Elegant and subtle Fall Decor

I'll admit it - with the exception of Christmas (and sometimes not much then) I'm not one to do a lot of holiday or seasonal decorating. I have a friend who must have bins and bins of seasonal decorating items and she loves to get her house ready for each seasonal change as early as possible. I admire the effort and energy it takes, but it's just not my thing. And the seasonal Fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving decorating is particularly not my thing. Too orange and brown I guess. It also seems that much of it is overdone with a lot of fakey fake fake items. Maybe it's because I don't have kids... I can see the appeal if one has little kids.<br /><br />I do, however, appreciate a more subtle approach to the season.<br /><br />This is a beautiful long centerpiece for a Thanksgiving table, isn't it? This is from the Lauren Conrad blog (who knew?). Very pretty and can be done with twigs and leaves still available in the yard.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/46/bb/30/46bb3096c6c7bbaf44b2bcef6d375521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/46/bb/30/46bb3096c6c7bbaf44b2bcef6d375521.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This mantle from the At Home with the Barker's blog is very pretty. The mirror is fantastic and the subtle color palette is a refreshing change from all the bright oranges.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cd/21/d3/cd21d3a69f25ea20e10b88e5a8140720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cd/21/d3/cd21d3a69f25ea20e10b88e5a8140720.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br />Karin Lidbeck Brent (for Better Homes & Gardens) creates a simple and easy outdoor display that is bold without being overdone. Some small branches and couple of pumpkins and voila.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/df/da/13/dfda133e19b40d44869833e03e50cee9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/df/da/13/dfda133e19b40d44869833e03e50cee9.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This centerpiece is just gorgeous. Love the subtle colors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/34/e6/39/34e6396bd67aeb808e2d0808563f2378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/34/e6/39/34e6396bd67aeb808e2d0808563f2378.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />A simple tablescape from Dear Lillie.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6b/e7/ee/6be7eed390cd3bba1a83d397a9af2566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6b/e7/ee/6be7eed390cd3bba1a83d397a9af2566.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This center hall table (how amazing is the center hall itself) is filled with the "bounty of the season" without being over styled.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/18/e6/8f/18e68f557a63613c326f9a04043cdf70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/18/e6/8f/18e68f557a63613c326f9a04043cdf70.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/linda_merrill/fall-decor/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image links and credits here. </span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />And so, I did do a tiny bit to acknowledge the season. I added gourds to my mantle. That's it. Actually, it's hard to tell in the photo, but the little painting in the center is perfectly "fall" with her berry swathed headdress.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10730842_10204511415521277_4916925148593916953_n.jpg?oh=ce1bc91d3344375d32b01bd56a14ed23&oe=54B9FFC3&__gda__=1424775318_b747515ce6dadca27701686d6da35154" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10730842_10204511415521277_4916925148593916953_n.jpg?oh=ce1bc91d3344375d32b01bd56a14ed23&oe=54B9FFC3&__gda__=1424775318_b747515ce6dadca27701686d6da35154" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And, on Saturday, I saw this beauty below in an antiques shop and had to bring her home. She's now swathed in my one Hermés scarf, which is handily orange.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfc_7DbPm8j1hDQj9lnaVgyLbLMx3Ai1Vzf8ygZgxJWrt-TzshjL37T2IDf1jgCrnKnv_sv_VFTOKNtg9rMnBOwD0yyqMVUTONyYAStxS0KoBXUdJcamchBJfNakZ2vQW68u6IxjWb_M/s1600/IMG_5151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfc_7DbPm8j1hDQj9lnaVgyLbLMx3Ai1Vzf8ygZgxJWrt-TzshjL37T2IDf1jgCrnKnv_sv_VFTOKNtg9rMnBOwD0yyqMVUTONyYAStxS0KoBXUdJcamchBJfNakZ2vQW68u6IxjWb_M/s1600/IMG_5151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />How do you like to decorate for fall?<br /><br />Oh, btw - I was just interviewed by Floor Coverings International's blog. You can read it <a href="http://peninsula.floorcoveringsinternational.com/blog-interview-linda-merrill.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPo2QGz10kefENn_fq-PRJGzrshyphenhyphenFVDwG1ufJ_ytdERq5bYXblGIPkA3UcnoPxcZg4FPwzv7uxoGYqP_ZqIG-3bsdl4m9_1v8tYlblWYW0l87ixkNjD02q8FIPJgCUQ2QJmR1Mo-X-RY/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPo2QGz10kefENn_fq-PRJGzrshyphenhyphenFVDwG1ufJ_ytdERq5bYXblGIPkA3UcnoPxcZg4FPwzv7uxoGYqP_ZqIG-3bsdl4m9_1v8tYlblWYW0l87ixkNjD02q8FIPJgCUQ2QJmR1Mo-X-RY/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><br />

