Today I am 40. You Are Cordially Invited. You Are Cordially Invited I had written this post a few days ago before learning of my dad's passing. A big celebration had been in the works by my children that I truly considered canceling. My sister in law Melody, who lives here in town, said, "Laura, don't cancel. Norm LOVED a party and I REALLY need a drink." (Who can argue with that?) As my husband is currently overseas and will not return for awhile, it is actually comforting to me that ... View the Post
La Belle Chocolatière
In my last post, I showed you the eating area of my kitchen and mentioned that I would talk about the picture that is in the background. La Belle Chocolatière. La Belle Chocolatière Here is a closeup of the picture and the story to go with it. While living in Germany I regularly attended the indoor flea market held in our little village of Meisenbach. On a Saturday, a gentleman was outside and had the doors of his van flung open and propped up against the door was this picture. She ... View the Post
Come With Me To The Sea
Yesterday I hosted a luncheon. The theme was "Come With Me to the Sea". It has been 110+ here in Phoenix so I thought that we could be transported to a cooler climate if only for an afternoon. Come With Me To The Sea. Here is my living room decked out in summer white slipcovers. (They will change to a Tuscan red in the fall.) Come With Me To The Sea To the left of the room, there is normally a small antique chest that my husband bought while living in England. It is currently being ... View the Post
Mary Carol Garrity
Do you know this charmingly happy woman? It is Mary Carol Garrity, the founder of Nell Hill's, a legendary home decor shop in Atchison, Kansas. Mary Carol Garrity Mrs. Garrity is also the author of several wonderful books. Here are a few of my favorites: Inside the pages you'll find delicious images like these: She is a big believer on making the most with what you have. I adore her tablescapes. She weaves in layers of texture, color and often unexpected ... View the Post
Please Be Seated
A client recently purchased a beautiful antique ladies writing desk from Paris Hotel Boutique as the inspiration piece for the redesign of her bedroom. Please Be Seated Please Be Seated Such a beautiful desk needs a beautiful chair to accompany it, so the search was on. Given that the client does plan on using the desk on a regular basis we opted not to purchase a delicate antique chair but a new reproduction. This chair is available from Ballard Designs and you can use any ... View the Post
Finding Your Niche And Decorating It Too
Houses in Arizona are famous for having open spaces above cabinetry and architectural niches throughout the home. The number one call I receive from potential clients is "I don't know how to decorate high, open spaces." To further complicate matters the spaces often have slanted ceilings. This post will cover Finding Your Niche And Decorating It Too. Here is a typical "before" picture: I always remove everything and measure the space. Also look at how the client uses the surrounding space ... View the Post