Travel Tuesday: Yellow and Red Parisian Rental

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/PassageEntrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/PassageEntrance.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> came across this adorable little rental apartment in my internet wanderings and it prompted me to resurrect my <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Travel%20Tuesday" target="_blank">Travel Tuesday</a> series. Located in the Bastille neighborhood of Paris, the <a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/home.html" target="_blank">Cort Demoye Apartment</a> is a tiny jewel box brimming with Parisian charm. At a small 430 sq. ft., it sleeps up to four. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDLOBJcCc5YdFxE7eGXbnMS0HiTReL4Z3LrrkZtcblbmwG_8ne8ZOA-_xTdVPql9MFXWaUWS7sjWSskSMeeP79ke8Y9SKeW3Grcxjdru1XKXxpxds2EMUlj8Q8x-zuXnwmqm3Jf7oEzbR/s1600/place+de+la+bastille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDLOBJcCc5YdFxE7eGXbnMS0HiTReL4Z3LrrkZtcblbmwG_8ne8ZOA-_xTdVPql9MFXWaUWS7sjWSskSMeeP79ke8Y9SKeW3Grcxjdru1XKXxpxds2EMUlj8Q8x-zuXnwmqm3Jf7oEzbR/s640/place+de+la+bastille.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><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.parisbastilleapt.com/PrivatePedestrianStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/PrivatePedestrianStreet.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he apartment building is located on a truly romantic looking pedestrian only walkway. The apartment itself is a 3rd floor (that's 4th to us Americans) walk-up - but the climb is surely worth it. </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.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1010006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1010006.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">R</span></span></b>ecently renovated and decorated (no children under twelve or pets allowed), the apartment is filled with classic French country style. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk2/F1030015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk2/F1030015.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">H</span></span></b>ow truly "French" is this small window seat, casement windows and scroll work iron gate overlooking the neighbors roof. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000005.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he living and dining room spaces are fairly small and spare, but certainly comfortable looking. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000020.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> always love a curtained room entry and this one does a nice job of separating the surprisingly large (by European standards) kitchen from the main living area.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000028.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000036.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he <span class="st"><i>Pièce de résistance</i></span> of the apartment is undoubtedly the jewel box of a master bedroom. The jaunty yellow walls with matching yellow bedding and yellow and white Toile fabric coverlet is really breathtaking. The queen size bed clearly takes up nearly all the space, but the efficient closets, mirrored walls and shelves behind the bed really enhance the space. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030007.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">N</span></span></b>ote the wall angle by the window - clearly, this is the top floor of a classic Mansard roof building. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he bathroom in the Master bedroom includes a sink and bathtub with shower. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030026.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he WC is located off of the front entry and is papered in a fabulous yellow and gold stripe. Even the vanity door fronts are striped. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1010013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1010013.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/FloorPlanREV.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/FloorPlanREV.gif" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he rent for this cute little apartment ranges from 850 to 975 Euros per week, depending on how many people are staying. There are also discounts for length of stay, with stays ranging from four days to three months. As anyone knows, staying in an apartment and living as the locals do is truly the best way to get to know a place. And I do think this <a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/home.html" target="_blank">little apartment in the Bastille</a> is one to keep note of for future trips to my favorite city!<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>nd now, a little French ambiance brought to us by the fabulous <a href="http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vicki Archer of French Essence blog</a>: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdlHVkcfxAdk9SEHYUvksjS91kl-Kmus5MRfbOquNyAN886jRfAFiuk2kTfzWuS2G8vTOvxX-AO66G9xz0LZOTGC3hxDSn7Wxp2FhjWAM_vuRr5cl4ZfYl-pdc6Pd7pbBh4N3Eq5HWnU/s640/P1266809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdlHVkcfxAdk9SEHYUvksjS91kl-Kmus5MRfbOquNyAN886jRfAFiuk2kTfzWuS2G8vTOvxX-AO66G9xz0LZOTGC3hxDSn7Wxp2FhjWAM_vuRr5cl4ZfYl-pdc6Pd7pbBh4N3Eq5HWnU/s640/P1266809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCtRhihftiUaV6Qgxnyh0Uo5TigTcCbx7yDurjap6RCE11RlNZgMQrINgi87XoLoX8S23YSCscqOZjNEMHFBgoAJjQXkH-iyt-0m3BEGOrMcrOvXwpb2FZHKIPjbS9MOR96-uJmLivcoD/s640/PB255600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCtRhihftiUaV6Qgxnyh0Uo5TigTcCbx7yDurjap6RCE11RlNZgMQrINgi87XoLoX8S23YSCscqOZjNEMHFBgoAJjQXkH-iyt-0m3BEGOrMcrOvXwpb2FZHKIPjbS9MOR96-uJmLivcoD/s640/PB255600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-eGXkskKNQeaS_G7bnrN9ygaRYQ7_GDdxCx6X1iu1Jo2qTG7xZO2hQ2hwwF2YQiNXcQI8kguG_jNHDSEw8gi3x0rrlzyl-091PNZ8XLTYnML5Za4qYz1L4QsBy0wdG7qSb_BKGPwGHw/s640/L1030528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-eGXkskKNQeaS_G7bnrN9ygaRYQ7_GDdxCx6X1iu1Jo2qTG7xZO2hQ2hwwF2YQiNXcQI8kguG_jNHDSEw8gi3x0rrlzyl-091PNZ8XLTYnML5Za4qYz1L4QsBy0wdG7qSb_BKGPwGHw/s400/L1030528.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzuZJLQNGoX3BfF6TAdxo9kEJsbU5AaPt6H2to8s-Eg3CXSZOwvQEYsUykWWUiWSMAo-ZdBbVt2L7oAGK0uiA-nXMGOurrioLDFKA16omjTgn_XCvwRorOo1zBUp50X4DYq0xmMtMJzkr/s640/PB275774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzuZJLQNGoX3BfF6TAdxo9kEJsbU5AaPt6H2to8s-Eg3CXSZOwvQEYsUykWWUiWSMAo-ZdBbVt2L7oAGK0uiA-nXMGOurrioLDFKA16omjTgn_XCvwRorOo1zBUp50X4DYq0xmMtMJzkr/s640/PB275774.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>nd this final image is by photographer <a href="http://annehenning.com/" target="_blank">Anne Henning</a>. I have this framed photograph that is printed on watercolor paper in my collection - purchased at an auction a few years ago. I just love it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1sdS-bnyslDWC8WlRmFBh503MyTdGoFg8Cwp-KkUXwCl_EBQmldoTei0jLGvb9nyqKUuZFsx4ni6xi6-4lko4-UYk8fCkheFmhCrGvCYum72RmLZNzWUFahyZ4eWTwYnyrjNIEkKqoZF/s1600/Anne+Henning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1sdS-bnyslDWC8WlRmFBh503MyTdGoFg8Cwp-KkUXwCl_EBQmldoTei0jLGvb9nyqKUuZFsx4ni6xi6-4lko4-UYk8fCkheFmhCrGvCYum72RmLZNzWUFahyZ4eWTwYnyrjNIEkKqoZF/s400/Anne+Henning.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span>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>

