The Look You Love

And....Spring.

2011-03-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

Ah, SPRING is finally creeping into the cold Northeast and although we had snow - big,flat slow flakes - yesterday and today... they did not stick and now the bulbs are poking up confused by the warm and then cold days. Flowers always make us feel better and as I am thinking about them- I am also thinking about how to arrange the not so many we will have now. Numbers in arranging is always a good thing- so, if you don't have many flowers, maybe many containers is an option.

This Ritz lobby also shows the power of many containers sprinkled around although this one does have a larger centerpiece - beautiful and interesting.

A use for those votive containers... and then, a combination of small and large cotainers and single and multiple flowers.Other beauties include:

It would be hard to spoil the beauty of flowers - have fun with them and I hope I have provided a little seed of inspiration.

Mirror...mirror.

2011-02-27T17:51:00.000-08:00

Mirror,mirror on the wall - the star mirror is the loveliest of - well, a lot. The shape of the star mirror is a bright spot in any home. Here are three in my house. This one is a little unusual and hangs in my office over my desk.It is a Victorian wooden star with a small,beveled mirror.

This mirror is an Italian one in my upper hallway. It was purchased at the Paris Flea market about six years ago.

Scotts Market in Atlanta (great shopping) is where I purchased this antique mirror. It is truly a star in my dining room and something I appreciate every day.

This mirror is a modern reproduction - but who cares? It can come in gold or silver and is sure to shine in any room.

.....and they shine on with this last snap of another reproduction in a soft gilt. Sure to be a light in any spot the star mirrors are a classic and I am not sure we can always tell whether each is a new star or an old one - they all do the job.

All About the Books!

2011-02-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

I saw this lamp recently and knew you would love it too! Here is another!

I don't know where these will find their homes but I imagine that there final destination might be rooms that look like these:

I like the antique book press on the table here. It looks very library like...a big overstuffed sofa and voila.

All about the rooms...

2011-02-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hickory Chair has included several shots of my design in their blog and I wanted to tell you about that and show you one. This is of the kitchen which includes one of my personal kitchen must haves if possible - a fireplace and a place to gather.

This is a gas fireplace which of course is a snap to have on or off. I find that it is a delight to ignite a fire,enjoy the coffee,meal prep,etc and then be able to cut it off and leave with no worries.Comfortable and durable furniture is another important concern and I find that leather does that well - aged doesn't hurt it in the least.

A large gathering table is also a delight if there is room. It is not only a social gathering spot,but a spot for all sorts of projects...homework, computer projects and so forth. Comfortable chairs at either end with sprung seats
and slipcovers make another gathering spot while antique side chairs complete the table setting. The chandelier is a French antique from J. Covington. Here is a final shot of the kitchen showing the center island with stools tucked underneath,and the composition of the cooks space which is a gallery which runs storage,ovens, counter with window, stove with hood, counter with window, refrigerator and storage. The fourth, unseen wall is a bank of windows which allow much sunlight and a view of foliage.

Never Forget about Colors!

2011-01-31T20:01:00.000-08:00

Color is always fun. Here is a rainbow of semi-antique saris I saw in Atlanta. Try to pick out just ONE. It is so hard because they are the most exciting when -as a group, they are indeterminate and undisciplined-just the burst of pattern and color.

After looking and debating I did chose two in orange-aid tones thinking that, with white china, they would be fun tablecloths in the summer -but I could have taken a dozen - as a throw on the sofa,on the screened porch and who knows what. Like a kid in a candy store.

This is a bright blue and white pillow scheme with a really fun green pillow (love that trim) in the middle....ready for the white couch.

I love these place mats with coordinating napkins and napkin rings - could you chose? Then there is a further complication - not only which color napkin but which monogram - and then which color. Overload. A final color blast here -

I think I could use a tropical blast.

Return from Atlanta!

2011-01-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

Back from the Atlanta Market last night where there is a bounty of ice - they are slipping and sliding for real - and a wealth of beautiful,sophisticated and yummy ( did I use enough adjectives?) design.
I spent one day at ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) which is one of my favorite places to work. Atlanta is such a hub of creative energy and there are wonderful sources there from Scott's Antique Market which is the second week-end of every month,ADAC, and shops which are filled with many exciting and diverse treasures. I have included pictures to share my inspiration.

