Review: Rug Pad Corner - Protection for area rugs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqfC_puMmxIbYwCRvhtkRf8Ehi0Ir7lF6iPDX5pe3exKaVpNHHXQU-_5MIb87zNUAUlpUh8jLjP-q8g2K9MCRQDCcDZbLzj4QuIwCJEl_DzwwmHGEWltbRwngl994YXeUR3Vx939kHG0/s1600/IMG_5123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqfC_puMmxIbYwCRvhtkRf8Ehi0Ir7lF6iPDX5pe3exKaVpNHHXQU-_5MIb87zNUAUlpUh8jLjP-q8g2K9MCRQDCcDZbLzj4QuIwCJEl_DzwwmHGEWltbRwngl994YXeUR3Vx939kHG0/s1600/IMG_5123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />There are many aspects of interior design that aren't the pretty and sexy parts, but it doesn't mean they aren't important. A good quality carpet pad will not only protect your floors and carpets, they are safety items as well. According to the<a href="http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/Pages/Falls.aspx" target="_blank"> National Safety Council</a> "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for approximately 8.9 million visits to the emergency department annually (NSC Injury Facts 2011)."</span><br /><br />I've had personal experience with the hazard that slippery area rugs can pose. When my Dad had his stroke in 2000, the rehab hospital (the amazing Spaulding Rehab's facility on Cape Cod) would not release him back to his home without the removal of the smaller area rugs since none had rug pads. And more recently, a close friend's elderly Mom tripped on an area rug that was placed on top of of a wall-to-wall carpet and she's now in assisted living. Tripping on rugs is a big deal to both old and young alike.<br /><br />The folks at <a href="http://www.rugpadcorner.com/" target="_blank">Rug Pad Corner</a> contacted me a while ago offering me three pads to check out and review. Since I've just moved, I did have rugs that definitely needed pads. And, since I have a little dog who loves to race from one end of the house to the other, my rugs were always askew.<br /><br />I was sent three cut to order pads from their Ultra Premium line. These are felt on one side and a rubber on the other.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxcnpD71IL_-Vbshqe8vpcTdtD605dJPBPCVDFpleHbgaM_DpE1Zu77sc6Oi94O9CYJnZesORzoGKROnH36ImxT9ypFQLWXyvuuLpt0zxk2tmfZBJ1JiVaGmZfIG7Tuw_J_HepWg4VYM/s1600/IMG_5125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxcnpD71IL_-Vbshqe8vpcTdtD605dJPBPCVDFpleHbgaM_DpE1Zu77sc6Oi94O9CYJnZesORzoGKROnH36ImxT9ypFQLWXyvuuLpt0zxk2tmfZBJ1JiVaGmZfIG7Tuw_J_HepWg4VYM/s1600/IMG_5125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />One of my rugs is a vintage (or even antique I'm not sure how old it is) runner that just came out of my parent's house. Although the rug is very heavy and my dog is not, he was still pushing it around with his playful antics. Since I've installed the rug pad (and of course by "installed" I mean laid it under the rug which not easy when the dog is on top of everything!) the rug hasn't budged an inch. The felted side is placed towards the rug and the rubber side is against the laminate floor.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46yoyyY1nHCwUsQ50PrdMe8j1-5iPJUd3F4m7-6P1Bs2lYQyfO5WMbhTWujUUN9pMA7Ti7EjJexVqDPKT6xmiexPe8IJhw1RvlyFdnMY1ej94yaiM2zldVrJ7cUmUId0Wp-acy1bpKrM/s1600/IMG_5126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46yoyyY1nHCwUsQ50PrdMe8j1-5iPJUd3F4m7-6P1Bs2lYQyfO5WMbhTWujUUN9pMA7Ti7EjJexVqDPKT6xmiexPe8IJhw1RvlyFdnMY1ej94yaiM2zldVrJ7cUmUId0Wp-acy1bpKrM/s1600/IMG_5126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />My other two rugs are in the kitchen. They are indoor/outdoor rugs from <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/marina-indoor-2foutdoor-rug/265548" target="_blank">Ballard Designs</a> sitting on ceramic tile.  These rugs were always out of place and crooked with just daily wear and tear and most especially RoyRoy's running over them like a mad man. The rug pads have stabilized this greatly, though the rugs themselves are so light that they do move a bit over top of the rug pad and I have to readjust every couple of days or so.  But it's nothing like it was before.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYjfAnrqmIoFgybAA4QuFS-Ofp5hnVYwfjT2yKvC4fDMXCUgPnClNR3fJGY9w0aFrd7OHMvvN08t6aS3lVzHpHZg3L3N6_MmbP7snkZTgCaEA2BjyG_sfClQMhlzsF7W-HWUXNqB-iGY/s1600/IMG_5128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYjfAnrqmIoFgybAA4QuFS-Ofp5hnVYwfjT2yKvC4fDMXCUgPnClNR3fJGY9w0aFrd7OHMvvN08t6aS3lVzHpHZg3L3N6_MmbP7snkZTgCaEA2BjyG_sfClQMhlzsF7W-HWUXNqB-iGY/s1600/IMG_5128.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div>Not only are the rugs more stabile but they also feel so much warmer and plusher to walk on. The ceramic tile floor is very chilly and will be downright freezing in the winter I suspect. But the added insulation of the carpet pad has made a huge difference in that regard as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rugpadcorner.com/" target="_blank">Rug Pad Corner</a> uses natural felt and rubber and their rugs are made in America with American materials. There are no imported materials or chemicals and their rugs are hypoallergenic. There are no adhesives used; they use a trademarked RPC Heat Pressed (TM) process with reinforces the materials within the rug pads.<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.rugpadcorner.com/" target="_blank">Rug Pad Corner </a>for sharing your product with me. While I have received these goods, my opinions are my own based on testing the product for a period of two weeks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSar2lQHnnWsZS4NFTRDnguJnK7v1L0wLyDiT6_aHQxhXCsjLZpOE4Ohe4PrE88KC0v_jbvoHLCrbSFrNWTw5rqojeae3NLi4-iP8asXlmE35t1NSfm1X0QA1RCYJf9z15tfdSD0jBVzY/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSar2lQHnnWsZS4NFTRDnguJnK7v1L0wLyDiT6_aHQxhXCsjLZpOE4Ohe4PrE88KC0v_jbvoHLCrbSFrNWTw5rqojeae3NLi4-iP8asXlmE35t1NSfm1X0QA1RCYJf9z15tfdSD0jBVzY/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /></div>

Review: Rug Pad Corner - Protection for area rugs

There are many aspects of interior design that aren't the pretty and sexy parts, but it doesn't mean they aren't important. A go...

