.}

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas!



The tree is trimmed, the stockings are hung, the gifts are wrapped, the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals are planned, the table is set.  Today is full of joyous anticipation, the excitement of children, the tradition of the Christmas Eve candlelit service to celebrate the Holy Night that ushers in Christmas Day.

Our Christmas tree, 2014. Somewhat of a lopped off top, but the fullness of the branches has been wonderful for ornaments!

May you and yours have a wonderful Christmas!


The light of the Christmas star to you,
The warmth of home and hearth to you,
The cheer and good will of friends to you,
The hope of a childlike heart to you,
The joy of a thousand angels to you,
The love of the Son,
And God’s peace to you.



To see my latest blog post, click here.
To subscribe to my blog by email, click here.
To follow my blog on Facebook, click here.
Twitter: @TTIBlog
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ttiblog
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ttiblog/
Visit my online store, Quatrefoil Design: www.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com

To see design, architecture, art, and decorative books that I recommend, please visit the Things That Inspire Amazon store.

Posted by Things That Inspire at 6:38 AM 3 comments

Labels: ,

Monday, December 8, 2014

New post

Every fall, I research the latest and greatest book offerings in the décor, landscape, and art world and think about which ones I would like to add to my personal library.  I must admit, I have not bought many books this year – I haven’t even heard much buzz about the new books published this year– so I had to do some in-depth research. I am intrigued with all of these books, and I would love your insight if you have read any of these books, or if you have recommendations for additional books that I might have missed.

Norman Askins is an Atlanta based architect who has been practicing for decades, and follows in the Classical tradition of the greats of Atlanta architecture. According to his website, he was “trained directly by primary sources – English country manors, eighteenth century pattern books, and early Colonial and antebellum Southern houses – he has learned not just to imitate historical precedents, but also to think like the craftsmen who created them”. The books covers fifteen of his beautiful residences, and the text is by Susan Sully, well known for her wonderful books on architecture and design. Click here to see on Amazon.

Decorating the Way I See It is very high on my list. I have seen some images from the book (not to mention how incredible the cover looks), and Markham Roberts’ design is incredible. Reading comments and reviews, not only does the book have wonderful design images, but it also is a guide to decorating, and is divided into several sections: Floor Plan, Background, Scheme, Furniture, Collecting, Art, and Custom. Click here to see this book on Amazon.

Since I tend to be somewhat focused on American designers, I was not familiar with Jean-Louis Deniot by name, but when looking at images of his work, I knew most of them.  Denoit is a Paris based designer who has been selected as one of the AD100 in recent years, and his workis considered to be the epitome of current day French style. One review notes “His mix is highly individual and includes contemporary art and custom-made furniture, yet his rooms always look comfortable and are never overly formal or trendy. This book demonstrates a new, sophisticated classical style that is changing the scene for international design and offering inspiration and ideas to decorators, homeowners, and antiques enthusiasts.” –California Homes. Click here to see this book on Amazon.  (Note: there appear to be several different cover versions of this book, so Amazon shows a different cover image).

Private Houses of France looks amazing, and the cover pulls me in right away. According to The Editor at Large, “A historical, cultural and architectural journey through a dozen exquisite and refined French châteaux and residences, Private Houses of France features a dozen aristocratic French families who invite readers to experience their elegant lifestyle, from the royal stag hunting tradition of Louis XI and Louis XIII at the Château de Champchevrier to Hubert de Givenchy's elegant Parisian townhouse imbued with grandeur and comfort in the style of Napoleon III. The featured houses, illustrated with specially commissioned photography, represent key periods of French decoration.”  Click here to see on Amazon.

On a more English note, The Drawing Room: English Country House Decoration offers inside access to 50 of finest drawing rooms of English country houses and townhouses, and is written by a former architectural editor of Country Life.  The forward is by Julian Fellowes, which is quite appropriate given that he is the creator of Downton Abbey. This would be a wonderful addition to the Anglophile’s library, or anyone who loves English décor and Downton Abbey style. Click here to see on Amazon.

