Whitehaven

Inventory Blowout Sale at Stanton Home Furnishings - February 13-25

2012-02-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

The blowout sale at Stanton Home Furnishings will run from February 13- 25, with a minimum of 30% off store wide!!

Below, two recent rooms designed by Jimmy Stanton from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, photos by Erica George Dines:

Cathedral Antiques Show February 2-4, 2012

2012-02-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

About the Cathedral Antiques ShowThe Cathedral Antiques Show is Atlanta’s oldest and most prestigious antiques show, and is a major outreach project sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of The Cathedral of St. Philip. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and support from the church, antique dealers, corporate sponsors and patrons, the Antiques Show has raised over $3 million for Atlanta-area non-profits since its inception in 1969. Truly a Passion for a Purpose.The event attracts participants and attendees from around the country who enjoy art, design, decorating and learning about antiques. It is held at The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.This year’s Cathedral Antiques Show will benefit AADD (All About Developmental Disabilities), Atlanta’s foremost provider of support services to families with developmental disabilities. AADD is one place where people with developmental disabilities can turn to achieve personal empowerment, family stability and community participation.To view the website click here.

Deborah Sanders Learning Lecture February 4

2012-01-28T06:16:00.000-08:00

Cathedral Antiques Show presents Learning Lecture # 3: Deborah Sanders, February 4, 11am

Deborah Sanders joined VERANDA magazine with its second issue in 1987. She served as Managing Editor for most of its 23-year history, editing and writing home profiles and articles related to the decorative arts. During this time, she also conducted decorative arts tours to France. Over the last ten years, she canvased trade shows around the world, concentrating on the development of product stories for the magazine. Since leaving VERANDA in June 2010, she has established a consulting business, making presentations on design at market events around the country. She also plans to launch an online publication dedicated to product reviews, called Style InSite.com. She will be talking about trends in decorating.

For more information on the Cathedral Antiques Show click here.

Jeffrey Bilhuber Learning Lecture February 3, 1pm

2012-01-27T07:16:00.001-08:00

Cathedral Antiques Shoe Learning Lecture February 3, 1pm: Jeffrey Bilhuber

In this lecture, Jeffrey Bilhuber will discuss how high style can (and should) encompass effortless comfort–interiors where families big or small can take pleasure in easy spaces that are brilliant amalgams of new and old.

"Jeffrey Bilhuber's interiors have the all-American elegance of a latter day Billy Baldwin." - Hamish Bowles

image via house beautiful

Thanks to the Cathedral Antiques Show for putting together this informative and inspiring lectures series.

Richard Keith Langham Learning Lecture February 2

2012-01-26T07:42:00.001-08:00

Cathedral Antiques Show Learning Lectures - February 2: 1pm, Speaker: Richard Keith Langham

You won't want to miss the lecture by Keith Langham on February 2 at 1pm at St Philip's. He will be speaking about Decoration: Fact and Fantasy.

above, a Georgetown townhouse

In an interview in 2009, Keith said:

“I have been doing this now for almost 30 years, and I’ve done projects all around the country. I just really talk about the decorating process, where you take a vision from your client and acting as an editor in order to bring the room into reality or fruition,” he said.

“I do sort of classic timeless rooms that are kind of based on English sensibilities, but they are not English rooms,” said Langham “I always like to add a little kick to it or a little element of whimsy.”

via elle decor

above image and 4 below, a Mississippi house, via Architectural Digest

from Architectural Digest:

Alabama-born, Manhattan-based Richard Keith Langham’s claim to fame is Anglo-Southern extravagance, or the English country-house look amped up with antebellum eccentricities. The sometimes-dishy theatricality Langham achieves through his use of intense paint colors, swooning curtains, bullion fringe, and an heirloom-style assemblage of curious antiques has a solid classical foundation, however; his training began more than 20 years ago in the office of the late Anglophile decorator Keith Irvine. Langham’s traditionalist ethos has served him well with clients who prize old-fashioned quality over instant gratification (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was one). And speaking of quality, the designer’s upholstery is so meticulously crafted it could be the work of an haute couturier.

Below, a New Orleans house

Bedrooms by Keith Langham

All of the images above, interior design by Keith Langham. His work is fabulous!!! See you at St. Philip's.

Cathedral Antiques Show Learning Lectures Feb 2, 3 & 4

2012-01-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the Cathedral Antiques Show February 2-4 at the Cathedral of St. Philip. There will be 3 wonderful lectures during the show and we will be highlighting the 3 speakers on our blog over the next 3 days.

February 2, 1pm - Richard Keith Langham

Richard Keith Langham has designed residences around the country and abroad. His client list is as diverse as the rooms he puts together, from the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Mrs. William F. Buckley to Hillary Swank. With a love for clear color and real comfort, his stylish rooms are grounded in English sensibilities. In addition to interior decorating, Langham has also designed party decor, including the Black-and-White Ball for the Bruce Museum in Greenwich to the Boys Club of New York at the Plaza Hotel. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, Veranda, W, House Beautiful, Hamptons Magazine, Palm Beach Cottages and Gardens, and Southern Accents.

February 3, 1pm - Jeffrey Bilhuber

Jeffrey Bihuber has a uniquely American perspective that breathes new life into traditionalism with a confirmed understanding of modern sensibilities. He mixes periods and design ideas with a confidence and instinctive style whose rules are self-evident—practicality and sheer beauty.His most current literary accomplishment, The Way Home: Reflections of American Beauty, has drawn praise from the industry’s most authoritative sources such as the Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and House Beautiful. In this lecture, Bilhuber will discuss how high style can (and should) encompass effortless comfort–interiors where families big or small can take pleasure in easy spaces that are brilliant amalgams of new and old.

February 4, 11am - Deborah Sanders

Working on a brown study

2012-01-12T03:54:00.000-08:00

Somes ideas for a study or library with brown walls....

above, Miles Redd

above, the iconic room by Sister Parish

above, Mario Buatta

above, Amy Fine Collins' office, via Elle Decor

above,room by Dorothy Draper, the Greenbrier

above, interior design Gwen Driscoll, via Elle Decor

above, Billy Baldwin's brown living room

Beautiful attic bedroom

2012-01-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

We worked on this wonderful attic guest room last spring and summer. It still needs a couple of finishing touches but we couldn't wait to show you this pretty room!

