Bathroom makeover project - a very belated finale

So, a year ago I started giving the main bathroom in my Mom's house a quick little update. It had been looking pretty rough as it hadn't been updated since the 1980's.<br /><br />So, this was the {sort of} before:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/8755526321_fea254aaa3_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/8755526321_fea254aaa3_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />I say {sort of} because there was a faded blue wall-to-wall carpet that I pulled up before these photos were taken.  It was pretty gross. One of the few actual design missteps my parents every took. Luckily it pulled up easily to reveal a not too terrible vinyl floor, though it was discolored.<br /><div><br /></div>This was inspiration, which is a montage I did of a bunch of pretty bathrooms found on Pinterest. It's probably one of my post pinned images.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8755526917_216a0e27dd_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8755526917_216a0e27dd_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />While I would have loved to really re-do the bathroom, it wasn't in the budget, so a "cheap and cheerful" ensued.  These were my main elements that I planned on using.  My original plan was to paint the vinyl floor a glossy white and put a custom cut sisal overtop.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8755528463_25c016855b_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8755528463_25c016855b_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />I did do the sisal, courtesy of the <a href="http://www.naturalarearugs.com/" target="_blank">Natural Area Rug</a> company, which offered me a free rug to try their service.  I never got around to painting the floor or swapping out the faucet, though I did install a fab rain shower head in the shower.<br /><br />One of the biggest changes was painting the dark wood cabinet and mirror.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUtaDU6UFCgIu55XONa_VPE3-MBYY1bkcrkX9pEjhRXSL30IPRSvu3c7byhBWGraXKWsA_nYS7fn52jhjzGdKqqMx86bCs4pC50o31n5PXj2eLXU2Y5xbwfK-xAdZqZCGcuU_QSHcuc0/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/AVvXsEjFUtaDU6UFCgIu55XONa_VPE3-MBYY1bkcrkX9pEjhRXSL30IPRSvu3c7byhBWGraXKWsA_nYS7fn52jhjzGdKqqMx86bCs4pC50o31n5PXj2eLXU2Y5xbwfK-xAdZqZCGcuU_QSHcuc0/s1600/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And here it is...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyPomDIyfH8TL4HEc07KMmKvqUPcP1tOJGx3IQhDaJt9FOp3EuzGw104gV4E1a-F3jTEc4Ug9OrP0DjahInMK1_WotR3YFBZAcfJSe_snfTLbWQi3n8LesGT7nXipvy2dkPi2igYrTvo/s1600/bath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyPomDIyfH8TL4HEc07KMmKvqUPcP1tOJGx3IQhDaJt9FOp3EuzGw104gV4E1a-F3jTEc4Ug9OrP0DjahInMK1_WotR3YFBZAcfJSe_snfTLbWQi3n8LesGT7nXipvy2dkPi2igYrTvo/s1600/bath1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />(real estate shot above)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ik0NqoY-HhXHXWou-I-mQHzt-67B8JjkTyWfovSJ7BLZNpRSXc9MJkN1RphSHLs4T-8NUR3JTk6opF-MVYv07ZnYJK4SBR6gcYIvaU3qA7jIoi_z8Zw5NkmhIYuJEqHCk7qP3938d1M/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/AVvXsEi9Ik0NqoY-HhXHXWou-I-mQHzt-67B8JjkTyWfovSJ7BLZNpRSXc9MJkN1RphSHLs4T-8NUR3JTk6opF-MVYv07ZnYJK4SBR6gcYIvaU3qA7jIoi_z8Zw5NkmhIYuJEqHCk7qP3938d1M/s1600/photo.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> And a better shot of the rug. I definitely made a mistake not ordering it right to the walls especially since I never painted the floor. But, oh well, life has a way of intervening.<br /><br />Thanks again to the <a href="http://www.naturalarearugs.com/" target="_blank">Natural Area Rug company</a> for the offer of the rug.  There ordering process was day and it's now a year old and has worn very well and gotten many compliments.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmGd4CLp1ZURwjTIhcAtsIRq8ZhGch5iXKki-qr6lQ4Yjliy_FZlwCWqbFLuyfLP66kXNg5lw0ZpNevPI5FiIdtGqw0BNqsAnP2MX0tkRLeKqKOFj4MZdp70TP52J7r4lnwV6kZwj1_Y/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmGd4CLp1ZURwjTIhcAtsIRq8ZhGch5iXKki-qr6lQ4Yjliy_FZlwCWqbFLuyfLP66kXNg5lw0ZpNevPI5FiIdtGqw0BNqsAnP2MX0tkRLeKqKOFj4MZdp70TP52J7r4lnwV6kZwj1_Y/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br />

Bathroom makeover project - a very belated finale

So, a year ago I started giving the main bathroom in my Mom's house a quick little update. It had been looking pretty rough as it hadn...