Elegant and subtle Fall Decor

I'll admit it - with the exception of Christmas (and sometimes not much then) I'm not one to do a lot of holiday or seasonal decorat...

Read more »

Moody Blues

I don't like blue rooms. I really don't. Except when I do. (Isn't that always the way?)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/bb/5c/1f/bb5c1fc908aabef651e637f58d2f2a57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/bb/5c/1f/bb5c1fc908aabef651e637f58d2f2a57.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Axel Vervoordt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/63/fe/a4/63fea47071bbe3e6c596236fc413595e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/63/fe/a4/63fea47071bbe3e6c596236fc413595e.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source unknown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/bb/58/e1bb585930ce89754d5eaf33f683fd60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/bb/58/e1bb585930ce89754d5eaf33f683fd60.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source unknown</span></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://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/16/44/2b/16442ba112ea6e18a98dc005cffb85eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/16/44/2b/16442ba112ea6e18a98dc005cffb85eb.jpg" width="473" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hackett Holland</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/3a/29/5a3a29cf048283acc823fd6584112589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/3a/29/5a3a29cf048283acc823fd6584112589.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">possibly Kettner's restaurant in London</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c4/0b/d5/c40bd5dd851755631d84187af0c66123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c4/0b/d5/c40bd5dd851755631d84187af0c66123.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source unknown</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/2b/7f/1f/2b7f1f5e88fb78e71c27f9e3dec42b3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/2b/7f/1f/2b7f1f5e88fb78e71c27f9e3dec42b3d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/f6/8e/c8/f68ec8db1021622a8aecce90bc818e69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/f6/8e/c8/f68ec8db1021622a8aecce90bc818e69.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/linda_merrill/moody-blues/" target="_blank">Links to these images here</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Except for the Kettner's restaurant image, what all these spaces have in common is a beautiful source of light. I think that the deep tones of the rooms really highlight the windows and spills of light that come in through the windows and doors. Without that balance, such deep dark spaces might tend to become a little depressing. But these - gorgeous!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBow6n2Gm-JpgHeb3vjj6d6beHUUfVLo1SvTl_O5bykUlaJ2l5q5vUqCzMQcliybPZor3ygtJrSELNCDh7Vt1u5CZy0XBDovYo6CNPS70AKHUEa0RhOivahChvoqAOLotheSBlazz5ZkI/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBow6n2Gm-JpgHeb3vjj6d6beHUUfVLo1SvTl_O5bykUlaJ2l5q5vUqCzMQcliybPZor3ygtJrSELNCDh7Vt1u5CZy0XBDovYo6CNPS70AKHUEa0RhOivahChvoqAOLotheSBlazz5ZkI/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><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: 103px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1466px; 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: 103px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1466px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

Moody Blues

I don't like blue rooms. I really don't. Except when I do. (Isn't that always the way?) Axel Vervoordt source unknown Source unk...

