Henhurst Interiors

Not Too Shabby

2012-03-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Judging from the crowd in the New York shop last month Shabby Chic is back in a big way since Rachel Ashwell successfully restructured and relaunched the business that gave a name to the look. Industrial elements - Tolix chairs and metal lamps - give this style a modern feel.

Photo Sources {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12}

The New York store is located at 117 Mercer Street in Soho.

Words To Decorate By

2012-02-28T21:07:00.000-05:00

"It's important to be chic and comfortable." Suzanne Kasler

We couldn't agree more. In Veranda, March/April 2012

Blue Monday

2012-02-27T09:11:00.000-05:00

"I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day." Vincent Van Gogh

Benjamin Dhong Interiors

Hello Sunshine

2012-02-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

"Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun." Pablo Picasso

Benjamin Dhong Interiors

Style at Home

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Melanie Turner Interiors

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Melanie Turner Interiors

A Few of My Favorite Things - Miranda Thomas Pottery

2012-02-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

I have been collecting the work of Vermont potter Miranda Thomas for about 15 years. Her workshop produces pieces in different glazes and styles, but it is the cream, carved pottery that I love.

Thomas cites ancient Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Aboriginal symbols and forms as design influences in addition to the English countryside of her youth.

The nature inspired patterns remind me of the work of 19th century artist and textile designer William Morris.

Each piece is made entirely by hand, a unique object stamped by the individual potter who crafted it.

I have several of these canisters around the house.

The carved pottery is currently produced in five different patterns, but Thomas accepts commissions for custom work. I had a pair of these made with an oak leaf and acorn design.

Pieces are often whimsical; one can see evidence of the artist's sense of humor. This rabbit appears to be running, possibly from the fox in the center of the bowl.

Thomas and her equally talented, furniture-maker husband, Charles Shackleton, have a beautiful showroom in an historic mill in Bridgewater, Vermont.

Additional designs available include lamps, tabletop and serving pieces.

Personally, the highlight of a visit to the showroom is the possibility of finding a 'one-off' - a sample or experimental piece. This small vase, a favorite in my collection, was just that.

The ShackletonThomas showroom is at 102 Mill Road in Bridgewater, VT 05034. Information, directions and additional retail locations here.

Copenhagen Contemporary

2012-02-17T21:22:00.000-05:00

Once in a while I see a house that makes me believe I could do modern. I love this minimalist apartment in Denmark. The Scandinavian white is right on, and the spare, clean interior is so appealing to me.

In the living room a reindeer skin, a traditional Scandinavian touch, is thrown over a contemporary Eames rocking chair from Herman Miller.

The lower level is dominated by a large eat-in kitchen. Glass walls let in lots of light. Phillipe Stark chairs from Cassina.

One often needs to be creative when it comes to storage in small spaces; a built in sofa provides it.

In the kitchen, white Corian work surfaces top dark cabinets. Ceiling lights are from Tobias Grau.

The painted iron staircase leads to the second floor living room and bedrooms. Pale floors are consistent throughout, as is the overall color palette.

On the second floor a bookcase serves as a room divider between the living room and the master bedroom.

A large, floating sofa from Italian furniture maker Minotti provides ample lounging space.

The master bath is simple yet stylish.

In the master bedroom a wall lamp from Louis Poulsen and a painting by a family friend hang over the bed.

See the original article in Bolig magazine here.

London Calling

2012-02-16T10:08:00.000-05:00

My sister, who with her English husband, recently purchased a new apartment, summoned me to London last week to help her make some decisions about the renovations and decorating. I was happy to oblige.

For the last 4 years my sister has lived in London's Little Venice, an immensely charming neighborhood in the area known as Maida Vale, popular with English families with children, American ex-pats and more than a few celebrities.

Maida Vale's 'high street' is a foodie's paradise with several cafes and gourmet food purveyors, an excellent wine shop, an organic grocer and a proper English butcher.

Also a dreamy florist's shop.

The new apartment is on the top floor in one of a row of white stucco town houses - a familiar sight in London - only a minute's walk from the old place.

