New from Julie Neill

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eP6bAdEHYxPvABBnZAGtwi7rmoGhlWXJ6JRrBSH5vsEw1NAk_LRAS_KUW2olinUNBkM4b_UmDcNfR61Z2qZvlOJojdWjA-8SWRz5L-ZM3Pf1hGkXt77RoYMl6omhoD_4dlRkZ3_o-V3a/s1600/JulieNiell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eP6bAdEHYxPvABBnZAGtwi7rmoGhlWXJ6JRrBSH5vsEw1NAk_LRAS_KUW2olinUNBkM4b_UmDcNfR61Z2qZvlOJojdWjA-8SWRz5L-ZM3Pf1hGkXt77RoYMl6omhoD_4dlRkZ3_o-V3a/s640/JulieNiell.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><br />I'm dying over this gorgeous new candle sconce <a href="http://www.julieneill.com/" target="_blank">from Julie Neill</a> in New Orleans. So feminine! I am really hoping to be able to make it to Julie's shop next month when I'm in Nola for <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/BlogTourNOLA" target="_blank">#BlogTourNOLA</a> and KBIS. <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend. <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>

New from Julie Neill

I'm dying over this gorgeous new candle sconce from Julie Neill in New Orleans. So feminine! I am really hoping to be able to make it to Julie's shop next month when I'm in Nola for #BlogTourNOLA and KBIS. Have a wonderful weekend. If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to ch…

