Demijohns

Demijohns have made the rounds through the blogsphere lately and I thought I would educate myself a bit more on where they came from. I’m glad I did. I am eager to use these in some of my room designs.

The word demijohn was taken from the French, Dame Jeanne, meaning Lady Jane.

In Britain, demijohn refers to a one-gallon glass brewing vessel.

In Southeast U.S. slang, a demijohn jug, of any size, is referred to as a jimmyjohn.

The shape of the demijohn can be ovoid, kidney, cylindrical, round, teardrop, apple and heart shaped. The sizes vary from a few ounces to twenty gallons or more. The very large containers are called carboys.

The original purpose of the demijohn was for transport and storage of bulk liquids.

The demijohns were usually wrapped in wicker to protect them from breakage during shipping. Today, however, most demijohns have had their wicker removed to better reveal their color and shape.

Three color variations of the demijohn.

From the European Antique Market's website. These demijohn’s have been used for candles and the wax has dropped down the sides. Lovely!

Jayson Home and Garden has an antique green demijohn that sells for $125.00.

Fill one up and put your favorite branches or flowers in it.

19th Century Demijohn

Set of three antique demijohns from Alhambra Antiques

25” tall demijohn! $300 from modernicus.com

Here, designer Steven Gambrel uses a demijohn on the coffee table in this Dunes house. Although they kind of get lost because of the clear glass. I think a colored (perhaps blue like the lamp behind the sofa) would stand out much better.

A shop in Paris with demijohns hanging. From the blog A Brooklyn Limestone in Progress.

Demijohns shown on a furniture project from the blog Design Sponge.

Now for the fun part….

I was just at Homegoods near my home doing some shopping for a client when whaddayaknow… Demijohns in all shapes, sizes and colors…. I couldn’t resist. They are very good quality and at $19.99 a piece, I had to pick up a few.

My digital camera is on loan this week, so I can’t show you my great find… but I will soon!

Note…. I’m off to Catalina Island for a few days, so I won’t have an updated post for you for about 10 days! Hang in there with me, as I have an incredible interview and giveaway coming up! Here’s a hint… it’s all about junk!

~Win all 3 of these prizes and more~

It's not to late to still enter the Design Contest which ends on Aug. 5th! Send me your most amazing photos of any interior design, any type of parties, wedding or anything that deals with decorating!! If your interested click HERE to read more about it and enter!!
Plus, Look at what you will be Winning!!! The winner will recieve the following lovely prizes from these sponsors!!! And not only can all 3 of these prizes be yours, but you will also recieve a Secret giveaway from me!!! So, please join in!




Prize #1

A personalized Burlap Runner

Grace Sorensen

Her etsy store: Coastline
Please visit her blog as well: Name is Grace

Photo Courtesy: ChristanP Photography

Prize # 2

3 x 4 Oil Painting

Lara Harris

The winner would get to choose something they treasure for Lara to paint by sending her a good photo except for portraits (Sorry). Please visit her websites below to see more of her lovely work!

Website: Studio Lara

Etsy store: Studio Lara
Blog: A Vintage touch

Prize #3

3 Miniature Silk lanterns

Karen Gaffney

Websites: Dragonfly interiors

Lantern Shop

Ralph the Rooster

I thought I would introduce you to "Ralph" the Rooster

Available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Have a Bright, Bold, and Beautiful weekend...

Roses and Huckleberries

What could be more lovely than roses and huckleberries? These huckleberries are wild, handpicked on the lower slopes of beautiful Mt. Adams. I got them at our local health food store.

The only thing sweeter than wild huckleberries are wild huckleberries that you've picked yourself. We haven't picked huckleberries for a few summers now but it's so much fun to go off on a hike through the woods with a pail in hand.



I've washed them and have them sitting out on the kitchen counter to nibble on. They're so good for you, just as powerful as the blueberry with its rich antioxidants. It is my goal this summer to enjoy each fruit and vegetable that comes into season. It's something I crave all winter long and so I want to be sure to embrace it while it lasts.



