Oscar de la Renta - Fashions for Home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/yo/design-trends-delarenta-ED0410-half-mdn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/yo/design-trends-delarenta-ED0410-half-mdn.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Sad news this week of the passing of iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta at 82. I was actually surprised he wasn't older. The word "icon" is so overused today as much as words like "hero" and  and "diva", to the point where they don't really mean much anymore. We have lots of celebrities and fashionistas, but not that many true fashion icons. When one reaches true icon status, it's hard to imagine they ever weren't here.<br /><br />After all, there was this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chaos-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/080310-jackie-o-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.chaos-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/080310-jackie-o-300.jpg" /></a></div><br />And so many others, right up to the end:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGctC5pnTuky-tZyZxVMAHjNzk25ZWoe2hsz8VhkLuz2uuSNv7Diaixp9oufyTA9y6m2c-wvpD_brIoXe0K2BWewG4Xc-fEasj6gOqdCVfTLAaVjQ6dj3A_I1P9-mPROe5hv-r6GopPU/s1600/amal_-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGctC5pnTuky-tZyZxVMAHjNzk25ZWoe2hsz8VhkLuz2uuSNv7Diaixp9oufyTA9y6m2c-wvpD_brIoXe0K2BWewG4Xc-fEasj6gOqdCVfTLAaVjQ6dj3A_I1P9-mPROe5hv-r6GopPU/s1600/amal_-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />And of course, his interests included the home with pieces that were both of the moment and timeless.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-RX310_mag031_G_20120221152013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-RX310_mag031_G_20120221152013.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/a1e1a7fb-a48e-4d16-aeb2-42f3e6316a44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/a1e1a7fb-a48e-4d16-aeb2-42f3e6316a44.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oscardelarenta.com/products/2cy213/leopard-tumbler" target="_blank">Leopard Tumbler</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/07a7b932-437f-4632-9619-194c2ee014cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/07a7b932-437f-4632-9619-194c2ee014cd.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oscardelarenta.com/home/table-setting/1is307/kent-teak-serving-bowl" target="_blank">Teak Serving Bowl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/adad7dd9-85ec-41cd-9852-5b9b03d3b6ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/adad7dd9-85ec-41cd-9852-5b9b03d3b6ee.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oscardelarenta.com/home/entertaining-accessories/2cy653/gardenia-brass-napkin-ring-set-of-4" target="_blank">Gardenia Brass Napkin rings</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/2l/design-trends-delarenta-ED0410-11-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/2l/design-trends-delarenta-ED0410-11-lgn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moroccan side table for Century Furniture</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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtVExlxG3K0IxNz1JbtVaV-MgZGynlekBI-PYmEqOFxcfLH0Zy-j4Rd9kp0cLD9CdV0sZL5HYIGy3ehwbohTs7bZ3HYyyBvRApRrft61fXoobY_yUqlOkb5lelT9gMH5Fosa9oz9xhc0/s1600/item11.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.mario-buatta-12-palm-beach-ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtVExlxG3K0IxNz1JbtVaV-MgZGynlekBI-PYmEqOFxcfLH0Zy-j4Rd9kp0cLD9CdV0sZL5HYIGy3ehwbohTs7bZ3HYyyBvRApRrft61fXoobY_yUqlOkb5lelT9gMH5Fosa9oz9xhc0/s1600/item11.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.mario-buatta-12-palm-beach-ballroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Side chairs for Century Furniture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/fc0f7b0d-6b3f-4205-971c-a46376469e3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/fc0f7b0d-6b3f-4205-971c-a46376469e3f.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's to you Mr. de la Renta. Thanks for the beauty. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgPlSDr94M2Chg65FoyXMDUWNBJZ8Bb8z6jCZt3dd-tMT1DVcrl9o19tGulbiEkm25EsLZEZ41yYwPqjCdeO883ng7kf69ksvp-oQoAetoO-lNYsy6Tgo3mJoYlrR-s2tNqo2NdWbhNA/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgPlSDr94M2Chg65FoyXMDUWNBJZ8Bb8z6jCZt3dd-tMT1DVcrl9o19tGulbiEkm25EsLZEZ41yYwPqjCdeO883ng7kf69ksvp-oQoAetoO-lNYsy6Tgo3mJoYlrR-s2tNqo2NdWbhNA/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Oscar de la Renta - Fashions for Home

Sad news this week of the passing of iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta at 82. I was actually surprised he wasn't older. The word...

