THE COLOR TURQUOISE

Tradition dictates green and red as the colors of Christmas. Join us in a twist on tradition.

In the charming town of Geneva, Illinois, it's Swedish orgins are celebrated annually with the Christmas Walk and House Tour. The lighting of the BIG tree, Santa's arrival, roasting chesnuts, horse drawn carriages, evening shopping............and the House Walk. Five design based businesses are paired with five homes to decorate in a Christmas theme.

 

"Our" home was a charming mid-1800's cottage. An architectural gem with a refined color pallette of off-white, light and dark gray. How about those corbels on the entrance stairs?

 

Oversized black urns were brought in and placed under the two center windows then filled with blue, white and silver accents for winter interest

These great copper wall pots were fun to fill

Silver fir, seeded eucalyptus, blue berried juniper, purple cabbage for POP and strips of birch skins

 

The same theme was carried to the window boxes

LOVE those cabbages!

 

An antique pot from France the homeowner found at my shop. The repeated palette plus large glass votives held tea light sized battery candles

Our "nordic" feel extended to a sitting area; vintage ski's, plaid blanket, burlap coffee sack, greens and a sprinkling of silver bells

Let's go inside!

 Sandy Lichtenstein, the lovely and gracious homeowner standing in her dining room. Sandy allowed us full creative license.

 Notice the carrera marble cut to top her radiator. Her collection of gorgeous silver trays were displayed amoung greenery and used as chargers on the dining room table

This is my favorite vignette; we provided the zinc cherub and our floral designer Vicky added height and drama with a romantic floral display, the lamp, mercury glass candlestick holders and French grey tapers.

I love radiators and the even warmth they provide; a garland and an architectural piece which was once a piece to a door of a long ago wine cellar in France.

The living room

On this radiator we added the lamp, concrete bust and a vintage zinc finial

Well, maybe it is a toss-up.......this scene could also be my favorite. The Christmas tree is in a raised urn, the rolled rim hosts a mohair turquoise scarf and this great vintage linen sack from an old shoe factory in Italy. (We have two left)

Faux parrot tulips, silver sparkled nest and eggs, turquoise beaded garland, faux seeded eucalyptus stems, silver snowflake light "necklaces" and look closely.....our vintage zinc stencils

Wooden chandelier drops make interesting ornaments

Sister wrapped the gifts in placemats, yes, "pop-up" placemats! Added glitter and satin ribbon

These placemats have raised scenes and always a spot for your guests name

Cozy, intimate family room

LOVE the battery candles particularly when nestled into greens..........safely

Sandy's grandaughter

When you look at the sofa on the right you will see the pillow for her grandaughter. On the left side of the radiator is 'DYLAN', her grandson. But take a look at the two small wicker stools slipcovered in linen, perfect for those lucky grandchildren.

Kitchen island looking into sun room

A gorgeous resin bowl Sandy found on her travels filled with mercury balls, faux greens and mini "celebration" candles

See the touch of turquoise on her farm table?

A dear friend, Alain Roby, a master pastry chef and three time Guiness World record holder, created this pulled sugar ribbon, last minute, during his busy season. Thank you Alain!

His truffles are legendary!

Born in France, eagerly American, Alain's new cookbook is brilliant.............easy, yes easy, elegant desserts, order here!

A vintage snowsuit found on e-bay.

OK, ready.............let's go out back outdoors..............

Nooooooooo..................you know i am being ridiculous! Every neighborhood has this and i will never understand. What are your thoughts? Does anyone else disdain "inflatables?"

This cutie is our floral designer Vicky Whitt. Her and Susan Olson were some of the masterminds behind this project.

LOVE these candles. As guests arrived they were greeted with the NEST holiday candle, clean burning scent of pine and exotic spices.

Upon entering the kitchen the GODIVA scented milk chocolate truffle candle with subtle floral undertones engaged your senses.

I have been quiet of late...........a long time between posts, no comments on my blogger friends posts.............part Christmas retail, part installing winter containers at clients homes, big part Christmas walk house.................ahhhhh..........one can dream, dream of far away places, turquoise waters, turquoise skies, turquoise flippers..............HMMMMMM, i do need a vacation.

 

Thank you for visiting!
Debra