Hello my darling, and a Happy New Year to you! I'm so pleased you were able to take time out from your busy schedule and tour our new home. We considered keeping the old one, but it was so...well...2009. I've been busy as a neurotic beaver getting our new digs up to snuff for your visit!
From the get-go, I knew I wanted lots of family mementos to personalize the space. The red really pops, don't you think? Just don't look to closely---I've yet to print our own photos, so these are the pictures that came with the frames.*
As always, comfort in our new house was key. I've ordered throw cushions in every Pantone hue, as well as some in colors that didn't exist before. But please don't touch anything; these pillows are for display purposes only.
The huz has been wanting to do more crafty activities, so I suggested he take up painting. A great idea, no? He gets a new hobby, and I get original art for my walls. Of course, this isn't his work--it's pieces I bought from another artist in hopes of inspiring the huz. He keeps saying he doesn't want to paint at all, but I'm sure he'll come around eventually.
If you go through the twenty-second door on your left, you'll see the library. Why have I placed these chairs directly across from each other, you ask? Well, you've heard of designers creating 'conversation zones', and this is my take on the idea. I call it an 'enhanced interrogation zone'.
You may recall my previous homes, in which I had multiple kitchens and dining rooms. This time around, I kept things simple with a single eat-in kitchen. However it's the most splendid eat-in you'll ever see; those are real New York City subway tiles. Unrelatedly, did you hear about that recent spate of tile theft on the Q line?
While you're visiting we'll gather at this 18th century monk's table for our meals. In keeping with the table's origins, we'll eat only a watery cabbage gruel and stale bread. You know I like to keep it real.
After such a hearty repast I'm sure you'll want to retire for a nap. I see you admiring how securely I've tucked the linens into the bed. It's a special trick I learned from my maid, who used to work at a hotel known for its extremely tight sheets. Good luck getting under the covers--you're going to need it!
*You think I'm joking, but my mother has had empty frames in her stairwell for the past 15 years. All images courtesy of Elle Decor, January 2010.
Oh, Anne. These photos are stunning. The hallway with the frames, the room with the books...it's like visual ambrosia. You always find the most wonderful things.
Posted by: Brandi | January 06, 2010 at 09:13 AM
gorgeous! I love the bedroom the most.
have a sweet day, xoxo
Posted by: Susan | January 06, 2010 at 10:21 AM
I wish my bed was that pressed!!
Posted by: laura trevey | January 06, 2010 at 11:30 AM
haha! I'd love to make my huz to paint... lovely oil paintings, not walls! :) great post, darling!
Posted by: caroline - patagonia gifts | January 06, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Ha! Enhanced interrogation zone - you crack me up!
Posted by: Jenny | January 06, 2010 at 12:22 PM
A marvelous post!! Such inspiring spaces! Oh, that had all the funds in the world to design my dream house! And my mom has several frames hanging in her hall that have the original images - it's become a family joke!
Posted by: Emily | January 06, 2010 at 12:29 PM
I loved the photo walls/hallway when I opened my Jan issue! Cute post! :)
Posted by: Jaime | January 06, 2010 at 12:41 PM
jaw. on. floor. I'll pick it up now so I can blab. The Nakashima like chairs, the Escher floor,the matador (methinks)a la Manet in the "interrogation zone" yadda yada - lady do you know how to channel the past in the new.
Can I have some goulash now?
Posted by: twitter.com/CluelessCrafter | January 06, 2010 at 12:47 PM
When we get rich again, we are making my dining room look like that.
Posted by: Jen | January 06, 2010 at 02:03 PM
Ohhhh, the hallway of frames and kitchen totally won me over.
Posted by: Maggie | January 06, 2010 at 02:43 PM
Well, my dear, I'd love to sit in your interrogation corner.
Posted by: Jessica | January 06, 2010 at 04:08 PM
Your house is so beautiful! Love the bedroom and the living room!
Posted by: Chic Coles | January 06, 2010 at 05:11 PM
Anne... put me on your guest list! Your menu is a little harsh, but those monks drank wine, didn't they? :)
Posted by: Rebecca | January 06, 2010 at 06:23 PM
where did you get that black couch? what is the name and can we still find a couch like that?
Posted by: RCE | January 06, 2010 at 06:27 PM
Lol - enhanced interrogation zone? - oh dear, I suppose you've been speaking to my Christmas guests... in all fairness it wasn't a true interrogation - I just got a little hopped up on egg nog and impatient to know what my gifts were...
Posted by: A Life More Fabulous | January 06, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Luv your sense of humor. Those chairs in the library room could belong to the CIA -- so yes enhanced interrogation zones works for me because some of those chairs didn't seem all that comfortable. Maybe the designer has a fettish for pain or just an extreme luv for art.
Posted by: Charlotte | January 07, 2010 at 04:49 AM
gorgeous, love all of the photo collages!!!
Posted by: vee | January 07, 2010 at 09:36 AM
Great post - it made me smile!! ( a lot ) !!
Posted by: Cassandra | January 07, 2010 at 09:50 AM
I am swooning! What a splendid post. There are many dreamy elements that I love in this post, it's hard to write about one. Thanks for sharing.
~Camberley
Posted by: Camberley | January 07, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Amazing selection of images.. so much to look at! Will take my time and really enjoy the detail.
Thanks for sharing.
xCharlotta
Posted by: Charlotta | January 07, 2010 at 12:49 PM
damn, you find the coolest stuff!!!
Posted by: Cindy | January 08, 2010 at 03:17 PM
what a lovely home! i'm obviously a few days behind on keeping up with you...glad you were busy in a good way...the articles sound interesting. happy new year and i look forward to following you in 2010!
Posted by: vitamin b12 | January 11, 2010 at 04:31 AM
I really love the rustic kitchen table
Posted by: Ta | January 20, 2010 at 03:43 PM