High Point Highlights

I spent two days in High Point NC last weekend for the bi-annual market. I was so fortunate to partner with CR Laine, a high-end furniture manufacturer, whose huge showroom was host to some of my artwork. CR Laine has a line of upholstered furniture designed by Tobi Fairley as well as other offerings and partners with Woodbridge furniture, Fromental and Currey and Co. lighting to name a few.

I spent several hours in the CR Laine space on Saturday and then attempted to navigate the the shuttle and Market Square showroom across town. I met with artist Alexis Walter and Linda Donohue as well as the girls behind the brand the Blush Label. It all took far longer than I estimated so it was a scramble to get back across town to the book signing for Jullianne Ellerbe Taylor's book DesignHer at the Wesley Hall showroom.

Vignette at the Wesley Hall showroom

Selfie with me and Julianne Taylor

It was great fun having some of the people in the book there to chat with and sign my copy.

Me and Lance Jackson

Lance Jackson and David Ecton of Parker Kennedy Living wrote the foreword.

I chatted with Dana Gibson (no photo) and Kelli Ellis, both featured.

Kelli Ellis and me

I had a "moment" with Meg Braff and Amal Kapen.

Amal Kapen, me, Meg Braff

It was so much fun! 

With Leslie Moore

Me, Traci Zeller, Lisa Mende

Sunday afternoon CR Laine hosted there party and it was non-stop chatting with old friends and new contacts in the design industry.

One thing I learned is that the lighting in showrooms is meant to flatter the products not especially people. There were many photos that did not make the selfie cut and some that should not have.

It was a very long, lovely day that ended with me driving home and arriving after midnight.

Monday morning was a slow start and I decided to get a better look at the DesignHer book.

Imagine my delight upon seeing my artwork in the feature about the founder of Cotton and Quill, Mary Catherine Folmar whose fabric and trim was used by Lisa Mende in her Shophouse kitchen and breakfast room last April.

Room of the week

I am sure you are thinking, WTF, Kerry.  I never called this "prettiest room of the week".

Truth is that I am feeling a little ornery and wanted to post this to show you that its not a new idea to use books with color-coordinated covers as decor. Its an old stupid idea.
I confess I am guilty of it. I did it in my daughter's room, so it's her fault.

Thoughts?

Old, new and maybe blue

I always laugh at the argument about decorating with books.

There are those that are appalled at the idea and those that embrace it and those that simply realize that if must put the thing down eventually it ought to look nice. I fall into the last category.

Personally, I am a fan of older books whether they be colorful or crusty.

There is something so romantic about old books stacked up.

I do not, however, subscribe to the fashion of ripping off covers or white washing them for decorative purposes, But hey, you live your life, I'll live mine.

There is just something about the way that books fill in a space that magazines or other items just don't equal.

I would not organize them by color but I have been guilty of that when I had to stage my house for sale.

 

I have become a believer in removing the paper covers but that is another war.

Perfection!

What about you? Do you organize by color? Are you a paper cover remover too?

Sunday Inspiration

I was drawn to this room because of the huge bookshelves and the overall relaxed feeling of the space. It is a good example of getting the mix right and a keeping the look liveable. There are gorgeous spaces that are out there that I can't help but wonder where they put down a drink or curl up with a book. I think about what it must look like when the kids play in there. In short, they are too perfect to really live in but this room is not. The rug, Saarinen table and Eames chair (far right) work nicely with the English arm sofa and traditional chair. The green curtain adds a little drama without being ridiculous.

I just want to jump on in and spend a little time relaxing.

The Story of an English Village

The lighter than usual posting is due to illness moving through our house, now landing squarely on the adults.

I thought I'd cheat and show you snippets of a book I have enjoyed since I was a little girl.

Calling all Anglophiles and Downton Abbey fans!

The book is aseries of lovely watercolor paintings depicting the changes in an English village from Medieval times to modern.

The charm is that on every page there is a half page that when turned changes the picture seamlessly.

There are both exterior and interior scenes all from the same point of view throughout the ages.

I had to photograph the book as my scanner would not have fit enough of each page.

These are amazing picture books that really fit the bill when you are too sick to bother with anything else.

The Story of an English Village

and these...

for Downton fans

An Edwardian Summer

or

Lavinia's Cottage

All images Copyright John S. Goodall

Frank talk

When I can steal a few quiet moments I love to read. Right now I am reading Loving Frank by Nancy Horan.

It is about a woman who has an affair with famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

I think novels where infidelity is a main plot line are tiresome (the last one I read was too) but I am enjoying the insight into Frank Lloyd Wright, the man.

What are you reading?