I'm so thrilled to announce that fabulous Australian publisher, Coty Farquhar, included a story on Swede in her April issue released today.
See pages 11, Swede's furniture style on pages 12-13 and a story about us on 96-100.
The April issue is 148 pages of beautiful things not to miss. So many lovely stories about other women as well.
If you know someone who would enjoy Coty's work, please pass this along.
Summer
Photo: Coty Farquhar
To everyone who follows me, I want to introduce you to the most excellent blogger and publisher of digital magazines on the planet, if you have not already found her, meet Coty Farquhar of New South Wales, Australia.
If you've ever wanted to be a photo stylist when you grow up, this is the ultimate place for inspiration.
I don't want you to miss the third issue of her digital magazine, due out Tuesday, February 12. Sign up on her blog to receive this magazine Tuesday.
Her blog also has links to the December and January issues of the digital magazine. And, don't miss looking at her Pinterest boards.
I cannot put in words appropriately how talented Coty is. I have been following her blog for several years and when I see she has posted something new, I have to look at it immediately. Her photography skills are out of this world -- the styling of the photos -- the subject matter -- the commentary -- beyond incredible.
Photo: Coty Farquhar
Remember that Australia's seasons are reverse of ours here in the US. It is Summer there now, so lots of fabulous flowers are in bloom.
Photo: Coty Farquhar
Photo: Coty Farquhar
Don't waste a minute. Go look at her site.
Summer
Photos: All Coty Farquhar
Saturday here was a dreary overcast day. One you normally wouldn't want to get out of bed for. But this Saturday was different. It was one to jump out of bed for. I got one of 12 seats in Amy Howard's workshop in Memphis on antiquing mirror and eglomise. I would even go so far as saying it was a life changing day. Why? Because the class was taught by Tammy Randolph. Glass expert.
When I saw this notice in my email, I immediately called to grab a seat and I was the first one to sign up. [Sigh of relief]. This was my third workshop at Amy Howard's and I say the last is always the best, like husbands. Amy and I married our last and best husbands a week apart 20 years ago.
Tammy has worked at Artisan Studios for five years. If you see any mirroring work on furniture in the Amy Howard Collection, Tammy did it.
From the Amy Howard Collection HERE.
Mr. Swede has a saying about getting people to do a project like a brick patio. He says there are technicians and there are artists. Most people could lay brick with instruction, but a brick in the hands of an artist with talent and vision becomes a masterpiece. Tammy is an artist. I can't express how fortunate I feel to be taught by her. Some artists can't teach. Tammy can teach and is passionate about her work and thoroughly knowledgeable. Those are the kind of people you want to take classes from. If you follow my blog, you know I've been to a few classes in my day.
This class was on taking purchased mirrors, new or old, and antiquing the mirror. But the real thrill was learning how to do eglomise. Her examples mounted on the wall were stunning.
Here are the two products we used. They are $104 through Amy Howard at Home. You will also need a few other items like mica powder, shellac, spray lacquer, old newspaper, paper towels, black paint, a mylar stencil, etc. My first project, you ask?
I'm going to start on a few small projects first. I have several antique mirror frames where the original mirror broke and someone replaced it with new clear mirror. Well, they just don't look right. On the one above, after I fix the mirror, I am going to antique the metal frame itself that someone has painted solid gold. It needs some history. Basically, you remove the black paint on the backside with bottle #1 to expose the silvering. If you are familiar with or have used Franmar Soy Gel paint remover made out of soybeans, this is very similar. Then you manipulate the silver layer with bottle #2. Amy Howard at Home has a You Tube video of Tammy with the product, but it is really just a teaser, not instruction of all the steps. The class was a busy full three hours. I highly recommend taking a class even if you are the adventuresome kind as there are so many hints and information that only a master can teach.
And, eglomise? Holy Cow that was exciting. I can't wait to try it.