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Garden Dreaming

The landscaping crew was here all day yesterday cleaning up the lawn from the seemingly non-stop winter storms here in New England. While we luckily didn't loose any trees, the lawn was strewn with downed limbs and large branches. It's nice to see it all cleaned up and a few little crocuses pushing up out of the soil. But, I am dying for a little color! It will be May before we see a lot of color outdoors here in New England and on this dreary and raw Thursday, I'm personally feeling a little bit of the winter blahs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/30/3e/c3/303ec3b2472dc5637c5feea7f80f50b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/30/3e/c3/303ec3b2472dc5637c5feea7f80f50b2.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love garden walkways and dense flower beds. I am not any kind of a gardener - as a matter of fact, I hate the feeling of dirt under my nails - but I love the results of all the hard work.And who wouldn't want the puppy in the pic above!! (via <a href="http://trouvais.com/2009/09/page/3/" target="_blank">Trouvais</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/5b/49/9e/5b499ef2a0c12999bd9223594da7b984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/5b/49/9e/5b499ef2a0c12999bd9223594da7b984.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this sunny space with lots of greenery. You can just taste the iced tea and smell the sea breezes. (via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/backyard-landscaping-secrets/?socsrc=bhgpin062712backyardsecrets" target="_blank">BHG</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/e1/0f/c8/e10fc87903b2cc6da2f82fcd194dc1a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/e1/0f/c8/e10fc87903b2cc6da2f82fcd194dc1a0.jpg" /></a></div>This image is just so happy, and again, I am loving the garden pathway. (via <a href="http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/ideas/20-secrets-to-landscape-success/#page=5" target="_blank">Medwest Living</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/90/96/e3/9096e3f5297a8d0dcf5918f3147aea1f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/90/96/e3/9096e3f5297a8d0dcf5918f3147aea1f.jpg" /></a></div>The saturation of colors in this image really gets to me. I want! (via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/" target="_blank">BHG</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/a8/01/49/a80149cfe207c87af4e1229370195638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/a8/01/49/a80149cfe207c87af4e1229370195638.jpg" /></a></div>This just looks really magical. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/3f/a1/b9/3fa1b916e19fbd4eeb60558d73490b99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/3f/a1/b9/3fa1b916e19fbd4eeb60558d73490b99.jpg" /></a></div>I can never decide whether I prefer a naturalistic garden, or something more manicured and organized. This one really appeals to my love of classic design and symmetry. (<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/385430/A-Classic-Country-White-Garden-traditional-landscape-new-york" target="_blank">Debra Carbone Associates</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/68/8e/c1/688ec184401b7d0fccdf9b1eb92bb0d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/68/8e/c1/688ec184401b7d0fccdf9b1eb92bb0d1.jpg" /></a></div>And I love a boxwood hedge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/6f/77/11/6f7711dc2adf318cb16c70f0c892d857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/6f/77/11/6f7711dc2adf318cb16c70f0c892d857.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>And I really love a secret garden!(<a href="http://www.grantandpower.com/media/35956/07%20-%20Suburban%20Garden%20Retreat%20low.jpg" target="_blank"> Grant & Power Landscaping</a>)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/4e/21/9d/4e219de8d4c08d808818626aeda72302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/4e/21/9d/4e219de8d4c08d808818626aeda72302.jpg" /></a></div>Another little secret space - and more rustic than the really mancured gardens above (via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/sunny-landscape-ideas/?sssdmh=dm17.603519&esrc=nwgn062112f&email=4725729855" target="_blank">BHG</a>) See, I can never decide which I prefer!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/59/5c/ee595c259978a5d6e1910bc17c299140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/59/5c/ee595c259978a5d6e1910bc17c299140.jpg" /></a></div>More pathways to heaven.(via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/" target="_blank">BHG</a>)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/a1/c6/4c/a1c64c972b9aa0347a866a24f2057503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/a1/c6/4c/a1c64c972b9aa0347a866a24f2057503.jpg" /></a></div>Truly, a riot of color. Love.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/29/5e/e9/295ee9fa639cda94f6616d31b07a4cf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/29/5e/e9/295ee9fa639cda94f6616d31b07a4cf1.jpg" /></a></div>A different kind of pathway ( <a href="http://www.botanicaatlanta.com/photogallery.htm" target="_blank">Botanica Atlanta</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/12/bd/b8/12bdb839c7c1ec40520b196e233591bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/12/bd/b8/12bdb839c7c1ec40520b196e233591bc.jpg" width="425" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not really a pool person, but this lap pool is lovely and so beautifully integrated into the landscaping. Have been pondering if my "Dream House" would have a small pool such as this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/3c/24/3e/3c243e9c8c9f7f42472c7a314ea39ccd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/3c/24/3e/3c243e9c8c9f7f42472c7a314ea39ccd.jpg" /></a></div><br />Just a pretty idea. (via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/whimsical-landscaping-design-ideas/?socsrc=bhgpin032113wheelbarrowplanter&crlt.pid=camp.sLpgzge8I7NG" target="_blank">BHG</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/6e/c5/f6/6ec5f6177acadb2f609f747c659f6ea3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/6e/c5/f6/6ec5f6177acadb2f609f747c659f6ea3.jpg" /></a></div>This is making me impatiens for Spring! (sorry, had to do it...)