The Skirted Roundtable: Chatting With David Easton

What do...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1ACqSC4vJUtsOfH2-RQDyMqZ6VyGcCAW3lXNyeQ0TY5kC4Ucv0Fs0XLp5liq7Wbk1F1WuiaN8bz_bbuM2RzasOOmzWyJJJXFbFNXXdt-K-PBEsgQWemC40UDuLiRbb-atva7QlOa-3-8/s1600/1stdibs+Furniture+Search:+Edward+Wormley+-+601+Edward+Wormley+pieces+for+sale_1288564035480.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1ACqSC4vJUtsOfH2-RQDyMqZ6VyGcCAW3lXNyeQ0TY5kC4Ucv0Fs0XLp5liq7Wbk1F1WuiaN8bz_bbuM2RzasOOmzWyJJJXFbFNXXdt-K-PBEsgQWemC40UDuLiRbb-atva7QlOa-3-8/s640/1stdibs+Furniture+Search:+Edward+Wormley+-+601+Edward+Wormley+pieces+for+sale_1288564035480.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />...and...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj045HnTMPGiT-gkYYIiVzOEc_XST2fBC61PTiPql4cfnPF1yOdkw7ejNedcuulNGDRSm3Ur4JYF5wghk_4fGyeVScbW7oaTQ-NuCfkJC-kbCDR09JUfXH8nFwLr1pjXn8kRu9K64ydUrQ/s320/Babe+Paley+Interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj045HnTMPGiT-gkYYIiVzOEc_XST2fBC61PTiPql4cfnPF1yOdkw7ejNedcuulNGDRSm3Ur4JYF5wghk_4fGyeVScbW7oaTQ-NuCfkJC-kbCDR09JUfXH8nFwLr1pjXn8kRu9K64ydUrQ/s640/Babe+Paley+Interior.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parish Hadley's design for Babe Paley's living room</div><br /><br />...and...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.isfdb.org/wiki/images/e/e1/Dozois,_Gardner_-_The_Year%27s_Best_Science_Fiction_First_Annual_Collection.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.isfdb.org/wiki/images/e/e1/Dozois,_Gardner_-_The_Year%27s_Best_Science_Fiction_First_Annual_Collection.jpeg" width="264" /></a></div><br /><br />...have in common?<br /><br />This gentleman:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pantone.com/images/paint/innovators/David_Easton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pantone.com/images/paint/innovators/David_Easton.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.danshamptons.com/content/hamptonstyle/2008/july_11/images/decorators/david_easton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.danshamptons.com/content/hamptonstyle/2008/july_11/images/decorators/david_easton.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yossawat.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Timeless-Elegance-The-Houses-of-David-Easton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.yossawat.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Timeless-Elegance-The-Houses-of-David-Easton.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Please join Megan, Joni and I as we chatted with design and architecture icon David Easton over at <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2010/10/david-easton-visits-skirted-roundtable.html">The Skirted Roundtable</a>. He is a charming, charming man with strong opinions about the future of design - and given his background, we should be listening. <br /><br />Mr. Easton is also offering a signed book as a give-a-way - all those who comment <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2010/10/david-easton-visits-skirted-roundtable.html">here</a> will be entered to win!<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>

The Skirted Roundtable: Chatting With David Easton

What do......and...Parish Hadley's design for Babe Paley's living room...and......have in common?This gentleman:Please join Megan, Joni and I as we chatted with design and architecture icon David Easton over at The Skirted Roundtable. He is a charming, charming man with strong opinions about the fut…

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The bachelor moves to Cambridge

