Victoria Mansion-Portland, Maine Christmas Gala The Gilded Age & My Part

Christmas in The Gilded Age 

circa 1875-1914

I am so pleased to be a part of this special event, at one of the most interesting historical landmarks here in Maine -The Victoria Mansion located in Portland, which will  reflect a unique lifestyle & era in American History.

Timeline of Events:

• November 19, 2012 - Meet the Designers Nite 5:30-7:00 pm
• November 23, 2012 - Victoria Mansion opens for Christmas Tours 
• December 7, 2012 Five after Five First Friday / ALL admissions only $5.00 from 5pm-8pm

Address:   

109 Danforth Street, Portland ME  04101

Phone:

207 772 4841

A little history on this period of time is the period in America where it boomed socially & economically -benefitting the "Upper Class"; however, Mark Twain felt there was little to be had for some and that the American Government was corrupt.

Christmas was approached by the women of the household, with the utmost of expended energies with everything but the "kitchen sink" embellished from mantle piece to tree tops.  With that said, hours of energy were expended in the physical sense with decorations made from scraps, made additionally by the family members.  The approach to Christmas decorating was also taken VERY seriously, as it set the rank of where the women & men in society fell.

Materials used were that of chromolithograph papers     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromolithography

Some of the MANY items/motifs embellishing the homes and trees were that of gilt peapods, butterflies, lanterns, birdcages/nests, gilded & jeweled fruits.  

Flowers in this region of New England and during this era were Red Roses, White Lilies, Purple Passion flowers & Violets.

Colors & Fabrics - Not all Red & Green or Gold for that matter!  Colors encouraged were whites/browns/pinks & blues.  Lending to expressed light & radiance - of which I hope, together with Home Accents, to captivate.  

Please mark it on your calendar and enjoy the splendor of modern-day Christmas with a flair from Yesteryear!

2012 Must & Foreever Must Haves

For some sweet inspiration and timeless decor ideas!
Compliments of Moir!

http://www.examiner.com/interior-decorating-in-portland-me/the-top-10-2012-must-haves

A Little Holiday Inspiration for Your Table - Compliments of Me!

http://south.wcsh6.com/news/news/87746-simple-ways-decorate-your-holiday-table

The Beauty Repurposing

There is NO character in a space filled with massed produced "mitchy/matchy" components or that of inferior quality. The truth hurts in that cheap reproductions will not increase in their value over time or that product made where industries lack stringency in craftsmanship will endure.

Furnishings & Elements of this nature will surely end up in a garbage dump and will further attest to what many think of our American Society as disposable! 

This past September the 150th birthday of my man William Morris was celebrated.  I adhere to his mantra  ("Have Nothing In Your Homes, you find not to be beautiful nor purposeful").

Beauty & Purpose can be accomplished in "repurposing".  Life's Little Luxuries are not as easily attained as in the past and for some, whether on a shoe string budget or totally bored with their  space sorround "repurposing" is the way to go and for these reasons:

• It's organic & green in its approach
• It's relatively simple-one just needs some time, elbow grease & a sense of creativity
• It brings back something old, worn & tired back to life
• It's economical - yet drips with taste
• It is customized and NO ONE else has anything like it (umm, mass produced - poo poo)
• It's totally VOGUE

With beauty in the eye of the beholder - seek out some inexpensive, quality treasures and "re-birth" upcycle them and make a space within your home as a proud representation of who you are and in that NO ONE else will have anything like yours!

Best!

The Beauty of Neutral

Neutral is an emotion and is a design sense.  For the emotional, it is "unbiased" and associated with a peaceful mindset.  For the designer in one, it is a world of "non-committal beauty", neither here nor there, yet distinctive & beautiful.  Textures, mono-chromatic color schemes, architectural elements making it definitive, speaking casual elegance, style & class!
While impartial to color, ornateness - a calm is instated within when the beauty of a "neutral" world is seen & lived!
Life is a fraction insane, with commitments, work schedules, family issues & the world overall - Wars, dysfunction amongst most, global catastrophies, animal neglect & abuse and the like enough reducing one to wonder what are we becoming as a culture. 
Consider being neutral with your design sense, lifestyle and mindset of which you will be nothing other than rewarded!
Best!

A Forst Beauty!

Barefoot Contessa knows what we are talkin about!

I breathe - actually?!

Hmm....A Stylist for Hire

After engaging in a conversation, with one of my favorite peeps in the industry in these parts, a seed was sown."Why you do such an amazing job of decking it all out from a space to your ensemb' - A Stylist you certainly are". 

Never thinking of such as being just that .. indeed it is so and with that... if there is a need for some signature style to your space, event, or even a get up.... Call on Me for Hire!

Bringing the Outdoors In - Garden Style!

Since it is perpetual perciptiation in these parts, I have been inspired to add to my forum of "self-help" inspired decor tips. 
Best!
Check out the latest at:
http://www.examiner.com/interior-decorating-in-portland-me/garen-style-bringing-the-outdoors-in