"FALL" into CHRISTMAS EVENT....Literally

What a glorious day! Warm, for Chicago standards..........sunny and genuinely happy. The first tour of my home at our event called "Fall into Christmas". My house was decorated for fall, and the shop, Christmas. Almost 100 attended. To those held up by the bus service, please accept my apology. First time events usually have learning curves.  

So......... welcome!

Located in Wayne, IL., a rural suburb of Chicago, steeped in tradition, particularly an equestrian history. Our home received a plaque in 1999, being the second oldest home in our village, 1856.

View out my window this week

Mind if I take you through the questions asked and comments overheard?

Q;  Gas lamps! Is that original?

A;  No, after a trip to Savannah, Ga. I was able to convince my husband Steve, we NEEDED them, yes, he installed them. Lamps by Bevolo.

Q; Where did you find ALL this beautiful wood paneling?

A; It is not wood but the completed Faux Bois finish from my talented artist friend Patrick Rouillier, finishing touches such as accessories/lighting to come....

  Yes, that is a close-up of painted drywall, all by hand

Foyer before.

Master Bedroom

Q;  What a huge room!

A;   Well, in the 40's this was the showroom for custom women's clothing. I found a business card when remodeling and had it framed;

Love that "the large selection of smart and inexpensive cottons" went from size 10-20!  $10.95 and up, nice!

  

master bedroomn

-hand painted chest from Sweden

Q;  Who did this kitchen?
A;   Steve.........completely gutted, walls were removed and pushed back, floors; hand planed oak floors by Ridgefield Lumber, cabinets; actually a grey/green, built by Steve. I love having "throw back your body" and relax in comfortable upholstered chairs in a kitchen.

   Q; What are these counter-tops?
A;  Jerusalem Limestone. Personally like the honed versus shiny look, will mark but that only adds to the patina!

 

Crazy for nooks with built in benches, great for extra storage and another opportunity for soft goods

Q;  Are these the original floors?

A:  EGADS! no!! When the linoleum was scrapped off we found mouse eaten wooden floors repaired in spots with flattened tin cans, circa 1920's.

Current floors are oak (could not afford the walnut I liked), hand planed edges and many a chain, boulders and hammer throws later has a mellow aged look.

The number one conversation piece, the AGA stove and surrounding "cast"

Q;  What is that stove and is it hard to use, there are no controls?!

A;  once an AGA, always an AGA. emits non-stop warmth, easy to use once you learn how, better energy wise since it is always on and so well insulated it demands less

Q:  It is warm and love it now, what do you do in the summer?

A;  that is the best part.........i turn it off in July and August.....then.....fire up the grill or make reservations!

Q:  Where did you find that old mantle to perfectly fit the stove?

A;  Steve made it from dirty, dry, old barnwood. My Stones polish turned it into clean, soft, "butter" without sanding.

Q;  What is Stephanie's oil painting on and can you clean it?

A;  Masonite. and yes, it is washable 

Part of the other foyer (I know, old small houses have floor plans that do not make sense, that's the charm!)

Another view

Q;  What is upstairs? (STAIRS WERE BLOCKED)

A;  another bedroom/bath turned into aspiring home office..................want a peek? Less horrifying via photo

agghhhemm.....throat clearing here. Combination of 'perpetual disorder syndrome' and "OMG, PEOPLE ARE COMING WHERE SHOULD I SHOVE THIS??!!"

Should I be embarrassed?

Now, this is a beautiful office and belongs to the lovely and talented Brooke of one of my fav blogs; Velvet and Linen. In responding to her post I enquired "where are the piles, the equipment?!" She graciously responded;

• baskets contain some of the electronics
• use the "touch-it-once" rule, that is deal with it at the moment
• if you cannot handle it the first time, put in one basket. As her basket mounts, she disciplines herself to sit down and tackle it.

"Brooke, want to come help?" "Aren't you just dying to leave sunny California for grey Chicago?"
I have a long way to go but her advice resonates in my head constantly........

Living Room conversation area; two chairs pulled up for fireside chats. There is the dreadful chair that needs to be re-upholstered. 