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Medallion Rug Gallery

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv60T9uIzqEuWtD5pDH_IzJ_iYBhyYz9Z-jWVhsXZkSaM1wrTcS0oqhpHfH1tNNIxTfvbhLkEbBk-J9ZJFZwYvLqAPUmyBiczJbf0X41dqLDNt4vuw7wxmWiI-g742rgSReJAsrxtd0s/s1600/60575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv60T9uIzqEuWtD5pDH_IzJ_iYBhyYz9Z-jWVhsXZkSaM1wrTcS0oqhpHfH1tNNIxTfvbhLkEbBk-J9ZJFZwYvLqAPUmyBiczJbf0X41dqLDNt4vuw7wxmWiI-g742rgSReJAsrxtd0s/s640/60575.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Medallion Rug Gallery - New Contemporary Sultanbad Rug, hand knotted <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">area rug</a>, total knot count 1.65Million</span></div><br />Buying <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">area rugs</a> can be one of the hardest investments to make for many of us. A decent rug - which should be hand knotted for the best quality - is not inexpensive.  However, a good quality rug can last decades even with a lot of wear and tear. My mother has a rug in her dining room that is  at least 75 years old (it was from my grandparent's house) and it shows little wear even though it gets daily use.  A beautiful carpet is a functional work of art and truly sets the stage for a finished room.<br /><br />I was excited when <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">Medallion Rug Gallery</a> in Palo Alto, CA contacted me and offered me a rug to test out their services and see the quality of their products. Making a large purchase online can be daunting, particularly when color is so important to the look. After doing a little reconnaissance (I checked online reviews on Yelp, etc, to make sure they are a decent company to work with)  I accepted their offer. Since it's understood that I'd be writing a post about my experience, I didn't want to be in a position of being polite because they sent me a rug, or being negative (my policy is to rarely go negative here on the blog). Anyway, I was happy with the general tone of their reviews, so after searching through their literally thousands and thousands of rugs online, I settled on this pretty Sultanbad style rug with pinks and greens on a cream ground. Pretty much my favorite color combination. The rug arrived very quickly (they offer free shipping - in both directions) - all 67 pounds of it! It was very well wrapped. The rug was actually a bit darker than I expected (the colors are spot on, just darker)  - which is a good lesson to learn. Product photography is usually very well lit and many products look lighter than they may appear in real life. For my purposes, I was okay with it being a bit darker, but I asked the folks at Medallion about how they handle situations like this. For instance, I asked if they send additional photography upon request - which they will do. A digital photo from the showroom or warehouse (vs. professionally lit and shot image) would have probably shown it was darker. If the rug had not been acceptable, they will pay to have it shipped back and a new selection can be made. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Qyx1x6iFspQWKhzXz6StBHeS2JdosQLoIeP4HbE47hJ4X_dztJOoCILyCYW-K4ZI7qrFm8-e1mswrAUFwmOQm5UfiLFZHi1bQnQZ_2ORQOuVb-gyrvJKCe2m0xzenaka0K9i-O-SVPM/s1600/Medallion+Rug+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Qyx1x6iFspQWKhzXz6StBHeS2JdosQLoIeP4HbE47hJ4X_dztJOoCILyCYW-K4ZI7qrFm8-e1mswrAUFwmOQm5UfiLFZHi1bQnQZ_2ORQOuVb-gyrvJKCe2m0xzenaka0K9i-O-SVPM/s640/Medallion+Rug+montage.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>My plan is to use the rug in my bedroom with my green painted four-poster, but for varying reasons, I can't get the room re-arranged at the moment to get the rug in. So, for now, I've put it in the living room until I can move it to the bedroom. You can see in the montage how pretty the rug is. I love the pattern and in a brighter room (this is north facing and always dark while my bedroom is always bright (even with mid-toned green walls). Hoping to get that move made soon and will repost when that happens!