Have you ever wondered how this was done? I sure did. The reason this class was what I call life changing is because on Friday I couldn't do antique mirrors [process failed in a former class I took] or do eglomise. On Saturday I did. The way I can tell if I attended a great class is if there are so many creative ideas that come to my head that I can't get them all written down fast enough. And by the time I am driving out of the parking lot, I have already designed products like clock faces, jewelry boxes, framed miniature silhouettes on glass, lamp bases, etc., etc. Thank you, Tammy. Such a thrill.
I also want to say one more thing. Those who know me have heard me talk about what I think the number one characteristic is that makes a leader. Courage. Courage to share your talents and teach others what you are skilled at. I said the same thing when I took a class from designer Tobi Fairley in Little Rock. Good businesswomen understand this. Thank you Amy Howard for letting Tammy's talents be known by 12 new people.
Summer
Photos: Swede except Amy Howard Collection
This new online magazine was just released by Irene Valdirose. You must take a look!
http://issuu.com/valdirose/docs/misscaffe/66
Miss Coffee's photograpic skills are just fabulous.
Summer
I am crazy about attending charity design showhouses. If I am traveling anywhere in the U.S. and find I am near one, I always try to attend. I started attending them in the mid 1970's. I remember the first one I attended in Jacksonville, Florida in the Ortega neighborhood. It had bright hot pink painted walls in the living room. It was shocking. I have never forgotten it nor the Coronado, California Ocean Boulevard 1888 mansion where the designer painted the dark woodwork purple. All the hundred since then still draw me in to see what the latest ideas are. Love the oval windows below. The double-door covered entry is great if your home faces West. It cuts that tremendous heat from the sun. I also like light color coated brick.
Sunday I went to see the American Cancer Society showhouse in Memphis, TN built by Kircher-Belz to see what Amy Howard with her assistant, Julie Nicholson, designed [all of the first floor] with her furniture line Amy Howard Collection and sponsored by F. Schumacher Fabrics. Teresa Davis, owner of Post 31 Interiors, here designed the second floor. The builder, Eddie Kircher, was there to greet everyone and show pride in his French-style beautiful home. The showhouse is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until July 31 if you are in the vacinity to attend. And, by the way, I want to mention that 100% of the $20 ticket goes to the American Cancer Society, a very rare occurrence.
It is just incredible to me that the designers donate so much time and resources doing a showhouse. I think it is extremely generous on their part. Both Amy Howard and Post 31Interiors have done showhomes in the past. I believe this is the third one that I've attended where Amy Howard contributed extensively and the second for Post 31, whose shop is on Poplar in Germantown. To see my post on a showhouse done by Amy last year, go here. To see a post I did on taking her workshops, go here.
There are certain features I look for in showhouses each time. I love to see a stunning bed in a master bedroom, a large lovely dining room, huge kitchen walk-in pantries and fabulous craftsmanship in iron staircases, lots of French doors, fireplaces and built-ins. Homes with 12 foot ceilings seem to be just right for my eye. Shorter is too short and taller is too tall. My husband requires a fabulous kitchen to wow him and his ultimate requirement -- the range must be vented to the exterior. I won't show you the entire home but let me show you some room designs that I liked. Let's look at the master bedroom first.
This is my favorite bed, the Keats, in Amy Howard's line. You know I love painted furniture and gold leaf trim and a bed done in white linens. Note the Schumacher fabric on the headboard, drapes and acrylic leg Gloria bench. I love all the neutrals -- whites, silvery grays, creams and beiges. Although framed intaglios have past their in-style heyday, I still think they are interesting and need to reframe mine. I like framed French antique documents also which I found in this home in the living room. Even though I can't read many words in French, the beautiful script, ink and seals intrigue me.
I believe all the artwork is represented by L/Ross Gallery here. I prefer white painted wood wide plank floors, but my husband likes dark wood as shown here. With any successful room design, it is all in the details.
