That Print Again






I'm being haunted by Braquenié fabric. A few weeks back I posted about one of my favorite Braquenié prints, "Le Rocher", that has been retired but that does make a banded appearance in their current "Bordure Cheverny" print. (Kim Huebner of Pierre Frey was kind enough to comment that "Le Rocher" has not been permanently discontinued, only sent for a rest in the archives. Frey owns Braquenié.) You can see "Le Rocher" at top and "Border Cheverny" beneath it.

So as I was reading The Givenchy Style over the weekend, I saw the photo below of the "Châmbre d'Hélène" in Givenchy's estate Le Jonchet. The glorious fabric draped, swagged, and upholstered all over the room is Braquenié's "Tree of Life". The tree has roots of what appears to be my beloved "Le Rocher".







I'm thinking that this was a sign that 1) "Le Rocher" will be reintroduced in the Braquenié line and that 2) it will eventually find a place in my home. There's no harm in being hopeful, is there?

(Givenchy photos from The Givenchy Style by Françoise Mohrt)

Restful Spaces

This month has been pretty crazy for me and I am really needing to do some things around the house and yard soon as I have neglected our Old Lady for a while. I thought that since warmer weather is on it's way, I would share some very restful spaces that I would love to curl up in.
image - Bountiful Home
This one is just so pretty. I imagine it is a guest quarters outside.
image - Home Beautiful
I love this room. The stripe awning, and all the white and silver...even the pooch matches!

image - notebook magazine
If I could take a little of each and add it here it would be perfect. I have always wanted a full size lap pool...I miss swimming laps!
Next week my head should be in some sort of normal paced space - I hope!
Thank you for all of the lovely emails and messages that you have sent me this week. It has really boosted my confidence to go for what I want...so thank you all.
Have a great day,
Ness xx

Norman Parkinson: A Very British Glamour




Need testament to the glamour of the good old days? Then by all means, pick up a copy of Norman Parkinson: A Very British Glamour by Louise Baring. Parkinson, one of 20th century's most innovative photographers, captured the sophistication that was fashion during the 1930s through the 1980s. What was unique about his work was that Parkinson was one of the first photographers to shoot models outside of the studio, often posing them on the street or in some incongruous setting. (Look at the cover, above, which features a model in a butcher shop.) Much of Parkinson's work was featured in Vogue (both British and American) and Harper's Bazaar, magazines at which Parkinson worked with the likes of Alexander Lieberman and Diana Vreeland. In fact, it was Parkinson to whom Vreeland remarked "How clever of you, Mr. Parkinson, also to know that pink is the navy blue of India."- this in response to Parkinson's photo of a model posing in a pink coat in Jaipur.

While the text is quite interesting, it's the glorious photographs that make this book a must-have for you glamour pusses and fashion hounds. And if you're a fan of the legendary model Carmen, then you're in luck; there are lots of photographs of her posing for Parkinson through the years.


Celia Hammond photographed for a Wetherall advertisement, Paris, 1962


Carmen Dell'Orefice on a crane in front of Old Bailey, London; Queen magazine cover, September 1960.


"Young Velvets, Young Prices" photographed for Vogue, 1949, from the roof of the Conde Nast Building.

(All images copyrighted Norman Parkinson Ltd., provided courtesy of the Norman Parkinson Archive, London. Norman Parkinson: A Very British Glamour, by Louise Baring, Rizzoli New York, 2009)

Heart felt thanks...

I just wanted to say a warm thank you to Tricia Foley, one of my all time favourite Designers for sending me an encouraging message about the store I want to open. I really appreciated it. Tricia mentioned that she has just hosted her fall pop-up store that was a success and there will be a festive one for the holidays soon...I can't wait to see the photos!!
To have a look at the last event go HERE.
Ness xx

My London Flat




What? You didn't know that I have a flat in London? Well, actually I don't, but I'd love to own one someday. And I always say that if I do obtain a London home, I will most certainly decorate it in a very British manner. I know, some might say how boring or expected, while others might think "damn American trying to out British the British", but why not? So what would my dream flat look like? Well, probably something like this- the flat of Tom Parr in Eaton Square as featured in Living in Vogue.

Parr, seen above, is the former director of the venerable firm Colefax and Fowler. You might also recognize his name as he used to be the design partner of David Hicks. What I'm taken with is the home's warmth and coziness. As Parr said about his work "When you walk into a room, you should think 'What a lovely atmosphere' and not just notice individual objects." I couldn't agree with him more.



