Spring fling

Great finds ahead! Spring is sure to come and when it will I am going to be so ready!!!

I know, it's weeks away, but why not get a little flirtatious?
Come along!

A chair from Kmart!



A cute pair of shoes, a skirt, a dress or a blouse from here! You know the place, don't you? Anthropologie of course.





And how about these fresh pieces? All at Anthropologie...





Or something really fresh underfoot from cb2? (All below)


I am clear eyed about this:


A cute cushion perhaps?


Love that basket...


And something not for closet cases...

Oh, I am getting in the mood! How about you?


xx Victoria


All images as indicated. Top picture Copeland Gainsborough plate from my own collection.

Rug love

Found here.

I am wild about rugs. All styles, Oriental, Turkish, modern. But my passion are Kilims. I adore them on the floor, but I love them even more on sofas, chairs, cushions or draped artfully over tables.


I spotted this today over at Belgian Pearls.
This always reminds me of classic paintings from a time where rugs where rare, expensive and a status symbol.
" During the 17th century the worldwide trading empires of the great Dutch merchants brought exotic luxuries from the East and Far East. Owning such curious rarities was a sign of wealth, national pride, and a declaration of alliance with the rational and scientific breeze blowing through Europe from the North. This homage to Dutch still life paintings In their Golden Age by the artist includes shells from the tropics and an antique rug from the Caucasus." Quote from below.

Image.

By Christian Berentz.

Seen at Tea and Carpets, a great and informative blog about, well: carpets.


Today this has changed to a point, of course carpets and rugs are widely available, but great ones are still expensive.
Much has been written about gorgeous carpets and I will not take on a history of rugs. But I have a passion for lovely colors, patterns and love to incorporate them in my design whenever possible.

I like kilims for their softer, easier to drape quality. They are also more vulnerable, since they have no pile.


By Holbein.

By Hans Memling.

The cover of one of last year's Veranda Magazine was graced with this incredible Aubusson carpet. Draped over a dining table.

Image via Cote de Texas.

I found wonderful examples of kilims for upholstery. An absolutely timeless and classic look.
This Victorian chaise reminds me of Oscar Wilde's extravagant style.



Via Tribal Home.



Georg Smith sofas and arm chair.


Via The state of things.

After I wrote this post today I pulled the latest House Beautiful from the mailbox. I had to smile since the new trends to watch for 2011 are atmospheric, traditional, artisanal, tribal, handmade, theatrical, glam, looking back for inspiration...
Kilims fit the bill beautifully!

Colors of fall

I love the colors of fall: the yellows, oranges, burned umbra's and browns. As it gets cooler outside we enjoy the warming trends inside. Especially white interiors can benefit from warm colors.











I can see the carpet on a white floor, the warm brown of the chest of drawers next to the table lamp. The kelim covered chair is a favorite of mine. The sofa is a stunner and needs some cozy pillows (1 & 2) like those above. A lovely scented candle adds to a enveloping atmosphere. And don't you love a little pouf around for extra seating or your feet up?
For additional style wrap yourself in Tory Burch's beautiful shawl...




Enjoy a lovely weekend!



Picture source as indicated and top image Tory Burch's website!

I know it's Saturday, but I can't have you miss this sale!

Gilt has two awesome sales right now - a House Beautiful themed "Blue Haven" sale, and an ABC Carpet & Home sale. Should you ever visit NYC - you must go visit ABC Carpet at 888 Broadway just north of Union Square.

These sales sell out fast so go to Gilt and get yours! Click on this link -if you're not a member you can sign up and automatically become one (it's free and you don't have to wait) - http://www.gilt.com/invite/ashley770

The House Beautiful sale:

Love this John Robshaw quilt.

Really pretty garden stools





The ABC sale:








Again - go to Gilt by clicking here http://www.gilt.com/invite/ashley770 to shop these sales. Have a great weekend!