House of the Week

2012-01-09T04:09:00.000-08:00

I like this house because it shares of couple of features with the house my husband grew up in, on Beacon Hill in Boston. It's in Richmond on Monument Avenue. The front door on the side and the overhanging bay are similar to the ones on my husband's childhood home. Have a great Monday!

A view down Monument Avenue...

An architectural image of the house in Boston:

A photo of the Boston house:

Epiphany

2012-01-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Spent the morning working with Jill Helmer of Jill Siegel Designs to create this for my church for Epiphany. Happy weekend everyone!

My book wish list for 2012

2012-01-04T04:17:00.001-08:00

I know, I know, Christmas is just over and now I have found more books to buy! Here's a starter list of books I hope to acquire in 2012:

1. Historic Houses of Paris: Residences of the Ambassadors

2. The English Country House: From the Archives of Country Life

3. Frances Elkins: Interior Design

4. Albert Hadley: The Story of America's Preeminent Interior Designer

5. The World of Madeleine Castaing

6. Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style

7. The Country Houses of David Adler

House of the Week

2012-01-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

A cozy cottage for this brisk winter day.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! May the new year bring year you many blessings and beauty in every day.

image via Whitehaven

World of Interiors

2011-12-28T05:19:00.000-08:00

Many magazines today are disappointing - not World of Interiors. I am always delighted with the content - even the advertising is beautiful. The December 2011 issue, which is still on the news stands, is particularly good. Worth the $9 price.

image via World of Interiors

This ad from Paris Ceramics makes my heart beat faster....

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:01:00.001-08:00

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Amaryllis time!

2011-12-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas so that means it's time for my favorite flower - amaryllis. I can never have too many!

House of the Week

2011-12-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

Another Monument Ave, Richmond, Virginia house. This one dressed up for Christmas!

My favorite thing...

2011-12-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

about my house at Christmas.

We hadn't put up the banister garland and bows in a couple of years - it really works well in the entrance hall. We are finally mostly decorated! Now I just have to figure out how to deal with the terrible traffic all over Atlanta.

It's beginning to look a lot/little like Christmas!

2011-12-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

Starting to get some decorations up at my house. It's a gradual process that continues right up to Christmas...

House of the Week

2011-12-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

On Monument Ave in Richmond, VA....

Le Jardin Francais - Boutique de Noel

2011-12-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

Boxwood wreath by Le Jardin Francais

Hurry - don't miss these wonderful European holiday decorations made by Le Jardin Francais which are available at the Holiday Pop Up Market at White Provisions on the Westside(under Room and Board). The market will last through tomorrow, December 4 from 11am-7pm.

I bought a wonderful magnolia wreath, pinecone topiaries, and a few more goodies. Everything is stunning!! And these delightful ladies do floral arrangements for weddings and other events too. Make sure to visit their website above.

John Muir Exhibit at the Atlanta History Center - only until Dec 4

2011-11-29T04:01:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the John Muir exhibit at the Atlanta History Center. It will be there until December 4. See the information below from the History Center's website:

October 13, 2011-December 4, 2011

John Muir was a botanist throughout his life and his fondness for the nature and beauty of plants contributed significantly to his understanding of the need to preserve wilderness. Yet this aspect of the well-known conservationist’s passions is little known. In the spirit which John Muir embraced the botanical world, the traveling exhibition Nature’s Beloved Son: Rediscovering John Muir’s Botanical Legacy traces his travels to Canada, Indiana, the American southeast, California, and Alaska, and presents vivid images and specimens of the actual plants that Muir held in his hands, carried in his pockets, and preserved for all time.

Nature’s Beloved Son includes high-resolution images of Muir’s plant specimens on large format canvas and paper prints, allowing the exploration of the structures, patterns, and anatomies of the plant world. Historic images, pages and drawings from Muir’s journals set the context for his plant collecting and a set of original plant specimens shows visitors the real thing. To further inspire, the exhibition includes several quotes from Muir about his fascination with nature and devotion to plants. A film shown in the gallery and narrated by the curator and Muir re-enactor Frank Helling, features additional plant specimens and historic images.

Peachtree and Cherokee Garden Clubs are both sponsors of this exhibit.

House of the Week

2011-11-28T03:56:00.000-08:00

This stunning row house is in Richmond, VA on Monument Avenue. We spent Thanksgiving in Richmond and I walked up and down Monument Ave drooling and taking pictures. I adore row houses and Richmond has some of the prettiest in the country. My favorite feature of this house is the curved bow in the front.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T05:41:00.001-08:00

House(s) of the Week

2011-11-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

In Memory of Betsy Yearley, November 29, 1913- November 16, 2011

My grandmother died last week - she had long, wonderful, full life and would have been 98 on November 29. So much of what I know and love about interior design and creating a home comes from her and her talent. In memory of her, three of her houses.

I love you Gram and will miss you!!!

Versailles: A Private Invitation

2011-11-17T04:48:00.001-08:00

If you love Versailles, you will love this book. The photographs are simply amazing and the text compelling. The authors were given unprecedented access to the chateau and you will be thrilled by these unique photographs. Would make a divine Christmas present!

Versailles: A Private Invitation
by Frances Hammond and Guillaume Picon
available here

House of the Week

2011-11-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

I guess you can call this a "house" of the week, but perhaps "small chateau" might be a better way to describe this exquisite residence.

Le Petite Trianon

Le Petite Trianon was designed by Ange-Jacgues Gabriel for Louis XV and was built between 1762-68. It was built for Louis XV's mistress Madame de Pompadour, but she died before it's completion. When Louis XVI ascended the throne in 1774 he gave the chateau to his young wife, Marie Antoinette. She used the residence as a way to escape from the pressure of court life at Versailles.

Here is a great description:

"His (Gabriel's) best-known structure, the Petit Trianon—designed for Mme de Pompadour in 1761 and considered among the most perfect buildings in France—is one of several modest works he erected for the court. At the Petit Trianon, the handling of the order, the window frames, balustrades, and other features derive closely from the French Classical tradition. Gabriel's debt to the past is equally apparent in the building's noble aura of imperturbable dignity, its harmonious proportions, and the precision and elegance of its detailing. But the deceptively modest structure exemplifies Neoclassical taste, for it is severe in its cubic geometry, restrained in articulation, and barren of the accents of relief sculpture typical of seventeenth-century French design."

