For more than two years I have scoured auctions for a set of antique botanical prints for my bedroom, hoping to get some at a reasonable price.  Nineteenth century prints like these originally came in subscription books and were hand-colored by artists. Last month, I wrote about my successful auction bid — a group of [...]

Pencils down!  I used to associate pencils with schoolwork and exams.  That is, until I viewed the portfolio of Sue Lowenberg, also known as “The Pencil Lady”.  This talented artisan creates eye-popping designs by calculatingly applying pencils of all types to occasional tables, picture frames, mirrors and fashion accessories.  Both of the tables pictured here [...]

A mix of eclectic housewares and industrial-age antiques are assembled by Le Grenier owner Maya Marzolf.  The inventory of this Brooklyn boutique, whose name translates to “the attic,” truly appears to be gathered from a relatives attic.  Each item is obviously selected with love.  Price points seem far more reasonable than most sources in the [...]

Our two-part virtual walk-through of Allison’s stone cottage was designed so everyone could appreciate the highly original living spaces she has worked so hard to create. If you haven’t yet seen the main rooms in part one, the elegant French Gray Island kitchen, or the more private spaces in part two, I suggest taking that [...]

Our tour of Allison’s lovely stone house on a lake in Alabama continues with a walk through some of the private spaces in the 5-bedroom home that our very own blogging partner and her husband built on 4-1/2 acres. If you missed part one of the tour, you might want to use the link to [...]

Calling a 5 bedroom 4-1/2 bathroom home sitting on 4-1/2 acres a European cottage is by way of describing the style of the house our very own Allison and her husband lovingly built on an Alabama lakefront lot.
Designed by Tulsa architect Jack Arnold – who the couple has never actually met – the house was [...]

Two-hundred-year-old stone structures often don’t lend themselves to modern kitchens. But the Campanula House, on the Ionian island of Corfu,  shows how a skillful design successfully marries a contemporary kitchen to a rustic interior.
This house is one of 12 restored on the Rou Estate, a high-end property that touts outdoor terraces from which you can [...]

One question often asked in the decorating world is “how do I make my home unique when it comes to decor?” Easy answers are; shop estate sales and antique stores, don’t buy the more current mass marketed items and shop when traveling.  If you like to sleep in on the weekends, are tired of hitting [...]

When I saw the display [above] of 1970-80’s era record album jackets I immediately thought of my two cousins, brothers Jon and Dave Konjoyan.  Both have spent their careers in the music industry and undoubtedly have each of these albums along with hundreds more.  Their knowledge of recording artists has always amazed me — even [...]

One of the best examples of how two different colors affect the same exact space is perfectly captured by these photos of a hallway in a Victorian house in London. For me, it’s a study in color dynamics and the often overlooked issue of what happens on the floor and stairwell.

Not surprisingly, the house belongs [...]

Monday is a federal holiday in the United States, originally designated to celebrate the birthday of our first President, George Washington.  Since the holiday is more commonly referred to as Presidents Day, it seems fitting to feature a bit of history that includes many of our former leaders.  (Source: Les Trois Pignons).

The photos [above] are [...]

What do the luxurious fabrics above have in common with sleeping beauty’s bed below?  Both are made with stain-, water-, bacteria- and odor-resistant Crypton fabrics. Their motto is “whatever life, kids and pets can throw at it.”  Intriguing, to say the least.

Famed dog photographer William Wegman’s collection is perfect covering for pet beds and accessories, [...]