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Big Congrats to the New England Design Hall of Fame 2014 Inductees

<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="null" alt="" border="0" height="380" src="http://echo3.bluehornet.com/cimages/5f2c6fbf3ed9a48765c3983559adce1d/HOF.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" /> </div><div style="font: normal 12px Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shown above: Christina Oliver, Susan Stacy, Dinyar Wadia, Rosemary Porto, Tref LaFleche, Douglas Dick</span></div><br /></div><div style="font: normal 12px Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Huge congrats to the 2014 inductees to the New England Design Hall of Fame. This award was created to honor the work of professionals who have made a significant imprint on residential design in New England. Their body of work represents the pinnacle of design, and their impact often goes well beyond design projects. These people are mentors, advocates, and trailblazers in their respective fields.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Douglas Dick and Treffle LaFleche, principals, <a href="http://www.lda-architects.com/" target="_blank">LDa Architecture Interiors</a>, Cambridge, Massachusetts<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/5047530/Hilltop-Gambrel-Dusk-traditional-exterior-boston"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/635140d40200003b_8-1787/traditional-exterior.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Exterior</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Cambridge--MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Cambridge Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lda-architecture-interiors/lda-architecture-and-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">LDa Architecture & Interiors</a></small></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1534214/Millers-Meadow-Farm-Detail-modern-living-room-boston"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/0731db9c0048eca2_8-6455/modern-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Modern Living Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Cambridge--MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Cambridge Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lda-architecture-interiors/lda-architecture-and-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">LDa Architecture & Interiors</a></small></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Dinyar Wadia, <a href="http://www.wadiaassociates.com/" target="_blank">Wadia Associates</a>, New Canaan, Connecticut<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3378544/Apartment-on-Central-Park-West-Wadia-Associates-Interiors-eclectic-living-room-new-york"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/be4154fa015483e3_8-3286/eclectic-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Living Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/New-Canaan--CT" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">New Canaan Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/wadiaassociates/wadia-associates" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Wadia Associates</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/4492373/Landscape-Architecture-Wadia-Associates-Outdoors-traditional-landscape-other-metro"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/4121e31b01cc6972_8-0843/traditional-landscape.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/landscape" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Landscape</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/New-Canaan--CT" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">New Canaan Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/wadiaassociates/wadia-associates" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Wadia Associates</a></small></div><br /><br /><br />Jim Gauthier and Susan Stacy, <a href="http://gauthierstacy.com/" target="_blank">Gauthier-Stacy</a>, Boston, Massachusetts<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gauthierstacy.com/wp-content/gallery/interior29/interior29b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://gauthierstacy.com/wp-content/gallery/interior29/interior29b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gauthierstacy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/inquiriesphoto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gauthierstacy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/inquiriesphoto.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Christina Oliver, <a href="http://www.oliverinteriors.com/" target="_blank">Oliver Interiors</a>, Newton, Massachusetts<br /><br /> <div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2733626/Award-Winning-Kitchen-in-Boston-traditional-kitchen-boston"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/e60164990112def4_8-1220/traditional-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/boston" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Boston Interior Designers & Decorators</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/minicoy/oliver-interiors-llc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Oliver Interiors, LLC</a></small></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oliverinteriors.com/images/image_big_r_a-frame_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.oliverinteriors.com/images/image_big_r_a-frame_02.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Rosemary Porto, Poggenpohl Boston, Massachusetts<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2654355/Kitchen-Central-modern-kitchen-boston"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/9a9140120109910e_8-1458/modern-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Modern Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/c/Boston--MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Boston Kitchen & Bath Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlboston/poggenpohl-boston" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl Boston</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/4481392/Vermont-Lake-House-contemporary-kitchen-other-metro"><img border="0" height="846" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/2ce1c69c01cb3e30_8-4230/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/c/Boston--MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Boston Kitchen & Bath Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlboston/poggenpohl-boston" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl Boston</a></small></div><br /><br /></div><div style="font: normal 12px Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony at the State Room in <span __postbox-detected-content="__postbox-detected-date" class="__postbox-detected-content __postbox-detected-date" style="color: black; display: inline; font-size: inherit; padding: 0pt;">Boston on Wednesday, November 5.</span> Tickets can purchased on the <a href="http://echo3.bluehornet.com/ct/22777708:22690625811:m:1:537699658:B3707DCF6EF7A2488FF030525A2E3743:r" target="_blank"><i>New England Home</i> website</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcw7O23NcEAwbvJ3gj27K4TGN4-6EWt9pqKEpB8rxdCnHWu_aKL5BS19TyNHJjiuyhL9sXbtBZiP8fbSjzKOswlPLEP78TrnK9NZzk2WUJzKg3jF0c0aB1EpVHEarr3ZsboNy9Tha04Y/s1600/Linda+sig2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcw7O23NcEAwbvJ3gj27K4TGN4-6EWt9pqKEpB8rxdCnHWu_aKL5BS19TyNHJjiuyhL9sXbtBZiP8fbSjzKOswlPLEP78TrnK9NZzk2WUJzKg3jF0c0aB1EpVHEarr3ZsboNy9Tha04Y/s1600/Linda+sig2.JPG" /></a></div></div>

