I’m amazed any of our neighbors are still speaking to us. We’ve tried their patience sorely with our painfully slow renovation of the little cottage next door. But now, the eyesore of the neighborhood is close to becoming the sweet little cottage I envisioned. Christened Mary Lou’s Cottage in … [Read more...]
Market is a Treasure Hunt on Steroids
When some girlfriends get together, they go to lunch. My friend Rebecca and I go to market. Twice a year, we hop on a plane bound for the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market. Jazzed up on caffeine and adrenaline, we run at a dizzying pace, hunting for treasures we think Nell … [Read more...]
The Art of the Tabletop Tableau
I think the best interior spaces are the ones that tell the story of those who live there. Well-designed spaces are not just a collection of lovely furniture, artwork, lighting and accents. They are those that add a bit of magic, a mirror into the passions and pursuits of the home’s … [Read more...]
The Art of Hospitality
When my sister, Judy, comes to visit us in a few weeks, she will be lucky if I have stocked the guest bath with toilet paper and put a few scraps of food in the fridge. But if Judy (or I!) had been lucky enough to have my friend Marsee as a sister, she would have had a different experience. Very, … [Read more...]
A Conversation with Sharon Santoni, My Stylish French Girlfriend
When Dan and I were in France last, we had the delightful experience of having dinner at the home of one of my favorite French lifestyle bloggers and authors, Sharon Santoni. It was a truly magical evening, because Sharon is a gem. So when her new book was released, My French Country Home, I asked … [Read more...]
Finding Your Muse
How do you fuel your creativity? What do you do to keep yourself inspired? When it comes to making your home fresh and beautiful, where do you find your ideas? Through the years, I’ve discovered some failsafe ways to ignite my creative spark. Here are a few of my favorite muses, which not only … [Read more...]