Williamsburg Inspiration

Every design begins with creative inspiration, and meaning!

When I am visually inspired, I automatically begin by thinking about the origin of the design, and its influence. In thinking about the design concept for the urns at Designer Bath, I knew that orange would play a significant role, as it is their logo color.

Colonial Williamsburg would be the inspiration, and meaning behind these designs. The epitome of designing with a natural approach by using 100% organic materials. Basically, kick-in it old school.

I decided to do my interpretation of a Williamsburg design with a slightly modern twist. I substituted in some faux oranges, knowing that they would hold up better in cold weather conditions. A little glitz (gold spray paint), helped soften the faux appearance of the oranges, and makes a festive color statement. While leaving out the pomegranates from the Designer Bath version, I allowed my red door to provide the punch of color.

These are some must-have black urns, purchased from Northeast Nursery after having used them for my design for the Boxford Holiday Homes Tour last year. I just love the glitzy feel of this design, mixed with natural elements, all in keeping with my style.

Currently, orange is not a color that appears in my interior spaces. However, I have considered incorporating it into my updated interior decor. With no intentions of changing my red theme, I am most definitely drawn to the addition of orange. As my design plan is already in motion, the decision has been made to leave my blue accents behind, and create a more tone-on-tone affect.




Until next time...L.

Pumpkin Designs | 2012

We spent this past Sunday bracing for Hurricane Sandy, and preparing our pumpkins for Halloween night. The lead designer was my daughter, who did an outstanding job. She used inspiration from online sources, and from the October issue of Country Living.

Pinterest was the inspiration behind this pumpkin-eat-pumpkin design.

Silhouettes are all the design-rage this year, and pumpkin silhouettes are no exception. She created this howling wolf design with the addition of orange and black ribbon that she found in my studio.

A little vignette created with her smallest pumpkin creation positioned on the top of the lantern. This black lantern was a FIND at HomeGoods last year. I used it for my Boxford Holiday Homes Tour design, and I knew it would come in handy.

The lead designer sporting her Harry Potter scarf, and fake teeth.




Until next time...L.

Pumpkin Artist in Residence

Halloween is upon us, and our pumpkin designs are already in place. My husband is our "pumpkin artist in residence." He has been busy formulating his plan (along with his assistant), to accommodate all design requests.

Using varieties of gourds and pumpkins of different shapes and colors adds interest to any pumpkin design. A store bought pumpkin carving kit, provides all the necessary tools for any aspiring pumpkin designer.

This pumpkin design is for the equestrian in the family. Carved with some visible flesh creates a nice contrast against the white pumpkin.

All the work has been done here. The neighborhood squirrels will be counting the seconds until they can sink their teeth into this design.

My husband created this design just for me. It was part of my Cider Party vignette for the Boxford Holiday Homes Tour, last October.

Off to make some pumpkin soup for my hard working designers.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe by Nicola Zymba

1 oz. butter

1 onion, chopped

4 oz. raw smoked bacon, diced

2 lb. pumpkin flesh, peeled, seeded, cubed

1 tbsp. tomato paste

2 pints chicken broth

3 fl. oz. cream

1 tbsp. whipped cream

2 oz. cooked smoked bacon for garnish

seasoning

Melt butter in a large pot. 

 Add onion, bacon and pumpkin. Sweat for 6-8 mins.

Add tomato paste and stir 2 mins.

Pour in the stock and stir in cream. Cook on low for 20-25 mins.

Puree with a hand blender and season to taste.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche and sprinkle with bacon.

Serves 6-8 people

Until next time...L.

The Best Kind of Art

What's the only cure for wishing that the summer would never end, its a design remedy to the rescue.

As my children make their way through school, they continue to provide me with "the best kind of art", visible in almost every room of our house. This piece was used in my design space at the Boxford Holiday Homes Tour , last October. It helped to anchor my fall vignette which was centered around my grandmother's antique drop leaf table.

I love the colors of this oil abstract, with hints of stars. It's lovely against the backdrop of my rustic wood paneled dining room walls.

This fabulous kimono was designed by my son for the 2009 St. John's Prep performance of The Tragedy of Richard the lll, performed in Kabuki style theatre. The piece was worn by Michael Carli, who played the role of Queen Margaret.

With a wooden dowel and some red grosgrain ribbon I was able to create a hanger for this pillowcase masterpiece. It makes its annual appearance during the holiday season along with many other "masterpieces" of its kind.

A beautiful rendition of "Starry Night" by Van Gogh, hangs in my bedroom where it can be admired daily. An inexpensive frame from IKEA, helps to complete the look.


To personalize your home with works of art you really don't have to spend a fortune. Get creative, and work with what you have on-hand.