While every room is undergoing some degree of renovation, the kitchen has been gutted and was the focus of our first day. Right now it looks like this:

The new kitchen is being designed by Plain English. My sister had already decided on white cupboards with the 'Long House' door style and marble countertops. I would have chosen the exact same thing so there really wasn't anything to discuss.

Plain English

Plain English is my favorite English custom kitchen outfitter. I love the simplicity of the designs and the features they offer are plain genius. We visited the showroom in Marylebone to have a look.

My sister's kitchen design includes a Welsh dresser like the one below with shelves above to display china and a cabinet below to serve as a buffet.

I love this larder cabinet with the basket drawers and marble counter.

I might actually use my silver if I had this felt lined drawer in my kitchen.

At this point I am beginning to feel a little dissatisfied with my current kitchen.

My dream pantry.

Now I'm having paroxysms so it's time to leave. We moved on to the issue of a new kitchen table - after a stop around the corner at La Fromagerie for some some sustenance. I highly recommend it for lunch. The Marylebone shop is in Moxon Street.

My sister had her eye on a table from Oka, possibly my favorite UK home furnishings shop.

The Stola table has four leaves and can accommodate 4 to 12 people. I agreed it was the perfect choice so I did some browsing while she placed the order.

Oka has a great selection of furniture, fabrics, lighting and accessories. I wish they would open a store in the US.

Having wrapped up what we planned for the day fairly early, and with a some time before we had to pick up my niece and nephew at school, we stopped in at the Nordic Style showroom near London's Chelsea Harbour Design Center.

I still love this look. My sister picked out a sweet single bed and a desk for my niece which will be adorable with the pink Chelsea Textiles check we selected for her curtains and bedding. I will post photos when the work is complete.

Charles Spada - Antiques on 5

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-05:00

No trip to the Boston Design Center is complete without a stop in Charles Spada's treasure trove, Antiques on 5. Here are a few things I would have liked to carry home yesterday.

A Swedish Mora clock (Big surprise, I know.)

A collection of Ironstone tureens and the gorgeous chest it is displayed on.

One of a set of six paint and gilt lyre-back side chairs.

The porcelain urn, the lamps, the botanicals...everything!

A corner cabinet filled with transferware.

A Swedish Gustavian period drafting desk.

A Directoire style arm chair.

A collection of Belgian framed red wax seals in shadow boxes.

My Next House

2012-02-05T16:57:00.000-05:00

It's Monday and the quote of the week is from Charles Faudree, "I feel about my houses the same way Elizabeth Taylor feels about her husbands. Each one is my best and my last."

Well, I am thinking about my next house right now and it is going to be white. All white. Of course, I am looking about three years ahead when the girls have left for college and the puppy has grown up, but I am thinking along the lines of this...

Yes, the homeowner is Swedish. They get white right.

Concrete work surfaces and open shelves in the kitchen give a modern feel to this old house in the Hague.

The kitchen table is positioned to take advantage of a garden beyond the glass doors. (I love the Scandiavians' liberal use of candles.)

Bedside tables are made from old apple crates that have been whitewashed and equipped with wheels.

The bright bathroom has a large window overlooking the garden. The thick shelves are built into what used to be a chimney flue.

Spare, serene, and orderly; this is perfection. Photos from Sköna Hem magazine. See the original article here.

The Home Office

2012-02-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

Whether an entire room or a corner nook is devoted to the home office, I am convinced that having a dedicated space from which to run one's personal life is essential to peace of mind and staying organized.

House to Home

Being able to sit down with the telephone and computer within reach, to open the mail, pay bills, answer email and return calls all in one place is, personally, the key to staying ahead of the ever present potential for chaos.

Martha Stewart

I also do a nightly calendar check to coordinate my and the children's schedules to avoid the inevitable panic that comes with the someone forgetting something she needs for the next day.

House to Home

My OCD extends to filing so I am big on folders, binder clips, boxes and storage. Also, love my P-touch label maker.

Martha Stewart

This is a great use of a generally over-looked space.