Travel Tuesday: Yellow and Red Parisian Rental

 I came across this adorable little rental apartment in my internet wanderings and it prompted me to resurrect my Travel Tuesday series. Located in the Bastille neighborhood of Paris, the Cort Demoye Apartment is a tiny jewel box brimming with Parisian charm. At a small 430 sq. ft., it sleeps up to …

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Design Bloggers Conference Hall of Fame Winners

<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> wanted to send a little shout out to the just announced winners of the first annual Design Bloggers Conference Hall of Fame. First, let me say that I am not actually at the conference. It just didn't fit into my schedule or budget this year. But if you follow the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/realtime/dbc2012" target="_blank">#dbc2021</a> on Twitter, you can nearly feel like you're there - you know, without the warm LA weather (warmer than New England, at lease!) and all the hugging and air kissing. <br /><br />A big congratulations to: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://meredithheron.com/blog" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfqBhPeLNsz-P9qMbZsCWGGqIhcRYmZ0N-zp5QxZysgffR6tmsQ5mSBU4iGomj61duQOA2Z4MFEx8nehs08BjlrcEosvgzTpIVzvIwGf6GPaDlCH4DV-nF9EwDZJnk8H8xKlLen4TlqJo/s400/Sashay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>oronto-based designer Meredith Heron's blog <a href="http://meredithheron.com/blog" target="_blank">Sashay</a> won best new design blog.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtdMiRlC0HJPxUqG0k4wNyQN6jG1IbnGSNzPL2BLzeSHywBUTblIEBNRCeoAxNnVFR9tw7VgcI2w-yGYQJdkoNQKw8zWtnAgVWk4MzGwfMIAyGAjiLMcTfFgymiYfN2dp3t_5MUpm4acK/s400/Peak+of+Chic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>tlanta based writer Jennifer Boles' <a href="http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Peak of Chic</a> won for best writing on a design blog. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBSxnY0VA2GIAwTVlJpiqhwIFoau6TFRID2IlYtgvzt1rA7Zcju05aRAEIddSpoRYMV0-4HmuVnlZxdLanp0_SFhz0DLqEzojunizhSiHV8FXhDWJIHJHC8M4yIxlb6YizL3yI0L7Hrxw/s400/CocoKelley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">S</span></span></b>eattle based Cassandra Lavalle's blog <a href="http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coco + Kelley</a> won for best graphics and photography<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tobifairley.com/blog/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnKfxmIlTIcFQ_BauvmGbilYFQ0ajwfikt7n21LxcNJrYCXZgEX7OqSzBp2ZmDiZAhzr4TJXoH-2RK3gq4Q8nCU61Govnae8FpRtjLyaf-97fo13DXTDE3umEZryQYJ4AXAKvinsIiD1q/s400/Tobi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>rkansas designer <a href="http://tobifairley.com/blog/" target="_blank">Tobi Fairley's blog </a>won for best overall design blog. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">N</span></span></b>ow, not to take away from any of these ladies and their accomplishments - they are all worthy winners - but I have had some thoughts about the entire Hall of Fame concept from the beginning. First off: to me, the concept of a Hall of Fame denotes not only exceptional achievement, but longevity and community service.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://greeneyed.com/wp-content/uploads/design-sponge-logo-230x162.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://greeneyed.com/wp-content/uploads/design-sponge-logo-230x162.png" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">F</span></span></b>or that reason alone, I had voted for Grace Bonney's <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/" target="_blank">Design*Sponge</a> for best over all design blog. After all, how can you not choose the person who really was the forefront of personal design blogging? She very nearly created the genre and inspired a thousand other blogs, mine included. Her Biz Ladies Meetups across the country were huge successes and showed that she was as interested in supporting women in business no matter how tiny. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBIyv7NKsy6I-Ojz_5RKwHSwy4fnNqxMh_jrpzscDXfdwU8v9tmZNPgycs6-vnJquCrKaOKSoGxE74TOjehzB24dUkng5T5g-vPdDJhU3D9SrHYkFlArtTUQOngeeSENep2BV5EFuVDE9/s1600/decor8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBIyv7NKsy6I-Ojz_5RKwHSwy4fnNqxMh_jrpzscDXfdwU8v9tmZNPgycs6-vnJquCrKaOKSoGxE74TOjehzB24dUkng5T5g-vPdDJhU3D9SrHYkFlArtTUQOngeeSENep2BV5EFuVDE9/s1600/decor8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> voted for Holly Becker's <a href="http://decor8blog.com/" target="_blank">Decor8</a> for best graphics and photography. As with Grace Bonney, Holly has been at the forefront of design blogs, has legions of followers and through her course offerings in design blogging, many new bloggers have been nurtured. Additionally, her blog is very well designed and her own photography has gotten quite good over the years and truly establishes and supports her brand.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrsblandings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncOxYsrcojwjo1JGjV7ZaSa9Ugn2KosuB-uCqpZO09gzmoFGaLgmCUH-fAXAHGBKj0wrobOUhLgFriYTqroy9f11TD4MxS16wW7eE2rRORB5qj9efA6ahgB0q-A6FPHvlsjctOxZsJy9A/s1600-r/header4.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>n the category of best writing, it was for me a toss up between Patricia Shackelford of <a href="http://mrsblandings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Blandings</a> and the aforementioned winner Jennifer Boles. As far as I'm concerned no other design bloggers are writers of the same caliber as these ladies.  I voted for Patricia simply because I really am in awe of her ability to mash-up a completely unrelated anecdote of her life with a series of beautiful images and somehow it all makes sense. Plus, she's a beautifully spare writer - a quality I certainly lack. Both Jennifer and Patricia have parlayed their writing skills into gigs for House Beautiful and Architectural Digest, respectively, and it's no wonder.  <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>s I said, this is not to disparage the work of the winning bloggers at all. They are all amazing and worthy of accolade.  I simply wanted to send a quick shout out to the bloggers whose work I admire and have done for many years. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Brava</span></span></b> to all!<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>

Design Bloggers Conference Hall of Fame Winners

I wanted to send a little shout out to the just announced winners of the first annual Design Bloggers Conference Hall of Fame. First, let me say that I am not actually at the conference. It just didn't fit into my schedule or budget this year. But if you follow the hashtag #dbc2021 on Twitter, you c…

