Blurred Boundaries

Continuing with lacquered walls...

Something that never ceases to capture my attention are rooms in which the walls, trim, and ceiling are all painted in the same color and the same finish. The effect is one which is often likened to a "jewel box", an apt description that unfortunately has become hackneyed as of late. Still, rooms painted in this manner do have a dramatic flair to them, don't you think? The planes of the room seemed to become blurred so that you feel like you're wrapped in a cocoon of color.

For me, the most memorable jewel box rooms are those that have been painted in dark, saturated color. Just look at the Los Angeles living room of designer Helen Partello, above. Wow, is that a room or what?? But, those rooms that have been bathed in lighter shades of yellow or pink are certainly just as charming. And I believe that I prefer for the walls and ceiling to have a high gloss or lacquered finish. All of that light bouncing around the room helps to soften the look. A matte finish, at least to me, seems to make a room feel like a dead zone. But that's just me.


It looks like Jan Showers chose a sang de boeuf color for this richly appointed library. The walls and ceiling really have a sheen, don't they?


Yes, the color may be a bit pale (it's corn-yellow), but the lacquered finish is what packs a punch in this room. The ceiling looks wet. This 1930s room was decorated by Jack Killick.


According to the book from which this photo came, the "deep flesh pink" walls and ceiling are a matte finish. Drawing room decorated by John Hill for Messrs. Green & Abbott, Ltd.


I know that this room is far more contemporary than anything I usually show, but it's a great example of not really being able to tell where the walls end and the ceiling begins. (New York apartment of Arthur Ferber.)

(Image #1 from Architectural Digest California Interiors; #2 from Glamorous Rooms by Jan Showers, Jeff McNamara photographer; #3 and #4 from Colour Schemes for the Modern Home by Derek Patmore; #5 from Architectural Digest New York Interiors)

Knob love ... the hardware ... ;)

 Been all over town , :) ... I'm hardware shopping ... but mind you this time round its all about ... the ME ... MY ... MYSELF ... And I have checked out the sizeable range of 'fancy schmancy' ... hardware. But for some reason it wasn't me ... and then ... there was this nagging thought to check out the antique stores in the local Delhi market that I soooo ... 'LOVE' to find a reason to pop over to ... :)

I have been seeing these knobs for God knows how many years ... just wasn't sure.But this time ... I am designing some very colonial look wardrobes ... walked up to those stores that make you all cookoo in the head ... with the kind of stuff hidden behind ... all those goodies you can see and then there is still some thing interesting peeking through ... ahhh ... yep one of those kind of stores ...

You'll find them displayed like tomatoes and potatoes at the grocery stores ... in these big urns ... that are calling you to pick them up and then ... pick some of those and Ah! may be a few of those ... Gosh they are so reasonable ... that you convince yourself without guilt ... that you'll find plenty of use  for all these treasures ... ;)

These are very typical ethnic Indian, ceramic knobs and the cream colored (flowershaped) ones that you see in the pictures are actually made of camel bones ... completely ignored by us Indian Designers ... well ! for the simple reason that we see them all the time and for most clients ... ahem! you know ... very few takers for the old style stuff ... been there done that ... Grandma's home, had it all the time ... what's new ... :)

Well there's a certain look that blends them in just right ... and at the moment I am using these for some of the pieces that I am designing for our home ...

It was an amazing experience  looking at the colours ... designs ... shapes and sizes you get them in ... it was one of  those my kind of fun trips to the antique market. And believe me, the loot  ... I am soooo loving it ... hope you'll come back when I share some pictures of  all the sanity that I hope to get out of absolute insane mess right now at our place ... :)

Look forward to your comments ... and its as wonderful to hear OOOH! I sooo ... love them comments as it is to hear ... yeah! seen them ... what ever ;)

Guest Blogger, Cristina Strutt...and a GIVEAWAY!

Today I have something special to share with you all. The amazing Christina Strutt from Cabbages & Roses has been kind enough to do a guest post on my blog, share some tips on decorating and also sponsor a beautiful GIVEAWAY for you all!!!

Take it away Christina!

------------------------------------------
DEAR NESS,
I WAS THRILLED THAT YOU ASKED CABBAGES & ROSES TO MAKE
AN ENTRY FOR YOUR BLOG. HERE ARE 10 SMALL TIPS THAT WILL
HOPEFULLY MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE:
1. FAIL TO PLAN IS TO PLAN TO FAIL. DO WHAT PROFESSIONAL
DECORATORS DO AND MAKE A BOARD WITH PAINT COLOURS,
FABRICS, FLOOR COVERINGS AND FURNITURE PLAN.

2. GET SAMPLE POTS OF PAINT COLOURS AND PAINT AREAS IN
THE DARKEST PART OF THE ROOM AND IN THE LIGHTEST THE
COLOUR WILL VARY GREATLY, SO MAKE SURE IT WORKS
EVERYWHERE NOT JUST BY THE WINDOW.