Until next time...L.

I'll Have A Burlap Christmas

Since the Boxford Holiday Homes Tour, I have decided to keep the burlap theme running.  As I did not have a lot of burlap ribbon leftover from the show, I created this wreath using what I had left. I love the natural appeal of the berries and burlap, on an evergreen wreath.

An urn filled with greens from my yard is the backdrop for my winter berry branches. I decided to group the winter berry branches close together vs. distributing them throughout the design. The branches were on the short side, and they looked a bit lost spread out among the greens. I like the way this gives a punch of color, and is visually pleasing from the street.

This is just a sneak peak, at my Christmas burlap theme. Make sure to stop by to see more.



Until next time...L.

Boxford Holiday Homes Tour, part deux

"Nothing is worth doing, unless it is overdone"

                                                                                     anonymous source

This past weekend I was one of the featured designers, at the Holiday Homes Tour in Boxford, "Entertaining with Style." I chose to design my space with a slightly less traditional theme in mind. I decided to use my parent's annual cider party as my inspiration. A tradition that still exists today, thanks to my sister.

To begin the process, it was important to first consider the space (a beautiful front porch), and its unique features. The gorgeous wood floors and weathered gray walls, helped to create the ideal backdrop for my cider party theme.

My goals for the space were understated and sophisticated, so burlap table covers seemed like the logical place to start. When creating a design with a theme in mind, you can never spend too much time (including non-waking hours), figuring out how to best work in as much detail as humanly possible.

And since designing is like telling a story, this one began with a press.

My husband often helps me realize some of the mechanical aspects of my design ideas, which there are many. He is the engineer and I am the architect, for lack of a better word. Here is a collaboration between the architect and the engineer - not the best photo angle:(  Dear, I want a cone shaped holder for my design project, please. Oh, and did I mention there are nine chairs?

All the props used for my cider party space were either from my own private collection or for the most part, HomeGoods. Keeping cost down without sacrificing the quality of a good design is like music to my ears.

Mixing in heirloom pieces and HomeGoods finds, brings up the level of formality while creating a more unique aesthetic. My grandmother would be over the moon to see her red goblets in action. I never tire of their beautiful jewel tones.

photo credit: Yvonne Blacker

My son's painting is featured in this cider party vignette. A treasure of mine from his high school years at St. John's Prep. I immediately envisioned the painting hanging in this space, as the colors speak of fall with a contemporary flare. It hangs in my home and I have the luxury of admiring it everyday.

To the left of the porch is where all the cider-making happens, along with some "comfortable" seating. This press was purchased by my Dad from "The State of Washington," and has been in my family for over 32 years. It has graced many a lawn, around this time of year.

And last but not least, a little children's paradise, hidden under the weeping cedar. I can't even begin to imagine how old this tree is. Any guesses?

I want to thank my husband for all his help, as this design project would not have been possible. Honestly...the heavy lifting could not have been done alone.

I look forward to the opportunity of participating in the Boxford Holiday Homes Tour, again. I had the chance to meet some great people, and spend the day touring some fabulous Boxford homes. As I begin to put away all my design props, and return to a more normal schedule, it feels a bit strange to put this project to bed. Onto Thanksgiving, I guess.

Until next time... L.

Boxford Holiday Homes Tour

Faux Bois Screen

I decided, kind of last minute, to design a space for the Boxford Homes Tour. This year, the tour theme is "Entertaining with Style". Sixteen designers will be showcasing their talents based around various holiday themes, from Thanksgiving to New Years. Theme based designing is what I love to do, which is why I thought this event was a perfect match for me. Pictured here, are some of the elements that helped to influence my design.

Place Setting

I chose a somewhat non-traditional htheme for my design. The inspiration behind my theme comes from an old family tradition. My parents hosted a party every fall, celebrating the making of cider. With a cider press that my Dad purchased from Washington State (the heart of the apple capital), back in 1978 we would invite neighbors and friends to enjoy the process of making homemade cider. Each family would be able to take home a gallon or two, that they could serve on Thanksgiving. It never failed to be a cold, raw day in November, but that never drove away the guests. Our family and friends looked forward every year, to making their annual homemade Thanksgiving Day cider.

   

Asian Lantern

                                                                       
The infamous cider press will be making a guest appearance for the sake of my design, on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Unfortunately, I will not be sending home gallons of cider, but hopefully some inspiration. "Entertaining with Style," isn't about being fancy. Its about getting creative by using simple ideas, creating memories and traditions.

Grapevine Chandelier

More visuals that helped me to create my design plan.

Wool Tartan Throw

 Don't forget to bring along a girlfriend or two for a day filled with lots of holiday inspiration!!!!



Until next time...L