Aren't they beautiful?

Gorgeous European Interiors

Lots of prettiness for you this morning! I've collected some images that I feel are particularly sensual. I feel like they focus a lot more on patina and texture in France - thoughts?


I love the juxtaposition of this rusic table with the elegant pink walls and gold accents





Love the composition on the mantle


I really love the chest of drawers against the wall - what a great piece for organizing

check out the wall! It looks like a detail of a Monet!

via Marie Claire Maison

Bright Colors

So fun and original... view these super-size bolster pillows here!

Great for a hammock or an outdoor bench!

Big News

One of my favorite eDecorating clients ordered up a baby girl's nursery a few weeks ago. Here's a little peek at sweet Penelope's soon-to-be-started room:




In related news, it was fun for me to do a girl's nursery because...

SURPRISE! I'm pregnant! With another GIRL!!!!



And we couldn't be happier.

Some Things I Saw At The DCOTA Market / July & August 2009

I wanted to get your feelings on a few things I saw.

I think the skirts on these pieces feels fresh as a slipcover. I think it is a step above ordinary outdoor cushions. Imagine how much you could do with fabrics and this style of cushion.

This is Italian, made of Venetian Crystal/Glass. (17" x 41"H) The frame is made by hand of iron, and then is antiqued gilded.

This chandelier is part of the 2009 Summer Lighting Collection and should be available now. Decorative Crafts is located in Dania Beach Florida (to the trade).

I personally love this style. I don't know...it is simple and elegant. What is better than that?

Magni – Colette

The "Colette" table, is a limited edition series of (50) and signed by James Magni. Each table is hand-crafted in Southern California, is made of solid hand-cast bronze with a natural finish.

The table is petite. The glass top is 12", so you get the idea. And the price is less than small...I promise you.

This table would be FABOO between 2 chairs in an sophisticated /eclectic setting. To me, this tiny table is art.
I was drawn to the piece because if you glance at it quickly....it has an Art Nouveau-ish feel.

I think this table could be an incredible finishing touch to a room. It is art, and you use it.

It Functions.

(BTW - That's why I love watches...they are jewelry, yet you use them, they have a function)

Canasta by Patricia Urquiola

The (my) jury is out on this collection. I love the 'caning' effect, but it is just soooo big.

One thing I have learned is this; I may not love a certain piece, but you can never judge 'a chair' or 'a table,' or anything by itself. The room must be complete and tweaked. That means with the area rugs , art, window treatments, lighting, the paint, and all other accessories.
I mean these lounges are wild. Aren't they? In the right setting....they could be just perfect.
I have seen many products from this company. They really look like glass. Or shall I say 'lead crystal.' The pedestals are really, really beautiful. And if you are trying to achieve 'The Hollywood Regency Glamour' look. This is a winner!

La Fete Commode (www.pierredeux.com) A Louis XV-style two-drawer chest covered in our iconic La Fete Taupe/Noir toile. Constructed from solid mahogany with a hand-rubbed, antiqued finish. The fabric is polyurethane-coated for lasting beauty. Undulating carved apron and graceful cabriole legs.

41''W x 191/4''D x 35''H

I know all my traditional bloggy pals will like this. It was the color that grabbed me.
I have started my new job, and all seems to be going smoothly. Just have patience with me while I find my way with my schedule and getting my post up.

I adore all my bloggy friends. And here is something that will blow your mind...I can not access any blogs from work. They have some crazy filter on the internet. Aparently they had a disaster with a bug that shut the company down for 7 days.

Needless to say, I am 'jonesing' to comment and visit with my favorite Design Blogs.

jonesing (definition) the act of needing something badly.and associated with an addiction or craving. Not affiliated with 'keeping up with the jones'.

Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her BLOG.....
Interior Design, Palm Beach, Boca Raton,Design Sources, Window Treatments, Custom Design, Paint, Color Coordination, Online Interior Design, Floor Plans, All Custom, DCOTA Market/July & August