Read more »

Not your Grannie's Wall-Stencils

<p> I have to say that I am just loving <a href="http://www.royaldesignstudio.com/" target="_self" title="">Royal Design Studios</a>' collection of wall stencils. Modern, budget friendly and completely customizable - the sky's the limit for color palette and application technique. Particularly notable is their <a href="http://www.royaldesignstudio.com/blogs/how-to-stencil/8000811-stencil-how-to-ikat-fabric-effect" target="_blank" title="">tutorial</a> for creating an Ikat fabric effect on the wall. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9063376020/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1371428283108.9902" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/9063376020_71a6df63be_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> Readers of <a href="http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="">Lauren Liess' Pure Style Home</a> blog will surely recognize the painter's drop cloth panel she hung in one of her son's rooms a couple of years ago. Using the <a href="http://www.royaldesignstudio.com/products/indian-paisley-wall-stencil" target="_blank" title="">Indian Paisley Wall Stencil</a>, Lauren created a one of a kind fabric. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9061148795/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="719" id="blogsy-1371428283133.1794" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9061148795_79cf8c355c_c.jpg" width="543"></a></div> <p> </p><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>

Not your Grannie's Wall-Stencils

I have to say that I am just loving Royal Design Studios ' collection of wall stencils. Modern, budget friendly and completely customiz...

Read more »

I'm a thief!

<p> My latest issue of <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/spring_2013" target="_blank" title="">::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living</a> is focused on vacation style living. One of features is "A Cheap and Cheerful Vacation in a Bag". It's a cute idea, but I must come clean - it's not my own!! My <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="">Skirted Roundtable</a> partner Joni Webb shared this concept on <a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2010/04/must-be-nice.html" target="_blank" title="">here</a> blog in 2010 and it stuck with me. Joni showed us photos of the rental condo she and her family stay in during their annual month long beach vacation. The dated, well used, condo gets the Joni treatment with slip covers and flowers. Is a great idea, and so I pilfered it. So, thanks Joni! </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8897175939/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="997" id="blogsy-1369969473487.5889" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/8897175939_dc56db02ab_c.jpg" width="757"></a></div> <p> Speaking of The Skirted Roundtable, as God is my witness, our recently recorded chat with the one and only India Hicks will be edited today!! And then I am off to a quick trip down to Provincetown for the evening to meet up with my Brizo Blogger 19 and BlogTourNola buddy Gloria Graham Solicito of <a href="http://kitchensforliving.net/" target="_blank" title="">Kitchens Four Living</a> who is in town from Florida for an encaustic art conference. We'll be strolling Commercial Street and visiting the local art galleries. It looks like my quest to get inside John Derian's shop will be thwarted yet again! His seasonal shop is located in the back of his gorgeous Commerical Street Federal era home, and it's never open when I'm there! This year, it's opening on Saturday - missing it by one day!!! </p> <p> Have a great weekend!!</p> <p> </p><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>

I'm a thief!

My latest issue of ::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living is focused on vacation style living. One of features is "A Cheap and C...

Read more »

Bathroom Makeover Project

<p> I hope everyone had a nice weekend. As I mentioned on Friday, I am starting a little makeover of my Mom's main bathroom. I thought I'd share where I'm starting from and what my plans are.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755526321/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543881.2957" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/8755526321_fea254aaa3_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> As you can see above, the bathroom is not very big and is pretty bland and outdated. The vinyl floor was actually covered with a rug until I finally pulled it up recently. Kind of gross to have a rug in the bathroom, but my Mom has a big fear of cold feet. The rug was blue, the walls and trim white, and the window treatment and shower curtain a blue and white shell pattern. Luckily, the trim is all in good condition, my Dad painted it years ago and it's still perfect. I need to touch up the baseboard moldings since his cane, then walker and on occasion wheelchair left their marks. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755526917/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543844.0051" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8755526917_216a0e27dd_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> I'd love to be able to really do up the bathroom for my Mom like these above. So fresh and pretty. But it's not in the cards right now, so a cosmetic makeover it is. </p> <p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8756649064/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543847.436" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/8756649064_0660e9ff3d_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> This is primarily a one-story house and the dining room, which Michael Lee shot for my 2011 Holiday issue of ::<a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/nov_dec_2011" target="_self" title="">Surroundings:: magazine</a>, shares a hall with the bedrooms and bathroom. The gorgeous wallpaper, which we believe is an old Schumacher paper designed by William Haines, is the featured element. I never really understood why the bathroom wasn't better coordinated with the hall, especially since the color palette is so pretty. Oh well, the time and come!</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755528463/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543871.8274" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8755528463_25c016855b_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> And so, I'll be using the striped fabric above for the window treatment, as well as banding around the solid fabric shower curtain. The walls will be painted Benjamin Moore's Palladian Blue. There is already a new toilet and Toto is proving the Wyeth faucet. I'll be painting the natural wood cabinet front and mirror frame white (gone will be the knotty pine!!) and doing something with the light fixture. I'll be painting the vinyl floor gloss white or beige, and will be adding a custom cut seagrass rug. I wish I could swing a new tile or wood floor, but this is a cheap and cheerful project!</p> <p>So, that's what I'll be up to the next few weekends. Stay tuned for the after pics!</p> <p> </p><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>