I hate my drapes...........too busy and jarring for my current taste..........BUT, I SPENT A FORTUNE! Linen would suit me just fine

  A new favorite, still in living room and just to the left of the previous picture. LEE, INDUSTRIES, settee and leather ottoman under the table.  (we are a distributor)

Q; Where is the dining room?

A;  Happily, gone!. The dedicated space for a dining room, adjacent to the above and now a "reading" room or "great for party conversation" room, functioned as a "pass-thru". The above table is late 1800's France. The beautiful herringbone patterned top holds a surprise; two built in leaves that pull out, rise to meet the top and can seat 10, easily. A few bits of furniture are set-aside and we dine near the fireplace.

Living/dining/reading/conversation rooms

Q: What are the wall colors?

A;  'Greenfield Pumpkin' by Benjamin Moore Aura collection.

Color is to me a personal decision. Ask yourself:

• What colors do you look good in, tend to wear often?
• What emotions do colors bring out in you? Example; My colors bring out the emotion "warm and cozy", that makes me feel good, reflects my love of Autumn and colors I wear.
• My friend Linda loves grey's, blues and cream. I believe she has used the words "soothing and calming", plus, she looks beautiful in those colors.

For the BEST source on color visit Maria's blog 'Colour Me Happy', she is brilliant!!

Going towards the Den

Q; Who's wallpaper is this?

A;  Brunschwig and Fils 

  Q;  Were the beams, beadboard and wrap-around shelf always here?
   A;  No, Steve again

  Den still.........
Q;  Why does that table have a crank?
 A;  Glad you asked! Came from a bakery in France. The handle connected to a slatted tray on the bottom. Prior to a glass top it perfectly held baguettes. As the supply diminished patrons would turn the handle bringing the bread within easy reach

Q;  What was that lamp?

A;  A fire extinguisher from Italy

 

Q;  Why all the "dog" antiques and no dogs?

A;   Because my Corgi's; Cooper, on the left (Cardigan Corgi) and Woofie (Pembroke Corgi) are VERY NAUGHTY AND ILL MANNERED. XXOO......They went to the barn.

Q;  How old is the barn?
  A; Not old, maybe 12 years

Q;  Who built it?
 A;  Steve, all by hand, excluding the concrete floor

 

 Let's pop outdoors for just a peek
Q;  What is that structure out there?
 A;  An architectural element I designed AND Steve built

Q;  What an unusual birdhouse, where did you get that?
 A;  At the shop, Steve builds them.......come on! I designed that too!

Q; What is your driveway, brick?
A;  Yes, and they are vintage street bricks from Chicago. And yes, if anyone noticed my firm did the landscape AND the brick driveway....not Steve

Just want to give you a glimpse of our new pool surround my landscape firm just completed. Want you to see my favorite components together; vintage street brick, "full range" bluestone and limestone. Here let me just back up, just a step or two more, almost................BAM! SCREAM!!!

The latest in fashion forward minded severed tendons...............black, tone-on-tone, CAM-WALKER with AIR-INFLATOR, for your comfort by the push of a blue button! Remember the post on WELLIES? The one with all the options, styles, colors?..........well...........here is my new seasonal little number.......sigh..........

Think I had a premonition? A premonition when I called this event FALL into Christmas?

Lastly, here are some snaps of the shop decorated for Christmas by our very talented staff. Thank you Sarah, Vicky, Susan, Diane, Jenna and Maria!

 

All Santa's handmade by Dee Gann

 

NEST candles, the holiday scent is the best! Heard the Godiva Chocolate NEST candles just arrived!

THE LUCKY WINNER OF THE $100.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE IS ANNETTE CARROLL OF GENEVA! 

UPCOMING POSTS:

• the "smalls" in my home, where they came from and what they mean to me
• portrait of the artist.....Patrick Rouillier, back from Paris.......you will be amazed, promise!

thank you for visiting!
Debra

SNIPPETS

SNIP-PET
-noun
a small bit, fragment, miscellaneous

From Chicago area news to Nashville. Today I would love to chat about a series of snippets.............

