Beginning My Love Affair...with linen

I have a new obsession - it's with linen fabric.  I love it.  I am totally smitten. Why??  Because it is FABULOUS!!!  The look, the "hand," the durability, the softness, the breath-ability and the renew-ability all contribute to making linen a wonder fabric.

Why haven't I noticed how amazing linen is before now?  I have linen drapes in my office.  I have a few antique linen table cloths that I use from time to time.  I have one or two linen shirts. So why the sudden obsession?  I haven't seen the "good stuff," the really, really "good stuff," until now - Belgian Linen.  I didn't know what I was missing.

Why is linen a wonder fabric??  Let's review a few of linen's inherent qualities.

Linen is a long staple fiber from the flax plant which yields a strong, durable fabric. Remnants have been found in tact that date back to Egyptian times and beyond.

Photos from Libeco-Lagae

Linen is smooth, lint free and does not pill. It is stronger when wet and the more you wash it, the better it feels.

Linen can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture before it begins to feel wet and quickly releases moisture, drying rapidly so that it works to keep you feeling cool.

Linen is a rapidly renewable plant with short growing cycle - just 100 days between sowing the seeds and harvesting the plant - root and all.  

And then there is the simple beauty of the linen fabric. Gorgeous as a set of drapes, beautiful on a piece of furniture, comfortable as a set of sheets or duvet, super durable as a tote bag - the uses are endless - the finished products are just lovely.

Libeco-Lagae fabrics

It's now my "go to" for everything!  I believe in Belgian Linen so much, and specifically the Libeco-Lagae product that I am now offering their wonderful products and their yummy fabrics to clients, family and designer friends.  

Please contact me or visit my on line store if you would like more information and I would be happy to share my new found passion for this wonder fabric that is Belgian Linen and the Libeco-Lagae product.

Peace and Beauty.

Best Chair for a Tete-A-Tete

Growing up my parents had an unspoken rule.  The minute my father walked through the door we children knew that we were to "disappear" to allow our parents time to chat and catch up on the day. 

Heart Shaped Mua Swing

I don't ever remember being told to stay away for awhile - it was just understood.  Most times I would linger just out of ear shot waiting for the signal that it was alright to join them.


In the spring and summer Mom would wait on the porch swing for Dad to arrive.  In the fall and winter she would be waiting for him in the living room with a cozy fire burning, ready to share our successes and on some days - our antics.   

It was such a wise thing that they did; reconnecting each evening, sharing their stories and being a couple.  We learned from this to make time for our partner and to focus on spending some special time together each day.  What a great example they were!

Today is Valentine's Day and my thoughts turn to romance and sharing love...as my parents did each day...and because I have a fascination with chair designs...I would like to share some fun pieces to consider for that special tete-a-tete.

Love this piece just for Valentine's Day - Christopher Guy

Japanese Dragon Tete-A-Tete Chair at auction

Flamenco Tete-A-Tete Chair

Anthropologie Axel Three Seater

What a great day dream -  to be sitting here with my sweetie this Valentine's Day

North Bali - Villa Akasa Segara

Union Tete-A-Tete

Love, love, love this classic - Warren McArthur's "Tete-a-Tete," 1932

Wrought Iron Tete-A-Tete at auction

A classic Windsor - this would be the prefect style for my Mom and Dad




Happy Valentine's Day!!!!   

XX0X
 

It's a Red Thing

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and I am feeling drawn to all things red. 

For years my dining and living room were painted Ralph Lauren Barn Red.  I loved it! 

Here are a few images to get us in the mood for romance. 

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

 

Mark Belford

 

Gucci Lizbeth

 

 

Chanel

 

 

Chocolate Covered Strawberries - my favorite Valentine's Day goodies

 

 

 

 

Red glasses add romance to a place setting

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farrow and Ball - Rectory Red

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluted Red Roccoco Tulip

 

 

 

Crate and Barrel Fondue Set

 

 

 

 

 

Scalamandre Zebra Print Umbrella - my FAVORITE!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pottery Barn Mercury Glass Pillar Holders

 

 

KitchenAid Mixer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pottery Barn Heart Dessert Dishes

 

 

 

 Cute red side table from Pottery Barn - just a pop of red



Vertical Gardening

I am feeling the mid winter blues and catching the bug for vertical gardening. 

I love the idea of planting edible plants but wonder if I would be able to keep them alive. 

My girlfriend, Patti, in California has tons of succulents growing in her backyard garden and this year experimented by planting a variety of her succulent plants in a frame with chicken wire - it turned out wonderfully.  Piece of art!

I do not have any sunny winter locations in my home so ... supplemental lighting??  Watering indoors?

Oh, but it's a wonderful dream for a mid winter day.



Exterior wall installation from ECO Walls

Green Over Grey

 

 

Green Over Grey

 

 

 

Make Be-Leaves

 

 

 

Nice way to ease into growing vertically on your wall by Articulture

Mario Batali's Pizzaria Mozza Edible Living Wall

 

The Green Head

 

 

 

 

The form for planting from Gardener's Supply Company.

Travel - Amanyara - Turks & Caicos

Being a designer has created a few challenges for me, most notably an ongoing struggle as my pocketbook and my desire to be surrounded by beautiful things are at odds.  At home I am driven to be immersed in good design, and when I travel, I want to stay at gorgeous places.

Amanyara Resort - Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Having this well-developed appreciation for good design creates an active filter as I experience everything.  Can I just say it…I’m very picky!!  I have heard on more than one occasion that buying a gift for me is challenging – sorry family and friends. When I travel I spend hours searching for accommodations that are fabulous. I can’t just stay anywhere – I am travel snob.  Big time! 

What am I looking for?  I search for good design that won’t make my eyes hurt and interiors that won’t make me feel uncomfortable.  I want to relax and enjoy just being where I am.  Interior design – it’s not just a job – it’s more - it’s a lifestyle.

Last year we traveled to Turks & Caicos for our vacation and I loved it!!  The beaches are wonderful, the snorkeling is fabulous, the climate – the best, the people are welcoming and gracious, good food and…LOVELY places to stay.

While we didn’t stay here at Amanyara (we rented a very private villa) I thought I would share a bit about this stunning resort on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos.  I think the design is wonderful. The various spaces relate well to one another, interior and exterior are seamlessly married, the furnishings are restful, tasteful and just plain beautiful, and my spirit hums when I see these images.



Amanyara Resort



Amanyara Resort - lovely!!

 

Amanyara Resort



Amanyara Resort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps we will stay at Amanyara on our next visit - I can dream!