Nook Cottage: Hanging Art

As I'm waiting for my sofa and dining table to be delivered next week (finally!) I've started planning in ernest where I'll be hanging my art. I have between 25-30 pieces ranging from fairly large (30x40) to teeny (5x5). Half of my collection just came out of my parent's house including several watercolors by my late aunt Bette Wasserboehr, who was a noted New England water colorist, teacher, gallery owner and mentor to many painters. There is no real theme to what I have. I like photography so I have several framed photographs, some I've taken, other's by better photographers! I have a lot of framed prints of varying subjects. It's just a matter of making them all work together and showing them off well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/db/18/c7/db18c78be043933aa31b2159a3f22dc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/db/18/c7/db18c78be043933aa31b2159a3f22dc5.jpg" /></a></div><br />This Charlotte Moss space has long been my inspiration - I just love everything about it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kWN-Np89j59AO6TLOcQGXkPd79B97AwhL-wmilVulDgotHIZfA4BcRY8oTeirm77FU2BfpvYR3j6LbAqj4NJZr-egpYG3MDdXymMTBm_j6oUsTXhbkY_3tQaakepiAH6BQbEHfJWg3U/s1600/charlotte+moss+bedroom.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kWN-Np89j59AO6TLOcQGXkPd79B97AwhL-wmilVulDgotHIZfA4BcRY8oTeirm77FU2BfpvYR3j6LbAqj4NJZr-egpYG3MDdXymMTBm_j6oUsTXhbkY_3tQaakepiAH6BQbEHfJWg3U/s1600/charlotte+moss+bedroom.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I've also always been inspired by this famous Hubert Robert "Grande Galerie du Louvre" (1796).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG/1024px-Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG/1024px-Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).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/AVvXsEgvMHSWsaOHhJPCpaZoPPYpHrFxPj7eCv_-nh9A8Zws86cgarc4UPCACU4ssY-sCc9vQDTcvr5Ok7WJC5LUNKNLv-MgkHGtxH-YhFMclazb9-vibd-S4YFrqQY7LruY_6pezTpqPHNlVMU/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMHSWsaOHhJPCpaZoPPYpHrFxPj7eCv_-nh9A8Zws86cgarc4UPCACU4ssY-sCc9vQDTcvr5Ok7WJC5LUNKNLv-MgkHGtxH-YhFMclazb9-vibd-S4YFrqQY7LruY_6pezTpqPHNlVMU/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is a rendering of my new bedroom. Just this week I got in the custom headboard and re-upholstered chair in a cut velvet called Watersedge from Lee Jofa and I am so thrilled with how they came out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXKSMUgjeyWp6WjvlnfgSmPspXbttkrje6ukkZqabTO-AXUHTLFEGFm5JiKuoGe55uDEVL_oThRzaaZNE-DtqTseoBTypDtT1eND9CyaFvHJOw6V_vwkq_HgdfZDcO47FKCrwI-uP-ck/s1600/Headboard+and+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXKSMUgjeyWp6WjvlnfgSmPspXbttkrje6ukkZqabTO-AXUHTLFEGFm5JiKuoGe55uDEVL_oThRzaaZNE-DtqTseoBTypDtT1eND9CyaFvHJOw6V_vwkq_HgdfZDcO47FKCrwI-uP-ck/s1600/Headboard+and+chair.jpg" /></a></div><br />The chair is currently in my living room since all I have in there at the moment is a little settee - which isn't too comfortable. But when the sofa comes, the chair will be moved back to the bedroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fw09D_W3vFnSShUf2MqkCklol_5_PzRZ2-V6bEGIM90jhejsNcZyYSAdb4HJUKdggsCnxAj7aR2ZVQ2m9DyEPb3RRkDmqqs8VJ-q1wKpc3WwMcHJa7sP5WHG2WYYd-ZEmGMXgPtewi0/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fw09D_W3vFnSShUf2MqkCklol_5_PzRZ2-V6bEGIM90jhejsNcZyYSAdb4HJUKdggsCnxAj7aR2ZVQ2m9DyEPb3RRkDmqqs8VJ-q1wKpc3WwMcHJa7sP5WHG2WYYd-ZEmGMXgPtewi0/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(Note: the wall color isn't nearly so lime green as it appears here, but it is a very strong green, which I love.)<br /><br />Since the bedroom is nearly complete (draperies to come) I started selecting what looked nice with the very green walls and did a sketch of an approximate layout. One of the issues is that due to the different sized side tables, the bed itself is not centered on the wall, so the layout of the art needs to mitigate this issue and not end up looking off-center.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCJo_N8mwa7edevgjpZpqw6cfcCabPwd2Im2pIIVHhleJ8HxmOzLlGIctLLVMOss7JyNa_ILqAt9wRsO5VQGhWTYuw-mhjoBzZcgSAawRmcfQqKoEUR2YJvQb8oke4wSYj4nSQn-SR_U/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCJo_N8mwa7edevgjpZpqw6cfcCabPwd2Im2pIIVHhleJ8HxmOzLlGIctLLVMOss7JyNa_ILqAt9wRsO5VQGhWTYuw-mhjoBzZcgSAawRmcfQqKoEUR2YJvQb8oke4wSYj4nSQn-SR_U/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm striving for a more casual placement of the art around my house - not so formal. Sort of a planned, unplanned look.<br /><br />I love how designer Lauren Liess places art in her spaces. She has such an ability to create truly organic looking layouts, even though everything is very well-planned. These from her own house:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/bedroom.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br />And Lauren's method of planning her art placement:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/gallery.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><br />And this from Lauren's kitchen, so fantastic!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/Kitchen/Norman_13033LL_087_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/Kitchen/Norman_13033LL_087_web.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />I'm also hugely inspired by Miles Redd's use of art in his interiors. This from his house:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/fc/44/cefc442975470f2b214e0d029f0cb45a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/fc/44/cefc442975470f2b214e0d029f0cb45a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />And this is another Miles space:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c7/9b/38/c79b381d0c1d7436b42def97e964fc09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c7/9b/38/c79b381d0c1d7436b42def97e964fc09.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />Hopefully by the end of the weekend I'll have the bedroom done. And then I can finish up the rest when the sofa and dining table come. More photos to come!<br /><br />How do you like to handle your art? Do you have a mixed group, or do you prefer more classic gallery spaces with coordinating framing and white walls?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF37vILWIzyFzLouS89L5PEPVHv0-GuSW4-54yMmYwYM5JWZIzeTq5U5AGYU0HreZfrne9Do2lkX3J7_51X2kxA1GcwS4KPSaHcsL2qaaQsPiYq72qybEB4Oft1FIKzNNqhPf1NHus4Pc/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF37vILWIzyFzLouS89L5PEPVHv0-GuSW4-54yMmYwYM5JWZIzeTq5U5AGYU0HreZfrne9Do2lkX3J7_51X2kxA1GcwS4KPSaHcsL2qaaQsPiYq72qybEB4Oft1FIKzNNqhPf1NHus4Pc/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