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A Little Friday Pretty

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9W3tQ0STWyT8TS086U_ikWJCR8sgiTHTX5AI_f6WcZxOmPoPga4mfGXzbyIB6ZBx1-dgEHkLnp0ecnBBblOobEK92lV3pAJog3Ne4A9UN_XaD4M9IP1UCIpYn5IsoiijXJxEiYJJFqxo/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9W3tQ0STWyT8TS086U_ikWJCR8sgiTHTX5AI_f6WcZxOmPoPga4mfGXzbyIB6ZBx1-dgEHkLnp0ecnBBblOobEK92lV3pAJog3Ne4A9UN_XaD4M9IP1UCIpYn5IsoiijXJxEiYJJFqxo/s640/image002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nh-design.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">N</span></span></b>icky Haslam</a>'s French Farmhouse in the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203358704577237391231741750.html?mod=WSJ_Magazine_LEFTSecondStories" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a>. The simple textures, luxurious antiques and country feel are just to die! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo by Simon Upton)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU_vKSh4AgxSh3YCLS82RGruc03fS5mmpIGpDGGgxFfHfm3JJ22C0CudCMqy5obN4sAaOUJcFq5PSt1NiUbE4Cf-Q49vu0hgdSWzc8I3RGE2jSHAJWIdMSorHWVT0FTopDcB57-ZkrgRh/s1600/Meg+Braff.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU_vKSh4AgxSh3YCLS82RGruc03fS5mmpIGpDGGgxFfHfm3JJ22C0CudCMqy5obN4sAaOUJcFq5PSt1NiUbE4Cf-Q49vu0hgdSWzc8I3RGE2jSHAJWIdMSorHWVT0FTopDcB57-ZkrgRh/s640/Meg+Braff.jpeg" width="530" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">B</span></span></b>utler's Pantry design by <a href="http://megbraff.com/" target="_blank">Meg Braff</a> featured in this month's <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a>. I love, love, love green and this tiny space, described by Meg as a "little green jewel box" is perfection, including the well worn carpets. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo by James Merrell)</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd_eyY7LsYHZDCCGIrYZnmJsQk4bGMICfDiuFBB4W0581m8CnHCKXPMa2U2Cw90VWp455ViFk0aqBbj5jLy7_dZNJF_pwG_WXOZqBxFGtxUNFHyOVKBfNoYHpOfs7g6TiM81wbmOQVKxm/s1600/Porcelain+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd_eyY7LsYHZDCCGIrYZnmJsQk4bGMICfDiuFBB4W0581m8CnHCKXPMa2U2Cw90VWp455ViFk0aqBbj5jLy7_dZNJF_pwG_WXOZqBxFGtxUNFHyOVKBfNoYHpOfs7g6TiM81wbmOQVKxm/s1600/Porcelain+flower.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">U</span></span></b>kraine born, New Jersey based <a href="http://www.vladimircollection.com/" target="_blank">Vladimir Kanevsky</a> creates the most amazing porcelain flowers which, as Carolyn Roehm put it "almost compete with Mother Nature".  His works are featured in the Wall Street Journal in their story "<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203358704577237372269654022.html?mod=WSJMagazineDesign_LEFTStories" target="_blank">Porcelain Flowers Never Die</a>". He also has the most enticing first page on a <a href="http://www.vladimircollection.com/" target="_blank">website</a> I've seen in a long, long time.  Spectacular on a big screen!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TnJ2bCVFbqLYaflABYp6oqFYu8KRBPng6d0yikiLWxCGLDWHtBNIc8hKsqlZm6cORbugMee0lcAa0EgZOw2IUVPqFKqw-qD_L37akQU6aWVif3xPlI72WjhKUJyprZTFjHNz2rbOxxrd/s1600/Vladimir+website.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TnJ2bCVFbqLYaflABYp6oqFYu8KRBPng6d0yikiLWxCGLDWHtBNIc8hKsqlZm6cORbugMee0lcAa0EgZOw2IUVPqFKqw-qD_L37akQU6aWVif3xPlI72WjhKUJyprZTFjHNz2rbOxxrd/s640/Vladimir+website.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">H</span></span></b>ope you enjoyed a little Friday Pretty and have a wonderful weekend. I just booked a trip to Bermuda Birthday Bash trip (not going till August!) so am dreaming of blue/green waters and pink sands!  Meanwhile, a few of us on Twitter are thinking we might need to form a Downton Abbey support group - who's in?<br /><br /><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 Little Friday Pretty

Nicky Haslam's French Farmhouse in the Wall Street Journal. The simple textures, luxurious antiques and country feel are just to die! (photo by Simon Upton)Butler's Pantry design by Meg Braff featured in this month's House Beautiful. I love, love, love green and this tiny space, described by Meg as …

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Downton Abbey: Putting Downton to bed for the season