— Marvin Trachtenberg and Isabelle Hyman. Architecture: from Prehistory to Post-Modernism. p409-10.

In the warming kitchen...

The Salon

The sitting room off of Marie Antoinette's bedroom

Her bedroom

Marie Antoinette by Madame Vigee Lebrun, this portrait hangs in the billiard room at Le Petite Trianon

Another portrait by Mme Lebrun, who painted the Queen several times. This one is more informal, and one wonders if this type of simple dress is what she wore at Le Petite Trianon in her garden.

Doors of Versailles

2011-11-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

Continuing with the door obsession....

Monogram Pillows

2011-11-10T05:02:00.000-08:00

How cute are these needlepoint pillows? They were custom made by our friend Janet Gregg for this room below and will sit in the pink chairs:

Paris Doors

2011-11-09T03:40:00.001-08:00

Two church doors on Montmartre:

Sacre Coeur

Saint Pierre de Montmartre

House of the Week

2011-11-07T03:35:00.000-08:00

Hotel de Bethune-Sully, Paris

This stunning hotel particulier (private mansion) in the Louis XIII style is located in the Marais and was built between 1625-1630. Designed by architect Jean Androuet de Cerceau and built for financier Mesme Gallet,it is adjacent to the Palace Royale, today the Place de Vosges. The house was sold in 1634 to Maximilien de Bethune, Duc de Sully. His grandson commissioned Francois le Vau (son of Louis le Vau - Louis le Vau designed Versailles, parts of the Louvre and many other chateaux) to add a wing to the west of the garden in 1660. The house still bears the name of this family who owned the building into the 18th century. Various owners altered the building until 1862 when it was classified as a historic monument. It was gradually restored and in 1944 became the property of the state. It is currently under renovation which will be complete by the end of 2011. The gardens are open to the public and after renovation, some the interiors will be available for private tours. Visit the website here.

Paris in the Fall

2011-11-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

Just back to Atlanta and had to share these beautiful photos of Paris in the Fall. Lots more to share this week!

These last two are from Versailles...

Click on any image to enlarge.

Au Revoir!

2011-10-28T03:17:00.000-07:00

St. Germain, by Barbara Flowers

I'm headed to Paris with my DH! Back in a week...
When I return, besides a Paris report, we'll have lots to blog about - Photos of some finished projects, and posts on some new projects.

Paris in the Fall

House of the Week

2011-10-24T06:01:00.001-07:00

The house of the week is a Lewis Crook house built in 1928 for A. Rhodes Perdue. A classic Atlanta house.

The house has many familiar Crook details - palladian windows, curved stair in the stair hall, black and white marble floors.

The house is for sale - listing here. To read more about Lewis E. Crook, read this book, by William Mitchell pictured below.

House of the Week

2011-10-10T05:11:00.001-07:00

This beautiful Atlanta house was built in 1929 by the president of GA Power. It is situated on almost 3 acres of stunning property in the heart of Buckhead. The house is warm and inviting - a real classic. The house is for sale - listing here.

All images are from the listing.

House of the Week

2011-10-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Shack Mountain

This beautiful house is outside of Charlottesville, Virginia and was designed by architect Fiske Kimball. The property is for sale - here are details from the listing:

Shack Mountain was designed by Fiske Kimball, (1888-1955), the most noted of Americas first generation of architectural scholars who, it can be argued, single-handedly recorded Thomas Jeffersons stature as the first American Architect. Among many other extraordinary accomplishments, Kimball was the first Chair of the University of Virginias School of Architecture. Completed in 1937, Shack Mountain is a small gem in T form of brick laid in Flemish bond and struck with a grapevine joint. The front of the house is an elongated octagon dominated by a Tuscan portico with paired columns. Jefferson believed the octagon ideal for light and Kimball concurred. 13 ceilings are partnered with triple-hung sash windows. The tall ceilings, beautiful mouldings and cornice, cylindrical doors and walls, found more often in dwellings of the 18th and 19th century, culminate in Shack Mountain as a lasting work of art. Fiske Kimball was an American cultural force in the early 20th century. A man of exceptional vision, talent, dedication and energy, Kimball was boisterous, bold, imaginative and brilliant. A brief and incomplete summary of Fiske Kimball career includes: 1919 became the first Chair of the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia where he was supervising architect for all building projects with a direct hand in the designs of the University Amphitheater, Memorial Gymnasium and the University Hospital complex 1922 completed the design for the campus plan of Woodberry Forest School 1923 organized a Department of Fine Arts at New York University 1924 became Chair of the Restoration Committee at Monticello supervising restoration of the house and grounds 1925 became director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art 1928 accepted appointment to Advisory Committee of Architects for restoration of Colonial Williamsburg 1930 - Served on the Committee responsible for design and construction of the Jefferson Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Kimball hand-selected John Russell Pope for the design and then successfully defended the design against the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright who declared it a gangrene of sentimentality. 1040s - Headed the American Institute of Architects 1940 and 50s Served as an art advisor to Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman Shack Mountain today remains incredibly private and yet minutes from downtown Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. Protected on one side by the Ivy Creek Natural Area owned by the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County and on another side by an historic estate subject to a conservation Easement, Shack Mountains privacy is ensured in perpetuity. The 102 Acres are primarily wooded with open fields to the north and east having beautiful views of the Blue Ridge and the Southwest Mountains.

Hat tip to my friend Laura for letting us know about the house!

Helen Durant Art Show Sept 23 & 24

2011-09-22T08:34:00.001-07:00

Helen Durant is having an art show/sale this weekend at her house.
Sept 23 - 7-9pm
Sept 24 - 1-5pm
1966 Butler Way
hdurant47@aol.com

House of the Week

2011-09-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that JD and I love Charleston and Savannah. We love the history, the beautiful houses and the graciousness of the coastal cities. This house was built in 1762 as a double tenement and has been converted into a single family house. It's for sale here.

Bedroom Before & After!

