Blanc et Vert

It's asparagus time! 

Being an asparagus lover, this time of year is the highlight for asparagus at the Farmers' Markets. I happen to prefer the green, but my Dutch husband grew up with the white asparagus, which is white because they continue to mound up the soil around the spears so that they remain white. Cooking white asparagus takes longer than the green; it is slightly milder in taste.

Photo by Richard Powers

We enjoyed the first locally grown asparagus this week. 

I often prepare extra and combine the spears with a multi-grain bread for my lunch sandwich.

Last night we enjoyed our spring asparagus risotto. Mmmm... try it!

I have never grown asparagus. Have you? 

I'd love to hear about it as we are considering creating a small plot for it this year.

Out With the Birds

We've been blessed this weekend with several beautiful days in a row, so you will find us outdoors enjoying our gift and planting up a storm.

I wish you the same!

Once Again...

Judy Mulligan did it. Recently unveiled at the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House, Judy's gorgeous Venetian plaster wall and ceiling, along with the peacock door, were among the highlights of the show.

 

Judy worked with Sara Story, the interior designer of the study and one of five interior designers on Elle Decor's 2011 A-list "Designers to Watch." I would say the shine she obtained with the soft blue plaster application was perfecto!

She also painted the dazzling geometric pattern on the upper wall and ceiling. The door to the study was first gilded and the peacock hand-painted, with the painting extending right on to the Venetian plaster wall.

I have been an admirer of Judy's work for a long time. I fell in love with her Venetian plaster and stenciled wall that she created for the Twin Maples Show House in October of 2008, working with designer Marshall Watson.

I still love it- the color, the pattern!

In 2009, she once again teamed up with Marshall Watson and executed this grandly stenciled and shellacked wall for the dining room of the Hampton Designer Showhouse.

Just beautiful, Judy!

For more information on the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House, visit here.

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Wisteria Lane

Seeing a wisteria vine in full bloom is a sure reason for me to screech the car to a stop so I can admire it. Its beauty is unrivaled. I know, its strength is also, but once you understand the basics of its proper pruning, the enjoyment can be all yours.

I did stop when I drove past my neighbor's home. Wow! And the scent- it reminds me of grapes. Delicate and delicious!

A sunny Friday is in store for us today and I am the luckiest gal- I will be planting all day at several clients' homes. What are you doing on this lovely Friday?

The Old and the New

Combining the old and the new is often my favorite way to decorate. There is nothing more exciting to discover a beautiful piece of the past that can be paired up with your new finds. Barcelona architect Benedetta Tagliabue and her late architect husband, Enric Miralles, transformed an 18th century warehouse into their home, making amazing discoveries along the way.

While the front of their home is rather dilapidated (which I would consider to be beautifully patinated), the inside space presents an elegant fusion of the old and the new.

During the renovations, centuries worth of paint were stripped from the woodwork, drawings and frescoes were discovered and arches were uncovered in the walls. 
 

A sleek, chic Eames chair contrasts with the rough hewn walls

Unearthed Gothic arch

This gorgeous fresco, revealed during renovations, contrasts with the modern furnishings chosen for the office. Drool....

A little peak at the room's original painting in the upper right:

Have you ever made exciting discoveries while renovating?

[via, photos by Christian Schaulin]

This and That

A petite collection of wall and furniture inspirations...

This wall finish was achieved by dragging the brush through the wet glaze. 

Love the tone-on-tone.

The pairing up of the silky Venetian plaster and the gilded furniture- tres elegant!

While searching for a 40's glam setting for an upcoming project, I stumbled on this cool little corner. Love the gilt birds on the green and the mirrored chest in front of the curved wall.

Which is your favorite?

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A Dogwood Day

Once upon a time, there was sunshine. A blue sky. Smiling faces. 

Then came 2011 and the "Spring" that got stuck. 

While the grass and leaves turned green, the rains kept on coming. Six days of sunshine in six weeks left the residents not only with a Vitamin D deficiency, but a craving for warmth and being able to use their lawn mowers. 

Luckily, we were able to catch the dreamy blossoms of the dogwood trees on one of those sunny days. 

They made us very happy.