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/uploads/assets/home3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/uploads/assets/home3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">O</span></span></b>kay, first let me say that I think it's good this series is over. For me at least. I believe I have spent more time on this one post than is good for me. So, we have finished Season 2 with a murder trial, a proposal and some awfully pretty snow scenes. For this last post of the Downton Abbey season (what WILL I find to blog about next year when it comes back!) - I am focusing on the bedrooms. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl4qRNTxrpJTLzi1rakYIkS4HiKd-6lsYh61aMkyjw74RH_0q30eO7kD-YWOQ8i0dixQKDbq4wwYuhdSZWUkMUU4b9QkzgQwTaepalnJi4I1VGbbT8QIQGEjp60bJ0jRy8PBj6eovWFdw/s1600/Mary's+BR+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl4qRNTxrpJTLzi1rakYIkS4HiKd-6lsYh61aMkyjw74RH_0q30eO7kD-YWOQ8i0dixQKDbq4wwYuhdSZWUkMUU4b9QkzgQwTaepalnJi4I1VGbbT8QIQGEjp60bJ0jRy8PBj6eovWFdw/s1600/Mary's+BR+montage.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">E</span></span></b>ldest daughter Lady Mary's bedroom is the setting for many scenes of the Crawley sisters and their mother, the Countess Cora. Not to mention the demise of the unfortunate Mr. Pamuk. This is clearly the hangout room and I don't believe we ever saw other other sisters' rooms. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEOJ6KT5TVmqpeBdZwBA9YV1-fgEwURuVAgd5q0A_jV4y8TB3rMGGxGDVuDXj3WAxqZJFt2xgd1phLTzrEvKLKGyVTaYiyDTHbjOrhNPYOwFitEhYOdKvMwL6Uq4dP9hiHEp4ekgfYrvq/s1600/Cora's+br+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEOJ6KT5TVmqpeBdZwBA9YV1-fgEwURuVAgd5q0A_jV4y8TB3rMGGxGDVuDXj3WAxqZJFt2xgd1phLTzrEvKLKGyVTaYiyDTHbjOrhNPYOwFitEhYOdKvMwL6Uq4dP9hiHEp4ekgfYrvq/s1600/Cora's+br+montage.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">C</span></span></b>ora, Countess of Grantham's bedroom was light and bright as compared to the other bedrooms. I did note, however, that the bed changed between season 1 and season 2. The image below is one of the room as it is today. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mirrormirror.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c7dce53ef0148c808697f970c-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://mirrormirror.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c7dce53ef0148c808697f970c-pi" 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/AVvXsEgSzAATHMKTaYynHYHmEBbsoWXmOhuT8ieEtIBf3N09PCFFYrYfl3OQmXT2KHIW-fmgvzHQogBAIu0ikWVPU5wd70O4cVqxyoG_bKOGG60vCFlJgfjpSvAQoCzAOPGBpQzFLLzPqVFoicy0/s1600/Robert's+BR+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzAATHMKTaYynHYHmEBbsoWXmOhuT8ieEtIBf3N09PCFFYrYfl3OQmXT2KHIW-fmgvzHQogBAIu0ikWVPU5wd70O4cVqxyoG_bKOGG60vCFlJgfjpSvAQoCzAOPGBpQzFLLzPqVFoicy0/s640/Robert's+BR+montage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">R</span></span></b>obert, the Earl of Grantham made use of a small bedroom and dressing room adjacent to his wife's much larger bedroom. It tended to be fairly modest in decor, although it does feature some pretty spectacular clothes cupboards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3yyB31hWHBNFZX13KyqETJpgrUmPEi9iaygmDd-3Ot5qWkjURoPyqqQR_v9DC1eia3z_bpp-NgpLVKAI9ABynFHcEgBreM-ZiDe7lFAltQJX0P5scaVaFDvpw8yT-xSPqdVkdZo0b6Vu/s1600/Gest+bedrooms+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3yyB31hWHBNFZX13KyqETJpgrUmPEi9iaygmDd-3Ot5qWkjURoPyqqQR_v9DC1eia3z_bpp-NgpLVKAI9ABynFHcEgBreM-ZiDe7lFAltQJX0P5scaVaFDvpw8yT-xSPqdVkdZo0b6Vu/s640/Gest+bedrooms+montage.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>busy house, DA was always filled with guests, so we got to see several different guest rooms. Upper left features a well decorated room befitting the status of the Duke who slept there. (He had status, but was a creep!) Upper right is the room set aside for Sir Richard, Mary's overbearing ex-fiance. Note the image below shows this same bedroom as it is today with the curtains wide open. Lower left features a lovely bedroom that was given to footman William as he lay dying. He was accorded this honor because he saved the life of Matthew, the future Earl of Grantham. Before dying, he married kitchen maid Daisy. Lower right is the bed sweet Lavinia, Matthew's fiance, died in of Spanish flu. I believe that the yellow bedroom below is this room as seen today. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mirrormirror.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c7dce53ef0148c8086969970c-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://mirrormirror.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c7dce53ef0148c8086969970c-pi" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mirrormirror.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c7dce53ef0147e1ff3aa4970b-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://mirrormirror.