Monday, 31 March 2014

The Easter Bunny is Coming

Easter will be here in a few weeks. Here are some photos for inspiration as you think about ways to celebrate this season of rebirth . . . 

"A rather regal rabbit stands sentinel in front of the arbor."
Portland, Oregon, garden of Dulcy and Ted Mahar.
Photography by John Granen.
Text by Rebecca Christian. 
"Garden Retreat" produced by Barbara Mundall.

"Shirley at Housepitality Designs cleverly used two of the bunny stands as bookends on her mantel.'
Photo via Pottery Barn blog.
Pottery Barn Blog: Inside and Out (March 30, 2013).

"Garden bunnies scamper across a creamy white expanse of earthenware in these fresh designs for your spring table. The green-and-white pattern is inspired by traditional French toile textiles."

"Garden Rabbit Plates, Set of 4" offered by Gump's.

 Photo via Gump's website.



"Made of aluminum with an antiqued finish."
Photo via Pottery Barn website.

 "Spring comes into bloom on our Jacquard-woven tablecloth, decorated with wildflowers, bunnies and butterflies in soft shades of periwinkle and robin’s-egg blue. An elegant choice for Easter, and durable enough for every day, the lustrous cotton/linen will become even smoother and more beautiful with time and use. The collection is Jacquard-woven and tailored for us by a historic Russian mill, famed for its fine textiles since the late 19th century."
Easter Bunny Jacquard Tablecloth (Blue) offered by Williams-Sonoma.
Photo via Williams-Sonoma website.

" 'Every room should include something wild,' says [Kelley] Carter."
Brooklyn brownstone of Kelley Carter, stylist and senior market editor for Real Simple magazine.
Photography by Patrick Cline,
Art direction by Michelle Adams.
"Happy Landing" written by Robert Leleux.
Lonny (May 2012).

 "Of French origin, this type of casserole was originally intended for cooking and serving dishes made from local game and fowl. Its elaborate handle identified the delectable meat within; in this case, rabbit. Today, the oval baking dish performs well for all sorts of casseroles as well as baked vegetables and side dishes. You can also use it for a pâté or terrine. The high-fired porcelain travels beautifully from oven to table and is also safe in the freezer and dishwasher. Made in France."
"Apilco Hare Casserole Dish" offered by Williams-Sonoma.
Photo via Williams-Sonoma website.

"Oversize rabbit sculptures by Robert Kuo add a post-modern twist to the hallway's refined style."
Light-filled modern home in Connecticut.
Interior design by Jamie Herzlinger.
Photography by Patrick Cline.
"Simple Abundance" written by Robert Leleux.
Lonny (November - December 2011).

"Decorating for a seasonal lunch needn't be elaborate to feel festive. We used vintage eggcups for these place settings, but you could also use teacups. Fill them with wheatgrass (from health-food stores) and lilies-of-the-valley. Add chocolate bunnies and eggs for postmeal nibbling."
"Easter Table Crafts and Favors"

"Avid crafter and baker Stacey Damurjian created these surprisingly easy cookie ornaments with the help of a local bakery, which copied these nostalgic spring-themed designs and pretty patterns onto edible paper.

How to Make a Cookie Ornament:
Step 1: Roll out store-bought or homemade sugar cookie dough to 1/4 inch thick. For vintage postcard images, cut dough into 3 3/4 x 2 1/2-inch rectangles. Use a cookie cutter to create the egg-shaped cookies.

Step 2: Carefully punch holes (for the ribbon) at the top of the raw cookies with a drinking straw.
Step 3: While the cookies are baking, cut out the images from the edible paper. [To transfer a vintage postcard design onto a cookie, reduce it to 65 percent of its original size on a standard color photocopier. Bring this smaller image to a bakery where it can be reproduced with edible inks on thin, sticker-like sheets of paper made from rice, potatoes, or cornstarch.]
Photography by Laura Moss.
"Edible Easter Decorations" by Jessica Dodell-Feder.
Country Living (April 2007).

"Stacey Damurjian found these reproduction and antique 19th-century Easter postcards at flea markets."
Photography by Laura Moss.
"Edible Easter Decorations" by Jessica Dodell-Feder.
Country Living (April 2007).

