Summer arrangements ...

Driftwood with succulents and summer accessories by Laura Thomson

Even with the wealth of flowers outside our windows in the summer months there is still much to be appreciated in the gathered variety. For the “Designers Shine with Designer Bath” award event that I planned for the showroom in July, we hired Laura Thomson to create arrangements to add a bit of nature-inspired beauty to our designer celebration. She really came through with her thoughtful designs. See them posted on our facebook page and read about Laura’s design process here.

Yard snipped hydrangeas in a low glass vase with pebbles 

This past week, the winning space of the Shine contest was photographed by Michael J. Lee. Ian Mentasti of Stephen Terhune Woodworking, a division of Carpenter and MacNeille, was our award-winning designer and his master bath project was amazingly beautiful. I brought lots of luxurious bath items to style the space for our professional photo shoot including hydrangeas from a friend’s front yard. The leftover blooms came home with me and I put them in a low vase to enjoy for awhile. Look for the winning space in next issue of Design New England Magazine as it will be featured in a full page ad for Designer Bath. The entire house was stunning! I really wish we could have stayed to photograph more of it.     

Ferns, ivy and peace lily in a large black urn by Churchills Garden Center

I took a trip to visit the York Decorator Show House today. Designer Gerald Pomeroy was a shining star at this year’s show. His living room, dining room, kitchen and sun porch were elegantly designed with lots of rich textures and subtle patterns. I wasn’t there to photograph the show, but I was able to capture the above urn on the grounds surrounding Harmon House. There is only one day left to view the 19 decorated spaces ... if you can’t make it in person, there are a few photos of Pomeroy’s work on the Design New England blog. If you do plan to visit, you’ll see lots more designer flower arrangements inside (along with some fabulous decorated living spaces), plus gorgeous gardens and plantings outside. Charles C. Hugo Landscape Design created an outside kitchen set against the backdrop of the York Harbor that looks like the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.

York Decorator Show House 2012

The Master Suite: Meredith Bohn Interior Design

photo courtesy Meredith Bohn

Saturday, July 14th is opening day at one of my favorite annual design events: The Old York Decorator Show House in York, Maine and I have a couple sneak peek photos for you! Designer Meredith Bohn of Hollis, NH sent me these fabulous pics ... how did she know I have a thing for designer baths? ; )

I’m loving the modern chevron patterned rug with the traditional clawfoot tub

in Meredith Bohn’s York Decorator Show House master bath.

I can’t wait to see the spaces in real life! Last year Meredith’s room was a french country inspired kitchen. It was featured in the Autumn issue of New England Finery Magazine along with my other favorite “designer focal points” from the show.

Meredith Bohn Interiors for the 22nd Annual Old York Decorator Show House

New England Finery Magazine: Autumn 2011 p. 20-21

photo by Michael J. Lee

There are always a number of special events tied in with this summer show which happens to take place in the town where my family has vacationed for decades. Next year I will plan to go up for the Friday night Preview Party and stay on through the weekend at my mom’s summer cottage. The first night of a show is always so exciting, with all the designers finally able to breathe a sigh of relief that the hard work is done and they can relax and simply enjoy the pretty scenery.

Another great event worth saving the date for is the Designer Luncheon. A panel of designers share their behind-the-scenes stories along with trends and tips. I attended a few years ago and since then, have become friends with the designers on the panel (Nicole Yee, Frank Hodge, and Joyce Jordan to name a few). Gerald Pomeroy will be on the panel this year. I highly recommend sitting in on this one to hear what Gerald has to share. He is so talented and such a genuine soul!

Below are just a few happenings, but do check out the Museums of Old York website for more.

July 18 - Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School luncheon program, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. -- Price: $60 includes Museums of Old York Decorator Show House Ticket. 

July 19 - Behind the Scenes at the Antiques Road Show with appraiser Don Cresswell, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, York Harbor Inn, 6 – 8:30 p.m. -- Price: $60 includes Museums of Old York Decorator Show House Ticket.  

August 8 - Luncheon at York Harbor Reading Room with a Designer Panel Discussion. Find out what really happens behind the scenes at the Decorator Show House from four of this year’s outstanding designers: Sue Bartlett, Gerald Pomeroy, Michael Engelhardt and Linda Zukas. York Harbor Reading Room, 491 York Street, York Harbor, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. $60 includes lecture, lunch and Show House Ticket.


For all events, order tickets online or call 207-363-4974.

Barbara Vaughn and Marianne Mooers of American Traditions, Inc.

 for the 22nd Annual Old York Decorator Show House

New England Finery Magazine: Autumn 2011 p. 32-33

photo by Michael J. Lee

Let me know if you are planning to attend the show, and please share any favorite design tips you took away from it. I plan to go up very soon. I wouldn’t miss it!   