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMLzVcv6RwIgh9JfHtpF5PJ34KyaKKVf3s-cpsWByqh8xVYfxNOQqqSzFXJWbbtra9pMD2HwbEX5cyG_3Op9OdHLbWBefZsdo0eHLECtXlRtaZ_o7Gh2xfNbR9QFaazYIBW3qTMejaiKE/s1600/304_Beacon+St+ViewLR__e_1500-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMLzVcv6RwIgh9JfHtpF5PJ34KyaKKVf3s-cpsWByqh8xVYfxNOQqqSzFXJWbbtra9pMD2HwbEX5cyG_3Op9OdHLbWBefZsdo0eHLECtXlRtaZ_o7Gh2xfNbR9QFaazYIBW3qTMejaiKE/s400/304_Beacon+St+ViewLR__e_1500-M.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I wanted to share a new project that I've just started this week. My friend and client who lived in the Beacon Street, Boston penthouse above that I <a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/Portfolio-Boston-Penthouse_Living_Room-Chameleon_Interiors-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_.html">worked with him on</a> has finally found a new city pied-a-terre in Cambridge, MA.  He works in Boston and has a weekend house on Cape Cod, so has been looking for a new city home for quite a while.  After undertaking an overwhelming renovation like the Beacon Street place, he wasn't all that interested in tackling such a huge project again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgZs2KjffAS-TX0bxO480rjt4vbB2OM183NsT8ZDL66XsSD8yNFMnrR2dwxB47JQ-Q5A99Sa5A79IbonXj_jLw-nWuCrdSuKN53n6GsttuTdz3Bnc4DFaSSJJXzd-FBkf5SexbhAYfMR9/s1600/DCP_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgZs2KjffAS-TX0bxO480rjt4vbB2OM183NsT8ZDL66XsSD8yNFMnrR2dwxB47JQ-Q5A99Sa5A79IbonXj_jLw-nWuCrdSuKN53n6GsttuTdz3Bnc4DFaSSJJXzd-FBkf5SexbhAYfMR9/s320/DCP_1824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/Portfolio-Boston-Penthouse_Living_Room-Chameleon_Interiors-Interior_Design-Massachusetts__2_files/304_Beacon%20Street__d_1500-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/Portfolio-Boston-Penthouse_Living_Room-Chameleon_Interiors-Interior_Design-Massachusetts__2_files/304_Beacon%20Street__d_1500-M.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xwuPG6XYqH1EkOr2eeZXsC5dx4Z1fLN-77ELf8uSLWMjkYY3Z6EkP7fOnpPeQkKKf2hB3HARFNN3bzOgv5f_Go_u1pbW2unJzlFeEgyhSGbtWyF68K8vzck8mwkLPO4ySPtrIy2ve36e/s1600/DCP_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xwuPG6XYqH1EkOr2eeZXsC5dx4Z1fLN-77ELf8uSLWMjkYY3Z6EkP7fOnpPeQkKKf2hB3HARFNN3bzOgv5f_Go_u1pbW2unJzlFeEgyhSGbtWyF68K8vzck8mwkLPO4ySPtrIy2ve36e/s320/DCP_1838.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After looking at several places in and around Boston (including being committed for a year to an as yet unbuilt property on the Hingham waterfront), he finally closed last week on a lovely little condo snuggled right in the heart of the most beautiful old Victorian and Colonial homes in Cambridge, just minutes from Harvard Square. Of all the properties I saw with him, this was the one I personally liked the most and also felt that most suited his needs and personality. One of the best things about working with clients over long periods of time, especially clients who are close personal friends, is that we get to know what someone really wants and needs and can help keep them on track.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiZjYprgP3lr1AFsrRKcqdC72wTwPJNe9qxgPE2LYrn5ckZwuoE_Eze5WyxkBmmrZQZnIx2n94o9v5umprk2j6ShyxcTMq8MqivRORL-43687vsNeostgyBozsXwSpjNpLGhn76nKgTQz/s1600/Concord+Ave+Prior.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiZjYprgP3lr1AFsrRKcqdC72wTwPJNe9qxgPE2LYrn5ckZwuoE_Eze5WyxkBmmrZQZnIx2n94o9v5umprk2j6ShyxcTMq8MqivRORL-43687vsNeostgyBozsXwSpjNpLGhn76nKgTQz/s400/Concord+Ave+Prior.png" width="400" /></a></div>So, when I saw the listing for the above condo, I was excited to see it in person. It looked like it was in great condition and move-in ready.  We visited this home in the middle of a summer deluge and it just seemed so warm and cozy, even though we couldn't sit on anything because we were soaked! Just before viewing this property, we'd visited another space that was a top floor condo with skylights and a great view of the Charles River and Boston.  While it was less money, the kitchen and bath were dated and the floors mismatched. I know my client - he couldn't have lived with the dated/mismatched elements for long and before we knew it, he'd be hip-deep in a new reno project, which would ultimately cost more than the price difference between the two properties. And while it's fun to tear down and start over, it's not always the best choice, for reasons having to do with budget, but also personal happiness and comfort. And so, I was happy that he decided on the property above and last week, he closed! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5117730731_5085e813bc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5117730731_5085e813bc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This past Sunday, on another dark and dreary day, we headed up to Cambridge to start the very fun work of making this space his own. I like to work very collaboratively with my clients and I'm blessed that this one has great taste and a collection of wonderful art and Middle Eastern and Afgani rugs. He also takes my opinions seriously, which is nice. Initially, he thought he'd only have to repaint the bedroom (he's a green guy, not a blue guy), but after he'd seen the living/dining area on a bright sunny day, he decided the beige paint was too "skin-toned". It's very pretty and warm on a dark day, but no one likes a flesh toned wall! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/5117731093_6fda291df5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/5117731093_6fda291df5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />While we were originally going to keep the red accent wall in the living room and repaint the brown wall in the dining area to match, we decided to change up that color slightly as well. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1363/5118332470_f0f2b71433_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1363/5118332470_f0f2b71433_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And so, the beige walls will still be, beige, and the red/brown walls will still be, yes, red. But getting the right shades is important and we wanted to work with his existing collection of rugs, plus the granite in the kitchen/bathroom which has some deep rusty flecks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1hTtTBY4qGeaNlnNscks8xt5ulFvG_MdAWx6QbsoMAW599LvYxIr9VLFY5GF8FkVy9Wsv9G6bWBe79R5x75lhGiQdwD8Wwz80lukKzZLrkzCvs0GR_OdbQs8rzcZwAfsd5qN8jqSjbCq/s1600/Dunmore+Cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1hTtTBY4qGeaNlnNscks8xt5ulFvG_MdAWx6QbsoMAW599LvYxIr9VLFY5GF8FkVy9Wsv9G6bWBe79R5x75lhGiQdwD8Wwz80lukKzZLrkzCvs0GR_OdbQs8rzcZwAfsd5qN8jqSjbCq/s320/Dunmore+Cream.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The beige walls will be Ben Moore's Dunmore Cream  HC-29<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CpK-r06FlVwcPHVys49OCLRvLCNUzQj9RW2kY6lXfES90bqY2jtk1S2_FprU8-SkHE7iOFj08Kpahqt7ShyphenhyphencC-k-5LzyDJAZ6qfIYjKaNK82Ki0efwB_2i9C_X5iV43roCYQ36iZKqn1/s1600/Onondoga+Clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CpK-r06FlVwcPHVys49OCLRvLCNUzQj9RW2kY6lXfES90bqY2jtk1S2_FprU8-SkHE7iOFj08Kpahqt7ShyphenhyphencC-k-5LzyDJAZ6qfIYjKaNK82Ki0efwB_2i9C_X5iV43roCYQ36iZKqn1/s320/Onondoga+Clay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> And the red walls will likely be Ben Moore Onondoga Clay #1204<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nJ2Q4iT-wDuhMHY-lpv3lRLvmIZ8YEJ3JocHbZmlT7bQI791mfMazkdte1hWUMPtHJ2_CD5sfXT7F3AW4X-2Bo_6j98jOGxElxlQvzlghygQb6rmXoDf-s4FwU-QpJBj4_bX7kbp9otg/s1600/Garrison+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nJ2Q4iT-wDuhMHY-lpv3lRLvmIZ8YEJ3JocHbZmlT7bQI791mfMazkdte1hWUMPtHJ2_CD5sfXT7F3AW4X-2Bo_6j98jOGxElxlQvzlghygQb6rmXoDf-s4FwU-QpJBj4_bX7kbp9otg/s320/Garrison+Red.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Or Garrison Red HC-66, if the Onondoga Clay doesn't work. <br /><br />The bathroom and bedroom will both be the same color: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1100/5117731911_f131f58f91_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1100/5117731911_f131f58f91_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1112/5118333390_121c86cabc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1112/5118333390_121c86cabc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBNJuZCzSjWDXbLpBHT8IMT-ses4qNXrtY4wibmE5RYIuHZal2mLu0iPTSfWsu_7nmdVhgrAUXzYazHOAnviZP1l0AwEaW3WM82uzKopP-csNA0WbdlHtddNSlW0yhYuJQtEKKkHejyCK/s1600/ValeMist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBNJuZCzSjWDXbLpBHT8IMT-ses4qNXrtY4wibmE5RYIuHZal2mLu0iPTSfWsu_7nmdVhgrAUXzYazHOAnviZP1l0AwEaW3WM82uzKopP-csNA0WbdlHtddNSlW0yhYuJQtEKKkHejyCK/s320/ValeMist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ben Moore's Vale Mist #1494</div><br />This is only a 600+ square foot space, so consistency throughout will be key to keeping it feeling larger, yet the accent walls help define the different spaces. Unfortunately, the only downside to the space is that it's ground floor under the building and the ceiling is low-ish, is textured and there is no option for recessed lighting. At this point, we're not planning on removing the popcorn ceiling (it's a huge, miserable job), but you never know, that may happen down the road.  However, the pluses of this space include a fully updated (tho tiny) kitchen and some very nice light fixtures in the living/dining room and all the smaller touches like matching door knobs and other fittings. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/5118332774_b96f4ca8b1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/5118332774_b96f4ca8b1_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />By the way, how fabulous is this rug? My client bought it several years ago at the Sandwich Auction House for $100. He's never used it or even looked at it since. And it fits perfectly in the dining area!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5117733241_0d8263a2e4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5117733241_0d8263a2e4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And so, we're off on a new decorating adventure! We'll be using some of his existing furniture, but will be looking for a new dining room set and sideboard, and we will be needing a new bed and possibly a new sectional for the living room area. The one he has (pictured up top) is very flexible, but not overly comfortable. And, we'll likely be installing the tv over the mantle. Not either of our favorite thought, but the only other option is to put it on a stand in the corner of the living room, blocking the windows. Final decision to be made on that one!<br /><br />Meanwhile, I'm also preparing for a photoshoot of my kitchen on Friday for <a href="http://countrywomanmagazine.com/">Country Woman</a> magazine. Since my neighbors include cows, chickens and the occasional wild turkeys, I guess I qualify! <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>

