Collecting creatures ...

My bunny collection always looks great around this time of year. I have them in all shapes, sizes and finishes. I am not even sure how I started to gather them, but I know that most of them were probably bought around the time that I was designing my first-born’s nursery. Bunnies just seemed so cute – without being silly. They are definitely more serious than a duck and prettier than a pig and less country than a cow – although, to be fair, I have seen people who collect these other animals and their collections certainly make an impression!

Today as guest blogger for New England Home Magazine’s design blog, I present a parade of springtime creatures that would add an air of sophistication to any home or collection.
Take a peek by clicking here.

What do you like to collect?

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

The Summer Nursery: My Inspiration

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Wertz

I used this image of a vintage decoupaged screen
circa early-to-mid 20th century to illustrate
my design concept for “The Summer Nursery.”
Screen available through Vintage and Modern.

Now where were we? Oh yes, I left you yesterday with a glimpse of my proposal for the summer design show at Tapley Hall: Reflecting upon Danvers History through Interior Design, plus some before photos of the large public space that would later be transformed into a series of smaller vignettes by a dozen-or-so design professionals. I had decided that a summer nursery would be fun to put together, and I
had a good idea on how I wanted to do it.



My plan was to create a modern interpretation of the Victorian screen above using decoupaged story book images that I have collected since my children were small. When I was young, my mom made a big impression on me when she decoupaged our refrigerator (I have mentioned this story before, I know!) with clippings from magazines, books, and whatever she could rip out and Mod Podge down. I knew I wanted to create the same type of memory for my own children, using the images from our favorite stories. The most difficult part of this process was locating all of the book jackets that I had saved over the past decade for this very project (they were finally discovered in three different places). I would like to say that my house is completely organized and well-edited, but my storage area could probably be featured on an Oprah show about “not being able to let go of the past.” But you know, when I need something, I always have it even if it takes me hours to sift through still-packed boxes from our last move or from new boxes that now store the memories of my own four children. I am working on getting rid of some house clutter this summer, and will report back after a future yard sale, but for now let’s get back to our story ...

While I originally envisioned using a baby crib for my vignette (yes, I still have one and am saving it for someone – other than myself – who may need it someday) I was given a tour of the Danvers Historical Society archives and they had this ...




Could anything be more perfect for a vintage summer nursery??? White wicker, aged yellow linen, delicate ruffles, trimmed with ribbon. So my crib stayed home and this lovely bassinet became the main character of our story. While I was checking out the large collection of vintage treasures donated by Danvers-area families to the historical society’s collection, I saw these
cuties that almost made it into the show ...


Staffordshire Dogs, circa 1850


I put in a request to borrow them for my space, but a few weeks later, while out shopping for finishing touches, I caught sight of a pair of these ...




Doesn’t he look just like Rainbow Fish? This was another bedtime favorite of ours. For the show I hid two of them in my nursery-by-the-sea vignette. Can you find one below and do you recognize any of
the storybook images on the screen?




I will be back later in the week to share more
pictures and ideas. For now, the winner of my
Design Show/Birthday Gift giveaway is ...



Mary B!

I will be in touch with you soon
to deliver your crown : )

Showing some love for Nate Berkus

Nate’s Oprah Show Farewell

When my boys were all little (and before I had DVR ; ) I spent many an afternoon from 4pm to 5pm, tuned in to the Oprah show. Like many other stay-at-home moms, a really good day would involve a guest appearance by “cutie-pie decorator” (as Oprah calls him) Nate Berkus. If Nate was on, I would telephone other friends who were home (we did not talk via email or text back then) and I would snuggle on the couch (usually with a baby in my arms), put my feet up (without a bit of guilt!) and dream of Nate
knocking on my own door some day!


{Image From Nate’s book: Home Rules}
Photograph by John Bessler

Nate’s first makeover for the Oprah show, in which he gives a tiny Boston apartment star treatment, is still one of my all-time favorites. His philosophy of appreciating what you have to work with – and making it work for how you live – is what made me fall in love.

Home Rules by Nate Berkus
Photograph by Fernando Bengoechea

While Nate has only been a “virtual” guest in my home, I actually have seen him in person at Oprah’s “Live Your Best Life” tour when it came to Boston. I wasn’t blogging back then, but if I was, I surely would have made every effort to get a snapshot with one of my favorite design stars! Instead, my sister and I listened to him share his decorating tips and techniques, and when it came time for the audience to ask him questions I was TOO SHY to raise my hand
(what would you have done????)


Nate’s book was a part of my designed space at the
North Shore Design Show: Favorite Spaces


I do have a copy of Nate’s book, however, and here are a few photos of my favorite Nate-designed spaces ...