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLix3_u9tturvT6nzqO4G7emuNe2gnzukJGJ5x5LucSH1w7Mm1HOO-arHptf7yvH6dBXsWtu27KptsaHr7lPNXF4hlbxJwNE9WMTKgSPkGbPvHCORD6FqwkolKupTNfpdTqcY-Iuv04IE/s1600/Office+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLix3_u9tturvT6nzqO4G7emuNe2gnzukJGJ5x5LucSH1w7Mm1HOO-arHptf7yvH6dBXsWtu27KptsaHr7lPNXF4hlbxJwNE9WMTKgSPkGbPvHCORD6FqwkolKupTNfpdTqcY-Iuv04IE/s640/Office+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Meanwhile, I decided to add some of <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">Medallion Rug Gallery'</a>s products into my digital <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Linda%27s%20Dream%20House" target="_blank">Dream House</a>. I put my Sultanbad green and pink rug into my design studio/home office and think it works really well. I'm still working on the actual design of the home office, which is in the back of the house, but this is essentially the layout. There is a separate entrance leading right into this room from the side of the house. I would be able to meet with client's here, show them plans, etc. The walls would be used as pin boards. The sliding doors on the right would be pocket doors and have either etched glass or mirrored windows so the room could be a real working space without being visible to the formal library. My thinking is that the adjoining library/dining room will act as additional meeting space as needed and also house all my books and materials.  <span style="font-size: x-small;">(BTW - a big thanks to Yvonne Blacker who shot the photo of a Kravet Fabric's pin board and <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2013/06/kravet-studio-tour-blogfest-2013-part-5.html" target="_blank">posted it to her blog Design Vignettes</a>. I was able to "lift" the image for the board on the left side of this image)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJzX0pnR-pno4VeAp10I9yn_VboCURpGJtJeLGRom_6E4Tjz7uwE8FXWgyu321Ol8a7KqWsexO4CtOL91Iyv8GwJ9a05wfJ8DQFUaSlkd2Rmjtw0XOIuMwecMrdWoMEnnlFxmuM8r_tU/s1600/My+Medallion+62064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJzX0pnR-pno4VeAp10I9yn_VboCURpGJtJeLGRom_6E4Tjz7uwE8FXWgyu321Ol8a7KqWsexO4CtOL91Iyv8GwJ9a05wfJ8DQFUaSlkd2Rmjtw0XOIuMwecMrdWoMEnnlFxmuM8r_tU/s640/My+Medallion+62064.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">New Contemporary <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/new-contemporary-persian-tabriz-area-rug-62064" target="_blank">Persian Tabriz handknotted ru</a>g, 6.3Million knots</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've previously posted about the library/dining room. It's not much further along than before, other than I pushed the office walls in two -feet since the office needed more space.  And I added this gorgeous deep green Persian Tabriz rug. The home office is on the other side of the double doors (pay no attention to the missing window mullions - rendering glitch!) As I said above, the plan is that this room would house all my books and materials in a combination of open and covered storage and double as an intimate dining room. I decided that rather than have a wood burning traditional fireplace, which takes up a lot of room, I'd do a gas fireplace mounted at eye level on the wall. Cozy, but easy to deal with. It's all still a work in progress...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZz2T1p_fac10G-TGBewgMMN9qMwyBo4R7nCtqPKyp7bmpo34n3rkkrY6y35BYzKvsOVGdOl5XE3JCrHTW3Oc3OemPbk9tS7lxWFodvg_o3xafh8OxPmUKuXVWTjNKofAdxT8V4VHUZw/s1600/Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZz2T1p_fac10G-TGBewgMMN9qMwyBo4R7nCtqPKyp7bmpo34n3rkkrY6y35BYzKvsOVGdOl5XE3JCrHTW3Oc3OemPbk9tS7lxWFodvg_o3xafh8OxPmUKuXVWTjNKofAdxT8V4VHUZw/s640/Library.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/AVvXsEhgJ_j1H6ToauRjVYpn7Wb_X4_SnEqZTrd2fNMLQGGGr-5TYn6LajZf0JjFxTlotGN8vb8dyE5kOi4fUDZi0eQAnyIc_q1rJpse1r30xqc1wkhtRMwrFYEZCnwQbJY4xsmzmW2n6VMRdAg/s1600/My+Medallion+49371x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ_j1H6ToauRjVYpn7Wb_X4_SnEqZTrd2fNMLQGGGr-5TYn6LajZf0JjFxTlotGN8vb8dyE5kOi4fUDZi0eQAnyIc_q1rJpse1r30xqc1wkhtRMwrFYEZCnwQbJY4xsmzmW2n6VMRdAg/s640/My+Medallion+49371x.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Persian Tabriz area rug, handknotted, 1.65M knots</span></div><br /> I selected another Persian Tabriz rug for the front sitting room that is open to the library. I love how the two rugs go together!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOrAfm9SSXFMzHWSoGx2iPWmJNJY1ymcAhlS69oUEGGO8LGLued1EZDjrVucRb6raBcKGwU9aCxDqTDN8094LbdMvjM71LffiOjPHLHaSx6c8XvK9MxLEsWVHFzbJir8_gqc0Di2VBOo/s1600/Sitting+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOrAfm9SSXFMzHWSoGx2iPWmJNJY1ymcAhlS69oUEGGO8LGLued1EZDjrVucRb6raBcKGwU9aCxDqTDN8094LbdMvjM71LffiOjPHLHaSx6c8XvK9MxLEsWVHFzbJir8_gqc0Di2VBOo/s640/Sitting+Room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Thank you to <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">Medallion Rug Gallery</a> for offering an<a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank"> area rug</a> for review and for answering all my questions about your services. <br /><br />

