Archive for January, 2009

Drive-By Design

We don’t mind stopping traffic to get the perfect photograph or some inspiration – even at the risk of running into a few Vermont moose!

That’s how Charlotte got this great shot showing how an architect integrated wood storage into the design of this cabin -

Of course, you can get drive-by inspiration without having to stop traffic…check out the interior of this phone booth in the lobby of Charlotte’s hotel, Twin Farms, which was designed by the late Jed Johnson and Thad Hayes.

You thought you were making a simple phone call – and then noticed a little inspiration all around you!  This is a cool and affordable way to dress up a closet or a corner.A masterful & rustic tramp art buffet in the hotel sitting room – filled with ceramics by artisans of the region.  A great way to store dishes and show them off at the same time!



So, our “Drive-By Design” points:

  • Decorate a closet or a corner with postcards…you can visit a museum shop for postcards of your favorite artists, paintings, or anything that excites you!
  • What’s in your cupboard?  A collection of something that would be great to display?
  • Not everyone can design their house especially to organize & show off logs, but the idea is to get organized – grab a basket or a bin and create your own outdoor still-life.
  • Even the simplest things elegantly arranged can be an artful composition
  • Great colors don’t just come from paintchips.  This barn picture reminds us of faded Nantucket red trousers….Look outside the paintbook to get inspired!

Vermont!

Post office in Barnard, VT

From Charlotte’s journal…

Inauguration Week was filled with excitement – the crowds lining the Mall on a perfectly sunny day (even in cold weather!), flags waving, “Hail to The Chief” playing, and history being made – a reinforcement of our beliefs & our responsibility to our country – a call to the citizenry!  A great way to begin the year: with dreams, hopes and feeling inspired about the future.

And then there were the new fashion icons: Malia & Sasha,  stylish and yet still looking the way little girls should look.  Meanwhile, mom was glowing in Isabel Toledo and dad was looking his reserved & elegant self.

I ended this week appropriately for me, in New England at Twin Farms in Vermont – a weekend planned by my husband, a restorative weekend for just us – to relax, talk, explore, and, ironically, I finished reading Audacity of Hope!

Here are a few snapshots of Barnard…

In downtown Woodstock, lunch at Bentley’s – the palm trees, the ceiling fans, the comfy Victorian sofas,and the feeling of being in a friend’s living room…

Down the street at The Yankee Bookshop, these Burmese Mountain dogs were taking a nap – maybe they were wiped out from staying up late to watch all the Inauguration parties…?

And around the corner was F.H. Gillingham & Sons General Store where wine, guitars & toys are convenient displayed together!

One lane covered bridges were scattered throughout the town…a glimpse into a by-gone era…

A picture is worth a thousand words…but a collage is priceless!

(Click to enlarge!)

Inaugural Gowns

Jackie Kennedy (courtesy of Life.com)

Jackie Kennedy (courtesy of Life.com)

With Inauguration only a few days away, there has been a lot of speculation over what Michelle Obama will wear. The First Lady always makes a statement on this exciting day – who can forget Jackie with her boots and pillbox hat? We can’t wait to see what the First Lady chooses. A sample of some previous First Ladies.

Lady Bird Johnson in her Inaugural Gown (courtesy of Time, Inc.)

Lady Bird Johnson in her Inaugural Gown designed by John Moore (courtesy of Time, Inc.)

Rosalynn Carter's Inaugural Gown (courtesy of The Smithsonian Institute)

Rosalynn Carter's Inaugural Gown (courtesy of The Smithsonian Institute)

Nancy Reagan's Inaugural Gown (courtesy of The Smithsonian Institute)

Nancy Reagan's Inaugural Gown designed by James Galanos (courtesy of The Smithsonian Institute)

Hillary Clinton's Inaugural Gown (courtesy of The Smithsonian Institute)

Hillary Clinton's Inaugural Gown designed by Sarah Philips (courtesy of The Smithsonian

Who are your favorites?

Chinese New Year

Happy Year of the Ox! January 26 celebrates the Chinese New Year. Charlotte found these amazing paper umbrellas on one of her excursions to Napa and is planning to use them for a party this summer.

Here are some of our tips for throwing your own Chinese-inspired bash!

  • Add a personal touch by ordering fortune cookies for your guests at www.myfortunecookie.com. You write the fortunes!
  • Add silver and bamboo for a chic and modern take on classic chinese. Browse our Chinoiserie Collection for silver fortune cookie place card holders, silver chopsticks, lattice tea cups and, of course, pagoda salt and pepper shakers.