Winter antique shopping

New England Finery Magazine, Winter 2011,  pages 42-43

Antique shopping is usually considered a summer sport here in New England, but there are actually some great winter shows worth venturing out to, even on a snowy day like today.

In the last issue of New England Finery, I highlighted the New England Antiques Design Show & Sale that was held at the Shriners Auditorium. This weekend the auditorium is home once again to a wealth of antique dealers ... check out the extensive list here. Below are some photos I took while exhibiting there last fall (read more about the New England Finery designed space here).

There are room after room of antique and vintage treasures at the show.

Each dealer sets up their own inspired vignettes.

Vintage items, like these drapery hold backs, can be repurposed in modern ways.

The key is to think creatively when touring each booth.

There truly is something for every kind of collector!

I really could have used this on a recent photo shoot ...

If you are a decorator, photo stylist or homeowner who loves the patina of vintage decor, it is worth it to get on the list to be notified of upcoming New England Antique Shows. Click here to receive discount passes and info. 

58th Annual Winter Antiques Show

All this week in New York, from the 20th to the 29th, the 58th Annual Winter Antiques Show is being held at the Park Avenue Armory. Local designer, Phoebe Lovejoy, who was featured in the autumn issue of New England Finery, is on the interior design committee for Young Collectors Night which will be held on the 26th. If you get the chance to attend, look for her in the crowd and be sure to say hello!

Young Collectors Nigh: Annual Winter Antiques Show

Designers Phoebe Lovejoy and Gerald Pomeroy 

New England Finery Magazine: Autumn 2011, pages 34 – 40

Michael J. Lee Photography

New England Finery at the Antique Show

The New England Finery hosted space at
The Boston Antique Design Show & Sale

Last weekend was the Boston Antique Design Show & Sale at the Shriner’s Auditorium in Wilmington, MA. I was asked by the show producer, Marvin Getman, to design a 20 x 20 foot space to promote both New England Finery Magazine and the art of using antiques in interior design.

New England Finery Magazine
February 2011 p. 28 – 29
Location: The Steven’s Estate
Photographer: Elizabeth Wertz

My dining room gallery mixed traditional antiques with modern pieces. On the walls were large photographs taken from the pages of New England Finery Magazine. Next to each image, was a QR (quick response) code that when scanned into a smart phone would link directly to the photo on its page in the online issue. QR codes are being used in all sorts of marketing and advertising efforts these days, and I wanted to see what kind of response they would get. I will have to try it again at another show ... even I couldn’t get a good read off my vintage Blackberry, but visitors with the latest iPhones were able to instantly connect to New England Finery online without having to type the web address. It was pretty cool.

Carpet: First Oriental Rugs of Danvers
A set of 8 Mirage Chairs were borrowed from
Peterson Party Center in Winchester

The Mirage Chairs, a reproduction of the Kartell Victoria Ghost Chair designed by Phillipe Starck, were a BIG hit. Everyone had to touch them or sit on them (they are remarkably comfortable). I thought these would be a nice tie-in to the whole feeling of antiques having a sense of history that brings with them ghosts from the past. These see-through pieces seem to float when combined with the heavy wood furnishings of the antique world, keeping the designed space looking fresh and inviting instead of overly formal and imposing.

Transparent stacking chairs like these can be purchased through Peterson Party Center or check online (StackChairDepot, AllModern, etc.) Prices range from around $100 for a reproduction, to around $330 for the Kartell version.

New England Finery Magazine
Summer 2011 p. 24 – 25
Designer: Honey Collins
Photographer: Michael J. Lee

Tableware was borrowed from Peterson Party Center

When I was little, my parents ran a catering business – mostly weddings. My job was to place the silverware and occasionally be the coat girl. We always set the table the exact same way. When I was setting the table for the show, I stopped myself, and decided to mix it up. I decided to go with a non-conventional table setting. Traditional with a twist. Silverware was placed with two knives on the left, two forks on the right and the teaspoon on the saucer as if it had just been used. The rest of the silverware was put away. This got a lot of visitors talking! Some guests who were brought up with Emily Post and formal dinners were visibly upset and had to restrain themselves from, ahem, “rearranging.” I gently tried to explain that it is okay to break the rules every now and then. Plus it is a fun way to get the conversation started – I certainly met some interesting people at the show this way : )

Vintage and antique pieces were borrowed from The Queen’s Vault in Wakefield, MA. They carry a blend of antiques, furnishings, decorative accessories and gift items at affordable prices. I discovered them when I was researching Cordani Shoes – which is right across the street – for issue one of New England Finery. A couple weeks before the show I stopped by and selected the items I needed to fill out my “curated” space.

