How Will You Celebrate the Year of the Horse?

While the Chinese New Year is something that I typically do not think to celebrate (and yes shame on me), how is it that a Kentuckian could pass up the opportunity to celebrate the Year of the Horse for the next year you ask?

Well that's just it... I couldn't pass up the opportunity! But how to celebrate... For one, I hope to kick of the year by being in the saddle as often as possible with my old friend Vali.

He is truly a glorious horse...

 These are a personal favorite of mine... Affordable replicas from the ancient Han Dynasty. While I place many accessories in clients homes, those that have (or seem to have) a story are ALWAYS much more successful than those that do not.

This Manuel Canovas print, being a leading fabric in a current project, is also a nice way to be ringing in the 'New Year'.

A very healthy and prosperous Chinese New Year to all!

A Ploar Vortex Can't Stand In My Way...

When you are asked to park at the top of the driveway and walk down, you know its going to be an interesting project...

A view of the frozen waterfall from the sun porch.

 Really, the parking situation was only due to it being the 3rd polar vortex of the season.

This is my favorite room. A kitchen with stone walls and brick floors... Does it get any better?

While the brick floors may be difficult to keep clean they provide a dynamic texture to the room.

A sampling of the new fabrics we will be using on this project.

Luxe Lodge

While Schumacher's 'Luxe Lodge' collection has been out for a while, it is the cold days of winter that make it seem that much more enticing.

This rustic collection of wall coverings and fabrics maintain a a refined sensibility while fitting right in... from Lake Tahoe, CA to My not so Old Kentucky Home... 

Wyoming's look of urbane sophistication is created by combining Italian faux leather with embroidery that is reminiscent of a chain link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A modern twist on the traditional Native American rug motif, Vail Chenille blends soft cotton yarns with a textured weave reminiscent of epingle.

This interpretation of an antique Turkish kilim rug is woven in a blend of alpaca and wool.

A graphic and contemporary version of a classic animal pattern, this fabric features playful and spirited silhouettes of reindeer, which have been embroidered with delicately patterned stitching.

 

This collection truly brings a modern spirit to the rural retreat!

Old Naples, FL

For those of you who have spoken to me recently you know of my excitment of my Old Naples, FL project.  For those of you that haven't, then you should be texting me! But in the meantime... enjoy the content! These are a few preliminary photos... Many, many layers are to follow!

 Reproduction of ancient world maps from the 17th century coming from Holland. The water and earth protector gods watch over the globe in the Master Bath.

                          Vintage Fortuny                                             Symmetrical Balance in the Entry

(Cartier-Panther Inspired Wall Paper in the Guest Bath) 

 

This is a preview of a few of the many exciting fabrics & trims that are about to up the ante for the rest of the residence!

A Colorful First Impression

As the cold days of winter have meant spending more time indoors, I have been dreaming about exotic locales with spicy saturated jewel tone colors. 

Las Ramblas, Barcelona

That in turn led me to discover the photos of these global building facades. While I know the importance of color, so often I think one forgets how others may interpret color choices. 

Rajasthan, India

Porto, Portugal

Rue Crémieux, Paris

Imagine how all of these buildings would look in shades of white and beige...
They wouldn't be nearly as interesting, would they?