The bachelor moves to Cambridge

I wanted to share a new project that I've just started this week. My friend and client who lived in the Beacon Street, Boston penthouse above that I worked with him on has finally found a new city pied-a-terre in Cambridge, MA.  He works in Boston and has a weekend house on Cape Cod, so has been loo…

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The Secret Garden Mural - True Confessions

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbncUsKHDTjrSybjCeRoAfHlhQte5R2OMAa-C2C4Mgg35z32bopBgZavFfy3lyD2bRrdA_wZhZJO8A1Peb310bb1-mtvp90B9EMk4HpGvzOAm4HhaViM_GgbO4Y2pK0-l-ex-njbRkOQN8/s1600/SecretGardenMural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbncUsKHDTjrSybjCeRoAfHlhQte5R2OMAa-C2C4Mgg35z32bopBgZavFfy3lyD2bRrdA_wZhZJO8A1Peb310bb1-mtvp90B9EMk4HpGvzOAm4HhaViM_GgbO4Y2pK0-l-ex-njbRkOQN8/s640/SecretGardenMural.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Have you ever started a project that proved to be too big to really handle? Well, for me, it's been my "Secret Garden" mural. I live in a condo with vaulted ceilings. The front entrance/foyer includes the split staircase down to the lower level, resulting in a wall that is, from mid-stair landing, 20 feet tall or so. A tall, narrow wall is very tricky to deal with.<br /><br />The pic below is the only one I have of the hallway pre-mural (except the beginning of the stone wall section). A big white boxy place filled with jigs and jogs that was uninteresting and bland.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/705/1274/200/245_stairs1a.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/705/1274/200/245_stairs1a.0.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />This is the view from my front door into my living area. The stairwell is to the left. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5071925171_3a0a568fec_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5071925171_3a0a568fec_z.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1061/5115886763_bb7527a3d1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>About 7 or 8 years ago, I decided to create a 360 degree mural based on the theme of "A Secret Garden", one of my favorite children's books. With the help of friends, I started painting - a blue sky with clouds, tall hedge and stone wall heading down the stairs. The focal point was supposed to be an opening in the stone wall that lead into the "Secret Garden" in a feat of trompe l'oeil glory.  There was also supposed to be a faux wrought iron fencing around the whole thing as well. Well, best laid plans go out the window after so many years.  The mural languished about 3/4's finished for the last several years and I decided it was time to get it to a finished place (at least, finished enough to call it a day).<br /><br />And so, voila - gone is the open door into the trompe l'oeil garden interior and I ended up with a closed wooden garden door keeping the inside a secret. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1176/5116488156_6afef5c465_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1176/5116488156_6afef5c465_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/5115883321_bf978834a9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/5115883321_bf978834a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1413/5116488594_8de7bb16e8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1413/5116488594_8de7bb16e8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The sky looms over the wall... <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1144/5115886143_82295c7b1a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1144/5115886143_82295c7b1a_z.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1439/5115883765_186c3c7925_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1439/5115883765_186c3c7925_z.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Looking back to the front door. The door on the left is to the powder room. I've debated painting the front door to look like a wooden door as well - what do you think? Too much?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1061/5115886763_bb7527a3d1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1061/5115886763_bb7527a3d1_z.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I think, in the end, this mural project has achieved what was intended - even if I didn't completely achieve my initial lofty goal. It added color and shape to a bland space - filling it up with life and warmth. Hey, I'm clearly not a professional decorative painter but I hope this shows that anyone can pick up a brush and give it a try.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1397/5116487240_7845ccc817_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1397/5116487240_7845ccc817_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And hey, it's just paint. It can always be painted over!<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>