2011-09-08T03:07:00.000-07:00

Remember this fun bedroom we worked on last spring? (The after is pictured above) We finally took photos this week - we are very excited about the finished room.

This project started because the client redid her master bath and the master bedroom did not work with the gorgeous new marble bathroom. Her previous bedroom colors were muted creams and greens. She wanted a bright, cheerful, fun room, but we wanted to balance that with the new marble bathroom (grays and whites) and make sure it was still a restful room. Her favorite color is purple so the wall color is a pale purple and the curtains and bed linens are periwinkle. Here is the master bedroom before:

And the room after!

The view to the master bath.

Above, beautiful detail in the bathroom.

Our friend Leo

House of the Week

2011-09-05T17:11:00.001-07:00

A Neel Reid eclectic style house built for Jesse Draper in 1922. It is a next door neighbor to this house of the week from two weeks ago, and is a combination of the Neocolonial and Greek Revival styles.

The floorplan:

Hope you all had a relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Nancy Astor's Cliveden House

2011-09-01T03:56:00.000-07:00

Nancy Langhorne Astor was the third oldest of the five Langhorne sisters (Lizzie and Irene being the older two and Phyllis and Nora the younger two). They grew up in Virginia, first in relative poverty in Danville, and then once their father made his mark in the railroad business, at the wonderful house outside of Charlottesville called Mirador.

Nancy first married Robert Shaw in 1897, but they divorced in four years. She then returned to Mirador for a short time. While traveling in England she met Waldorf Astor, whom she married. The Astors were one of the wealthiest American families of the time. They had moved to England to live. Waldorf's father, William Waldorf Astor, gave his estate, Cliveden, to Nancy and Waldorf in 1893 and this is where they lived and raised their children.

Cliveden is a massive house and estate, in contrast to her sister Phyllis' Eydon Hall . The house was built in 1851 and was designed by architect Charles Barry in the Italianate style. There have been several houses on the Buckinghamshire estate, which sits above the River Thames. The first was built in 1500's and was a hunting lodge. In 1666 William Winde designed this house below for the Duke of Villiers. Today only the arcade remains, the rest was burned by fire in 1795. The house was in ruins until it was purchased by the Duke of Sutherland who rebuilt the house in 1851. Today it looks largely as did in the late 1800's and is a hotel.

Nancy Astor is remembered not only for her beauty and fiesty personality, but also because she was the first female member of the House of Commons, representing Plymouth.

Nancy Astor, by John Singer Sargent

House of the Week

2011-08-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

Eydon Hall

I have just read Five Sisters: The Langhornes of Virginia by James Fox. It tells the story of the Langhorne family of Virginia - particularly the five most famous: Lizzie, Irene (Gibson), Nancy (Astor), Phyllis and Nora. It is an absorbing read and I highly recommend it. Two of the five girls and also one niece, Nancy Lancaster, lived in England and were the owners of fabulous country estates.

I am fascinated by Phyllis Brand's country house - called Eydon Hall, built in 1789. While not as grand as Nancy Astor's Cliveden or Nancy Lancaster's Kelmarsh, Ditchley Park and Haseley Court, Eydon Hall is wonderful because of its relatively smaller scale and also because it has not been altered from its original design. It is more the size of Mirador, the Virginia house in which all of these ladies grew up.

Phyllis Langhorne Brand by John Singer Sargent

illustration of Eydon Hall by Robert Henry Cheney

Eydon Hall is located near the village of Eydon in Northhamptonshire. It is a Palladian stately house and remarkably is still a private residence. The house is made of ironstone and each of its four facades is different. It has nine bedrooms and four main reception rooms.

Eydon Hall Lane

The Orangery at Eydon Hall

What an interesting house (and family). More on the houses of the Langhorne sisters later this week. To read an architectural history of the building - click here.

House of the Week

2011-08-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

The obsession continues....which one you might ask? Neel Reid, or white houses with black shutters? Both of course!

This house was built for Henry Newman in 1921-22. The design of the house is credited to the firm of Hentz, Reid and Adler. The facade was drafted by AEC (documents do not tell us who AEC was), and the garden design is by Neel Reid. Every mention of the house I could find (in my Neel Reid books, Atlanta architecture books and online sleuthing) gives design credit to Neel Reid.

Timeless Elegance

2011-08-17T04:39:00.000-07:00

These rooms have it...

Design by Sister Parish, image via Architectural Digest

Bunny Williams, photo by Fritz von der Schulenburg

Astor library, design by Albert Hadley

Mario Buatta

Sister Parish (White House dressing room)

UPDATE:
Thanks to the Devoted Classicist, I have some photos of the Astor Library the way it was when Albert Hadley decorated it. The photo above is from recent years when the house was for sale. Please go to the Devoted Classicist's blog to read more about this fabulous room.

Here is the original painting over the fireplace, compare to above:

And another photo of the room, with the original rug and chairs.

above two photos from the book ALBERT HADLEY: THE STORY OF AMERICA'S PREEMINENT INTERIOR DESIGNER by Adam Lewis courtesy of The Devoted Classicist.

House of the Week

2011-08-15T04:04:00.000-07:00

Harbour Island, Bahamas

This is the super cute beach cottage where JD stayed while at Harbour Island. The owner is the brother of Libby Cameron, business partner of Sister Parish's grandaughter Susan Bartlett Crater. Their business is called Sister Parish Design. The house was decorated by Libby Cameron.

The book that Libby Cameron and Susan Crater wrote, Sister Parish Designs - On Decorating, is wonderful. I wrote about it here.

India Hicks' store The Sugar Mill, was right down the street.

Lyford Cay

2011-08-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

Jane Douglas has had a whirlwind summer. She has just gotten back from the Bahamas where she had lunch at the Lyford Cay Club. Originally decorated by Lady Ann Orr-Lewis in the 1960's, the interior was redecorated by Tom Sheerer (took him 7 years). It's perfect!!!

All of the above images via Whitehaven.

Here's a larger photo of the living room from Town and Country magazine- the club was featured awhile back.

House of the Week

2011-08-08T03:55:00.000-07:00

I saw this house in a post on All the Best and fell immediately in love. I know it looks like all the houses I love, white clapboard, black shutters, but this one has something different - it's just perfect and seems to have soul.