Lantliv

And this is genius - a work station built into lost space, an under-the-eaves corner.

Martha Stewart

This office is tucked into an un-used closet. I love the idea that one can shut the doors and hide it away when work is done.

Martha Stewart

A few more ideas to inspire you, whatever you personal style might be...

House Beautiful

Daily Dream Decor

Pinterest

House and Home

House to Home

House and Home

I will leave you with a photo of the nerve center of Church Street. Yes, I cleaned up and moved a giant stack of papers.

A Rose By Any Other Name

2012-01-31T21:50:00.000-05:00

While David Austin has long been known for the lovely English roses he breeds for the garden, his exquisite blooms are now available as cut flowers. I recently received a bouquet of the Juliet roses from my kind mother-in-law, and they are truly the most beautiful I have ever seen. All bouquets ship over-night, are guaranteed to be delivered in perfect condition and arrive with simple instructions to assure long life. Visit the website to order.

Tara Shaw Maison

2012-01-30T09:59:00.000-05:00

The weather in New York last weekend was so beautiful is was almost a shame to spend it indoors at the Gift Show - except that I did see a lot of great things. One of the most beautiful booths was Tara Shaw.

I have long coveted the exceptional Swedish antiques Tara sells in her shops in New Orleans and Houston, however, they are costly which is why I was thrilled when she introduced her line of Swedish and French inspired reproductions, Tara Shaw Maison.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces being shown in New York. This mantle clock is a new introduction.

A French buffet de corp with wire doors.

Love this charcoal grey biblioteque.

This painted chest is also new this year.

And of course, a Mora clock for which I still have a space for in my living room.

The Cocktail Hour(s)

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

We are having a Mad Men moment on Church Street.

Bon Appetit

OK, it isn't exactly a 'moment' because it started last summer after we went to a lecture and demonstration by a celebrity bartender.

The story of our life includes several chapters devoted to often time-consuming, sometimes rewarding, culinary pursuits - homemade bagels...homemade ravioli...homemade sausage - endeavors which necessitated the purchase of mountains of specialized equipment - but I think this is going to require a move out of the kitchen.

Yes, we are now in a cocktail phase and these days it's about infusing spirits, flavored syrups and fresh sour mix. Parties at home feature a cocktail du jour (or punch if it's a crowd.)

Habitually Chic

Of course, this has led to the acquisition of yet more specialized equipment - a Boston shaker and a Hawthorn strainer, a muddler and a citrus stripper (that is for making neat curls of lemon rind and nothing else.)

House Beautiful

I don't see this phase passing quickly - or possibly at all because, frankly, I am enjoying it (unlike sausage making which I did not) - and it gives me an excuse to add to my collection of vintage glassware. So, I am looking for a versatile and stylish set-up to contain our permanent home bar.

House Beautiful

While I love the bookcase above, I think a bar cart is a good place to start.

Nina Campbell

At the moment I am leaning toward this one, Arteriors' Connaught antique brass bar cart (also available in polished nickel.)

I'll leave you with a recipe for the Sazerac Cocktail pictured above courtesy of Bon Appetit.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons Herbsaint or Pernod

1 cup bourbon

1/2 teaspoon Peychaud's bitters or Angostura bitters

4 teaspoons simple syrup

lemon twist

Preparation:

Swirl 1/2 teaspoon Herbsaint or Pernod in each of 4 Martini glasses to coat inside of glasses.

Fill cocktail shaker with ice; add bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, and lemon twist. Shake well; strain into glasses.

Cheers.

Swedish Country Chic

2012-01-23T08:45:00.000-05:00

It's no secret I love all things Scandinavian, and Swedish interiors in particular. This morning I am feeling enormously inspired by the rooms pictured below which, believe it or not, grace a horse farm in southern Sweden. Industrial chic in the country.

Photos from Sköna Hem magazine. See the original article here.