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/5a/93/42/5a934211fc1299fafd5c859e5b7132ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/5a/93/42/5a934211fc1299fafd5c859e5b7132ef.jpg" /></a></div>I visited Edith Wharton's Berkshires home "The Mount" a few years ago and of course, loved the gardens. Her views on gardening were rooted in the traditional concept that formal gardens should be laid out like rooms in a house with connecting pathways (hallways). The image above was the beautiful flower garden around a central pool. I think this was still a work in progress at the time, though it wasn't as sparse in person as this photo makes it feel. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/0e/9b/d5/0e9bd5b550a9ceb087872199619a5dc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/0e/9b/d5/0e9bd5b550a9ceb087872199619a5dc6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The Italian inspired white and green garden is really quite spectacular in its monochromatic lushness. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/ad/af/08/adaf08b12cd93c36da8ae08cd4f656ca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/ad/af/08/adaf08b12cd93c36da8ae08cd4f656ca.jpg" /></a></div>Talk about spectacular lawns and gardens!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/0f/7c/35/0f7c3535fc0b401f997a7e9f6235b69c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/0f/7c/35/0f7c3535fc0b401f997a7e9f6235b69c.jpg" /></a></div>So, for the exterior of my <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Linda%27s%20Dream%20House" target="_blank">Dream House</a>, I have been working on the concept of whether to have an attached or detached garage. Most of the antique houses in my dream location of Newburyport, MA were built before garages and either have nothing at all, or detached converted carriage houses. So, I do envision a detached garage. But in New England, it's kind of a pain to have to schlepp bags and groceries in the rain and through the snow. So, I started toying with the notion of doing a covered walkway connecting the two structures. And if I'm really having a fantasy, I could have a walkway that had glass walls in the winter so I didn't even have to shovel it. As long as it's a fantasy project...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/33/05/4e/33054e6c7c885572c3183d6d01ca07f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/33/05/4e/33054e6c7c885572c3183d6d01ca07f4.jpg" /></a></div>This beautiful house is the work of the Massachusett's firm <a href="http://www.svdesign.com/" target="_blank">Siemasko + Verbridge</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbRtHIRd2crhhY1BUgpFFwrQmoOHsWCO3LGHv8HrbVSKhjutvifJC0frUvoss9sg3EABecXBYSmz8kXN_29s8Bmpcwe2VYcoShGQeDa7XG8UthtowWUJuuVzPBNaFTyE6Q83_PkUaq1QB/s1600/Linda's+house+ext+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbRtHIRd2crhhY1BUgpFFwrQmoOHsWCO3LGHv8HrbVSKhjutvifJC0frUvoss9sg3EABecXBYSmz8kXN_29s8Bmpcwe2VYcoShGQeDa7XG8UthtowWUJuuVzPBNaFTyE6Q83_PkUaq1QB/s640/Linda's+house+ext+patio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And so, updating the back of my "house" (well, it's virtually mine!), I've added a covered walkway to connect the garage and house. It necessitated that I move the kitchen door from the side of the house to the rear, but that's okay, it gives me more of a useful wall in the kitchen (which is still a work in progress).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOvXuvFnkJ6TLfSJFg6Zf7yNSKvv9tNVBt7UkbFx4NGoy-6Ml149MGrCPa1VL6E12YRbhMePw6f4p3BITST0YdflQ7P7cXK_3AAUnS4oI7QxqT6EALqfwNfMgqN03OHRfsCqIVjIvfK0f/s1600/Linda's+house+ext+patio+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOvXuvFnkJ6TLfSJFg6Zf7yNSKvv9tNVBt7UkbFx4NGoy-6Ml149MGrCPa1VL6E12YRbhMePw6f4p3BITST0YdflQ7P7cXK_3AAUnS4oI7QxqT6EALqfwNfMgqN03OHRfsCqIVjIvfK0f/s640/Linda's+house+ext+patio+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the virtual view from the garage door into the kitchen. Obviously, there would be a lot more architectural interest, this is a more of a placeholder until I really design the walkway. I've also changed from having a deck off the sun porch to a more traditional brick patio. I still need to work on this whole area, but all the pics above have my mind churning away. Given that the property would not have a lot of frontage or actually side room, the space between the garage and house would really be very important. I love a secret garden and the notion of a beautiful space that is hidden from the street. And moving the patio around back gives me much more privacy, which I like. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/30/3e/c3/303ec3b2472dc5637c5feea7f80f50b2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/30/3e/c3/303ec3b2472dc5637c5feea7f80f50b2.jpg" /></a><br />I think this is truly my inspiration shot. Imagine looking out the kitchen windows to this... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/80/e7/4a/80e74a0e5f3f0648a974b67e1d7d167e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/80/e7/4a/80e74a0e5f3f0648a974b67e1d7d167e.jpg" /></a></div>Oh, and just one more totally crazy one. Is this a photo of a real space, or something made up?<br /><br />All available credits, images and links can be found <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/gardens-landscaping/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />If you would like my help on your dream home 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>

