Blog love affair

...I'm in love with my new blog design. Can't stop looking at it! Love the colors, the feeling, everything about it. It was created by the super-talented Sharon at Plumrose Lane. Click the link on the upper right hand corner of my blog and check her out!

Etsy!

Well, now that my website is up and comfortably running, I decided to give Etsy a whirl. For those of you that don't know, Etsy is a site created as a marketplace for handcrafted and/or vintage items. Soooo much talent - wow! So, I now have a humble little shop there, and I'm excited to create, create, create. My Etsy banner and avatar was created by a VERY talented graphic artist, Dale at Sea Dream Studio. Check her out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaDreamStudio/

And my shop... http://www.etsy.com/shop/GypsyHouseDesigns/

Love and Peace!
Barbara

Greta Garbo Art Collector

I found these photos by Billy Cunningham at Architectural Digest. They show the New York City home of Greta Garbo, where she lived from 1953 until her death in 1990. Her art and antique collections were amazing.  For Garbo color was the all important, essential element .

"I love color. With me it's inborn. I just know. I didn't have to learn it." Garbo

The color is wonderful and the scale and proportions are perfect.

The art collection included works by Renoir....

and the Russian Expressionist Jawlensky. The collection was extensive and  hung throughout the apartment. As new acquisitions were made Garbo would rearrange her art work, recreating her gallery.

Beautiful and perfect.

This living room setting included a Renoir painting, a Regence parquetry commode and a Louis XV corner chair. Does it get any better? I don't think so.

In the hallway we find a painting by Garbo's brother and an area rug designed by Garbo herself.  Her talents seem to be never ending.

This closet/dressing room was the home of the Garbo hat collection and another rug she designed.

And then there's this work of art, the beautiful Garbo herself.

Muriel's Blues

My friend and amazing artist, Muriel Eulich, has entered the Contemporary Figure Juried Competition. Her usual vibrant colors are contained in a monochromatic scheme, a requirement of the competition. The relaxed shapes and figures she favors have been altered with a much tighter approach.
From Muriel, "These paintings pushed me to do images in a different way."

These paintings are another wonderful version of Muriel's artistic creativity. I'll keep you posted on the outcome of the competition.

Holiday Tablescapes

Whether casual or formal a beautiful tablescape is the focal point of holiday entertaining. Here are few examples showing how you can create a table that reflects your holiday style.

 The combination of fuchsia, silver and clear glass gives this tablescape an elegant and beautiful style. It could be in a dining room that is traditional and formal or a more modern tailored setting.

Silver vases holding roses with dark foliage is a stunning addition to this casual holiday table.

Combining shades of blue used in the ornaments, candles and centerpiece makes this a stylish and bright setting for the holidays.

 Gold accents around the room and on the table make this tablescape chic and classic. Stunning. I especially love the soft, ruffled table skirt.

 Simple works even at the holidays. It's all in the details.

Rich, opulent, this tablescape has it all. The dark blue walls are the perfect background. The mirror frame and chandelier give the right amount of shine and reflection. Beautiful.
Set the table with your style and enjoy the Holidays.
photos from Homes and Gardens

Design Classes 2011

In the new year I will be teaching another round of classes through STLCC. In addition to the classes on Resources and Inspiration I will have a class on Window Treatments. The class will focus on the elements of a window treatment.  The treatments shown are from client projects or showhouses I have done.

This is a simple treatment. The fabric panels are gathered on a wood pole with decorative finials. The color palette for the room  was taken from the fabric.

This elegant living room has silk panels that puddle on the floor. I think of it as the ball gown effect.

Attaching the fabric panel to brackets instead of a rod allows the fabric to drape and fold gracefully.

In this girl's bedroom an extra width of fabric added to the panel creates a full, rich effect as the panel is pulled to the side. The fabric softens the look of the full shutter on the window.

For this treatment a double pole was needed. The metal hardware has two poles, one for the sheers and another for the lined silk panels.

Lined linen panels on small brackets create a soft draped effect in this loft sitting area.

I would like your input. What questions do you have about window treatments? What would you want to learn in this class?

Gypsy Living...

I love colorful, playful interiors that have personality and a relaxed feel. When I think of bohemian living, the images above capture that style for me. Home is truly our sanctuary, where we should feel nurtured, safe, and surrounded by things we love!