” The details of decorating give a home its soul.” – Charles Faudree

Do you love gorgeous fabric?  I certainly do.  You might say, I am a fabric junkie. To be lost for hours in a fabric warehouse is simply splendid.  It is marvelous to touch, feel and drool over beautiful fabrics and envision them created into something magnificent. I particularly enjoy seeing an exquisite piece of fabric transformed into a lovely table skirt. 

Skirted tables are classic.  They can add color, charm and texture to a room. Creating beauty and providing service. A table wearing such gorgeousness, creates attention and begs to be admired.    

Skirted table coverings can be made for any table.  They are stunning either pleated, slightly gathered or simply made to drape. And, when they are embellished with some fabulous trim or ribbon, well, they advance to a new level.

Additionally, an overlay or topper in a contrasting or different type of fabric, can add to the charm of a skirt. Along the edge of the overlay is a wonderful place to add trim.  Often, I like to take a contrasting fabric and create a small pleated edge.  This can take time, but is far less expensive than purchasing ready-made trim.  

While skirted tables are lovely, and can often be a showpiece, they are also quite functional.  They create warmth in a large entryway, and are so welcoming in this space which can often seem cold.  When placed next to a sofa, chair or bedside, they provide a perfect space for a fabulous lamp and treasured mementos. 

But, one of the finest assets of a skirted table is: The table itself need not be perfect or to your liking. If you come across a great find and it is the size you need, that simply translates to ~ spend your money on gorgeous fabric. Underneath a skirted table is also a great storage area, for items seldom used.  Under one of mine, I store a collection of pitchers and vases used to hold peonies. Understand, when you have over 60 peonies, it is necessary to have many containers during bloom season.

And, I can’t fail to mention lovely skirted vanity tables.  A skirted vanity is so romantic and adds such softness to a bedroom.  It serves to remind us to slow down for a moment, dress lovely, mist ourselves with a marvelous intoxicating potion and put our best foot forward.  Which always lifts our spirits, and impacts our day.

While I love all the beautiful skirts I have shown, I would have to say one of my most favorite coverings is one designed for a dining room or kitchen table.  Not just an ordinary skirt or table covering, but a covering for a dining table simply designed and dressed by the masters of charm ~ the French.  The French can serve you a simple meal of an omelet, gorgeous wine, salad and cheese.  Yet, when you are seated to a beautifully dressed table, clearly you are moved to be in the moment with family and/or friends.  You are seduced by the charm and captivated by the beauty of simplicity.  A marvelously dressed French table is most often coverings to the floor, full and flowing, often with layers. Magnifique !

I hope I have provided a wee bit of inspiration today. For it is true, the details we choose to add in our homes, truly gives them ‘soul’ and makes them ‘sing.’  

“Exquisite details make interiors sing.” – Larry Laslo

Wishing you and yours a beautiful week !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

All photos: pinterest and Atlanta Homes, House Beautiful, Traditional Home and Veranda

“Gathering beloved objects and collectibles together in artistic vignettes makes a house a home.”  – Unknown 

The French word vignette, means “little vine.”  However, today it has come to mean a lovely intimate grouping of things.  A grouping which often tells a story.

While vignettes can become a focal point in a room, personally, I love to come upon them. A beautiful vignette never fails to captivate your heart.  It can hold photos of  family members you cherish or a special celebration, books you love, a treasure acquired on a trip, flowers you adore – many different things. A vignette can be in any room of your home, and grouped in various different ways.  However, it will hold things of meaning, only for you.  These special creations bring such life to your home and provide unmatched charm. 

A vignette is especially lovey in an entryway or foyer.

In the kitchen, a vignette can add interest to a large island or a specific area.

Vignettes can also be most helpful in the kitchen. They can serve as a means of keeping items, often used, grouped together and close at hand.  

Items on their own can appear scattered or untended.  However, when grouped together they create greater visual impact.  

Items grouped together can also create a softness which they may have standing alone.

The bathroom is also a lovely place for a vignette.  In this area they can be extremely useful,  as well as visually beautiful.

But, there is more – wall vignettes.  These storytellers,  are often carefully chosen pieces of lovely china, treasured heirlooms or collections.

The photo above is a design by, the late Charles Faudree

There is a bit of skill involved in arranging a lovely vignette.  Such skill, like any skill, improves with use.  So, gather the things you love, call forth your creativity, and begin to play.  Vignettes are a wonderful way to bring those things you have been hiding in the closet, out where you can enjoy them.  Find a pretty tray to use.  If you need to elevate some things, use a few marvelous old books or a garden planter.  There is no written rule that garden things must be used completely for gardening.  The garden world has some gorgeous containers.  Add a small candle or a vase of flowers – magic!   