Garden Dreaming

The landscaping crew was here all day yesterday cleaning up the lawn from the seemingly non-stop winter storms here in New England. While we luckily didn't loose any trees, the lawn was strewn with downed limbs and large branches. It's nice to see it all cleaned up and a few little crocuses pushing …

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Cool Everyday Products

<p> Loving the retro-styling at <a href="http://kaufmann-mercantile.com/" target="_blank" title="">Kaufmann Mercantile</a>. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8593297905/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="609" id="blogsy-1364389258470.3826" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8593297905_ce58411936.jpg" width="646"></a></div> <p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8594398412/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="215" id="blogsy-1364389258521.4548" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8594398412_c809d269fb.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8593298343/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="209" id="blogsy-1364389258468.1736" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8593298343_82a13f6cb9.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Cool Everyday Products

Loving the retro-styling at Kaufmann Mercantile.      Posted with Blogsy…

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Kathryn Ireland and Steve McKenzie for Grange Furniture

<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I've always loved Grange Furniture, so was interested to learn about their new North American upholstery collection featuring designs by "Million Dollar Decorator" <a href="http://www.kathrynireland.com/" target="_blank" title="">Kathryn M. Ireland</a> and <a href="http://www.stevemckenzies.com/" target="_blank" title="">Steve McKenzie</a>. </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Kathryn's collection -Tapisserie - features pieces with classic lines and comfortable appeal. I particularly like the English arm sectional (hmm, maybe for my <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Linda%27s%20Dream%20House" target="_blank" title="">dream home</a>?) and the tufted Montricoux chaise.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8592868882/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="993" id="blogsy-1364310680088.4668" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8592868882_8a6746a14c_c.jpg" width="728"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Steve's collection - Columbus - features pieces with slightly more contemporary lines and detailing. I particularly love the Mary bench for its elegant simplicity. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8591769225/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="577" id="blogsy-1364310680079.6565" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8591769225_6a18f663e3.jpg" width="692"></a></div> <p> Learn more <a href="http://www.grange.fr/grange/easysite/grange/us/browse-products/North-American-Upholstery" target="_self" title=""></a><a href="http://www.grange.fr/grange/easysite/grange/us/browse-products/North-American-Upholstery" target="_blank" title="">here</a>. </p> <p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left; ">If you would like my help on your dream house project, I would love to chat with you! Please </span><a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" style="text-align: left; ">email me</a><span style="text-align: left; ">. Thanks!</span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" style="text-align: left; "><img alt="" class="" height="16" id="blogsy-1364310680085.6155" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" width="16"></a><span style="text-align: left; "> </span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" style="text-align: left; ">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></span></p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Kathryn Ireland and Steve McKenzie for Grange Furniture

I've always loved Grange Furniture, so was interested to learn about their new North American upholstery collection featuring designs by "Million Dollar Decorator" Kathryn M. Ireland and Steve McKenzie.   Kathryn's collection -Tapisserie - features pieces with classic lines and comfortable appeal. …

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Painted Black Floors: Shiny, Semi-Gloss or Matte