{Image From Nate’s book: Home Rules}
Photograph by John Bessler

Even Trading Spaces host, Paige Davis, knew Nate could help her live beautifully. He combined her love of modern and rustic in a big way when he made over her small space apartment. Using organic items to decorate a space is a common feature in Nate’s work.



{Image From Nate’s book: Home Rules}
Photograph by Fernando Bengoechea

This makeover incorporated sacred moments
to celebrate the passed life of a loved one.


Let the sun shine in featured on Oprah.com
Photograph by Fernando Bengoechea


Recently Nate announced on Oprah that he will be launching his own talk show on September 13th.
The Nate Berkus Show “will apply his approach to decorating to every part of life.” Sign me up! What I have always loved the most about Nate is that his style is always about people and not things. Objects are cherished for the memories that they represent. Every space is more about the unique presence of individuals than it is about following trends or having
the latest and the greatest.



{Image From Nate’s book: Home Rules}
Photograph by John Bessler

I love that this child’s room is super sophisticated,
yet visually playful at the same time.


Go inside Nate’s home as featured on Oprah.com

Nate’s own home appears thoughtful and subdued. I am beginning to appreciate his desire for white walls!

{Image From Nate’s book: Home Rules}
Photograph by John Bessler

Nate is an avid collector and loves to shop the antique markets. For his new venture, I hope that he plans
to take us along for the ride on his shopping
- and life - journeys.

In my own home: a pretty, yet functional, Nate Berkus item
from a collection that he designed for Linens-N-Things

Herringbone Throw from Nate’s collection

for the Home Shopping Network. Love it!


Nate has certainly been very busy over the past eight years, taking on over-the-top decorating makeovers to small space challenges to creating products for us at home to hosting a talk-radio program and even a charitable reality show (remember Oprah’s Big Give?) I am sure that whatever Nate takes on next will be guided by his warm and caring nature and his “big ole heart” (another Oprah quote!) Best of luck and heartfelt wishes to you, Nate! Your devoted audience awaits and is so ready to cheer you on : )

To keep up with Nate, follow him
on twitter by clicking here.




For a list of design bloggers who are sharing their love for Nate today, click here. The list is being posted by Joy and Janet of the Moggit girls, who strongly suggested that the audience at Nate’s first show should be completely filled with design bloggers ... nice!



And be sure to follow Boston-based design blogger CreateGirl, designer Julieann Covino of Jace Interiors by clicking here. She was the one with the bright idea to designate today as #NateDay on twitter. Smart!


And to follow me on
Twitter, click here : )

You are invited ...

A second shiny object was delivered to my door this past weekend. I had a $35.00 credit at Rue La La* which I turned in for this adorable bunny plate by Arthur Court Baby (I still have a little left over after paying for shipping and the plate.) Now I realize that I don’t have any little ones eating baby food anymore, but I do love anything with a bunny on it, so I am adding this piece to my collection. Plus, I never know when I will have to stage a baby room ...

But what is Rue La La you might ask?

* Rue La La is an exclusive online destination of premier brand, private sale Boutiques that are open just two days each. Joining is free, but you must be sponsored by an existing Member.

Your existing member? C’est moi ... yours truly!

I have actually had a peek behind the scenes of Rue La La, which is located in Boston. The place is all a-buzz with stylish happenings ... photo shoots being shot, glamorous models on set, racks and racks of designer clothes being whisked by, and tons of props on hand (a stylist’s dream!) So if you would like to see what all the buzz is about ...

Visit RueLaLa.com then simply register to start shopping! You will soon receive regular e-mail alerts announcing upcoming 2-day boutique sale events.

Fashionable linens by 1891 by Sferra

While Rue La La’s main focus is wearable fashion like Calvin Klein, Dolce&Gabbana, and DKNY, they often feature fashionable home good items as well like Tivoli Audio, 1891 by Sferra and items from the Global Views collections (all to be featured on January 14th.)


Items from Global Views

Tivoli Audio products

And they will soon be featuring the work of the winning designer from the Bravo series Launch My Line (which I have not had a chance to watch, but I like the idea of the collaboration).

This boutique style shopping experience becomes even more interesting when you invite your friends ... with every purchase that a friend makes, a member receives a $10 credit to buy more la la! So this is your invitation to shop (the deals are that good!)

Enjoy!



And if you are wishing for a chance to receive a free item of your own, check out the shared blog of friends Kristin and Megan: BonBon Rose Girls. They have some really cute pieces that they are gifting to a handful of their lucky readers to celebrate their one year blogger-anniversary! Check them out and “bonne chance” (good luck!)