Bathroom Makeover Project

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. As I mentioned on Friday, I am starting a little makeover of my Mom's main bathroom. I thought I...

Read more »

Mom's Teacups and Mr. Selfridge

<p> Did you watch the new PBS Masterpiece Classic series "<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/mr-selfridge/" target="_blank" title="">Mr. Selfridge</a>" which debuted here in the States last night? I thought it was pretty entertaining. I don't think it will capture our hearts and imaginations like "Downton Abbey" has, but then few series will ever have that kind zeitgeist moment. Starring Jeremy Pivens (late of "The Entourage"), "Mr. Selfridge" is the story of the American businessman who conceived of the modern department store with instant markdowns, celebrity endorsements, fabulous display windows, and touchable merchandise. For good or bad, he made shopping a "thing". </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295254/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1364826812784.7024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8610295254_528db502a9.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295506/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="358" id="blogsy-1364826812769.3948" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8610295506_28c98af230.jpg" width="598"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295844/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="397" id="blogsy-1364826812772.085" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8610295844_c7950ba978.jpg" width="598"></a></div> <p> Still going strong, Selfridge's is considered one of the iconic department stores in the world. In the 1950's my mother took a Grand Tour of Europe and when in London, visited the store. There, she purchased one of her most prized possessions, a collection of six beautiful teacups which have always been prominently displayed in her house. Mom and her travel companion Lorraine each purchased 6 cups and saucers which were carefully wrapped and delivered directly to their ship, the United States. Ah, travel was so much more elegant back in the day. I asked her about her shopping experience at Selfridge's and she said it was a lovely store and that all the teacups were displayed out on a counter, very easy to pick up</p> <p> and look at. It's interesting, the concept of shopping with everything behind glass vs. the ability to touch and feel the merch.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610298106/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="669" id="blogsy-1364826812788.1333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8610298106_1de018a9f9_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610300650/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="716" id="blogsy-1364826812780.1924" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8610300650_aec3962799_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610302084/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="850" id="blogsy-1364826812777.593" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8610302084_f20202d80b_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8609197431/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="676" id="blogsy-1364826812765.6135" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8609197431_82f249d653_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610307420/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="639" id="blogsy-1364826812757.4229" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8610307420_5c0076bee0.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8609203419/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="830" id="blogsy-1364826812756.8572" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8609203419_1672ea15e2_z.jpg" width="649"></a></div> <p> I've spent my whole life looking at these beautiful teacups and saucers, that have only ever been displayed, not used. Mom has never been a tea drinker and she really did buy them just to look at them. On the one hand, that concept has always frustrated me because I hold the view that these items are made to be used and why not have a daily dose of beauty and elegance? Why always save pretty items like china, silver and crystal for holidays or guests? Are we not good enough ourselves? In the other hand, had my Mom made use of these on a daily basis (or allowed a certain little girl to play teaparty with them) how many would have survived? And even if they were all in tact, the decoration on the cups would likely be showing wear after all these years. </p> <p>So, what do you think? Use it and possibly lose it? Or preserve memories in pristine condition. </p> <p> </p><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>

Mom's Teacups and Mr. Selfridge

Did you watch the new PBS Masterpiece Classic series " Mr. Selfridge " which debuted here in the States last night? I thought it ...