Nook Cottage: Hanging Art

As I'm waiting for my sofa and dining table to be delivered next week (finally!) I've started planning in ernest where I'll be h...

Read more »

Artlifting: Helping homeless and disabled persons sell their art

<br /><div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><a href="http://www.artlifting.com/" target="_blank">ArtLifting</a> is a Boston-based </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">initiative that sells the artwork of homeless and disabled individuals. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/2d/2c/5a2d2cb9d4d0e0e0efd904ac610b9f4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/2d/2c/5a2d2cb9d4d0e0e0efd904ac610b9f4c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Trinity by Allen Chamberland</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">The have just launched a Kickstarter campaign with the goal of raising</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">$20,000 which will will allow them to expand to five more cities across the nation within the next six months and to add sixty-five new artists to the ArtLifting online platform. The five target cities include Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington D.C. Following the initial expansion, ArtLifting hopes to continue to expand to help homeless and disabled individuals in every city across the country. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/73/79/4a/73794ac1d1c0ed4b9eca203c130adbf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/73/79/4a/73794ac1d1c0ed4b9eca203c130adbf3.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brown Lion by Ed Johnson</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><a href="http://www.artlifting.com/home/" target="_blank">ArtLifting</a>, which has been incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab and MassChallenge, has grown to support 20 homeless and disabled individuals following its launch in December 2013. ArtLifting helps its participants sell artwork that they create through art groups offered by shelters and disability centers. ArtLifting celebrates the strengths, creativity, and skills of its artists while offering them an opportunity to earn an income. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b0/00/66/b00066a5d439b8d6bd9469b3c0a488e0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b0/00/66/b00066a5d439b8d6bd9469b3c0a488e0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Storm Clouds by Elizabeth Cayce</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Allen Chamberland, one of ArtLifting</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">’s </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">first artists, is wheelchair-bound and has been dependent on disability benefits for much of his life. </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">“T</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">hanks to ArtLifting, by this time next year, I </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">won’t </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">have to be on disability </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">anymore,” </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">said Chamberland at </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">ArtLifting’s </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Kickstarter launch party to the crowd of 80 supporters, </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">“and </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">that feels </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">great.” </span><br /><br /> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Individuals can support </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">ArtLifting’s </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">mission of directly empowering homeless and disadvantaged individuals on the Kickstarter website. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">The<a href="http://www.artlifting.com/" target="_blank"> ArtLifting Kickstarter campaign</a> runs until the morning of September 11</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: 3pt;">th</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">, 2014. The </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">campaign’s </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">featured video provides additional remarks from ArtLifting artists and information about the campaign. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> </div></div></div>

