Movie Inspiration: A little backyard wedding known as Twilight

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043828443_acijQpaU_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043828443_acijQpaU_f.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> originally wrote this post for another website, but they ultimately decided they couldn't use it, so here we go!</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043828448_TuSp6KH9_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043828448_TuSp6KH9_f.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">hether or not you’re a fan of the Twilight Saga books by Stephanie Meyer or the movies starring Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart there is no doubt that the movie wedding scene in the most recent installment, Breaking Dawn Pt. 1, was romantic and beautiful. Set in a lush forest, the look was created by noted event planner </span><a href="http://www.aristocraticbytammy.com/" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank">Tammy Polatsek</a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> . There was even a giveaway of a Twilight Themed wedding to be created by Ms. Polatsek, sponsored by Summit Entertainment. I don't know who won it, but they were lucky. The Centives website calculated the cost of the wedding in a</span><a href="http://www.centives.net/S/2011/how-much-did-edward-and-bella%E2%80%99s-wedding-cost/" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank"> fun post here</a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">. Seems low to me, but who knows. </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">While the movie set was indeed over-the-top and dramatic, it’s still a look that can be re-created in your own back yard. If you’re planning a DIY wedding at home and wish to take inspiration from the Twilight Movie – here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[click on images for links to vendor sites]</span></i>: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07164183000P?blockNo=3&blockType=G3&prdNo=3&i_cntr=1330379033168%20%20%20%20" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://s.shld.net/is/image/Sears/07164183000?hei=315&wid=315&op_sharpen=1&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Metal Garden Arbor</b>: A beautiful arbor covered with greens and flowers is a mainstay of many outdoor weddings. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://free.woodworking-plans.org/arbor-plans.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://free.woodworking-plans.org/images/arbor-kits/athens-arbor.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>DIY Garden Arbor</b>: Hire a contractor or make it yourself! The enchantment of your big day will be with you always with a custom built garden arbor. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/flowerstand.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://bevfabriccrafts.us-dc1-edit.store.yahoo.net/I/bevfabriccrafts_2187_254622622" width="201" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Five-foot Metal Flower Stand from Save On Crafts</b>: Fill these tall flower holders with natural or faux flowers and greens. This is a perfect accent piece for the beginning of the long walk down the aisle. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053DY6O0/ref=asc_df_B0053DY6O01915746?smid=A2978SE0T7X7VL&tag=shopzilla_mp_1211-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B0053DY6O0" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cuL8fMI6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Wisteria Garland Strings</b>: If your garden cannot grow fast enough to cover your arbor in time for the big day, it’s time to go faux! These strings of wired faux wisteria in light purple will fill in the spaces. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bevfabriccrafts.us-dc1-edit.store.yahoo.net/I/bevfabriccrafts_2075_978559437" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://bevfabriccrafts.us-dc1-edit.store.yahoo.net/I/bevfabriccrafts_2075_978559437" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Moss covered pots, bowls and fillers from Save On Crafts</b>: This collection of natural moss covered pieces truly captures the rustic natural elements of the Twilight wedding. Can be used to create centerpieces for the tables or chair decorations. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wildflowerlinens.com/blog/grand-opening-wildflower-linen-home-store-in-costa-mesa-ca" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://wildflowerlinens.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Twilight-Home-e1322786567671.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Linens by Wildflower Linens</b>: This magical assortment of linens is an authorized collection based the movie. The collection includes an assortment of table runners or placements that come in beautiful shades of green in ethereal fabrics.  </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/products/chair-covers/562" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/images/Isabelle_Citron_Chair_Back_cc300.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Chair Covers by Wildflower Linens</b>: These rental chair covers will turn even the most mundane rental chair into a beautiful seat fit for a bride. Mix and match for a more natural, woodland feel. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/Ivy-Globe-Topiary-by-Balsam-Hill-p/ivg-t.htm" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/cm4qv.tyn2h/v/vspfiles/photos/IVG-T-2T.jpg?1326988524" width="302" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Ivy Topiary from Balsam Hill</b>: Reusable year after year, these faux Ivy Topiary trees come pre-lit with fairy lights to cast a glow over the wedding proceedings. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twilightbycarmona.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=4" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.twilightbycarmona.com/images/stories/dish%20small.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Twilight Dishes Set by Carmona New York & Co.</b>: Carmona is designer Tammy Polatsek’s own branded line of dishes. The Twilight set was created for the movie and is now being sold to the public. While not a budget item, these porcelain dishes would make lovely china for any newly married couple. The sets are packaged in sets of two which include salad, dinner, soup bowls and cups and saucers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ezibuy.com.au/productimages/V3/large/1/30455_258595_68952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ezibuy.com.au/productimages/V3/large/1/30455_258595_68952.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="http://www.ezibuy.com.au/productimages/V3/large/1/30455_258595_68952.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br />Adding a <b>candle <a href="http://www.ezibuy.com.au/homeware/home-decor/ribas-lantern-86227.htm" target="_blank">lantern</a></b> or two or three will add a romantic glow to the entire proceedings. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b><span style="color: black;">nd finally, just for fun, here is an outdoor wedding design I created using <a href="http://olioboard.com/" target="_blank">Olioboard</a> and many of the items above. </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w12eJ7pIi4BJzNrZyYlnbGQ6xtHPOHiBFZF2g74dT9GYu7Ky3SHzzlJTXZynpKdzInAcsKtSvzZ0YMLP4lKUaMPfZIMS0JDOFcxuU9bCQUaI-Py8u8y05zBM9lEwa9qZ6nw_HKBJYGW4/s1600/OB+Twighlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w12eJ7pIi4BJzNrZyYlnbGQ6xtHPOHiBFZF2g74dT9GYu7Ky3SHzzlJTXZynpKdzInAcsKtSvzZ0YMLP4lKUaMPfZIMS0JDOFcxuU9bCQUaI-Py8u8y05zBM9lEwa9qZ6nw_HKBJYGW4/s640/OB+Twighlight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">hat are your favorite movie weddings? Would you or have you used a movie wedding as inspiration for your own wedding ?</span><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>