In closing, I will tell you something I know to be true, and feel is significant in creating an enchanting home or garden:  “Homes, like gardens, should reveal themselves to you.  One does not need to see everything immediately. When you sit in a room or garden, I feel it is marvelous to be charmed and fall under its’ spell. Simply, taking the time to enjoy the contents of the room or garden as it slowly begins to say, Hello.”  The same holds true for a lovely vignette, it should slowly reveal itself to you. This is when the magic comes alive and you will clearly see the beauty and charm.  Thereby, using a beautiful decorating tool, and affectionately transforming a house into a home, or a yard into a garden.  

Thanks for visiting. Have a beautiful week !

Au Revoir, 

Sandra

Photos: Pinterest and Facebook

“To collect anything, no matter what, is the healthy human impulse of man and boy, and the longer and harder the search, the greater the joy of acquisition.” ~ Agnes Repplier

So, what do you collect?  Perhaps there are so many treasures which appeal to you, it is difficult to focus on one particular thing which sends you over the moon.  That is certainly the case with me.  Especially when I see something I know has a story. Such as an old quilt. 

I always wonder about the person who created it, what their life was like, and the hours of work and love it took to create such a thing of beauty. Quilts are great love stories and I have collected many of these beauties through the years.  To me, it is a privilege to be their caretaker.    

Isn’t it strange how one thing can lead us to another? The love of quilts, led me to appreciate and collect handwoven coverlets, which led me to become a weaver. Weaving deepened my appreciation of all handwork and household textiles.

However, my greatest joy in learning to weave was finding my treasured barn loom. My husband and I came upon this great treasure while traveling over the mountains of West Virginia into Virginia. My treasure was found disassembled in a chicken coop. Truly, it was a lovely roost for the chickens.  However, after hours of scrubbing and cleaning, its beauty came shining through and my goodness, it weaves wonderfully. It has a 54 inch weaving width (unusual, most are 36 inches), a dove tailed breast beam and the maker’s name carved at the top ~ John Roher.  Unfortunately, he did not carve the date. My treasured loom came from an old log homestead in Pendleton County West Virginia. So often, I have wished the loom could talk. I do know, it would be fascinating to hear her stories. 

Ah, but there is more.  I have come to think, “Surely, I must have a collecting gene.”  My mother had it.  I can remember going with her, at a young age, to estate sales and antique shops.  This is where I received my education about condition, quality and price. An education which has served me well, as I have enjoyed the ‘thrill of the hunt’ for many years.

So, you ask, what else do I hunt and collect?  Let’s see.  There are butter molds, crockery mixing bowls (especially blue), and beautiful china. Gorgeous vintage china is a wonderful world and it can surely lead you down the hunting path. There are fabulous patterns, shapes, colors and pieces.  And, not to mention stunning teacups, saucers, and teapots.

My interest in teacups and teapots led me to a most interesting course ~ “How to Prepare and Serve a Formal Tea.”  It was a great course and the amount of material covered in the class was amazing. Not only did I learn a great deal, I met many other ladies who also collected teacups, teapots, and various other things. Furthermore, my association with these women gave me the great pleasure of being part of forming a tea society. The society met at a local historic home and we served tea to guests when the home was open to the public. I would never have had this unique experience or met this lovely group of women, if it were not for teacups and teapots. 

These things we hunt and acquire are what can make our homes uniquely ours.  They also serve to remind us of wonderful times shared with family and friends  during our hunting adventures. I enjoy seeing a certain piece in our home and reflecting on who was with me when it was purchased. Such memories …they warm my heart.  

So, if you are not a collector, perhaps you have received a bit of inspiration today.  Grab a dear friend, and take off one Saturday morning. Coffee and newspaper in hand. Visit local estate sales, antique malls and shops. You just might be amazed at what you will find. And I promise, you will make the best memories. Also, you may discover what I know to be true ~ “Antiques offer us an enduring reminder of stability and permanence.” ~ Barbara Taylor Bradford

Thanks for visiting. Enjoy this glorious season and Happy Hunting!

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photos: All photos Pinterest, Vintage Blessings and Victoria Magazine.

As most of you know, I began writing this blog as a way to inspire others toward seeing beauty all around us. Where ever we may live beauty is there, and beauty does and can change our world.  I know this to be true, I try desperately hold on to this knowledge.

However, I will tell you, today I am shaken to my very core by the recent events in Las Vegas. I feel I have seen one too many horrific acts of violence. And my dear friends, I feel certain you feel that way, too.

Each and everyone of us are joined to all those who lost their lives and their families, to those who survived and their families, and all the first responders and their families.  We are joined to them all because we are humans and that connects us. We care their lives are forever changed.

So at these dreadful times, what do we do?  I look for words and strength from a higher power and from those who can articulate their feelings into words in a far more meaningful way than I am capable of doing. I feel the following words from Neil Gaiman provide hope. “A world in which there are monsters, and ghosts, and things that want to steal your heart is a world in which there are angels, and dreams, and a world in which there is hope.” 

