Blog Feed: 5th and state

Two Phillip Phillips?

Published on 2012-05-23 22:27:00

Every now and then I succumb to a reality show, rarely American Idol. But this one was different. When I heard on the radio belly laughs about a contestant named Phillips Phillips I chuckled to myself, "there is actually someone else that named their child that?!" Some one else? Yes, my brother in law is a Phillip Phillips.......born in 1966, get it? Phillips 66 gas, remember that? Then a phone call, from Phillip, "he is our second cousin!" Apparently their Grandfathers were brothers but t [..] > read more

Simply Grand

Published on 2012-05-13 18:52:00

You know it when you are surrounded by it. What could I be referring to? > read more

Container Gardening with the Enchanted Home

Published on 2012-05-08 07:29:00

Today you must visit the wildly popular and beloved blog, 'The Enchanted Home'! Imagine my delight when Tina asked for my participation in a conversation on container planting, with all my professional tips and tricks. Haven't been? You are in for a treat! So many of us have followed along as Tina and family dreamed, then built a truly enchanted home, an architectural gem in the old meets new French style. I could show hundred's of pictures but let these give you a glimpse into Tina's world [..] > read more

Want to get away?

Published on 2012-05-02 07:09:00

It's that time again and this is a goodie! And.........one of the attendees will receive free airfare, will it be you?! Coming shortly, information on a France tour late September, hoping to meet you! xo Debra > read more

Down the garden path....&.... BIG giveaway!

Published on 2012-04-24 14:46:00

Landscape season is here, a month early! And I have been hopping, hence silent. The good news is that client demand is high........could we really be seeing the turn in the economy all of us have been hoping for? As promised let's discuss the garden floor, an often forgotten design element. I view it as the same as selecting rugs for your interiors, and you know the thought that goes into those decisions! So let's begin............. Source: theenchantedhome.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinte [..] > read more

Garden Design.....part 2. Three homes, Six plants.

Published on 2012-03-30 18:23:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest In the continuation of our series, I want to guide you on honing in on your homes architectural elements and what plants and garden style will be compatible. Let's keep it easy and examine the same six plants for each. Our styles will be "Cottage/informal", Semi-formal, and Formal The six plants will be, Boxwood, > read more

GARDEN DESIGN......Master Course Introduction

Published on 2012-03-22 03:30:00

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SPRING Forward!

Published on 2012-03-18 18:20:00

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest Next week, already........ Really.......... Source: flickr.com via Debra on Pinterest It has been summer like in Chicago and here I am wishing for the cool weather of the season. For cool breezes, rain for the plants and high in anticipation for the beauty of Spring Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest Source: flickr.com via Debra on Pinterest Source: google.com via Debra on Pinterest Can't help [..] > read more

Something about Mary...........part 2

Published on 2012-03-15 11:41:00

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Something about Mary.......Part one

Published on 2012-03-08 13:44:00

Come with me as I share a sumptuous home that is European styled and delightfully quirky in Buckhead, Atlanta. The home of a treasured friend, Mary Bairstow, Interior Designer and "up-cycler" extraordinaire. Don't you adore an exterior that is unique unto it's own? When I first stood in this drive/courtyard, pea gravel and all........I had no idea what lied inside. The floor plan could not be imagined from the exterior. All the more intriguing. foyer Let's step inside, meet Ma [..] > read more

Want to get away? ENGLAND 2012

Published on 2012-03-01 17:55:00

It is that time again....... Can you come? As mentioned space is very limited, inclusion is on a first come, first serve basis BUT............ Two other tours are on the calendar and those itinerary's are to follow; ENGLAND 'The Decorative Arts of Britain' September 12th through September 19th FRANCE 'Antiquing, Gardens, Culture' September 26th through October 3rd (Paris and Dordogne in south west France) Che [..] > read more

COLOR.....Are you in?

Published on 2012-02-24 14:55:00

Are you embracing the latest Color Trend? After years of the muted 'Belgian' look and a dour economy, just maybe this is what we need to brighten our outlook. What do you think? Everywhere we look...........fabrics Furniture The trends in flower development is a sharp infusion of intense color Flora Grubb's in San Francisco A favorite.......the British Morris Minor. Remember turquoise cars? Well, even turquoise appliances? I'm wondering if that would ever return? That I [..] > read more

The Nashville Garden and Antique Show 2012

Published on 2012-02-14 18:17:00

My annual pilgrimage to Nashville for the Garden and Antique show never fails to inspire, tease, spring cannot be too far behind (Nashville maybe....Chicago, not at all) and induce a covetess nature. I want it all! The entry garden. Beautifully acknowledged this years theme of 'Color' but these grass like men were both ingenious and creepy......to me that is. Nothing appeals to me more than an allee of trees These massive containers were dressed in strips of Redwood skins [..] > read more

BLOG loving

Published on 2012-02-07 21:37:00

Two blogging superstar girlfriends, Debra of Acquired Objects and Barbara of Hampton Hostess nominated me for the above award. Debra is a leading expert in antique textiles, lives in New Hampshire in a killer home and setting. All with a great sense of humor. Barbara is chic and sophisticated as she guides us through the Hampton's and her life as a designer and hostess extraordinaire. Thank you ladies! The Rules; 1) worship at the feet of those that nominated you 2) share 7 facts about y [..] > read more

Finished......for now

Published on 2012-01-29 14:51:00

Phew, going to market, it is complete! Shopping, decisions (will this sell?) husband questioning "are you really thinking that will sell?!" (insert the stink eye look), loading, hauling back, unloading, rearranging the shops, pricing......embracing a cocktail. I know, I know, I really pinch myself and have fun on these antiquing jaunts, but.............love when it is over, till the next one that is! What do you think of our haul? Hope you have fun looking! Recycle, recycle was agai [..] > read more