Here you can see the chandelier and the coffered ceilings. There were a pair of Tate slipper chairs by the French doors with an Avalon cocktail table between them.
Here is a closer look at the art. Stanley mirrored nightstands are on each side of the bed. Mirrored furniture is having a long run in interior design, which does sort of surprise me. Of course, the vintage 1940's French pieces are highly sought out. The bedding and pillows are also available at Amy Howard Collection outlet on Perkins in East Memphis. Amy Howard has also opened an outlet in Nashville, TN.
The Giometti console cabinet for the television at the end of the bed. I believe the sliding doors are shagreen style leather.
In the master bath, Ravello mirrored consoles were used as sink cabinets. The sconces used throughout the house were very unusual including these in the master bath. I do not know the manufacturer.
I liked the large gray tiles and the marble around the tub.
The Amy Howard spaces are not overdecorated like you see in so many showhouses. Next, let's look at the dining room. I love a large dining room where you can actually put all the leaves in your table, have 12 chairs around it and have plenty of room for cabinets. This dining room is a wonderful size. In my ideal dream house, the dining room is a multipurpose space, however. My philosophy on dining rooms is either make them spacious and 2die4 if they are going to be constantly visible, or put the table on casters and wheel it into a closet when not needed for a dinner and use the space for another purpose. And, who doesn't love French doors. I like the kind that lead out to a private walled patio filled with flowers, fountain and potted trees.
Love the neutrals here also and the ceiling design. The Gueridon painted and mirrored cabinet for a buffet on the right and a black painted Wesley armoire on the left. The shine on the rug is where it is taped down for safety.
Here we see just a little light blue brought into the room in the carpet and a look at the Wesley china cabinet.
Here we see a dining chair with the fabulous F. Schumacher drapery fabric.
Shown below, the breakfast room was to the left of the kitchen.
And here you can see the light fixture and the beautiful drapery fabric.
The dining room, kitchen and living room were open to each other. I consider this a great room effect. This is where the family would really do their great "living".
You have balance on both sides of the fireplace with two Maya chests and sunburst mirrors.
I liked the fragment lamp and framed antique documents as accessories, partially out of view on the right.
The Bridgett coffee table holds a variety of books and is of substantial size.
The daybed is placed in front of the French doors, just as I did in my home.
The neutral upholstery and carpets give great flexibility.
Here is a closer look at the fireplace.
The front metal staircase with the architectural remnant figural table.
I love seeing these objects used as accessories and given a new life.
A Tivoli console used in a hallway.
A Madison mirrored console and St. Regis bench in the study. This study could be used as a small formal living room if desired, but I think it would be best used as an office. I would add built in storage cabinets for files along one wall.
This study was somewhat remote to the other living spaces. I would have liked to see a large table desk in here with chairs instead of the two banquette-like sofas. I am perplexed about the live chicken/rabbit transfer crate as a coffee table and assume that it was some kind of inside joke we weren't privy to. The blue dyed carnations and green Boxwood under both windows (ouch!). Love the Schumacher fabric on the throw pillows. Overscaled floor lamps.
There were many other nice features to this home, too numerous to show you all of them. Let's go upstairs now and see the spaces designed by Post 31.
This is the first bedroom. Lovely linens and a large wall mirror. Great for guests or a mature older daughter.
Distressed chest and a lantern filled with collectibles.
Contemporary floor lamps on both sides of the tufted headboard.
Second bedroom upstairs with the gold metal bed and luxury linens.
Demilune table and mirrored door accessories.
Seating area at the foot of the bed with the metal drum tables.
I really liked this room with the dormer window which would be great for a bedroom for an older boy.
These display cabinets lined the walls between the bedrooms.
The home is for sale by River City Land Company at $889,000. It is 4869 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths with a three-car garage located at 5254 Winestone Cove, Memphis.
For sales information on the home: 901-756-0808.
For furniture sales for Post 31: 901-529-7670
For furniture sales for Amy Howard: 901-547-1448
Hope you enjoyed taking a look at this showhouse with me.