The image at top and above are the dining room/ guest room. Behind Parr you can see the sofa which doubles as a bed. The bookcases are faux bird's eye maple, and there are numerous Indian Raj paintings in the room. The dining table is a Colefax & Fowler design. Also, I think the lighting is close to perfect in this space.


The drawing room walls are covered in a handmade paper inspired by an old damask. The carpet (a pattern called "Rock Savage") is a replica of that in Cholmondeley Castle. Note too the marbled molding. And I think that mossy green velvet sofa with the bullion fringe is terrific. (Remember my post on bullion fringe? This is the way it should be used.)


Beyond the drawing room is the tomato red bedroom. The Colefax velvet sofa turns into a bed. This room is actually my least favorite of the three, and I can't decide if it's because of the ferns in the photo or if it's something about the velvet on the sofa. Or maybe it's the way that shade of green looks against that red. I guess it doesn't really matter because the other two rooms are knock-outs, or at least they are to me.

(All photographs from Living in Vogue by Judy Brittain and Patrick Kinmonth; photographer Snowdon.)

Cafe Style

Today, after last nights post, I have turned my sights on to the logistics of creating this barn "pop-up store". I know these pictures don't relate to this but I have had a few cafe influenced pictures saved for a while and thought I would share what I would love to have if I had a cafe.
The one above is perfect...all white, beaded boards and comfy wicker chairs. Their would have to be a casual comfort to the air. I like cafes where Mums can feed without being judged, old people can access everything and children can be themselves (and entertained in a small kids only space fill with games).
These banquet seats have always been something I have loved...especially in a cafe setting. If it is tufted, even better. I would pass on the cow rug and modern shelving, but the colour of the fabrics and the bulkhead would be a yes for sure.

image - Atlanta Bartlett
Kitchenalia in frames is such a cute idea for a cafe...after all it is what makes the place work! fresh blooms in jugs and chunky glass, not done by a florist, but plucked right from the yard would give a loved, unfussy feel to the cafe.

image- via once wed
A small alfresco area, nothing to grand- small and quaint, would be ideal. I love the idea of old jars to hold flowers on the tables and market umbrellas (in white!) to provide the shade.

image- via Mediterranean markets
 ...and imagine if it looked out onto something like this??!

Ness xx

Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations




I just finished reading my review copy of Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations: Entertaining at Home with New York's Savviest Hostesses. I love to curl up in bed and read cookbooks...and sometimes cook from them too. This one came along at a fortuitous time as the holidays are right around the corner.

Members of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have contributed their favorite recipes that they rely on to celebrate holidays and the seasons. There are menus and recipes for Valentine's Day, Passover, Derby Day, and of course what I'm thinking about now: Christmas. I haven't tried any of the recipes, but I thought the Society's previous effort was a success so I'm anxious to try my hand at a few of these dishes. (Also, the fact that Florence Fabricant is associated with this book is like a seal of approval.)

I've included a dessert recipe below that I'd like to make, but if you're not someone who enjoys cooking or reading cookbooks, you should at least look at the photos of the gorgeous interiors and tablesettings. You just might be inspired to get into the kitchen and whip up something to celebrate.

Roaring Twenties Coffee Bavarian Cream (Makes 12 or more servings)

2 packets plain gelatin
1 cup whole milk
1 cup brewed espresso
1 cup sugar
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy cream
Small chocolate truffles for decoration, chilled

Place the gelatin in a 4-cup glass measuring cup and stir in the milk. Bring the espresso to a boil and whisk it into the milk mixture. Stir in the sugar. Transfer the mixture to a metal bowl and place it in a large bowl filled with ice and water. Stir from time to time as the mixture cools. When the mixture starts to thicken, transfer it to the bowl of an electric mixer.

Beat the mixture at high speed until it is smooth and fairly thick and lightens in colors. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the salt until they hold peaks but are not dry. Fold the egg whites into the gelatin mixture.

Whip the cream until stiff and fold it into the gelatin mixture. Transfer the mixture to an 8-cup metal ring mold or another fancy mold. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

To serve, unmold the mousse and decorate it with chocolate truffles, if you like, which can also be piled into the center of the unmolded dessert.








(Recipe and photographs from Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations: Entertaining at Home with New York's Savviest Hostesses, Rizzoli New York, 2009, photographer Ben Fink.)

Is this it???

...the store I have longed for all this time?
Let me explain.
The ever inspirational and uber talented Tricia Foley who has long been one of my all time favourite designers turned this lovely barn from a dark, damp outbuilding into...
...her gorgeous studio.
Now, I loved this project and admired Tricia's use of the space. A multi tasking area that could be turned into a wonderful entertaining area (complete with projector screen for those Summer popcorn movie nights) or spare guest quarters at a whim, then back to her work space.