Turkish Delight

2012-01-19T21:29:00.000-05:00

A visit to Istanbul is truly a feast for the senses - the dramatic architecture of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, the beguiling array of goods for sale in the Grand Bazaar and the scents in the Spice Market, the tantalizing cuisine and the haunting call to prayer - broadcast from the minarets of mosques throughout the city - five times daily.

The region's fascinating history and rich cultural heritage seriously inspire the imagination. Following my own tour of Istanbul only one aspect of my curiosity remained unsatisfied and that centered on the storied yali, originally the summer homes of the old Turkish elite, that have lined the Bosphorus for hundreds of years.

Traditional yali exteriors are painted a rust-red, known as 'Ottoman rose.'

An article in this month's World of Interiors about a recent John Stefanidis project, the total reconstruction of an historically accurate yali, has finally given me a glimpse inside. Taking his inspiration from traditional 17th and 18th century Ottoman design, Stefanidis created an authentic interior and it does not disappoint.

Guests are received in a double reception room with seating along the windows to take advantage of the water views.

In keeping with the style of traditional yali interiors, reception rooms and the dining room are located on the ground floor.

The dining room overlooks the Bosphorus.

Bedrooms and a private sitting room are located on the upper level off a central sofa,or hall.

A double staircase with a banister designed in the historical vernacular leads to the sofa; the staircase landing.

A traditional-style window seat in the family sitting room.

The master bedroom.

Ceilings throughout the house were created by a team of local craftsmen entirely of wood and elaborately painted as they would have been in an original yali.

The library.

Detail of the library's painted wood ceiling.

Stefanidis immersed himself in Ottoman culture and decorative arts, and his numerous visits to Topkapi inspired a series of painted panels on the lower level.

The entrance to a powder room is disguised by the painted panels.

For a look inside the walls of Topkapi Palace during the rule of the Sultans pick up Katie Hickman's novel The Aviary Gate. Alternating between present day Istanbul and 16th century Constantinople this is enjoyable historical fiction.

Photos from World of Interiors and John Stefanidis.

My Dream Ski House

2012-01-15T11:50:00.000-05:00

A Savoy Chalet in Megeve

At 2 degrees it is too cold for me to ski today, so, instead, I am home indulging in my new obsession with Pinterest and assembling photos for my dream ski house inspiration board.

This traditional Savoy chalet underwent

On the first floor an open plan combines a spacious living room, kitchen and dining room. Two views of the large living room and fireplace:

The restoration made use of the well preserved original materials including beautiful weathered wood beams, aged to a soft blond.

In the kitchen a few modern touches were introduced while respecting the original features. Polished concrete counter surfaces integrate seamlessly with the spirit of the cottage:

Open to the kitchen, the sunny dining room enjoys a view of the surrounding mountains:

The cozy master bedroom:

Morocco on My Mind

2012-01-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

My cure for the cabin fever induced by the short days of our northern New England winter, and the days when the weather is just too awful to leave the house - for instance, today's freezing rain following yesterday's four inches of snow - is to indulge in a little escapism. Two new editions to the design library, The Villas and Riads of Morocco by Corinne Verner and Marrakech: Living on the Edge of the Desert, available at Amazon, have me dreaming of warmth and color while the landscape outside my window is shrouded in white.

photos housebeautiful.com & elledecor.com

photo adesignerspot.com

photo elledecor.com

A blend of influences from around the world, Moroccan style includes design motifs drawn from the region's multiple cultures, bringing together African, Mediterranean, European and Moorish elements. Utilizing warm colors and earthy textures, it makes for a truly luxurious atmosphere which one could imagine creating right here in the frozen tundra.

Brunschwig & Fils' Les Alizes fabric collection.

From Circa Lighting the Baltic Lantern.

Ann Sacks' Tiempo collection of terracotta tiles inspired by traditional patterns found in France and Spain, Yaffo 1 in paprika, mocka and off white.

From Made Goods, the Edurne woven abaca ottoman, Asher rough hewn bone boxes and Killian interlocking motif capis trays.

Serena and Lily's Damascus inlay mirror.

D.L. Rhein Moroccan Tile embroidered linen pillow.