Summer
Photos: Swede
Amelia, since you may be wondering, is an occasional chair frame in the Amy Howard Collection. Amelia Chair The Amy Howard studio is in Memphis, TN. In January 2011, Amy began offering painting classes held at her East Memphis outlet.
I was so thrilled to be able to attend and learn her painting techniques.
I just picked up Amelia from the upholstery shop. Done. All finished. So, here she is:
The hands-on workshop at Amy Howard is actually the third class I have taken there.
In the photo above, you can also see a chest I painted a couple years ago in a taupe metallic finish. Also shown are some demijohns brought back from France that my husband and I selected at Roundtop antiques show in Texas this spring. I liked the aqua ones and he liked the green ones. Behind the demijohns is an original painting that I did. The photo is cropped so you can't see much of it.
The first class I took in January was on creating the Toscana finish with gold leaf edge on a small piece of wood.
This class is doing that finish on an actual piece of furniture. Students had a choice between two different chairs or a bench. Another student in the class, Sam, and I picked the Amelia chair and Beth chose the bench.
I took this photo outside so maybe you could see the finish a little better. It is so dark inside the house.
The fabric is a cocoa colored linen with a gold metallic painted damask pattern.
If you are within driving distance of Memphis, Tennessee and love to paint furniture, I suggest this class. It was not taught by Amy herself but by Lauren who she trained and Ned who is very talented and works at the studio. His instruction was invaluable. Thanks, Ned.
Here is the raw wood frame that I started with.
I know this sounds crazy when you want to end up with a light painted piece, but the first step is to stain it. Just one of the layers to get to the end result.
Then the legno gesso. Then water based paint.
Here Ned is quick drying it with a torch.
Here fly speck aging has been applied and Ned has distressed the frame with a scraper.
Red boulle water based paint has been placed where the gold leaf will be applied.
Here I have started applying the gold leaf over the boulle paint.
The gold leaf is now on.
The last step is adding light and dark wax and some dust of the ages.
This photo shows how the wax brings out the aging. I loved this wax but on a future chair, I would not distress it by scraping back the paint so much.
Students are having a fun time.
For information or to sign up for classes, contact Lauren Stone at lauren@amyhowardcollection.com. For information on purchasing furniture at the outlet, contact Amy Hyneman at amy@amyhowardcollection.com.
To see a previous post I did on Amy Howard Collection furniture, go here:
http://swede.typepad.com/swede/2010/07/amy-howard-furniture-at-vesta-showcase-memphis.html
Now that we have finished class, do you want to walk around the outlet with me and look at some Amy Howard Collection pieces? I'll show you some of my favorites.
Love this console table.
The versatile Darnell chest used beside a bed.
Lots of different style chests to pick from.
Cute nightstand.
Absolutely love this.
Lots of mirrored pieces to select from.
Including this four poster bed and chest.
One of my favorite beds. It would be hard to choose.
Here is another one.
So many lovely pieces. Did you see any you liked?
I'm awaiting the new workshop list to see if there is another class that excites me.
Summer
Photos: Swede
Do you faux?
Can you envision this turquoise and gold on your powder room walls?
Are you curious how this is done?
Have you ever wanted a silver drop dead foyer?
Can you imagine this painting over your fireplace mantle? [with your signature in the corner]
Would you like your artwork frames to look nicer?
Ever wanted kitchen cabinets 2die4?
Does this cabinet door lift your spirits every time you see it?
Or maybe you love an oriental look.
Ever wonder how this is done?
Does this take your breath away?
Or this?
Can you imagine where you could put these?
Does this make your heart pound faster?
Need choices?
Love turquoise?
It's all here:
Let this lovely lady teach you how to make your home expressly unique.
To see available classes, go here: Southern Institute
You will love the endless possibilities of how you can change your decor yourself. I've loved every minute of the three classes I have taken here. The instruction is supurb. I only wish I had discovered this Institute years ago. The fun awaits you!