This morning before you begin your day, please say a simple prayer for all those involved in this heart breaking event. Pray for guidance as we strive to make a better world.  Together, we must make it so – humanity depends on it.  

Love to all of you and those you love.  

Au Revoir, 

Sandra

Photo: Pinterest

“Perhaps I am too attached to beauty, I’ve no idea; I love it, I adore it, I think about it all the time, I strive to create it, and to re-create it.” – Yves Saint Laurent

I love the words of Yves Saint Laurent.  He perfectly states my very thoughts. I love, and have loved, beauty my entire life. It is my passion and is always somewhere in the mix of everything I do. 

My mother had an inherent love of beauty and she passed it on to me. She knew quality and loved beautiful well made furniture, gorgeous fabrics, art and magnificent gardens. She taught me to care about it all, and I do. But, on my own and through many years of living, I have come to know the power of beauty.  

Waking up in a beautiful room has power over our day.   

Walking into a lovely kitchen in the morning, with wonderful light streaming through the windows, is a glorious way to begin a day.  The sight of such beauty provides us with joy.  Puts us in a good mood.  And then, we take our moods out into the world.

As we return to our private world of retreat, beauty in our homes can lighten our hearts and instantly alleviate the stress and cares of the day.  Beauty can cheer and nurture us as we relax in our precious homes with those we love, surrounded by things which are meaningful to us.

While beautiful interiors can significantly impact our lives, the same holds true for the world of nature. For me, the world of nature is the garden.  I do understand not everyone is a gardener, nor does every home lend itself to a garden. However, everyone can visit lovely parks or gardens, and enjoy a long soak in beauty.  To stand in front of something magnificently in bloom can be life changing. Truly, it can.

When we enjoy and are aware of beauty in our interior spaces or nature, we are uplifted, we pause and admire. Our hearts are touched – we are forever changed.  And, that is the power of beauty.

In closing this post, I would like to share the poignant words from Beth Webb. Ms. Webb is an Atlanta-based home interior designer and author of the recently released book, “An Eye for Beauty.”

 “Beauty enhances life in ways well beyond words.  No day should pass without our experiencing a sense of beauty in one form or another, even for a moment. A glimpse of the possibility of perfection. Something wonderful against the skin. A snatch of melody. A whiff of perfume. A taste of happiness.”

Thanks for visiting. May all your days be enhanced by Beauty!  

Au Revoir, 

Sandra

Photos:  Michael S. Lambiotte, Pinterest, House Beautiful

Peony photos are from Le Jardin @ Maison de Jardin, Clarksburg, WV

“A guest never forgets the host who had treated him kindly.” –  Homer

Knowing many of you may still be enjoying summer weather and your flip flops, I am rather reluctant to mention –  the holidays are approaching. However, the Thanksgiving holiday will arrive in nine weeks, with Christmas following shortly thereafter. So, today I hope to inspire you to think ahead, be organized and avoid what I refer to as, ‘last minute drama.’  

For information regarding the above needlepoint, see the details at the end of this post.

Holidays can often mean, overnight guests in your home.  Therefore, now is the time to begin to prepare for their arrival. You have invited these people to your home, you love and care about your guests. You want them to be happy, comfortable, enjoy their visit and take away lasting, wonderful memories. But for this to occur, we well know it does take a bit of thought and planning. Especially, if you work outside the home.

So first, think about where your guest or guests will sleep? The bed. Is it comfy? Have you actually slept in the bed? If not, now is the time to try it out. By actually sleeping in the bed and knowing that it is cozy and comfortable, you will rest easy knowing your guests are also. Should you decide a new mattress set is needed, you will have plenty of time to shop. 

Next, take a look at the bedding. Is the bedding soft to the touch and does it feel lovely next to your skin?  If your bedding is in good condition and you want to simply freshen it up a bit, often a set of lovely pillowslips will do magic. A pair of vintage pillowslips, such as in the photo below, can add enormous charm to a bed. These lovelies were stitched by my husband’s grandmother and I do treasure them. However, should you not have a pair, they can be purchased quite reasonably at garage sales, estate sales or on https://www.etsy.com/

While I am on the subject of bedding, I am a huge fan of linen bedding. Specifically French linen. There really isn’t anything quite as soft.  Truly, it is a treat to slip into a bed dressed in linen, and, of course, sprayed with lavender water. Should you be interested in purchasing linen bedding, Saphyr Pure Linen offers an excellent choice of beautiful French linen bedding https://saphyrpurelinen.com/  Your guests will love you. Also, be sure to provide marvelously, comfortable pillows and a season appropriate comforter. 

