Campaign, Plantation or Safari

This post was going to be about campaign style--so named for furniture designed to be easily transported by army officers on military campaigns. But the only photos I was finding of folding chairs, tables, and grooming stands all had a strong plantation vibe to them. So this post is a mash-up of the two styles with a bit of safari style thrown in through the tortoise shells and carved wood animals. The inspiration point is grand interiors with massive windows that are kept open from dawn until dusk (plantation) and outdoor living that doesn't skimp on the amenities (campaign/safari). I love the addition of trunks and travel baskets, as well as the tattered/unfinished linen chairs to otherwise quite upscale furnishings. Based on photos of Ernest Hemingway's homes (the last photo was taken at his Cuban hideaway), I can imagine him writing comfortably in any of these spots.

Images: Inside Out magazine, November/December 2008 issue. Maisons de Campagne magazine, September/October 2010 issue. House Beautiful magazine, May 2010 issue. Lonny magazine, October/November 2010 issue. Reuters.

World Traveler

Maybe it's because spring is nearly here, but I'm finding myself very drawn to the bright and sometimes clashing colors and prints that are associated with world market style. A basic room can be given a whole new identity when a handful of screenprinted or tie-dyed throw pillows are introduced and a beautiful textile is hung on a wall. The look can be achieved on any budget so that it works both in college dorms and in grander surroundings. The focus is on cheerful colors, an overabundance of pattern and an appreciation for handmade goods. The result is casual elegance and if a glass of wine or tea ends up on the linens, who's going to notice?

Images: Lonny magazine, Oct/Nov 2010 issue, Jan/Feb 2011 issue, April/May 2010, Dec 2009/Jan 2010 issue. British Homes & Gardens magazine, November 2010 issue. Living etc magazine, October 2010 issue. Casual Living: No-Fuss Style for a Comfortable Home by Judith Wilson, photography by Polly Wreford; published by Ryland, Peters & Small, 2010.

Red & White

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I would track down some photos of red-and-white themed eye candy. For some reason, I've never included much red into my decor. But these photos prove that the red and white combo works as well for sleek and modern interiors as for spaces that fit the pleasantly cluttered English cottage style. Having just endured a six-week snowathon on the east coast, I can imagine being cheered to come home to this color palette. The red dining chairs are so inviting that they could almost cure me of eating on the fly and draw me back to having meals at an actual table.

Images: At Home with Country: Bringing the Comforts of Country Home by Christina Strutt, photography by Edina van der Wyck, published by Cico Books, 2010. Lonny magazine, Aug/ Sept 2010 issue. Casual Living: No-Fuss Style for a Comfortable Home by Judith Wilson, photography by Polly Wreford, published by Ryland, Peters & Small, 2010. Simple Style by Julia Bird, photography by Hotze Eisma, published by Friedman/Fairfax, 2003. House & Home magazine, August 2010 issue.

Project: Chalkboard Paint

I'm a little bit in love with chalkboard paint. It's an easy solution when a piece of furniture has an appealing design but a not-so-nice finish. I've used it most on desks and workbenches (above and below) because it heightens their functionality. Who needs post-its when you can scribble notes to yourself in chalk and erase them when they no longer apply (a greener solution than scraps of paper). 

Chalkboard paint can turn a wall into a message board or a place to publish favored quotes and sayings. I'm tempted to paint the wall next to my shop door so that customers can treat it as an informal guest book. Now that chalkboard paint comes in virtually every color, there's no reason not to indulge in what used to be childish misbehavior -- drawing on the walls.

Images: RevivalSmith, Casual Living: No-Fuss Style for a Comfortable Home by Judith Wilson, photography by Polly Wreford, published by Ryland, Peters & Small, 2010. Living etc magazine, February 2010 issue.