Medallion Rug Gallery

Medallion Rug Gallery - New Contemporary Sultanbad Rug, hand knotted area rug , total knot count 1.65Million Buying area rugs can be one of...

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Passport To Design Bloggers Tour - Great resources on the No. Shore!

<br />I attended a wonderful design bloggers day yesterday courtesy of Boston Magazine's <a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/promotions/12_pass.html" target="_blank">"Passport To Design"</a> program and organized by fellow blogger <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Yvonne Blacker</a>.  The Passport To Design event is a series of design seminars hosted by these five design industry stores and showrooms on the North Shore here in Massachusetts. The event has been going on for a couple of months, but there are still a couple of great seminars left on the schedule, <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/passport/seminars.html" target="_blank">so check it out</a>. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/" target="_blank">Circle Furniture</a> in Danvers hosted the first event with coffee and breakfast and a quick showroom tour by their Merchandiser Sean William Donovan. This spacious showroom is on Rte. 1. For those who have never been there, try not to miss the showroom as it took me 18 minutes to circle back since Rte 1 is a divided highway. There is a Costco just before it on the same side, so once you see Costco, pay close attention! I wanted to sink into the tufted green chair and a half - it is fabulous! Also comes in sofa size. The tables are made from reclaimed wood and were beautiful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBIXYnEH6Aqs652luakMo93Da5uGK1zBsgNaWH6VFS79WsnTaXXF9Y7rND-9wyd0IUTOIEzmEwDATV8zapux8oJUm8AjpiOwq9B-GWCDrXRhwXXu4bYx4yLbCywLrkh-fNjskjkWsap0e/s1600/Circle+Furniture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBIXYnEH6Aqs652luakMo93Da5uGK1zBsgNaWH6VFS79WsnTaXXF9Y7rND-9wyd0IUTOIEzmEwDATV8zapux8oJUm8AjpiOwq9B-GWCDrXRhwXXu4bYx4yLbCywLrkh-fNjskjkWsap0e/s640/Circle+Furniture4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Next on the tour was <a href="http://tile-by-design.com/" target="_blank">Tile By Design </a>in Danvers. After toasting the day with Mimosas (yes, we design bloggers are a boozy lot) we toured their beautiful tile showroom that was jammed packed with hardscape goodies. My new favorite (see bottom left) is a teak wood mosaic tile that is laid like ceramic moasic tile, in sheets. It does have its own grout compound, but the look is fabulous! But since it's wood, keep it away from fireplaces and stove tops! We were sent on our way with cute, and tasty, little cupcakes. Sweet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlEnWcg-M4slm0Mn5oDEUzL5-h46fwa22JvL-W8si4c2L34UFYIe57JnP68KiRMulmRtIee2N9BOSxEd9FLdzP-HrQepgEppI-ucA7Z4E_Px6WKeVz1YHxi5idWsD3h5DnZGxzBJfQcqR/s1600/Tile+by+Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlEnWcg-M4slm0Mn5oDEUzL5-h46fwa22JvL-W8si4c2L34UFYIe57JnP68KiRMulmRtIee2N9BOSxEd9FLdzP-HrQepgEppI-ucA7Z4E_Px6WKeVz1YHxi5idWsD3h5DnZGxzBJfQcqR/s640/Tile+by+Design.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Next, we traveled to Beverly to visit the <a href="http://designerbath.com/" target="_blank">Designer Bath & Salem Plumbing Supply</a> showroom, where our tour guide Yvonne is marketing director. They were undergoing a showroom renovation, but that didn't dampen our spirits. (pun intended). Who doesn't love a lot of sparkle and shine?!? Okay, question: Would you want a tv embedded in your bath or shower? See top left photo... I admit in my much younger days I used to take hours long baths (yes, fill,hot, cool, drain, refill, hot, cool, do it all over) and sometimes I did drag my little 13" black & white tv in to the bathroom with me. But I'm not sure about having the newsman right inside the shower with me [insert joke here]. Thoughts? We had a lovely lunch of corn chowder and chicken sammies to restore our energy, tasty! And yes, that's me bottom right - why was I grimacing??<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vVVX7WduU-slxqGogEUfczvUuy0OUd_1mky0M2g18MA4G4krvIDiG5nQ0iDn8Zaxh4pV0gMbTqz8cDzqGZc0HmzGoKRrJxSK2sWPY8d3IkdlnAebznFDqFkXlOfFUQ20GUvg7jSn50aR/s1600/Designer+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vVVX7WduU-slxqGogEUfczvUuy0OUd_1mky0M2g18MA4G4krvIDiG5nQ0iDn8Zaxh4pV0gMbTqz8cDzqGZc0HmzGoKRrJxSK2sWPY8d3IkdlnAebznFDqFkXlOfFUQ20GUvg7jSn50aR/s640/Designer+Bath.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/" target="_blank">Our next stop was the venerable Landry & Arcari</a>'s Salem showroom. Okay, I love carpet, love it. But unfortunately, I am allergic to wool. So being in a carpet showroom can be a bit difficult for me -  the things we suffer for our art!. The L&A folks, which is a family run business, are so passionate about their rugs and it's infectious. We also got to visit their workroom where craftsman/woman were busy repairing client's rugs. Really fun to watch. I didn't know this, and I have purchased L&A rugs for clients, that they will buy back rugs from clients. Of course, they must be in good, unstained condition, but it's a great program. They mentioned that they had just bought a rug back from clients who purchased it 20 years ago at an excellent price. While these are not budget items, a good Oriental rug will last for decades and knowing it can be returned for a decent price if you want a change is great. Just as our energies were waning, we were treated to afternoon tea, cookies and salted caramels. Yum. A little shout out to the lovely<a href="http://design4seasons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Katherine Hawkins</a> (bottom right). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAJK4v9THXhLRct2gqhNjEqspfmiaqN6k3kAPfjGUbsz1ZXK_Ae6gUOE7POXPbIhHlBc9JlIt8S5tp5f4LZPgtglhIlX2qrJwpl3JBaYPGT830mG98OKC8bGvtkC3JPjgmMz2BB19chZ4/s1600/Landry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAJK4v9THXhLRct2gqhNjEqspfmiaqN6k3kAPfjGUbsz1ZXK_Ae6gUOE7POXPbIhHlBc9JlIt8S5tp5f4LZPgtglhIlX2qrJwpl3JBaYPGT830mG98OKC8bGvtkC3JPjgmMz2BB19chZ4/s640/Landry.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Our final stop was to the fabulous <a href="http://lucialighting.com/" target="_blank">Lucia Lighting</a> showroom in Lynn. Owner Lucy Dearborn was the perfect hostess for our final stop. As effervescent as the bubbly she generously poured upon our arrival (did I mention we're a boozy lot?), Lucy gave us a great tour of the showroom. That's her in the middle image below showing us these cute little fun pendant lights that I can't remember much about (I was pooped, I'll admit it!). Also, shout out to fellow blog tour member <a href="http://www.kristinacrestindesign.com/" target="_blank">Kristina Crestin</a>. I'm more partial to crystal and sparkles. Love, love the Studio Bel Vetro blow glass lighting (bottom). The colors and patterns are amazing. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5PFJMXamd2woj8bV2nejGMj4JPQn8AFeur7A63kx1mn2OYtXOT1I3Ba4NH9g9dJjREU7x6rdfEaJrdf0k4_Gze4qX-ul8vLA6xQdBkJlLBNAdDTny7GRWrGA6WqqVndtx86Ui_fCaIGB/s1600/Lucia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5PFJMXamd2woj8bV2nejGMj4JPQn8AFeur7A63kx1mn2OYtXOT1I3Ba4NH9g9dJjREU7x6rdfEaJrdf0k4_Gze4qX-ul8vLA6xQdBkJlLBNAdDTny7GRWrGA6WqqVndtx86Ui_fCaIGB/s640/Lucia.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Thanks for taking the tour with me. <a href="http://bostonmagazine.com/passport" target="_blank">Check out</a> the Passport to Design events still going on!<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>