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Product Review: Simply Spotless Cleaning Products

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.simplyspotlessny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ss-home-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://www.simplyspotlessny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ss-home-05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Interior designer <a href="http://merylsantopietro.com/" target="_blank">Meryl Santopietro</a> and her daughters Joy and Alessandra have developed a line of cleaning products for interiors that are all natural and made in the USA. The<a href="http://www.simplyspotlessny.com/" target="_blank"> Simply Spotless</a> line includes cleaners for Wood, Fabric, Glass & Surface and Hand. A couple of months ago, they sent me a box of full size products to try out.  The packaging is very simple, not over designed and though the bottles are plastic, they are nice enough to leave out if necessary. The products contain not harsh chemicals and have a very subtle scent that dissipates quickly.<br /><br />I haven't had a chance to use the <b>Fabric cleaner</b> yet, but have used the other three products extensively. The <b>Hand soap</b> is very nice and I keep it in the kitchen. My hands feel clean, but never dry. I have sensitive skin and am prone to contact dermatitis with certain products, so the soap is a big winner for me.  Plus, unlike a lot of pump bottle soap dispensers, the soap hasn't gunked up the nozzle at all. The <b>Glass & Surface</b> cleaner works really well for light cleaning of stainless and glass top appliances, tile countertops,  and leaves a sparkling non-streaky shine while disinfecting the surface. It's not as effective, however, for truly greasy cleanups - like after you cook hamburgers and the spatter is all over the stove top. But for quick sparkle, it's a nice, non-toxic product to use on a regular basis, keeping the harsher things for big cleanups only. Similarly, the <b>Wood Cleaner</b> is great for picking up dust without adding waxes or harsh chemicals, but I tried it on an old wood piece that is probably a little grimy and there was no sign on the cloth of any real dirt cleaned off. So, as with the Glass & Surface cleaner, it's a good product for regular use and then for deep cleaning, something else may be needed.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.simplyspotlessny.com/#products" target="_blank">products retail</a> from between $14-$18 for a 16 oz. bottle and the set of four is $49.<br /><br />

Product Review: Simply Spotless Cleaning Products

Interior designer Meryl Santopietro  and her daughters Joy and Alessandra have developed a line of cleaning products for interiors that are ...

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

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

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

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

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Book Review: Martyn Thompson's WORKING SPACE

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh5E4NUPtsSe4IDHQx2e14nsGkPEpY0ssIq-nMq_PyYizr5GhF20IBff5pjr5_D3CplXSYkCNUfm52hUKpGL537Zs9KMqZRywjQ4j68Qe1G6EFVWOwUhfinc6Sae1t-tHTaJLWBRGEdc/s1600/Working+Space_FINAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh5E4NUPtsSe4IDHQx2e14nsGkPEpY0ssIq-nMq_PyYizr5GhF20IBff5pjr5_D3CplXSYkCNUfm52hUKpGL537Zs9KMqZRywjQ4j68Qe1G6EFVWOwUhfinc6Sae1t-tHTaJLWBRGEdc/s640/Working+Space_FINAL.JPG" width="486" /></a></div><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1742706126/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1742706126&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Working Space: An Insight into the Creative Heart</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1742706126" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Hardie Grant, 2013), takes a journalistic approach to showcasing the work spaces of 24 creatives from different fields of endeavor. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW77e2DnMscTj24lxTVY5pu1qEvpObgz9ahxyZXjIVPzlBZqxhrAddfLXRkfudP-dwWPpHUw2Hk7060UTHidtFYvncZ7iKZnKA3vCwQF-nPJpxW6-WJbrRMJo8snibbTrrj2UKy-mV2I/s1600/Martyn++Thompson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW77e2DnMscTj24lxTVY5pu1qEvpObgz9ahxyZXjIVPzlBZqxhrAddfLXRkfudP-dwWPpHUw2Hk7060UTHidtFYvncZ7iKZnKA3vCwQF-nPJpxW6-WJbrRMJo8snibbTrrj2UKy-mV2I/s640/Martyn++Thompson.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />Martyn Thompson, who hails from Australia with stop-overs in Paris and London, has been in the States for 14 years. His photography has been seen in Arch Digest, W, The New York Times and Vogue. His clients have included Hermes, MAC Cosmetics, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co. among others. His lens has captured the true nature of a working environment, clutter and computer cords and all. Work is work, it's not always pretty. We on blogs, and in shelter publications, often showcase beautiful and organized work spaces. But, as Albert Einstein famously asked "If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?" Probably not a creative or productive one. (says the girl with the perpetually cluttered office...)<br /><br />But having said that, I'm going to start with photos of the most beautiful (and tidy) working space in the book. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnngi5DH3AECr0iTg3if5J6hfcPNEnIRUWnQFQI1v-mLXFptojuSiMkfODUqMm419nyqKhmWpeyuVxlhlLNASNL_PkI2K6BSA-hnqAK8G0FyMPvqpQ-VrvUn63TCXNvAdCXCKHSC9jzg/s1600/Page+85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnngi5DH3AECr0iTg3if5J6hfcPNEnIRUWnQFQI1v-mLXFptojuSiMkfODUqMm419nyqKhmWpeyuVxlhlLNASNL_PkI2K6BSA-hnqAK8G0FyMPvqpQ-VrvUn63TCXNvAdCXCKHSC9jzg/s640/Page+85.jpg" width="479" /></a></div><br />Killer, right? This is the Paris apartment/home office of Capucine Geagea an editor who launched her online magazine <a href="http://www.plumevoyage.fr/en/" target="_blank">Plume Voyage</a> from this room.  Le sigh... The French just know how to mix modern with classic, minimal with maximal.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCq1DQaT3F-zNDDXrtHzu521VcnR_gcWrFpSYbjk3Fecr1v6Ov3J_5UNm3rRHmygK-sdTF3DR9zedSOVDpdq1NtVwDT6BtnUE8vtFVhStjnBht7LNaNn2IOYw1aN_ww3gxkAl35Z1Oks/s1600/Page+89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCq1DQaT3F-zNDDXrtHzu521VcnR_gcWrFpSYbjk3Fecr1v6Ov3J_5UNm3rRHmygK-sdTF3DR9zedSOVDpdq1NtVwDT6BtnUE8vtFVhStjnBht7LNaNn2IOYw1aN_ww3gxkAl35Z1Oks/s640/Page+89.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />And another amazing space - less fancy but no less dreamy in its way - the work space of The Gaabs, a creative consultancy run by husband Marcus, a photographer, and wife Christiane, an art director. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWUQ-tP0nZ4J-LTejz7drymoGJy7x7sgPkfwMOpI2ESWEySCdzD7S351jFPxd5PMie9UjVsBUrApyu-OyTEUF-9sy9ICKQ0S5jDvrulRlm0kkyYJDUb8ZB1QyoeciSVs4n-8vl_rqbl4/s1600/Page+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWUQ-tP0nZ4J-LTejz7drymoGJy7x7sgPkfwMOpI2ESWEySCdzD7S351jFPxd5PMie9UjVsBUrApyu-OyTEUF-9sy9ICKQ0S5jDvrulRlm0kkyYJDUb8ZB1QyoeciSVs4n-8vl_rqbl4/s640/Page+107.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br />I'd kill for a decent place to store all my books!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF25MFnriIPto4vQqGyCBAP6mGbLEMFl7ShO5xS74gyew49BggjOhDQdPcFQVVKsrCyIt1aiB3cZXutUm9FlWj2KSOjRVvQ13cByCb4X6Ny2ur2JDjtuw1LoSdzY4EWIputU_pe0IKblE/s1600/Page+106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF25MFnriIPto4vQqGyCBAP6mGbLEMFl7ShO5xS74gyew49BggjOhDQdPcFQVVKsrCyIt1aiB3cZXutUm9FlWj2KSOjRVvQ13cByCb4X6Ny2ur2JDjtuw1LoSdzY4EWIputU_pe0IKblE/s640/Page+106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg9-lfZ8LvIKNZacykhbIJykYl17_AwaGGlKuwo6qrxygkjjS6di3iX_NaJxaoGGGnfait4tF9xrfHfgvVoWVdUh_EajSeC0TNTo6IBnesH9Sgvzk_q_T-3UU4rzKCCoTbI2fvFiL95I/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg9-lfZ8LvIKNZacykhbIJykYl17_AwaGGlKuwo6qrxygkjjS6di3iX_NaJxaoGGGnfait4tF9xrfHfgvVoWVdUh_EajSeC0TNTo6IBnesH9Sgvzk_q_T-3UU4rzKCCoTbI2fvFiL95I/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Book Review: Martyn Thompson's WORKING SPACE