The 5 senses of Summer

Published on 2011-06-26 18:58:00

Every season is evocative in it's own right, I love to celebrate them all. Each has seasonal traditions, memories and always the potential for new ideas, enticing all five senses. sight........ The color turquoise conveys, > read more

My Fathers

Published on 2011-06-19 10:35:00

My first father impacted my early years and left a deep mark on who I am today. He left us when I was twelve and sister eight, in a skiing accident. He was 36. Lucky me! I had this amazing man in my formative years and I wanted to be just like > read more

PEONIES... A story and a giveaway

Published on 2011-06-16 09:19:00

Here in northern Illinois our peonies are on their last gasp and I am always sad to see them go. Others, will in succession, fill the gap. To me, nothing rivals that luscious heavily petaled globe of early summer. Their loveliness adds life and ener > read more

"......and money is NO OBJECT"

Published on 2011-06-05 13:03:00

Words that elicit sheer magic in a designers soul. The imagination runs, the heartbeat quickens.....but let's get back to that part later. The message was "Have Debra call me. Does she do African forest gardens?" I call. A foreign voice i > read more

Have you decorated your garage lately?

Published on 2011-05-25 17:27:00

Have a street facing garage? That is an asset in the "fairy tale" town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, in California. Let's examine together.....you might have another decorating project!LOVE the above patina, it never occurred to me to put such effort i > read more

Late for my own party....can you come?

Published on 2011-05-18 15:45:00

I am late again.......landscape season does that, my head is barely attached. And, this is a very important post, which should have gone out last week. So if in the 'hood, come by, you can't miss this one.......a book signing with Fifi O'Neill > read more

A custom garden for Mona

Published on 2011-05-11 00:17:00

Life's journey is about the roads we take, the roots we set and the connections we make along the way One connection I treasure, is the friendship with fellow blogger Mona, of Providence Design. This talented designer wrote a post about her garden di > read more

Do as she says!

Published on 2011-05-08 10:45:00

Happy Mothers Day! source: Chicago shop: SG Grand > read more

Container Design; In 3 easy steps

Published on 2011-05-04 08:21:00

Ready to do your containers? Depending on where you live you could be finished by now; but those of us in the north are still waiting The nursery can be daunting and the choices overwhelming. If you have multiple containers how does one keep track? H > read more

Watching the Wedding....in a 'dreamlike' state?

Published on 2011-04-26 20:08:00

Yes, 3:00am, central time, the alarm will startle me but I will get up to watch the pre-wedding chat shows. It's mass excitement, on the world stage, a time of dreams and fairytales in a 'time' of need. Before the alarm sounds I am certain to dream o > read more

RURAL ENGLAND...Fairy Tale with a happy ending

Published on 2011-04-03 22:20:00

I believe in fairy tales; magical places where dreams still come true. Of Princesses, Camelot, Knights in shining armor and Mr. Darcy's, England is that place for meI get lost in thought, wander down unknown paths, turn into a "peeping tom" (what des > read more

The colors of England in Spring

Published on 2011-03-19 09:57:00

How is Spring where you are? I am told that Chicago is going to be 70 this weekend! All the great sweaters (the British call them 'jumpers'....why?!) I bought on sale may have to wait. Gatherings from a walk or small bloomers from your own garden mak > read more

Art Exhibit with Sam Rosenthal.....and more

Published on 2011-03-07 18:17:00

Local Chicago Artist Sam Rosenthal at work on Wacker and Wells along the Chicago River. Take note of the size To completion. Stunning isn't it? Our beloved city is bathed in an after glow of the setting sun fused with the amber cast of s > read more

Sherborne England....Observations

Published on 2011-03-02 16:04:00

Feeling like I am in a fairy tale, the English countryside is this beautiful. It's a chilly, damp, early spring with fresh crisp green everywhere, which magically highlights the stone in this ancient village. Old Sherborne Castle's original owner wa > read more

Crossing the Pond

Published on 2011-02-19 21:53:00

It's upon me and virtually nothing on my before I go "TO DO List" is complete.............my darling step-dad, Bob has taken gravely ill and we have held vigil at the hospital. All thankfully, is looking up. Guilt is my current partner as we pray for > read more

NYC Gift Show....Accessories

Published on 2011-02-13 21:22:00

The elements that give our environments personality are the accessories. In this, 'Part Two' of the gift show series, I could not wait to share these noted trends and personal favorites Felted Wool My long time favorite is every > read more

Trends from the New York gift show

Published on 2011-02-05 23:48:00

Twice a year the gift show draws shopkeepers and designers who descend upon the show like worshippers to their mecca. Overload prevails while inspiration is drawn.I wanted to share with you part one, the furniture. Part two will be accessories > read more

Need a Nook? DIY

Published on 2011-01-23 15:10:00

This time of year I dream of having a nook............a place for curling up with a favorite book. Some homes are born with them, many can be created Under a staircase Empty space under the stairs? Can the wall be opened up? A living room turret > read more

A year of magical thinking.............

Published on 2011-01-10 02:34:00

A new year a fresh start chasing dreams taking risks New years resolutions? not for me.......New years dr > read more

PASSION + CHOCOLATE = LOVE

Published on 2010-12-23 17:52:00

I am so excited to share this man's Passion, his Chocolate and how he spreads Love to so many. Meet Chef Alain Roby. Does his photo look familiar? For some time this has been part of an advertising campaign for kitchen cabinets in all the major > read more