Monday, May 31, 2010

Pretty in Purple

This is my last day in Scotalnd. Almost every night over the past two weeks the sunset has boasted a mezmerizing array of purple pinky hues. Its truly astonishing what a little light and water can do to an otherwise blank sky canvas. Isn't it grand?


Now its time to snatch it out of the sky and bring it into my home.
What to do, what to do? Here are some ideas:











Sunday, May 30, 2010

In lieu of chairs

I want to break things up a bit in my dining room and I love the look of mixing an upholstered bench or settee with traditional chairs.



Friday, May 28, 2010

Thursday, May 27, 2010

More postcards from Scotland

I just finished a three day car trip through the Southwest of Scotland including Oban, Skye, Fort William, Argyle and the Cairngorms. Here are some snapshots from along the way!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Parlour

I've spent the last two nights in two different B and B's on the West Coast of Scotland and I have to say that not only am I impressed with the tea and cream routine, I'm also very taken with the parlours and sitting rooms in which these lovely Scots serve their tea. It certainly makes me re-think my own parlour (known in Texas as my living room). I have some rearranging of furniture to do when I return home.









Monday, May 24, 2010

On the Coastal Trail

This was the scene driving home to my Dad's place today. I love the mist flanked by flowery yellow fields. The little blooms smell like sweet Easter lilies. Its intoxicating.


If these walls could talk

After touring around the northeast countryside of Scotland, looking at castles, manners and homes rich with the patina of age, I'm ready to rough up my walls a bit. Maybe you enjoy this antique look as well?








Sunday, May 23, 2010

Details, Details

Ornamentation and detailed filigree is a lost art. I've recently seen so many new homes and interiors that lack nuance and detail. It's all hard lines and plaster and grand empty space. I'm not saying everything has to be dripping with hand carved mouldings, lavish paint designs or fluted edges. I'm simply saying that I love the look and feel of a home whose designers or owners understand and appreciate the details. A curving banister. Hand tiling in the entry. A cornice here or there. This is probably why I have such affection for the Art Nouveau period.