  Working Space: An Insight into the Creative Heart Hardie Grant, 2013), takes a journalistic approach to showcasing the work spaces of 24 ...

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Book Review: Candice Olson FAVORITE DESIGN CHALLENGES

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDkLaERx1PpG-kL0RlukKWRsdXrRAbNcjrVlt_vGtJPTRROF9zTcUqh3C7AXBe7ac-B7wcsh9VEiHuh5s_mxjgwpfuJiesa_Bcp1lxL4zb-kcRHUEp7SV8dZ2A519V-MBJuLBAwnFyA4/s1600/Design+Challenges+Jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDkLaERx1PpG-kL0RlukKWRsdXrRAbNcjrVlt_vGtJPTRROF9zTcUqh3C7AXBe7ac-B7wcsh9VEiHuh5s_mxjgwpfuJiesa_Bcp1lxL4zb-kcRHUEp7SV8dZ2A519V-MBJuLBAwnFyA4/s640/Design+Challenges+Jacket.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1118504461/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1118504461&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Candice Olson Favorite Design Challenges</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1118504461" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013). </div><br />Fans of HGTV's Divine Design will love this 200+ page book featuring 24 projects that faced particularly difficult challenges of space, multi-use needs and more. <br /><br />Each project includes "before" photos, a materials board, Candice's had renderings and beautiful large "after" photos, along with Candice's signature upbeat personality. <br /><br />Here's an example of a project Before:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRKCwcbfNJn1kkcOj9Qerf2P890ckq4N09aT8A6XnGfEnFgkfKH4ylPIM6flxz0m9ORjKMAkDqk3EE-Tnu3pLYWXg2Idks81eLUsB97E3e2WRfWactfc4BzQGA9QPQQdw9Zd9zHTbxj0/s1600/pg.186_before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRKCwcbfNJn1kkcOj9Qerf2P890ckq4N09aT8A6XnGfEnFgkfKH4ylPIM6flxz0m9ORjKMAkDqk3EE-Tnu3pLYWXg2Idks81eLUsB97E3e2WRfWactfc4BzQGA9QPQQdw9Zd9zHTbxj0/s640/pg.186_before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And After:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTXQP5_V0b64K_tpuTM0qx1hQacTmYC7aOGzGkfNScDfVvzdOZM5Li4qO_smAOsEvaStZczstj_txTLjiRvrPHLwo6dWnE3JVUqoGGITjRBHlE6WIo-xWB36ameqbZZBezLEpt9COAys/s1600/pg.188_after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTXQP5_V0b64K_tpuTM0qx1hQacTmYC7aOGzGkfNScDfVvzdOZM5Li4qO_smAOsEvaStZczstj_txTLjiRvrPHLwo6dWnE3JVUqoGGITjRBHlE6WIo-xWB36ameqbZZBezLEpt9COAys/s1600/pg.188_after.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZV5pyF-mn89FciHzUWS9-jZfgrVLrvzZDRyRXxwfQPzDZ4KDvnquY7loR2BBdfa8pyMJTKoW3CR-vrnNxEyeKXDdUP4-OBWk-Djwo6CHEdWQl5uv0x_uqwgxCG4FQ-IgDNEdsIeFA8c/s1600/pg.189_after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZV5pyF-mn89FciHzUWS9-jZfgrVLrvzZDRyRXxwfQPzDZ4KDvnquY7loR2BBdfa8pyMJTKoW3CR-vrnNxEyeKXDdUP4-OBWk-Djwo6CHEdWQl5uv0x_uqwgxCG4FQ-IgDNEdsIeFA8c/s640/pg.189_after.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />

Book Review: Candice Olson FAVORITE DESIGN CHALLENGES

Candice Olson Favorite Design Challenges (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013).  Fans of HGTV's Divine Design will love this 200+ page book...

