Current design images reveal our growing interest in creating a more profound space in our laundry rooms. This laundry room with its large wooden ironing table covered in fabric, freshly cleaned clothing hanging on multiple lines in a sunny window, and a mending table in the corner is an idealized reflection of laundry rooms of the 1800’s.
My journal is, among other things, a place to remember, record, and refine ideas in the works. When thinking about making or redesigning apparel it often helps to sketch out the idea and think about how to proceed. Fashion designers typically create sketches and/or drape fabric on mannequins or models before creating the final design. in this case, we begin with three webbed belts and a classic blazer from my skirt suit days.
On February 13, 2025, I published a piece on this blog discussing the way objects with stories can personalize and enliven our homes. Today’s piece is a continuation of the series within the blog about storied objects. This rose carved ivory box is a storied object…
Candles and candlelight are both an indulgence and a necessity. Lighting candles at the table every night; it’s amazing how a bit of candlelight can elevate even the simplest of meals. My first experience dining by candlelight was in Williamsburg, Virginia where candles were the only source of light at the King’s Arms Tavern. Even now, on this rainy summer morning there are candles burning here in the library where I am writing.
A recent post described moving this table and chairs to the garden and prompted me to expand on the idea with a post about outdoor living spaces. We know we should spend time out of doors and better yet, work in our gardens, but do we know how to create outdoor spaces enhance our enjoyment?
It is fascinating to me to trace the origin of an idea or a thought. It is likely you are noticing more than you realize as you experience the moments in a day. It may take months or even years for an idea to reach full fruition and action. This is the story of how an enchanting hotel garden we frequented seven years ago influenced the way we live today.
Some might think a dressing table is an unnecessary indulgence. Yet, if you consider it a contemplative place you have created for yourself where you can gather your thoughts before beginning the day, a place to rest and refresh, or possibly a place where you can take a moment to be thankful, a dressing table might be a meaningful addition to your life.
A chair with its inner core exposed, seat covered in burlap stitched with twine, back and arms softened with creamy muslin held in place with charcoal black flat head steel tacks is a unique alternative to completely reupholstering a chair.
Ribbons tied around a swanlike neck, ribbons encircling a waist, grazing a shoulder, wound around a head of hair, trailing from a sleeve, or fluttering on a skirt; ribbons have been an aspect of fashion since the Egyptians wrapped metal, leather, or ribbon around their heads to hold their hair in place.
A column in the January, 2025 issue of The World of Interiors prompted me to think about the unique and storied objects in my life.