Read more »

A little of this, a little of that plus decorating East Coast and West Coast beach houses

<br />I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Not to be a whiny, but mine was spent nursing my very painful shoulder and I'm still doing so (whaa, whaa, I know!) but I do have some fun things to report in on, so I'm soldiering through! Clearly, I'm a terrible patient. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7hXeppZy1cgp0UkOBOKTe3ICmYWN4cVMUwh5IUXQHLa0DdXtfTf85ay4ce1xcowZ3lONNG1SJQ7-5zXZw_ioMrxiYycGvOGf0ar4vJH5_ud5c0STbFdU-Q076kSEdu2KZfpTxHCeFbhF/s1600/BlogTour+Badge+New+Orleans+(green).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7hXeppZy1cgp0UkOBOKTe3ICmYWN4cVMUwh5IUXQHLa0DdXtfTf85ay4ce1xcowZ3lONNG1SJQ7-5zXZw_ioMrxiYycGvOGf0ar4vJH5_ud5c0STbFdU-Q076kSEdu2KZfpTxHCeFbhF/s320/BlogTour+Badge+New+Orleans+(green).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm thrilled to share that I have been invited to attend BlogTour New Orleans with an elite group of interior design bloggers in April. The great folks at <a href="http://www.modenus.com/blog/category/blogtour" target="_blank">Modenus</a> have been organizing these fantastic blog trips for couple of years attending shows all around the world to places like London's Design Week, New York's Architectural Digest home show, and now this year to New Orleans and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). I'm very excited about the wonderful group of bloggers I'll be going with and will report back soon as to who they are and what we will be doing!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.degreedriven.com/images/logo/NYYU4W7BG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://www.degreedriven.com/images/logo/NYYU4W7BG2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But before New Orleans I will be teaching a class in March at the my alma mater the Boston Architectural College:<i> Social Media: Branding Your Expertise, Vision and Voice </i>March 25, 2013 5:30-8:00pm  Click <a href="http://the-bac.edu/education-programs/professional-and-continuing-education/pce-workshops" target="_blank">here</a> for more information and registration.<b></b><br /><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yik4iCY9JJu8ei9GgXbJCjOcX3zPLRiPJGydBzGdag-GsfmQ5DUBfKm0bqaBqLnRUscbS8bMU4OgF9HYg6f0DiwC2keDGHiykjaKuNSXrp6EEgjBL16y6qy2BrZMKv_i2Mf33ukFXmEf/s1600/WestCoast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yik4iCY9JJu8ei9GgXbJCjOcX3zPLRiPJGydBzGdag-GsfmQ5DUBfKm0bqaBqLnRUscbS8bMU4OgF9HYg6f0DiwC2keDGHiykjaKuNSXrp6EEgjBL16y6qy2BrZMKv_i2Mf33ukFXmEf/s640/WestCoast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I've been working on some very interesting projects recently including a West Coast oceanfront new construction home and East Coast beachfront vacation home. I wanted to share a little bit of each - the photo above is my digital rendering of the California oceanfront house whose inspiration is taken from everyone's favorite design movie "Somethings Gotta Give" only with a casual west coast vibe.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g5revTYlNqdwdDVew9iPnME2SzN6FhdJgIShB2HbCfQrvEgu9LR6OQRNairmk7sOAvAFvWP8ApMgIqDUeaogtfVv61owlQKUqjW8Abd2PumeL3ZTkJ2ejpU5apM1Zx1nhvNbH4XB1TV-/s1600/EastCoast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g5revTYlNqdwdDVew9iPnME2SzN6FhdJgIShB2HbCfQrvEgu9LR6OQRNairmk7sOAvAFvWP8ApMgIqDUeaogtfVv61owlQKUqjW8Abd2PumeL3ZTkJ2ejpU5apM1Zx1nhvNbH4XB1TV-/s640/EastCoast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And the image above is my digital rendering of the East Coast vacation home. We chosen all neutral pallet that is modern and clean lined yet still comfortable. You can view my Pinterest boards for the projects here : <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/cape-cod-beach-house/" target="_blank">East Coast</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/cali-oceanfront-home/" target="_blank">West Coast</a>. <br /><br />I'd love to hear your thoughts on both. <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 of this, a little of that plus decorating East Coast and West Coast beach houses