Movie Inspiration: A little backyard wedding known as Twilight

I originally wrote this post for another website, but they ultimately decided they couldn't use it, so here we go! W hether or not you’...

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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

O 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 t...

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Downton Abbey - Getting the look on a Budget

My usual <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Downton%20Abbey" target="_blank">Downton Abbey Get That Look </a>posts generally include high end furnishings true to the period. Not exactly a budget proposition. However, for <a href="http://www.networx.com/article/get-the-look-on-a-budget-downton-abbey" target="_blank">Networx.com</a>, I put together a nice little collection of pieces that would help get the look of the English country manor home on a tight budget. Click the image to read the story and find the resources. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.networx.com/article/get-the-look-on-a-budget-downton-abbey" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_Zl98ImH_Wrwc5_aFmPwlU0imiwIRIa77dutBrDkP5WY9QIzciRsZ479a-i1Gcg9BsTYYVKcw0odGKeWjy3vgfSnFRWUHe0BgLuTfL2FFIPau_p7z4YN4J_EjYdNdxzCapTYNV-o3FsI/s640/DA+on+a+budget.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br />If you'd like to see a few more finds that didn't make the final article, <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/downton-abbey-on-a-budget/" target="_blank">click here to visit my Pinterest board</a>. <br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Downton Abbey - Getting the look on a Budget

My usual Downton Abbey Get That Look posts generally include high end furnishings true to the period. Not exactly a budget proposition. Howe...

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Downton Abbey: The Drawing Room