3. IF YOU DON'T ABSOLUTELY ADORE THE PAINT COLOUR -
CHANGE IT - YOU WILL NOT LEARN TO LOVE IT/LIVE WITH IT - IT
WILL ANNOY YOU UNTIL IT IS CHANGED, AND BETTER TO
CHANGE IT WHILST THE FURNITURE IS OUT OF THE WAY RATHER
THAN WHEN YOU HAVE PUT THE ROOM BACK TOGETHER AGAIN.

4. PERIODICALLY RE ARRANGE YOUR TREASURES - PUT THEM IN
DIFFERENT ROOMS OR SETTINGS - I FIND THIS INSPIRES ME AND IS
A CHEAP WAY TO GET A NEW ROOM.

5. FLEA MARKETS AND ANTIQUES FAIRS ARE HEAVEN FOR
ANYONE DECORATING A HOME. ONE MANS TREASURE IS
ANOTHER MANS JUNK SO THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM TO
MANOEUVRE ON THE PRICE.

6. WHEN LOOKING FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PIECE OF FURNITURE AT
A FLEA MARKET, IMAGINE IT PAINTED WHITE - THIS WILL BRING A
PIECE FROM HEAVY 1940'S TO 21ST CENTURY SHABBY CHIC IN AN
INSTANT.

7. FLOORING SHOULD BE A NEUTRAL AND AS NATURAL AS YOU
CAN AFFORD. ALTHOUGH A LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING IS
CHEAPER THAN THE REAL THING, IT WONT LAST OR AGE AS WELL
AS REAL WOODEN FLOORBOARDS.

8. IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO RE DECORATE A ROOM AS WELL
AS YOU WOULD LIKE, PAINT IT WHITE. A CLEAN WHITE ROOM IS
A BLANK CANVAS WHICH CAN BE LEFT STARK AND MODERN
AND MINIMALIST, OR COSIED UP WITH FURNITURE, RUGS AND
PAINTINGS.

9. WHEN INVESTING IN ANYTHING FOR THE HOME BE IT FABRIC
FOR DRAPES, OR A PIECE OF FURNITURE ASK YOURSELF WILL I
LOVE THIS UNTIL I DIE CAN I HAVE IT IN FRONT OF MY EYES FOR
THE REST OF MY LIFE AND STILL LOVE IT IF THE ANSWER IS YES THEN
GO FOR IT.

10. HAVE FUN

XXC

---------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much Christina for guest blogging for me. Your images are gorgeous and your advice priceless!

GIVEAWAY TIME =0)

Christina has been kind enough to offer one reader a gorgeous scented Cabbages & Roses candle, which comes in a beautifully labeled glass jar and box, and also a lovely shopper tote in the beautiful Cabbages & Roses fabric, Hatley in Cherise.

All you have to do is leave a comment and if you would like another entry head over to the lovely Cabbages & Roses blog and leave a comment there - simple!...just let me know in your comment.

The giveaway will be drawn on Monday 5th July, Australian time.
Ness xx

Thanks to Kathrine and Suzie to for all of your help, and of course Christina xx

California Interiors

A pleasant surprise is always welcome, don't you think? That's what I got this past weekend when I bought an old copy of Architectural Digest California Interiors. I've collected most of the AD books (of which Architectural Digest New York Interiors and Architectural Digest Traditional Interiors are my favorites), but for some reason, I always avoided the California book as I thought that it would only feature homes that bore the " California Look". After all, the book was published in 1979, so maybe my assumption could be understood. And truth be told, the heavily publicized California look of the 1970s and 80s is not a favorite of mine. (I know- sacrilege. I'm prepared to take the heat for this.)

But...boy was I wrong. Yes, there is some of that look in the book, but not much. Instead, there are plenty of elegant interiors that one would expect in Los Angeles and especially San Francisco. And even more surprising, some of the interiors don't seem too dated. A few flouncy curtains and oversized upholstered furniture perhaps, but not much. Just take a look:


This has to be my favorite photo in the entire book. The Los Angeles dining room of Jerry Leen, founding partner of Dennis and Leen. How chic, even thirty years later.

I think that I'm taken with this room because it's truly a nighttime room. Those dark brown walls and black blinds are such a rich backdrop for the room's fine furniture and rug. (San Francisco home of Spero Arbes.)

To me, this room has a New York feel to it. Sally Sirkin Lewis designed this room in the Beverly Hills home of Harris L. Katlemans.

Another nighttime room, this time the Los Angeles dining cum sitting room of designer Helen Partello. The chintz covered walls are unexpectedly topped by a dark, dramatic ceiling. The tablesetting is rather nice as well. (And yes, there is a sofa trimmed in fringe, although it's a little too long for me.)

Okay, I realize that this bed is kind of funky. But, I think that's why I like it. I'm not saying I would have it in my bedroom, but there's something oddly appealing about it. The bedroom of Los Angeles designer J.P. Mathieu.