This is Florence de Dampierre's house in Connecticut. Of course I had to see the inside, which you can find in her book French Chic. If you don't own this book, run out and pick it up - I spent several hours with it when I first purchased it.

The apple green den.

You can order the book here: French Chic - The Art of Decorating Houses

Ms. de Dampierre has a new book called Walls - also wonderful.

Both images are from the book, French Chic, photography by Tim Street-Porter.

Kitchens with Beams

2011-08-02T04:57:00.000-07:00

above, a Frank Neely kitchen

We are very excited to be working on a beautiful Frank Neely designed white kitchen with beams. The beams will be installed this week or next and we can't wait to see them. (BTW, the Frank Neely website is now updated and there are many new portfolio pictures. Be sure to spend some time on his website.)

In the meantime, some photos of kitchens with beams....

above and below Brad Heppner kitchens

This kitchen above is from the Morgan Creek website.

Image from House Beautiful. I love the lighter beams.

This kitchen was on a house tour this Spring in Atlanta and won the Southern Accents Kitchen of the Year award in 2008.

image via decorpad

another Morgan Creek kitchen

These last three are all from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles:

Isn't it interesting to see how the different colors of the beams impact the overall feel of the kitchens?

House of the Week

2011-08-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

Evolution of a House

This was my grandparents' house when I was growing up in Atlanta in the late 1960's and 1970's. It is located on one of Buckhead's prettiest streets. I thought it would be fun to see how the house has evolved over the years.

My grandparents bought the house in 1967 and hired architect Henri Jova to redesign the house. Here is what it looked like when they bought it:

Here it is after Henri Jova's improvements:

I have so many fond memories of big family dinners at the house. In the large area between the back terrace and the pool area there was a pea gravel courtyard. We all used to play for hours in the pea gravel, but I remember how much it hurt your feet when you walked on it barefoot. I learned to swim in the pool:

A close up of the pool house - my grandmother is on the left, and the zebra painting is an early work by artist Helen Durant (who is my aunt):

Here is the house today. The driveway now swings across the large front yard.

I have always loved the pair of double bay windows, the Chippendale railing over the wings and the red door.

Isn't it fun to see how the house has changed over the years? It is a beautiful piece of property in a beautiful neighborhood. I wonder if there is still a pool and if there is, what it looks like now?

Photographer Emily Followill's updated website

2011-07-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

All of these beautiful photographs come from photographer Emily Followill's recently updated website.

Click here to see her website.

House of the Week - Swan House

2011-07-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

The Swan House, built in 1928 by the Edward Inman family, is on 28 acres in the heart of Atlanta. It was designed by Atlanta architect Philip Trammel Shutze in collaboration with Neel Reid and other architects at Hentz, Reid and Adler. (To read more about Shutze please visit: ArchitectureTourist).
This house is one of Atlanta's most famous, photographed landmarks. Growing up here, you might take this treasure for granted - but it is truly a treasure worth visiting.

The house was fully renovated in 2004 and is open for tours (even the bedroom level and kitchen). It is is one of the most beautiful estates of its era and attention was paid to every detail.

My favorite part of the house is (surprise here) the entrance hall with black and white Italian marble. This room alone is worth the tour. I could stand here for hours and be happy:

Photo below from Classic Atlanta by William Mitchell and Van Jones Martin:

The formal rooms are lovely, below is the dining room:

The library, pictured below, is one of the most approachable rooms in the house with its beautiful wood carvings by H.J. Millard of Bath, Englad. The painting over the fireplace is of Saint Cecilia. (photo from Classic Atlanta by William Mitchell and Van Jones Martin)

Below is the breakfast room off of the entrance hall. The red alcoves have convinced me to paint my own bookshelves brick red.

Mrs. Inman's bedroom

Entrance facade with Doric columned Palladian portico:

The view from Andrews Drive

For more information about the Swan House, please visit the Atlanta History Center.

All photographs from the Atlanta History Center Website, unless indicated otherwise.

I took this photo of the front door on my camera on my phone. The color fascinates me. Wouldn't you have expected black? I like the blue.

I took a better photo of the front door:

Pictorial Ode to Virginia Beach

2011-07-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Jane Douglas is on her annual summer jaunt to Virginia. She took these beautiful photos of Virginia Beach - before the heat wave hit this week.

54th street

Re:Treads Flower Pots and Baskets

2011-07-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

Saw these pots while cruising through Tuesday Morning. They are old tires made into pots -- pretty cool use of the tires. They look like leather. You can buy some here.

They also make basket out of old tires. You can buy those here.

House of the Week

2011-07-18T04:29:00.001-07:00

Another great Inman Park house. This one is fairly large - look at the piece on the back, and there is a park behind it.

Pulling it all together - with a little inspiration from Dorothy Draper

2011-07-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

We are finishing up two projects in the next couple of weeks. Today I am delivering this:

and two of these planters:

with some of these:

which are for this room. A little Dorothy Draper inspiration!

We are also installing some blinds in another bedroom - the one with the bed that I painted.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Paintings of Paris by Barbara Flowers

2011-07-13T03:24:00.000-07:00

"Au Lapin Agile, Montmartre, Paris"

Look what my obsessive eye has found now. Painting of Paris by Barbara Flowers, whose work is sold at Anne Irwin Fine Art.

"Paris"

"Paris colors on a cold day"

"St. Germain, Paris"

French Obsession

2011-07-12T04:29:00.000-07:00

I'm having a little obsession with all things French. Even saw this fabric, which depicts Paris, while out looking for fabric for a new bedskirt for my daughter's room. C'est tres joli!

House of the Week

2011-07-11T03:56:00.001-07:00

We drove over to Inman Park yesterday after hitting Krispy Kreme for doughnuts, cruising for houses of the week. The porch railing and windows caught my eye on this one. I love the feel of the house - it looks like a warm, comfortable place to live.

If you love houses and old neighborhoods, Inman Park is a must see!

Voila! Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Part 2

2011-07-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I painted the chair and table with two coats of the Anne Sloan chalk paint. This morning I added some old white chalk paint, painted on with a very dry brush with most of the paint wiped off.