Jonathan Adler's leather Moroccan poof.

Arteriors Sullivan polished brass perforated lantern.

Global Views' Arabesque rug in coral.

Wunderly Octagonal walnut table inlaid with mother of pearl.

And to complete the experience, Votivo's Moroccan Fig candle.

As the forecast is predicting even worse weather to come, the dogs and I are settling in front of the fire with tea and a stack of books.

photo housebeautiful.com

In With The New

2012-01-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012, Friends. For the new year Henhurst has a fresh, new look, and I want to suggest a few ideas to help you freshen up the home front. These are little things that will add a lot to your experience of each day and who doesn't need to brighten up their January?

1. Replace your bath towels. I just did and can't believe I didn't do it sooner. If you have been living with your current batch for a while, trust me, you have forgotten how good a new towel feels. It is worth it!

garnethill.com

2. Invest in new throw pillows for your sofa. For Christmas my sister gave me four, gorgeous Chelsea Textiles pillows which you see below deployed on my living room sofa. This small addition made a huge impact and totally transformed the room. And, yes, I love them so much they are featured in the new blog banner.

3. Put a nice bottle of soap by the sink. I seem to spend a lot of time at the kitchen sink and am a big fan of Compagnie de Provence's Extra Pure Marseille collection. The liquid is biodegradable (which appeals to the eco-conscious side of me) and does not dry out my skin (a problem caused by winter air and frequent hand washing.) The stylish bottle design is an added bonus.

4. Buy new socks. Seriously. Throw out any that are becoming threadbare or showing their age, and get some nice ones to carry you through the winter. You deserve it. I am actually a little obsessed with my socks. While the rest of my wardrobe is generally made up of gray, beige and some black, (actually, so are my interiors!) my sock drawer is a riot of color and pattern. What makes it funny is no one sees them inside the boots I wear almost exclusively from October through April. It's my secret - well, it was.

5. Replace your entry way doormat. Mud season seems to have arrived before winter this year and the amount of dirt being tracked up the steps and onto porch is demoralizing. A new mat will keep it from continuing on into the house and make your arrival home more pleasant at the end of each day.

wisteria.com

In addition to wishing everyone a happy and healthy year ahead, I would like to thank and recommend the very talented designer of Henhurst's new look, Shari Miller at Little Blue Deer, to anyone thinking of freshening up their web presence. What an enjoyable experience it was to work with her!

Decorating and Dining - Christmas

2011-12-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

Christmas is now less than two weeks away and I am feeling fairly well organized. Gifts are wrapped and packages have been mailed to nieces and nephews we won't be seeing. I am still working on the holiday cards that seem to go out later every year, but I am hopeful they will be posted by Friday. After that I will be enjoying time with family in Rhode Island.

Most fun this week has been menu planning with my sister-in-law, Genie, for a few days of family get-togethers . Genie, editor of the beautiful, quarterly magazine Edible Rhody, is not only a great chef and food writer but, by virtue of her work, knows all the best resources - the finest butcher, where to get fresh oysters, who has great wines and cheese, and so on. She and my husband will run be running the kitchen, as usual. I won't even be baking because Genie makes the most exquisite Buche de Noel.

I will focus on supplying a little holiday 'cheer' for those who have been working on feeding the rest of us so well. Yes, friends, I have been back on eBay buying vintage glasses.

And here is what I will be filling them with this year: Blood-Orange Champagne Cocktails.

Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups freshly squeezed or frozen blood-orange juice

2 750-ml bottles champagne, chilled.

Directions: Pour 3 tablespoons juice in each glass, top with champagne, and enjoy!

Easy and delicious, recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart.

I have also been thinking about table centerpieces, and how to keep children of various ages entertained and involved in preparing for the festivities. Following are some ideas from Better Homes and Gardens for table decorations that could not be simpler to make or easier to assemble, don't require too many materials, and likely include some you already have or that can be gathered outside. Several are suitable for little hands to help with. Most plant material should be available at your local florist, nursery, or grocer.

