Paint Color Design

progress

Could you tell? Could you tell from my last post that I am super tired of all of this? But spring is here and it is time for porch sitting, and last weekend I finally sat.

The porch is not done, but it was done enough to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine with dear friends that came by to keep me sane. My contractor stays late every night working hard to make this home for me.

There are flowers to cheer me, sweet lettuce for salad and warm afternoons ahead.

Progress--I love it!

just when you think the end is near...

I did fall in love with the sweet little neighborhood when I bought my brick house, but I also fell in love with the idea of never painting again (odd coming from a painter, but sometimes I just get tired!).

Well--I don't have to paint, but I do have to re-point the brick on the river side of the house. Hmmm....way beyond my skill level.

Along with the brick work, the existing steps are being removed to make way for a lovely porch where I can sit and sip tea as I watch the tankers float by. I have to say I'm a bit tired of all of this...reno fatigue, I think.

Meanwhile the cherry tree blooms, and a few bright spots of color cheer me.

Speaking of cheer, I came home from the tropics struck by the absence of color in my own living room. I decided to add some small punches to remind me of all of the beautiful colors I had seen while traveling.

The first thing I did was to add some soft orange tones to the risers of the stairs. Earlier this winter I had painted them various shades of blue. The addition of some warmer tones was a subtle change, but makes for a big difference in mood.

The next thing was to hang more art. The sky paintings are a part of a painting journal I kept while in Tanzania. I completed a quick sky study from the same spot each day. There were many, many sunny days.

I also added one brightly colored pillow to the otherwise softly toned living room. I brought in this old bench that had been my grandmothers and painted the base a shiny turquoise.

Replacing the rugs with natural sea grass adds texture and warmth.

Small vignettes that give me pleasure also add to the feeling of home.

I hope your home gives you the same pleasure (and a lot less work) as my home gives to me.

one more dream job

Somebody has to do this job and I am so happy it is me. It is a rainy day here in Naples Florida, but it wasn't in Green Turtle Cay.

I love collaborating with creative people and Lynda Johnson, of Lynda Johnson Interiors is one of my favorites. An empty corner in this dining room cried out for a decorative accent and happily for me, Lynda thought a painted palm would be just right.

It didn't take much persuading (or any) to get me to jump on a plane and whip down to the Bahamas for a quick little paint job. There was a bit of time left over to take in the beautiful colors of the island.

I was able to take a lot shots for an on-line series on color studies I will be starting this summer.

Tomorrow I return to New England where I will be busily setting up my new studio. Our next American Clay Earth Plaster class is on Friday, April 16. Please look for our full class schedule by the end of the week.

a new me?

What do you think? I worked hard to re-design my website last year, but I'm still not sure it's where I want it. Would you click on and tell me if you like it as is, or if you prefer this cleaner, more graphic me? I definitely think that with me being me--there needs to be color added, maybe deep turquoise in the circle with a bronze over-lay on the lettering. Is it too clean for me? I will have signs made for the new studio and it seems like now is the time to make this decision. I would love your feedback either by commenting on this post or via e-mail.

great kitchen

I was happy to be invited to a lovely kitchen party the other day. A snowy weekend and a menu of delicious soups in beautiful Northern Berkshire County hit just the right note.

My friend and client (also a Lisa), is a fabulous cook. She makes the most of her award winning kitchen.

Eighteen of us gathered around the antique french baker's table.

Yep--all one table--amazing.

The bar was set up in the formal dining room. Striped walls were painstakingly painted by yours truly.

The soft candlelit tone is a beautiful backdrop to the couples extensive art collection as well as their antique quimperware.

The lovely bank of windows opens to the back garden. We had originaly discussed painting the windows an accent color but decided to let the beautiful architecture stand alone. The right choice I believe.

A study hangs over the kitchen and makes for a great place to view the preparations.

The formal living room connects the kitchen and the dining room. These Schumacher loveseats were repeated in different fabrics in two other rooms.

The reading room tucks in at the very front of the house.

Great design is great design. I thought these shoes worn by a guest were fabulous.

A view of the aftermath--I was not on dish duty thank goodness.

Lisa's husband and I collaborated on the design of the floor cloth depicting two well loved pets. The painting was done by Elizabeth Whelton.

Two tired Lisas at the end of the evening.

My own kitchen is a thumbprint in comparison, but I thought I'd show these great antique egg and nest prints I picked up at the NY gift show.

The beautiful cup painting is by Daniel Thibeault. And speaking of Daniel, just look at what he can produce from the comfort of his own beautiful kitchen.