Looking for a reason to celebrate this weekend?

Tomorrow, March 1st, help the people of Wales

celebrate St. David's Day 

in honor of their patron saint!

So you might be asking yourself, 

just how do I celebrate this Welsh holiday?

The people of Wales often pin a daffodil or

 leek to their clothing so maybe buy a small

bunch of daffodils to brighten your room, because really,

who is not ready for a little spring at this time of year!

 

Courtesy Faded Charm

Now, what to eat?

The traditional food for today is cawl, 

a soup made from leeks and other local produce.

Love this one with the Welsh Dragon Crouton!

WELSH DRAGON SOUP

Now, since there are no parades or 

village fairs to attend in honor of St. David on this

side of the pond (at least to my knowledge), 

maybe just find a quiet spot in your home, 

pour a glass of wine and settle in with a good book, 

maybe Richard Llewellyn's novel about the 

Southern Wales of his youth...

 How Green Was My Valley

Some spaces I would like to relax with a good book...

So cheers, or as the Welsh say...lloniannau

~Maggie

What's Zoo with You?

This past weekend was a special one in our family, 

our first grandchild turned 1!

After a quick flight to Tucson we spent the evening

with "Q" and his parents, family and friends

enjoying a cookout, unwrapping presents and the 

traditional first taste of cake.

Then on Sunday it was off to the zoo.

After walking around seeing Quentin's face light up 

at the tigers, elephants, zebras and giraffes 

I thought it would be fun to see the influence animals 

have in today's interiors.

The cheetah.

Just a touch of exotic animal print adds a beautiful sense of style to this traditional living room. 

Ralph Lauren shows how important the animal 
element can be in adding visual excitement 
to a simple hallway.

Courtesy Ralph Lauren

The late Charles Faudree put animal prints to good

use in almost all of his country French interiors.

The giraffe.


Who does not love these tall, elegant animals? With 
their long necks and knobby knees, giraffes add an element
of fun to every space they appear!

Love this idea!

Courtesy of Liz Caan Interiors

Looking for giraffe inspired design I came across this wonderful painting at Janet Hill Studio,

unfortunately, this one is all ready sold!

Janet Hill Studio

Humm, could this be giraffe inspired!

Studded napkin ring



Elephants.




Definitely a "Calgon, take me away" inspired bathroom.

Elephants, new millennia style!

Elephant inspired accents...

Life is Beautiful

Wooden Elephant




Slated Art Work



Camels.

Pierre Frey, one of my favorite fabric lines.

Pierre Frey

Desert Camel Pillow

Peacocks.



Sometimes just a touch of color will do,

but bold can be beautiful too!

Sicis Tile

Peacock Napkins



Zebras.

Again, the lesson with animal prints ... 
less is more!

Courtesy of Jessica Lagrange



Modern Stripes




Out of Africa 

Zebra Wastebasket

So whether you are sprucing up a bedroom, living room, child's room or bath remember that animals 

feel at home whatever your style. 

~Maggie

Remember to visit our 

"What's Zoo with You" board on pinterest!

IN LOVE WITH INDIGO!

We've been having Spring like weather here in Texas!

 

I know Winter is not over yet but the beautiful

weather has me longing to start brightening up the

décor in my house for Spring. 

 

One of my favorite ways to freshen up a space is

to add a touch of Indigo.  Whether you add a little or a lot, Indigo is a classic color that works with any décor.

 

Here are some of our favorites from Maggie & Reese!

 

 

1. Tobacco Leaf Tin Plate

2. Blue by You Mat

3. Mosaic Glass Tealights

4. Indigo Chisel Vase

5. Chevron Picture Frame

6. Tea Glasses

 

What is your favorite way to freshen up a space for Spring?

 

~Reese

 

 

 

 

 

 



Year of the Horse, American Style!

With a history that goes back thousands of years,

Chinese elements have been showing 

up in design for centuries. 

Architecture, interiors, furniture, pottery, 

textiles and gardens have been influenced by 

it's natural, asymmetrical forms and when 

Thomas Chippendale published 

The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director

the Chinese Chippendale chair ensured the 

influence was here to stay.

Elements of Asian Design~

Element 1

One of my favorites 

chi·noi·se·rie

noun \shēn-ˈwäz-rē, -ˈwä-zə-;ˌshēn-ˌwäz-ˈrē, -ˌwä-zə-\

Chinoiserie Wallpaper by Paul Montgomery Studio

Besides being a fabulous word that just rolls 

off your tongue, chinoiserie is a great way to introduce

a little bit of Asian style into your home.

By definition chinoiserie is:

a style in art (as in decoration) 

reflecting Chinese qualities or motifs; 

also: an object or decoration in this style

Louis XIV's Trianon de Porcelaine (1670-1671)

is considered to have been the best example

 of a chinoiserie interior. 

And since this period, a court residence 

was not considered complete without a

Chinese room.

Chinoiserie - 21st Century Style

Element 2

Blue and White objects

Blue and White Pottery

Who says Blue and White has to be old fashioned!

As one who loves all things French, 

Charles Faudree is a great source to learn how to use

the blue and white elements in your home be it a

classic Country French or a more modern interior.

King of Country French!

Element 3

 Fretwork

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello was 

influenced by

the style of his day.

Thomas Jefferson - Monticello

Who doesn't love a garden bench!

So, if you are looking for a way to add a 

timeless appeal to your home, 

sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back!

Back to the elements that have proven time and again that good design never goes out of style.

To get you started, here are a few things from

Maggie & Reese

Tobacco Tin Leaf Plate

Colorful tin plates in a classic,

 19th century Chinese Pattern.

Chinese Architectural Elements

Unique Chinese wooden fragments in Chinese red

with raised carvings in walnut stain.

Rough, unpainted edges with a

hanging bracket added to back.

Figures

Fruit

Finally, in honor of the 2014 Year of the Horse,
not quite Chinese, but a wonderful addition 
to any design style!

Wooden Horse

Happy New Year, Chinese style!

~Maggie