Christmas Countdown – Day 11

Biltmore Bound!

Today, my husband and I are taking a day trip to visit the gorgeous home of George W. Vanderbilt. We’ll so enjoy making our way back to the lush estate, nestled in the Biltmore Forest area of Asheville, North Carolina.  Even though we’ve shared quite a few visits, each time always brings the anticipation of a child on Christmas morning.  We can’t wait to see what awaits us behind the entry gate!

(The entry of Biltmore creates elevated expectations.)

(The Biltmore Estate, as it appeared in a photograph, circa 1900, (source - Wikipedia)  (For a quick video review about the house, click on this link .)

Some Tidbits About Biltmore

Originally built as a family home and country retreat, George and Edith Vanderbilt's 250-room home was built by celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt over a six-year period. Hunt modeled the house on three châteaux built in 16th-century France.

America’s largest home is situated on 8,000-acres and features:

• 4 acres of floor space
• 34 bedrooms
• 43 bathrooms
• 65 fireplaces
• An indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and bowling alley

(Cited by NFHA)

Now that’s some retreat!

As lovely as the estate is, when touring it on a daily basis, it becomes even more magical when . . .

. . . the Christmas decorations adorn the grounds and the interiors!

All guests receive a regal greeting.

The grand staircase balustrade is a designer’s dream.  Custom ironwork and fabulously curved handrails lead you up the limestone stairs.  Topping it off with fresh greens and lush ribbons is like putting the icing on the gingerbread!

The grand dining hall is absolutely amazing!  There is always a tremendous tree, so large, the ornaments are as big as full-sized basketballs .  (The tree’s height is usually around 34 feet.)  No miniature trinkets would ever do it justice.  Scale and proportion are everything when it comes to good design – including Christmas trees!

It takes a pretty large crew to raise the dining hall tree.  I thought you might enjoy a time-lapse video of the event.  It’s a full day into night -  and - back into day process!  If you look at the top of the room, you might notice the 1916 Skinner pipe organ, which was played to entertain the guests during dinner.

An upper level “sitting room”.  Two fireplaces are decorated with inlaid marble.  In between, although difficult to see, are precious tapestries.  There are over one hundred Christmas trees, during the holiday event.  Can you imagine cataloging and storing all of the ornaments!

For Future Reference

While our visit, today, will be a roundtrip one, I hope the next time we’re in Asheville we’ll plan ahead for an overnight escape.  (Full weekends, during the holidays, are a real challenge in finding the time.)  Just a skip and a jump from the entry, is a new hotel, and the interiors are to die for!

The lobby, of the Grand Bohemian Hotel, is reminiscent of being surrounded by a historic, hunting lodge.  I adore the four-sided fireplace!  Imagine sidling up to it on a cold, mountain evening.

At the end of the day . . . bliss!  I think the editors at Garden and Gun should send me here on assignment, don’t you?

Well, I’ll be heading out in short order!  I’m going to get my “jingle on” and spend some time with a very patient man.  After all, I’ve been writing a blog post, a day, while wearing my interior designer’s hat, and playing domestic goddess in between.  (Not so much on the domestic part, I must confess!)

I’ll be back to posting on Sunday.  I have an inkling it will be short and sweet!

Raising my glass to you! ~ Wanda

15 Days and Counting!

My Lovely, Labor-less Day ~ (And a need for focus.)

Ahhh . . . It’s that time of year, again.  A long weekend, for most of us, to either take a break from our regular work week, via scheduling one last mini vacay ~ or ~ by taking another look around the house to see if a short term project can be completed. 

At first, my thoughts were heading towards this:

 

I had almost arrived to the point of turning a stubborn, grassless patch into a raised planting bed.  Luck would have it, the tiller is receiving some repairs.  At least my husband views it as his good fortune.  He loves to run the thing, just without having to keep it in a straight line!  (Brooke Giannetti and Jonathan Legate, two other interior designers, have aptly shared their summer gardening experiences and inspired me to consider taking a little more time to create my own “farm to table” experience.)

So then, I considered painting a small room, or two, or three!  Yes, interior designers can be a “bit” behind on their own home projects.  My pros are usually assisting clients so I’ve had to become more handy with the brush.  I don’t so much mind the painting portion of things . . . it’s the moving of furniture and stripping down of wall objects which don’t move me to do the happy dance.  What does excite me about painting, aside from the results?  Paints with no odor, no VOC’s, like this.

A few minutes later, my thoughts meandered back to the garden – sort of.  Wouldn’t a planter make a great option to the whole tilling thing?  It has been so hot in North Carolina, I think the garden centers are holding back on putting out the lettuce seedlings.  So far, no seedling sightings.  This idea went into the “to-be-determined” file.  (F-i-l-e . . . Did you ever notice . . . it’s so easy to change the ‘f’ to a ‘p’?  The concept of organization just flew out of the window!)