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Book Review: HEIRLOOM MODERN by Hollister Hovey, photos by Porter Hovey

I'm very lucky to be on the press list for some of our favorite publishers of shelter books, but sometimes I get a little backlogged in my reading and reviewing. So, welcome to Book Week on ::Surroundings::!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkNAZ6u8cLW3UgcEimGnPfW04EgTUyhABVqrjGakmzZZnLLR8_UFmsoko46cyFkvI2X8rFy2IYHZKQ-MI1-huQ5vfslcVWh14EeH1E4LVEQvn6wg391qNW-MJFabRVTItYljTzTZh5F6g/s400/Heirloom+Modern+-+First+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkNAZ6u8cLW3UgcEimGnPfW04EgTUyhABVqrjGakmzZZnLLR8_UFmsoko46cyFkvI2X8rFy2IYHZKQ-MI1-huQ5vfslcVWh14EeH1E4LVEQvn6wg391qNW-MJFabRVTItYljTzTZh5F6g/s640/Heirloom+Modern+-+First+Copy.JPG" width="513" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photo via <a href="http://hollisterhovey.blogspot.com/2013/01/heirloom-modern-its-real.html" target="_blank">Hollister Hovey</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0847839591/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0847839591&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Heirloom Modern: Homes filled with objects bought, bequeathed, beloved, and worth handing down</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0847839591" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> written by Hollister Hovey, photography by Porter Hovey, Rizzoli, New York, 2013</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Long-time blog-celebs/sisters Hollister and Porter Hovey published their first book earlier this year. The Hovey sisters are well-known for their quirky "antiquarian" style (including a feature <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/garden/30prewar.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">The New Antiquarians</a> in The New York Times). While much of their postings are a little dark and foreboding for my tastes (just cannot with the taxidermy!), HEIRLOOM MODERN hits the right tone of mixing the old with the new, honoring and savoring the past while living in the present. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/files/2013/03/HeirloomModern_p104-105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/files/2013/03/HeirloomModern_p104-105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Porter Hovey, via Rizzoli</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/v_91R3lg2PA" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What I do love about this book is the honor they pay to their late mother, Lana, and how incorporating many of her prized possessions (such as the Hermes scarf pictured above) into their own home (a shared apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) keeps her with them at all times. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I share this view as well and have many items that belonged to generations of family members. The trick, in design, is to showcase it without letting it all take over. This book features an eclectic mix of homes and is sure to inspire anyone who's tastes run to the traditional, lived in and well-loved. </div>

Book Review: HEIRLOOM MODERN by Hollister Hovey, photos by Porter Hovey

I'm very lucky to be on the press list for some of our favorite publishers of shelter books, but sometimes I get a little backlogged in ...

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Book Review: Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O6OEhk8Wm_vwjHNXd90SA9RTHB36SmCeybF-GubdowUlw-eyHgmn36ULVVNIiX1DBuTGh9wjFbhyphenhyphenFJtIHrUtU4zvkV2s0hxzsgI0s2ENFMeE0yPLmtAtHj4Rz6YkinNF1XeYkYYxoB4/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O6OEhk8Wm_vwjHNXd90SA9RTHB36SmCeybF-GubdowUlw-eyHgmn36ULVVNIiX1DBuTGh9wjFbhyphenhyphenFJtIHrUtU4zvkV2s0hxzsgI0s2ENFMeE0yPLmtAtHj4Rz6YkinNF1XeYkYYxoB4/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_cover.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0847840069/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0847840069&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0847840069" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Joan Osofsky & Abby Adams, Rizzoli, New York, 2013.<br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>"I've learned that the best homes - the ones that are beautiful comfortable and that weather the years - are those that truly reflect their owners' passions"</i> - Joan Osofsky<br /><br />This is definitely NOT a book about "K"ountry style. Joan Osofsky is the owner of <a href="http://www.hammertown.com/" target="_blank">Hammertown Barn</a>, the popular lifestyle stores located in New York and western Massachusetts. The book features eighteen homes that embody a relaxed, country lifestyle filled with antiques, flea-market finds and off beat elements. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FhPlOVDFt-0ofWFEZGaJXajdT4uzzi1PxWcduddYTRTDzLNrsMFXsaJGMzhwxp-RUAb56Sd9CBqOHYTXEXS4gI3wmAbJ6-c4nByTZrIGbMb-YPcHkmfAskHDhwoHjlLNna-UtWBxgBw/s1600/Love+Where+You+Live+page+86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FhPlOVDFt-0ofWFEZGaJXajdT4uzzi1PxWcduddYTRTDzLNrsMFXsaJGMzhwxp-RUAb56Sd9CBqOHYTXEXS4gI3wmAbJ6-c4nByTZrIGbMb-YPcHkmfAskHDhwoHjlLNna-UtWBxgBw/s640/Love+Where+You+Live+page+86.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> The photography by John Gruen is beautiful and really captures the essence of chic, country living. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpf0Wrw-0pTbdS04EWWBIutOmhlAtlQjoGJtyH7ZN1U9cONZmYHUtiUpdzKpCFnmzEnRNpXeAdZ9Kc5UgET1W5e8FNnKnedTxRZ0Zk6xZuvhvyMQO0WKANrSSO4jHqTwrjs-obB2tZ0Y/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_p002-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpf0Wrw-0pTbdS04EWWBIutOmhlAtlQjoGJtyH7ZN1U9cONZmYHUtiUpdzKpCFnmzEnRNpXeAdZ9Kc5UgET1W5e8FNnKnedTxRZ0Zk6xZuvhvyMQO0WKANrSSO4jHqTwrjs-obB2tZ0Y/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_p002-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GV_Or44S-WaWoCkx-rN7G9gPXiB05wX8WQwrlkQa7KX92dAmUL5S9t4kMm1jA2t9_bKQ_vOCK_o-VyMHaj7fDUZf9oxIR4jTXkxQo59BOXfxZTM8wkUazi6fd-s9X1QZ7nhS1qDGlpU/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_p013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GV_Or44S-WaWoCkx-rN7G9gPXiB05wX8WQwrlkQa7KX92dAmUL5S9t4kMm1jA2t9_bKQ_vOCK_o-VyMHaj7fDUZf9oxIR4jTXkxQo59BOXfxZTM8wkUazi6fd-s9X1QZ7nhS1qDGlpU/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_p013.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEIytPMJ2jV1cO9drkJKfIMBMgSfbhKvYnp0Jp_rbkIp6XxMX-yu46FDx7h2vmgCVaKe7NFbK5uyGjriZyf6UVCTIeP0RYY7NFujri6orQ7cWGAcfK79pTkq1HiNobdKfZud1hCvr6lo/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_p057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEIytPMJ2jV1cO9drkJKfIMBMgSfbhKvYnp0Jp_rbkIp6XxMX-yu46FDx7h2vmgCVaKe7NFbK5uyGjriZyf6UVCTIeP0RYY7NFujri6orQ7cWGAcfK79pTkq1HiNobdKfZud1hCvr6lo/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_p057.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEp_l3_HFbjYAN-2uacFuva1nkkimwF7JtRKeAR4qKoCHg9ujECQomHcr2ZvUoSKcIDq9BI3g1mTpbcdA4o9MiLYF1s9mjiMuAlNzYmTqU0CVm4Z5cgLk5esFYhBsr1IH3oyxObmCnw0/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_p142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEp_l3_HFbjYAN-2uacFuva1nkkimwF7JtRKeAR4qKoCHg9ujECQomHcr2ZvUoSKcIDq9BI3g1mTpbcdA4o9MiLYF1s9mjiMuAlNzYmTqU0CVm4Z5cgLk5esFYhBsr1IH3oyxObmCnw0/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_p142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Images copyright John Gruen, used with permission.