Now that your bed is dressed, think about what you might enjoy if you were a guest staying in this room, perhaps miles away from your sweet home. One special tip I will share is that of a photo. If you have a photo of your guest’s home, garden or family, place the photo in a frame on the night stand. I have done this several times and it always seems to mean a great deal to my guests. Another tip, prepare a little gift. When shopping, begin to pick up items for a gift bag. Everyone enjoys a surprise and a wee present.  Small gift bags are such fun to create.  Fill them with things such as: note cards, nice tea, a tiny box of chocolates, an ornament or a lovely hand towel. Your thoughtfulness will touch the heart of your guest, and make them feel welcome. Place your gift in a spot in the room where they will find it, and include a note which says how happy you are to have them staying with you.

My final thoughts on creating a cozy and welcoming room are as follows: Be sure there is a comfy chair, a nice throw, a working clock and a good lamp in the room. Provide a selection of reading material (books and magazines).Prepare a basket  filled with toiletries, a few note cards or postcards, a couple of pens, and stamps. And just before your guest arrive, add a small vase of fresh flowers or greenery and a few freshly baked cookies in a clear cellophane treat bag, tied with a satin ribbon.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit today, and are now  inspired to begin making your plans for a memorable holiday season. A beautiful season, full of unforgettable memories for yourself and others. One final thought: “To invite a person into your house is to take charge of his happiness for as long as he is under your roof.”   – A. Brillat-Savarin

Wishing you a beautiful week!

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Note:  The “Be Our Guest” needlepoint at the top of this post was made for me by my lifelong friend.  Her name is Janet, but I refer to her as the ‘Stitching Wizard.’ Through the years, she has created many  gorgeous pieces for me, which you will see from time-to-time.  Should you be interested in a piece of her fabulous work, contact me under the contact section of this blog and I will put you in touch with her.

Photos:  Michael S. Lambiotte and Pinterest

“And the herdsman had seen in the girl’s eyes a world just like that:  A world of wonder, a world not of grass and wild creatures but of human glances.  A world of things that dwell in the heart.”  – French Folktales

Is creating beauty in your home something which “dwells in your heart?” Chances are, if you are reading this blog it does. Honestly, I believe it does with most.  

After all, beauty provides such inspiration, and has the power to immediately lift our spirits. It can open our hearts to a “world of wonder,” spark our creativity, or light our imagination. For example: Take a look at the gorgeousness in the photo above.  Such an interesting room.  A beautiful bench, wearing a needlepoint seat cover, marvelous fabric for the skirt, and stunning trim.  Additionally, the room holds a grand vintage cupboard with many treasures, and looks as though it may have enjoyed a previous life in a wonderful old store or shop. Don’t you wonder about the cupboard and its treasures?  Where did they live? Who enjoyed them? What secrets do they keep? Or, perhaps you are wondering, “Who is the talented soul who stitched the needlepoint?”  Yes, the room is full of charm and invites one to sit down, linger and drink in every single detail. 

I swoon over details.  Actually, it is not uncommon for me to spend more per yard for drapery trim, than drapery fabric. But I am here to tell you, fabulous trim can instantly turn ordinary to beyond gorgeous. And, the same holds true in the garden, where details can offer a bit of drama or whimsy. When one comes upon a blooming beauty or a magnificent weeping pine, carefully placed in a selected spot, it can be a delightful surprise – a moment of unexpected joy.  Attention to such detail, turns an ordinary garden to an unforgettable garden. And, according to the late, Charles Faudree,”Details are like frosting on the cake and who doesn’t like frosting best?” Indeed, I agree with Mr. Faudree.

Beauty and the love of home has always held a significant place in my heart. Effort put forth to create a beautiful home is meaningful work, it enriches our lives and the lives of those we love.  Beauty in our homes also adds to our well being. Certainly, you smile when you see lovely rooms, as in the photos below. Everyone feels better when they smile. Uncluttered, lovely rooms speak to us. They know they are pretty and they extend to us and others, a warm and inviting welcome. 

So, if you are wondering about my direction with this post, I will tell you. It is up to each of us to take notice of beauty in the ordinary, love-up our homes the very best we can, within our means, and create homes we deem to be beautiful – loaded with details we love. Expose ourselves and our young people to the gorgeous countryside, mountains, lakes, rivers and oceans, museums, art, and historic homes. “A world of wonder.” You see, when children are exposed to beauty, they develop a love and appreciation of such. Such a love will result in their seeking beauty all their lives, and lead them to become life-long learners – just as we should be.  The ripple effect of our efforts will create a more beautiful and a kinder world. Truthfully, I believe this may be what “dwells in all our hearts.”

  Wishing you and yours “the kind of September when life was slow and oh so mellow” … 

A September to Remember !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photos:  Pinterest and Atlanta Homes

Lyrics from:  The song “Try to Remember”