My last blog post was about pantries.  I’ve been in the mood to look at repurposing an area in my kitchen.  These shelves look like they would expand a small area for some wonderful storage!  I could definitely stand to capitalize on some better space options.  But wait, I’m considering using a different cabinet design and finish!  A bit of a kitchen face lift, if you will.  No amount of “Butlery Botox” will do the trick.  (I’m looking forward to reading more of fellow blogger, Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo’s updates on her own pantry/laundry room re-do, via her posts.)

Mmmm . . .  kitchens . . .cooking . . . food!  I wanted to take a break from thinking about what to do on my break.  I imagined these could help me boost my concentration level.  (Okay, just imagining.  I’ve sworn off rich, caloric cupcakes until at least forever!)  Cooking Done Light has a great substitute, here.

Just last night, I was chatting with a pair of my Twitter friends, @AnneLubnerDsign and @Norbridge.  (Where else can you simultaneously chat with a lovely Florida-based interior designer – Anne, and Juliane - an elegant antiques’ dealer from Toronto?)  We were recapping some of our favorite vacation spots.  In the midst of the conversation, I mentioned what a great project it would be for me to clean up my photo files.  (I’m sure my other Twitter friend, talented photographer, Bruce Barone, has some great tips.)  I love being organized, and some of the pics from vacations, past, were buried in folders with dates and not titles.  The danger in this?  I would be back at the desk, on the computer, and not really taking a break.  So . . .  it was back to the drawing board. 

Then, I had an epiphany . . . .

Step away from the drawing board!  Step very far away!

I realized it’s sometimes difficult for a creative, entrepreneurial type to let go of wanting to push ahead on projects, be it for clients or for myself.  I am definitely one who tries to have a balance but who can also let the scales tip more towards responsibilities and obligations, rather than fun.  It’s not a totally bad trait for your interior designer to have that degree of dedication.  It has benefitted my clients for the many years I’ve steadfastly been in practice.  It also is not a good idea for your interior designer to never take a break.  All paperwork can make for a dull designer.  Heaven forbid that should ever happen!

(I love the name of these little mountain homes – The Fiddlestix Cottages!)

I quickly decided to make a few calls, while crossing fingers, that someone would have last minute accommodations for a party of four, (well, two humans and two fur people), be close to some great restaurants and shops, while being wrapped in the privacy of some lovely trees.  Didn’t ask for much, at the 11th hour, did I?  I had turned this over to divine intervention.  If it was to be, it would be.

(I’m pretty sure Divine Intervention lives here.)

Well, what do you know!  I’m going to breathe some crisp morning air, have my coffee overlooking the trees, and maybe even wear a sweater!  (Saturday morning’s lows will be 49 degrees.)  I’ll be strolling in and out of shops, walk my dachshunds with my husband, dine at a nearby organic restaurant, and will attempt to slow the hands of the clock, for a few days.  (My friend, Marcy Feld, has inspired me with her posts about special summer days, spent in her country home.)  Sometimes last minute planning can bring big rewards!

Thank you to everyone who has been part of my team.  I hope you will have a Lovely Labor-less Day, too!

On A “Lighter” Note – Simple Summer Living

While I’m “officially” on hiatus for a few more days, I know many Americans are also “officially” kicking off the summer vacation season, or are planning for all of the fun times which coincide with it.  In order to have more summer fun, it’s best to keep it simple . . . cooking, entertaining, and even our daily routines.  It’s also the time of year when designers look at rooms, laden with heavy textures and colors, and clients are ready to open up their spaces, allow for more movement, and let the sun shine in!  Think of all of the phrases we’ve coined, containing a form of the word, “light”.  (Lighten our load., A lighter spirit., Lighten up., . . . to name a few.) 

So . . . . in the spirit of keeping this “light and simple”, I’m sharing some related posts from some other blog and design websites. 

Grilled pork tenderloin and a simple salad – from my friend, Amy, of “She Wears Many Hats”.  Click here for her recipe.  (I love that she uses “Yum-Yum” as her food tab!)  Amy is an avid blogger from upstate South Carolina.  We tweet, from time-to-time, and have met in real life at a recent book signing for the Pioneer Woman.

Leave it to the team at Martha Stewart to find simple solutions for outdoor living spaces!  Some cedar decking, placed on squares of wood, then pushed together, create this portable deck area.  Cluster some potted plants and you are done!  I also love the stacked pot fountain.  It’s a quick day project with rewarding results.

