May Musing: Books, A 1970s Time Capsule, and Pippa Middleton’s Wedding

Designer Marshall Watson has released a new book, The Art of Elegance: Classic Interiors, and while the title alone makes this book worth the purchase, the images are pretty incredible too.  I cannot wait for my copy to arrive!

The Art of Elegance: Classic Interiors by Marshall Watson

Since starting this blog in 2012, I have become a bit of a collector (my husband would say hoarder) of interior design books. Therefore I have created an online bookstore to share my top picks. I want to hear your favorites as well, as I am always looking for new and classic books to add to my collection. The incredibly talented artist Jennifer Ashley painted this darling image for me which I have linked to my bookstore directly from my website.  And for more of my favorite home accessories, fashion, and gift ideas, please visit my recently launched shop. I truly appreciate your support!

Artwork by Jennifer Ashley. Click here to shop my online bookstore.

My friend Skyla recently sent me a link to this incredible 1970s Florida time capsule for sale in Sarasota, Fl.  This home makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time as everything is original to the period, however there is a timelessness about it that endures and inspires the “Palm Beach Chic” look of today. With a few tweaks, you can imagine it as a current Meg Braff-designed home! Click here to see the listing.

554 S Spoonbill Drive, Sarasota, Florida

One of my all-time favorite rooms also happens to be from the 1970s… it was designed by Albert Hadley, and it is located in North Carolina. The home was featured in the May/June 2011 issue of Veranda magazine as proof that classic decor is always in style. Also of note… if you look closely at the mirror, you will see doors concealed in the grid of the beveled squares. Hadley hid the husband’s TV above the fireplace… Pretty cutting edge for the 1970s, and an issue we are still dealing with 40 years later! This month, Architectural Digest posed the debate Do or Don’t: The Hidden TV. What are your thoughts on the subject?

Albert Hadley

Barnebys is the comprehensive search engine for art, antiques, jewelry, and collectibles from more than 1,800 auction houses around the world including Christie’s and Sotheby’s. For the first time, consumers are able to search the entire auctions market in one user-friendly site. The idea behind Barnebys was conceived when the founders realized how difficult it was to navigate around the art world, and according to the Financial Times, it has since become one of the leading contenders in the auction world. Barnebys also offers a free database of realized prices, dating back to the beginning of the 1970s and providing over 30 million sold lots. I must warn my fellow auction lovers… Barnebys is highly addictive, so be prepared to spend a lot of time perusing this incredible resource!

I have been following The French Tangerine blog for years, and I was thrilled to welcome Jan as a sponsor! Jan Vrana, founder of The French Tangerine, loves art, charming gardens, design, travel, needlepoint, and entertaining.  She also has a fabulous shop!  Here is a beautiful tablescape Jan created for the Omaha Symphony Guild…  The blue placemats, the aptware plates, and the blue pomegranate tablecloth are all available in her shop. Click here to see more, and you will want to make sure to follow The French Tangerine blog and via Instagram!

The French Tangerine

Meg Carter Designs has a breathtaking line of jewelry inspired by nature’s most beautiful treasures from the sea. Her hand-crafted collection is perfect for summer wedding season! Below is an image of a lovely bride Meg worked with in creating necklaces for all her bridesmaids. Meg Carter’s collection can be worn with everything from jeans to a wedding dress, ensuring each piece is destined to become a treasured reminder of a special day.  Pearl studs accented with colors from the bouquet are a particularly popular gift. Discounts are available for large bridal parties, and customization is available to match wedding colors. Click here for additional information.

Dixie Design – Photo Credit Verry Robin & Co

And speaking of wedding season… In case you have been living under a rock and missed the images of Pippa Middleton’s breath-taking wedding, you can get caught up with all the highlights thanks to Town & Country! I’m pretty sure these will be the most Instagrammed images of the year… and for good reason!

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews at St Mark’s Church on May 20, 2017 in Englefield Green, England.

Happy June!