As I write tonight, I am sitting, taking a breath and looking at the clutter surrounding me....sigh..... Tomorrow is the tour of my home, better get up early..........over 100 coming!    yikes!!!

But I have good news, we are being honored by the participation of a special guest

Elaine Matsushita.

Having been the Editor of the Home and Garden section at the Chicago Tribune newspaper, Elaine and so many, were let go. Think shelter magazines..........the cuts at the Tribune were brutal and the newspaper today is a shadow of it's former self.

Her blog 'The Snoopster' is about design, primarily the Chicago scene, events, "snooping" into peoples lives and sharing her insights. As I get to know this woman on a personal level I find Elaine very warm, open and engaging. Our developing friendship makes my heart sing.

Join Elaine as she signs her new book co-written with Susan Fredman, 'The Power of the Powder Room'

Susan Fredman is a design powerhouse in Chicago and beyond. Susan and her eponymous firm was just featured in the current issue of 'Traditional Homes' magazine.

 

 Susan was one of several featured winners of the 'Classic Woman Awards' 2009.

'Designs for Dignity' is her pro-bono design service to area non-profits in order to create interiors that reflect dignity, hope and comfort. To date the firm has completed 75 projects......Congratulations Susan!

Mark your calendars............it's coming...........THE 2009 GENEVA ILLINOIS CHRISTMAS WALK.

December 4th and 5th, this annual event sponsors a housewalk featuring homes decorated for the holidays, Christmas inspired shops, roasting chesnuts at curbside, horse drawn carriages and the crowning of  2009's 'St. Lucia'.........last year this event was featured on the ELLEN DEGENERES show.

 

We are one of five businesses awarded a home to decorate. This years home is a treasure! A very cozy and intimate 1860's era residence. Our theme is 'Nordic'. The owners, Sandy and Tom Lichtenstein's decor is Belgian/Swedish, with slipcovered linen furniture, antiques, neutrals and touches of turquoise. Stay tuned!

Join us on an excursion to Nashville, Tennessee!

I love this city, vibrant, fun........think music.........great antiquing, restaurants..............pure southern!

This February is the 20th annual  'ANTIQUE AND GARDEN SHOW OF NASHVILLE'. (look here). Have you ever been to this event? Personally this trumps all other garden and antique shows I have attended. You won't believe who this year's speakers are;

• Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland
• Michael Smith.........White House designer
• Ryan Gainey, renowned and flamboyant landscape designer 

Amazing antique dealers in all price levels, exquisite display gardens and a major dose of inspiration in February.
DETAILS;   sketchy........for now...........but I can tell you this

• February 10th thru 13th
• Fly in and out. If you are in the Chicago area, we will trailer your treasures back, nice huh?
• For others there are shippers available
• Stay downtown Nashville, within walking distance to the convention center, MUSIC, great restaurants.
• Together we will spend an afternoon in historic Franklin, Tn.
• Cost?............that is one of the "minor" details, we are working on. Let us know if you are interested in joining us, space is very limited
  

Hope to see you tomorrow.............now,  I have work to do!

Debra

The Giving of Trees

Ever pause to think about the role trees play in our lives? That a life without trees would be unsustainable?

As we breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, they do just the opposite providing life's breath 

One of my favorite childhood books was 'The Giving Tree', a tale about a relationship between a boy and a tree. The tree always provides; branches to swing on, shade to sit, apples to eat, branches to build a home. As the tree and boy grow, the boy requires more of the tree and loving the boy ,the tree gives anything asked of him. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice the tree allows the boy to cut him down to a stump and sail away with it's wood.
Years later the boy returns, now an old man. The tree says, "I have nothing left to give you." The man replies, "I do not need much now, just a quiet place to sit and rest." The tree was happy to once again be needed .

I want to weep every time i read this............what is wrong with me?!

 

'The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.'

     Chinese Proverb

  

And now IS the best time to plant a tree. It is an act of faith for the future.

  Come with me............ come with me and think about our life with trees.