Artlifting: Helping homeless and disabled persons sell their art

ArtLifting  is a Boston-based  initiative that sells the artwork of homeless and disabled individuals.  Trinity by All...

Read more »

Art in Interior Design

Due to a family health issue, these lectures have had to be canceled. But, we will be rescheduling for early in the New Year, so keep an eye out for details, or <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> to let me know your interest and I'll notify you when they have been rescheduled. Thank you!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nm6cjWOnkYw/UnMS0hYMTqI/AAAAAAAASMM/SMzGKLotHFI/s962/Photo%252520Oct%25252015%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525207%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><br /><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="483" id="blogsy-1383275816775.3884" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nm6cjWOnkYw/UnMS0hYMTqI/AAAAAAAASMM/SMzGKLotHFI/s650/Photo%252520Oct%25252015%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525207%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to share a quick reminder to local peeps that my lecture on incorporating fine art in interior design is coming up next week! Painter Rick Fleury and I will be sharing our thoughts on the important place that art holds in the decorative process and how it brings true life to our homes. We'll be speaking in Norwell on Tuesday, Nov. 5th at 5:30pm and Saturday, Nov. 9th at 10:30am. We've been hard at work putting together our talk and we're going to heave some great giveaways! I'll be giving away two gift certificates for a design consultation, Rick is offering two of his fine art prints and our host Danielle at Snow & Jones will be offering a fabulous Moxie shower head by Kohler. And there will be snacks too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below are different schemes I've created around two of Rick's paintings that will be on display at our talk:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0ZBxhll0xX0/UnMSxf09vKI/AAAAAAAASME/LC_WbA0LP3k/s2048/Photo%252520Oct%25252031%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="539" id="blogsy-1383275816780.5825" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0ZBxhll0xX0/UnMSxf09vKI/AAAAAAAASME/LC_WbA0LP3k/s719/Photo%252520Oct%25252031%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" width="719" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Perception" by Rick Fleury with a modern, masculine design scheme. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BT-ZMgzQzNE/UnMSqqRJIFI/AAAAAAAASL8/lxbl5riYiLs/s2048/Photo%252520Oct%25252031%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="544" id="blogsy-1383275816763.8484" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BT-ZMgzQzNE/UnMSqqRJIFI/AAAAAAAASL8/lxbl5riYiLs/s727/Photo%252520Oct%25252031%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" width="727" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Respite" by Rick Fleury with a beachy, feminine design scheme</div><br />All the important details and registration <a href="http://lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Art.html" target="_blank" title="">information is here. </a>I hope you can join us! (Now, if I can just get rid of this cough!)<br /><br />Have a great weekend friends!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZxFex_3zDlE/UnMdJJ04qgI/AAAAAAAASMc/si6Mljb6HMo/s228/Photo%252520Oct%25252031%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="89" id="blogsy-1383275816773.2798" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZxFex_3zDlE/UnMdJJ04qgI/AAAAAAAASMc/si6Mljb6HMo/s228/Photo%252520Oct%25252031%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br /><div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Art in Interior Design

Due to a family health issue, these lectures have had to be canceled. But, we will be rescheduling for early in the New Year, so keep an eye...