Then I decided to stencil a fig leaf onto the table and paint it with gold leaf wax. I also added the gold to the edge of the table and around the legs. After the white paint and gold wax were both dry I waxed both pieces with clear wax. After letting that dry for an hour I distressed the paint with sandpaper (100) in a few key places. Then I added more wax and let that dry. Finally, I buffed both pieces with a soft cloth.

Back in it's spot in my living room.

Next up is my daughter's bed and bedside table. This could be addictive!

Friday Fun with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

2011-07-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love nothing better than a fun project! A few weeks ago I read about Annie Sloan chalk paint on From the Right Bank . Ally had really good luck with the paint and so we have decided to use it for a couple of projects. The paint can be painted directly on furniture and floors with no priming or sanding -that's right - no priming or sanding!!!

Today, my daughter and I painted a bed for a client and also a small table and chair for my own house. Take a look:

My daughter is reading while I do the prep work! She liked the painting though.

First coat on - more finished pictures after the second coat and wax.

I highly recommend this paint. It goes on so smoothly and is a pleasure to use.
More pictures when finished.

Have a great weekend!

Sunburst or Starburst Mirrors

2011-07-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

Which do you call them? Either way, we are looking for some for a client's bedroom.

House of the Week

2011-07-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

I have been busy reading my birthday books - always a great way to find inspiration and learn a few things. While reading the Lewis Crook, Architect book, I was struck by a photo of a house that I have long admired, but the house in the photo looked different than the one I was thinking of...so I hopped in my car and drove across Peachtree to see if it was the same house and what the changes were. It was the house in my book, but it now has a large addition on the left side and there are no shutters - but it's the same great house drawn by Crook and built for Henry Wagstaff in 1923.

The photo above is the original house drawn by Lewis Crook.

Above you can see the large addition on the left and the smaller addition on the right. And no shutters. I think I miss the shutters.

The house is beautifully situated on the lot and I like how the driveway swings across the property.

Above you can see the addition on the left side of the house.

My favorite detail is the front door. Does anyone know who the architect was on the additions?

Happy 4th of July!!!

Click on any image to enlarge.

A Paris Apartment

2011-06-30T05:04:00.000-07:00

I've been dreaming of Paris. Enjoy this beautiful apartment.

Great birthday presents!

2011-06-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday (and my daughter's too). I love birthdays, but don't love getting older...

Presents always soften the blow and these two are perfect gifts! I received these wonderful decorating/architecture books that I know you all will love too. JD gave me David Hicks, A Life of Design, and my mom gave me Lewis Edmund Crook, Jr Architect. Can't wait to dive into them. Thank you to JD and Mom!

Inspiration

2011-06-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Loving these images of French interiors...

image via decorology

image via decorpad

Our Favorite Percale Sheets on Sale!

2011-06-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

JD and I both like old fashioned percale sheets - the ones that are cool to the touch and crisp. Wamsutta used to make beautiful scalloped percale sheets. In fact they were my in my linen trousseau and lasted for 18 years! Wamsutta does not make the sheets anymore, which is very sad. But Garnet Hill makes a pretty good version and they are what I sleep on every night. Right now they are on sale until July 5, so grab them quick. (I am not being paid by Garnet Hill to write this, but I should be!)

For a good read about the search for the perfect percale - click here.

See the resemblance?

2011-06-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Devoted Classicist pointed out that the parti, or big idea for the house, of the HOTW is similar to the Neel Reid Adair house. Since I have photos of the Adair house I thought it would be fun to show you the two houses together. The massings are a lot alike and the interesting dormers are a prominent feature on both houses also. Devoted Classicist,anything to add? Hat tip to you for letting us know the similarities!

Detail of the dormers

House of the Week

2011-06-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

This Buckhead house was built in 2008 by Benecki Fine Homes, the interior design is by Melanie Turner. Turner and Benecki are married and this is their personal home.

above is my favorite room in the house

The house is for sale. Click here to see the listing.

All images from the listing.

Bedroom installation update

2011-06-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

We are not quite finished with the bedroom installation. Stools and chaise to come next week and of course pillows too! Will have before and after photos then. Here are a couple of quick photos we took yesterday.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Bedroom installation!

2011-06-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

We are very excited about our bedroom installation this week. We should have photos in a couple of weeks and we will try to post some sneak peaks later this week.

For now a few teasers:

the curtains are made of this:

the chairs are this color:

the chaise and stools are ultrasuede in this color:

and the rug looks like this:

add this chest:

and some gorgeous custom embroidered linens and you have the recipe for a beautiful room!

House of the Week

2011-06-13T03:26:00.000-07:00

Just back from the beach and still having coastal thoughts...so the house of the week is a Charleston beauty built in 1800.

The inside of the house is as wonderful as the exterior and gardens...

The house is for sale - to see the listing click here.

All images from the listing page.

Back from the Beach

2011-06-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

We have just returned from a fabulous week at the beach. I'll be back to blogging this week after my much needed week of r & r.

House of the Week

2011-06-06T06:27:00.001-07:00

In honor of summer - A Shutze beach house from the Archives.

Southwind

I noticed this house immediately from the beach, but had no idea that Philip Trammel Shutze was the architect. When my godmother gave us a driving tour of the island she told me this was "Aunt May's house" and that it was designed by Shutze. Of course I jumped out of the car and starting taking pictures. Later I got the whole story on the house, called Southwind, and the wonderful woman who lived there.

Southwind in 1938, photo by Gottscho-Schleisner

May Patterson Abreu (1891-1976)was from Atlanta. In the 1920's she worked at the interior design firm of Porter and Porter in Atlanta to help her family financially. She married James Goodrum in 1926. Sadly he only lived two years after they were married. May met Cuban born architect Francis Abreu at Sea Island and they were married in 1938. Francis Abreu designed many homes in Florida in his early years as an architect, but he is best known for his commercial and public buildings. He designed Eugene O'Neill's house on Sea Island. In Atlanta Francis and May lived in the Shutze designed house on W. Paces Ferry that was the Southern Center for International Studies, or the Peacock House.