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Not to be a whiny, but mine was spent nursing my very painful shoulder and I'm still doing so (whaa...

Read more »

Project Sneak Peek: Cape Cod Beach House

I wanted to share a little peek of a project I've been working on. If you watch Million Dollar Decorators the last couple of weeks, you will have seen Jeffrey Marks do a Nantucket house using all retail furnishings and as it happens, I've been doing the same. This house is on Cape Cod proper, near the National Seashore and Provincetown. The views are spectacular and include marsh, pond, full on ocean and a small harbor. The house was architect designed and built in the 1990s and is very sleek and modern. The kitchen, great room and master suite are the top floor to take advantage of the views, with the rest of the bedrooms on the lower level. The owners plan on using it themselves for vacation time as well as a rental property. Once it's completely furnished and on the rental market I will be able to share final photos, but for now:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvu68s1TifYv3gsIz5h_zup-GPfOhE4nnOcc1Kfea_NrjLBMLJogPmlZCKeSoTwL8X8FJEJ4nVj8bZQQKa_3CRLopL_F3CDAVEEjoIy4D21ivZUjKgll5ONGRikhk9Xl7Be4OQby2vokZ/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvu68s1TifYv3gsIz5h_zup-GPfOhE4nnOcc1Kfea_NrjLBMLJogPmlZCKeSoTwL8X8FJEJ4nVj8bZQQKa_3CRLopL_F3CDAVEEjoIy4D21ivZUjKgll5ONGRikhk9Xl7Be4OQby2vokZ/s640/IMG_1761.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The prior owners left the sofas and coffee table behind, but they are being replaced.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx6YcIwrjiOJcTM4cgSeGOGjdRR1akyyx5yCg0TJsA-G4QcPYZ7quPmXchZwZFN80i7Y3SUvcEqpEr0_h4B9d2B19gV8Vw0GX1koJs7x4psazSS16nDZg0ZoRmwXL9lfVef65z4UF5bTR/s1600/IMG_1754.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx6YcIwrjiOJcTM4cgSeGOGjdRR1akyyx5yCg0TJsA-G4QcPYZ7quPmXchZwZFN80i7Y3SUvcEqpEr0_h4B9d2B19gV8Vw0GX1koJs7x4psazSS16nDZg0ZoRmwXL9lfVef65z4UF5bTR/s640/IMG_1754.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Here are many of the furnishings that have already been purchased and are on site. The plan was to keep everything in a contemporary style to match the architecture of the house while adding in some warm wood touches, natural rugs and a neutral palette inspired by the views outside the window. There are three distinct seating areas in the great room - dining, fireplace sitting, and living room sitting. The television set will be mounted over the fireplace and the seating includes a small sofa plus two large comfy arm chairs on swivels to be able to take in the views as well as the game. The living room area will be for more formal visiting with two large sofas facing one another. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeBi0jpRZLCasqA3Gp9ocY-tSXTFkuUiT39LHhSEXu91Xg4wcGKpKX6XwJQoJrxE_HYS4yolHF4bepXnQCKRzJsCJWGypVVOaMzvwBrHfHdDJrekvbKDsoDBNDMCEVIriTEE7tQSGkA0W/s1600/Harrison+Furniture+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeBi0jpRZLCasqA3Gp9ocY-tSXTFkuUiT39LHhSEXu91Xg4wcGKpKX6XwJQoJrxE_HYS4yolHF4bepXnQCKRzJsCJWGypVVOaMzvwBrHfHdDJrekvbKDsoDBNDMCEVIriTEE7tQSGkA0W/s640/Harrison+Furniture+board.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br />And here are my digital renderings: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQpUbh2TJSgFweAfz8eD876uHWi02PAkadUFVoNLlxUAxNHCuVS2qzfyW5_N8TEFV2yRQi3tLRd6SBz1Ff5WvCSWHeKBRfrUAzTKdfnQmqrMyd4zuzt_Bi93XsfT3Eeq5jp8ehSQxYg1K/s1600/Harrison+LR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQpUbh2TJSgFweAfz8eD876uHWi02PAkadUFVoNLlxUAxNHCuVS2qzfyW5_N8TEFV2yRQi3tLRd6SBz1Ff5WvCSWHeKBRfrUAzTKdfnQmqrMyd4zuzt_Bi93XsfT3Eeq5jp8ehSQxYg1K/s640/Harrison+LR3.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/AVvXsEhBMLIJVnZm3BS6J4LpIxoJI4nDf7wJFaH8JGcwkYKxMPExBYWrtyanIavA9dUSk7gDdPGPKkHVtpRrywP5vMzjfhsFDNJj0kKze32MGzCbqykCXfKQ1aQnZLD2yOzRGJVWNQ1SHbvm6tZL/s1600/Harrison+LR5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMLIJVnZm3BS6J4LpIxoJI4nDf7wJFaH8JGcwkYKxMPExBYWrtyanIavA9dUSk7gDdPGPKkHVtpRrywP5vMzjfhsFDNJj0kKze32MGzCbqykCXfKQ1aQnZLD2yOzRGJVWNQ1SHbvm6tZL/s640/Harrison+LR5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvu68s1TifYv3gsIz5h_zup-GPfOhE4nnOcc1Kfea_NrjLBMLJogPmlZCKeSoTwL8X8FJEJ4nVj8bZQQKa_3CRLopL_F3CDAVEEjoIy4D21ivZUjKgll5ONGRikhk9Xl7Be4OQby2vokZ/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Many of the finishing touches such as lighting, art and accessories are still to be decided on. Meanwhile, you can see resources for the above furnishings and more on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/cape-cod-beach-house/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>. <br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your beach or vacation home 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>