We all know this story, the temptation of the fruit

 

And when you think about it, food is one of the aspects of trees we do not give second thoughts to; fruit, nuts, mushrooms and maple syrup to name a few.

                      

                       QUICK RECIPE

Impress your family and guests with your inner-genius. Put maple syrup in a saucepan, add fresh cranberries. On low heat simmer and stir until half the cranberries have popped. Serve in a small crystal bowl with ladle; delicious and a beautiful presentation.

  Who has not enjoyed the summer shade relief of a tree? Placed near your home they provide a cooling relief in summer and as a windbreak during storms.

'The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit'

                            Nelson Henderson

They support life in many forms; shelter, hiding places, safety,  food, launching pad for first flights............

 and wee folks

   They support us and our imaginations.................

hmmmm.............

 Lovingly support snowfall

 Become the focal point of our traditions 

Provide the stage for romance

                                                  Barretviewprints.com

 Take us away...........

                                              image;  country living

Protect us

                       But, did you know they have secret lives.......when we are not looking?

They complain! Maybe about us!

They even dance!

THEY WEAR KNICKERS! WHO KNEW!

God gave us trees man can use, but we must also nurture. Do your part, protect our trees and plant more for the future.

                         'Trees are your best antiques'........Alexander Smith

                  The '5th' Elements
             My five favorite trees...........for zone 5 and others.

The majestic Oak.   

• A tree for the future
• A myth that they are very slow growing
• A necessary food source, think acorns
• Beautiful Autumn color........and if young, maintains it's leaves for most of the winter

Malus 'Maypole', a crab apple

• a very columnar tree, approx. 3'wide and 18-20' high
• if you have been to the shop they are on the west side forming an allee
• gorgeous extra large pink spring flowers
• huge smooth and clean leaves, a mosaic of autumn colors; apricot, orange, burgundy
• fruit; either small and ornamental or as in the photo above, large and delicious
• edible fruit bearing variety does not require spraying

Note:  Nurserymen, please grow this tree, very hard to find. Why with all these attributes?

 Pyrus (Pear) 'salicfolia' pendula

• The delicate willow-like silver foliage. Any silver plant will act as a spotlight in the garden enhancing it's neighbors.
• Personally like to mix up foliage colors, unless very formal, an all green garden can be boring
• I keep these pruned to a small stature. Pruning is another post.....all trees can be manipulated to maintain a desired shape
• White spring flowers, on the small side. Autumn fruit is a golden mocha color, shaped like mini pears

    Cercis (Red bud) 'Forest Pansy'

•  Speaking of color! What a wow in the borders.......they create focal points. Imagine the above scene without the pop of color,your eye would wander.
• Prefers some shade and a protected nook from west winter winds
• Again......notice a pattern here..........large leaves.Large leaves lend order. Take note in the above photo, the understory is slightly messy in appearance, the interjection of a large leaf organizes this vignette
• A mid sized tree

Weeping 'Katsura', Cercidiphyllum 'Pendula'

• The form! How beautiful is this, lending a graceful shape to the garden. For a formal setting the branches can be pruned in a straight horizontal line, revealing the trunk.........gorgeous!
• In the spring the foliage emerges apricot by summer it is a green-blue, apricot returns for an Autumn showing.
• This is a large tree attaining a stature of 20x20......and what else.....large leaves!

Note: what additionally makes this photo appealing is contrasting foliage colors and shapes; weeping, upright and horizontal.

Espaliers, all varieties  

• Love the structure, very European
• Quick history.......In Europe villagers with limited space developed this form for fruit bearing specimens. When a fruit tree is planted against a wall, south is best, and when heavily pruned, the tree is stressed. Fruit bearing trees, ornamental or edible varieties, produce a heavy load of  flowers followed by fruit under duress. Survivability? High!
• There are many espalier (pronounced;  's   paal  yeah') shapes and species with seasonal variety
• Have a sunny blank wall? Consider this. I have even used the pre-formed mature specimens out in the open (no wall) to great effect.........once enclosing an intimate garden.
  

