Staying Focused

To those of you still shopping: may you finish successfully.

To those of you still decorating: may you finish quickly.

And to those of you getting ready to celebrate: may you laugh heartily and often.

I'll be joining all of you!

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Giant Blooms: Amaryllis

No other flower says winter holiday time to me more than amaryllis. We love to pot them up in a container and watch them grow. Once potted, they usually flower in eight to twelve weeks, so to hope for booms for the holiday, we start them in October. If you are just getting around to potting a few up now, the flowers will pull you through the long winter months. 

Did you know that the blooms are very long lasting once cut and out of water? If you are looking for a good flower to simply tuck into greens on your table, the blooms will last two to three days. Really. They look so fragile, but will surprise you.

There are so many wonderful varieties to choose from...

Apple Blossom

Christmas Gift

Pink with a White Heart

Fledermaus

Royal Velvet

 Chico

Tarantula

What flowers do you like to use in holiday arrangements?

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On the Other Hand

While I will always have an affinity for the perfectly aged, I have also grown to love clean and contemporary. For various reasons.

Isn't this the most calming, serene room? Roche Bobois's marketing department is genius, consistently coming up with inviting design.

Still appreciating the aged patina along side their luxurious, new leather furniture...

and a striking painting. 

(I would love to know who the artist is...)

I think in my next life I shall have a townhouse in Paris, and then I will combine a smooth, sleek metallic wall with the original wood moldings that add so much character to the space. Speaking of townhouses in Paris, if you are visiting there before the 19th of February, 2012, be sure to stop by the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine at the Palais de Chaillot (1 place du Trocadéro 75116 Paris) to visit their temporary exhibit, L'hôtel Particulier. Une Ambition Parisienne (The Townhouse. A Parisian Ambition). It looks so interesting and has had great reviews.

I would have to feel those walls!

When I am in the mood for bright and happy colors, I would love a space like this living room of Stila's creator, Jeanine Lobell and actor Anthony Edwards. The natural light and the various colors all say alive! to me.

Which way do you lean toward in your own home?

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Age (Before) Plus Beauty

Although I am increasingly drawn to a clean, contemporary look, if it is done right, you just can't beat an aged-to-perfection wall.

I though that this bathroom wall fits the bill perfectly.

If you like rustic... these stucco and aged wood walls sure have stories to tell.

This wall does not seem truly aged to me- it was nicely helped along. 

Then there is the plaster wall...

and the Saladino plaster wall, which one would be hard-pressed to surpass its beauty. I've still not tried his method- have you? How did it turn out?

Doesn't this look like the King's Speech famous wall before they removed its top wallpaper layer?

What are your thoughts on aged walls? Oui ou non?  

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Parisian Kitchen

Is this not the coolest kitchen you've seen in a while?

I love the idea of transforming a rather drab room with digital prints... here of classic architectural elements thrown in with a little Fornasetti paper.

American born and now Parisian based designer Bambi Sloan once again brings in her quirky décor and style touches.

Would you be so daring in your home?

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Ballroom Beauty

After having spent its previous eighty years in at least five different roles, the Tudor Arms Hotel now has one of the most beautiful ballrooms in Cleveland. The newly renovated DoubleTree hotel, originally built in 1931 as the Cleveland Club, reopened in August, 2011 after years of ranging from an athletic club to a college dorm to an office building. 

 

Maron, Ltd., the creative developer also responsible for revitalizing the hot entertainment district, East 4th St., in downtown Cleveland, transformed the unused and empty building, carefully restoring the building's character and grandeur.

The Crystal Room is but one of the hotel's two ballrooms. Its plaster and molding details, in order to conform to the historic tax credit requirements (the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) had to be recreated, which was spearheaded by interior designer, Cindy Cohen, of C Rae Interiors.

The moldings throughout were painted a grey-bronze metallic paint, followed by an umber glaze. The distinct moldings were indeed brought back to life.

Ms. Cohen worked closely with Nicolette Capuano, of Beyond The Wall Mural Design ltd., who carried out the decorative painting. After months of planning, they decided to create four murals in the already elegant space, bringing in pops of color and warmth to the room.

 The ballroom was a gem to work in and has already seen its share of weddings and special occasion dinners.

It is such a heartening thing to see a beautiful but neglected building brought back to life in such a caring way!

Home Comforts: Holiday Decorating

Today's agenda includes finally decorating for the holidays. 

It includes this...

With a top like this, do we really need a tree topper?

and these sweet little (faux) apples...

and these vintage red velvet with gold trim leaves...

and a little periwinkle sparkle, because I just have to have that somewhere!

Can you smell the chicken roasting? 

I just love days off!