Project Sneak Peek: Cape Cod Beach House

I wanted to share a little peek of a project I've been working on. If you watch Million Dollar Decorators the last couple of weeks, you ...

Read more »

Dark Beauties

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/122300946100811098_Ca5KUT7p_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/122300946100811098_Ca5KUT7p_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe it's because it's getting cold outside but I'm really drawn to all of these images of dark spaces. Dark rooms just feel so luxe and yet don't need a lot of extra "stuff" to bring out the drama. The dark backgrounds really highlight the architecture and the form of the furnishings and accessories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8246766278/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717326.1736" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8246766278_c81ff998eb_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245698253/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717317.7363" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8245698253_02f42a089d_b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245698483/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717275.7588" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8245698483_5f50c0d4e8_z.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245698627/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717324.293" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8245698627_588c6bbb6e_b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245698775/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717304.598" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8245698775_9b2ac298bd_b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8246767232/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717251.7297" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8246767232_6c7bab8d9e_c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Credits and sources for above images <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/inspiration/" target="_self" title="">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245699275/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717265.2988" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8245699275_bae1cd4364_c.jpg" /></a></div>And finally, one of my favorite spaces, created by my friends Sally Wilson and John Kelsey of Wilson Kelsey design, shot my Michael J Lee for The Boston Globe. Gorgeous!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;"><br /></div>

Dark Beauties

Maybe it's because it's getting cold outside but I'm really drawn to all of these images of dark spaces. Dark rooms just feel so...

Read more »