"Pair of Edwardian antique cast silver rabbit menu holders with glass eyes. By William Hornby, London, 1908."
Photo via 1stDibs.

My husband's grandmother was a fan of Sallie Middleton. This print reminds him of her.
"Rabbit" by Sallie Middleton.
Photo via here.

 Bunny figure crafted by Tenna Flanner. "Using molds based on antique designs and a papier-mache mixture that's the consistency of warm oatmeal, she spends anywhere from four hours to two to three days making each one of her hand-decorated creations. ‘In the beginning it was really hard,’ recalls Flanner, who worked 15-hour days, ‘but today I can't wait to make a new rabbit.’ "
Photography by Jim Bastardo.
Country Living (April 2004).

 "While Christmastime is the biggest selling season, ‘Easter is our favorite holiday,’ says Flanner, ‘because the color palette is so soft and luscious.’ The Easter line includes everything from pastel-colored lambs, eggs, and chicks to rabbits in various sizes and shapes--some are even paired, like her bunny and girl. Satin ribbons, cellophane grass, and vintage velvet flowers are also used for these one-of-a-kind designs."
Photography by Jim Bastardo.
Country Living (April 2004).

"Soup Bowl: Hare White" by Laura Zindel, an artist and designer based in Vermont.
"All Laura Zindel Dinnerware products are made from creamy white high-resistance china.These products are microwave and dishwasher safe, and durable enough for everyday use."
Photo via Laura Zindel website.

"The newest, most petite members of the Vosges Haut-Chocolat rabbit troupe are snuggled together inside a cozy, sky blue nest. Each bunny is filled with a rich, creamy chocolate ganache. They’re almost too adorable to eat…almost."

Photo via HGTV blog.

-
A favorite book (1939).
Photo via Amazon.

Coastal Living (April 10, 2009).

Friday, 28 March 2014

Feeling Blue

Blue. The color of sea and sky. The color of water and air. We cannot live without water or air. Can we live without blue?

"An enchanting home in the Camargue countryside in the South of France."
Architectural renovation, landscape design and interior design by Jean-Loup Dirand.
Photography by Jacques Dirand.
"The Most Beautiful French Gardens" by Lindsey Campbell.

“Antiques in seaside hues evoke treasures washed ashore. ‘If there's [sic] two things I'm as equally obsessed with as white, it's antique Japanese glass fishing floats and beautiful old books, so naturally I had to style a shoot using all three!’ says [designed Jillian] Harris. Weathered tomes and antique buoys give a sense of history and add depth to a white space.”
Interior design by Jillian Harris.

“Cool blue accents and feminine flourishes. This luxe quilted headboard is unexpected in a sapphire blue. ‘Talk about color heaven!’ says [designer Jillian] Harris. ‘It's balanced by a creamy mint wall color, and I love the caged crystal chandelier!’ "
Interior design by Jillian Harris.

“Patterned wallpaper creates the backdrop for a traditional vignette. A blue-and-white Chinoiserie printsets the tone for this dining room's eclectic design. An antique sideboard anchors the grouping while a Chippendale mirror adds glamour. Two Chinese cracklelamps create symmetry and offera cozier alternate source of lighting.
Interior design by Michael Angus.
Photography by Michael Graydon.
Canadian House and Home (December 2008).

Indigo on the soft velvet covering a bergere. A tapestry with indigo embroidery is reflected in the mirror.
Interior design by Madeline Stuart.
"Indigo, a Decorating Classic" written by Candace Ord Manroe.

"Blue-and-white ginger jars frame the view from foyer to living room."
Rogers, Arkansas, home of Julie and Patrick Swope and their children.
Interior design by Tobi Fairley.
Photography by Nancy Nolan.
"Team Colors" written and produced by Krissa Rossbund.

"A collection of blue-and-white vases are displayed in a wooden cabinet, carrying the home's repeating [navy] palette into the dining room."
Lake Forest, Illinois, home of Julie and Michael Eckert and their children.
Interior design by Megan Winters.
Photography by Werner Straube.
"Blue with Brio" written by Candace Ord Manroe.
Traditional Home (April 2014).

