Harvest Time with Thomas Jefferson

"Good wine is a necessity of life for me" TJ

On a recent trip with Mr. C we traveled through the country side of Virginia and one can not help but think of Thomas Jefferson.  Not Monticello's grand beauty and simplicity or the inspiration of  UVA's strength but it is Thomas Jefferson's  much beloved POPLAR FOREST.  A place inspired by a neo-classical villa, his personal getaway for solitude in comfort and peace. Preferring not much company but family time. November was a wonderful time to explore his retreat, as it was harvest time! A wine festival was taking place at Poplar Forest an annual fund raiser. Under the glorious Magnolia tree and  large white tents with a sunny November sky for all to enjoy! It was Thomas Jefferson's well kept secret and an inspiration to all especially an interior designer.

Sharing the Season

Each fall season I look forward to rediscovering the beauty of gourds and the varieties of squash. And where do I find these gems? At the HOWARD FAMILY FARM est. in 1818 in Bainbridge Ohio. Each year there always seems to be a new shape to display and yes recipes to try. We all love the tradition of pumpkins but wait till you see them mixed with a green Gooseneck and a colorful Turksturben. My favorite is a Blue Hubbard Squash, they are such a soft pale bluegreen and grand in size. Pumpkimums are smaller than a cooking pumpkin but a tricolor. Then there are the Jack-b-Littles which you can usually pick up a mix by the bag at your local grocery chain.


Refreshing and Easy that's what I call seasonal area rugs! Change out the summer lime green rug for a rich modern and fun rug from CRATE & BARREL. This year they introduce the ZUMI rugs, the brown cinnamon and sage is terrific. When setting up FAll DECOR think of Halloween as an accent. So they can be easily pulled and replaced with Thanksgiving. Check out our friend Mr. Bones from www.GRANDINROAD.com I especially love their square table cloths too.

With exterior containers its hard to throw out some those durable annuals when you've had a beautiful warm September.
So lets simplify...leave the ivy and greenery, add your mums with Indian Corn for seasonal color. It's not uncommon in this region to see corn stocks enveloping a mailbox. Take a bale of hay and add those pumpkins, gourds and squash!

Harvest the Colors of Fall

From the first weekend in October till the end of November, from Halloween till Thanksgiving its HARVEST TIME, its FALL. Our Fall Decor will begin this weekend! The studio will share not only the colors and textures of Fall Decor but ideas to simplify the process. Interior and exterior areas will be spruced up for family and friends to enjoy.

The golden rod has bloomed, fresh crisp air has arrived, and the leaves are beginning to dance with new rich colors. Take time to enjoy it all! Now Mr.C will be splitting wood with sons and enjoying his love of fly fishing. I'll add an extra layer to enjoy a run on a country road or take that puppy of a lab for a walk in the parks of Chagrin Falls.

Why Pink and Brown

I had a client ask me, "Why do pink and brown look great together? How does it work so well?" Why would it work so well; pink is so girly and brown is just boring?

Let me explain. . .brown is a sign of strength and dependability - Benjamin Moore's 2110-30 Saddle Soap or BM1035 Cambridge Riverbed. The beauty of the earth's rich soil, the bark of your favorite large tree to hug, these are examples from earth that bring us comfort. Now share that space with a solid peony pink or a magenta, and you've got glamour and dazzle! Example Bm 2080-40 Wild Pink. Then pull it all together with a soft trim color such as Benjamin Moore's HC-93 Carrington Beige.

This color combination is thought to be a fit for a sunroom or girl's room, but why not a master bedroom? With luxurious fabrics of raw silk and velvet, you have brought touchable textures of romance together. Its a balance of masculinity (brown) and pink (feminine). A pink magenta is not girly, it's a subtle power to harmonize with the earth's brown! And that's the why and how - give romance a try!

Modern Interiors

Yes I remember that preference for Modern Minimalism.....from a discussion on The Bauhaus and a certain Kandinsky lecture.
Modern Minimalism brings about calmness, order, and security to a home. Yet there is space to encourage creativity. Which says to all a "wonderful comfort" for a family with two boys.

Warmth of Winter

As the winter weather challenges us with record breaking temperatures (-14 below ) I find myself appreciating the warmth of home. Sitting by a crackling fire with a nice glass of wine absorbed by one of my favorite art books is a pleasure I enjoy.

There are simple ways to add visual warmth to your home. Bring the textures and contrast of the outdoors inside! This old punch bowl and platter is filled with a mix of fresh greens, dried leaves, and branches. Just keep your floral foam watered. We spray painted some of the leaves a warm bronze tone for additional contrast. Pine cones and dried pods also add texture.




It's nice to add something new, fresh, and warm to your favorite leather sofa, see our natural silk pillows in our Custom Collection Shop.