<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="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGi5mFLdTs76v_rEZxNUxP62toOptHyiXLft1ZvL_q-mv_Me0LNTjBKpHqflo3pd9k9Twuxm2eiWMS_FDIUdPvooZz5wjokeaLLaOzs1LhIJekgfWBoycohqTERtcKHFB2C56BnkDwBRS/s1600/downton-abbey-press-release-still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGi5mFLdTs76v_rEZxNUxP62toOptHyiXLft1ZvL_q-mv_Me0LNTjBKpHqflo3pd9k9Twuxm2eiWMS_FDIUdPvooZz5wjokeaLLaOzs1LhIJekgfWBoycohqTERtcKHFB2C56BnkDwBRS/s640/downton-abbey-press-release-still.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">N</span></span></b>ot that long ago, I did an in-depth post about the look of the drawing room. Since I've added a mood board of suggested furnishings and links to interesting DA posts around the web, I decided to reprise a bit of the previous post, <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2011/02/downton-abbey-drawing-room-get-that.html" target="_blank">which you can see here</a>, with added tidbits. In other words, I like it so much, I'm doing again!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWYnpe86t8CruZ1kZiOV-YdEa9z23Mt-JsPIdkGUCf-KrfvTlRavjSMqzs5IO7rwWeEA-mCyEgnQHF5HjiRPBqtvNCYaf3j0N9uQPjGDs6mkTPxbXWlPJF-GaTo-r50n2tLmCmAv_0lQs/s640/Interiors_1296430766583.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWYnpe86t8CruZ1kZiOV-YdEa9z23Mt-JsPIdkGUCf-KrfvTlRavjSMqzs5IO7rwWeEA-mCyEgnQHF5HjiRPBqtvNCYaf3j0N9uQPjGDs6mkTPxbXWlPJF-GaTo-r50n2tLmCmAv_0lQs/s640/Interiors_1296430766583.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>f you like pink and green - which I do - then this is a room with a capitol R!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi4zxc0EzmGQhKjwusfNfn91DiCPo-bVMbmfWXY8uF0iNQ_Qs2GGNutgJjtB_1d-Wdqr0lcAaFnRzMi7EVVs6TqXmPnQeGADgfLkzuZuYvZ9B8Ay-4-nH4rToy4DJXpJ7j_NHpgN5HObb/s640/Interiors_1296430782478.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi4zxc0EzmGQhKjwusfNfn91DiCPo-bVMbmfWXY8uF0iNQ_Qs2GGNutgJjtB_1d-Wdqr0lcAaFnRzMi7EVVs6TqXmPnQeGADgfLkzuZuYvZ9B8Ay-4-nH4rToy4DJXpJ7j_NHpgN5HObb/s640/Interiors_1296430782478.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b>T</b></span>he two images above are taken from Highclere Castle's website and feature a large plain area rug over which sits a dark red Oriental carpet centered towards the fireplace. Notable because in the series, the room features a lovely pale pink Aubusson carpet. I much prefer the pale carpet in this room. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Cmbp3iCrbjhOUuzQ3qLjYivkqX_OqNV0jGFmnFyckYAo0xN-ZGjJjC1iehb0bfGywT3kEP2AgMqASPEkSMBVvpTff3kwwZoVusgpfrz5d8mLmTs0zpHI9Ja8snBjpbjJtsjpPs5vMAg/s640/Downton%252BAbbey%252B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Cmbp3iCrbjhOUuzQ3qLjYivkqX_OqNV0jGFmnFyckYAo0xN-ZGjJjC1iehb0bfGywT3kEP2AgMqASPEkSMBVvpTff3kwwZoVusgpfrz5d8mLmTs0zpHI9Ja8snBjpbjJtsjpPs5vMAg/s640/Downton%252BAbbey%252B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">N</span></span></b>ote in the image above, you can see on the left the actor's "mark" on which to stand for filming the scene. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VKUNSaqTn6lFW4rrmqM8nJmk-Era63zV_dCXMplE9qxMPoGJ7cbXM2x1-0mQhW28QeXC1ZHD9KJVMn7sA_sn_BJ5AvWo5ebIcOPC25Sp_TmBtaKFmkZfN1lhoBpvrKGSAXiFImYvA6M/s640/Downton%252BAbbey%252B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VKUNSaqTn6lFW4rrmqM8nJmk-Era63zV_dCXMplE9qxMPoGJ7cbXM2x1-0mQhW28QeXC1ZHD9KJVMn7sA_sn_BJ5AvWo5ebIcOPC25Sp_TmBtaKFmkZfN1lhoBpvrKGSAXiFImYvA6M/s640/Downton%252BAbbey%252B17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWxxD_ICrnusoidiiWIN6UcoBV8_iHue32ImYmooLy8UqkUScACZbKA29F4KF-oBaGW2JXgJZmQJoS07xPtrLGRWZUQecSg0P3Qr3BZo3p3OgEZ0-NK8P7ctyCQymAKvl6pqeGzNYez6X/s1600/Downton+Abbey+Drawing+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWxxD_ICrnusoidiiWIN6UcoBV8_iHue32ImYmooLy8UqkUScACZbKA29F4KF-oBaGW2JXgJZmQJoS07xPtrLGRWZUQecSg0P3Qr3BZo3p3OgEZ0-NK8P7ctyCQymAKvl6pqeGzNYez6X/s640/Downton+Abbey+Drawing+Room.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><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" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><ul><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="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="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" width="310" /></a><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-drawing-room/" target="_blank">Downton Abbey Drawing Room Board on Pinterest</a> for additional images, links and credits for all of the above above.</li> </ul><ul><li> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>V</b></span></span>anity Fair did a lovely profile, written by Andrew Davies, on <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2012/01/rebecca-eaton-201201" target="_blank">Rebecca Eaton, Executive producer</a> of Masterpiece at WGBH/Boston, presenters of Downton Abbey on PBS. Having worked there and with Rebecca on video distribution of Masterpiece [Theater] programs in the past, I was tickled to see her so honored. Plus, the photo by Annie Liebowitz is amahzing! </li> </ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>L</b></span></span>A Times blog has an <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2012/01/downton-abbey-location.html" target="_blank">interesting piece</a> on the location for the series. </li><li>Laurel Ann over at Austen Prose has also been <a href="http://austenprose.com/tag/downton-abbey/" target="_blank">covering the show</a> with weekly recaps. </li><li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>om + Lorenzo maintain weekly <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/category/television/downton-abbey" target="_blank">recaps of the series</a>, which are not to be missed, especially if you have missed any episodes! Their insights as well as those of their loyal readers is not to be missed. </li><li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">V</span></span></b>ic over at Jane Austen's World continues to plum the depths of DA with a humorous post on the various couples in the series and a more serious post on teagowns and relaxation in the period. See all <a href="http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/tag/downton-abbey/" target="_blank">Vic's posts here</a>. </li><li><a href="http://downtonabbeylamps.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he Lamps of Downton Abbey </a>is a new Tumblr site in which the lamps themselves provide commentary on the scene. Note however that this site contains spoilers of upcoming plot lines.  </li><li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>t was announced this week that <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/classic/index.html#maclaine" target="_blank">Shirley MacLaine</a> is joining the cast in Season 3 to play the role of the American mother of Cora, the Countess of Grantham (played by Elizabeth McGovern]. This news has been met with resounding hurrah's as well as boos. Time will tell.  </li></ul><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!<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: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a><br /><br /><br /><br />