Book Review: Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country

Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country by Joan Osofsky & Abby Adams, Rizzoli, New York, 2013. "I've learned that the best...

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Book Review: "Designers At Home" by Ronda Carman

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YtsaXqQXwjOHIjBITRTXZclAh612Gb9tJkhF0-vs_ZfaLC66WBogF3mGCsvFr72Dds4g16oa131EciF4ouFzvqynCpCcW6YvpflmQt5H2cERoB2eeUfcQiWhX-kk1q-K6cZbRmdaGnY/s1600/Designers+at+Home+cov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YtsaXqQXwjOHIjBITRTXZclAh612Gb9tJkhF0-vs_ZfaLC66WBogF3mGCsvFr72Dds4g16oa131EciF4ouFzvqynCpCcW6YvpflmQt5H2cERoB2eeUfcQiWhX-kk1q-K6cZbRmdaGnY/s1600/Designers+at+Home+cov.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been remiss by not posting about © Designers At Home by Ronda Rice Carman (Rizzoli, New York, 2013) which came out a couple of months ago. Ronda's blog <a href="http://www.allthebestblog.co.uk/" target="_blank">All the Best</a> has been her jumping off point into the world of interior design for many years. Over that time, she has forged deep and clearly personal friendships with some of today's biggest design stars in the US and UK. Though based on Scotland, Ronda (an American) has had her finger on the pulse of the American interior design world like no one else and she was really the only one who could write a book about how designers live in their own homes. The book's tag line is: "Personal Reflections on Stylish Living" and over the course of 300 pages, we get inside glimpses of some of our favorite interior designers. As a blogger and member of the design industry, I've had the opportunity to connect and meet many of the people profiled in the book, so it's been especially fun to see how they decorate their own homes and their individual thoughts on design. Each designer provided their thoughts on the following five topics: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - Making an Entrance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - Creature Comforts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - Flowers and Fragrances</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - A Beautiful Bed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">       - Entertaining Thoughts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And in typical fashion, each designer has his/her own take on each. With a forward by Martha Stewart, the book features the homes of fifty professionals (sometimes more than one house) including Barry Dixon, Brad Ford, Brook and Steve Giannetti, Celerie Kemble, Mary McDonald, Scot Meacham Wood, Bunny Williams, Charlotte Moss and many, many more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I selected a few of my favorite images to share and it appears my idea of stylish living consists of dining & outdoor (yet undercover) entertaining and sleeping spaces. Yup. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKNG4c3DZg7rjbootMcpxON4LH01g3S4qHuBxyPVXcLQ02FLBXlRx7Oepdm5W97Em6HRZUGQOj7mAgPFQ800cqSXt7lzhDnRN3PAgZs-mS2SY6XZ9UVu3TuQMShNzItYDGv_JIR4gCKQ/s1600/DesginersAtHome_p149R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKNG4c3DZg7rjbootMcpxON4LH01g3S4qHuBxyPVXcLQ02FLBXlRx7Oepdm5W97Em6HRZUGQOj7mAgPFQ800cqSXt7lzhDnRN3PAgZs-mS2SY6XZ9UVu3TuQMShNzItYDGv_JIR4gCKQ/s640/DesginersAtHome_p149R.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celerie Kemble </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSp1RYEmxuMT6OORji9zPrG70wWHwSOWzu-HdHhnguQDnjmcumqsi_EaeMc3OF-joWijFoE8nDhkf-9yU4_d48nWTWQFT-4bB4jugGrhzEIBd8ARvTW2q_h-hhIUoNlT6xnKmmKN8aPE/s1600/DesignersAtHome_p087+btm+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSp1RYEmxuMT6OORji9zPrG70wWHwSOWzu-HdHhnguQDnjmcumqsi_EaeMc3OF-joWijFoE8nDhkf-9yU4_d48nWTWQFT-4bB4jugGrhzEIBd8ARvTW2q_h-hhIUoNlT6xnKmmKN8aPE/s640/DesignersAtHome_p087+btm+right.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ken Fulk </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPtemmQdAaLBsWVjq85Yp6IbE-HaaFQeSrwWrK1p4GjNqdqLY8tnmoZ89lS4tJlu7B_AEOS0IImLGrej8dOSDaCkM1hnW-IcGy490dfY0AjOEKduZ8jA_8RPr9rEXlkp18zcF9qfXQYk/s1600/DesignersAtHome_p197+top+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPtemmQdAaLBsWVjq85Yp6IbE-HaaFQeSrwWrK1p4GjNqdqLY8tnmoZ89lS4tJlu7B_AEOS0IImLGrej8dOSDaCkM1hnW-IcGy490dfY0AjOEKduZ8jA_8RPr9rEXlkp18zcF9qfXQYk/s640/DesignersAtHome_p197+top+right.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> David Oliver</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALL4m9qsEUt00P_IlUxvu22k6fH4HCBAPE9fhwkWr-JZzdP_5247FCL0BOt5U4D3igIgMaUu61z3o2eJZyn1QavrXfjK0ZEReHoNZGhyIcWhw0u0wp3B8d78ohfjuPRKnFiExfe9ZuWU/s1600/DesignersAtHome_p291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALL4m9qsEUt00P_IlUxvu22k6fH4HCBAPE9fhwkWr-JZzdP_5247FCL0BOt5U4D3igIgMaUu61z3o2eJZyn1QavrXfjK0ZEReHoNZGhyIcWhw0u0wp3B8d78ohfjuPRKnFiExfe9ZuWU/s640/DesignersAtHome_p291.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bunny Williams</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aside from being able to go inside our favorite designer's homes, the range of the design styles is broad as is the geographic regions they cover, which is a lot of fun. Overall, the rooms shown range from traditional to eclectic, casual to formal, with no truly modern design shown (which will certainly be a downside for some). One criticism I have is that for the designer's who show more than one house, the photos aren't marked as to which house each is from.  Maybe I'm lazy, but I'd rather the photo be marked than have to figure it out based on context of the text, or foliage outside the windows. But that's a very small criticism. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The size of the book is notable in that it's smaller and lighter than the average "coffee table" design book and as a result is easy to handle and read. While the photos may be smaller than some of the larger, glossier tomes on the market, I found this size much easier to deal with and more likely to be read entirely through. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, a big congrats to Ronda - this is an amazing accomplishment! Ronda has been touring the US all summer doing book signings, which are noted on her <a href="http://www.allthebestblog.co.uk/" target="_blank">blog</a>.</div><br />You can buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0847840093/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0847840093&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0847840093" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> here. <br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Book Review: "Designers At Home" by Ronda Carman