Thanks for reading!
Debra

Where would we be without it's wood? Look around you, it permeates our life; homes, floors, trim, furniture,  firewood, paper.........

Being in the landscape industry I love the opportunity to add trees; where?, which variety?.........but pains me to be the decision maker to say "no, it has to go."

   

You are cordially invited..............

I am doing it, really..........opening my home for a special event.

Throwing caution to the wind.
I have been asked to do this for years, but I am really not ready,
my home is not ready.............but is it ever?
Still have one more chair to re-upholster.
I am tired of our bedroom "set",
windows should be cleaned......................

Unlike the castle, this is more like it.
In Wayne, Illinois we live in a cottage from the 1850's. Little by little every room, the gardens and the exterior have been restored..............I only have two bathrooms left and big plans are in the future, the artist Patrick and I are brainstorming. But wait until you see his work in the entry, the faux bois walls, I love them!

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED

Wednesday November 11th from 1-5pm. I would be honored if you could join us for a special afternoon.

"Fall into Christmas" 

My home will be pure "Fall", decorated in the splendor of the season, filled with ideas inside and out. 

The shop will be all Christmas, brimming with inspiration. 

The afternoon begins at the shop in Geneva, Illinois. Transportation will be provided to my home where sister and I will be waiting to welcome you. Transportation brings you back to the shop for refreshments and a special discount for all attendees. Fee $12.00. Contact Sarah, our shop manager, to reserve your space.

630-232-1303 or sarah@scentimentalgardens.com Kindly reserve in advance, space is limited.

hope you can join us!

Debra

A FALL PARTY

Autumn is my favorite time of year. The rich colors, scents, the crunch of leaves and the foods of the season. Having not had a party in eons, we were overdue in returning the favor to our friends.

I forgot how much time goes into the details. Join me in the preparations..............




The landscape designer in me had to begin outdoors



A hard frost ended the impatiens in our front door containers.



What a mess! No amount of scrubbing would have removed the remnants of impatiens goo. What the containers really needed was painting.........no time!


Burlap to the rescue, inexpensive, seasonal and hiding a multitude of sins. This combination includes; yellow mums, red cabbage, purple aster, pansies and cut stems of bittersweet providing a great drape. The potted plants were just set into the burlap. I love to insert faux elements, in this case faux bittersweet clusters. Entwined with the bittersweet foliage they look vibrant and real and are re-used for years to come.




Next was the sad and neglected hanging basket highlighting the lamp post. Out with the dead petunia's and other miscellaneous summer annuals. Keeping the moss lining intact I quickly inserted golden mini mums, pansies, pumpkins and faux lady apples.


Often using faux elements adds interest, texture and the use of materials that might not normally last.



Our 1940's era upper patio with fireplace looks forlorn.



The bronzey metal wall containers flanking the firebox were filled with roadside clippings. Add pumpkins, mums and battery pillar candles. See my Cardigan Corgi, Cooper peeking out from the wool throw?


These battery candles are my best friends during a party, in particular. Sixty, yes sixty candles were used everywhere! Framing a pathway from the parking at the barn to the house. Unlike lumanaries, they are flicked on and that is it..............no wondering if any have burned out, no worries if it rains..........nothing. Indoors I like to tuck them in unexpected places, never concerned if they are "smoking", knocked over or dripping onto an antique piece.


The entrance to the upper patio was enhanced with.........more battery candles. In this instance using "wedding columns" from 1910, previously filled with flowers and flanking an aisle for a long ago bride.


In outdoor containers they are illuminated at night.


Emptied and waiting...............



Wanting to try something unconventional, faux birch stems were inserted upright and adorned with faux bittersweet, real bittersweet branches, a hand full of fallen leaves and all along the back of the birch, a line of battery candles which up light the birch at nightfall.


The night before many hands came to help. Don't you love to see women gathering together to help? I sure do and could not have finished without these women. From the left Susan Olson ( see post on inspiring women ), sister Diane and Betty Chittenden, Susan's mother visiting from Nebraska.

