Americana

Dining room by Wendy Meredith

The weekend before last I went to Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta (which is fabulous, by the way), and, although there were beautiful antiques of myriad backgrounds and styles, it was the early American and English antiques that grabbed my attention.

Maybe it's because my interest has been piqued by this style recently (think Darryl Carter and Bill Ingram) because I was working on my traditional, masculine study (pictures to come), but, either way, I have a new and growing appreciation for the classically blended, English-inspired "American" look.

So, today, I thought I would pay homage to that style with some photos of homes that are modern incarnations of classic American design (where Windsor chairs and Wedgewood abound). Enjoy!

Bedroom by Eddie Ross



Breakfast area by Phoebe Howard

So much character in such a small space (with the beadboarding perfectly punctuating the style). 

Grand foyer by Diamond Baratta Design

The formality of this grand foyer is played down by breaking the space up into smaller seating areas and by using durable, unpretentious materials like the embroidered pillows and the braided rug (which was an early American staple since carpets from Europe and Asia were not available - or affordable - to colonialists).

Den by Tom Scheerer

What a cozy but fun seating area: the bold coral of the upholstery against the white walls and wood accents. It is modern without seeming overtly so (especially when Scheerer throws a sculptural high back Windsor and pair of bobbin corner chairs into the mix).

Bedroom by Stephen Sills

Again, another cozy room, this one complete with fireplace, quilts, and those lovely black-and-white lithographs. So warm and serene.

Photo courtesy of Country Living

Classic, a little cluttered, but comfortable!

Bedroom by Chad Eisner

Love the stripes, love the quilt, love the trunk.

Dining area by Windsor Smith

What a lovely room. I am not usually a fan of the Windsor chair, but, here, it is the perfect, graphic counterpoint to the clean white walls. The rustic wood table and interesting artwork so casually propped on the mantle, all handsomely complement this delightful space.

Here's to a great week ahead, everyone!

Tipping the Scale

Living room by Bunny Williams

Large rooms are always a challenge. Whether the rooms are tall or wide, finding pieces that match the scale of the space can prove to be difficult. Whenever I think of scale, I think of John Saladino talking about monumental, residential, and human scale. With big rooms, you have to break up the space into liveable portions.


Design by Sara Gilbane


These designers don't seem to have any trouble tackling these vast spaces, using large furniture, built-ins, curtains, artwork, and other accessories to make the most of every inch.

Living room by Fiona Weeks

I love how these rooms still feel spacious, without feeling cavernous. In the room above, Weeks capitalizes on the height of the room and vaulted ceiling with the bookshelves and mantel surround, while large scale furniture (like the sofa in an eye-catching gingham print) and colorful oriental rug bring the focus down to the seating level.

Vignette by Chris Barrett

I love this pretty yet grand table and how it contrasts so well with the more modern (but coordinately large) artwork above it.

Living room by Diamond Baratta Design

Multiple seating arrangements are a great way to break down a large space like the one above. Not only do you end up with lots of places to sit (great for entertaining), but it creates a nice flow for the room, leading the eye from one spot to another.


Design by Madeline Stuart

Sometimes rooms are so large that it's hard to even tell that the scale of the pieces within it are as grand as they actually are. For instance, look at the greenish blue lamps on the console above. At first glance, they don't seem that large, until you compare them to height of the sofa and fireplace, and begin to see that they are probably over three feet tall each! 

Living room by Dan Carithers

I love the room above. The recessed overdoor, the simple but beautiful chandelier, the massive tapestry, the exposed wood beams, and those cushy full-sized couches all work together to create a space that is elegant but warm, as well.

Bedroom in home of Matthew White - Photo courtesy of NYSD

Have a happy hump day!

Limited Color, Big Impact

Living area by Diamond Baratta Design

Today I have a few random pics for you, but I think they all well illustrate that using a limited color palette can still leave quite the impression. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Domino - Featuring China Seas fabrics "Lyford" and "Saya Gata"

Sitting room by Jeff Woosley

Dining room by Katie Ridder

Bedroom by Fiona Weeks

Have a great day!

Bust a Move: Part I

Design by Michael S. Smith

I love accessories that have a weathered and sort of historic appeal to them, and busts certainly achieve that look. They seem regal and serious, bringing a stately mood to just about any interior.

A few months ago my mother bestowed upon me a bust that had been recently, well, busted. It was dropped by some movers and, she felt, ruined. But I liked the aged look it gave to the poor guy (seen in the photo above with his broken nose) and took him in as my own.

I'd say he fits in quite well with my random assortment of things!

Living room by Martensen Jones Interiors

I kind of like this smaller, more modern variation of a traditional bust. It suits the clean, bright interiors well, don't you think?

Photo courtesy of Cote de Texas

Conversely, the bust above seems right at home in this dark, opulent, and masculine library.

Foyer by Delphine Krakoff

Miss Krakoff gives the foyer above a touch of Hollywood glam with this intense and gilded model.

Design by Steven Sills

This vignette exudes a warm, but museum-like, feel. Is it me, or do the bust and antique mirror totally steal the show here?

Home of Tony Baratta courtesy of NYSD

I love the collection of busts and other sculpture displayed on these amazing shelves. So grand and, yet, so modern!

Design by John Saladino

This last photo for the day is from one of my favorites: John Saladino. His use of silk, stone, and architectural elements big and small, make him the most elegant of minimalists, giving his interiors the "aura of a Renaissance painting" (says one author).

Have a wonderful weekend and look out for more to come next week!