Read more »

Please Join Us! Incorporating Fine Art Into Your Interiors

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Art.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ_rMl8sZLcvFq9C9Fha15ljyR6zZxyx981Xz0C0fUcEQBWueGNkTNu7ohEojZ6KiuOBMWI_Rixy18eXrSov3Op2Zos4d-G16e-TPsmjnqWbm2TpioYUadJnFEJyAP9-KLijdePtSPfc/s640/Art+&+Design.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm excited to share that I will be presenting a lecture on art in interiors along with Cape Cod contemporary landscape painter <a href="http://www.rickfleury.com/" target="_blank">Rick Fleury</a> in November at two locations in Massachusetts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've long admired Rick's work:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPT7liRqs7UGK5IU3i3lUg-Y26U7HYdxcmJ9vsqtADy6Xmo52VOhLzImvFGRSECm6Cc7kzepNNzP0WPNzwu0rx3YY62pd8R7OyJVFimyey2_QJkSdmtgR2aFcp72YjzezNpEqPWjmy14/s1600/Perception+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPT7liRqs7UGK5IU3i3lUg-Y26U7HYdxcmJ9vsqtADy6Xmo52VOhLzImvFGRSECm6Cc7kzepNNzP0WPNzwu0rx3YY62pd8R7OyJVFimyey2_QJkSdmtgR2aFcp72YjzezNpEqPWjmy14/s640/Perception+100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="color: #003333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">Perception    </span></i><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">Herring River, Wellfleet </span> <span style="color: #999999;">      <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Oil on Canvas, 30" x 40" x 1.5"  <i> </i></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Born and raised in Massachusetts, Rick is devoting his professional life to painting coastal landscapes of New England – leaving behind successful careers as a journalist and New York executive officer and creative director in advertising and public relations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rickfleury.com/images/Respite100_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rickfleury.com/images/Respite100_002.jpg" /></a></div><br />His minimalist, contemporary style of landscape is widely associated with Cape Cod and coastal New England, with growing recognition nationally and internationally. He has used his work as a platform to speak on the issues of conservation, preservation and environmental awareness. Rick had a solo exhibition at the Cape Cod Museum of Art in 2006 and was later included in An Exhibition from the Permanent Collection at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, and in recent invitational exhibitions at the Cahoon Museum of  American Art, The Cotuit Center for the Arts, The Harvard Club of Boston, the Boston International Fine Art Show, Art & Design 20/21, Boston, and the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival.  He is an Artist Member of Boston's Copley Society of Art, the oldest art association in the United States. His work has been selected for numerous juried and invitational exhibitions with Copley, resulting in major awards and a near-sellout solo exhibition in 2008.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rickfleury.com/images/AACFeature_000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://www.rickfleury.com/images/AACFeature_000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The talk will cover a broad range of subjects including placement, lighting, interior design, digital technology, selection, resources, and getting started in developing working relationships with designers and artists.  I'll be creating some design schemes using Rick's work as the focal point - in both traditional and contemporary settings. This will be a very visual and tactile presentation including a Keynote presentation showing how art is displayed in many settings using our own work plus images from some of the best designers working today. <br /><br />A huge thanks to Danielle at <a href="http://www.snowandjones.com/" target="_blank">Snow and Jones, Inc.</a> who is our generous host for both presentations in their Norwell and Yarmouth locations. Snow and Jones, Inc. is a premier destination for luxury kitchen and bath needs, serving the South Shore and Cape Cod since 1952. Tasty refreshments will be served and we'll be having some great giveaways!<br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Art.html" target="_blank">RSVP online here</a> or by phone with Sharon at 774-287-2508. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo0hfO4WyVACESU9j81san8j62-6csXeiFMkQSj5c1UFuASE6Xf-_JlW3HrMETcPVheTqGOgaZFJzRxpIZk4t4XAL3Cq9YvDjFl7y0ikFDifJsjQY0ObQvW0eqFZJPbAZRpt7kSQxTC8/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo0hfO4WyVACESU9j81san8j62-6csXeiFMkQSj5c1UFuASE6Xf-_JlW3HrMETcPVheTqGOgaZFJzRxpIZk4t4XAL3Cq9YvDjFl7y0ikFDifJsjQY0ObQvW0eqFZJPbAZRpt7kSQxTC8/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Please Join Us! Incorporating Fine Art Into Your Interiors

I'm excited to share that I will be presenting a lecture on art in interiors along with Cape Cod contemporary landscape painter Rick Fle...

