Twigs are a favorite design element of mine. They can be squiggly or straight, rustic or severe, white or dark. So it’s no surprise that they’re effective for way more than just furniture. Take a gander at some of the inventive ways that twigs can be used as architectural elements in the home. These are actually lengths of branches, and are linear rather than twisty. But the natural feel is the same.
Read More
Dark wood floors can be incredibly chic and sophisticated, bringing richness and polish to a space. But when paired with the wrong furnishings and colors, those floors run the risk of making the space feel dark and heavy. If you’ve been wondering what to put with your dark floors to bring out their best features, try these ideas.
Read More
If you’re like me and you love to include antiques in the “set design” of your home, then antique lighting (which can be a bit of a challenge) is something you should definitely consider. In talking about antique electric lighting, we’ll be using the term “antique” loosely. Remember, practical electric lightbulbs weren’t invented until 1879. So true antique lighting (over 100 years old) often consists of candle, oil and gas lights converted to electricity.
Read More
I have just given you a magic wand. Cool, huh? Step outside and wave it over every bit of greenery you see. Say, “Abracadabra — I change you to beige!” Now peruse the result of your handiwork. All the life, vitality, joy and color have vanished, haven’t they? Now wave your wand again and restore the green. Does this make you think any differently about what constitutes a neutral color?
Read More
A coffee table does a lot of work. It needs to hold books, magazines, drinks, food — even games on game night. You might want to put your feet up on it, or the kids might need a place for coloring. Plus it’s usually smack dab in the middle of the room, where you can’t miss it — so make sure it’s a good one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re picking a coffee table.
Read More
Seaside scenes, landscapes and abstract works all have their place, but portraits have something that other forms of artwork simply don’t. When you look at a portrait, whether it is new or old, painted or photographed, you are seeing a person. A life. Portraits ignite the imagination and populate a room with hidden stories — you can’t help but wonder what the subjects were thinking, feeling and doing. From vintage paintings to blown-up family snapshots and commissioned work, here are some fresh ways to use portraits around the house.
Read More
Rudyard Kipling’s famous quotation, “East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet” never proved to be less true than during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the Orient captivated the West in the form of chinoiserie design. Chinoiserie (French for “Chinese-like”) is defined as a fanciful European interpretation of Chinese, Japanese and Indian styles in the design of interiors, furniture, pottery, textiles and gardens.
Read More
This house is filled with color and comfortable, beautiful furnishings thanks to designer Ian Stallings. Stallings has a fine arts background, so it’s no surprise he began with the art. “You can just assemble pretty things and make a good room,” he says. “But it’s so much more interesting if you tell a story. Art is a great way to begin the tale.
Read More
Timeless furniture and accents seamlessly finish any look. These pieces—Danish glass vases, French accents, Turkish Oushaks, and Brazilian coffee-sack pillows, to name a few— have been handpicked from far-flung locales and offer a glorious sense of history. Article published on One Kings Lane
Read More
Shop Vintage! As any designer will tell you, the secret to a great space is making it your own by combining pieces that personally resonate. Which means? Give yourself license to pick up whatever strikes your fancy: Deco chairs, antique ceramic pots, gorgeous pillows, cool pendant lights. Your eye will give the look its focus. Article published on One Kings Lane
Read More