Summer
Photos: Swede
Annie Sloan of England brought her Chalk Paint to the American market. Formerly only available in Europe, the formula is now produced and distributed in Louisiana.
Her American tour, March 1-15, takes place in Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas, North Carolina and New Jersey. To learn more, go to her website: here
Virginia Weathersby, owner of The Southern Institute of Faux Finishing in Brandon, MS hosted the one-day workshop on March 4. For the website go here: TSIFF
This workshop, taught by Brit Annie Sloan was to introduce her paint line called Chalk Paint to American painters. As the old addage goes, "necessity is the Mother of invention", Annie created Chalk Paint to get the desirable properties in a paint where others failed to perform to her liking.
What is Chalk Paint and how is it different? In Annie's words, this water-based paint available in 24 colors is a soft matte paint for use on almost anything to allow the user to work in an independent, intuitive and creative way.
You can create a distressed French or Swedish look, a plaster look, a washed wood look or even do a blackboard. Each of the 24 colors can be expanded to more colors by combining paints.
This storyboard shows examples of fabulous applications on furniture, walls and doors. Love that door on the right.
The 21 women and men in this workshop prepared six boards to demonstrate the techniques: Two Color, Textured Colored Wax, Clouded Stipple, Crackle Paint, Textured Paint and Lime Look Wash. Starting with this:
And ending with this:
I guarantee you this is not difficult. It is a lot of fun and you can do it too. Students in the class ranged from professionals who make their living faux finishing to students who had never painted before.
I'll walk you through a few of these techniques. The first one is the Two Color Technique on a piece of egg and dart molding.
Let dry between each coat.
The secret here is the English wax. Clear always goes on first. Wipe off excess brown wax to suit your taste. Below is what the Hannant's wax looks like.
Next, sand through to expose the underlying color. You can distress as much or little as you like.
Here's the end result. See, how easy was that. With a little instruction, you can paint anything.
Let's walk through another one. This is my favorite called Clouded Stipple.
Versailles is the base coat. Then dapple on small amounts of Old Violet and Old White with the tip edge of your brush and merge to make cloudy.
Brush on sizing and let get tacky. Then apply the gold leaf sheet.
This is how mine looked.
You can also remove some of the brown wax by using another coat of clear wax.
I won't run you through all six finishes step by step. Here are some random shots of the Textured Colored Wax, Textured Paint, Crackle Paint and Lime Look Wash.
Wipe off as much or as little of the brown wax as you prefer. That was easy, wasn't it?
And you're done!
Here are various finishes you can create with Chalk Paint.
And here are photos of the class.
I hope you enjoyed your class with me in Brandon, MS via this post.
If you would like to take a Chalk Paint class, the next one at The Southern Institute is April 15.
All the best,
Summer
Photos: Swede
When I went to the December show at Scott Market in Atlanta, I met Mary Robertson of Shell Art & Design. I wanted to show you some of her work.
She said she is showing pieces of jewelry and shell decorative accessories at the Jacksonville Beach Museum, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida until January 6th if you are close by and want to see her work there.
This is a lidded box with the shells afixed.
She attaches the shells to sconces, statues, picture frames, lamps and mirrors.
I'm sure you have seen books published the past few years on Shell Chic interiors. I still love decorating with white natural coral and some large shells. In the past couple of years shelter magazines have overdone the look and some say it is a trend that has gone. To me my coral pieces are everlasting and a room can still be beautifully done with shells as accessories if not done to extremes, as with any trend.
Mary's business card does not have an email or website, so I can't give it to you. I do have her phone number if you just email me.
All the best on this early Janaury Sunday.
Summer
Photos: Swede
Can you believe my excitement when I read my email announcement that Amy Howard is going to conduct workshops starting in January in her Memphis shop?? Wow! I have been waiting for this good news.