Read more »

The Renzo Piano Wing at the Gardner Museum

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWz7ch9wRlM/UChSqkKIePI/AAAAAAAALfI/L5j-R_GSRQE/s1530/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="869" id="blogsy-1344826800464.4917" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWz7ch9wRlM/UChSqkKIePI/AAAAAAAALfI/L5j-R_GSRQE/s650/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> As I've previously shared, I spent a lovely evening a few weeks ago getting the cook's tour of the <a href="http://www.gardnermuseum.org/" target="_self" title="">Isabella Stewart Gardner</a> museum in Boston. We started in the private quarters on the top floor of the original museum and worked our way down to the garden level and then over to the glorious new all glass structure designed by architect Renzo Piano. The original building was left by Mrs. Gardner with strict instructions that it be kept intact as a museum. However, museums offer so many more services today than Mrs. G could have envisioned and they were cramped, to say the least. The new structure is actually two glass boxes which service the workings of the museum from office space to classrooms, a 3 story concert hall, a living room for relaxing and reading, a cafe, the award winning museum store called Gift at the Gardner, an amazing greenhouse and so much more. <br/><br/> The image above is the view from the Grand Staircase that connects the two glass boxes of the new wing looking back to the "mothership". The image below is from the Gardner's website looking towards the new buildings with a large gallery on the left, the Concert Hall on the right with the Grand Stair connecting the two.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FB4x4783c0s/UChqiVw7NQI/AAAAAAAALgo/VnF0P1h8l2I/s735/Photo%252520Aug%25252012%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="261" id="blogsy-1344826800464.7146" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FB4x4783c0s/UChqiVw7NQI/AAAAAAAALgo/VnF0P1h8l2I/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252012%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div>Back on the staircase you will see that the side panels on the outer wall on the right "speak" to the verdigris green of the copper windows on the top floor of Isabella's house.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JpXPf1deEGA/UChS3YTYcaI/AAAAAAAALfQ/Pwi2nwYLboc/s1530/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="869" id="blogsy-1344826800448.5237" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JpXPf1deEGA/UChS3YTYcaI/AAAAAAAALfQ/Pwi2nwYLboc/s650/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> A slightly lower look reveals the glass walkway, referred to as the "umbilical cord" from the original structure and the new. Part of the reason for two smaller structures as opposed to a single large structure was so as not to overpower the original building. The museum entrance is in the new building and you walk through the glass enclosed walkway, with full garden views, into the famous Gardner Courtyard. A beautiful transition from new to old.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T9nS1nvm05o/UChTEGzLOuI/AAAAAAAALfY/7aaRJazfGcg/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1344826800464.6802" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T9nS1nvm05o/UChTEGzLOuI/AAAAAAAALfY/7aaRJazfGcg/s650/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" width="650"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DKNaS8XRSBo/UChThyr9NWI/AAAAAAAALfw/pS5NxFogbaU/s1669/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="598" id="blogsy-1344826800463.2134" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DKNaS8XRSBo/UChThyr9NWI/AAAAAAAALfw/pS5NxFogbaU/s650/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" width="650"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">And taking a step back, here is the beautiful stairway. The original plan was for the stair treads to be glass as well, but apparently the Boston authorities had other ideas. So they used slate (I beleive) instead. I love the juxtaposition of history and modernity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PmcBvbgf308/UChSfHRtH4I/AAAAAAAALfA/suDMRxAitH4/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A34%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="469" id="blogsy-1344826800444.4802" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PmcBvbgf308/UChSfHRtH4I/AAAAAAAALfA/suDMRxAitH4/s649/Photo%252520Jul%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A34%252520AM.jpg" width="649"></a></div> I took this final image in the greenhouse in the new wing. The greenhouse is really spectacular and my photos simply did not do it justice. They let us walk through it and the aroma was unbelievable. <br/><br/> So, run, do not walk to the <a href="http://www.gardnermuseum.org/" target="_self" title="">Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum</a> - it's worth the trip from wherever you are. <br/><br/> <br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

The Renzo Piano Wing at the Gardner Museum

As I've previously shared, I spent a lovely evening a few weeks ago getting the cook's tour of the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum...

