Gone to the Dogs

You blog followers may remember the posts  made while in the process of completing the sunroom project.  This is the beautiful Henredon chair and ottoman we ordered in a linen floral.  We ordered small chairs so that the owner's rather large puppies might not want to squeeze themselves into them. 

Maggie, the Great Dane weighs  as much as I do and has found a happy place to sit in the beautiful chair.  This young lady has excellent taste.  Her daily frolics in the yard have certainly kept her limber.

Question of the day. What is Your Favorite Chair?

Where is your favorite chair? What room is it in?   Please describe or post photo.

My favorite chair is this 1960's maple covered in the 80's in a Schumacher velvet cheetah.  Ottoman is custom made to fit just right.  Mink lumbar  pillow was made by my mother-in-law from my aunt's stole.  My mother had a cow and told me I could never have my grandmother's stole if I had intentions of desecrating it in the same way.  A lamp and small table sit next to this chair waiting for a refreshment to sip while I read.  This chair resides in my living room next to a collection of art work done by women I love.  It calls to me.

Today's Question? Bedroom?

What color would your bedroom be if you had the time and resources to change?

This Is Not Your Grandmother's Wallpaper

For years wallcovering went out of fashion. People had overdone every flower motif and the industry had lagged behind in providing innovative, environmentally responsible products.  The last 10 years have seen the wallcovering industry do an about face.

Left; Oregano   Right; Coco

This is an example of Innovations metallic Cork wallcovering.  http://www.innovationusa.com/  Cork is an environmentally responsible product.  It also creates a sound barrier when applied to walls.  The texture is amazing.  Would be a great product to use in a home theater.  Most color selections have a natural appeal.

Innovation Pearl Wood:  Left; Copper  Right; Verdigris

                                                                                                                                           

This is Innovation's Pearl Wood.  It is woven of veneer from the Paulownia tree bark.  The Paulownia tree is an invasive species like the Kudzu.  It grows rampantly and rapidly.  The backing is made from cellulose. 

Pearl Wood Verdigris used on a contemporary fireplace surround in an unfinished interior.  The color depicted in the sample above is most accurate.

Recycled sand and glass are another innovated use of green product.

Left; Satellite                   Right; Equinox

This is Innovations' Murano Molten.  The product actually uses recycled glass.  The texture and shine are beautiful.  This is especially attractive in a powder bath.  I used a similar product from Innovation in a project three years ago and it was imported from Italy at the time.  Glass and sand wallcoverings are extrememly heavy and require extra care at installation.

Maya Romanoff  http://www.mayaromanoff.com/   is the first company I know of to use this innovative technique.

 

Maya Romanoff's  Bedazzled is now available in 14" x 14" tiles which makes installation much easier.  The butter color on the would be dazzling in a powder bath.

York Wall covering http://www.yorkwallcovering.com/  has now introduced a series of recycled glass and sand wall coverings.  They are the first to be produced in the USA.

I don't find the York product as subtle and timeless as the others.  Too much pattern and color for me.  The bright color and pattern are what have prevented so many from using wall covering.  We tend to think it locks us into an era.

Maya Romanoff's Mother of Pearl made of capiz shells.  Textural and natural. 

Innovations Mulberry in dark copper.  This product is made from the bark of the mulberry tree.  Very chic and textural.

This is Anya Larkin for Koroseal http://koroseal.com/   vinyl.  It is called Rick Rack and looks like pearlized pleated fabric on the wall.  It is commercial grade therefore very hardworking.

Here it is seen in a powder bath.  Subtle and elegant.

Up close and personal view of Rick Rack.

Here are two examples of chinoserie hand painted wall covering.  This is a type of paper that has been produced for hundreds of years.  It is so classic that folks actually make their living restoring antique pieces of this wallcovering.  It is an art.  There is nothing more attractive in a traditional home than a dining room wall done in these hand painted pieces.

de Gourney  http://www.degourney.com/

This beauty is by Gracie http://www.graciestudio.com/.  They have been in businees since the 1800's.

So whether your style is traditional, transitional, or contemporary, there is a wallcovering to suit your needs.  Get past the fear of using this product.  It is new, it is environmentally thoughtful.  There are so many inventive wall coverings today.  This is not your Granny's ivy and strawberry border.  These looks are timeless and will remain relevent for many years.  Many are To the Trade so if you need a little help in finding the perfect wall covering just let us know.

Porch Sitting, Iced Tea Sipping Good

Looking for a good read or something to browse while sipping iced tea on the porch?  If you are a fan of beautiful magazines, I have two to recommend. So many publications are disappearing in this strange economy.   The first magazine was introduced to me by my generous friend, Barbara.  "Garden and Gun" http://www.gardenandgun.com/  is a publication that both my husband and I enjoy.  The current issue has  articles Southern Dream Towns, Good Dog by Tom Brokaw, A Modern Fish Camp as an example.  Each issue features well written articles on design, food,sporting equipment and clothes, and destinations Southern.  The photography is amazing.

Another keeper is "Delta Magazine" http://www.deltamagazine.com/ .  This slick little publication comes from the center of my old stomping grounds.  It is published byJ. Scott Coopwood of Cleveland, Mississippi.  Always chock full of lovely photos, recipes and well written articles.  It is one I keep to look at over and over again. 
Every month an interior design feature and also a feature about a party which might give you an idea or two.  Many issues have featured history articles that are truly enlightening.