I immediately called and signed up for two of the three classes she is offering. I am so excited! I immediately recognized in the above announcement the aqua chairs in the back row. I wonder if she will teach that finish.
Here is one of two of her chairs I have in my home office. My office is currently decorated differently but the chair is still there. You might also recall I did a blog post on Amy Howard's furniture in a showhouse on July 6th. You can see more of her line at amyhowardcollection.com, but she doesn't picture all her products. I would suspect this is from problems like other companies have of knock offs being made. Amy also has a blog which can be accessed from her website.
Have you noticed lately how many nationally known designers are now giving camps, classes and workshops? Seems to be a new trend which I think is smart business. I did a post September 21 on the camp I took from Tobi Fairley of Little Rock, Arkansas. Tobi also has a variety of new classes, so check them out. http://tobifairley.com/blog/topic/design-camp/
Can't wait to tell you about my class in January.
Summer
Photo Credit: Amy Howard Collection and Swede
I want to share with you a very fun class I took in Time Aged Finishes at The Southern Institute of Faux Finishing, http://www.fauxfinishbiz.com/, in Brandon, MS the first of July. It was about a 3.5 hour drive south of the Memphis International Airport through the very green landscape of rural America. Brandon is near Jackson. This was my first class in faux finishing although I've experimented and tested some products and attended demos in the past, some were failures, some with okay results. I won't mention my Venetian Plaster episode.
Over the past few years I have painted quite a few furniture pieces; a queen Baker bed, Karges console, John Widdicomb desk and chests, Henredon table desk and chest, etc. I will do a post and show you before and after of those sometime. Generally, I purchased French pieces made by these makers on eBay because of the quality of manufacture. Karges and Widdicomb are just tops for quality. If I am going to put my time in on redoing a piece of furniture, I want to start out with something that needs updating but is not junk but is not a priceless antique on the other hand. These pieces were built to last. I've gone through my phase of re-dos of older pieces and am now only painting new ones. So, I attended this class to learn more about painting new furniture with an aged patina.
I am always a little unsure about signing up for classes with a concern for disappointment in the instruction. Believe me, I was not disappointed!! If you have any hesitation about the kind of instruction you will receive at the Southern Institute, don't hesitate! I would say I have high expectations when it comes to paying for instruction and my expectations were exceeded. I could not have been more pleased with the entire experience and I highly recommend this Institute for the quality of instruction and the overall experience. In this class we did six different aged finishes on six-inch moulding boards. The paints used were Faux Effects International silver line which are sold at the Institute.
Candela and all the supplies.
In the front of the studio are samples of finishes for walls as examples of boards that a student would prepare in other classes.
The second one from the right was 2die4 -- so unique.
An easel full of boards you can look through for ideas and examples of the wonderful looks that can be created.
So yummy!
I believe this was a stencil. Very lovely.
Of course, you would expect the walls of a faux studio to be painted. Here are some of the hallways and walls.
Notice how the switch plate was done.
On the back wall of the studio were samples of kitchen and bath cabinet doors and furniture finishes which are covered in another class.
I just loved these cabinet door finishes below. My favorite is on the upper left.
Hard to choose when there are so many fabulous options. I also liked the mercury glass one which is second from the left on the top row. Here is a close-up of the one I liked with the gold in it. Virginia said she designed a special tool to do this finish.
Here are a few samples I pulled out of the pile that attracted my attention.
Italian finishes of green and gold are always at the top of my favorites list.
I just loved this. Even though I love a white or neutral Swedish room, these blue-green pieces just steal my heart.
Here are a couple of the paintings on the studio walls over the prep sinks.
This silver panel's texture was incredible close up.
Virginia told us about a sale on fireplace over-mantles at Lakeland Moulding near Flowood, MS like the one she has here. I went over and purchased one a little smaller than this. Now to decide what color to paint it and take a class in antiquing mirror glass.
