Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Textbook Tuesday | Markham Roberts: Notes on Decorating



If you've visited me here for any length of time, you will know that I am a self-proclaimed bibliophile. Fall may be one of my favorite seasons for just that reason, the stunning books which are released (and just in time for gift-giving)! On the top of my list this season is Markham Roberts second tome, 'Notes on Decorating,' published by Vendome Press. Markham Roberts trained with design royalty, under Mark Hampton, affirming his pedigree in the design field. Truly he is called a 'master of timeless American style' for good reason, and this book is a testament to that title. And be sure not to take this book as a mere collection of pretty rooms, his thoughtful and witty explanations include so many lessons to take notes from. 


Without the dust jacket, the texture is incredible! This is the perfect addition to any coffee table both for the outward appearance, and the inward content. Below is a view of the Table of Contents, which shows the unique and thoughtful way the chapters are laid out. Markham begins with his process of deep-diving into the needs of the client the 'Clients Point of View,' and then takes us through other elements such as establishing a 'Sense of Place,' and acknowledging the need for 'Practicality.' The final chapter takes us through one project and walks through all the elements described in the previous chapters to show how they are implemented. Genius!


Here is a peek at some of my favorite pages and projects:


I sincerely love Markham's spaces that utilize an all-over pattern, like the one below with Arbre de Matisse in a fresh light blue colorway:


Chocolate walls never looked so good!



Tabletop inspiration is included as well:


And truly when you being to study his work, you can see the complex mix of antiques, vintage and new pieces are a key component of what makes Markham's spaces sing:



There is so much beauty and careful thought that has gone into 'Notes on Decorating', I am so thankful to have added it to my design library and will surely re-visit the pages often. To add this to your collection or purchase as a gift for the design-savvy friends on your list, hop to Amazon here. You can see more of Markham Roberts inspirational work on his website and instagram accounts as well. 


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Friday, July 10, 2020

Lake Forest Showhouse 2020



The Lake Forest Showhouse benefiting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago is officially opening its doors tomorrow! The roster of designers and the rooms they have created is nothing short of impressive (keep in mind during a pandemic, nonetheless!). Some of my very favorite showhouse rooms in the past have been in the Lake Forest showhomes, and from the video tours and sneak peek photos we have had the chance to see on instagram, it's already very obvious that this years home does not disappoint. Oh, how I wish to see it all in person! But of course I am thankful for the powers of social media which at least have let us take this virtual walk through today. Let's take a peek:

Sun room bathed in de Gournay by M & M Interior Design, photography by Aimee Mazzenga

Sun room by M & M Interior Design

Sun room by M & M Interior Design, with art by Josh Young

Sun room by M & M Interior Design, iPhone snap by Aimee Mazzenga

Dining room cloaked in Iksel wallcovering by Paloma Contreras Interior Design

Place settings and the Frances Elkin loop chair set by Paloma Contreras Interior Design

Dining room lacquered cabinet in peacock blue by Paloma Contreras Interior Design, photography by Aimee Mazzenga

Sun Porch in rattan & cocoa Gracie wallpaper and pillows by Shelley Johnstone Design

Sun porch with lovely lacquered ceiling by Shelley Johnstone Design, iPhone snap by Aimee Mazzenga

Sun porch and a view of the Julie Neill chandelier - Shelley Johnstone Design, iPhone snap by Aimee Mazzenga

Closer view of the greek key floor detail - Shelley Johnstone Design, iPhone snap by Lady Bug Vintage

Looking onto the outdoor patio by Shelley Johnstone Design

Fabulous art in this mudroom by Savarie Interiors LLC and Michelle Frigon Design 

Perfect in pink powder room by Sarah Vaile Design

Bathroom by Edyta & Co. 

Modern Family room with the perfect touch of mustard velvet by Soledad Zitzewitz Interiors


Closer detail of the family room by Soledad Zitzewitz Interiors

Kitchen by The ABL Group with a lovely blossom stone inset above the stove

Cozy office by North Shore Nest 

Two story potting room with sky light and beams, by James Thomas Chicago

Potting room by James Thomas Chicago, photography by Werner Straube

The dream teen girl hangout by Alexandra Kaehler, photography by Aimee Mazzenga

Teen girl hangout by Alexandra Kaehler

Sitting room by Wendy Labrum Interiors

Sitting room by Wendy Labrum Interiors, iPhone snap by Aimee Mazzenga

iPhone snap of the exterior by Aimee Mazzenga

This post officially includes snaps from 12 of the 31 designer spaces!! There is still so much more to see. If you are in the area, help me live vicariously through you and go take a walk through. This looks like it's truly a showhouse for the books, a stunning surprise around every corner. If you would like to buy tickets or donate to the Infant Welfare Society, click here. If you would like to take a video tour of the home with the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens Honorary Chair, Paloma Contreras, as your guide hop here

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Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Textbook Tuesday | Summer To Summer



What a perfect way to begin the first official week of the summer season, the long-anticipated Summer to Summer: Houses by the Sea, by Jennifer Ash Rudick for Vendome Press has arrived. This is by far my most favorite season of the year, and I was thrilled to dive into the 360-page tome as the perfect travel respite.

"We long for a place to retreat to with our family where we can escape from our normal routine, and, if we are lucky enough to return to the same place from summer to summer, create traditions," 
-  Jennifer Ash Rudick


The author, along with acclaimed photographer Tria Giovan, traveled from the coast of Maine to the beaches of the Hamptons, from Nantucket to Newport, to present twenty-five homes of totally varied styles but with the same breezy style and easy summer living. I always love to give you a glimpse of the book cover without the dust jacket - this lovely patterned beauty did not disappoint when revealed.

When I say that Tria's photography is lush, it is truly an understatement:


I just wanted to be able to magically step right into the image above. The way that evening summer sun is casting that perfect iron-gate shadow, and the gardens are beckoning the reader to enter and discover what lies beyond the page is so very enticing. I found this image so quintessentially and so romantically summer. 

From Aerin's ancestral Lauder home in the Hamptons, to a Nantucket compound designed by Tom Scheerer, to Sister Parish's gloriously fabric draped home in Maine, the book documents each in a designated chapter.


A classic Nantucket home designed by Tom Scheerer

Aerin's 1930's Greek Revival she inherited from her grandmother Estee Lauder

Beautiful in classic blue and white in the Lauder estate

Apple Bartlett, Sister Paris' daughter, has made the family home her own

And the exterior shots are just as good as the interiors; shingles, dogs at the gate, a bounty of hydrangeas!

Designer Ken Fulk's escape in Provincetown, Massachusetts

The Block Island Home of photographer Susan Paulson

Jennifer summarizes it best when she explains, "[w]hen a home is a distillation of its owner's distinctive taste, the story it tells is the equivalent of a personal portrait. The houses in this volume comprise a whole gallery of portraits celebrating the comfort and delight of summer living by the sea." You can sincerely envision casually strolling in from the beach and hanging your towel on a hook with ease in each of these stunning featured houses. 

This is the only book you'll need to add to your design library this summer, a true delight! Click through to purchase your copy of Summer to Summer; Houses by the Sea. 



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