All of these show the Southern penchant for collections. Blue and White has never ceased to be popular and the French flags are colorful and informal in contrast to the blue and white. These snaps don't show that behind the open doors platters are hung on the walls to increase horizontal impact and to release the collection from the physical confines of the cabinet. In a room with this type of decor, another likely and attractive place to hang platters is over doorways and to even extend their use to supplement or replace pictures. Charles Faudre is a designer who loves and understands the use of china both as a collectible and as a hanging object and has numerous pages of illustrations of this in his many books.

Collections express personality too. Here there are displays which capture antiques,textures and interests. I really like not only those differences but also that the heights are varied and all of the twined or paired objects don't necessarily stand side bu side but are repeated either at a different height or an opposing location. This can take the average person a little time and effort but it isn't difficult to do. A stack of bowls make an excellent riser as do metal,acrylic or wooden stands. Look around lamp shops and in your own home for ways to generate these looks.

Mad for Plaid

2011-01-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

Here in New Hampshire - and not, I should mention, alone on the East Coast we are snuggled in for yet another very snowy day. I think that we probably have at least two feet of white powder hovering on the tree branches, clustered on the screens and windows and making our fireplace seem like a very comfortable spot indeed. It is that comfortable, cozy thought that I want to return to - such a good day for it. I know that you all enjoyed the cabin scenes last week from Genessee River . Steve does such an incredible job on his beds and other cabin delights that his space is always visual candy. With that treat in mind, I was in the Ralph Lauren Boston showroom this past week and casually picked up and fell for a book about tartans...Romancing the Plaid by Rizzoli. Here are some tartan fashion pictures:

From the Vivienne Westwood Collection

St. Laurent collection.

Kate Moss in Vivienne Westwood -

Linda Evangelista in Westwood

Sara Jessica Parker and Alexander McQueen in McQueen tartan.

Of course the mad for plaid doesn't stop on the runway and is perfect for any cabin decor as evidenced here. here there are some pictures of plaids used in houses.

I don't know about you but I am into a new craze now and I guess it would be mad for plaid at the very least. I love the way it implies history, comfort and at the same time,a sense of verve. It is marvelous combined with checks, feathers and leopard. (Of course, leopard goes anywhere, anytime to me -another story.) I think that we all need to add a tiny touch of this to our lives. In the sidebar I have shown some examples of tartan ware which was a Victorian rage and is a very easy way to add a bit of the tartan into very simple household items such as books, ribbon, napkin rings - a bit of cheer as it were. -C

Wrapping up 2010

2011-01-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here in New Hampshire on the last day of 2010 and It is a very beautiful world indeed. Earlier in the week we had a blizzard which left us with about two feet of snow, trapping most of us inside and causing a slow down that caused a bit of cocooning - yea, maybe a little cabin fever too. That made me think of cabin decorating and some of the displays at the High Point market.
This bed would be perfect for a cozy mountain cabin where you could go and be snowed in for - well, days anyway. Not only is the bed divine right down to the bedding, but I think that the old ski poles are really interesting used this way.

This is also a dreamy bed which could be in a cabin or a palace - I would feel like a princess in this.

This last bed would probably finish my imaginary three bedroom cabin. I think that it might be in the West with all of the Indian pictures ( vintage) but maybe here in the lakes of New England. Here is a fireplace inspiration for that same cabin.

Now that we are thoroughly into our cabin, snowed in and cuddly, lets walk around and visit - as well as be inspired - by some of the other areas. In this picture of the birch bark hutch, I love the stuffed fish and then the reptition of the fish in the antique china display below.

Fish again are shown here but plates are used in a most unusual way- mounted on the old snowshoes. Also...clever is the mount mounted in an empty frame. One of the things that causes the intense richness of decorating here is not just continuation of a theme but depth of that same interest. It would not be possible to visit here even briefly and not appreciate the time, interest and personality which has poured into each display.

Personality is the biggest factor in enriching not only our imaginary cabin life but all of our everyday lives. Take your interest and follow them, the colors, events, hobbies and loves that make you who you are should shine through into your lives and be obviously comforting. Here are the suitcases we brought our belongings in even they can add a spark of whimsy.

Holiday Wishes

2010-12-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

I hope that all of you have a holiday that is thoughtful and grateful for the season. That said, I do have a few table top ideas that may help inspire you to perhaps do something a little different and have a little fun with some simple- and some not so simple ideas.