Passport To Design Bloggers Tour - Great resources on the No. Shore!

I attended a wonderful design bloggers day yesterday courtesy of Boston Magazine's "Passport To Design" program and organized...

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

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQRb7Kg8r5EvezEPjkv8wjjGDvLf00wZWcpUC9P5Xrqs6J5ID7GA-Fvx-UomUlzIozaGcLd_kAlwt7svj9cWPd87hPWgExHLGbBrrs_a1TQGQC5P7wIZGZL_WWZrY3iaVm5Zj23Je4f3r/s1600/DSCN6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQRb7Kg8r5EvezEPjkv8wjjGDvLf00wZWcpUC9P5Xrqs6J5ID7GA-Fvx-UomUlzIozaGcLd_kAlwt7svj9cWPd87hPWgExHLGbBrrs_a1TQGQC5P7wIZGZL_WWZrY3iaVm5Zj23Je4f3r/s640/DSCN6049.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">L</span></span></b>ast month, I attended the <a href="http://ad2021.com/index.html" target="_blank">AD20/21</a> (Art & Design of the 20th and 21st centuries) show in Boston and nearly fell off my high heels when I came upon these amazing new rugs from <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/" target="_blank">Landry and Arcari</a>. L&A is widely known for their beautiful collection of oriental carpets hand selected and commissioned from sources all over the Middle East and India. There is no question that this new collection of rugs belonged in an art show and are certainly beautiful enough to hang on a wall as the focal point of a space - although they are made to be walked on!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGmGAUt1yderB4QJdJa2tmHMzRV5KMfcka3NAvuFyqOfn99DB7y0Ru1EQCTc_SYYXQjG4y5rPp9H3ljlGyuWcDJ1vHRyXcMt26TGw2P9IB6S82UPvX8cXQ6ES6DU4u_z4dkUuSTF3_3Jr/s1600/DSCN6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGmGAUt1yderB4QJdJa2tmHMzRV5KMfcka3NAvuFyqOfn99DB7y0Ru1EQCTc_SYYXQjG4y5rPp9H3ljlGyuWcDJ1vHRyXcMt26TGw2P9IB6S82UPvX8cXQ6ES6DU4u_z4dkUuSTF3_3Jr/s640/DSCN6048.JPG" width="436" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>here is a touch of Monet at Giverny, only ramped up a few notches in these pieces. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVF8ege0pMXjQVuqwx_jGMvRJ-oPOeWEpgWefAJ7eIdkJfXu9grGGy2qO8qhvJgvrmrn6tnoIEWGRH1nHIlGWdNlWcqLZje3TXS4l2Wv_7tp0ujzgsi-HBAxyBYiyKPp7XJN3r_xfLdqN/s1600/DSCN6050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVF8ege0pMXjQVuqwx_jGMvRJ-oPOeWEpgWefAJ7eIdkJfXu9grGGy2qO8qhvJgvrmrn6tnoIEWGRH1nHIlGWdNlWcqLZje3TXS4l2Wv_7tp0ujzgsi-HBAxyBYiyKPp7XJN3r_xfLdqN/s640/DSCN6050.jpg" width="538" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">M</span></span></b>uch like expressionist art, these rugs depict natural scenes that come fully into view at a distance, but are certainly amazing to look at up close. The detail below is an macro shot of the middle right edge of the carpet above. The many shades of green wool combine to create a visual texture. They also employ different weight wools and knotting techniques for added textural interest. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_SJiDbTlpJ5vNbf2L8hd-paA6pSuIsbLXXLNgDYI6jvvAtapc_fI5KFFYJmaRbCJs6nzGxwrJhwRHBLQCPnpw6_X50G7sIJiOFCVLo2DdZFgCyNQ9enV5onsMeDA19KtpbsmCOeutGrF/s1600/DSCN6051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_SJiDbTlpJ5vNbf2L8hd-paA6pSuIsbLXXLNgDYI6jvvAtapc_fI5KFFYJmaRbCJs6nzGxwrJhwRHBLQCPnpw6_X50G7sIJiOFCVLo2DdZFgCyNQ9enV5onsMeDA19KtpbsmCOeutGrF/s640/DSCN6051.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he colors in the rug below are were just amazing. Unfortunately, I've misplaced my notes from my chat with owner Jerry Arcari so have no details and these rugs aren't yet on their website, but I'm sure information will be there soon enough.