Big Congrats to the New England Design Hall of Fame 2014 Inductees

Shown above: Christina Oliver, Susan Stacy, Dinya...

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Friday Pretty for a Frigid Day

<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/AVvXsEgCEMM1qX2W9It-Vxrsr90QRPLlm5tYugxPjB1IKiBFZHsJKGYs0v1nlmOnJ0ePwSIBFU1dpDemEUe2YuciIAJc3LmwgkU69ZV3vzlm4OxiwHEAx5owfDqynG2IxQ3NkSAeLdmydQ3D2hA/s1600/1010195_10202827224817562_495045658_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEMM1qX2W9It-Vxrsr90QRPLlm5tYugxPjB1IKiBFZHsJKGYs0v1nlmOnJ0ePwSIBFU1dpDemEUe2YuciIAJc3LmwgkU69ZV3vzlm4OxiwHEAx5owfDqynG2IxQ3NkSAeLdmydQ3D2hA/s1600/1010195_10202827224817562_495045658_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />The Polar Vortex appears to be in full swing and we've had a little bit of snow every day this week - ugh. I bought myself these pretty flowers yesterday to combat the frigid temps outside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKU3Ldm-CezIVhEufkD3_GwqIqBnHFcgpWdnrPPVa_eGyxQO0EMPRbIa7LQEsDYIANzApf6sHui6NhCUwfYEyZvfoar9GzkZSyyRFws63q_DJjmt44DJftXPWRD36aZ6X4JFVde0IBZQ/s1600/RoyRoy+in+Red.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKU3Ldm-CezIVhEufkD3_GwqIqBnHFcgpWdnrPPVa_eGyxQO0EMPRbIa7LQEsDYIANzApf6sHui6NhCUwfYEyZvfoar9GzkZSyyRFws63q_DJjmt44DJftXPWRD36aZ6X4JFVde0IBZQ/s1600/RoyRoy+in+Red.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Even RoyRoy is sick and tired of it all. Today we went out for a little walk and he turned for home when a gust of wind hit him.<br /><br />I don't know about you, but I'm in need of some pretty today.<br /><br />"Up and coming" designers Anne Maxwell Foster and Suysel dePedro Cunningham of <a href="http://tiltonfenwick.com/" target="_blank">Tilton Fenwick</a> have launched their first fabric line with <a href="http://www.duralee.com/DuraleeDesigners/Tilton-Fenwick.htm" target="_blank">Duralee</a>. I put "up and coming" in quotes because that's how they are referred to in other articles and while they are young and a relatively new firm (5 or so years in business together) the fact that they have a fabric line with a major fabric house shows that have pretty much arrived and are not "up and coming". Anyway, their designs are a combination of whimsical yet also very traditional and could be used in a wide variety of applications.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://editoratlarge-production.s3.amazonaws.com//system/photos/10394/images/large/Tilton%20Fenwick%20for%20Duralee%20(5).JPG?1389981019" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://editoratlarge-production.s3.amazonaws.com//system/photos/10394/images/large/Tilton%20Fenwick%20for%20Duralee%20(5).JPG?1389981019" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://editoratlarge-production.s3.amazonaws.com//system/photos/10395/images/large/Tilton%20Fenwick%20for%20Duralee%20(7).JPG?1389981052" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://editoratlarge-production.s3.amazonaws.com//system/photos/10395/images/large/Tilton%20Fenwick%20for%20Duralee%20(7).JPG?1389981052" /></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://editoratlarge-production.s3.amazonaws.com//system/photos/10396/images/large/Tilton%20Fenwick%20for%20Duralee%20(8).JPG?1389981082" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://editoratlarge-production.s3.amazonaws.com//system/photos/10396/images/large/Tilton%20Fenwick%20for%20Duralee%20(8).JPG?1389981082" /></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: left;">And in other pretty: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">                                 <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/m4/11-hbx-floral-skirted-table-sommers-0314-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/m4/11-hbx-floral-skirted-table-sommers-0314-lgn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">design by Ruthie Sommers; photo by Simon Watson</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">                                          <a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/c8/28/e1c82845f14bc13239ce5c6d19484dc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/c8/28/e1c82845f14bc13239ce5c6d19484dc1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from Veranda; photo by Casey Sills</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;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6b/20/30/6b2030b55e065f200bff0095cb20fe28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6b/20/30/6b2030b55e065f200bff0095cb20fe28.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Veranda Magazine, 2011</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;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f9/4c/14/f94c147ccffb41840d7109ba959bd217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f9/4c/14/f94c147ccffb41840d7109ba959bd217.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Barcelona, Travel and Transitions</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/f4/6b/8cf46b6839089f3456b93fb57dbcbae9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/f4/6b/8cf46b6839089f3456b93fb57dbcbae9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">John Saladnino, Veranda Magazine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ah, that makes me feel a little bit better! Have a nice weekend everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">                                                   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPtw1yURszH5ZMSpDfmxldxmWFrBEsRH1nuc1BtYDF1w6p1F0EUzsYcWvnW0X2qObD4pMyjftBArjGXXyuSo0fDskAM8pTWhHO_dXkLqja6NLgCc6pD0jzKQvDMFg4pibXLTyAkhJI1w/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPtw1yURszH5ZMSpDfmxldxmWFrBEsRH1nuc1BtYDF1w6p1F0EUzsYcWvnW0X2qObD4pMyjftBArjGXXyuSo0fDskAM8pTWhHO_dXkLqja6NLgCc6pD0jzKQvDMFg4pibXLTyAkhJI1w/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Friday Pretty for a Frigid Day

The Polar Vortex appears to be in full swing and we've had a little bit of snow every day this week - ugh. I bought myself these pretty ...