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c7dce53ef0147e1ff3aa4970b-pi" 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/AVvXsEhQCREyvrEaATjaB8gIFa4dX3qNWPmLTEjewuQumxom_TRjifd5q0cKeCzn98QS21SbuFHQwbHc5dZGwMPiI3TFUC68GFn97MIuKbQtdE8N9k1G23vZQF0NMoJzTWTBKwpyEDPXku0n2QPL/s1600/Servant's+BR+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCREyvrEaATjaB8gIFa4dX3qNWPmLTEjewuQumxom_TRjifd5q0cKeCzn98QS21SbuFHQwbHc5dZGwMPiI3TFUC68GFn97MIuKbQtdE8N9k1G23vZQF0NMoJzTWTBKwpyEDPXku0n2QPL/s1600/Servant's+BR+montage.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">B</span></span></b>y contrast, the servants bedrooms are very simple and neutral in tone. Not uncomfortable looking, they have a sweet homey feel to them. It is notable that Mr. Carson, the Butler and highest ranked in the staff would have a finer bed and room than do the rest of the servants (image 3). <br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span>nd below is my weekly "Get that Look" to create a fairly close copy of a DA bedroom. Click the image to go to all the links for these beautiful furnishings. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/downton-abbey-boudoirs/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguftEskwjF7kcTnbkpISMNI01s5s5BDH7z7esVooJwXd1cadFdXTAQuUDHeeK1Ukdnq6cs1Y5GSBHFx5vf0_1eUNLFaDxK7Kx_1jkWZql2SRc9311tAxwYX0ZWoIkNnesS1I9LikzjZMHA/s640/Downton+Abbey+bedroom.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><br />And below, I imagine a more modern take on a Downton Abbey bedroom for a modern couple. Perhaps Matthew and Mary's descendents? Some furnishings would be the same as they ever were, and others might be a little bit updated. <a href="http://olioboard.com/boards/72853-downton-abbey-inspired-bedroom-2" target="_blank">Click here to Olioboard</a> for more detail. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1tU4rBj-a1CBm_FRl5kjiTVp4J-HE_qrHbROTBhmM-VgqzGOo-kj9hBoaS5enIenM158VC3VZSZ8cUfGGZaFTLdEegOXZJ4P9EyyynaURlLTX-JBTnDruQhBSJLoRNrDqLeDlgI4W_A0/s1600/OB-Downton+Abbey+Inspired+Bedroom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1tU4rBj-a1CBm_FRl5kjiTVp4J-HE_qrHbROTBhmM-VgqzGOo-kj9hBoaS5enIenM158VC3VZSZ8cUfGGZaFTLdEegOXZJ4P9EyyynaURlLTX-JBTnDruQhBSJLoRNrDqLeDlgI4W_A0/s640/OB-Downton+Abbey+Inspired+Bedroom+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></b></span>dditional links for Downton Abbey:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2012/01/rebecca-eaton-201201/_jcr_content/par/cn_contentwell/par-main/cn_pagination_contai/cn_image.size.rebecca-eaton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh-o3Vgznvv-BBDc9BoOMHh0kvVQXCVr09wYzq0NJrCKBXXKZTQRVzSHwvsuIvRFF9Ap-TSwccYBSH3H4uhY4bxg2RJi3l_nH_99MyxIVvKGaI5XqvbHxL8Kjf87sZnFKy1DW4vmaZclU/s1600/Pinterest+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh-o3Vgznvv-BBDc9BoOMHh0kvVQXCVr09wYzq0NJrCKBXXKZTQRVzSHwvsuIvRFF9Ap-TSwccYBSH3H4uhY4bxg2RJi3l_nH_99MyxIVvKGaI5XqvbHxL8Kjf87sZnFKy1DW4vmaZclU/s1600/Pinterest+logo.jpg" /></a> <b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">V</span></b>isit my <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/downton-abbey-boudoirs/" target="_blank">Downton Abbey Bedroom Board on Pinterest</a> for additional images, links and credits for all of the above above.</li>  <li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b> huge THANK YOU to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon for keeping up the biggest star in all of Downton Abbey - <a href="http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">Highclere Castle</a>. </li></ul><ul><a href="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2012/02/16/16_downton-matthewandmary.o.jpg/a_560x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2012/02/16/16_downton-matthewandmary.o.jpg/a_560x0.jpg" width="320" /></a></ul><ul><li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>n the event you can't wait till January 2013 to get your Downton fix, <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2012/02/print-out-vultures-downton-abbey-paper-dolls.html" target="_blank">click here</a> for a very fun set of paper dolls - so you too can play mischief with the lives of the folks both upstairs and down.  </li></ul><ul><li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></b><a href="http://livethefinelife.blogspot.com/2012/02/inspired-by-downton-abbey-lady-rosamund.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b>L</b></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">ive the Fine Life Blog</span></a> offers a take on a completely different space - Aunt Rosamund's London townhouse. Very sophisticated!</li><li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span>nd finally, I wanted to acknowledge the work of the art director and set decorator's on this show. While much of Highclere Castle is used as is, there is still a considerable level of attention to detail that goes into creating the right look for a period drama: Donal Woods, Production Design; Mark Kebby and Charmain Adams, Art Direction; Judy Farr and Gina Cromwell, Set Decoration. All were nominated for Emmy awards this year.   </li></ul><ul> </ul><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">W</span></span></b>hew! Good night Downton, until 2013!<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>