A block of florist's foam in a wood container (use a plastic liner so you can keep it damp) is the base for mixed greens, juniper sprigs and citrus fruit on picks. Clove studded orange pomanders smell wonderful - my girls have loved making them since they were young.

Assorted pine cones (these have been spray painted) and small bunches of tulips in colored glasses.

Layer two glass cake stands with evergreen sprigs, pine cones, glass ornaments and red berries.

In the middle of a shallow dish is a vase filled with white hyacinth stems surrounded by boxwood and pine cones.

Mini bouquets in a painted glasses wrapped with gold ribbon. (An opportunity to use your glue gun.)

Felt wrapped vases make oversize votives for candles, and etched glasses are filled with bayberry stems.

Seedling yew trees in a shallow metal tray layered with moss and white and purple eggplants. I would use pomegranates, crabapples and mini forelle pears.

An amaryllis with cranberries in a glass hurricane; red ribbon and an evergreen sprig.

Wishing you and yours the best this holiday season and for the year ahead!

10 Things I Can't Live Without

2011-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

1. Linen Sheets. I have already written about my love of linen, but sleeping in it is the height of luxury as far as I am concerned. Getting a good night's sleep is a personal priority and I never sleep better than on these from Cuddledown.

2. A Rowenta Steam Iron. The linen sheets do need ironing, but it is worth the effort (and I actually find ironing kind of meditative.) The steam feature makes short work of a king size sheet and Williams-Sonoma sells an oversize ironing board that makes the job a lot easier.

3. Georgette Heyer Novels. Smart, funny, and an authority on Regency England, Heyer is a treat. Her heroines are strong and resourceful and every one has a happy ending. My husband laughs when I describe them as 'easily digestible,' but they are perfect when you can't handle anything too heavy. Available at Amazon.

4. The Miele Pisces Vacuum. We are dog people, Labs to be specific, and they shed a lot. This would seem incompatible with my OCD regarding cleanliness but the Pisces, which is recommended for pet owners, is lightweight and easy to maneuver, and I keep my sanity. Mieleusa.com.

5. Scented Candles. Scent is powerful - it can trigger memories, change your mood or disguise an unpleasant odor such as a dead mouse in the wall of your otherwise charming, 100-year-old Vermont house. After all these years my favorite is still Diptyque Baise, although I am currently enjoying Balmoral from Cire Trudon and Jasmin de Chine from Mizensir. I always order from Aedes de Venustas; they provide speedy delivery at no extra charge.

6. Magic Eraser. Living with kids and/or dogs? You need this. I use it to clean marks of every kind off the walls, floors, stair risers and cabinetry. For sale almost everywhere but if you want it right now go to Drugstore.com.

7. Tivoli Audio. Stylish and un-complicated are my requirements for electronics and Tivoli components are exactly that. I favor the walnut/beige color combination and have the 'model one' system in the kitchen, 'model three' which has an alarm clock feature in my bedroom, and the 'music system' in the living room where its industrial-chic look easily blends in with everything else.

8. The Cowboy Junkies. I've been a Junkies fan since 1988 when I bought my first copy of The Trinity Sessions. Suffice it to say I have every album they have released since including the 2008 live re-recording of The Trinity Sessions titled Trinity Revisited. I will be seeing them perform in Providence in February. Tour dates on their website.

9. Fresh Flowers. It does not need to be extravagant; even just a few stems can brighten an entire room and feel like a luxury. Roses are my favorite.

10. A Soaking Tub. There is nothing better than a hot bath at the at the end of the day. For my personal sanctuary (pictured below) I chose the Sunrise Specialty 'Dual' with a pedestal base. Add this relaxing and detoxifying recipe from the Upper Valley's brilliant Dr. Robyn Jacobs at Hygeia: into running hot water add 2 cups Epsom salts, 1 cup baking powder and 10 drops of lavender oil. You will sleep like a baby.

