Paris in the spring

Parisian-inspired home decor with vintage

charm designed by Beth Hylan of Studio B

This week I met up with my friend, Beth Hylan, at a fundraising event held for one of the local preschools (organizing kudos goes to Brenda and Jacqui for putting this event together – nicely done!)

It was great to see Beth again! When I was helping her out with her store in Reading, I loved being able to watch her come up with unique design ideas. Since she moved her shop to Concord (she shares a space with Nesting on Main) I have missed seeing her creative collections of pretty objects. Here is a peek at some of her new offerings:



I love what Beth is doing with vintage papers and stamped text. Typography lovers take note!

Her glittery stamped votives were a big hit (I took one home myself!) She always has attic treasures to choose from as well.

Her vintage bits and bobbles in see-through jars were a favorite of mine. The well-edited palette would look pretty in any space.



Look for Beth at Nestings the next time you are in Concord, Massachusetts. She will also be doing trunk shows this spring and summer (I will let you know where and when as I hear details.)




And if you need floral arranging for weddings, events or proms ... give her a call. She is still available to whip up something fresh and fabulous for any event.

Beth Hylan Design
978.369.4133

Taking time to light the candles ...

Okay, how j’adorable is this ceramic Squirrel by designer and master potter Jonathan Adler? Adler, who has a new design store in Boston, actually learned how to throw clay as a kid while attending Jewish summer camp. He makes much more than cups to hold coffee these days – this squirrel is actually a ring box. I think it would also be a nice holiday decoration for those of you celebrate the eight days of giving small gifts during the season of Hanukkah – or Chanukah – which starts this evening. I was inspired earlier today by two of my Jewish friends (after playing an appetite-inducing game of tennis, that is!) to consider how I would decorate my table for the Festival of Lights. Thanks, Jill and Audrey, for the inspiration behind this post (and for proof-reading, Jill! ;)

Moose Menorah from Menorah.com

First off, I would start with an unusual menorah to set a natural scene for my holiday table.


Some sweet honey scented Beeswax Candles for Chanukah (a total of 45 candles are used over the eight day period) would add to the organic look.


This verdant green leaf shaped Ojai Serving Tray (also from Top Design star/judge Adler) would be nice piled high with golden potato latkes. The green and yellow glazed Ojai Small Bowls from this series are the perfect size for applesauce and sour cream.

Oh (or should I say Oy?) I am getting hungry!

Setting what I consider a “sacred” table for the holidays wouldn’t be complete without some pretty special occasion linens. This festive dotted Pallini tablecloth adds a modern touch of the traditional blue and white of Hanukkah, and is also symbolic of the round chocolate gelt coins that kids (and adults) look forward to each year.

And to win that chocolate, spinning this pretty nature-inspired Leaf Dreidel would be a fun way to spend an evening celebrating traditions with family and friends.

Happy Hanukkah!
xo Yvonne

Traditional styling of modern necessities

There is nothing good-looking about a cordless phone with answering machine (although some gadget-loving guys may say otherwise!) Instead of ignoring this modern-day eyesore, find a way to camouflage it, or creatively design around it like I’ve done here. Using a traditional footed serving tray to elevate the scene, I composed a vignette that includes old-fashioned decorative favorites like a pair of glass votives paired with a ceramic planter.

The tray, which I discovered at a local HomeGoods, closely fits the curved shape of this vintage dressers black-painted top (almost like they were made for each other), which then repeats the black of the phone as well as the black of the boy’s outfit.


Design tip: If an antique piece has drawers that are tough to open and shut, like this one, use them sparingly to hold items not needed on a regular basis. The wide drawers of this dresser are used to save art class projects that are periodically brought home from school.

With “Art in Bloom” still fresh in my mind, this serves as a great example of how to pair low maintenance plants, instead of fragile blossoms, with works of art. Around Easter, I will temporarily relocate this arrangement (yellow vase purchased through Southern Living at Home), and replace it with a larger grouping of tall white lillies as seen in the painting.

Historical style ...

I clearly wouldn’t have to disguise beautifully designed phones like the vintage versions shown below. Additional bonus ... the earpiece would always be where I left it. Searching for a ringing cordless is not my idea of “modern convenience!” Although conversations on these stylish darlings might end up being pretty short without the advantage of being able to walk and talk ...

1893 Coffee Mill Replica Phone

1910 Chicago Candlestick Phone




Alexis 1922 Decorator Phone

1930’s Crosley Desk Telephone

This sleekly styled red number is my personal favorite. It would go great with the current trend of combining modern styling with vintage pieces ... “I'll get it, dear!”