Settee available at The Queen’s Vault

While this wasn’t a painted furniture kind of show, I chose a couple of pieces in this style since our cover shot featured antiques mixed with white woodwork, which really captures that fresh take on tradition.

Corner chair from The Queen’s Vault

I had an inkjet copy of New England Finery on hand for visitors new to the magazine. For future events, I really should have some printed and bound through MagCloud, which is able to turn online magazines into traditional magazines. On my to-do list.

New England Finery Magazine
February 2011 p. 70 – 71
Designer: Rosanne Palazola
Photographer: Wynne & Mintz

Since I had to work with the existing dark cranberry carpet that was on the main floor of the auditorium – plus not the best interior lighting – I chose a sunny gold color for the walls (which is great behind dark woods) and then picked up the red, yellow and blue of the carpet in the rest of the space instead of fighting it.

Flower arrangement created by Laura Thomson Designs
Lynnfield, MA • 617-966-0161 • lspillane65@aol.com

New England Finery Magazine
Autumn 2011 p. 26 – 27
Designer: Jane Derby
Photographer: Michael J. Lee

One shopper wanted to buy my antique shoe forms that I found at Brimfield but they were just for display. Sorry!

Frank Hodge of F.D. Hodge Interiors, whose work was featured on the cover of our Autumn issue, was one of my first visitors on Saturday morning. He is talented, charming and SO funny! I have always loved his designed spaces at the York Decorator Show House ... I was thrilled to have him come visit me in my space for a change!

Michael J. Lee Photography

Check out New England Finery on facebook
to see who else came to visit.

And now for one last designer trick ...

Can you guess what makes the antique lace table covering unique? Look closely. One end is finished with a dropped hem, the other is straight across. Many people loved it and asked “how much?” Along with the mahogany table (taken straight out of my dining room) the table covering was not for sale as it was from our personal collection. My mom found it at a yard sale years ago. It is actually a four-poster twin bed coverlet! That is the beauty of re-purposing antiques for use today. If you are shopping for antiques – whether at a tag sale or antique show – and discover something that you like, chances are good that you will find a special spot for it. And then you will have a “treasure hunt” story of your own to tell.

SOLD: this pair of lamps from The Queen’s Vault
went home with one of the visitors to my space.

Thank you to everyone who helped me put this space together (it took a crew, and my family barely complained about not having a dining room table for two days) and special thanks goes to the dealers and designers who inspire others to celebrate antiques everyday.

What kind of antique treasures have you brought home lately?

A creative collaboration ...

New England Finery, Autumn 2011, p.14
Photographer: Michael J. Lee
Design: Marcye Philbrook

Now that the autumn issue of New England Finery Magazine is complete, I can sit back and flip through the pages, which in retrospect are like a scrapbook of my summer. One of my favorite aspects of my job as editor is planning and attending photo shoots. This summer, I had the pleasure of working with Michael J. Lee on three feature stories. After individually scouting a few locations, we put some dates on the calendar when we could get together to capture the desired shots.

New England Finery, Autumn 2011, p.24
Photographer: Michael J. Lee
Design: Jane Derby, J. Covington Design

The York Decorator Show House is an annual favorite of mine. I took in the show with a couple of friends in early August then came back with Michael a few days later to shoot “Focal Point.” This property was graced with many fireplaces and each offered a creative design solution. It was so much fun to have the show house pretty much to ourselves before the Sunday crowd came in! I was able to get a close up look of each of the spaces and truly appreciate the fine details of each room.

New England Finery, Autumn 2011, p.34
Photographer: Michael J. Lee
Designers Phoebe Lovejoy and Gerald Pomeroy
at Studio 534, Boston Design Center

Michael came up with the idea of getting two local interior designers who had not met before together for a shoot at the Boston Design Center. Phoebe and Gerald were a pleasure to spend time with, and Michael staged this shot perfectly. All I had to do was show up : )

New England Finery, Autumn 2011, p.46

Photographer: Michael J. Lee

Design: Suzanne Iovanna

I am especially proud of the OMG decorating story that we shot in late August (I scouted it in June). There were so many beautifully decorated rooms to choose from, but as editor I had to pick the ones that I felt readers would respond to the most. When Michael and I were setting up shots in each of the spaces, it was easy to imagine how much fun this family must have entertaining in their “great” rooms.
Since the issue launched, I have received a lot of positive feedback on the spaces we featured including comments like “I wish I lived there!” And that is what the magazine is all about -- providing a bit of visual escape from our every day, along with some inspiration on how to incorporate what we see on the pages into our own lives.