Read more »

A Little Friday Pretty: The prettiest rugs and pillows you ever did see

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQRb7Kg8r5EvezEPjkv8wjjGDvLf00wZWcpUC9P5Xrqs6J5ID7GA-Fvx-UomUlzIozaGcLd_kAlwt7svj9cWPd87hPWgExHLGbBrrs_a1TQGQC5P7wIZGZL_WWZrY3iaVm5Zj23Je4f3r/s1600/DSCN6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQRb7Kg8r5EvezEPjkv8wjjGDvLf00wZWcpUC9P5Xrqs6J5ID7GA-Fvx-UomUlzIozaGcLd_kAlwt7svj9cWPd87hPWgExHLGbBrrs_a1TQGQC5P7wIZGZL_WWZrY3iaVm5Zj23Je4f3r/s640/DSCN6049.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">L</span></span></b>ast month, I attended the <a href="http://ad2021.com/index.html" target="_blank">AD20/21</a> (Art & Design of the 20th and 21st centuries) show in Boston and nearly fell off my high heels when I came upon these amazing new rugs from <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/" target="_blank">Landry and Arcari</a>. L&A is widely known for their beautiful collection of oriental carpets hand selected and commissioned from sources all over the Middle East and India. There is no question that this new collection of rugs belonged in an art show and are certainly beautiful enough to hang on a wall as the focal point of a space - although they are made to be walked on!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGmGAUt1yderB4QJdJa2tmHMzRV5KMfcka3NAvuFyqOfn99DB7y0Ru1EQCTc_SYYXQjG4y5rPp9H3ljlGyuWcDJ1vHRyXcMt26TGw2P9IB6S82UPvX8cXQ6ES6DU4u_z4dkUuSTF3_3Jr/s1600/DSCN6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGmGAUt1yderB4QJdJa2tmHMzRV5KMfcka3NAvuFyqOfn99DB7y0Ru1EQCTc_SYYXQjG4y5rPp9H3ljlGyuWcDJ1vHRyXcMt26TGw2P9IB6S82UPvX8cXQ6ES6DU4u_z4dkUuSTF3_3Jr/s640/DSCN6048.JPG" width="436" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>here is a touch of Monet at Giverny, only ramped up a few notches in these pieces. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVF8ege0pMXjQVuqwx_jGMvRJ-oPOeWEpgWefAJ7eIdkJfXu9grGGy2qO8qhvJgvrmrn6tnoIEWGRH1nHIlGWdNlWcqLZje3TXS4l2Wv_7tp0ujzgsi-HBAxyBYiyKPp7XJN3r_xfLdqN/s1600/DSCN6050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVF8ege0pMXjQVuqwx_jGMvRJ-oPOeWEpgWefAJ7eIdkJfXu9grGGy2qO8qhvJgvrmrn6tnoIEWGRH1nHIlGWdNlWcqLZje3TXS4l2Wv_7tp0ujzgsi-HBAxyBYiyKPp7XJN3r_xfLdqN/s640/DSCN6050.jpg" width="538" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">M</span></span></b>uch like expressionist art, these rugs depict natural scenes that come fully into view at a distance, but are certainly amazing to look at up close. The detail below is an macro shot of the middle right edge of the carpet above. The many shades of green wool combine to create a visual texture. They also employ different weight wools and knotting techniques for added textural interest. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_SJiDbTlpJ5vNbf2L8hd-paA6pSuIsbLXXLNgDYI6jvvAtapc_fI5KFFYJmaRbCJs6nzGxwrJhwRHBLQCPnpw6_X50G7sIJiOFCVLo2DdZFgCyNQ9enV5onsMeDA19KtpbsmCOeutGrF/s1600/DSCN6051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_SJiDbTlpJ5vNbf2L8hd-paA6pSuIsbLXXLNgDYI6jvvAtapc_fI5KFFYJmaRbCJs6nzGxwrJhwRHBLQCPnpw6_X50G7sIJiOFCVLo2DdZFgCyNQ9enV5onsMeDA19KtpbsmCOeutGrF/s640/DSCN6051.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he colors in the rug below are were just amazing. Unfortunately, I've misplaced my notes from my chat with owner Jerry Arcari so have no details and these rugs aren't yet on their website, but I'm sure information will be there soon enough.