I am back from The SDP (Society of Professional Decorators) annual conference. After three days in high heels, my feet are tired. After three days of fantastic speakers, my right (writing) hand is in shock and my mind is abuzz. My shoulders are sore from moving furniture around for a design challenge. But my spirit is ablaze with all of the wonderfully creative ideas that I came home with. Creative Concepts From The SDP Conference But first, I did meet one of my decorating heroines. Mary ... View the Post
British Colonial Design
A reader recently requested a post on British Colonial Design. She is currently in the midst of redecorating her home, which was damaged by Katrina, and wanted a few ideas. British Colonial Design If you are a regular reader of my blog you're aware that I like to provide the history of how styles are created. British Colonial Style and Decor (BCSD) came about in the late 19th century. Under the reign of Queen Victoria, the vast British Empire had reached parts of North and South America, ... View the Post
The Federal Style in Interiors
When our founding fathers began outlining our government they looked back towards the ancient democracies of Greece and Rome. After gaining Independence from England in 1776, political pride spilled over into architecture (discussed in the previous post) and into interiors as well. It was known as the Federal style which was popular from about 1780 until 1820. This post will cover The Federal Style in Interiors. The Federal Style in Interiors This neo classically based style had already become ... View the Post
Federal Architecture Celebrating Our Independence
Shortly after the Revolutionary War, Americans began to celebrate their Independence in almost every aspect of their lives. One of the most lasting forms of patriotism came in the form of Federal architecture. Federal Architecture Celebrating Our Independence. Before the war with England, many homes had been built in the Georgian style that honored the British monarchs, George I-IV. The new architecture, which was a variation of neo-classical design, came to be known as the Federal style, ... View the Post
16 Again And In Love With George Michael
16 Again And In Love With George Michael.You could ring up any of my friends from high school and ask them what my favorite band was and I am sure that they would all provide the correct answer. So feverish was my adoration for Wham! that it could only be rivaled by the girls in the Ed Sullivan audience when the Beatles first performed. George Michael was my favorite of the dashing duo. 16 Again And In Love With George Michael My allegiance continued even when George went on to a solo ... View the Post
Gilt, Gold Leaf, and Ormolu
My 50th post! I can hardly believe it. This occasion calls for Gilt, Gold Leaf, and Ormolu! Gilt, Gold Leaf, and Ormolu This 18th century Louis XVI chair features carved giltwood and its original Aubusson tapestry upholstery. A perfect perch for springtime. These 19th-century French apothecary jars are made of porcelain and feature gilt on the finials and border. This beautiful azure Louis XV desk with gilded molding makes my heart beat a little faster. Gold leaf can also be ... View the Post