Sheers panels, as shown in this room setting from “Traditional Home”, provide an easy and airy solution for spur of the moment window treatments.  Later on, you can always layer side panels.  Some great blog reads, regarding window treatments and design, are:  terri’sfabrics.co.uk and Jackie Von Tobel Home

Need to plan a get-a-way?  Visit my friend, Julia Rosien’s blog, Go Girlfriend.  You’ll enjoy reading about her travel experiences, as she removes the complication from planning your travels.

Or . . . Is your home the arrival destination?  Quick ship bedding from Eastern Accents, (and a shameless plug, here), available through my design firm, can upgrade a plain Jane, (or John), room from economy class to a luxury suite, in a short order of time.

Of course, this is a great simple solution, too!

Have a safe and special Memorial Weekend.  Please take a moment to honor those who have served us well.

 

Experience the best about design!  Wanda

A Working Vacation

My friends all know one of my favorite escapes is to head to the North Carolina mountains.  There are many other beautiful hillside locations, in the US, but I’m so fortunate to be able to make the NC trip in a matter of a few hours, while not spending an entire day in travel mode.  It’s just a few twists and turns and I’m there! 

The other aspect I love, other than the different ridges and national forests, is the variety of people who have “settled in” or who vacation there.  Going to Bryson City/Nantahala area?  Plan on some whitewater rafting, rustic surroundings, and some earthy types.  If you like Highlands and Cashiers, chances are you’ll be arriving via the Atlanta area, where on occasion, you might spot a few celebrities who are treated with the utmost sense of discretion.  The Asheville area seems to be for those who might be more interested in a permanent residence and specific lifestyle.  It’s a progressive little city with a “boho-chic” vibe.  And last, but not least, it seems many of us, from the Charlotte-Metro area, have an affinity for West Jefferson and Blowing Rock.  It fits the bill for that short drive to a beautiful mountain retreat; although, you will also see an abundance of Florida tags, too!

(I wonder how many crafty trout might be hiding under these rocks?)

In a very short while, my husband and I, along with our two dachshunds, will be making our way to a quaint cabin in West Jefferson.  It has the perfect blending of amenities . . . private access to the New River, a short drive into town for galleries, dining, provisions, and comfy bedding for a good rest.  Also included will be a large front porch, perfect for rocking and reading, Starbuck’s coffee beans, and a well-equipped kitchen . . .  should my husband actually catch some trout!  (This is not to disparage his fishing skills.  Rainy weather doesn’t bode well for great catches.) 

(Fall is not the only special season for visiting the NC mountains.  Summer also offers its blaze of color.)

I will be interrupting some of this “R & R” as I’ll be making a side trip to the town of Blowing Rock.  A client is building a three story home on the side of the mountain.  (Did I ever tell you how much I’m afraid of heights?  I’ll be standing in the middle of rough framing, looking over the edge, with weak knees!)  Nevertheless, Blowing Rock is a charming composite of mountain cottages, chalets, cabins, lodges, and some magnificent views over the Blue Ridge mountain range.  I love the idea of having such a selection of abodes.  Whether you want to walk straight out to the village street, have a bit of acreage for bovines or equine interests, or want to catch your breath from a view down a mountainside, there is something for every desire and even budget.

Here are some photos of property listings for the area:

 (Just gorgeous!)

And if you are wondering about the town’s name, here is a little bit of folklore:

“Before 1752, when Moravian Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg visited the Blowing Rock area, the windy cliffs of the area were home to the Cherokee and the Catawba Indian tribes, hostile to each other, and the basis for the story of “The “Blowing Rock”. Two star-crossed lovers, one from each tribe, were walking near The Rock when the reddening sky signaled to the brave that he must return to his tribal duty, and the maiden urged him to stay with her. His desperation in choosing between duty and love caused him to leap from the edge of the gorge toward the rocks below, while the maiden beseeched the Great Spirit to bring him back to her. The famous winds of the John’s River Gorge blew her lover back into her arms, and this legend about The Blowing Rock is still told today.”  From this site:  Blowing Rock

Back to more property photos:(If you are a bit more of a “lowlander”, the farmhouse style might be right for you.)

(Log homes certainly fit in among the more rustic, forest settings.)

(Looking for less upkeep?  A cozy cottage might be perfect for a weekend retreat!)

(I can’t help but to imagine Hansel and Gretel popping out of this little Chalet.)

Even though the inner sanctum of our visit will be important to our creature comforts, this is one of the main reasons for making the trip:

  And in the morning hour - this:

And at the day’s end - this:

  Doesn’t it just make you feel like - this?:

Aaaaah!  I may never come back.

Experience the best about design!  Wanda