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs3LLs_WQFGTpYAvtyn0I5MxSBRKLLOyVFeNL7KC_k8DA8aaX_Hhj1Z8jzQVpSnsz2wRyPY1wD3z6cGv2SGEFRZ3H1f0I7yXg9O4YRwcr-5d1YDzbTk4d_fQxqgkya80gubc1Q6OmkOF7/s1600/DSCN6053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs3LLs_WQFGTpYAvtyn0I5MxSBRKLLOyVFeNL7KC_k8DA8aaX_Hhj1Z8jzQVpSnsz2wRyPY1wD3z6cGv2SGEFRZ3H1f0I7yXg9O4YRwcr-5d1YDzbTk4d_fQxqgkya80gubc1Q6OmkOF7/s640/DSCN6053.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">L</span></span></b>andry and Arcari is also carry a beautiful new collection of <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/GalleryOverview.php?f=Pillow-Gallery" target="_blank">Suzani pillows</a>. Many are from old and new textiles.  Suzanis, traditional handicraft from Uzbekistan, are hand-embroidered silk thread on a cotton or silk surface. A riot of color and feast for the eyes!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfxO5h2O62YxAGGv3VQA7FBV9ZrCu4TOr3IfSGlYuaGNLQ3jo8xcoY6-D0sz8wqsCSwOZhs1_dAJqyYne7X-NywTZDkWk7Q8tUQdEtrASEWL1J0D3xR6SnTcD5K1OAeTPT_Q9Lyfb9zY5/s1600/DSCN6055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfxO5h2O62YxAGGv3VQA7FBV9ZrCu4TOr3IfSGlYuaGNLQ3jo8xcoY6-D0sz8wqsCSwOZhs1_dAJqyYne7X-NywTZDkWk7Q8tUQdEtrASEWL1J0D3xR6SnTcD5K1OAeTPT_Q9Lyfb9zY5/s640/DSCN6055.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> literally tripped and nearly fell as I basically ran towards this gorgeous pillow below.  It's pretty big - maybe 36" wide - the photo doesn't do it justice. And, the prices on all the pillows are very reasonable for the quality. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknlsCBgepQk9RpoucXdnXRzpeWI8q5jwf8_Kr99OqI9ia5v2J_Djm5KvJKQ5yVJurjAq9ilgMaRJoAK5c6-31OcT91PCgFTwOE_M5lVoaexRf5Za-SwaHu5CAEvoJIZN9yNIwCT1L0TA4/s1600/DSCN6056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknlsCBgepQk9RpoucXdnXRzpeWI8q5jwf8_Kr99OqI9ia5v2J_Djm5KvJKQ5yVJurjAq9ilgMaRJoAK5c6-31OcT91PCgFTwOE_M5lVoaexRf5Za-SwaHu5CAEvoJIZN9yNIwCT1L0TA4/s640/DSCN6056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>'m busily putting the final touches on the two seminars I'll be presenting next week at <a href="http://www.wf-vision.com/2012SeminarDescriptions" target="_blank">IWCE's Vision12 Conference</a> in Chicago - which is why there have been a dearth of postings this week. My in box and brain are chock full of post ideas, just not time to get them out!!<br /><br />I'll be speaking on <i>Social Media</i> and also <i>Team Building Across Design Disciplines</i>. Both talks are on Tuesday the 24th. Concurrent to Visions is <a href="http://www.kbis.com/" target="_blank">KBIS</a> (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) which I'll be attending on Wednesday. On Thursday I'll be hitting the town and seeing a little of the Windy City before I head back to Boston on Thursday evening. It's a pretty whirlwind trip. You can follow me on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/surroundings" target="_blank">@surroundings</a> if you want to check in. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wf-vision.com/Shows" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-BUuN3H5ACMxof56XWrzdH4Sn9TmPFlPTvP4PIdKbclqr794pWLtNR9gWZE9AaVD-2DZR_c3b8RevPyeO2-6Fxnp_wdRa84MRfZvugKnL0lwn7qEZYdZnz-3Ea2djRg-ftdkXYZS0fZx/s1600/vision.png" /></a></div><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 Little Friday Pretty: The prettiest rugs and pillows you ever did see