By the end of that night the wine flowed, the pumpkin martini's experimented with, music turned up and the laughs constant...........wish we had a picture of all of us doing line dances thru the house led by Betty!


The day of..........sister in her Halloween "teeth" making an artichoke dip. (I could be taking this too far..........sister may kill me for adding this photo) Don't you think she looks 25 years old?! Don't be mad sister.........love you to pieces :-)




Getting closer to panic mode I needed an arrangement for the kitchen table and wanted to use the Benjamin Carroll terra cotta pots given to me by my friend and artist Patrick Roullier.
note: remember the hallway Patrick was going to faux bois for me? Well he finished, it is beyond my expectations and will be in a future post.

In my garage I had these metal "trees"



Wanting height at the table these were perfect. Supported by tuna cans (how elegant) so they would not wobble,I speared fallen leaves onto the trees spikes.


Rolls of kraft paper is handy to have around. "Nests" were formed to hold......what else......votive battery candles, providing a glow at eye level

.
Naturally needing to hide the tuna cans, voila!..........bunched kraft paper at the base


Inspired by Eddie Ross and his October 13th post on decorating the show kitchen for Grange, just had to add wooden spoons and a gift from Susan a hand carved "salt well". Doesn't it look like the sheep are moving towards a trough?!


A brass and copper scale from Argentina is filled with fresh pumpkins and faux fruit. Labels were peeled off fresh fruit and affixed to the faux to look real. You may be asking yourself "why faux fruit?!" Well..........I get really busy and it just stays put until they need to be dusted.


Almost time! Tables were set with finger foods through out the house so as to not crowd one area. One of my favorite pieces is a turn of the century Crane from France. Looks like he is about to pluck the cookies.


The finished kitchen table, quick, get in the shower.......I'm late!


And finally the hit of the night.........pumpkin pie martini's. Whew, these were fun to create! Reading thru multiple recipes and combining bits and pieces that sounded good I came up with the following inexact recipe.

Pumpkin Pie Martini's

In a large pitcher fill 2/3 of the way with heavy whipping cream (calories do not count when partying!)
To taste add;
-vodka
-butterscotch schnapps
-pumpkin liquer
-pumpkin pie spice
Taste repeatedly until yummy
Dip the martini glass in a plate of whipped cream then dip in a plate of crushed cinnamon graham crackers



Even though I did not want anyone to leave...........this is how I felt the next day, and the day after that, and....................

Happy Autumn!
Debra

CHECKS APPEAL

This still "white hot" trend has always been a favorite. I love the current direction the design world has embraced........."all things tartan", with a sense of fun.


Tartan shouts warm, cozy, fireplaces, autumn...........


A current whim wants to embrace tartan in a huge way, as in re-decorating, completely. That will not happen but elements of the look can infiltrate one's life. The room above belongs to Scott Meacham Woods, a celebrated designer in San Francisco. Enter his world via his blog; Tartan Scot or his design studio Thane Studio.



The trend setter of all things British Isles, for an American audience is Ralph Lauren. I love the warmth this room exudes and the brilliant mix of patterns.


The addition of soft goods in tartan adds instant flavor.




Brilliant choice for re-upholstering, tartan is best suited to an accent piece of furniture


hmmmmm, do any of you share this obsession?


Really need to go to Scotland.........


Of course all manner of fashion is classic with tartan. What is the difference between tartan and plaid? Tartan has been approved by the Scottish Tartan Authority representing a particular clan. Plaid is simply checks and stripes without the pedigree.


No comment


There will come a day when I attend the annual Manhattan event 'Dressed to Kilt'. Will I? Or does one have to be invited? Does anyone know? For a glimpse go here. And may I suggest you scroll down a bit and view the men in kilts dancing down the runway ;-)






With tartan origins dating to the Roman's occupation of the British Isles, tartan's history is fascinating. Each region and then each family of importance, had their own weaver. Clan's, aka families, developed their own patterns. Easily identifiable, you knew immediately if each encounter was friend or foe.