The book Novel Interiors intrigues me – I love the creative combination of interior design and literature!  The author, Lisa Borgnes Giramonti, also writes well known blog A Bloomsbury Life. I read that the home on the cover belongs to designer designer Schuyler Samperson.  According the publisher information on the book…”For those who have ever lost themselves in the stylish worlds of novels like Sense and Sensibility, The Age of Innocence, Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray and countless others, this design book embraces the fantasy of time and place, showing you how to bring some of those elements into your own home”. Click here to see on Amazon.

I’m curious about this new book, by a leader in Atlanta design, Nancy Braithwaite. Has anyone read it? Click here to see this book on Amazon.

There is a new Cy Twombly book out. He is one of my favorite artists, and I look forward to seeing and reading this book. Click here to see on Amazon.


One of my favorite experiences this year was attending the Henri Matisse Cut-Outs exhibit at the Tate Modern in London (it is now on display at the MoMA).  The book that accompanies the exhibit is remarkable, and it sold at a big discount on Amazon. Click here to see this book on Amazon.

I love the work of Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla, and there is a new book out this year that has excellent reviews. Click here to see on Amazon.

I have a fondness of classic American quilts, and this book looks wonderful. Four Centuries of Quilts, from the Colonial Williamsburg collection. Click here to see on Amazon.

One of my favorite very special art books, a complete collection of Mark Rothko – I own this, and people ask me about it so much that I thought I would include it. Click here to see on Amazon.

◊

Here are the book lists from past years – there are some truly incredible books on these lists (some of my all time favorites), and I recommend taking a look!

Favorite architecture and design books from 2013: http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2013/12/books-from-2013.html

◊

We sold out of most of the Melissa Payne Baker paintings that I posted last week, but have added a new group – they are beautiful!
◊

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities on Things That Inspire, please click here. We carefully select the sponsors that are featured in Things That Inspire, and only partner with those whose aesthetic and product is a good fit with the interests of our readers. Posts on Things That Inspire may contain links to sponsor sites.

To see my latest blog post, click here.
To subscribe to my blog by email, click here.
To follow my blog on Facebook, click here.
Twitter: @TTIBlog
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ttiblog
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ttiblog/
Visit my online store, Quatrefoil Design: www.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com

To see design, architecture, art, and decorative books that I recommend, please visit the Things That Inspire Amazon store.

Things That Inspire Favorites: Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths

Things That Inspire Favorites: Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum

Things That Inspire Favorites: Thera Breath Oral Rinse

Posted by Things That Inspire at 7:18 AM 5 comments

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Books for my Christmas List: 2014



Every fall, I research the latest and greatest book offerings in the décor, landscape, and art world and think about which ones I would like to add to my personal library.  I must admit, I have not bought many books this year – I haven’t even heard much buzz about the new books published this year– so I had to do some in-depth research. I am intrigued with all of these books, and I would love your insight if you have read any of these books, or if you have recommendations for additional books that I might have missed.

Norman Askins is an Atlanta based architect who has been practicing for decades, and follows in the Classical tradition of the greats of Atlanta architecture. According to his website, he was “trained directly by primary sources – English country manors, eighteenth century pattern books, and early Colonial and antebellum Southern houses – he has learned not just to imitate historical precedents, but also to think like the craftsmen who created them”. The books covers fifteen of his beautiful residences, and the text is by Susan Sully, well known for her wonderful books on architecture and design. Click here to see on Amazon.

Decorating the Way I See It is very high on my list. I have seen some images from the book (not to mention how incredible the cover looks), and Markham Roberts’ design is incredible. Reading comments and reviews, not only does the book have wonderful design images, but it also is a guide to decorating, and is divided into several sections: Floor Plan, Background, Scheme, Furniture, Collecting, Art, and Custom. Click here to see this book on Amazon.

