Year's End

Ah, yes. Scenes from earlier this year. Time to prepare for winter once again. Couldn't be as bad as it was in February, though, right?

Claire's Room Redo

As part of our end-of-year home renovation spectacular, we're doing some minor work on Claire's room. But since she reclaimed her bed this summer (it now resides in Baltimore), the room is bed-less. So this gives us the opportunity to rethink the decoration a bit.

I rediscovered this beautiful image from the dearly departed Southern Accents website. I think it's one of my all-time favorite bedroom scenes. It's also nearly identical to the design I've been thinking of for her room:  Iron bed (headboard only, in our case), white wing chair, sisal carpet with small oriental carpets on either side. 

We don't have an antique suzani for the bed, but we do have a beautiful, faded quilt given to Claire many years ago. It just needs some minor repair.

Making a List and Checking It Twice

If someone wanted to treat me this Christmas, they couldn't do any better than to choose from any of these RPD-certified items. I am sure that Miss Potter would approve of every one of them.

This warm stripy blanket from Ben Pentreath's shop. I love the soft heathered colors.

Now that the Beatles have come to iTunes, why not buy the whole catalog?  The Beatles Box Set includes all 13 LPs; Past Masters, Vols. I and II; the mini-documentaries; and 'Live at the Washington Coliseum'.

The Sutton Leather Bootie in Fossil Grey from J. Crew. The heel is just right for a long day at the office.

I have the other two Farrow & Ball books, and three of Ros Byam Shaw's other design books. F&B Living with Colour is next on my list.

Another Black Mantel

From this month's Elle Decor, another lovely black mantel. This vibrant living room was created by architect Gil Shafer, AIA, and interior designer Miles Redd. This example shows that the black mantel sets off saturated colors just as well as more neutral colors. And the Sultanabad rug is exquisite.