Collections

I love to collect...Asian hats, seashells, books, old boxes and pictures.... things take on new impact when they are displayed in groups or repeated systematically in a space.  Collections can be displayed with a clean modern aesthetic that doesn't smack in the least of Granny's curio cabinet....its all about form.  Quite often I'm asked about how best to frame and display family photos. I  love to take my favorite photos, enlarge/copy them in black and white, then display them in large collections in strategic areas...along a staircase, down a hallway, banking a fireplace.   Below are some examples from my own circa 1880 home.  Enjoy and be inspired to display those things you love to collect!

Inside Out

These early days of Fall are so lovely...here, in NC, the air is beginning to turn crisp and the leaves are starting to trickle down.  It is the perfect time of year to create outdoor living spaces for reading, relaxing and entertaining.  Taking the "inside out" doesn't require an elaborate location or an expansive piece of property.  It simply requires imagination!  Do you have a favorite tree?  Create an area beneath its branches for reading, writing or snoozing.  Do you have a private corner in the back yard with a view of the sunset or a starry sky?  Arrange an old table and chairs for dining alfresco.  Think in terms of furniture and accessories that you might ordinarily think of as "inside" pieces....let you imagination run wild and make the most of these beautiful Fall days.

Small Space, Big Impact

These days, smaller spaces are becoming more and more appealing to those of us who are downsizing, or just plain simplifying.  With so many options for small-scale living, you don’t have to sacrifice style for space.  An economy of space simply requires using every square inch to its best purpose.  Smaller scale furnishings, cleaner surfaces, smart storage solutions…all add up to living efficiently and creatively.

Recently WhiteHouse & Co. redesigned the interior of an old condo at Wafco Mills in Greensboro.  The living room felt cramped with its angled fireplace and odd shape.  But with a bit of ingenuity, an apartment sized sofa and just the right furnishings and accessories, the space was transformed into something charming, comfortable and very livable.  Hooray for small spaces that free us up to live big lives!

Before....

                                                                                                  and After!

Light up your life!

There is nothing more important to a room than wonderful lighting.  When I begin the process of designing a space, I always give serious consideration to the lighting needs...not only as function, but as an essential element of style. There is no better way to set the mood and tone of a room than with lighting  and I love using a fabulous chandelier as a statement piece.  But whether big and bold, or sleek and restrained, creative lighting can transform any space into something extraordinary.  The variety of fixtures on the market is endlessly exciting.  Here are just a few examples that have recently caught my eye,  From top to bottom:
Deanna Wish Designs http://www.deannawish.com/

Shine Labs http://shinelabs.com/SHINE_LABS/SHINE_LABS_Home.html

West Elm http://www.westelm.com/products/industrial-pendant-glass-w682/?pkey=clighting-under-100

Restoration Hardware http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod690951&categoryId=cat1701013

Bathing under the Sky

From simple to sublime, outdoor bathrooms are a lovely addition to a home.  There is nothing like a showering under a blue sky or bathing under the stars. Here are some wonderful examples for inspiration.  Think about the endless possibilities for creating your own private oasis....bath time will never be the same!