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

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Television Review: Market Warriors on PBS S1E1

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbqHRyqXg8wZ8LGwoC7_ywGAwchZ-jcL0HGMVz30wFZvK0_Lk3X_yzJcx8PdrJNwrRjqF-aokYrRbY4SeTZlbW0jOGQ1IOKeiXCI4num1NrlybuFv0lxkib6J2KXeUEQmN_tpO1u2GMoa/s1600/Market+Warriors_med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbqHRyqXg8wZ8LGwoC7_ywGAwchZ-jcL0HGMVz30wFZvK0_Lk3X_yzJcx8PdrJNwrRjqF-aokYrRbY4SeTZlbW0jOGQ1IOKeiXCI4num1NrlybuFv0lxkib6J2KXeUEQmN_tpO1u2GMoa/s1600/Market+Warriors_med.jpg" /></a></div><br />The cast of Market Warriors (l-r):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flamingoeventz.com/">John Bruno</a> says “virtually everything in our home is a flea market, thrift shop, yard sale, or antique shop find!” He is an industry veteran, having been an antiques and collectibles dealer for more than 40 years as well as an appraiser for more than 25 years. Along with his wife, he runs Flamingo Eventz, one of the largest antiques show promotion organizations in the Northeast.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.millergaffney.com/">Miller Gaffney</a> has years of wide-ranging experience in the art world, having worked with leading auction houses, galleries, and museums. A graduate of the Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Miller is a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America. She founded her company, Miller Gaffney Art Advisory, in 2006.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.richterdesign.net/">Bob Richter</a> grew up surrounded by his family’s interior design business, he was inspired from an early age by old movies, attic treasures, and his grandmother’s design and business skills. In New York City he began working for an antiques dealer while pursuing degrees at New York University. Bob soon became a regular at local flea markets, where people soon noticed his eye for design. Interior design jobs followed, and today he runs his own successful interior design company.<br /><br /><a href="http://bruneauantiques.com/">Kevin Bruneau</a> has been in the antiques business for more than two decades and is fluent in the world of buying and selling investment-quality antiques and collectibles in both brick-and-mortar shops and the online marketplace. Kevin is the proprietor of Bruneau Antiques specializing in upscale antiques and Asian arts. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAht_OHhiHqTzz449ZdczsHJL6yQNnLU7kHdaqbBeik_LrD80RRmqvHJuQQDVkxTqmBsJcYG_wObVyTYnD1omcCMQYgC4Pm81kxqnUcoJbVcuqEaG115Ci1wCGAHQYkeDUCAYQed3cjSoV/s1600/16market1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAht_OHhiHqTzz449ZdczsHJL6yQNnLU7kHdaqbBeik_LrD80RRmqvHJuQQDVkxTqmBsJcYG_wObVyTYnD1omcCMQYgC4Pm81kxqnUcoJbVcuqEaG115Ci1wCGAHQYkeDUCAYQed3cjSoV/s1600/16market1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast of Pickers: (l-r) Miller Gaffney, John Bruno, Bob Richter, and Kevin Bruneau</span> </div><br /> The first episode (of 20) of the new PBS series<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/market-warriors/"> Market Warriors</a> aired tonight. Produced by WGBH Boston (full disclosure: my old employer), by the same folks who do <i>Antiques Roadshow (ARS)</i>, Market Warriors (MW) tries to capture the thrill of the hunt. The four "pickers" are pitted against one another and go shopping at a different flea market each week. In the first segment, they were tasked to find a mid-century modern piece (difficult in rural Pennsylvania, apparently) within their meager budgets, and then all had to agree that the pieces were period authentic. In the second segment, they had a "price off" challenge where they had to estimate the price of a piece of art glass. The winner (in this case Miller Gaffney) was given an extra $100 towards her shopping budget. The pickers then have the run of the show to select 1 or 2 pieces that they feel will bring the most profit at auction. The final segment brings the cast out to an auction house in LA where they watch their items go on the block. They are allowed to remove one of their items from sale if they wish, depending on whether they've had second thoughts as to the auction value (vs. flea market purchase price). Simple math shows who made the best deals. <br /><br />In addition to the four treasure hunters is the addition of a voice over "narrator" by comedian Fred Willard. When I first read this I thought it seemed a surprising pairing, but he might be the best part of the show. Apparently an avid collector of sports memorabilia, he provides a low-key, wry and knowledgeable running commentary on the proceedings, including pointing out where the pickers made mistakes when selecting and negotiating prices.<br /><br />On the plus side, I think there will be a lot of lessons to be learned about the values of items and the very small margins between purchases and sales. Anyone who's watched ARS has been surprised when items are super pricey, or on the contrary, when they don't seem to fetch much. Additionally, the appraisers have often veered between giving a "retail price" or "insurance value" or "auction price" leaving the viewers sometimes in the dark about which is which. In the case of MW, we see a whole lot of junk to be picked through, and then what it fetches at a real auction. I've been regularly attending the <a href="http://www.sandwichauction.com/">Sandwich Auction House</a> auctions here on Cape Cod for the last year and it's been an eye opener to see how little things go for at auction. The LA auction house on MW was quite comparable. And finally, on the plus side, is Fred Willard. <br /><br />On the down side, I'm not totally sure I can take 20 episodes of these particular four cast members. While they all appear to have experience in antiques, art and interiors, they seemed very out of their elements in a flea market setting. Surprisingly, Bruno and Richter made decisions based on their emotional responses to certain items (which were pretty ugly, to be honest). Gaffney spent a lot of time researching comparable prices for the items she was considering, but showed her hand to the dealer she was working with and clearly overpaid for her auction item, having been swayed by the Tiffany brand.  Bruneau seemed the only cast member who made careful selections and was willing to walk away when he couldn't get the price he not only wanted, but knew he needed to make a profit.<br /><br />I'll obviously have to see more episodes as you can never really judge a series by the first episode. But, I am thinking that I would have preferred different group of pickers each week, or maybe every two weeks. Then the winners of each of those groups would move on to a final round. Obviously, it would be harder to produce, but could have been more interesting to view. We'll see.<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://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>