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Howard Slatkin's "Fifth Avenue Style" Where more is more and design lessons abound

<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><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vendomepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/FifthAve_cover_web3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.vendomepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/FifthAve_cover_web3.jpg" /></a></div><br />One of my favorite books of late 2013 is "Fifth Avenue Style" by interior designer, and fabulous Instagram user, Howard Slatkin, published by The Vendome Press. The book, shot by Tria Giovan, focuses on Howard's own New York apartment and is a feast for the eyes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.agentofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/10/tumblr_msseks2vdg1qhptmvo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.agentofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/10/tumblr_msseks2vdg1qhptmvo1_500.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.agentofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/10/tumblr_msseks2vdg1qhptmvo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Photo by David Solodukho</div><br />First, let me say that this book was the most beautifully packaged book I've ever received. It highlighted Howard's devotion to style and detail. It came wrapped like a gift and was just such a treat to open up and dive into.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF-RNziJqg6jTHesemjJFE8J9aQ0FYYs3pvOwRYcV5qMUJJdeTX4OZVO8Ivh-0tI7h_xVtmnLJ2Bn4L_bgq2uNS1ohV-PNkvQYg17zWIN4jCK7ZFk-4b5x5V-4hyphenhyphenQlc4iqycRWvrzliY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF-RNziJqg6jTHesemjJFE8J9aQ0FYYs3pvOwRYcV5qMUJJdeTX4OZVO8Ivh-0tI7h_xVtmnLJ2Bn4L_bgq2uNS1ohV-PNkvQYg17zWIN4jCK7ZFk-4b5x5V-4hyphenhyphenQlc4iqycRWvrzliY/s1600/photo.JPG" width="563" /></a></div><br />Tthis isn't just another coffee table book bursting with pretty pictures - though of course its chock full of those too!It's a lesson in practical design solutions for creating unique, personal rooms that are also comfortable and functional. The importance of function comes up right in Howard's introduction with his appeal for the importance of the "service rooms". "<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">I've always felt that getting all the "back areas" right was essential to living well. Today, however, too many people - including architects - seem more inclined to dedicate as much square footage as possible to the living room or entry or staircase, while skimping on pantries, closets and service areas. The result, in my opinion, is disorganization and the tail wagging the dog: large public rooms, but not a beautifully run or organized household.   </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">                                                                    ~ Howard Slatkin</blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vendomepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/FifthAvenueStyle_spreads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://www.vendomepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/FifthAvenueStyle_spreads.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Each area of the house is profiled through the book including before photos, floor plans, elevations, and inspiration boards. Though the apartment is filled with amazing antiques and collections, the close up photography shows framed and unframed family photos throughout.<br /><br />From Howard's <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/howardslatkin/fifth-avenue-stylebook/" target="_blank">Pinterest Page</a>:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/47/76/cc/4776cc8dca0433890b56674e7af8af15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/47/76/cc/4776cc8dca0433890b56674e7af8af15.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Detail of screening room vestibule</span></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/53/c8/10/53c8109cf7bcab24d9b09cce13703cb0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="515" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/53/c8/10/53c8109cf7bcab24d9b09cce13703cb0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d2/09/60/d209605846e041b9afc1c660103b78b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d2/09/60/d209605846e041b9afc1c660103b78b7.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Winnie Slatkin - all together now - awww!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=chameleoninte-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0865652899&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />

Howard Slatkin's "Fifth Avenue Style" Where more is more and design lessons abound

One of my favorite books of late 2013 is "Fifth Avenue Style" by interior designer, and fabulous Instagram user, Howard Slatkin, p...

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Book Review: "Designers At Home" by Ronda Carman