Southwind was May's beach house - Shutze was the architect. May commissioned the house when she was still married to James Goodrum. Shutze used the stucco architecture of Bermuda as the design precedent for the beach cottage even though most of the architecture on the island was either designed by or inspired by Mizner and his Eclectic Spanish style. In American Classicist, Elizabeth Downling says of the project: "This new model employed the canted walls and peculiarly Bermuda-esqu stepped roof, which effectively break from Mizner's use of the Spanish precedent. For interior and exterior detailing, Shutze used a scallop shell motif to refer symbolically to the seaside location." (p173)

Southwind garden entrance, 1938

Garden entrance today

Southwind
The living room in 1938, you can see the shell motif at the cornice.

From the Abreu Charitable Trust website:

"After their marriage, they were active members of Atlanta society during the 1940s and 1950s and were staunch patrons of the arts. May enjoyed the opera, arts and the symphony, while Francis preferred golfing, hunting and fishing. However, while Francis may not have shared May's love for cultural events, he did attend events to be social. May and Francis lived on West Paces Ferry Road in the home that is now headquarters for the Southern Center for International Studies.

May was an active participant in many charities in Atlanta, supporting the Atlanta Humane Society and the American Red Cross, as well as individual citizens. After the Depression, May provided several people with financial assistance to help them get back on their feet. One day when walking down Peachtree Street in Atlanta, May saw one of these people look at her and cross the street to avoid repayment. At Christmas, she sent "paid in full" messages in her Christmas cards to all who had received money from her with the simple message, "Merry Christmas."

May established the Francis L. Abreu Charitable Trust in her will to honor her husband. Today, the Trust carries on the tradition of giving begun many years ago and continues to benefit the Atlanta area arts and cultural programs, education, health associations, human services, children and youth services."

The house is currently under renovation - which is great news for all of us who love historic buildings and good architecture. Shutze of course planned the gardens as well as the house. The garden is directly behind the house and one enters the house through the garden. There are several raised bed, walled planting areas with stone paths. At either end of the garden sit two guest houses.

One of the guest houses.

At the North end of the gardens and house is this building now being used to store garden tools.

View of the south side of the house.

What fun to find such architectural history at the beach!

Save the Date - June 4 & 5, Atlanta Garden Tour

2011-06-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

Annual GPPA Garden Tour 2011

an intimate tour of atlanta gardens

Presented by
The Board and Members of
The Georgia Perennial Plant Association

See beautiful gardens from Decatur to Druid Hills, Buckhead to Sandy Springs!

All Garden Open
Saturday, June 4 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 5 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rain or Shine

Ticket Cost: $20 (Tour is free with a 2011 GPPA Membership)

Click here for more info, maps and details.

Two gardens in my neighborhood are on the tour.

You can buy tickets in advance at the following locations:

Ashe-Simpson Garden Center
4961 Peachtree Ind. Blvd. ~ Chamblee
770-458-3224

Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts
100 East Andrews ~ Atlanta
404-233-3400

Garden*Hood
347 Boulevard SE ~ Atlanta
404-880-9848

Habersham Gardens
2067 Manchester St. ~ Atlanta
404-873-2484

Hastings Nature &Garden Center
3920 Peachtree Rd. ~ Atlanta
404-869-7447

Lush Life
146 East Andrews ~ Atlanta
404-841-9661

Tickets will also be available at each of the gardens so you can simply
come to any of the gardens on the days of the tour and purchase your tickets!

House of the Week

2011-05-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Neel Reid, Druid Hills 1914-15

GREEN!

2011-05-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

This has been one of the longest days ever...but it was totally worth it! My family of five worked together to lay sod today (after hours of prep work and a leaking sprinkler fix too). We still have more work to do, but our yard is green again!!!

Let's hear it for instant gratification yard work. Sod is awesome. And so is my family!!! Thank you team Young.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend everyone. If you want to be inspired on Memorial Day - go read this post.

Helen Durant Studio Sale May 27-29

2011-05-26T09:38:00.001-07:00

Helen Durant Studio Sale
May 27-29
Fri 6-9pm
Sat and Sun 12-5pm

Whittier Mill Village
1966 Butler Way
Atlanta
404-375-6237

Beautiful Fabric by Victoria Larson Textiles

2011-05-25T03:48:00.000-07:00

Attention fabric lovers! Here's a new source for fun, vibrant, beautiful fabric. The line is by Victoria Larson. A little about her from her website:

Victoria Larson has been designing home accessories for private clients for several years and is proud to release her debut fabric line to the public. Larson trained as an Interior Designer at the Maryland Institute College of Art. The textile line you find on these pages is the culmination of Victoria's life-long passion for art and design and her love of fabric.

Designs usually begin life as a watercolor or block print. Then the design is printed on to an appropriate textile using eco-friendly, water-based inks. Victoria only selects natural and comfortable fabrics and all production is done in the United States.

The fabric designs follow Larson's basic philosophy that things should be beautiful but useable. Interiors should be beautiful and personal but not precious.

Garden Stool

School O Fish

Pods

Corinthian

All of the fabric is printed on heavy weight cotton or organic cotton sateen. It has a great hand and beautiful finish. For more information or to order samples and a price list (it is reasonable too!) visit her website by clicking here.

House of the Week

2011-05-23T03:24:00.000-07:00

Hopetoun House, Scotland

photos taken by my husband on his cell phone

A couple of weeks ago my DH went to Edinburgh, Scotland on a business trip. While there he attended a dinner at this amazing house. Can you believe I didn't go with him? It would have been a nice romantic getaway (and who doesn't need that after 22 years of marriage and living with a bunch of teens!). And I would have gotten to see this historic house - which happens to have a great story. When he called to tell me he was back here safely, one of the first things he told me was that he had a House of the Week for me. And he took pictures. Now that is true love!

.

Hopetoun House was designed by Sir William Bruce for Charles Hope, later the first Earl of Hopetoun. It was started in 1699 and was largely complete by 1707. William Adam was asked to enlarge the house in 1721. So this house had two of the most important architects of the 17th Century work on it - both were from Scotland. The East facade and the wings with colonnades are Adam's and the West garden facade is Bruce's. Adam died before the project was complete and his sons John, James and Robert completed the interiors.

aerial view

East facade, by William Adam

West facade, by Sir William Bruce, image from the Hopetoun House website

One of the Colonnades by William Adam

East facade

West facade

Last four images from the Hopetoun House website.