Television Review: Market Warriors on PBS S1E1

The cast of Market Warriors (l-r): John Bruno says “virtually everything in our home is a flea market, thrift shop, yard sale, or antique ...

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A not to be missed book: Living in Style London

<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS__rmB2YCzli2DCnh4JTJOkDjXrUdmABMA-ogK_qkUBvIPogC6NoyGtBxOMS1-_NQXbhfDbGjW8w6JL7vqkr_oQdhg5h1OSX_sI_5pJTl5H102R5GZ7oFrRFkbb2DwOWKNXKi3L7ZvUCW/s1600/9783832796150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS__rmB2YCzli2DCnh4JTJOkDjXrUdmABMA-ogK_qkUBvIPogC6NoyGtBxOMS1-_NQXbhfDbGjW8w6JL7vqkr_oQdhg5h1OSX_sI_5pJTl5H102R5GZ7oFrRFkbb2DwOWKNXKi3L7ZvUCW/s400/9783832796150.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">© Living in Style London edited by Geraldine Apponyi and Monika Apponyi<i>, </i>published by teNeues, <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.teneues.com/">http://www.teneues.com/</a></u></span></span></span></div><br />TeNeus Publishing Group has just released a beautiful, I mean really beautiful, book LIVING IN STYLE LONDON edited by Geraldine Apponyi and Monika Apponyi with texts (in English, French and German) by the prolific Judith Miller (who we interviewed on <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2009/12/renowned-antiques-expert-judith-miller.html">The Skirted Roundtable</a>) .  The houses, many the private homes of major league interior designers and art & antiques dealers,  featured cover a wide range of design styles from traditional, prototypical cozy English libraries to more modern, brighter spaces - all gorgeous and inspirational. Unfortunately, I've only been to London for part of a single day (it was raining, of course) and hope with all my heart to go back at some point and see some rooms like these.  Meanwhile, I can turn the pages of LIVING IN STYLE LONDON.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aK4R2oLQB4BbVdbH5d6LA4pvPkhdX-sZFZ-KmBjIpnDT9A-XrterHN9aoDTRE9vR2txXmzYjtd6l5rlVP7pEt_co2UNdIrF-PlTUYX5cyhviAkGibhNREMRPbNOo4pOiOYEyWvPPIPvj/s1600/Page+022-023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aK4R2oLQB4BbVdbH5d6LA4pvPkhdX-sZFZ-KmBjIpnDT9A-XrterHN9aoDTRE9vR2txXmzYjtd6l5rlVP7pEt_co2UNdIrF-PlTUYX5cyhviAkGibhNREMRPbNOo4pOiOYEyWvPPIPvj/s640/Page+022-023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Photo © Marc Rogoff/The Interior Archive</span></span></div>Interior designer <a href="http://www.alacarter.com/">David Carter</a>'s home features theatrical interiors that are the frequent locations for photoshoots and film. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLIUSXBAAyXrzDN0B_iDqSafnLBwaZZr7QAvPftzK5tBOyWozjCg-a_pdohwknYboXkxcZDUViMP4VqAf9U2gnqsoKNBqMrqEIsxYhqPAfkNgsiNWI4ecU4L4ZmUHzS-wSrohbaG-fWjw/s1600/Page+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLIUSXBAAyXrzDN0B_iDqSafnLBwaZZr7QAvPftzK5tBOyWozjCg-a_pdohwknYboXkxcZDUViMP4VqAf9U2gnqsoKNBqMrqEIsxYhqPAfkNgsiNWI4ecU4L4ZmUHzS-wSrohbaG-fWjw/s1600/Page+33.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Photo © Simon Upton/The Interior Archive</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b> </b> Art dealer and gallery owner <a href="http://www.davidgillgalleries.com/">David Gill</a>'s colorful1900 era building which was formerly a handbag factory.<b> </b></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpTGyhjw7Cshw3zYq_wKIvGULrwPUPXbMoJRhbBAlSiKRXLrPmn9knk5Z_YIlm94ErXortVDgu8m2pEr9SJG49XmHiXauK7foNM6TcpxGfYNmMfV9moI_5oi5EnTPOig7NyRl_vMqSGh3/s1600/Page+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpTGyhjw7Cshw3zYq_wKIvGULrwPUPXbMoJRhbBAlSiKRXLrPmn9knk5Z_YIlm94ErXortVDgu8m2pEr9SJG49XmHiXauK7foNM6TcpxGfYNmMfV9moI_5oi5EnTPOig7NyRl_vMqSGh3/s1600/Page+113.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Photo © Paul Redman, courtesy of John Minshaw</span></span></div>Architectural and interior designer <a href="http://www.johnminshawdesigns.com/index.php?act=profile">John Minshaw</a>'s gorgeous Georgian home spans six floors and is a truly extraordinary example of allowing the architecture to dictate the design. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESNxzKtUjz28oBEzS1RW4d90f5lE2I9QQv1wnZUsw4qjLhtG9P75MM0IvCR5ltj7XQ_NcrxBKLJxMAr6XyFEaN5uwluvAC3IwnrxXrhyphenhyphenLNpXos7iaHLt3so_ScQd1WLPREMUpQ-R06Lgc/s1600/Page+121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESNxzKtUjz28oBEzS1RW4d90f5lE2I9QQv1wnZUsw4qjLhtG9P75MM0IvCR5ltj7XQ_NcrxBKLJxMAr6XyFEaN5uwluvAC3IwnrxXrhyphenhyphenLNpXos7iaHLt3so_ScQd1WLPREMUpQ-R06Lgc/s640/Page+121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Photo © Fritz von der Schulenburg/The Interior Archive</span></span></div>Interior designer <a href="http://www.johnstefanidis.com/">John Stefandis</a>' London house features all the rich, saturated colors common in his work. A big reader, the house is designed to accommodate his book collection. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxCP9qsb7fRNiJ6oSnKGtLYwElRgLT5Niq25d5Ci_xnMAdl7OAgb6SxfABAeTB77uPaGFwXL9uXgU5aO02hgoprNazZqNDnjUqoDu5XjHg3VySOAB-piMwU9xFPU7dM_WZPCPfViMxDN5/s1600/Page+136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxCP9qsb7fRNiJ6oSnKGtLYwElRgLT5Niq25d5Ci_xnMAdl7OAgb6SxfABAeTB77uPaGFwXL9uXgU5aO02hgoprNazZqNDnjUqoDu5XjHg3VySOAB-piMwU9xFPU7dM_WZPCPfViMxDN5/s640/Page+136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Photo © Tim Beddow, courtesy of MM Design</span></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">LIVING IN STYLE LONDON book editor Monika Apponyi of MM Design's home features a rich color palette and comfy nooks with lots of books and art. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdLRPVrFRZHuPayz_ZiR5-UHqGVdeRMsTjQxgTB0JvonWxRHkye720vv-p-DH7WOyGj3C9irA6JKW9aRp8DfltLXSPxh0uyQ0Ob_0WysD0WGiUmAon10nOMeKuyMNIYU9R1v6yCEHTQmh/s1600/Page+139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdLRPVrFRZHuPayz_ZiR5-UHqGVdeRMsTjQxgTB0JvonWxRHkye720vv-p-DH7WOyGj3C9irA6JKW9aRp8DfltLXSPxh0uyQ0Ob_0WysD0WGiUmAon10nOMeKuyMNIYU9R1v6yCEHTQmh/s1600/Page+139.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Photo © Tim Beddow, courtesy of MM Design</span></span></div> This is Monika's small and glamorous kitchen where glossy finishes maximize the light. (I totally love small kitchens)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxd-seqkfvXJvzeVEgxX7_7P7UzzXcSBCFl5IuVeB9Op-SBXI7xdCQU9vwtoUn-bpdGKJmUxK5lRzECsNAUeuTD7k37WZeeH_JE6iwigJ1QAbgXXq3_keup-PXMqBKWc3hMCV-kEgWWb8/s1600/Page+149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxd-seqkfvXJvzeVEgxX7_7P7UzzXcSBCFl5IuVeB9Op-SBXI7xdCQU9vwtoUn-bpdGKJmUxK5lRzECsNAUeuTD7k37WZeeH_JE6iwigJ1QAbgXXq3_keup-PXMqBKWc3hMCV-kEgWWb8/s1600/Page+149.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo © Tim Beddow, courtesy of MM Design</span></span></span></span></div> This private home, designed by book editor's Geraldine Apponyi and Monika Apponyi, features a fantastic glitter ball in the drawing room.  In lesser hands, this would look cheap, but certainly not here. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZcenMNxHJ_pcWtt60GcUdjNvl-9aeGxG_dqoYhPE3-nXKk3WRdDZfsFK6HyOY50VuyeN3VBsCiMjrVZTp11MXw29-aK_e8Fl06KcKVdfIZJ9-ooZ0l4pTAKZ5LAMojUtArZ8zyj6z1we/s1600/Page+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZcenMNxHJ_pcWtt60GcUdjNvl-9aeGxG_dqoYhPE3-nXKk3WRdDZfsFK6HyOY50VuyeN3VBsCiMjrVZTp11MXw29-aK_e8Fl06KcKVdfIZJ9-ooZ0l4pTAKZ5LAMojUtArZ8zyj6z1we/s640/Page+201.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Photo © Chris Drake/Recover</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The terraced garden of the 19th century London townhouse of antiques dealers <a href="http://www.guinevere.co.uk/index.cfm">Marc and Heather Weaver</a>. Note the antique windows that have been fitted with mirror to expand the tiny space. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This is a great book - that's nearly all pictures -  that could easily be overlooked by American design enthusiasts. Definitely not to be missed. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Note: All images are used here with permission and are owned by their respective copyright owners as noted above. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=chameleoninte-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=3832796150&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></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 not to be missed book: Living in Style London

© Living in Style London edited by Geraldine Apponyi and Monika Apponyi , published by teNeues, http://www.teneues.com/ TeNeus Publishing Gr...

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