One of my easiest table decorations this year had been to pile things of one color (I used silver balls that I bought at Target 6 for one Dollar - and they are plastic - in case you have small children or they tumble out) into what ever container you feel like. They are beautiful in a tall clear glass vase, a bowl or an urn. I even strung the Target balls onto a wire and used them outside to decorate my urns that were filled with greens by the front door. In this picture balls are shown in various sizes placed in a jar and near a flower arrangement for sparkle and textural effect.

Another simple idea is to use frosted fruit! Roll the fruit in egg whites that have been slightly whipped for volume and then in sugar to frost - or not. Fruit is beautiful for the season. Even if it is only a big bunch of green or red grapes. Lemons, oranges and pears are equally lovely too. Here are a few pictures to illustrate and inspire.

Cranberries seem designed for the season, don't they? These are beautiful combined with flowers but would also be beautiful in a tall clear glass with a candle nestled down inside and a twig or two of green.

Who would of thought of asparagus for Christmas? Here's an inspiring idea - or imagine artichokes, green grapes and asparagus - hummmm - to frost or not? Granny apples are also the perfect color for this season and can reconstruct into - well, any number of yummy things. A trip to the grocer seems like a good start and perhaps an economical one- after all, it can be used later.

The Day After Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

Here we are The Day After Thanksgiving - otherwise, my kids and the newspapers say, Black Friday. I have a question....where do all of these people get the energy and how did they get cleaned up after Thanksgiving so fast? I still think it is the Day After - just like all of those other day after when the washer is whirling, the dishes are scattered and those turkeys are reduced to soup and the pumpkins are no longer so darned cute. That is where I am today- as I merrily clean on my thoughts are just barely beginning to turn to - can I say the word....Christmas.

There is a vague summoning of a need here in New England where the fall leaves are no longer beautiful but a chore to rake and pick out of bushes as we ready for those other nasties,snow and winter, to begin to note where the winterberries are growing,to see the wreaths and trees flocking in and to -I did say barely- think about the next holiday and what to do about it...decorating -wise.

There are so many options for the most basic of all winter decorations, the wreath. Boxwood is my favorite and in our cold winters it will stay green and pliable for months as will most evergreens. Here are examples of the beautifully simple green wreaths you can easily pick up along the way or make from existing evergreens which abound most everywhere.(wreath on a fence,wreath on a door and wreath in a window...3 evergreen)

Magnolia is another beautiful and enduring green which has the advantage of a leaf which is brown on the back and can be oiled to be a very glossy green which greatly contrasts to the flat brown. Magnolias are also very long lasting and are beautiful in combinations with many natural elements

Both magnolias and fir evergreens, as well as boxwoods, combine readily with many seasonal favorites as berries,pomegranits, apples,pinecones of all shapes and colors, thistles and interesting branches. I feel this is a great time to both search out local goodies and let your imagination run wild....at least in the yard.Here are some examples of using natural and found objects which combine into wreaths to grace any doorway and welcome guests into your home for the winter season.

Remember that wreaths are not just about Christmas but are more an act of bringing into the gray and barren days of our long winters a burst of color and life. Anyone who has glimpsed a living wreath through on a welcoming door in the dead of winter will know what I am talking about - hope and a sense that life is here and te green will bloom again.

This is such an elegant statement about the season and the home- a simple wreath adorned with gold ribbon,an earthenware pot and a simple chair...beautiful and quiet.

Here is a doorway which is very simplistic in terms of materials used but what style and imagination. Walking up to this one must smile -Happy Holidays.

Daylight Savings...

2010-11-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

Daylight Savings has begun and the winter days here in New Hampshire have also begun to wrap their darkened wings around us. The warmth of a fire, a candle and a welcoming porch light are intertwined with our needs of a warm winter home. As the dark lengthens and we are inside more throughout these winter months, I think our winter home dreams really need to be nurtured. What do I mean by this? I think that winter is depressing and in this economy sometimes it's hard to find ways to cheer and nurture ourselves and our families. One of the ways humans have always cheered and warmed their families is by fire. The gas fireplace in my kitchen is the source of so much comfort ... I find myself ensconced beside it in the mornings with Max the dog and a morning coffee- then again in the late afternoon with - natch, Max and a cup of hot chocolate. What is it about fire? It has a glow - warmth and if it's real, wonderful sounds and reassuring pops and crackles.....and we decorate around it for our increased pleasure.

I actually did not mean to sound off about fireplaces and the comfort of fire in our lives but,now that we are on the subject,I will further say that, if you have a fireplace,use it. Here is a photo of a very large fireplace in an historic home with very cheerfully painted yellow/gold walls.This color acts as a second warming agent and is a delicious to add a glow to your room. I have often used a color I call "egg yolk" on walls- divine with a black and white floor- to cheerfully anchor a room.