Downton Abbey: Putting Downton to bed for the season

Okay, first let me say that I think it's good this series is over. For me at least. I believe I have spent more time on this one post than is good for me. So, we have finished Season 2 with a murder trial, a proposal and some awfully pretty snow scenes. For this last post of the Downton Abbey season…

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Meeting Annie Selke of Pine Cone Hill and Dash & Albert Rug Company

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6HhuQzHYwyGlw_1uLYq-yQ2MDbR8ZLCYCxr4jtTH2eftUFMpc_Df3Xeq0pblzF26ypM0H16mWUgZWR-tsevgnwyzi786OcEA1ySP8RDKwtYZ0i3l1POhCA76yNDBWwGVxD6Dbabt5A_e/s1600/AnnieSelkie+Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6HhuQzHYwyGlw_1uLYq-yQ2MDbR8ZLCYCxr4jtTH2eftUFMpc_Df3Xeq0pblzF26ypM0H16mWUgZWR-tsevgnwyzi786OcEA1ySP8RDKwtYZ0i3l1POhCA76yNDBWwGVxD6Dbabt5A_e/s640/AnnieSelkie+Dinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(l-r) Linda Merrill, Erin Gates, Leslie Fine, Julianne Covino, Annie Selkie, Marni Katz, Tara Bellucci</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">L</span></span></b>ast week, all the great ladies from the <a href="http://www.annieselke.com/" target="_blank">Annie Selke Companies</a> invited a small group of design bloggers for an intimate dinner at Sel de al Terre in Boston.  In addition to meeting up with this great group of bloggers: Erin Gates - <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/" target="_blank">Elements of Style</a>; Leslie Fine - <a href="http://lesliefineinteriors.com/blog/" target="_blank">Leslie's Blog</a>; Julianne Covino - <a href="http://creategirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Create Girl</a>; Marni Katz - <a href="http://stylecarrot.com/" target="_blank">Style Carrot</a>; Tara Bellucci - <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/tara" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a>; and Kara Butterfield (not in pic) of Boston Magazine's new blog <a href="http://blogs.bostonmagazine.com/boston-home-interior-design/2012/02/10/fresh-american-spaces-book-party/" target="_blank">Roost</a> - we got to meet the creative force behind this successful Massachusetts based brand - Annie herself. Located in the Berkshires in Western, MA - Annie's companies include <a href="http://www.pineconehill.com/" target="_blank">Pine Cone Hill</a>, <a href="http://www.dashandalbert.com/" target="_blank">Dash & Albert Rug Company</a> and Annie Selkie Home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>'ve specked products from these companies for years. Great quality combined with fresh designs and colors always makes a winning combo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl-Wr3LDemUclCGxZGFZavUhHjNixsYwmdO8EhToct-Qg3KM5quMaNQULhL895_6sRj4uTDV6juXyMC9pT9zZ5A6epV9hW-QcgmmkSctFCTPGVghX7YE5POzj_dkIeKRwTnG3xJiDiYuW/s1600/AK+SZ+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl-Wr3LDemUclCGxZGFZavUhHjNixsYwmdO8EhToct-Qg3KM5quMaNQULhL895_6sRj4uTDV6juXyMC9pT9zZ5A6epV9hW-QcgmmkSctFCTPGVghX7YE5POzj_dkIeKRwTnG3xJiDiYuW/s640/AK+SZ+bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b> recent project using several Annie Selke products - perfect for a little girl's room. Great quality with a fun color palette.  A nice feature is that many of the fabrics in the ready made products can be purchased by the yard. Not shown are the roman shades made from Edelweiss Crewel fabric - they are gorgeous. (professional photos coming soon!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC9okvF5DQxELozSUrGoP0e8qAWAtUzQzp5tvbOCjIx0zimroFurGFD-7dBFEC3qqJeeSD72L5jyvz5RsUuANTsP2zn1AmV168_qMb2IyPbEH_6dcaFaQRyXVzFDtoU5xilzqULGa04BN/s1600/MESguestnew874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC9okvF5DQxELozSUrGoP0e8qAWAtUzQzp5tvbOCjIx0zimroFurGFD-7dBFEC3qqJeeSD72L5jyvz5RsUuANTsP2zn1AmV168_qMb2IyPbEH_6dcaFaQRyXVzFDtoU5xilzqULGa04BN/s1600/MESguestnew874.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>nd here is an old snapshot of a guest bedroom that I did several years ago. The round braid rug in the foreground was Dash & Albert, although they no longer show this style on their website.