVraSX4ifF9den9chVhANvkzoelQ8rf5-bWAXR42n7aXd_MdlHpcjucI7eU4btE/s640/DSCN6605.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RaDnFS9q919WpFE99O8b_dWh5O79YKa-TAc_aVEdgmxHyc9w2w5PcYNUEkZazRjOnKI_PpwdNN72-ssGq4KMlTIYHc9NZSs4K2Wl37Q6lVQKdznAh7OM0121AyOlNSn6vN-C66j5GPK0/s1600/DSCN6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RaDnFS9q919WpFE99O8b_dWh5O79YKa-TAc_aVEdgmxHyc9w2w5PcYNUEkZazRjOnKI_PpwdNN72-ssGq4KMlTIYHc9NZSs4K2Wl37Q6lVQKdznAh7OM0121AyOlNSn6vN-C66j5GPK0/s320/DSCN6606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIDdcfWJm5IP3MqfM2aEjZc489Yb2nlfJa2YBOLDikKiTDvZtUUoOINRylYoZClAHUlUlWVIkVK67M3MSheuSHn9wWjRDdnt1xK9OUGbQuMTw2fE2sqruTBUrEIreR4awgFaGalZDEG_M/s1600/DSCN6607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIDdcfWJm5IP3MqfM2aEjZc489Yb2nlfJa2YBOLDikKiTDvZtUUoOINRylYoZClAHUlUlWVIkVK67M3MSheuSHn9wWjRDdnt1xK9OUGbQuMTw2fE2sqruTBUrEIreR4awgFaGalZDEG_M/s640/DSCN6607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Loved this quartet of Swedish mirrored sconces from <a href="http://westerhoffantiques.com/" target="_blank">Alexander Westerhoff Antiques</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uMECG-Sc89D4364LcjLKleDyRTQb_9H3Pfe62obuhDnPebnmCA3B8NZRVPTOHgynLiUL1rsxoq-rJ6GlmW4dNLn0hU7rw0gXB1MFGP9vdStSbJfFkBAWZk-F_h4wD0N1L7ZRgwdjQsMX/s1600/DSCN6610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uMECG-Sc89D4364LcjLKleDyRTQb_9H3Pfe62obuhDnPebnmCA3B8NZRVPTOHgynLiUL1rsxoq-rJ6GlmW4dNLn0hU7rw0gXB1MFGP9vdStSbJfFkBAWZk-F_h4wD0N1L7ZRgwdjQsMX/s320/DSCN6610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9elwryImnDJPaWfiJDm7f8LN5l9OZqZUlm9hwD-5P8za6OQQLncK46gY-w3TB4LdoYTZDP8PjKUpUIBO93GNzpJ_YeEHp1gWL7l4nIgH-wFtG9IPyLQvfuIoejm6MieAFV-76rOUWiYwu/s1600/DSCN6611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9elwryImnDJPaWfiJDm7f8LN5l9OZqZUlm9hwD-5P8za6OQQLncK46gY-w3TB4LdoYTZDP8PjKUpUIBO93GNzpJ_YeEHp1gWL7l4nIgH-wFtG9IPyLQvfuIoejm6MieAFV-76rOUWiYwu/s640/DSCN6611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Loved this small marquetry box from <a href="http://www.essex-antiquarians.com/" target="_blank">Essex Antiquarians</a>. The tumbling block quilt pattern rendered in different woods - gorgeous. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2C4AlkRLunM2uaYkmCfKUbipl1fGgVZD8GJFPnZsHjYDJKWRcBud687VYOFZwcgfyNBs22-OngHxmckAsj6daKy2c-1CcJxn4braQB8mxbMwEmvdVlmmIYOShulZnoDwIbUCTWpVFhRt/s1600/DSCN6612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2C4AlkRLunM2uaYkmCfKUbipl1fGgVZD8GJFPnZsHjYDJKWRcBud687VYOFZwcgfyNBs22-OngHxmckAsj6daKy2c-1CcJxn4braQB8mxbMwEmvdVlmmIYOShulZnoDwIbUCTWpVFhRt/s320/DSCN6612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bNUtI95YuEWaMS0_EyK-73W9IGdQ9Tqkxsvu4jFNuMXAQpSHIZijJ8gc3hQjLqfwswG1bvqNo1uAwOcWAa9itCi_0wkvXdeRCbkZKl7HRPUnA5TlM-ScWaCCGXZHHVLJtCvq7B3y1vYD/s1600/DSCN6613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bNUtI95YuEWaMS0_EyK-73W9IGdQ9Tqkxsvu4jFNuMXAQpSHIZijJ8gc3hQjLqfwswG1bvqNo1uAwOcWAa9itCi_0wkvXdeRCbkZKl7HRPUnA5TlM-ScWaCCGXZHHVLJtCvq7B3y1vYD/s640/DSCN6613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>My