Isn't it fascinating to see the work of two great architects on one building? The East and West facades each have an entirely different feel. Which do you prefer?

Click on any image to enlarge.

The grass is always greener....

2011-05-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

in my neighbors' yards!

the view from my neighbor's yard to my house

Today we begin to redo our front yard. Obviously we did not pick the correct grass 3 years ago, because it has completely died. Wish us luck with our project.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Beautiful Rooms by Jan Showers

2011-05-20T03:28:00.000-07:00

Summer is fast approaching and we are drawn to light, airy, beautiful spaces with glass and mirrors. No one does that better than Jan Showers.

all images via Jan Showers' website.

My Lighting Obsession and Julie Neill Designs

2011-05-17T03:26:00.000-07:00

above, Hallie Chandelier

When we were building our house I spent countless hours looking at light fixtures. Beautiful lights are eye candy! Some of the most beautiful light fixtures are made by Julie Neill Designs in New Orleans. I was hunting down a lantern for a client yesterday and ending up spending way too much time looking at all of Julie Neill's gorgeous lights. Enjoy these pictures.

In this photo above from A Passion for Home blog, Julie Neill made this lantern for Tobi Fairley.

The Ingrid Chandelier

Elizabeth Chandelier from Julie Neill

Love these lanterns...

Babs

Evangeline

There is so much more to see on her website and blog.

House of the Week

2011-05-16T03:34:00.001-07:00

Designed by Neel Reid for Sigmund Montag, this Druid Hills house was built in 1915. According to the book Architecture of Neel Reid in Georgia
the house is reminiscent of 17th century French architecture. However, the entrance doorway is late 17th century English. I think the quoins and window jack arches in redbrick make an interesting statement.

Click on any image to enlarge.

©2011 Whitehaven

Fun Find - Uncorked

2011-05-14T04:49:00.000-07:00

These hefty glasses made from recycled wine bottles would make a great Father's Day gift, or just a great addition to your everyday glasses. They are made in Atlanta by Daniel Hart and are sold on Etsy - click here. to see more.

Thanks to Felicia for showing us this fun find!
Have a great weekend everyone.

Sale at Jean-Marc Fray!

2011-05-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

French Art Deco Period Mirrored Coffee Table

If you love French furniture and decorative accessories, go check out the sale at Jean-Marc Fray.

A few things we love:

Louis XVI Solid Walnut Chest

French Gold Leaf Tole Chandelier

Spanish Vintage Gilded Iron Jardinieres

French Antique Solid Oak Farm Table

My Kitchen Curtains Are Finished!

2011-05-11T03:14:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this post on my kitchen window treatment dilemma?

In short, the new house next door to me is very visible from the kitchen and breakfast room. I needed to do something to help block the looming cream colored house. We will eventually put in a green screen of trees outside, but in the meantime I now have privacy and the ability to block out the new house when I want/need to...Plus it softens the whole kitchen and breakfast room. The curtains can close all the way, completely covering the windows, 41 yards of white linen is very helpful! I decided to stop the curtains at the window sill instead of going to the floor so the room didn't look too small. But they go all the way to the crown molding, emphasizing the 10 foot ceilings. I put a roman shade over the sink to give privacy and block the house, but not add too much fabric, which might get wet and dirty when we wash dishes. My curtain maker is awesome! Thanks Craig.

To see the before pictures click here and here and here.

See how you really don't notice the new house as much now. Yay!

House of the Week

2011-05-09T05:17:00.001-07:00

Davant Plantation

image above via On Our Side of Life Blog

This week our HOTW is a plantation in the low country. Situated between Charleston and Savannah, this stunning property would be a fabulous retreat.

It was built in 1770 and has been fully restored. From the Davant Plantation website (the property is for sale):

The property's original 100 acres date to 1770 as a King's Grant given to John Hobard by King George III of England. In 1828, Richard James Davant, signer of the Ordinance of Secession, bought the property and began adding adjacent acres. During the War Between the States, Sherman's army burned the original house, leaving intact two cabins which were used as the kitchen and laundry. Soon thereafter, another nearby Davant family residence (circa 1820) was moved to the present location to replace the original plantation home.

In 1938, Davant was purchased by the Berol family, founders of the Eagle Pencil Company. The Berols added two wings to the main house and commissioned extensive restoration that included the magnificent woodwork. At this time they also added guest cottages, dog kennels and the stables making it a complete sporting property. In 1940 Mrs. Berol painted the murals in the main house dining room which have survived beautifully.

Davant was purchased by the current owners in 1991. They continued to improve the plantation, with conservation and wildlife management being their focus, into the world class sporting property it is today.

Some interior photographs from the website:

entrance hall

living room

dining room

den

All images may be enlarged by clicking on them. All images from the website unless specified otherwise.

Janet Gregg Jewelry Show!

2011-05-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a
Private Viewing and Sale

jewelry designer
Janet Gregg

Wednesday May 11th
9:30 am until 6:30 pm

Thursday May 12
9:30am- 1:30pm

hosted by
Jane Douglas Reynolds
Felicia Huger *
958 Nawench Drive

any inquiries
678-641-9061
fhuger@me.com *
jdreynolds@me.com

jpgltd.com

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!

2011-05-06T03:59:00.001-07:00

I am off on an overnight field trip with my youngest (who's 10), so I'm posting from the archives. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!

from the archives...

Happy Mother's Day

right, Carrsbrook, Jane Douglas' grandmother's house in Virginia. It was built by Thomas Jefferson's nephew in Albemarle County and was modeled on the Williamsburg "Simple House".

Jane Douglas and I got our love of houses and interior decorating from our mothers and grandmothers. We both grew up with women who liked to create beautiful environments and who loved to move furniture around.

Jane Douglas' childhood home in Suffolk, Virginia

So on Mother's Day we would like to say thank you to the women in our families who loved us and raised us, who taught us to appreciate beauty and how to create a home for our own families. Here's to you - our mothers, Fontaine and Gay, and to our grandmothers, Betsy and Helen, Yancey and Imogene . We love you!

The house that I, my mother and grandmother all lived in in Atlanta.

Tombee Plantation in Beaufort, SC - my grandparents' house for many years. Image from Southern Accents.

image of Tombee from national register -sc