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 ...

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Reading List: Monica Pedersen's "Make It Pretty"

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--q--5-yWooQ/T65-yw8DAUI/AAAAAAAAKV4/uEwuUIrgUus/s1536/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1337003618340.7998" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--q--5-yWooQ/T65-yw8DAUI/AAAAAAAAKV4/uEwuUIrgUus/s640/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monica Pedersen, one of HGTV's "Designed to Sell" designers has a new book that showcases her styling skills that are most definitely not done on a dime. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1572841281/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chameleoninte-20&link_code=am3&camp=211189&creative=373493&creativeASIN=1572841281" target="_blank" title="">"Make It Beautiful</a>" features several party situations that would often take place at home such <a href="http://%28null%29/" target="_self" title=""></a>as a baby shower, graduation dinner and even a dinner for a book club. The book is filled with sumptuous photography by Peter Rosenbaum which highlights Pederson's classic approach to design. While the parties featured (complete with some recipes) are all beautifully done, they can't be done to this degree on "any budget". The very first event, a baby shower, includes the purchase of 10 yards of Scalamandre's Zebra fabric. Gorgeous, and certainly reusable, but very expensive. Also reusable but not on everyone's doable list is the purchase of 50 vintage wood chairs from Sweden for an outdoor graduation dinner. I would have liked to have seen a sidebar on each project that offered less expensive, or at least more attainable for the average person, alternatives to achieve a similar look. However, it is a beautiful book and one for your shelf, particularly if you entertain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uEJJBRQLUxI/T651QJ_7xMI/AAAAAAAAKVk/Rfb93FA-IRo/s1536/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A43%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1337003618350.6296" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uEJJBRQLUxI/T651QJ_7xMI/AAAAAAAAKVk/Rfb93FA-IRo/s640/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A43%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-js2WsqTzmDI/T651HbagluI/AAAAAAAAKVc/h6GlCMRrEi0/s1536/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A43%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1337003618358.3315" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-js2WsqTzmDI/T651HbagluI/AAAAAAAAKVc/h6GlCMRrEi0/s640/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A43%252520AM.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-arOB5zT0A04/T650511VkpI/AAAAAAAAKVM/Y09kxL8uXF0/s1503/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1337003618390.5005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-arOB5zT0A04/T650511VkpI/AAAAAAAAKVM/Y09kxL8uXF0/s640/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gS9746nrUGs/T651BM1fIMI/AAAAAAAAKVU/jnjz1WEU4K8/s1536/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1337003618330.55" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gS9746nrUGs/T651BM1fIMI/AAAAAAAAKVU/jnjz1WEU4K8/s640/Photo%252520May%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><br />

Reading List: Monica Pedersen's "Make It Pretty"

Monica Pedersen, one of HGTV's "Designed to Sell" designers has a new book that showcases her styling skills that are most def...

