Celebration of a Legend - Albert Hadley

It was on Thursday that design legend Albert Hadley passed away. Now this may be old news to many, but nonetheless I still thought it posed an opportunity for me to share what I found inspirational in him.

In a field which can often get wrapped up in names and labels, deadlines and schedules Hadley had the insight to what in my opinion design is really about. 

"But names really are not the point". It's what you can achieve for the simplest person. Glamour is part of it, but glamour is not the essence. Design is about discipline and reality, not about fantasy beyond reality." (Source)

He managed to transform spaces for many of America's elite, but still retained his humility. He drew on history and seemed to respect it while challenging it all at once - a dangerous dance that many do not get right. But he did. 


His work speaks of ease and elegance and is presented as beautifully uncontrived - statues of any great designer. 


How does Hadley's work inspire you?

Hadley's Design for a Colonial Living Room 

Hadley's Manhattan Apartment 

Diana Quasha's Manhattan Apartment

Hadley's Design for Brooke Astor's Library 

Further Reading

An amazing book published by Rizzoli - get it here

Image Sources 1/2/3/4/5/

Lace - No Longer Just for Grandma

One of the most significant appearances of lace in 2011 was definitely the Dutchess herself Kate Middleton on that very special day. And while lace always seems to be appropriate for wedding occasions. This season bringing lace into your home packs a special punch. 

Incredible elegance 

with an air of tradition. 

Keep things simple and light to prevent this from feeling too fussy. 

Ultra Feminine. 

Layer different textures and patterns that have similar colour veins to give this look dimension without it feeling too heavy. 

Vintage Appeal. 

Whether it be a curtain detail, antique table cloth, napkin trim, or vintage pillow. In moderation lace will be sure to instill romance and charm. 

Image Credits: 1. www.fashionetc.com 2. www.firsthome.tumblr.com 3. www.oncethingslookup.tumblr.com 4. www.lilacandgray.com 5. www.reasons to breathe.tumblr.com 6. www.vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com 

Classic Holiday Wreaths - Top 5

Great wreaths can make your front door inviting and to me always puts a smile on my face when I approach. They don't have to be exclusive to the holidays, but I think they conjure up a certain fuzzy nostalgia this time of year.

It's all about the ribbon. Hanging a wreath with the right ribbon is the equivalent of the perfect accessory. My favorite - super wide (1.5 - 2'') Satin Silk (silk gives it a nice weight) ribbon. It can add a pop of colour or just add to the simple luxury of holiday style.

They are also surprisingly easy to make yourself. I always love going to the Christmas tree farm and getting a big bag of scraps. Buy yourself a roll of florist wire and a soft touch wreath form and you have one exciting afternoon ahead. Martha Stewart (of course) has a great how to video http://bit.ly/uKgsOW

Berry Wreath $128 from Terrain www.shopterrain.com

Boxwood Wreath $68 www.shopterrain.com

Victorian kitchen from Country Living - love the striped ribbon. 

From marthastewart.com 

A Very Vintage Christmas

So I just spotted the latest Christmas album from She & Him, the band is an unlikely pairing including country folk artist M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel. It's a nostalgic Christmas trip which to me feels very at home for SF, so with that in mind (and I know I'm a bit early on this one)

 I'm inspired by dreams of a vintage Christmas. 

From thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com

From Anthropologie.com

From thecraftingchicks.com

From etsy.com

The ultimate Christmas apparel From http://www.modcloth.com/

What would Christmas be without a little baking. These no bake fudgy snow balls look delish and they are dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, vegan - looks like this one could be a winner.

From http://www.skinnytaste.com/

From 1.bp.blogspot.com

Lino print tree ornament From flickr.com

Prematurely...Happy Holidays!

Eerily Elegant Halloween Decorating

So I'm a little rusty on the Halloween front. It's not really a celebrated holiday in the UK. Nonetheless I managed to conjure up some inspirations. 

Love this bunting - an easy DIY project which is a welcome alternative to generic streamers. For indoor or outdoor use I think both applications add a simple, but elegant home made celebration - and don't forget the mice! 

Image from carinagardner.com


I'm absolutely in love with this Hitchcock esque silhouette bird theme. Understated but love the atmosphere. 

From countryliving.com


Why carve when you can stencil? - a great way to introduce trend -based decor inspiration. Tribal, lace, navajo, chevron - not sure if I'm patient enough, but plaid or polka could also be fun. 

From blogs.babble.com


The classic monogram - any excuse to have fun with fonts. 

From agrablewski.com


These put a big smile on my face - chubby ghosts - amazing. 

From jennysteffens.blogspot.com


Keeping it elegant with Monochrome

Image from thehappytulip.blogspot.com

A modern twist - metallic pumpkins and accents alongside black and white treats - an easy accomplishment with a can of spray paint.  Try visiting your local thrift store to source interesting statues/figures/trophies etc. Spray paint them monochrome and you have a instant accessory. 

Image from October issue of Family Circle

This image feels like home to me - brightly coloured tree branches in the back offer a minimal, but beautiful arrangement. 

Image from bhg.com

A how to - chevron pumpkin carving

Image from witandwhistle.com

Amazing burlap bunting - another easy DIY

Image from etsy.com