"English antique benches covered in Kravet's 'Madison Linen' cluster around an 1800s table."
Lake Forest, Illinois, home of Julie and Michael Eckert and their children.
Interior design by Megan Winters.
Photography by Werner Straube.
"Blue with Brio" written by Candace Ord Manroe.
Traditional Home (April 2014).

"Re-energize a hallway or room by hanging striped wallpaper horizontally in the space below the chair rail, a trick that helps make narrow rooms feel wider. To ensure an even look, position the paper so the lowest and highest stripes are the same color; install the painted chair rail after the wallpaper has been hung. Then, match the wall's paint color to the stripe.'
Wallpaper: Block Print Stripe (BP 748) and paint: Blue Ground (210), Farrow and Ball.
Photography by Angus Fergusson.
Canadian House and Home (February 2010)

"Ombre Easter eggs: You can create this dramatic display with just two 0.25-ounce vials of blue dye you may already have in the kitchen. Set out six 12-ounce glasses, labeled A through F. Add one cup of boiling water and two teaspoons of white vinegar to each and stir, using a separate spoon for each glass. Then, mix in the color as follows: A, two drops; B, six drops; C, 10 drops; D, 20 drops; E, 45 drops; F, 60 drops. Submerge a hard-boiled egg in each glass. Steep for five minutes, or until you're happy with the hue, then remove and place in an empty egg carton to dry. Repeat with additional eggs (up to three dozen)."
 Photography by Allison Gootee/Studio D.

"Cement tiles by Popham Design line the entryway; the walls are painted in a custom indigo."
Marrakech home of Samuel and Caitlin Dowe-Sanders.
Photography by Simon Upton.
Text by Gisela Williams.
"Morocco Moderne" by Gisela Williams.

“Pair pewter with silver and white bistroware. The simple detailing of these pewter plates and vessels and their cool luster is a natural accent for the cottage-y charmof white dishes and blue beadboard."
Photography by Mark Burstyn.
Canadian House and Home (Kitchens and Baths 2012 Special Issue).

“An icy blue palette and glitzy details. Soft blue linens and white porcelain tableware evoke a pristine winter landscape. Oversize diamond ring napkin holders complement cut crystal stemware and frosty-looking flowers create an elegant centerpiece. Diamond Ring Napkin Holders, HomeSense.”
Interior design by Lindsay Mens.
Photography by Stacey Brandford.
Canadian House and Home (November 2008).

Ashley Pepitone of Camp Makery used Sharpies to hand draw patterns onto each egg.
Photography by Haley Sheffield.
The Pottery Barn blog - "Inside and Out" - March 24, 2014. 

“The symmetrical plate placement is balanced by two chairs that flank the dresser. The inspiration for the grand dining room was John Derian’s romantic Faience dishes. A paper pattern of each one was made and taped to the wall before hanging the plates.Wall treatment: Venetian Plaster, Premium Plus Texture Paint, Behr; trim color, Diamond P841-4, Para."
Photography by Michael Graydon.
Canadian House and Home (October 2011).

“A rustic wood finish gives this hutch an heirloom look. In the dining room, the painted interior of the hutch plays off the blues in the Faience dishes on the opposite wall, and the indigo and cream linen drapes. [See photo above.] Wall treatment: Venetian Plaster, Premium Plus Texture Paint, Behr; trim color, Diamond P841-4, Para."
Photography by Michael Graydon.
Canadian House and Home (October 2011).


"A dining room chair, designed by Bilhuber and covered in Donghia's Suzani Jacquard in Blue Bliss, is placed against a portiere made of Oak Leaves Vine in blue/gold from Chelsea Editions. Trims by Samuel & Sons."
Interior design by Jeffrey Bilhuber.
Photography by Julian Wass.

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"Elegant light blue millwork alludes to French boiserie. Antique console."
Interior design by David Kleinberg.
Photography by Simon Upton.
"The Archives: Blue in Veranda" by Amanda Eisenberg.
Image originally appeared in the April 2011 issue of Veranda.