Our paternal grandfather was named Denny and his family originated from Scotland. Above is the Denny plaid. This pattern will be used in my soon to be remodeled guest bath. Artist Patrick Roullier and I are brain storming. The current thought is to have him paint the walls to resemble "aged leather", add real nail heads and faux stitching. What do you think? Check your family name here.


Scottish versus English


Circa 1910, King George and Queen Mary at the 'Festival of the Empire'. Notice the background musicians.




The 1950's perpetuated a staid reputation for tartan.


The 1970's nearly annihilated tartan!
Prestigious Mulberry signature plaid



A more stylish Vivienne Westwood



"Sister, let's go find this!"




A Mini-Cooper!



From fun to fabulous. 'Tartanware' is highly sought after and crazy pricey. These are vintage thimble holders..............imagine that!






Yes, a sterling silver monogrammed calling card case, in "tartan"............ swoon............


Good read, drooling visuals.

I did title this "checks appeal" with good reason.

debra

THE HEAT IS ON.....PLUS GIVEAWAY!!!

Autumn, finally, my favorite time of year! Landscaping business is drawing to a close, a crisp chill is in the air (sweaters!), my interiors get my attention once again and the stove is turned back on. More on that is a moment..............

Here is a view of the heart of my kitchen; an AGA stove (cooker in British terms), handmade mantle by my husband Steve and art work from Stephanie Fania.



Our home, built in 1856, needed a total renovation, the kitchen in particular. A small galley kitchen, hardly functioning 1960's appliances, faux cherry cabinets, linoleum floors.............

Arguments ensued over the final design, friends refereed and offered suggestions. Steve decided this was to be his "masterpiece" and it was.....throat clear here........ 3 years later!

My favorite is the stove surround. I was insistent on hunting down an old mantle cut to fit. I wanted the patina of age............"Trust me, I can do this" he claimed. As I saw him pick through old barnwood, my heart sank...........dull, dirty, too "country" and GRAY!Steve's creativity along with "magic in a jar", produced the vintage, buttery, pine look envisioned. STONES furniture cream in three coats came to the rescue; no sanding, no cleaning, no staining but a depth of interest and shine. Can you even detect the dirty barnwood?

Years ago I purchased a farm table from France with a gorgeous "French Polish". (go ahead look it up)
"How do I maintain that lustre?", I foolishly asked. "Easy Madame!" And they recited the 12+ steps to a glorious French Polish.......*sigh*.............. When next in England I began to enquire in antique shops, "What do you do to get a french polish LOOK, "why Stones of course!", was the constant refrain. The small family company in Devon England was the next stop. Today, many years later we are the sole distributor in the U.S. for this product.

In brief Stones is a pure beeswax formula from 1760. Without silicone's or artificial additives this product is able to penetrate the wood, versus just gliding over the top, and cleans while restoring.

GIVEAWAY; Tell me about your project and I will pick someone to send a bottle of Stones to.

OFFER; Free shipping on any size order. One 8oz. pot is $15.00.


A fond treasure; "cornerstone" of a pub's entrance in Kent England from the 1450's! It is now petrified and holds center court on the surround.



What to put behind the stove? Tile...... too expected, pressed tin.....not interesting enough, framed art..............could get destroyed. I wanted an English oil scene to match the English stove.
Finding an oil from the 1700's up for auction in a magazine, I asked our resident artist, Stephanie Fania, to duplicate it. She painted the scene on 'Masonite' which is bendable and washable.




Here is "Stephania" at work on one of our landscape designs.



If you have never experienced an AGA, it is many appliances in one. Out with the toaster, bread baking machine, crock pot, panini griller, steamer, hot plate, warming oven, pizza brick......
There are no knobs, it is either ON or OFF and each plate on top and drawer have a unique function. PLUS, in the summer we just shut it down and I cannot cook......brilliant!


The radiant heat it emits is a favorite of my cat Teddy.

note; another day will show the rest of the kitchen, it's currently a mess!


Bon Appetit!



This week's project; friend and artist Patrick Roullier will paint our entrance to look like faux bois panelling. Can't wait to see and to share.


Patrick suggested we add the molding square for depth of interest..............stay tuned!

Debra