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs3LLs_WQFGTpYAvtyn0I5MxSBRKLLOyVFeNL7KC_k8DA8aaX_Hhj1Z8jzQVpSnsz2wRyPY1wD3z6cGv2SGEFRZ3H1f0I7yXg9O4YRwcr-5d1YDzbTk4d_fQxqgkya80gubc1Q6OmkOF7/s1600/DSCN6053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs3LLs_WQFGTpYAvtyn0I5MxSBRKLLOyVFeNL7KC_k8DA8aaX_Hhj1Z8jzQVpSnsz2wRyPY1wD3z6cGv2SGEFRZ3H1f0I7yXg9O4YRwcr-5d1YDzbTk4d_fQxqgkya80gubc1Q6OmkOF7/s640/DSCN6053.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">L</span></span></b>andry and Arcari is also carry a beautiful new collection of <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/GalleryOverview.php?f=Pillow-Gallery" target="_blank">Suzani pillows</a>. Many are from old and new textiles.  Suzanis, traditional handicraft from Uzbekistan, are hand-embroidered silk thread on a cotton or silk surface. A riot of color and feast for the eyes!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfxO5h2O62YxAGGv3VQA7FBV9ZrCu4TOr3IfSGlYuaGNLQ3jo8xcoY6-D0sz8wqsCSwOZhs1_dAJqyYne7X-NywTZDkWk7Q8tUQdEtrASEWL1J0D3xR6SnTcD5K1OAeTPT_Q9Lyfb9zY5/s1600/DSCN6055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfxO5h2O62YxAGGv3VQA7FBV9ZrCu4TOr3IfSGlYuaGNLQ3jo8xcoY6-D0sz8wqsCSwOZhs1_dAJqyYne7X-NywTZDkWk7Q8tUQdEtrASEWL1J0D3xR6SnTcD5K1OAeTPT_Q9Lyfb9zY5/s640/DSCN6055.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> literally tripped and nearly fell as I basically ran towards this gorgeous pillow below.  It's pretty big - maybe 36" wide - the photo doesn't do it justice. And, the prices on all the pillows are very reasonable for the quality. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknlsCBgepQk9RpoucXdnXRzpeWI8q5jwf8_Kr99OqI9ia5v2J_Djm5KvJKQ5yVJurjAq9ilgMaRJoAK5c6-31OcT91PCgFTwOE_M5lVoaexRf5Za-SwaHu5CAEvoJIZN9yNIwCT1L0TA4/s1600/DSCN6056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknlsCBgepQk9RpoucXdnXRzpeWI8q5jwf8_Kr99OqI9ia5v2J_Djm5KvJKQ5yVJurjAq9ilgMaRJoAK5c6-31OcT91PCgFTwOE_M5lVoaexRf5Za-SwaHu5CAEvoJIZN9yNIwCT1L0TA4/s640/DSCN6056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>'m busily putting the final touches on the two seminars I'll be presenting next week at <a href="http://www.wf-vision.com/2012SeminarDescriptions" target="_blank">IWCE's Vision12 Conference</a> in Chicago - which is why there have been a dearth of postings this week. My in box and brain are chock full of post ideas, just not time to get them out!!<br /><br />I'll be speaking on <i>Social Media</i> and also <i>Team Building Across Design Disciplines</i>. Both talks are on Tuesday the 24th. Concurrent to Visions is <a href="http://www.kbis.com/" target="_blank">KBIS</a> (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) which I'll be attending on Wednesday. On Thursday I'll be hitting the town and seeing a little of the Windy City before I head back to Boston on Thursday evening. It's a pretty whirlwind trip. You can follow me on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/surroundings" target="_blank">@surroundings</a> if you want to check in. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wf-vision.com/Shows" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-BUuN3H5ACMxof56XWrzdH4Sn9TmPFlPTvP4PIdKbclqr794pWLtNR9gWZE9AaVD-2DZR_c3b8RevPyeO2-6Fxnp_wdRa84MRfZvugKnL0lwn7qEZYdZnz-3Ea2djRg-ftdkXYZS0fZx/s1600/vision.png" /></a></div><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

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

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

Read more »