(All images from Architectural Digest California Interiors; images #1, #2 and #5 by photographer Russell MacMasters; #3 by Tim Street-Porter; #4 by Jerry Bragsted)

Ginger Jars, Updates and a GIVEAWAY!

Today I had hoped to show you the re done center island, but I can't as it is still not finished. There has been too many other things going on around here. A 6th Birthday for our little Declan, burst water main, way too much rain, other jobs to attend, etc, etc.

I did manage to group some of my Ginger jar collection together on our old TV cupboard. You may remember that my Mum and Dad brought me a load down to add to my collection, some of them are here. I love them.

Here are some other updates....

The bathroom is still in progress. We are having to replace some boards as they are beyond help and Dad is helping us do this. We have made the decision to paint the floor in here. Sanding and polishing is going to be just to time consuming...and we just don't have the time right now.
The Miners Cottage is undergoing a mini fumigation. Every time I step in here, I come out feeling itchy!!! I'm not going back in there until this is finished...can you blame me?

Mum and I are hopefully going to do some work on the weekend - if the itchies are gone (I know this is not a word btw).

I am just hanging to get going in there.

I have also listed some clay tiles in my Etsy store, made by me from start to finish. I have sold some already which was nice as I wasn't sure how they would go.
Oh, and see the fabric this one is laying on? It is some of the new fabric I have from French General to play with =0) when I have some time.

I also added this sweetie to my etsy shop too and some others are on the way
It is hectic right now. I have so many jobs to do and all of this rain is not helping. I just keep thinking 'There is about 8 and a half weeks until Spring'....ah! sunshine!!

I have something special to post about tomorrow...could it be a GIVEAWAY?????!

Ness xx

Rooms in pink ... but mama... that isn't my kinda pink ... :(

  

This is really a dear diary moment  ... really ... I have too much of pink happening in my head ... and I can't believe just how desperate I am to have a room in this beautiful hot pink ...  and (sob...sob) ... my 4 yr.old(who says they don't know what they want) ... says...'' its tooooo dark mommy'' ...

... ah !where was I ... (sob...sob)... yep ... so now I have this  powder pink (well sort of) ... and mommy has woken up and smelled the coffee ... gone are the dreamy days where I could paint the kiddy room my way ... now its the lil 4 yr. olds way ...

 

sob...sob... I so enjoyed seeing these pretty in pink rooms ... had to share with all of you out there,who'd share a moment of sympathy ... while the reality dawns on me ... ;)

... ah! what the hell ... the pinks up on the wall ... and the professional in me (well! sob...sob) ... kicks in ... lady we have a project to finish ...

... I sure did think these pictures may inspire some of you ... who had their doubts ... or well ! never could imagine ... HOT PINK WALLS ... and have had ... YOU MUST BE CRAZY ... moments if someone(like me) suggested it to you ... :)

... we are having a great time(read ...  frustrating ..grrrr ... and sob..sob ... at the same time) ... I have stories to share ... let you in on the design stories of the girlie room I am doing these days ... all this being written while I wait for the carpenters to deliver the wardrobe and the girlie desk  ;) which I plan to paint PINK ... :)) ... any moment the guys are going to come knocking and I'll have to go zipping ...

In the mean while, send over ... all your thoughts ... your love notes for HOT PINK ... hate notes for ... yuuuuck ... PINK ,lady get a life ... ;)

Infact, my spirits are so rejuvinated ... I think I'll go and try the old trick ... flutter those eye lashes ... look all coy ... and try the line ... '' Honey , aaa ... you think I could use all that HOT PINK ... paint we have in the library instead ... ;) ... heck ... after 17 yrs. why am I still thinking that works any more ... Darn it ! ... ;)

Coastal Beauty...

Digging through the inspiration photos is always something I enjoy doing. Deleting things as I go that don't apply at the moment is like having a huge Spring clean out.

While I was looking I found these stunners. This one above was from Steve Giannetti, this man can design!! (thanks A-M for the fix up). I am loving the loving the light fittings and the silver accents in this room. Of course the Hydrangeas fit right in!
I always enjoy visiting Karnas Hus. This blog is full of coastal chic and this room is beautiful.
I especially love the curtain fabric and the cushions on the white sofa. The addition of white Geraniums is perfect for this room. It reminds me of a wonderful Summer beach holiday.

The always beautiful Whiteport, which is full of lovely things has given me loads of inspiration today though. I am loving the stripe cushions and I have recently purchased some gorgeous French General stripe in a similar colourway which I am hoping to turn into covers very soon. Over the last few weeks I have been thinking of using our big wicker trunk as a coffee table for a change (and to stop the boys dive bombing the sofa from the coffee table!) and this image has made my mind up that I am going to give it a try.

I had hoped to show you the finished kitchen island today, but instead we spent the weekend digging up the back yard with a burst water main and chasing up plumbers...joy! It is coming, I promise =0)
Ness xx