A couple, who love to travel, also love to bring their travel experiences home . . .
The timeless details of European influences . . .
The craftsmanship by local artisans and the interior design by Wanda S. Horton.
Vignettes of design share the beauty of the details! My best to you and your home ~ Wanda
The Christmas House
I think in every area, there is someone who can hardly contain themselves when it comes to the joy of Christmas and sharing it with others. In my little city, just on the outskirts of Charlotte, NC, there is a house, in the historic district, we fondly refer to as the “Christmas House”. Of course, depending on the time of year and the holiday, it’s always decked out in the appropriate seasonal attire!
This evening, after having dinner at one of the local cafes, I asked my husband to take a drive by . . . you know, just to be reassured the holiday home spirit still lived on. It didn’t disappoint! Even though my night photography skills on my Droid phone couldn’t possibly do it justice, I just had to see if I could take a few shots to share with you.
‘Tis the season to be jolly!
This Victorian Era home is painted in shades of green and cranberry. All that has to be added is the icing.
I’m sure the owner experiences people getting out of their cars to take pictures, on a regular basis. I was hoping our local police wouldn’t be dialed up with the idea someone was casing the place!
The lovely iron gates were tastefully dressed with a pair of wreaths. These were some of the more subdued decorations. *wink*
Another small town, with a Victorian village charm, is Cape May, New Jersey. I made a quick stop over, many years ago, while visiting with a high school chum. The Bacchus Inn Main House is a vision in holiday red.
Another bed and breakfast, the Linda Lee, fits the description of a gingerbread house to a ‘t’. I’m not sure if it’s a reflection but I think the lap board siding might have a tint of pink. Suddenly I feel a peppermint craving coming on!
It’s always fun to share the holiday merriment. Do you have a special “drive by” on your list? Maybe it’s even your own home. If you see lights flashing outdoors, don’t be worried, it might just be an admirer!
Jingling all the way! ~ Wanda
A first glimpse of behind the scenes:
(I took a window wall, in a current client’s home, and created a concept board for how it might appear if I translated this design direction to her space. We could emulate an English library, with the hand-painted plaid chest being the focal point, instead of a fireplace.)
There is so much to tell about my recent visit to the High Point Market! There were so many beautiful showrooms, new market introductions, and amazing events – chock full of fabulous interior designers and trade vendors in attendance! I’ll be sure to sprinkle some of that in, as I continue to post. I know what you’ve been waiting for; however, and that’s the visual experience. I’ll do my best to let the pictures do the talking, while I share short tidbits of some of the trends and the concepts behind them. So without further adieu . . . .
The Thrill of The Hunt!
Hunt scenes, herringbone wovens, tattersall plaids, dog motifs, updated paisleys, and many gentrified appointments will be prominent in home design. The classics have never gone away – they’re just being revamped! There will be a return to some of the jeweled tones - not the heavy ones of yesteryear, but softened and more sophisticated. Look for Jacobean florals and large graphic adaptations of traditional patterns, such as the deer horn trophy fabric, shown in the CR Laine showroom, above.
(Horn covered accents are the perfect way to tie this look together. These were made from naturally shed horns.)
(This tooled, leather table not only compliments an equestrian flair, it also brings in an important color on the rise – caramel. Look for it to be trending into 2012. The antique brass finish shows off a metallic touch, of which we’ll be seeing more.)
(Notice how the jeweled tones, in this crewel paisley fabric, are a bit brighter and fresher. This textile could be very “happy” in a bohemian chic room, too. A little touch of caramel makes it absolutely delicious!)
(Oh, if I only had a place to put these beautifully carved and painted panels! They were in the new Antiques & Design Center. These lovely ponies once graced the back of a bar.)
I’ve shared just a smattering of this classic style. If the idea of the “hunt” is not your cup of tea, there are definitely some elements which can be paired with other design details, to add in the depth of history, character, charm, and the accumulated feeling of this interior’s focus. Believe it or not, you can create a bit of “Ralph Lauren meets punk”, if you desire! An interior designer has the ability to provide the artistic license to create the most unique spaces.
Have questions about anything you have seen or need some guidance? Please feel free to ask! This look is perfect for the Charlotte, NC area I serve!
For now, I’m trotting off! Have a lovely day! ~ Wanda
Coming next . . . Vintage/Cottage Style.