Julia Childs, You Look Shameless

Morning came with a difficult task at hand, the pruning of Julia Childs Florabunda I and II.  I could hardly say good morning.  They are prickly little devils.  I wore my gloves, not the cute vintage lime green ones but the heavy duty garden variety.  

Sadly my patio gate and both Julias look less glorious this morning.  Hopefully the pruning will encourage more beautiful butter yellow flowers.

The up side is I am now enjoying the flowers inside today.

They look and smell divine.  Just hope my pruning technique worked.

Mother's Day

After work this morning I went shopping for a graduation gift.  It was difficult to see all of the Mother's Day items for sale.  This is my first Mother's Day without my mom.  I think of her everyday.  Please remember your mother on Sunday and have a good visit with her.  I am thinking of and missing you today, Sarah Clyde Proctor Rowe, Sassy, Sally.

Sally and Aunt Bibbie's dog Zigfield.

Rebecca, Sally, Daddy Guy, Mawmaw, Lindsey, and Paula

Sam and Mary Virginia, Jimmy and Sally, Linda Hodges and husband, and on the far right Verna and Kyle at the Skyway at the Hotel Peabody back in the day.

Sassy rocking in her Moroccan dress.

Thanks for letting me share.

Followers and Comments

I love followers and their comments.  Comments keep me on my toes and let me know you are interested.  Any suggestions for a blog post?  I am open to that as well.  Maybe you have an interior design question.  Until then I keep blogging.

Caroline's Birthday

My cousin, Caroline, is celebrating her birthday today.  This is a photo of one of many celebrations we have shared together.  Lillie, her mom, is holding the birthday girl here.  You blog followers might recognise this as the Lillie of Living Life with Lillie.  Once again our grandmother and mothers pulled out all the stops to entertain us.

Here we are gathered in a kitchen to share a meal.  Jimmy has taken over the high chair and Caroline is forced to sit in a chair much bigger than she.  I don't remember even having a booster chair.

Caroline is on the back row being held by cousin Lindsey. She is in the white dress.   Caroline was the youngest and so cute.  We wagged her around all the time.  This was the kind of happy gathering we remember from our childhood.  There is Sassy holding a child as she always was.  Caroline and Sassy loved each other and had a very special relationship.

Once again Caroline being mauled by cousin Lindsey.  The red indicates maybe Christmas.  We were a happy lot.  So many memories of Caroline.

Caroline and cousin Paula mugging for the camera at cousin Lindsey's wedding.

Caroline has been a part of all of the most important occasions in my life and some of the not so important.  She is bright, beautiful and accomplished.  She never fails to make me laugh. 

Here is a toast to Caroline and our many happy times to come.

Good Morning Julia Childs

Julia Childs Florabunda.  My first attempt to grow roses.  I love the name and the color.  Color is a rich, buttery yellow. 

 I have placed these two in pots on either side of the entry gate to my patio.  I know I must cut the roses so that I will have continued growth.  I am terrified to cut Julia Childs I and II.  I have received advice from a few people who have some experience with roses but I just can't  make myself cut these beauties.  I will water again today and maybe tomorrow have the courage.  If any of you have experience with roses please advise.

I am on my second year with these seven pots of blue scaviola.  I was told last year to cut these plants so growth would happen and it worked.  I have managed to keep the squirrels from eating the roots so far.  I plan to cut the scaviola on the same day I cut Julia Childs I and II.  I will post photos of the roses in a vase once I find the courage to cut.

Until then Good Morning Julia Childs I and II.

Art in More Detail

Water color by past Paragould resident.

My last blog was Art in the House.  I wanted to share art in more detail.  Art Stroll sponsored by Main Street Paragould is this Thursday night.  The weather prediction is for perfect weather and you might discover a new local artist that might capture a mood or feeling you have been having.

Pastel by Merle Mueller.  She is no longer with us.  She was once owner and editor of  "The Spotlight"  a local newspaper.

"Binary Star System, Sunset" by Edwin Faughn past resident of Oak Grove.  This photograph was taken in 1997.  Edwin is with the Pink Palace in Memphis now.

Pet portrait by Gail Ford of Rector.  She is showing at Art Stroll and has donated a contemporary work to be given away this year at Art Stroll.  Great local talent.

Watercolor by Maria Bustimante.  This was purchased at one of the first Art Stroll events.  Doesn't show up well in photo but it depicts a lazy river, local geography.

Both of these works are by Sara Howell.  Artist and gallery owner from Jonesboro.

This is an oil painting done by local artist Roberta Castleberry.   She works in oil and watercolor.

This wire and bead sculptured cross was given to me by a friend in memory of my mother.  She purchased it at Sandra Holt's Gallery.  The gallery is a wonderful addition to our Main Street line up.  Sandra also does professional and excellent framing.  Be sure and visit her gallery during Art Stroll to see what is new.

We have had and have some talented artist in this area.  You might discover art by someone you know.  The event will also offer specials by Main Street merchants, food, beverages and music.  An event not to be missed by the residents of Norheast Arkansas.  I'll be there Thursday night and hope to see you.