"Reclaimed 19th-century Sicilian wall tiles and a Devon and Devon tub and fittings in the guest bath."
Photography by Gianni Franchellucci.
Text by Craig Seligman.

“A screen delineates a desk area. ‘Screens are under used and add great dimension to any room,’ says New York designer Miles Redd. ‘They are like decorative architecture.’ Redd painted this English breakfast table in faux lime tortoise, one of his favorite trademarks. Hang art at seated eye level in a reading spot like this.”
Interior design by Miles Redd.


Interior design by Sarah Richardson.
Photo credit: Sarah Richardson.
"Sarah Richardson's Cottage" by Michael Penney.
Canadian House and Home - "Affordable Style" blog (June 7, 2010). 

"A small upholstered stool is a cozy addition in a bathroom.
Ornate indigo wallpaper adds a striking splash of texture and color. 'This is a perfect example of how the right wallpaper can create the most amazing statement,' says designer Scott Yetman. Marble flooring offers a luxurious and timeless look."
Interior design by Scott Yetman.
Photography by Leona Mozes.

"Painting the entire façade a deep blue-black unifies the brick, shingled roof, fence and lattice, and creates a dramatic backdrop for bright green foliage."
Interior design by Rebecca Muha.
Photography by Stacey Brandford.


Thursday, 20 March 2014

Peacocks

According to Greek mythology, Argus was a giant with 100 eyes. After Hermes, the messenger god, killed Argus, Hera - the wife of Zeus and goddess of marriage - took Argus's 100 eyes and placed them on the tail of the peacock, her sacred bird. Peacocks continue to enchant, as the following photos attest . . . 

"Just inside [Windsor Smith's] foyer, two zinc peacocks sit atop a pair of tall etageres, their tails made of fresh greenery trailing almost to the floor. Sociable, Windsor Smith Home Collection. Flowers throughout and peacock greenery, Botany Flowers."
Brentwood home of designer Windsor Smith and her family.
Interior design by Windsor Smith.
Photography by Luca Trovato.

"A pair of custom-made tables by Andrew Fisher are surrounded by [Ann] Getty-designed folding chairs and custom-made banquettes in the dining room, which overlooks the garden designed by Madison Cox; the Venetian grotto table and chairs once belonged to Franco Zeffirelli, and the artworks are by Joel Meyerowitz, left, and Tina Barney, far right."
 San Francisco home of Alexis and Trevor Traina.
Interior design by Ann Getty.
Photography by Simon Upton.
"All in the Family" by Kate Betts.
Elle Decor (September 2011). 

"A custom-made peacock feather wall covering in the library; the grotto chairs are 18th century, and the table is malachite."
San Francisco home of Alexis and Trevor Traina.
Interior design by Ann Getty.
Photography by Simon Upton.
"All in the Family" by Kate Betts.
Elle Decor (September 2011). 

"An antique Georgian mirror seems to float in a corner of the powder room, against the custom peacock-feather wallpaper [made with real peacock feathers]. Benjamin Moore Impervex in Gulf Shores on the door."
Interior design by Miles Redd.
Photography by Frederick Lagrange.
House Beautiful (February 2014).

"For a traditional feel, [homeowner/designer] Berkley [Vallone] paired a sparkly gold mirror with a console from On the Veranda. A collection of small cross-topped glass bottles adorns the marble console."
Home of interior designer Berkley Vallone and her family.
Interior design by Berkley Vallone.
Photography by Colleen Duffley.
"Small Home. Big Style." produced by Barbara Mundall.

"Baby Peacock Mirror" offered by Wisteria.
According to the Wisteria website, the peacock symbolizes grace and beauty.
Photo via Wisteria website.

"Inspired by the fanned tail feathers of a peacock - known as 'the bird with a hundred eyes' - our mirror's hand-carved wood frame is dotted with row upon row of aged nickel-silver glass. Skilled artisans inset the tiny mirrors with care, creating a detailed accent that reflects light from every angle."
"Peacock Mirror" - offered by RH.
Photo via RH website.

"Matthew Williamson's signature motif is given a new exotic interpretation with the use of tiny beads."
"Peacock" wallpaper - Eden Wallpapers by Matthew Williamson at Osborne and Little. Available in four colorways.