Since I tend to be somewhat focused on American designers, I was not familiar with Jean-Louis Deniot by name, but when looking at images of his work, I knew most of them.  Denoit is a Paris based designer who has been selected as one of the AD100 in recent years, and his workis considered to be the epitome of current day French style. One review notes “His mix is highly individual and includes contemporary art and custom-made furniture, yet his rooms always look comfortable and are never overly formal or trendy. This book demonstrates a new, sophisticated classical style that is changing the scene for international design and offering inspiration and ideas to decorators, homeowners, and antiques enthusiasts.” –California Homes. Click here to see this book on Amazon.  (Note: there appear to be several different cover versions of this book, so Amazon shows a different cover image).

Private Houses of France looks amazing, and the cover pulls me in right away. According to The Editor at Large, “A historical, cultural and architectural journey through a dozen exquisite and refined French châteaux and residences, Private Houses of France features a dozen aristocratic French families who invite readers to experience their elegant lifestyle, from the royal stag hunting tradition of Louis XI and Louis XIII at the Château de Champchevrier to Hubert de Givenchy's elegant Parisian townhouse imbued with grandeur and comfort in the style of Napoleon III. The featured houses, illustrated with specially commissioned photography, represent key periods of French decoration.”  Click here to see on Amazon.

On a more English note, The Drawing Room: English Country House Decoration offers inside access to 50 of finest drawing rooms of English country houses and townhouses, and is written by a former architectural editor of Country Life.  The forward is by Julian Fellowes, which is quite appropriate given that he is the creator of Downton Abbey. This would be a wonderful addition to the Anglophile’s library, or anyone who loves English décor and Downton Abbey style. Click here to see on Amazon.

The book Novel Interiors intrigues me – I love the creative combination of interior design and literature!  The author, Lisa Borgnes Giramonti, also writes well known blog A Bloomsbury Life. I read that the home on the cover belongs to designer designer Schuyler Samperson.  According the publisher information on the book…”For those who have ever lost themselves in the stylish worlds of novels like Sense and Sensibility, The Age of Innocence, Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray and countless others, this design book embraces the fantasy of time and place, showing you how to bring some of those elements into your own home”. Click here to see on Amazon.

I’m curious about this new book, by a leader in Atlanta design, Nancy Braithwaite. Has anyone read it? Click here to see this book on Amazon.

There is a new Cy Twombly book out. He is one of my favorite artists, and I look forward to seeing and reading this book. Click here to see on Amazon.


One of my favorite experiences this year was attending the Henri Matisse Cut-Outs exhibit at the Tate Modern in London (it is now on display at the MoMA).  The book that accompanies the exhibit is remarkable, and it sold at a big discount on Amazon. Click here to see this book on Amazon.

I love the work of Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla, and there is a new book out this year that has excellent reviews. Click here to see on Amazon.

I have a fondness of classic American quilts, and this book looks wonderful. Four Centuries of Quilts, from the Colonial Williamsburg collection. Click here to see on Amazon.

One of my favorite very special art books, a complete collection of Mark Rothko – I own this, and people ask me about it so much that I thought I would include it. Click here to see on Amazon.

◊

Here are the book lists from past years – there are some truly incredible books on these lists (some of my all time favorites), and I recommend taking a look!

Favorite architecture and design books from 2013: http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2013/12/books-from-2013.html

◊

We sold out of most of the Melissa Payne Baker paintings that I posted last week, but have added a new group – they are beautiful!
◊

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities on Things That Inspire, please click here. We carefully select the sponsors that are featured in Things That Inspire, and only partner with those whose aesthetic and product is a good fit with the interests of our readers. Posts on Things That Inspire may contain links to sponsor sites.