This photo is a double whammy - fire and candles. Notice the herringbone brick design of the fireplace's interior. This is a very French look and achieves interest whether the fireplace is in use or not. This mantle is by Old World Stoneworks and is beautiful in and of itself. Mantles and the decoration of will be another blog post but for now let's look inside the fireplace. The nest fireplace does not have a fire -but that empty look of a blank has been mitigated by beautiful birch logs. Birch is so textural and practical (it burns quickly) but any logs placed in a fireplace will at least give the feeling that you are only a match strike away from a glorious blaze.

This is the fireplace in my kitchen where we gather. It is alas propane (yeah! )and I think that it is a great way to go. I really love being able to stumble- and I do- down in pj's, grab a coffee and start the day before a comforting and cheery fire...not to mention that it can go away at the flip of a remote switch. Luxurious and worth every penny. It is one of my pleasures. A kitchen fireplace and room to gather around it is very convivial...maybe even required.

High Point!

2010-11-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Alex and I went to the annual High Point Furniture Show in mid-October where, I am happy to report, the general mood was up, up,up! There was a lot of new and exciting product and every one's spirits were as good as I have seen in several years-what a relief.One of the new events,new products and uplifting news was the introduction of BeeLine Home by Bunny Williams.Bunny was there signing her new Scrapbook For Living and visiting with all of us who were soaking in her beautiful and inspiring settingsHere is an example of her use of blue with white as the accent color. This mirror I have seen her use before but now it available to all of us..it is very soft and pretty with a hint of the exotic

In this photo is another great mirror which I think could be used almost anywhere. I like the branch motif combined with the leather ottoman (notice the tray insert) and ikat pillows. It is this contrast of textures which adds richness. I would use this mirror in a farmhouse or a rustic setting with slightly dressy textures to contrast between the twiggy motif and the gold finish.

Here is another look from BeeLine Home and a quick snap of Bunny and me just before she signed my Scrapbook. Doesn't she look fabulous?.

Love her top.

Another showroom we loved again - not a first visit but an old favorite - was Somerset Bay. The only drawback to these pieces is that the wait can be long - as long as 18 weeks to arrive in the U.S. and than more time to ship domestically.I must say, however,that that is not so long for these special pieces - and they will be custom colored in a variety of delicious colors.

This blue and white painted chest would be so deliciously cool in a beach house with a painted floor(blue and white, of course and this white bed:

or...my favorite, this white faux bamboo four poster.

The last bed has a special feature in the tuck away trundle on wheels with a twin mattress. This would expand that guest room - give those spend the night parties an extra bunk - be fine for a grandchild or whatever. This was shown in a soft butter yellow - but can be,again any color from key lime green to red - oh, the possibilities

This bed is the best! It comes in many colors and in any size. At the last market it was featured in zesty green as twin beds with no rails at the top and paired with a navy chest - how divine for a boy or a guest room....add navy and white or green and white linens and you're just about done. Here the bed is shown in white. Panels could be added in the back or along the sides but the bed is dramatic enough to stand alone and classic enough to never tire of. Does it get any better?

2010-10-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am Cubby of J. Covington Interior Design and J. Covington Home. Alex, my son and I work closely to give you our best design and things to buy for what we call "Dreams of Home." We shop markets, manufactures, other designers, homes and show rooms to help you with ideas and explorations.

This is my first blog and so...just a little more by way of introduction and off we go. I live and work in New England and as this is an October post, I would be a little remiss not to mention how beautiful New England is in Autumn.

Autumn...not my favorite season as I seem to look back and wonder where summer went or maybe it is the racking and racking. It is also apples, local fairs, pumpkins, crisp days, cool nights and two holidays which are relatively guilt free.

The colors of nature are dynamic-warming yellows, and welcoming golds contrasted with the beautiful purples and soft greens of cabbages and grapes-not to mention orange and red. Gorgeous!

2010-10-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

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2010-10-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here's another welcoming look-just the fire calls out to come join in. Notice that the seasonal cues are here in the flames, the vase of orange tulips and berries, the red bookcase backs and box top and the mood of the art. You can create this easily-with natures offerings now-a bowl of acorns or pine cones, berries or gourds, a pillow or so and...cuddle up! Below are a few favorite fall pillows.

2010-10-13T14:19:00.000-07:00