"Matthew Williamson's signature motif is given a new exotic interpretation with the use of tiny beads."
"Peacock" wallpaper - Eden Wallpapers by Matthew Williamson at Osborne and Little. Available in four colorways.

"The exuberant Florence Broadhurst Peacock Feathers wallcovering inspired the guest towel embroidery."
Classic prewar apartment in New York.
Interior design by Christina Murphy.
Photography by Jonny Valiant.
"A Colorful Park Avenue Apartment" by Emily Evans Eerdmans.

"The powder room walls are upholstered in a fabric by Florence Broadhurst, and the sink fittings are by Dornbracht."
Los Angeles home of Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman.
Interior design by Ames Ingham.
Photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna.
Elle Decor (September 2010).

"A cleverly placed hand-beaded zebra 'hide' transforms an English sofa and a pair of Regency-style armchairs into a unified seating area. Through the open doors, Octavius, the couple's white peacock, promenades along the stone-paved patio."
Chesterfields, the Somerset County, New Jersey, country home of John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross.
Interior design by John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross.
Photography by Patrick Cline.
Art direction by Michelle Adams.
"Time-Honored Style" written by Robert Leleux.
Lonny (June - July 2012).

"Roaming the grounds of Cherryfields, Octavius resembles a living work of sculpture." 
Cherryfields, the Somerset County, New Jersey, country home of John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross.
Interior design by John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross.
Photography by Patrick Cline.
Art direction by Michelle Adams.
"Time-Honored Style" written by Robert Leleux.
Lonny (June - July 2012).

"A Carrara marble mantel with a simple display of walnuts. Russian olive branches and eucalyptus leaves are punctuated with wine-red artichokes."
Event designer Jung Lee's New York City apartment.
Prop styling by Jung Lee.
Photography by Genevieve Gorruppo.
"Holiday High-Low" written by Sarah Storms.
Lonny (November 2013).

Homeowner Raina "Penchansky purchased the vintage chair - her 'first adult purchase' - when she was in her 20s. The horn sculpture was a gift from a friend. A stuffed peacock that once belonged to artist Hunt Slonem is perched atop the mantel."
New Orleans home of Raina Penchansky and Sean McCusker.
Interior design: Raina Penchansky collaborated with John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon of John Loecke Inc.
Photography by Patrick Cline.
Art direction by Michelle Adams.
"A Space to Celebrate" written by Shawn Gauthier.
Lonny (May - June 2011).

"[Celerie] Kemble's stuffed peacock, named Peacock Bronson after a friend, watches over the living room. 'It's fun,' she says. 'My kids don't realize how unusual he is.' " 
Central Park South apartment of interior designer Celerie Kemble, her husband Boykin Curry, and their children.
Interior design by Celerie Kemble, Kemble Interiors.
Lonny (October - November 2010).

"The dining room's mirrored wall opens the room, creating the illusion of depth. [Designers Celerie] Kemble and [Anna] Burke found the 1930s host and hostess chairs at the 1stdibs showroom in New York." 
DJ and Mark Duckworth's penthouse on Manhattan's Upper West Side.
Interior design by Celerie Kemble and Anna Burke.
Photography by Patrick Cline.
Art direction by Ellie Somerville.
"Penthouse Panache" written by Shawn Gauthier.
Lonny (September - October 20110. 

"The peacock hand towels were hand-embroidered by Sharyn Blond, a Kansas-based embroiderer."
DJ and Mark Duckworth's penthouse on Manhattan's Upper West Side.
Interior design by Celerie Kemble and Anna Burke.
Photography by Patrick Cline.
Art direction by Ellie Somerville.
"Penthouse Panache" written by Shawn Gauthier.
Lonny (September - October 20110. 

"Caroline Scheufele's transporting Swiss garden, set on Lake Geneva, inspires her glittering designs for Chopard. Chopard peacock-feather brooch of tourmaline, sapphire, and lazulite."
Photography by Alexandre Bailhache.
"Well-Manicured: Lake Geneva Garden" by Nadine Rubin Nathan.