A Random Little Friday Pretty

<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> have two recently published articles on <a href="http://networx.com/">Networx.com</a> that I wanted to share. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.networx.com/article/eight-luxe-wastebaskets" target="_blank">Eight Luxe Wastebaskets</a> - including a doozy from <a href="http://store.waterworks.com/catalog/product/view/id/2561/s/etoile-round-waste-can/category/25/" target="_blank">Waterworks</a> that costs more that most mortgage payments (but it's sure purty!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/designer-picks-luxe-wastebaskets/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh98bLaDIvbn7Ft51x9Kymv6h2CYaWcKLroU_6hMvJ9Mm53f7ObnfF_E6cQia0nfRwnDWUQQ-3C7iU8BF1nr7AMqoJAuHpiNZwhZjzgsf_1X-eFCUMKZoIRSMztXvjjUtCXZTYdJ4BJQpq/s640/Pinterest+Luxe+wastebaskets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.networx.com/article/designer-picks-graphic-rugs-for-modern" target="_blank">Designers Picks: Eight Graphic Rugs for Modern Spaces</a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/designer-picks-graphic-rugs-modern-decor/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaNdf1rWttD9Fh9lOWJehCntzsHYxRQz1h_K9aoPc1fs1MsRKRk0Cx6DUbdhJQVXuMAO4Gm9ko_QU_s21xgvRhTaeAbSEOFkYAtxFY18L6toj3RKE2ebK1Ku85Ot1UqxpjUsk-JwUpYQo/s640/Pinterest+graphic+rugs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>s I've mentioned before, I use Pinterest to gather my thoughts and collect product ideas for each article I write. Not every item makes the final cut, but if you'd like to see the entire grouping, click on the Pinterest graphics above to go to the specific boards.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyNgSihROqrb9RYRDGBES-pT0sZLgGWdDy0v3HInBuK3vDfF7QYcPq2lvFNX798ZuOpbQuhDKbC3hyew7NCCJL4cv32CFSiXj9gB9IY4pnmGNbvbrBThTF6fmKnYty6uWNYOA-1Ne4ps8/s1600/Emmy+Rossum+BHOAA+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyNgSihROqrb9RYRDGBES-pT0sZLgGWdDy0v3HInBuK3vDfF7QYcPq2lvFNX798ZuOpbQuhDKbC3hyew7NCCJL4cv32CFSiXj9gB9IY4pnmGNbvbrBThTF6fmKnYty6uWNYOA-1Ne4ps8/s1600/Emmy+Rossum+BHOAA+4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b></span>peaking of pretty, I don't do fashion on this blog, but I came across this bag on <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2012/03/emmy-rossum-in-beverly-hills.html" target="_blank">Tom + Lorenzo</a> and all I can say is "hello lover!" With our crazy early <strike>Summer</strike> Spring we're having, a pretty bag such as this would be fantastic, wouldn't it??? This is the <a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3306560&cp=1760782.1760963&ab=int_082509_WShoesAccessories_Handbags&parentPage=family&camp=affiliate_k186085&ganpid=Skimlinks&ganlid=Primary&utm_source=GAN&utm_medium=Skimlinks&utm_campaign=Primary&utm_term=Ban" target="_blank">Crocodile Ricky Bag</a> from Ralph Lauren. Let's just say that it makes the Waterworks wastebasket look like a steal. A girl can dream...<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">H</span></span></b>appy weekend!<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>f you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

A Random Little Friday Pretty

I have two recently published articles on Networx.com that I wanted to share. Eight Luxe Wastebaskets - including a doozy from Waterworks...

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Welcome New Sponsor: Donna Elle Seaside Living

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/images/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/images/logo.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw94TyMnE6cSKGuSEfvsm2GOuBE0hp3qEpsXPK4aUaksjcaan0rp61LAyHt23Pnovwx-JCsy4NTrpJUqQCxIESZdnuNgiJ10jT2q_mOtsyJ43zGV8_8WRJGB3QE_fWDdv74Bz6D6Rz_sA/s1600/sconset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw94TyMnE6cSKGuSEfvsm2GOuBE0hp3qEpsXPK4aUaksjcaan0rp61LAyHt23Pnovwx-JCsy4NTrpJUqQCxIESZdnuNgiJ10jT2q_mOtsyJ43zGV8_8WRJGB3QE_fWDdv74Bz6D6Rz_sA/s640/sconset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I wanted to take a moment to welcome a new sponsor of ::Surroundings::. <a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/">Donna Elle Seaside Living</a> is based, fittingly, on Nantucket. Surrounded as she is with such natural beauty, its not wonder that Donna, an interior designer, was inspired to create a collection of beautiful textiles, pillows rugs and more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Pillows/Large/Seachange%20french.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Pillows/Large/Seachange%20french.jpg" /></a></div><br />Life’s a Breeze™ began in Donna Elle’s sketchbook—pages filled with visual impressions from faraway travels, scenes from Nantucket Island, and recorded memories of childhood summers spent by the shore and aboard her family’s boat. Sea-inspired artwork of another form also influenced her furnishing designs: Nantucket Breeze fabrics owe their shell forms to drawings by Elle’s daughter, Katie Lou, completed in high school art class.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZPCAB-2g_o1xlWkp25S6-bJ9qu9d8oCvVVWAfmZAipAfpa41HvQieMpNWFqi2M7tWy7X8R7ip3Uh92HtB2eemDXzhEOvzBmN8M-It0jDWu3hUdbw4aHEJRvA8sp68qJJo8B5ff6PfuoI/s1600/Donna+Elle+Life%27s+A+Breeze+09+Collection+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZPCAB-2g_o1xlWkp25S6-bJ9qu9d8oCvVVWAfmZAipAfpa41HvQieMpNWFqi2M7tWy7X8R7ip3Uh92HtB2eemDXzhEOvzBmN8M-It0jDWu3hUdbw4aHEJRvA8sp68qJJo8B5ff6PfuoI/s640/Donna+Elle+Life%27s+A+Breeze+09+Collection+040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>With creative vision and a passion for textiles and sewing, Elle began her entrepreneurial journey as a workroom owner, later evolving into a textile and furnishings designer. Currently her role as product designer and director of <a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/"><span style="color: #0070c0; text-decoration: underline;">DONNA ELLE seaside living</span></a> allows for expanding her product line and servicing clients on the east coast renovating and designing their homes along with updating interiors for seaside resorts. Recently Elle completed the interior renovation of the White Elephant Cottages on Nantucket. Donna is a member of IFDA and ASID Allied member.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Accessories/Large/starfish_surf_pole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Accessories/Large/starfish_surf_pole.jpg" /></a></div>Purchase <a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/the-collection">online</a> or from retailers across the country and select islands such as Bermuda and Grand Cayman. Click here for a<a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/retailers"> list of stockists</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Bedding/nb_bedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Bedding/nb_bedding.jpg" /></a></div><br />I so appreciate the support of <a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/">Donna Elle Seaside Living</a> and hope all my readers will take a moment to visit her site and bookmark for future reference. As she says "Life's a Breeze"! And even if you don't live near the ocean, you can always get a little taste of it!<br /><br /><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>