L ast month, I attended the AD20/21 (Art & Design of the 20th and 21st centuries) show in Boston and nearly fell off my high heels when...

Read more »

New England Connections seen at the Architectural Digest Home Show 2012

<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>s previously mentioned, I did a one-day whirlwind road trip down to the Architectural Digest Home Design show in New York. Met some of my favorite bloggers, in person for a change!, and took in some truly beautiful design work. I wanted to start close to home with some designers and artisans with ties to New England. New England style is always rooted in history while still being relevant to today's homeowner and all these folks truly capture the essence I love so much about the region.  <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">L</span></span></b>ove the oversize prints and photos at <a href="http://www.room125nyc.com/" target="_blank">Room 125</a>  stand. The work comes framed or unframed. The frames are made from reclaimed woods and the images are reproductions from original plates and negatives. The varied looks and styles - from the ruby brooch to the pachyderm double print are fantastic! The name Studio 125 references a shop they had at 125 Charles Street in Boston. Now located in NYC. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/561044_3393401229691_1109472877_3399188_1641373958_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/561044_3393401229691_1109472877_3399188_1641373958_n.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/563031_3393401869707_1109472877_3399189_1334367406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/563031_3393401869707_1109472877_3399189_1334367406_n.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;"><a href="http://necrugs.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he New England Collection</a> - flat weave, hooked, needlepoint rugs and more. Love, love these rugs. While not actually based in New England, they do capture the essence of the region without being stuffy or out of fashion. I love all the colorways and patterns. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303461_3393402789730_1109472877_3399192_1634808773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303461_3393402789730_1109472877_3399192_1634808773_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557778_3393402189715_1109472877_3399190_557180692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557778_3393402189715_1109472877_3399190_557180692_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://modernaire.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">M</span></span></b>odern Aire Ventilation</a> and Susan Serra's <a href="http://www.bornholmkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Bornholm Kitchen</a> cabinetry. <a href="http://modernaire.com/" target="_blank">Modern Aire Ventilation</a> makes custom stove hoods in a dazzling array of styles. 100% customizable to the smallest fraction of an inch, the hoods are really jewelry in a kitchen. Modern Aire is a third generation family business based in California. All their products are made in the USA. Massachusetts vendor <a href="http://modernaire.com/Valiant_Sales.html" target="_blank">Valiant Sales</a> out of Beverly showcased Modern Aire's products at show. Partnering with them was my friend, kitchen designer extraordinaire <a href="http://www.susanserraassociates.com/" target="_blank">Susan Serra</a>, who is from New York. Susan's line of Scandinavian inspired kitchen cabinetry is truly beautiful. I profiled Susan in my <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_may_june_2011" target="_blank">May/June 2011 issue </a>of ::Surroundings:: magazine. Susan's cabinetry is all made in America.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559332_3393403709753_1109472877_3399194_634958287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559332_3393403709753_1109472877_3399194_634958287_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://kennebeccompany.com/index.php" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">K</span></span></b>ennebec Company</a> fine cabinet makers.  I didn't take a photo at their booth (image below courtesy of their website), but I am so taken with the Shaker-like simplicity of their cabinetry. Perfect to warm up a modern space or grace an antique country barn.  Based in Bath, Maine, they have been in business 35 years and all work is custom made to order. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kennebeccompany.com/images/phocagallery/MainGalleryPhotos/New%20Kitchen%20Gallery/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_K-1..Painted%20maple%20kitchen%20cabinetry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://kennebeccompany.com/images/phocagallery/MainGalleryPhotos/New%20Kitchen%20Gallery/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_K-1..Painted%20maple%20kitchen%20cabinetry.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://ljpcustom.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">L</span></span></b>awrence J. Perna Fine Custom Furniture</a>. For traditionalists, this custom built, heirloom quality furniture is totally drool-worthy. Massachusetts-based Larry Perna has been hand building furniture and cabinetry for 35 years. I was so taken by the soft twist in the legs of this small side table.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-j11cVm9ljwMPIoPMbTNZ6LX3TgxA2f_GEESj5uWNEp3Fpxb2KvJnmWLV_FGuQz3lOSaf8kBtmF7A0b6Qrh3dhhKa8YYtxxqfrraiYYOvilYKAHe2Iumq8DqaCbU1uIq5n1rrcbxllHo/s1600/DSCN6110.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-j11cVm9ljwMPIoPMbTNZ6LX3TgxA2f_GEESj5uWNEp3Fpxb2KvJnmWLV_FGuQz3lOSaf8kBtmF7A0b6Qrh3dhhKa8YYtxxqfrraiYYOvilYKAHe2Iumq8DqaCbU1uIq5n1rrcbxllHo/s640/DSCN6110.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">M</span></span></b>ore to come on my AD Home Show finds!<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>f 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>

New England Connections seen at the Architectural Digest Home Show 2012

A s previously mentioned, I did a one-day whirlwind road trip down to the Architectural Digest Home Design show in New York. Met some of my ...

Read more »