There are many classes taught at the Southern Institute by Virginia Weathersby each month. I signed up to return for a class in August. The first thing I noticed was how strikingly beautiful Virginia is in person. Move over Gwyneth! And, more, she was lovely, extremely knowledgeable, very experienced in her trade, has a great artistic ability, a wonderful teacher who is willing to share her talent including all tips and tricks and trade secrets. Her mother was there helping as well as her assistant, Candela. The studio can seat probably 20 students, but we were lucky in that we had a small group so received nearly private instruction.
When I showed my husband the photos, he said, "Looks like all you did is eat!" Can you believe that Virginia made a fresh Tomato Pie and Giant Stuffed Mushrooms for us for afternoon break! The Tomato Pie was fabulous, and she was kind enough to give us the recipe. Remember, a tomato is a fruit. Oh, this was sooooo good.
It was a very fun experience and I look forward to my next class.
All the best to you, Summer.
The Vesta Designer Home Showcase in Memphis, TN is awaited each year by many to see the latest products and features in interiors and home building. Over the past 25 years or so, I have attended designer showcases on both coasts and in the middle. I love visiting showcases whether new structures or old homes with a new lease on life. The 2010 Vesta Showcase had five new homes but I am only going to show you one. Adult admission was $12. This home built by Eddie Kircher and Marc Belz called the Cottage Garden is 4,225 square feet, not at all a McMansion but a very livable family home. The interior decorator is listed as David Anderson of the architect's office, T. Douglas Enoch Architects & Associates. The home is nearly entirely filled with furniture from Memphis furniture maker Amy Howard. Website is www.amyhowardcollection.com. This is an English Arts & Crafts style home and it shows how versatile Amy Howard furniture is to go just as well in these cottage interiors as a more formal home. Normally only sold to the trade, the public can now obtain pieces from her line at her outlet opened last October at 420 Perkins Extended, Memphis, TN 38117, phone: 901-682-2558. If you have the opportunity to visit the outlet, ask for sales associate Madeleine, a lovely and helpful lady. I believe the Madeleine chairs are named for her. Most of the pieces shown in this home are from the Amy Howard Outlet and carry the outlet price tags. Having been an Amy Howard fan for many years, I stumbled upon the outlet while going to David Kidd bookstore across the street. I purchased two Louis XVI sea-foam painted oval-back bergeres which I will show in a separate post.
Click on any photo to enlarge.
The Garden Cottage home is located at 7634 Neshoba Road in Germantown, TN. Walled brick courtyards are a favorite of mine.
This was home number one on the tour.
I knew I was in for a treat when I entered the front courtyard and saw a large French pot with a very familiar price tag hanging from it. Since all the furniture in the home was for sale, you will see price tags hanging everywhere.
Let's go inside.
Here is the staircase. Understanding this is an Arts & Crafts cottage, my heart is still with metal staircases, so I would have chosen differently here using an iron one in the A&C style.
White walls are used throughout.
Notice the double silvered closet doors to the right of the front door? Just love those. On Amy Howard's blog Amy Howard Daily she discusses making mirrored glass in their shop. I'm sure this must be hers. Here's another photo. Also like the cocoa-colored paint on the doors.
The mirror is heavily antiqued.
From the foyer you go through the archway into the dining room. For this showcase the dining table was covered with a burlap cloth and used for brochures with the dining chairs pulled back to the corners of the room. Do notice the beautiful chairs though.
Flagstone foyer and dark wood floors. Amy's light fixture hangs over the dining table.
Wood ceiling beams are stained dark. I love the tone-on-tone drapery fabric.
The table in front of the window is too small. Amy's Mimi Console would look great here, but alas, it was sold. Here is another look at the drapery fabric.
There is only one gathering room in this home which is the living room between the dining room and the kitchen.
Acrylic side table and Madeleine chairs on sea-grass rug. Painting over the fireplace must be by Nancy Stephenson as her card was on the table. Here is another painting in the foyer that is of similar style. Most families would add a sofa to go with the four chairs.
