Off to Market...

No, no... not that kind of Market! High Point Furniture Market.... I'll give you the full scoop when I return!

Beautiful Blues and Oh Those Views...

No doubt you've seen these incredible pictures in Architectural Digest but I couldn't help but adore them one more time. These are a few photos of a two year redesign from architect Carlos Aparicio high in the sky. You know I am fond of blue. I have it in my own living room and sun room. It is used wonderfully here. The art is magnificent. The human form is my favorite for almost any medium. I love the floor and ceiling echoing the other. Here's more... Here is my day in this fabulous place. I enjoy the view for hours on end...

I do some work in my chic study and enjoy the views for hours on end...

After a hard day's work, I relax and soak and enjoy the views for hours on end...

I retire to my soft and cozy bed and dream of the views for hours on end.

The end.

Transformation Begins...

And so the transformation begins. Here is Lauren's little girl room. From the corona hangs crocheted drapes made by Jim's grandmother. This was my favorite part of the room. I felt as if Lauren's great grandmother was embracing her each night as she slept. Her room was adorned with pictures of her family... Her grandmothers, her grandfathers, Jim and I, and all her first cousins. I used baby pictures for some. We made three boxes for items to go in ~ donation, trash, and memory... Many things went into the memory box including the beloved drapes... This morning before Lauren left for school, she literally kissed the unicorn and each fairy good-bye in her mural... Here are my painters reviewing the complex horizontal paint job before them. My painter wants pictures when all is said and done. "This one is for the books." Of course I can accommodate that request. You had a glimpse of what's to come... As we go through the process, I will fill you in. It really is going to be vastly different from the princess room it once was but as Lauren grows and wants to reflect her own sense of style and personality, the room must grow with her. I just hope I can stay with her through it all and nurture all that is to come.

And The Winner Is....

Last week I posted about Project Hope ~ a campaign to raise funds for Japan. I did a give-away of this lovely bottle. Pardon my tardiness in announcing the winner. The winner is RY!! I have a bit of a dilemma though ~ RY was an anonymous commenter so I have no way of contacting her or him. Hopefully he/she will read this post and email me so I may send the bottle (which I have not received yet from The Artful Home). As soon as I receive it, I'll send it to it's new happy home. My email is paula@paulagracedesigns.com.

Enjoy your day!

Groovy Orange

I went to 1st Dibs looking for some groovy orange dining chairs. 1st Dibs did not disappoint. The problem... I can't decide :) I love them both and either would work well. I am leaning toward the first set as I think they are more timeless. The second set is quirky, which I also love. Hmmm??? Thoughts?

Congratulations Mariette Himes Gomez

Congratulations to Mariette Himes Gomez! Ms. Gomez is the 2011 ASID Designer of Distinction Award winner! Avery well deserved award for one of my favorite designers. Mariette has won numerous award and appears in the AD Top 100. I have blogged about her beautiful designs before and pleased to do it again.

Timeless elegance is how I would describe her work. I have awed over designs Mariette did years ago just like the ones she does today. That is a truly gifted designer ~ to be able to create a room that never tires. Please enjoy a few of Ms. Gomez's lovely designs and you'll understand her award of distinction.

My Latest Newsletter ~

Hi all ~ here's my latest newsletter.

Enjoy your weekend!