Great Resources - Outlet Shopping for Furniture

2011-11-25T11:29:00.000-05:00

As my husband will attest, I can look at furniture all day. And when I am on the road I never miss an opportunity to scout out a potential resource, shop or sale I have read about. And holiday travel is not exempt - last Christmas' trip to New York included visits to museums, the theater and an industrial park in New Jersey so I could pick up a piece of furniture at the Chelsea Textiles warehouse sale (FYI - it is going on right now!)

So, Tuesday had me in Connecticut for the day where the Lillian August outlet in South Norwalk is conveniently located off Interstate 95. The vast space had a huge inventory of upholstered pieces and case goods in various styles, including designs from other well known companies. Following are a few favorites currently in stock.

Oly Studio's Sophie chair upholstered in raffia.

The Dromedary loveseat from John Derian in Libeco Lagae linen.

This arm chair, round-back dining chair, trestle table and chandelier look like they are right out of Restoration Hardware's Belgian-influenced collection.

There was a room full of oversize mirrors.

This adorable Lillian August slipper chair almost come home with me.

I fell in love with this beautiful bookcase - if only I had a wall long enough to accommodate it.

The outlet had several upholstered pieces by Lee, a good source for well-crafted, American made furniture. This slip-covered chair is very shabby chic.

There was a large selection of dining chairs, mostly in sets of six.

The outlet is also a good resource for accessories. They had a nice selection of Chelsea Textiles needlepoint pillows.

Antler decor - very trendy right now.

A charming Carvers Guild Gothic Twig mirror.

There was also a selection of Pine Cone Hill bedding. You had to dig around a little, but the hunt is half the fun of outlet shopping.

And the easiest face lift for a sofa - new throw pillows. There were a lot of cheerful options.

Outlet shopping for furniture is great for instant gratification - if you need a new sofa and can't wait 6 to 12 weeks - but it can be hit or miss so don't go with any expectations. I recommend having measurements for the size of anything you have in mind and of the space you want to fill, and if you have them, swatches of any fabrics you might be trying to work with. Safe travels!

Front Halls, Foyers and Entry Ways

2011-11-20T16:20:00.000-05:00

Last week my sister-in-law, recently relocated to Texas, asked for some lighting ideas for the front hall of her new home, and suggested a post on entrance halls. Transplanted from Brookline, Massachusetts to a house in a different style compared to her former New England setting, it sounds like the opportunity to try something new. And even if you aren't in the midst of big changes, something as easy as switching a light fixture can make a dramatic difference in a room without a lot of effort or expense.

From House Beautiful's website I culled a few photos of front halls, foyers and entry ways, decorated in different styles, and followed them up with potential fixtures from Circa Lighting - one of my favorite resources for hanging lights.

In an open, square entry...

House Beautiful

A long, narrow hall...

House Beautiful

A more contemporary look...

House Beautiful

And to recreate a little New England wherever you are...

House Beautiful

Lastly, a few ideas for styling your hall whether you have a console, chest of drawers or center table...

Photos House Beautiful

A Few of My Favorite Things - Gustavian Furniture

2011-11-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

Seven years ago, during a trip to Norway, I had a decorating epiphany while shopping with my sister to furnish her new home in Oslo. I was totally entranced by the neutral color palettes and painted furniture we saw, the mix of formal and informal elements, and with the liberal deploying of candles.

photos top Living With Light, bottom Martha Stewart Living

Interiors were conceived to be free of clutter, spare and perfectly serene.

photos Living With Light

I also sensed kindred spirits in the Norwegians in their embrace of a life lived outdoors. Even in mid-November the sidewalk tables outside of cafes were filled with locals enjoying their coffee in the fresh air (warmed by nearby heaters.) Soaking up the atmosphere I was struck by how similar the climate and light, and lack of it in winter, were to that at home. I had found my people and they were living my life - only better. It seemed to me the Scandinavian aesthetic would translate perfectly to Vermont.

photos top: Swedish Interiors, bottom: Swedish Country Interiors

When I got back I bought every book on Scandinavian style I could find. Within a few weeks I was painting everything shades of grey and beige, ordering linen by the mile, and buying votive candles in bulk. I also cleared out every closet, cabinet and drawer, shelf and tabletop, getting rid of anything I did not use regularly. And soon my general crush on all things Nordic crystallized into a full-blown love affair with Swedish Gustavian furniture.