Recently, Tricia re-invented the barn into a seasonal store she called The New General Store. A mainly Summer and Fall extravaganza of local produce, natural home remedies and lots of style.
How does this apply to me? Well, we so happen to have a outbuilding which we use as an entertaining space in the warmer months (it needs a little work) and I have often thought how great it would be if I could use it somehow as my Interiors/Home wares store.
Some of you will know that I was meant to open my little shop last year and because of things out of my hands...it never happened. I was not happy. It hasn't stopped me wondering "How do I get this thing going"?
I have been sketching non-stop since the shop was first on the drawing board. Things like what it would look like, how it would be laid out, even to the packaging had been designed.

Simple ideas like hand written signs, like these from Tricia's store.
I have often thought it would be lovely to have local plants and products to sell and seeing we are in a tourist country town and our little shed is in a prime stopping spot, and I can work my own hours (even seasonally), no rent, baby sitters/child care etc...it just makes more sense.
Now, Tricia's store is a market of sorts and others can sell their bounty on her property. I don't have that in mind...too much red tape. I am loving the idea of Summer tables of produce and home wares based around a very simple and natural colour palette of white (of course), wood, wicker and fresh greenery...like this shot. The colours that will sit with any decor, no matter how funky or classic.
You know from my recent project post that I am a fan of the blackboard and the fact that I love calligraphy just seem to go hand in hand for shop signs don't you think?
We actually have a little wood fired bread shop here in town. It would be lovely to have them wrapped in brown paper and natural twine, sold from big chunky fisherman's baskets!


Here is the inside of Tricia's barn.
My type of interior for a shop. White painted shelves, lots of texture, hemp and burlap, vintage items, wicker, flowers, iron stone, glassware...you get the drift.
So there it is. I have just shared my longest dream with you - to have a store of my own.
Good night,

Crazy Week...

....I need a Monday dip in this pool...and a Nana nap on one of those steamer lounges...and some of whatever is going on in that Pool House!!
Welcome to "Crazy Week"! - bear with me as I am sure nothing will make sense until this week is over.
I hope your Monday is/ was glorious.
Ness xx

The Romance of Mirrored Furniture ...

When you see that kind of a sale tag ... on such a piece of furniture ... that looks ... that gorgeous ... sitting here.... all I can feel is Ahhh! ... 'wrong time -wrong place' ... and then I wish Horchow would some day start deliveries in India that didn't ... make you think you'd rather save and plan a trip to moon ...

... in the meanwhile I 'll just tell you all about the romance of the mirrored furniture ... I am anyday the biggest preacher of using mirrors in interiors ... so if I had to tell you about the mirror on furniture ... I'd have to start with ... you can't imagine the beauty until you get yourself one ... unless ofcourse you just believe me :) ....

... and if we are talking mirrors ... we are sure talking about a style statement ... how that works for you is ... well ! very personal ... you either like it or you don't ... and if you happen to love it, or could be open to what all this talk is about ... then do come along , as I talk ... and talk ... about these stunning pieces that you'll never miss no matter where ...


We all know ... all about what mirrors can do to your space ... open them up .... make them look big ... when I look at this picture above ... I 'm pretty sure you couldn't agree any less . I really do admire the way the distressed mirror screen continues with that feeling of ... 'don't know where the room begins and where it ends' ...

Besides feeling ...ah! Hollywood ... (in the lovely romantic way)I can't think of how light and open the space feels with the mirrored back panelling and the side board ...



Here's ton loads of pictures that I love going through and it just might help you about that certain piece you were always looking for in your home ...

... or were you undecided about what it feels like to have a mirrored piece as part of your collection ...













If you have decided that the old and oh! so drab cabinet that you thought you needed to junk ... can suddenly be absolutely ... the uber cool ... piece you own and all you got to do is ... some mirror panelling ... Or have you been struck by some even bigger lightning bolt ... do share with me all about it ... I would love to hear back from you ... :)

Image courtsey:

Image 1 www.horchow.com , image 2 ,9 yourdesignstyle.wordpress.com , image 3 ,4 ,5 , 10 ,11 , 12, 13, 17 ,18 ,19 , 20 ,21 unknown ,image 6 via greatpricedfurniture.com , image 7 via Erin @ rareandbeautiful tresures , image 8 via designlinesltd.blogspot.com ,image 14 http://www.ef-lm.com/ via net ,image 15 via Brabournefarm.blogspot.com ,image 16 www.horchow.com via decorpad , image 18

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