L'architecture du France

We, my designer daughter in law and I, found these prints at a flea market in New York City one drab Sunday afternoon. She invited me to one of her textile shows because she knows I love haute couture for domestics. (that's high design in textiles and finishes both residential and commercial)  We've been back to this little secret in the city each time we visit to pick up any other little jewels we can find. 
The prints were part of an antique collection of books and indeed, are the pages themselves. These particular drawings are from La Palais De Fontainebleau; his moldings and mantels in intricate detail.  Bringing attention to them by layering and interesting arrangements, just makes them all the more "chic", don't you think?

1Cor 3:10 By the grace YHVH has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Messiah Yeshua. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.

Don't be afraid of color!

Well if  you thought the drab color palette so popular with Restoration Hardware was going to stay in style, you're behind the times.  Bringing back color is like seeing a long lost friend.  This Parade of Homes "show stopper" was built by my son and decorated/staged by my daughter in law.    It is a stunning new look for the residential world, standing in stark contrast to the last several years of dull and drab surroundings.  Amber is always on the cutting edge of design, working in the hospitality textile industry.  She directs the art department for a fabric company and sets the tone in Las Vegas, New York and Miami textile shows for what's "in style".  Just like anchorman, she's "kind of a big deal". I think so and I think she did a fabulous job.....with a little help from her mother in law. :)

I must add that this house did not win any of the Parade awards.  Me thinks something is awry since countless visitors to the home, all commented on the refreshing absence of gray and taupe. 
So when a "designer" as a judge is unfamiliar with what is trending and scores the house low;  shame....shame!  Time to get a new judge!             (or I could just be biased...............nah!)

a gentlemen's club for a petite gentleman

My daughter's are all designers (in spirit).  Every one of them have high expectations and high design style.  Could be because they were used to matching surroundings or well placed knick knacks or even the latest color trends and styles creeping into their bedroom.  They are married now and raising babes of their own.  But that hasn't stopped them from expecting only the latest in chic design for their own little ones.

Here is our most recent adventure.  The nursery.  This is for our first grandson on the way.  His mommy was inspired (obviously) by Ralph Lauren Polo with all the dark colors, the warmth of clutter, the classic shimmer of touches of gold and of course, plaid.  But not just any plaid.  We searched high and low for just the right composition of blue, green, subtle yellow and subtle red.  One of our most fabulous finds was the oil painting over the changing table.  We found it in a little antique shop in Jenks, OK.  We all agreed it would be the focal point of the nursery and we were not disappointed.

After a week in OK, slaving away to get the nursery finished on this trip, I think I got a lot accomplished.  Not in the pics is the window treatment I finished before leaving town.  I'll show it in later pics as well as the vintage chandelier we still need to install.  But overall, I think we're ready for this little guy.

nothing like the south.....

Ok, I am a homebody and a gardening snob.  I love the outdoors....not in the sportsman type way.  Nope, can't stand to play tennis in the cold. But I love gardening, my chicken coop, planting, watering, sitting by the koi pond, even digging and laying all the rock for the koi pondS with my "what a man" husband.  Yes, that's right.  We did it all with a little help from a digger and the strong backs of temporary labor.  But we managed to get it done.  Our 2nd pond is in a post below but that's not really what I wanted to blog about today.  

I wanted to show you some great greenery ideas that only grow in the south.  In fact, some only grow in the south that gets plenty of water so if it doesn't rain, you have to sprinkle daily.

Looks like a living fence

Rev 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘He will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And YHVH will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

Blue Hydrangeas.....J'adore!

There is almost no other flower as spectacular as a display of blue hydrangeas.  They look peaceful, untouchable, perhaps a bit artificial.  And the range of colors you can get just by changing the pH of the soil makes this flower most special.  

I've grown hydrangeas for the last 10 years.  I have blue ones in large pots that put on a grand show last year in their blue hues.  This year, they've bloomed pink.  So I'm trying desperately to bring the soil pH down to a level that will change their color back to blue.  So far, not working, but not giving up either.

Luke 12:27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how YHVH clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you

Stepping into a little bit of France

Recently, we took a trip to Mobile, Alabama.  Mobile was founded as the capitol of French Louisiana in 1702 and remained a part of New France for over 60 years, according to Wikipedia.  Mobile spent decades as French, then British, then Spanish, then American, spanning 160 years up until the Civil War.

Here are some beautiful old homes with a definite french influence, in true Louisiana French style.

Psalm 49

16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
    when the splendor of their houses increases;
17 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
    their splendor will not descend with them.
18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
    and people praise you when you prosper—
19 they will join those who have gone before them,
    who will never again see the light of life.

20 People who have wealth but lack understanding
    are like the beasts that perish.

Je t'amie les toiles!

I love toile fabric.  It is a french word meaning "canvas" with which the artist designs upon.  Most toile fabrics show realistic scenery, animals, botanicals, farming or entertaining venues.  And mostly, the artist uses only 1  or 2 colors with it's many variation of tones to create their work.          Mais oui, tres French!