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YtsaXqQXwjOHIjBITRTXZclAh612Gb9tJkhF0-vs_ZfaLC66WBogF3mGCsvFr72Dds4g16oa131EciF4ouFzvqynCpCcW6YvpflmQt5H2cERoB2eeUfcQiWhX-kk1q-K6cZbRmdaGnY/s1600/Designers+at+Home+cov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YtsaXqQXwjOHIjBITRTXZclAh612Gb9tJkhF0-vs_ZfaLC66WBogF3mGCsvFr72Dds4g16oa131EciF4ouFzvqynCpCcW6YvpflmQt5H2cERoB2eeUfcQiWhX-kk1q-K6cZbRmdaGnY/s1600/Designers+at+Home+cov.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been remiss by not posting about © Designers At Home by Ronda Rice Carman (Rizzoli, New York, 2013) which came out a couple of months ago. Ronda's blog <a href="http://www.allthebestblog.co.uk/" target="_blank">All the Best</a> has been her jumping off point into the world of interior design for many years. Over that time, she has forged deep and clearly personal friendships with some of today's biggest design stars in the US and UK. Though based on Scotland, Ronda (an American) has had her finger on the pulse of the American interior design world like no one else and she was really the only one who could write a book about how designers live in their own homes. The book's tag line is: "Personal Reflections on Stylish Living" and over the course of 300 pages, we get inside glimpses of some of our favorite interior designers. As a blogger and member of the design industry, I've had the opportunity to connect and meet many of the people profiled in the book, so it's been especially fun to see how they decorate their own homes and their individual thoughts on design. Each designer provided their thoughts on the following five topics: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - Making an Entrance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - Creature Comforts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - Flowers and Fragrances</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - A Beautiful Bed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - Entertaining Thoughts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And in typical fashion, each designer has his/her own take on each. With a forward by Martha Stewart, the book features the homes of fifty professionals (sometimes more than one house) including Barry Dixon, Brad Ford, Brook and Steve Giannetti, Celerie Kemble, Mary McDonald, Scot Meacham Wood, Bunny Williams, Charlotte Moss and many, many more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I selected a few of my favorite images to share and it appears my idea of stylish living consists of dining & outdoor (yet undercover) entertaining and sleeping spaces. Yup. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKNG4c3DZg7rjbootMcpxON4LH01g3S4qHuBxyPVXcLQ02FLBXlRx7Oepdm5W97Em6HRZUGQOj7mAgPFQ800cqSXt7lzhDnRN3PAgZs-mS2SY6XZ9UVu3TuQMShNzItYDGv_JIR4gCKQ/s1600/DesginersAtHome_p149R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKNG4c3DZg7rjbootMcpxON4LH01g3S4qHuBxyPVXcLQ02FLBXlRx7Oepdm5W97Em6HRZUGQOj7mAgPFQ800cqSXt7lzhDnRN3PAgZs-mS2SY6XZ9UVu3TuQMShNzItYDGv_JIR4gCKQ/s640/DesginersAtHome_p149R.