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Modern Glow

Candles have long been in use, dating back to 200-300 BC. Naturally, there was an immediate need for candleholders or vessels of some kind to contain the wax or other burning medium (such as whale fat!). Candles have long been at the nexus of function and decoration and from the earliest times, candleholders were likely decorative as well as necessary.<br /><br />Since the advent of the candle, little has changed in its basic concept and candles are still widely used for the light they produce, which is decorative in and of itself.  The design of candlesticks has certainly changed from the old days and here I’ve gathered an eclectic mix of <a href="http://www.networx.com/article/designer-picks-modern-candle-sticks" target="_blank">modern candlesticks</a> and holders that still serve a functional need, while adding to the decoration of a space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201139/0079/img82b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201139/0079/img82b.jpg" /></a></div> <strong>Root Candelabra from West Elm:</strong> <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/root-candelabra-c302/?pkey=croom-decor" target="_blank">West Elm’s Root Candelabra</a> features both the modern touch of silver aluminum as well as the rusticity of a twisted branch. This piece is a perfect accent for fall and winter design schemes, particularly as it can stand alone in a more streamlined, modern décor.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201139/0052/img100b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201139/0052/img100b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><strong>West Elm's Rustic Cast Aluminum Tapers:</strong> Along the same lines as the <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/rustic-cast-aluminum-tapers-c500/?pkey=ccandles-candleholders">Root Candelabra</a>, West Elm also carries a grouping of Rustic Cast Aluminum tapers that can be used in many modern setting such as a tablescape or mantle. They are subtle, yet still make a statement.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com/ProductImages/menu/10456/01/338x338/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com/ProductImages/menu/10456/01/338x338/01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><strong>Mikaela Dörfel's Double Candleholder:</strong> <a href="http://www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com/Products/usd0/Home_Accessories/Candleholders/10456/Double+candleholder" target="_blank">Scandinavian Design Center</a> offers a gorgeous mirrored steel Double Candleholder that is inspired by dancing forms and balance of masculine and feminine sensibilities. This is a piece that is sculptural and beautiful on its own, yet also serves a functional role in the home as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.moderntribe.com/UP/dynimages/images/pimage/5427/thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.moderntribe.com/UP/dynimages/images/pimage/5427/thumb.jpg" /></a></div><br /><strong>Tair Candle Holders from Modern Tribe:</strong> The silver plated <a href="http://www.moderntribe.com/judaica/jewish_holidays/shabbat/tair_candleholder" target="_blank">Tair Candle Holders from Modern Tribe</a> are sleek and sophisticated with a strong European sensibility. A modern take on an age-old ritual.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.276905079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.276905079.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Jalex Studios Heel Candleholders:</strong> These <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83493402/candle-holder-heel-modern-candle-holders" target="_blank">Heel Candleholders from Jalex Studios</a> via Etsy have Lady Gaga written all over them. Made from bamboo and zebra wood, these candle sticks attract the eye for their interesting wood pattern and overall shape. It’s only after a while that you notice it’s actually a pair of ladies shoe heels.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.66304403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.66304403.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br /><strong>McG Design Copper Pipe Candlesticks:</strong> Industrial design comes home with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/18036686/industrial-decor-copper-candlestick?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=candlesticks&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank">Copper Candlesticks from McG Design</a> made from plumbers pipe. Infinite variations are possible for single or multiple holders. The copper can be polished to maintain the bright and shiny look of new pipe, or allowed to develop a natural verdigris patina over time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.247606051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.247606051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong>Fused Glass Candlesticks by Virtually Glass:</strong> Virtually Glass on Etsy creates these<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74980742/candlesticks-fused-glass-green-floating?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=Fused+Glass+Candlesticks&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"> wonderful Fused Glass candlesticks</a> in watery shades of blue and green. These glass items are made using a kiln-formed glass fusing technique that results in a gorgeous sea glass effect.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><em>Written by Linda Merrill for <a href="http://www.networx.com/article/designer-picks-modern-candle-sticks">Networx.com</a>. Reprinted with permission. </em><em></em></div><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">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!</div><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>

Modern Glow

Candles have long been in use, dating back to 200-300 BC. Naturally, there was an immediate need for candleholders or vessels of some kind ...

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High Point Market Report #3: Visiting Sligh Furniture

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5598249134_00d8fa3ed2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5598249134_00d8fa3ed2_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The second stop on my blogger's tour of High Point was <a href="http://www.sligh.com/">Sligh</a>, which specializes in home office and entertainment furniture. While possibly not as exciting as the perfectly dressed canopy bed or kicky little ottoman, we still want these work-a-day furnishings to be stylish as well as functional. Sligh has done a great job of both. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5597668827_65868d98a4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5597668827_65868d98a4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.sligh.com/product_detail.php?product_id=500">Bungalow desk</a> with return</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5597670837_e380e5f984_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5597670837_e380e5f984_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sligh.com/product_detail.php?product_id=340">Tahoe Bookcase</a> in white. Sligh offers a wide range of color and finish options, including this two-toned look. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5597671375_1ff3287d16_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5597671375_1ff3287d16_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really liked this little writing desk. Modern and slim lined, it would fit in so many different design plans. I could also see it working as a sweet little vanity as well. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5597671891_521abdcbcd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5597671891_521abdcbcd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The room of a 1000 cranes was an origami wonderland. Each of the colorful cranes offered a wish for the taking. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5598253432_0b15510651_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5598253432_0b15510651_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5597672767_2ec9e01328_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5597672767_2ec9e01328_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.sligh.com/product_detail.php?product_id=387">StrongArm®</a> positionable television bracket holds up to 200 pounds of television safely and securely. From the front, the television appears to float over the console. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5598255338_17f3f724a4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5598255338_17f3f724a4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This sleek little Micro desk is counter height and would be perfect for a home office in a small space. It could also double as a great little bar. </div><br />The folks at Sligh have really though of everything when it comes to combining technology with fine furnishings. Media consoles feature <a href="http://www.sligh.com/product_detail.php?product_id=32">Smart Eye</a> technology with directs the clicker beam into the case so door fronts can be solid woods to the virtually silent <a href="http://www.sligh.com/product_detail.php?product_id=388">Smart Fan</a> that cycles on and off to keep components cool. <br /><br />I'd like to thank the nice folks at <a href="http://www.sligh.com/">Sligh</a> and president Rob Sligh, for their Southern hospitality!<br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">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!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><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: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

High Point Market Report #3: Visiting Sligh Furniture

The second stop on my blogger's tour of High Point was Sligh , which specializes in home office and entertainment furniture. While possi...

Read more »