Welcome New Sponsor: Donna Elle Seaside Living

I wanted to take a moment to welcome a new sponsor of ::Surroundings::. Donna Elle Seaside Living is based, fittingly, on Nantucket. Surrou...

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Congrats to the Best of the South Shore Winners

<a href="http://www.ssliving.com/ssl_july_09001012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.ssliving.com/ssl_july_09001012.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 262px;" /></a><br />A big congrats to the winners of the 2009 <a href="http://www.ssliving.com/index.html">South Shore Magazine</a>'s Best of the South Shore winners.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Antique Shop</span>: <a href="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/">Dillon and Company</a>, Plymouth. They have won this award for the last several years, which almost makes it seem like they are the only Antique Shop, which isn't true. But, they are one of the best!<br /><a href="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/images/accessory4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/images/accessory4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 505px; height: 378px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/lamps/lamps-Images/0.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/lamps/lamps-Images/0.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 513px; height: 685px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/drawers/drawers-Images/28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/drawers/drawers-Images/28.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Lighting Shop</span>: <a href="http://www.flemingslighting.com/pages/1/index.htm">Fleming</a>'s (website under construction), Cohasset. They are pretty much the only lighting only shop here on the South Shore, but they'd be winners even with more competition. Not only do the stock a wide array of lamps and decorative lampshades and finials - they also do rewire and repair work as well. A real old-fashioned type of specialty store with the kind of knowledge that one will never find in a big box store.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Rug Merchant</span>: <a href="http://www.hassanrugs.com/">Hassan Oriental Rug</a>, Hanover, MA<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-new/menu1/homepage-bottom2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-new/menu1/homepage-bottom2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 536px; height: 212px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-rugs/Uzbek%20MFZ1001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-rugs/Uzbek%20MFZ1001.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 359px; height: 625px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-rugs/Heriz%20MFZ700.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-rugs/Heriz%20MFZ700.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 350px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Tile Store</span>:<a href="http://www.classictile-stone.com/"> Classic Stone & Tile</a>, Hingham, MA. The shop is owned by sisters Julie Ryan and Kristin Henaghan who know everything about tile and stone. They can answer questions on installation issues and create your design plus, they have the most beautiful showroom with so many gorgeous samples, it's hard to know where to look first. From elegant marbles to fun and funky recycled glass mosaics, the cover the gamut of design styles. I've used them in my work and have always been thrilled with the selection and customer service.<br /><a href="http://www.classictile-stone.com/images/tiles/MG_1070.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.classictile-stone.com/images/tiles/MG_1070.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 462px; height: 633px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqxKOCzPix9yr85pL-vwL3kNN7DtcgiLJQdv8WEplbyUHNotpF49jfUNJogrwU2Co8HD1noDSnuXSxmRrOG8HvjVM0E_KG__59YYf6pu5O97a7vcBnJSfTF9hIYup0PLAevGeaa71c8O4/s1600-h/mg1075.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364066991931706130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqxKOCzPix9yr85pL-vwL3kNN7DtcgiLJQdv8WEplbyUHNotpF49jfUNJogrwU2Co8HD1noDSnuXSxmRrOG8HvjVM0E_KG__59YYf6pu5O97a7vcBnJSfTF9hIYup0PLAevGeaa71c8O4/s400/mg1075.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 457px; height: 624px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.classictile-stone.com/images/slideshow/home/sonoma021.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.classictile-stone.com/images/slideshow/home/sonoma021.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 604px;" /></a>There were other categories in home furnishings, however, all those winners were large chain stores and I'd rather focus on the small businesses where customer service and high quality go hand in hand.<br /><br />Congrats to all!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><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></p>

Congrats to the Best of the South Shore Winners

A big congrats to the winners of the 2009 South Shore Magazine 's Best of the South Shore winners. Best Antique Shop : Dillon and Compan...

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