Welcome

Entry by Michelle Nussbaumer

Welcome to a new week!

Sur la table: Part I

Table decor by Meg Braff

Ever since I read Joe Nye's "Flair", I have been obsessed with everything sur la table! (More about Nye in a moment...) I just love looking at these beautiful table settings and all the wonderful little details included. Take a look at those fabulous salt and pepper shakers that Braff uses above: so ornate and polished, the perfect combination of function and interest.

Here is the same room at a distance. I love that, when you are actually at the table, it acts as its own little world. And, when formally setting a table, you can create whatever world you like!


Tablescape by Melissa Rufty

I love the tulipiere (aka, the jar holding the flowers) used by Rufty above. I recently purchased a tulipiere of my own and, since I am moving soon (yay!), I cannot wait to use it! (I will definitely be posting a host of pictures once I get settled in!)  

I love how the table setting here matches the design of the room (by Tom Scheerer). It is so soothing and natural, with the woven placemats and simple china and glassware.

Miles Redd certainly knows how to keep things fun and bright. (Oh, what I would give to go to one of his dinner parties!) Here, he contrasts a bold blue (on the tablecloth, glasses, and those super fun foo dogs) with red plates and carnations. Festive and exotic, yet with a modern elegance.

Since Joe Nye literally wrote the book on tablescapes, we can't forget to include some of his gorgeous settings! This particular tablescape was featured on the cover of "Flair", and I can absolutely see why! Not only does it feature a good helping of my favorite color (pink!), but it also uses my dream fabric! (I believe it is Le Lac by Bruschwig & Fils, but Nye states it is actually by Travers?)

Gold, leafy candlesticks, pink china, black goblets, and black bamboo flatware? Perfection!

I will leave you this week with a picture from a room by the elegant and eclectic Ms. Nussbaumer.

More beautiful tablescapes to come! Have a wonderful weekend!

Far East Flair

Design by John Barman

For too long now, I have been estranged from chinoiserie. As I have begun to see it in more places (and in a myriad of applications), I am growing warmer to it all the time.

Generally colorful and ornate, chinoiserie style makes for fabulously fun and intriguing interiors. Mary McDonald is a fan, using cool white, oriental accents to make these rooms (above and below) exotic, yet modern.

You can use just a hint of far east flair (like Sara Story does above with a sturdy black sideboard), or you can go all out, layering chinoiserie-inspired patterns, fabrics, china, and furnishings like Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke do in the room below. I am loving that wallpaper, mirror, and lamp! (What can I say; I am a sucker for bold interiors!)

Lee Radziwill and Miles Redd warm up the living areas above and below, respectively, using intricately patterned fabric and scarlet tones.

Room by Angie Hranowsky

One popular place to bring in that foreign feel is the dining room. I love the elaborately crafted backs of the chairs used by Hranowsky and Wearstler and that gorgeous wallpaper (and fabulous light) used by Nye! There are so many possibilities to create interesting, engaging interiors!

Room by Joe Nye

Dining area by Kelly Wearstler

Whether you use seating, wallpaper, fabric, or china, chinoiserie will prove to be a wonderfully colorful and exotic addition to any interior.

If you are a fan of this style, you simply must check out the Chinoiserie Chic blog: a fabulous resource for your daily dose of Far East inspiration!

Design by Michelle Nussbaumer