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celerie Kemble </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSp1RYEmxuMT6OORji9zPrG70wWHwSOWzu-HdHhnguQDnjmcumqsi_EaeMc3OF-joWijFoE8nDhkf-9yU4_d48nWTWQFT-4bB4jugGrhzEIBd8ARvTW2q_h-hhIUoNlT6xnKmmKN8aPE/s1600/DesignersAtHome_p087+btm+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSp1RYEmxuMT6OORji9zPrG70wWHwSOWzu-HdHhnguQDnjmcumqsi_EaeMc3OF-joWijFoE8nDhkf-9yU4_d48nWTWQFT-4bB4jugGrhzEIBd8ARvTW2q_h-hhIUoNlT6xnKmmKN8aPE/s640/DesignersAtHome_p087+btm+right.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ken Fulk </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPtemmQdAaLBsWVjq85Yp6IbE-HaaFQeSrwWrK1p4GjNqdqLY8tnmoZ89lS4tJlu7B_AEOS0IImLGrej8dOSDaCkM1hnW-IcGy490dfY0AjOEKduZ8jA_8RPr9rEXlkp18zcF9qfXQYk/s1600/DesignersAtHome_p197+top+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPtemmQdAaLBsWVjq85Yp6IbE-HaaFQeSrwWrK1p4GjNqdqLY8tnmoZ89lS4tJlu7B_AEOS0IImLGrej8dOSDaCkM1hnW-IcGy490dfY0AjOEKduZ8jA_8RPr9rEXlkp18zcF9qfXQYk/s640/DesignersAtHome_p197+top+right.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> David Oliver</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALL4m9qsEUt00P_IlUxvu22k6fH4HCBAPE9fhwkWr-JZzdP_5247FCL0BOt5U4D3igIgMaUu61z3o2eJZyn1QavrXfjK0ZEReHoNZGhyIcWhw0u0wp3B8d78ohfjuPRKnFiExfe9ZuWU/s1600/DesignersAtHome_p291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALL4m9qsEUt00P_IlUxvu22k6fH4HCBAPE9fhwkWr-JZzdP_5247FCL0BOt5U4D3igIgMaUu61z3o2eJZyn1QavrXfjK0ZEReHoNZGhyIcWhw0u0wp3B8d78ohfjuPRKnFiExfe9ZuWU/s640/DesignersAtHome_p291.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bunny Williams</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aside from being able to go inside our favorite designer's homes, the range of the design styles is broad as is the geographic regions they cover, which is a lot of fun. Overall, the rooms shown range from traditional to eclectic, casual to formal, with no truly modern design shown (which will certainly be a downside for some). One criticism I have is that for the designer's who show more than one house, the photos aren't marked as to which house each is from.  Maybe I'm lazy, but I'd rather the photo be marked than have to figure it out based on context of the text, or foliage outside the windows. But that's a very small criticism. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The size of the book is notable in that it's smaller and lighter than the average "coffee table" design book and as a result is easy to handle and read. While the photos may be smaller than some of the larger, glossier tomes on the market, I found this size much easier to deal with and more likely to be read entirely through. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, a big congrats to Ronda - this is an amazing accomplishment! Ronda has been touring the US all summer doing book signings, which are noted on her <a href="http://www.allthebestblog.co.uk/" target="_blank">blog</a>.</div><br />You can buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0847840093/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0847840093&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0847840093" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> here. <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>

Book Review: "Designers At Home" by Ronda Carman

  I've been remiss by not posting about © Designers At Home by Ronda Rice Carman (Rizzoli, New York, 2013) which came out a couple of mo...

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A few nuggets of wisdom from Charlotte Moss

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosLbvFD71-5W2z7zzH5BMv8Jr4ac8Qr_VJdeKA46xxwrDTq80WxKM92SiFPS-_G4VARpPZhUuhqKdnmcW8LOR3w8iI26Vko2slL8i6-nSXB1MLFfQ1K6kFcwkTYJL7wMkwMS01vomgDk/s1600/IMG_3115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosLbvFD71-5W2z7zzH5BMv8Jr4ac8Qr_VJdeKA46xxwrDTq80WxKM92SiFPS-_G4VARpPZhUuhqKdnmcW8LOR3w8iI26Vko2slL8i6-nSXB1MLFfQ1K6kFcwkTYJL7wMkwMS01vomgDk/s640/IMG_3115.jpg" /></a></div><br />It'll come as no surprise when I report that Charlotte Moss attracted a large crowd at the Boston Design center yesterday. Everyone seemed very uplifted by her talk, which was centered around the theme of "Ageless Decoration".  She showcased the work of many design luminaries such as David Hicks, Albert Hadley, Axel Vervoordt and more. Okay, I admit, my note taking was sparse! There were women too, but a lot of men were showcased. However, the main takeaway was what these amazing designers had in common: they all lived, Lived, LIVED! Every aspect of their lives was dedicated to beauty and living a beautiful life. They were/are well dressed, well traveled, knew how to entertain and in all things, lived the fine life. <br /><br />Here is a screen grab of my very few tweets. You can see the real one's here to access the links: <a href="https://twitter.com/Surroundings">https://twitter.com/Surroundings</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIEunkp-XiDZfD01CxAKjok8Z_dk1gedSkYtySxwwce4tSDT8tPkhRcP2Q9MsvpCQXv-weYQeCk-5x-du3TAFncQCWl-OiHguznxC19wkGNN0M3YU2qfeKRho8IjF57t9EC2aFwLVVhk/s1600/Charlotte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIEunkp-XiDZfD01CxAKjok8Z_dk1gedSkYtySxwwce4tSDT8tPkhRcP2Q9MsvpCQXv-weYQeCk-5x-du3TAFncQCWl-OiHguznxC19wkGNN0M3YU2qfeKRho8IjF57t9EC2aFwLVVhk/s1600/Charlotte.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYt5h4oUhcGf6_Bz5-YFjan3Y54H-tF_ntlqLw5bulBwOlz6zLMKuauRI1wEW5qx0afHLLvjrp72uOB35v0rZqQzUFVpUpt4xE4zyM1lq-iZQ4s_Gk38K7odlps1zl52F2cl_kKU4-Q9U/s1600/IMG_3119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYt5h4oUhcGf6_Bz5-YFjan3Y54H-tF_ntlqLw5bulBwOlz6zLMKuauRI1wEW5qx0afHLLvjrp72uOB35v0rZqQzUFVpUpt4xE4zyM1lq-iZQ4s_Gk38K7odlps1zl52F2cl_kKU4-Q9U/s640/IMG_3119.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>Charlotte signing her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0847838633/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0847838633&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Charlotte Moss: A Visual Life: Scrapbooks, Collages, and Inspirations</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0847838633" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> in the Century Furniture showroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0847838633/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373493&creativeASIN=0847838633&link_code=am3&tag=chameleoninte-20" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNhPdjE82jU3fDs8LfMdU6TbXqwnQlTUgFYXQL4nY-j5jIWh45C8ltB6JLb5r1G62x4jPdMjnhBBQil011HL_maVAR6dfrM4sfLm1nJQRq5LcRXsGMpHFziF2AvcvBFhg2dRzkU4zzEw/s400/CharlotteMoss_AVisualLife_cover.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Charlotte is famous for her passion for scrapbooking - her whole book above features some of her amazing collages. She collects images from literally everywhere and has volume after volume filled with her creations - sorted by color, theme, you name it. As she says, her glue stick is her best friend (or something like that).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.centuryfurniture.com/prod-images/I2E-636_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.centuryfurniture.com/prod-images/I2E-636_medium.jpg" /></a></div><br />One of her pieces for Century Furniture is the <a href="http://www.centuryfurniture.com/Gallery/ShowItem.aspx?sku=I2E-636&Section=" target="_blank">Tupelo Scrap Booking Table</a>. I'd seen it online and it didn't really call out to me till I saw it in the showroom. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO-C7vjDs4xMZwLtsfnznn8kTKwfS6ueBgYwyrDPQtjmWveOivSYXsfkyLuPHs1b_FcSm4pDZaOxVoHnq6qgzUbT0rOA9eb6MyrGQ28-_ptFpqiLb9f3GzycCXrFPCCQHS3zii2Pch6Q/s1600/IMG_3117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO-C7vjDs4xMZwLtsfnznn8kTKwfS6ueBgYwyrDPQtjmWveOivSYXsfkyLuPHs1b_FcSm4pDZaOxVoHnq6qgzUbT0rOA9eb6MyrGQ28-_ptFpqiLb9f3GzycCXrFPCCQHS3zii2Pch6Q/s640/IMG_3117.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>Gorgeous to look at and so functional. I want one!<br /><br />Truly though, as Charlotte says, it's just decorating. One of the best things to love about Charlotte is her philanthropy. I found this article posted on her <a href="http://charlottemoss.com/category/tete-a-tete/" target="_blank">blog</a>: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://charlottemoss.com/wp-content/uploads/Donor-of-the-Day3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://charlottemoss.com/wp-content/uploads/Donor-of-the-Day3.jpg" /></a></div><br />Living a fine life indeed. <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>

A few nuggets of wisdom from Charlotte Moss

It'll come as no surprise when I report that Charlotte Moss attracted a large crowd at the Boston Design center yesterday. Everyone seem...

Read more »