Contact Nancy Stephenson at brushmarkgirl@yahoo.com.
Here are more detail views of the living room.
Fabric on the chair has a burlap appearance. I love gold trim on furniture and the neutral colors.
Above you see two wing chairs from Amy Howard Collection and wood-toned occasional tables. Not all of her product line is shown on her website. I do like the artwork placed above the arch opening.
Below you are looking from the kitchen into the living room.
The glass wall looks out onto the covered porch. In front of the window is an acrylic console table with Amy's metal mesh benches underneath.
Black painted coffee table from her line.
Above is a sleek acrylic table with Amy's metal mesh upholstered stools.
While we're here, let's step outside onto the covered porch.
The corner drapery panels are made of beige canvas painter's drop cloths from Lowe's sewn together.
Flagstone patio. Amy Howard Collection table has a zinc top.
Going back inside, let's look at the kitchen.
It is a surprise to not have a kitchen island built to the floor with storage cabinets underneath. Here a wood-based table is used for a more open look. There is a small pantry off the hall. I would need a lot more storage. The refrigerator door, not shown, blended in very well with the cabinets on another wall.
Here is one of Amy's mirrors over the stove. I am a strong advocate of industrial-sized vent hoods vented to the outside. Should be a requirement for all kitchens. Here the cabinets are white. I love light colored cabinetry and am happy to see less dark stained wood in the new homes.
A vestibule with bookshelves connects the dining room and kitchen to the master bedroom,
laundry and study.
Here you can see those lovely silvered glass coat closet doors. Notice for the cottage look the walls are covered with 1x4 white painted wood boards. From what I could tell they did not appear to be tongue and groove. I noticed how nicely they were mitered on the corners.
Down the hallway is a small bath and the laundry.
Now lets go visit the master bedroom and bath.
Here we see Amy's St. Regis stools at the foot of the Acanthus bed which is painted cocoa brown. You can also see framed intaglios which are available at the Outlet. A line of luxury linens is also available at Amy's Outlet.
Across from the foot of the bed is Amy's Selznick dining room server topped with her Grossetto Torches. Don't tell anyone, but I put Grandma Edith's dining buffet in our master bedroom also to hold my collection of table linens.
This is Amy's Serpentine Commode painted in aqua tones. There was another unfinished one in the study. Notice the sconces. Salvage iron lamp.
More Madeleine chairs and metal table in the master sitting area. Notice the shape of the ceiling with the board trim again.
Split double sinks, pretty tile floor, and wood trim on the ceiling again. Large shower.
The master closet had a desk. It would be too dark there for me to use it. I do like the carpet though.
The study next door can be used as a guest room as well by adding a bed or placing a Murphy bed on the wall.
Amy's two wing chairs again and drink tables. Just when I think Zebra rugs have come and gone, I see another one. Joni Webb has discussed Zebra rugs many times on her blog Cote de Texas.
I have this metal acanthus sculpture and painted it gold. I like objects with metal leaves. Here it has been made into a lamp. I do not know what the art piece is on the wall.
This piece of art is at the top of the stairs.
The doors into the home theater are barn doors. Notice the 1x4 wood on the walls again. Inside the theater room are four bunk beds which was a great idea for guests of children to stay after watching movies. It was too dark in there to get a good photo.
This room is called an office but would make a great computer study area for kids. It acts as a hallway to two more bedrooms.
Outside of the two bedrooms is this vestibule. Notice the 1x4 wood boards on the walls again.
Here is one of the bedrooms.
There was another bedroom used as a home gym and then this bedroom done in brown for toddlers. I did not understand the plaid brown fabric wrapped around the frames of these low beds. I don't think they are part of Amy's line.
I hope you have enjoyed your tour and seeing the Amy Howard furniture pieces in this style of home.
All the best wishes, Summer.
Photo Credits: All photos by Swede