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #e06666; text-align: left;">Contrary to these above projects, I don't only do pink decorating projects and Annie Selke doesn't only have pink products! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUssnYZuAXPCqBQdqpg14BrVFK_Ej5ce_hOjrVeXnD7fokW-L45TZ6ZY1Jgh7x6zs_R_J45ABrPKjj9iPMb3gQLL64zXwyvo9dSi8LldZYweHYbA2uvsG62tR2erxMViEyjAOpZjqbtTHP/s1600/D&A+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUssnYZuAXPCqBQdqpg14BrVFK_Ej5ce_hOjrVeXnD7fokW-L45TZ6ZY1Jgh7x6zs_R_J45ABrPKjj9iPMb3gQLL64zXwyvo9dSi8LldZYweHYbA2uvsG62tR2erxMViEyjAOpZjqbtTHP/s640/D&A+bags.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">H</span></span></b>ow cute are these <a href="http://www.dashandalbert.com/tote-bags" target="_blank">Dash & Albert tote bags</a> made from their woven rugs? Part of our fabulous dinner included a swag bag - and these were the bags. I am loving my <a href="http://www.dashandalbert.com/product/view/tiki-stripe-woven-cotton-tote-bag--RDA200-CB" target="_blank">Tiki Stripe bag </a>and will be excited to bring it along when I go to Bermuda this summer - the perfect shopping/beach bag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">O</span></span></b>ur bags also contained some beautiful pillow cases, napkins and the softest, cuddliest <a href="http://www.pineconehill.com/product/view/sheepy-fleece-aqua-robe--ARSFAQ" target="_blank">Sheepy Fleece </a>bathrobe I've ever seen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pineconesleep.com/repo/pch/view/SheepyFleeceBathrobe_Aqua%5B11332%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.pineconesleep.com/repo/pch/view/SheepyFleeceBathrobe_Aqua%5B11332%5D.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">B</span></span></b>est of all, we received a copy of Annie's new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0307716066/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chameleoninte-20&linkCode=am2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307716066">Fresh American Spaces.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0307716066" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pineconesleep.com/repo/fresh/view/FreshAmericanSpacesCover%5B11529%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pineconesleep.com/repo/fresh/view/FreshAmericanSpacesCover%5B11529%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>his new book encompasses Annie's eye for fresh and inspiring looks, breaking them down into categories: Refined Romance, Cultured Eclectic, Nuanced Neutral, Happy Pretty and Everyday Exuberance. There are photos of beautiful rooms of all styles and tips on how to bring these looks alive in your own home. <a href="http://www.freshamerican.com/" target="_blank">Click here for Annie's blog</a> and more about Fresh American Spaces. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjVEVs1TY4dRzXMt1CvKzejEHglTCcg3TmigY8vXt-ChydSG3IigYLoAFE2pLi1TAzhXborryVX5UzlSy1SEuWV5Wewo_XeSOhqBuod42BWUYzQ6R8_O6PaJUyA-QJFx7geX0YYMDribh5a/s1600/DSCN6013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEVs1TY4dRzXMt1CvKzejEHglTCcg3TmigY8vXt-ChydSG3IigYLoAFE2pLi1TAzhXborryVX5UzlSy1SEuWV5Wewo_XeSOhqBuod42BWUYzQ6R8_O6PaJUyA-QJFx7geX0YYMDribh5a/s400/DSCN6013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><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=0307716066&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 /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">M</span></span></b>y thanks again to everyone who made this wonderful evening such a success. You're all a great group of women and really know how to throw a party!<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>

Meeting Annie Selke of Pine Cone Hill and Dash & Albert Rug Company

(l-r) Linda Merrill, Erin Gates, Leslie Fine, Julianne Covino, Annie Selkie, Marni Katz, Tara BellucciLast week, all the great ladies from the Annie Selke Companies invited a small group of design bloggers for an intimate dinner at Sel de al Terre in Boston.  In addition to meeting up with this grea…

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