The Secret Garden Mural - True Confessions

Have you ever started a project that proved to be too big to really handle? Well, for me, it's been my "Secret Garden" mural. I live in a condo with vaulted ceilings. The front entrance/foyer includes the split staircase down to the lower level, resulting in a wall that is, from mid-stair landing, 2…

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Friendship and a can-do attitude will take you far

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AddY1b8vnYo_XRm_p_xAi1XGMtXYzZNHNQNwH8WpyAarSGwfGlyZdvt7GJ4jnltx66BQGkv2nwb79W8FxHrLWG0x-tmANQyLLeAYJQgp1JGjG5UqedS4_hVS_onviuEHWb7D3xbLehlx/s1600/cov__1287833969_4489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AddY1b8vnYo_XRm_p_xAi1XGMtXYzZNHNQNwH8WpyAarSGwfGlyZdvt7GJ4jnltx66BQGkv2nwb79W8FxHrLWG0x-tmANQyLLeAYJQgp1JGjG5UqedS4_hVS_onviuEHWb7D3xbLehlx/s1600/cov__1287833969_4489.jpg" /></a></div>Today's Boston Globe Sunday magazine focuses on Easy and Affordable design and diy projects, including a <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/articles/2010/10/24/a_home_all_their_own/">photospread of a Milton, MA couple</a> who are both physical therapists.  This is a very special story because the photospread - and cover photo - was shot by my photographer and friend <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael Lee</a>.   Well, what's special is that Michael and his wife are friends and neighbors with the homeowners,  Jenny and Colin Highland. The day after the photoshoot took place,  Michael was hit by a motorcycle while walking in a crosswalk and his leg was broken in three places. He was released from the hospital just days before the deadline to submit the images for the photoshoot. I can promise you - he is the hardest working man in design. He not only made his photo deadline, a week after the accident, he attended an industry event where he was a sponsor. I know, because I was his chauffeur/date for the evening and he was still very shaky on the full leg cast and crutches. Amazing. He's since resumed his shooting schedule (including a trip to Nantucket), cast, crutches and all. Thankfully, since he's coming back to my house this week to re-shoot <a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/Portfolio-Duxbury-Condo_Kitchen_Remodel_1-Chameleon_Interiors-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html">my kitchen</a> for a national magazine spread (details to follow!). A big thanks to homeowner Colin Highland who is working with Michael as his personal physical therapist. It's amazing how far a positive can-do attitude and the kindness of friends will go. <br /><br />Here are the pics from Michael's photoshoot of Colin and Jenny Highland's DIY styled home. They've created a warm sanctuary for their little family, filled with vintage and modern touches and a sophisticated, yet exuberant color palette.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m1__1287786982_5520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m1__1287786982_5520.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m2__1287787170_9021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m2__1287787170_9021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m3__1287787221_3665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m3__1287787221_3665.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m4__1287787288_6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m4__1287787288_6159.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m5__1287787353_6061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m5__1287787353_6061.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m6__1287787406_1288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m6__1287787406_1288.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m7__1287787467_8029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m7__1287787467_8029.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m9__1287787615_8373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m9__1287787615_8373.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m8__1287787530_3845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m8__1287787530_3845.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos courtesy of The Boston Globe. Photography by Michael J. Lee. <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/articles/2010/10/24/a_home_all_their_own/">Story</a> by Estelle Bond Guralnick. </span></div><br /><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>

Friendship and a can-do attitude will take you far

Today's Boston Globe Sunday magazine focuses on Easy and Affordable design and diy projects, including a photospread of a Milton, MA couple who are both physical therapists.  This is a very special story because the photospread - and cover photo - was shot by my photographer and friend Michael Lee. …

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