Downton Abbey: The Drawing Room

N ot that long ago, I did an in-depth post about the look of the drawing room. Since I've added a mood board of suggested furnishings an...

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Downton Abbey: The Dining Room, Olioboard style

Am playing around with Olioboard and decided to go for a <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Downton%20Abbey" target="_blank">Downton Abbey</a> inspired dining room for contemporary living.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JSGUY7XH5gHJESFlEEP3M7pr3_T6IgqZd4mmsMVT3RkVZ1AYC0IzyRkiYIO61OC9LKk7I34pigI6tIegPFzbsTZ3kprKzgIN1kjvDtjwaQMHhFvxZlhKfZ0Hnm-fmNqMZKJ1Cd0_qQYT/s1600/OB+DA+DR+lindamerrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JSGUY7XH5gHJESFlEEP3M7pr3_T6IgqZd4mmsMVT3RkVZ1AYC0IzyRkiYIO61OC9LKk7I34pigI6tIegPFzbsTZ3kprKzgIN1kjvDtjwaQMHhFvxZlhKfZ0Hnm-fmNqMZKJ1Cd0_qQYT/s640/OB+DA+DR+lindamerrill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Check out the<a href="http://olioboard.com/boards/65203-downton-abbey-inspired-dining-rm" target="_blank"> board in Olioboard</a> including links to all products shown. <br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Downton Abbey: The Dining Room, Olioboard style

Am playing around with Olioboard and decided to go for a Downton Abbey inspired dining room for contemporary living. Check out the board i...

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Downton Abbey: Dining in Splendor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiLFCgYAhT5Rdt18WsdG8_vde879fRza538n8BrDa6vajsGI2OJchLXC12O4jBVcgyQKs7Em3P8CGFOzjQT0VsSqxIRhGOhwccz_NuQg8t49XTlGirnIYcKKuT4cw2F5Df7rAXSjMZInC/s1600/downton-abbey-press-release-still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiLFCgYAhT5Rdt18WsdG8_vde879fRza538n8BrDa6vajsGI2OJchLXC12O4jBVcgyQKs7Em3P8CGFOzjQT0VsSqxIRhGOhwccz_NuQg8t49XTlGirnIYcKKuT4cw2F5Df7rAXSjMZInC/s640/downton-abbey-press-release-still.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">W</span></span></b>ell, here in the States we've just finished episode 4 of Dowton Abbey, Season 2, on PBS.  It's really quite remarkable how much they pack into each one hour episode. And this week's installment left me weak and weepy, to say the least. Season 1 was filled with the glamorous dinners and festivities of the noble Crawley family. Many scenes took place in the dining room, filmed in the State Dining Room at <a href="http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Highclere Castle</a> in Hampshire, England. This gorgeous room is filled with BIG art as befitting a BIG room. The biggest of all is the prominent painting of King Charles 1 painted by Flemish master Anthony Van Dyck in 1633. Interestingly, <a href="http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/eGallery/maker.asp?maker=12630" target="_blank">The Royal Collection</a> website lists this painting as part of Queen Elizabeth II's collection. It hung in Windsor Castle throughout much of the 19 Century. The website says paintings are loaned to galleries and "royal households and palaces", I'm not sure if this would include the nobility such as the Earl of Carnarvon, but here it is. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682759_eTa5w0N3_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682759_eTa5w0N3_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he dining room is filled with portraits of Carnarvon family ancestors and one very long table. It's clear from the various images that table has many leaves in it and is sized for whatever event is at hand. The above image shows a relatively few ten chair set up for what looks like a meeting. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682755_T4Q9UlEM_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682755_T4Q9UlEM_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">T</span></span></b>he image above shows a more stately 18 or more chairs and a view of the windows, side boards and heavily fringed window treatments. It's interesting to note that not all the chairs are alike. While all are Hepplewhite in style, and possibly genuine Hepplewhite, they are not a fully matched set. The paintings are all hung from wires off of picture rails and the room features a gorgeous carved wainscot.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682768_F8Ijb9f0_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682768_F8Ijb9f0_c.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>his image shows the "Crawley" family at dinner, as well as the camera crew in the background. Don't hit the Van Dyck with the boom mike!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682747_uhisbJk8_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682747_uhisbJk8_c.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>his image shows the family dining en famille with footman at the ready. In the Edwardian era and even past the first world war, it was common for families of this status to dine formally every evening with gentlemen in white tie and the ladies in formal dinner gowns. Titled ladies, such as the Dowager Contess (above, left) might wear their tiara as well. Note, amongst the greenery, that each seat has its own salt celler and pepper shaker. There was no passing food or condiments from person to person at the table. Dining en famille was not the same as dining family style. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682807_ztzYHkMN_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682807_ztzYHkMN_c.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>D</b></span>uring the war, Robert, the Earl of Grantham was recommissioned into the Army. He spends much of the time in uniform, including the dress red coat for formal occasions. Very sharp. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682804_Zv12SZ0w_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682804_Zv12SZ0w_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />And below we have an image of the undressed state dining table at Highclere Castle, aka Dowton Abbey. I count 5 or 6 leaves. Gorgeous, isn't it?  We also get a better view of the ornately carved sideboard/buffet under the Van Dyck. I'm not sure if this is a real piece of Renaissance furniture or a 19th Century Victorian reproduction, but it certainly is a knock out. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682789_lMggRJQu_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14214555043682789_lMggRJQu_c.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 yes, you too can dine like an Earl and Countess:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/downton-abbey-dining-room/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhva_ZtBtQHEIHruNd_NcCKX7aYU8wmXuAwfrGz1wEtX8exuOEzlTP6UiRHvLHq2cRT0bcpVen4TGLpDaA4hV_dRcZCoUo2kmYoQMNm6aZBrwo8k01ctu4ESBPdtxhWZQlXKPwMCJiJqQi/s640/Downton+Abbey+Dining+Room.jpg" width="494" /></a></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 /><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-dining-room/" target="_blank">Downton Abbey Dining Room Board on Pinterest</a> for additional images, links and credits for all of the above above.</li><li> <b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">H</span></span></b>eart to Home blog in the UK posits <a href="http://hearthomemag.co.uk/is-the-past-part-of-your-future/" target="_blank">Is the Past part of your future?</a> and why the "Heritage" look is taking hold in fashion and interiors. </li><li><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">M</span></span></b>argo Austin <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/margotaustin" target="_blank">@margotaustin</a> senior design editor of  <a href="http://houseandhome.com/blogs/house-home-daily/tea-tables" target="_blank">Canada's House & Home magazine</a> has a wonderful roundup of tea tables inspired by Downton Abbey. </li><li>Tom + Lorenzo maintain weekly <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/category/television/downton-abbey" target="_blank">recaps of the series</a>, which are not to be missed, especially if you have missed any episodes! Their insights as well as those of their loyal readers is not to be missed. </li><li>Vic over at Jane Austen's World showcases the <a href="http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">architectural history and a floor plan</a> of the castle. </li></ul><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!<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: 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: Dining in Splendor

W ell, here in the States we've just finished episode 4 of Dowton Abbey, Season 2, on PBS.  It's really quite remarkable how much th...

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