Whether collecting acorns, drying flowers, or framing herbaria, I think it is charming to bring nature inside. There are many easy ways to style using nature. Grab some pine cones for an empty bowl, for example. Such an interesting way to fill a vessel. I love displaying bowls but sometimes [...]
Bathrooms are one of my favorite rooms to decorate. Perhaps it’s because many of them are in classic shades of white. They can be utilitarian and still fabulous. And of course, they should stand up to daily use. Susan and Greg, whose home I featured in this former post, have [...]
In my last post on our blue garden, many of you left wonderful plant suggestions. Thank you kindly! * * * * * * * An easy way to freshen up a room for summer is by changing out the pillows. Whether custom or already made, pillows can perk up [...]
Back in April, I introduced our blue garden which we planted in July 2011. This garden features plants that flower predominately blue, lavender or purple. To add depth and texture to this tone-on-tone garden, I mixed in plants with interesting foliage as well. I designed this informal garden with scale [...]
With their classical and symmetrical facades, center-hall colonial homes are popular in the Washington, DC area. The majority, built in the 1920-30's, offer a pleasing floor plan. Shortly after my friends and clients, Susan and Greg, purchased their renovated colonial, they asked me to help update the interiors. Susan loves [...]
I want to start this post by thanking Stacy at Red Door Home for recognizing Tone on Tone as blog of the month in June. One of my first supporters, she has been a tremendous friend. Thank you, Stacy! I’m thoroughly honored. Speaking of friends, I’d like to share my [...]
For a country with such a cold climate, Sweden offers surprisingly glorious gardens and unique landscapes. Cool summer temperatures and long hours of sunlight together with fertile soil help offset the short growing season. I discovered Sweden’s beautiful landscapes when we first traveled there in the mid 1990s. A short [...]
I love old houses! Our 1916 Mediterranean style stucco home is full of period details such as the front loggia, green tiled roof, and gracious French windows and doors. There are also drawbacks to life in “this old house.” One disadvantage is the lack of closet space. It never bothered [...]
Though summer officially begins June 21st, I’m already more relaxed, a bit lazier, and feeling that sunny vibe. The days are longer. Weekend traffic is a breeze. Spring garden chores are all completed. Time to sit back, and enjoy the abundant blooms of hydrangeas, lilies, and daisies! For me, summer [...]
Why do I love Winterthur? Perhaps it’s the extraordinary collection of American decorative arts housed in the stately Du Pont home. Maybe it’s the bucolic setting in the picturesque Delaware Brandywine Valley. Or, the specimen trees, shrubs and rare plants on the estate’s naturalistic landscape. I would say all of [...]
