Dering Hall

/ March 27, 2012
Hand Beaten Mirror by Soane

Hand Beaten Mirror by SoaneSlideshow

Helen Mirror – Jan Showers
Hollyhock Nine Panel Mirror – Suzanne Rheinstein*Hollyhock
A Dering Hall featured sale
Charles’ storefront on Dering Hall
Dering Hall's homepage

I have been searching for a large mirror for my sitting/dressing room for too long. I decided it needed to have a gold leaf frame with a lovely worn finish, perhaps a little decoration and, of course, I needed a specific size. I imagined I would easily find it in one of the “antiques” centers I visit regularly. Alas, nothing with the right finish or size has yet to catch my eye or suit my pocketbook. So it was on to the web. I love the Dering Hall site and decided to shop there. I’m having a great time exploring the mirrors they offer.

Full post →
  /     /  
0

New Book: Dish 813 colorful, wonderful dinner plates

/ March 21, 2012
Classic white dishes are faultlessly appropriate and always elegant. The white surface allows the food to be the star. Hostesses like the versatility of white dishes because they can be dressed up or down.

Classic white dishes are faultlessly appropriate and always elegant. The white surface allows the food to be the star. Hostesses like the versatility of white dishes because they can be dressed up or down.Slideshow

Dog lovers beware, you never know what plates you might find. Of course, we are partial to the dachshund!
In the 19th century, firms would create patterns with a blank space for a monogram to be inserted later. This is a very formal and elegant treatment of dishes.
Believe it or not, George and Martha Washington were dish collectors. The dishes in this picture were very fashionable in the late 1700's and were part of the inventory of Mount Vernon.
Starry Night Dishes
Franciscan casual dinnerware that was very popular in the '50's. The stars were an homage to the newly launched space program.
These are patterns that have stood the test of time from Wedgewood to Miessen, Royal Copenhagen to Spode all names familiar to the bride shopping for her first set of china.
From hand painted to artist-signed, from fine china to pottery this aviary of decorated plates is both beautiful and charming.

Last week I went to The Hickory Stick Bookshop, my very favorite book store, in Washington Depot, CT. They have a delightful and personal inventory that always includes the latest books on design. Waiting for me on the shelf was a new book by Shax Riegler; 813 colorful, wonderful dinner plates. Despite the fact that most of my own dinnerware is white or cream, I love decorated plates. They bring design, color and drama to the dining table says Shax, whose day job is Features editorEat House Beautiful.

Full post →
  /     /     /     /  
0

Lots of Tile

/ March 21, 2012

I love this casual kitchen by Steven Sclaroff in the April issue of House Beautiful. It is a “right” size (one of my trends for 2012), informal, working kitchen.  And, it is practical in every sense; dishes, glasses and pots are within easy reach.

Full post →
  /     /  
0

Personalize Your Bath: 1

/ March 16, 2012
Styled Shelving in the Bath_Arch Digest_3.9.12

Slideshow

Only when you add your personal touch to a bath does it take on personality and reflect individual style and taste. The display of family pictures and art in this particular picture is a great example. Many of the items seem to be vintage; each has a soft patina. The layering of textures and finishes adds considerable warmth to the space. Additionally, the small table with shelves adds practical and decorative storage.

Full post →
  /     /  
1