Shabby Chic has been around for quite awhile. It started when Rachel Ashwell took old, chipped paint flea market finds and made them fashionable. What I don’t care for is when people try too hard to recreate old patina. It can’t be done. What’s the point of finding an old dresser, stripping off layers of paint, sanding it smooth and re-painting … [Read more...]
Collected Works
I love books and read as much as my time allows. My favorite author is Jane Austen and my all time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice. I’ve read it a dozen times! I collect antique editions of classic children and adult novels (my oldest copy of P & P was published in 1892), vintage etiquette and entertaining books and interior design … [Read more...]
Welcoming Entry
The Georgian Revival Breast Cancer Showhouse was built in 1912 by the daughter and son-in-law of Patrick Cudahy. As in all grand homes, the front vestibule was the first interior space visitors would see when entering the house, so it had to be spectacular. Anne Wangman of Forbes Design took the challenge of bringing the entry back to life for … [Read more...]
Furnishing the Breast Cancer Showhouse
One of the biggest challenges of furnishing a room for a showhouse is finding enough furniture and accessories to fill the space. For designers like Susan and I, who don’t have a store or showroom, we “depend on the kindness of strangers”. (Don’t you just love Blanche’s line in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire?) World Market … [Read more...]