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/e5/ce/77/e5ce777109f873268391d241c8e6633d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/e5/ce/77/e5ce777109f873268391d241c8e6633d.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.cococozy.com/2012_05_01_archive.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">c</span>oco<span style="font-size: x-small;">c</span>ozy</a> - designer/photographer not referenced</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">One of the biggest decisions in any house project is the selection of the flooring. As I tend to like consistency, my preference is always to use the same flooring throughout the house, with complementary selections in the bathrooms, entry halls and kitchens. For my dream home, I very quickly decided on black stained or painted wood floors throughout. I love the crisp timelessness of them. After that primary decision, the next one is this: should they be glossy, matte or somewhere in between?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/68/6b/42/686b420965a96f5f92654d4629d7d5d7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/68/6b/42/686b420965a96f5f92654d4629d7d5d7.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/celebrity-homes/2012/brooke-shields-new-york-city-townhouse-slideshow#/slide=11" target="_blank">Brooke Shields NYC townhouse</a>, designed by David Flint Wood, photographed by William Waldron</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/46/0c/c2/460cc25da8ea97825caf33396229acd2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/46/0c/c2/460cc25da8ea97825caf33396229acd2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/celebrity-homes/2012/brooke-shields-new-york-city-townhouse-slideshow#/slide=11" target="_blank">Brooke Shields NYC townhouse</a>, designed by David Flint Wood, photographed by William Waldron</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/9b/4f/b1/9b4fb1f20cceeffa561aaae2095cc978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/9b/4f/b1/9b4fb1f20cceeffa561aaae2095cc978.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/linda-s-dream-home/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/81/a3/6e/81a36e7300b973edc88e58113ea05317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/81/a3/6e/81a36e7300b973edc88e58113ea05317.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/a3/26/20/a326205f76e5a0c0e4337d95e702ad41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/a3/26/20/a326205f76e5a0c0e4337d95e702ad41.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/fb/be/05/fbbe0550f5d6a34bf17c5da7ca4cdf06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/fb/be/05/fbbe0550f5d6a34bf17c5da7ca4cdf06.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.crisparchitects.com/newhomes/small.html" target="_blank">Crisp Architects</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/3e/a7/0a/3ea70ac101c3972215bc72e33cd5bee7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/3e/a7/0a/3ea70ac101c3972215bc72e33cd5bee7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/09/1f/62/091f62f23463b51b822355b5337bb9b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/09/1f/62/091f62f23463b51b822355b5337bb9b5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-michael-angus-interiors?page=1" target="_blank">House & Home</a>. Michael Angus Interiors. Photographer Michael Graydon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/96/08/c0/9608c0cd128e7c8cce4ffbdecedc8e94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/96/08/c0/9608c0cd128e7c8cce4ffbdecedc8e94.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-2010-princess-margaret-showhome?page=2" target="_blank">House & Home</a>. Princess Margaret Showhome. Photographer: Michael Grayson</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2471909/Interior-Design-Gallery-eclectic-kitchen-orlando"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/a661d07a00f55df4_8-1072/eclectic-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/c/Winter-Park%2C-FL" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Winter Park Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/masterpiecedesigngroup/masterpiece-design-group" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Masterpiece Design Group</a></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/693481/Overview-of-Kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-boston"><img border="0" height="646" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/30717b8c0f679141_8-1658/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/c/Boston%2C-MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Boston Kitchen And Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/daliakitchens/dalia-kitchen-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Dalia Kitchen Design</a></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/329681/TOCCO---TIMBER-modern-kitchen-"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/72a1070c0ea15cbc_8-4144/modern-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Modern Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/other-metro" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Other Metro Kitchen And Bath Fixtures</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/leicht/leicht-kchen-ag" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Leicht Küchen AG</a></small></div></div><br />I have decided on a  black and white checkerboard floor in the front hall. It actually kind of lead the decision on the black floors, because I love a checkerboard, particularly ever since I stood in this hall of the Chenonceau castle in France - see below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pointurier.org/travel/europe/france/chenonceau/slides/IMG_5403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.pointurier.org/travel/europe/france/chenonceau/slides/IMG_5403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pointurier.org/travel/europe/france/chenonceau/#IMG_5403.JPG" target="_blank">source</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Duxbury-Condo_Kitchen_Remodel_1-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/KitchenfromDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Duxbury-Condo_Kitchen_Remodel_1-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/KitchenfromDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I used them in my last condo in both the front hall and lav and the kitchen above. (photo by Michael J. Lee).  Love them. These unwaxed were linoleum school tiles.<br /><br />I think I am narrowing in on doing the semi-gloss black floors through the house, with a painted white diamond pattern in the front foyer. I was originally thinking marble, but given the New England historical style I am working in, the painted floor just feels a bit more "right". <br /><br />If you would like my help on your dream house 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>

Painted Black Floors: Shiny, Semi-Gloss or Matte

via cococozy - designer/photographer not referencedOne of the biggest decisions in any house project is the selection of the flooring. As I tend to like consistency, my preference is always to use the same flooring throughout the house, with complementary selections in the bathrooms, entry halls and…

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