To see my latest blog post, click here.
To subscribe to my blog by email, click here.
To follow my blog on Facebook, click here.
Twitter: @TTIBlog
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ttiblog
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ttiblog/
Visit my online store, Quatrefoil Design: www.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com

To see design, architecture, art, and decorative books that I recommend, please visit the Things That Inspire Amazon store.

Posted by Things That Inspire at 5:34 PM 2 comments

Labels: ,

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Christmas china and kitchen island storage


As I pulled out my Christmas china this morning, I was very thankful for my kitchen designer’s suggestion to incorporate storage into my kitchen island for holiday items.  The process of switching out the everyday dishes with the Christmas china takes only a few minutes!  My entire family loves the tradition of using Christmas china during the month of December, and I am looking forward to serving dinner on my beloved Spode Christmas Tree plates tonight (and throughout the month).

I thought I would repost one of my favorite holiday blog posts from last year, showing the storage in our kitchen island for my Christmas china, and reflecting on the holiday tradition of Christmas china. Enjoy!

◊

I did not grow up with the tradition of using Christmas china, but my husband’s family definitely did.  When I was a newlywed, one of the first gifts that I received was a set of 8 place settings of Spode Christmas Tree china. Through the years, my collection has expanded to 16 place settings, and I also have most of the serving pieces, glasses, napkins, and placemats.
This is what Spode’s Christmas Tree looks like – many of the items in the collection can be seen on Amazon here.  This pattern was first sold in 1938, so it is the 76th anniversary this year.

In my old house, I had very little storage space, so the Christmas china was packed away in dish storage containers that were placed on a high shelf. It was such a pain to bring the china out and pack it away that there were years when I used the Christmas china well into late January (I never considered skipping this Christmas season tradition, though)!
When we were planning our kitchen, one of my priorities was to have plenty of storage. In particular, I wanted to have an easily accessible but tucked away storage spot for my Christmas china.

When we were designing the island, my kitchen designer noted that I could capture some of the ‘dead space’ in the kitchen island for storage. As soon as she sketched out the design, I knew it would be the ideal place to store my Christmas china, which I want to be tucked away most of the year, but easily accessible when I do pull it out.
Here is how the design works.

On any given day, this is what you will see at my kitchen island – three barstools.

Pull the barstools away, and you would never know that behind these panels are two hidden cabinets – push the cabinet door, and the door opens. It’s the perfect place to store those items that aren’t used on a regular basis, but are easily accessible when the need arises; it’s the perfect place to store the Christmas china.


Here is the view when the cabinets are open.  The shelves provide just enough space to accommodate the more casual Spode Christmas tree china, linens, and serving pieces on the left.

On the top two right shelves, I have the new Christmas china pattern that I received for my birthday last year. It is Noritake Holly and Berry – holly is one of my favorite motifs of the season.  This pattern is a bit dressier and I use it for holiday entertaining and special occasions, and on Christmas Eve.

Now, pulling out the Christmas china is a three minute process. I simply pull away the barstools, pop open the cabinets, take out the Christmas china and put it in the main dish cabinets. Then, I put the everyday china in this space under the kitchen island until the holiday season is over. It works beautifully!

How many of you have special seasonal plates or china?  Maybe it’s a Southern thing?  If so, when do you pull the Christmas china out and put it away, and where do you store your holiday dishes off season?  What pattern do you have?  My family never had a Christmas china tradition, but I must admit that it has become one of my favorite rituals of the holiday season – pulling out the Christmas china and enjoying it all month long. It makes every meal more festive!

I'm working on my list of books for my Christmas list 2014. Do you have any to recommend? Coffee table books, design and architecture books, art books, or novels?  Please leave a comment if you have a good suggestion! 

Favorite design and architecture books of 2013: http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2013/12/books-from-2013.html




To see my latest blog post, click here.

◊

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities on Things That Inspire, please click here. We carefully select the sponsors that are featured in Things That Inspire, and only partner with those whose aesthetic and product is a good fit with the interests of our readers. Posts on Things That Inspire may contain links to sponsor sites. 