friends Diana and Scott Cooper of <a href="http://www.trianonantiques.com/" target="_blank">Trianon Antiques</a> made their first appearance at the show - and produced a gorgeous stand featuring some of the best of their French antiques. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr97enW1sEznglJE9GkIqVvk7g7j5FfxxzwnLRDPi6s8NDalCS-02YFazr-tl7Jg0HXg8YAMeB8Xfhkfe8lS2jlBOqu4d8SUn0eekFcvKuPtCJOn9F1GE949kTWj7uYeN-NOqRUWZtTL3j/s1600/DSCN6616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr97enW1sEznglJE9GkIqVvk7g7j5FfxxzwnLRDPi6s8NDalCS-02YFazr-tl7Jg0HXg8YAMeB8Xfhkfe8lS2jlBOqu4d8SUn0eekFcvKuPtCJOn9F1GE949kTWj7uYeN-NOqRUWZtTL3j/s640/DSCN6616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>How gorgeous is this lapis lazuli pot?? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hTDGvYSmKZZ5V_jd-D6_gYcTSvTZj1snv8VVjwtnMmU-xxmJIIV1VJUAvE3W_aC44P0VuAaxigPP8blRsVgKChx9aOzeEaeqZMrdYdBrlDIohsg-JT4bhmp8dIemjqVdDfrRHZZ5WetI/s1600/DSCN6617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hTDGvYSmKZZ5V_jd-D6_gYcTSvTZj1snv8VVjwtnMmU-xxmJIIV1VJUAvE3W_aC44P0VuAaxigPP8blRsVgKChx9aOzeEaeqZMrdYdBrlDIohsg-JT4bhmp8dIemjqVdDfrRHZZ5WetI/s640/DSCN6617.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love this view of one of Trianon's gorgeous crystal chandeliers (I used one from their gallery in <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Boston-Townhouse_Living_Room_2-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html" target="_blank">this project</a>) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5RAlc6l9j1CR7chVRbv5r1bNaAOV3tBRo4OuC3KZyIDNSSswu2cuKHsExmKPFdi_uh7Pu1y4ekJWUV64yGEqlqB8MAWFBsGtgVc_KNUal9fNwnCect7zDzpLcTt8IJKHWppR60GDlb7F/s1600/DSCN6619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5RAlc6l9j1CR7chVRbv5r1bNaAOV3tBRo4OuC3KZyIDNSSswu2cuKHsExmKPFdi_uh7Pu1y4ekJWUV64yGEqlqB8MAWFBsGtgVc_KNUal9fNwnCect7zDzpLcTt8IJKHWppR60GDlb7F/s320/DSCN6619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNssUnpmztRxlfudgKrJnIzA6S4EazkzYGsTTB8P9Z23dQmVwHaGj-THpMet1ZkAYS7PT8I0AQCZQkM0E0_AieeH9yg0H4rTW_4v7nb1I1bTVwlaf88NBL5piiHkhDnvw7LDYtKJ3qYUD/s1600/DSCN6620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNssUnpmztRxlfudgKrJnIzA6S4EazkzYGsTTB8P9Z23dQmVwHaGj-THpMet1ZkAYS7PT8I0AQCZQkM0E0_AieeH9yg0H4rTW_4v7nb1I1bTVwlaf88NBL5piiHkhDnvw7LDYtKJ3qYUD/s640/DSCN6620.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>These pieces from <a href="http://johnsidelifineart.com/" target="_blank">John Sidelli Fine Art </a>in Maine are right up my New England design aesthetic alley. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgIWJr3UA-rqB9ugeAdasGxx_3jCgdzjDolJhci-yMLxM17YgwVoYMy71obtYm5lk_Ytb2wq36eyV9Vmy-Zaj7V9D7ZH1W6hCrX48Vv_wqGgAuZOjtzOzu3YiQLqfKfs2TSQ4JFurmyCY/s1600/DSCN6622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgIWJr3UA-rqB9ugeAdasGxx_3jCgdzjDolJhci-yMLxM17YgwVoYMy71obtYm5lk_Ytb2wq36eyV9Vmy-Zaj7V9D7ZH1W6hCrX48Vv_wqGgAuZOjtzOzu3YiQLqfKfs2TSQ4JFurmyCY/s640/DSCN6622.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>How gorgeous is this harvest table, circa 1850? <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yqSNzos8hgCvuP7mpy4UBgXfDRci_TW_-0qND-liLFHWvxDsEQm2DOSiNFrXfjM0_2JPP2-fWViXH9-I0mkOHoakKAVLnt4MdcatxoMEDcddDYmHVv_cDg0Mfm3b1xGIYWQbNCuhjwc2/s1600/DSCN6624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yqSNzos8hgCvuP7mpy4UBgXfDRci_TW_-0qND-liLFHWvxDsEQm2DOSiNFrXfjM0_2JPP2-fWViXH9-I0mkOHoakKAVLnt4MdcatxoMEDcddDYmHVv_cDg0Mfm3b1xGIYWQbNCuhjwc2/s320/DSCN6624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpA9YEp2bh6NS6ejoqb51uPKVWv-wLtq9uXXhtw4T8TglqJZzZJRrstB5qmvW94eSLtkyrLOJDIFVUrq14YhACTNAg5pzeaBIE_tetWcEs2BNwLFLHJF_MAwbTWRQHFytl4VTHhgPI5xx/s1600/DSCN6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpA9YEp2bh6NS6ejoqb51uPKVWv-wLtq9uXXhtw4T8TglqJZzZJRrstB5qmvW94eSLtkyrLOJDIFVUrq14YhACTNAg5pzeaBIE_tetWcEs2BNwLFLHJF_MAwbTWRQHFytl4VTHhgPI5xx/s640/DSCN6625.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />And finally, this Ralph Cahoon "Man With Telescope" wood carving, known to be one of only two in existence, from<a href="http://www.robertofreitas.com/" target="_blank"> Roberto Freitas American Antiques</a>.  Love, love this piece.<br /><br />There are various talks going on through the weekend. Yesterday, I attended an excellent panel discussion on Decorating with Antiques sponsored by New England Home magazine and moderated by Editor-in-Chief Kyle Hoepner. Speakers includes Phillip Jude Miller, America Dural; Charles Spada, Charles Spada Interiors; and Sally Wilson, ASID, Wilson Kelsey Design.<br /><br />I tweeted through the discussion some of my favorite quotes and concepts from these wonderful designers:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQnTDWTW7i2JNU2iB0AyBqoF0vpxEK15dE0l3uOfV6wAFEoRob9IRFF6e1hnQO0awIEsu-YFwCzaUy3_YslrizCCDp0F68HbFaGMV4UATXHVHTY5fqDBE-TQEhY9qKUIqtuKFQj0enL-6/s1600/Tweets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQnTDWTW7i2JNU2iB0AyBqoF0vpxEK15dE0l3uOfV6wAFEoRob9IRFF6e1hnQO0awIEsu-YFwCzaUy3_YslrizCCDp0F68HbFaGMV4UATXHVHTY5fqDBE-TQEhY9qKUIqtuKFQj0enL-6/s1600/Tweets.jpg" /></a></div><br />Still time to get to the show, <a href="http://ellisboston.com/" target="_blank">info here</a>. <br /><br />Have a great weekend! I'll be dreaming of all the beautiful jewelry I couldn't afford!<br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Seen at Ellis Boston Antiques Show - this weekend!

I always love attending the Ellis Boston Antiques show , going on this weekend, and this year feels like the best yet. There are 40 dealers ...

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#InStyleTour: Where Function Meets Form

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P_5uf61j7JahUahnZRG4nisEpZN-nMXCJCBV0gq2VhMhjQ0s7GZhCR3eixM9wZAYjx6cnS0dNAd5Dxxqy6Eg3mbgEywiw3WqXPqc4hY4jcDp1-pjiblkDfsUh01Gk2b0TlEy6daiRA9a/s1600/%23INSTYLETOUR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P_5uf61j7JahUahnZRG4nisEpZN-nMXCJCBV0gq2VhMhjQ0s7GZhCR3eixM9wZAYjx6cnS0dNAd5Dxxqy6Eg3mbgEywiw3WqXPqc4hY4jcDp1-pjiblkDfsUh01Gk2b0TlEy6daiRA9a/s320/%23INSTYLETOUR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last week I attended a lovely evening that epitomized the marriage of art and design, plus the value of connections across the design community. Interior designer <a href="http://www.andieday.com/blog/" target="_blank">Andie Day</a> and builder <a href="http://www.thebuildingblox.com/2012/09/instyletour-press-release.html" target="_blank">Todd Vendituoli</a> were the organizers of the event.  They brought in sink and faucet company <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/index.cfm" target="_blank">Blanco</a> as sponsor and introduced a large group of designers and bloggers to abstract expressionist artist <a href="http://www.giovannidecunto.com/" target="_blank">Giovanni DeCunto</a>. The dinner was held in the wine cellar of Ristorante Villa Francesca in Boston's North End, followed by dessert and art appreciation at Giovanni's studio which was only a few blocks away. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/388905_527760000573964_1453699495_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/388905_527760000573964_1453699495_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Designer's bonding over dinner: with Laurie Gorelick (m) and Barbara Elza Hirsh (r). Congrats to Laurie who won a piece of original art by Giovanni DeCunto which was created just for the evening!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/527304_527760863907211_1546454786_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/527304_527760863907211_1546454786_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Blanco's marketing guru Christy Emens joined us and was able to discuss <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/index.cfm" target="_blank">Blanco'</a>s focus on design ingenuity, attention to detail (they are a German firm, after all!) and their commitment to green design. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/23924_527759543907343_1109246235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/23924_527759543907343_1109246235_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Congratulations to designer Michelle Cortizo on winning a gorgeous <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/product_portfolio/faucets1/portfolio_faucets.cfm?fuseaction=c.productdetail&startRow=1&endRow=60&strukturID=1292256681936" target="_blank">Blanco Culina faucet</a>, presented by Christy Emens. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Faucets/BLANCOCULINA/441331_CULI_SI_PC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Faucets/BLANCOCULINA/441331_CULI_SI_PC.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/545674_527760337240597_498373322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/545674_527760337240597_498373322_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Giovanni's amazing piece: Steve Jobs. Cultural icons are part of his focus, as seen in the pieces featuring Ghandi and Einstein below. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/10442_527759607240670_1520926715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/10442_527759607240670_1520926715_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Todd, Giovanni, Chrisy and Andie celebrate a job well done. If you'd like to see more images from the evening, you can visit my new <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.527759293907368.142144.527054513977846&type=1" target="_blank">Facebook business page here</a>. And if you'd care to "like" my page while you're there, I would appreciate it!<br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

#InStyleTour: Where Function Meets Form

Last week I attended a lovely evening that epitomized the marriage of art and design, plus the value of connections across the design commun...

Read more »