Photo Classic Swedish Interiors

The passion hasn't died.

photos top House Beautiful, bottom Veranda

What in my past, you might ask, rendered me susceptible to developing total adoration for a period of furniture design? In Gustavian style I see the French and neo-classical furniture I admired in the houses I grew up in, but without the fussiness and distilled to the most pleasing form. I can have beautiful furniture that is suitable to how I live and where I live.

My Chair

My Grandmother's chair

While original Gustavian antiques are costly there are some companies producing beautiful, reproduction furniture. My favorite, and one of the finest, is Country Swedish. The furniture is exquisitely made and made to last, and the painted finishes are without equal - and available in a range of colors if neutral is not your thing.

Photos Country Swedish

Decorating in this style, your color palette isn't limited at all. Pink and green are charming here in a guest room. Bed from Nordic Style, bedside table from Country Swedish, pink fabric is Swedish Check by Rose Cumming.

Henhurst Interiors

And here with chartreuse and robin's egg blue in a child's room. Antique bed, chest from Country Swedish, bedding Serena and Lily.

Henhurst Interiors

To find some inspiration of your own, a reading list: Living with Light: Decorating the Scandinavian Way by Gail Abbott, Lars Bolander's Scandinavian Design by Heather Smith MacIsaac, Classic Swedish Interiors by Lars Sjoberg, Swedish Interiors and Swedish Country Interiors by Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems.

Decorating and Dining - Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. What could be better than celebrating the things we have to be grateful for with a fabulous meal as the main event? With good planning the day is relaxed, devoted to the cooking, and enjoying the company. Regardless of how many we will sit down, my husband will prepare a feast that provides for ample leftovers; I will focus on setting a festive table. Here are some ideas that are inspiring me this year.

I have a growing collection of glass and tableware, some vintage, some new. I really can't resist when I see something I love. Pottery Barn has a great collection of seasonal decorations this year, and I will likely be placing an order. I also have my eye on the gold rimmed glasses - I like a little gilt here and there.

Whatever the occasion, I like a lot of candle light and simple centerpieces. More ideas...

When it comes to the meal, we are very fortunate in Vermont that the culture has embraced 'locavore' ideals and fostered organic farms, purveyors of naturally raised livestock and poultry, and some serious cheese makers. The turkey is coming from Vermont's own Misty Knoll, ordered through Killdeer Farm in Norwich which provides beautiful, organic produce throughout the growing season as well as poultry, beef, baked goods, cheese and packaged foods from like-minded producers.

I love to bake so the one part of the meal I take full responsibility for is dessert. Pumpkin pie is our kids' favorite. King Arthur Flour has one of the best recipes I have tried on their website along with any tools you might need.

However and wherever you spend the day I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and much to be grateful for!

A Few of My Favorite Things - Linen

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I love linen; it is versatile, durable and natural, it feels good next to your skin, and it is generally easy to clean. One of my favorite purveyors is the English company Ian Mankin. The fabrics are woven from 100% natural fibers and are available in an assortment of pleasing colors and designs - stripes, checks, solids and embroidered linens - that work in any application.

Upholstery

Curtains

Bedding

Pet Beds

The company sells a few accessories in their fabrics including these charming Union Jack pillows (which appeal to the anglophile in me.)

Other accessories available are kitchen and table linens, and I love these lavender filled, mini pillows which I hang on my children's beds (lavender being said to induce relaxation and sleep.)

When I am able to visit the shop I avail myself of the bins of discounted, end-of-bolt pieces to use in small projects the only require a yard or two of fabric.

Angus Stripe and Spencer Stripe

Holland Check

Hopsack Stripe

Spencer Check

The company has recently introduced a collecting of printed wallpapers based on a few of their designs that are printed on non-woven paper and look almost like fabric. Visit the website to see the entire range of products for sale. www.ianmankin.co.uk.