To see my latest blog post, click here.
To subscribe to my blog by email, click here.
To follow my blog on Facebook, click here.
Twitter: @TTIBlog
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ttiblog
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ttiblog/
Visit my online store, Quatrefoil Design: www.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com

To see design, architecture, art, and decorative books that I recommend, please visit the Things That Inspire Amazon store.

Posted by Things That Inspire at 10:19 PM 13 comments

Labels: ,

Monday, December 1, 2014

Beautiful Art by Melissa Payne Baker (and the beauty of small art)


I have been carrying Melissa Payne Baker’s art in my online store, Quatrefoil Design, for years.  Even before I introduce her new work on my blog, many of her paintings sell; she certainly has a loyal fan base and her work speaks to many of my readers as much as it does to me.  Melissa has an incredible feel for form and color that puts her in a category all by herself.  She is known for her thick texture and incredible brushwork, as well as her ethereal subject matter.

Here is a Melissa Payne Baker painting, as seen in a room designed by Alison Womack Jowers seen in a recent Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles (photo credit: Emily Followill).  I love how this little painting of Melissa’s signature angels adds just the right touch to the space.  It also reminds me of the childhood bedtime prayer ‘angels guard me through the night, and keep me safe ‘til morning’s light’.

I admire all of Melissa’s work, but I am particularly partial to Melissa’s small pieces.  They add a little burst of beauty and color to just about any place in the house, and provide the enjoyment of original art in unexpected places.  I also appreciate the soothing nature of Melissa’s paintings – they are a little oasis of peace and calm in an often hectic world!

It has become a December tradition to offer a brand new group of paintings for sale – they make a wonderful and very special holiday gift! If you are still looking for that perfect, one of a kind Christmas gift, or something to make your home extra special, here is a selection of Melissa Payne Baker paintings that are in stock and ready to ship.  I am only showing a few – there are many more in the store, ready for immediate shipment.  Our order deadline is December 18th at 10 am if you would like your painting to be delivered in time for Christmas (continental US).

6”x6” Petite Angel, $165 -

6”x6” Petite Abstract with Gold – $165

3x3 Itty Bitty I3x3 Itty Bitty II3x3 Itty Bitty III
3x3 Itty Bitty IV3x3 Itty Bitty IX3x3 Itty Bitty V
3x3 Itty Bitty VI3x3 Itty Bitty VII3x3 Itty Bitty VIII
3x3 Itty Bitty X3x3 Itty Bitty XI
3”x3” Itty Bitty Paintings – $45 each

The Itty Bitty paintings make wonderful gifts! I have given them as hostess gifts and have hung them on the tree.

Small pieces of art are incredibly versatile; they can be part of a gallery wall, or be the focal point of a small wall, or hung one on top of another to make a charming vignette.

I also like to place a small painting as part of a tablescape or in a bookshelf (as seen above)– paintings help to create a more lively and interesting arrangement. Small paintings on mantels look great too.

I hope you like Melissa’s work as much as I do!  Please visit (and bookmark) the Quatrefoil Design store for additional paintings.  We are adding new things all the time!  Or, click here to go straight to Melissa Payne Baker’s work: http://quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com/artist/melissa-payne-baker

◊

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities on Things That Inspire, please click here. We carefully select the sponsors that are featured in Things That Inspire, and only partner with those whose aesthetic and product is a good fit with the interests of our readers. Posts on Things That Inspire may contain links to sponsor sites.
To see my latest blog post, click here.
To subscribe to my blog by email, click here.
To follow my blog on Facebook, click here.
Twitter: @TTIBlog
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ttiblog
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ttiblog/
Visit my online store, Quatrefoil Design: www.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com

To see design, architecture, art, and decorative books that I recommend, please visit the Things That Inspire Amazon store.

Posted by Things That Inspire at 5:02 PM 4 comments

Labels: , ,

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails