the greenbrier: cutting edge history

History can be a little bland sometimes, so it blows my mind when you see a place like the Greenbrier.  The Greenbrier's history starts in 1778 and has operated as a world-class resort with ventures in an army hospital, a casino, a medical spa, and a secret government nuclear war bunker- all in West Virginia.  In the middle of the last century Dorothy Draper was commissioned to revamp the historic property and turned her kind of brilliance loose on the place, with floral upholstery, black and white floors, and color galore.  Along with the design, Draper oversaw every detail down to the matchbooks and the uniforms.  A couple of years ago after fighting back from bankruptcy the Greenbrier was given an $80 million dollar renovation with Draper's protege and current head of Dorothy Draper & Co, Carleton Varney at the helm of the design rejuvenation.  This freedom of design and boldness makes me giddy.  

photos above from DorothyDraper.com

Has anyone visited the Greenbrier?

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.  You can alsofollow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

Quality of Design

Over a year ago on ACL, I did a series on Michael Smith Alums.  Fellow MS graduates that had spun off and started their own businesses.  The talent pool is ridiculous.  Joe & Parrish from Harbinger featured in November's House Beautiful, Brian with his own fabric line Ferrick Mason, Oliver who is impossible to miss, because he is everywhere.  Which brings us to Katie and Jason of Maine Design- right after the post went live they found out that their project would be featured in House Beautiful and now, over a year later (shows you how long you may have to wait to be published in a national magazine), they are in the Dec/Jan 2012 issue.



Normally, I avoid posting commentary on magazine spreads, but I can't pass up showing off my talented friends.  Get the full story in the December / January 2012 House Beautiful.

This is the kind of design that I want to be doing.  I think people have forgotten in the rush for "the look for less" and budget cutting that you can never achieve this quality of design on a small budget.  The patina of quality antiques and the luster of handpainted wallpaper will never be matched by Restoration Hardware and a gallon of paint.  Fabrics that are $20/yard are not equal to fabrics that are $200/yard.  Not everyone can afford this quality of design and great design can be done on a limited budget, if you are open to spending money on things that matter.  

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.  You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Amanda Teal

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Today we are lucky to have Amanda Teal from Stylish Bird letting us have a glimpse at her 10 Things.  

I am learning through this series that we are all really not so different in what we believe and what makes us tick.  

New item 3715, 3716, ...

No I don't number my new objects, I have only one life.

But here are some of my new baby's. Shells, statue's, chandeliers,...

I hope you like them?

be thankful

gourmet mag

I am taking the rest of the week off, but there will be a new post on Monday with Amanda Teal of Stylish Bird 10 Things I Believe.

• If you get stuck this Thanksgiving try this: Food52


• You can also read about my 5 Things I Heart on Yummy Scrumptious


• Discover how I feel about Mauve, Painted trim, Hostess gifts, and 


• see my work in a magazine.  

New flyer for THE GOOD LIFE

The Good Life is 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at Laszlo!

life in detail: parquet floors

Floors are often not given the attention they deserve for being such a major part of your home.  A beautiful floor can increase your home's style-factor exponentially - making even an ikea sofa look rich.

1. Parquet de Versailles 2. Design Sponge 3. Interiors Digital 4. Luis Caicedo 5. Brownstoner

For more parquet love check out this informational post.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.  You can alsofollow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Erika Ward

You may know Erika from her blog Blu Label Bungalow, you should also visit her website and follow her on twitter.  Thanks Erika!

Antica 2011

Friday I went to Namur to see some nice antiques with a friend at Antica. And off course I brought you some eye candy for the people who couldn't make it ;-)

Sorry for the bad quality of the pictures. But I think you can still feel the mood, and see the quality of the objects.

I don't have any space anymore almost in my apartment, so I was only aloud to take pictures with me ;-)