England Envy

April 30, 2015

I had an entirely different post planned for today, but I fell in love with an image. A bed, in the manor home of Nancy Cutting, covered in blue and white Colefax and Fowler chintz from the 1970’s. Upon researching this house, I discovered that this entire estate is chicly refined and, pardon the pun, well mannered. It is absolutely charming from room to room. Full of blue and white, fresh cut flowers, and stunning antiques.

It makes me wish I could waste my summer away sleeping, reading, and relaxing in this timeless estate. However, I have other plans for the summer (stay tuned)….

Photos from House & Garden UK and Architectural Digest

I had to start with the bedroom first (which has been relocated since the pictures were taken below). I could literally look at this all day and be just as happy as can be!

What a bedroom. Perfectly scaled.

A close-up of the fireplace. A blue and white delight.

The house itself, Chicheley Hall in Buckinghamshire. Decor by Tom Parr (RIP)

Exactly how you expect an English house to be… wood paneled, full of florals, and lovely antiques.

A perfect place for a rainy summer afternoon. A great room for cocktails and entertaining.

I adore the green in this bedroom. So well done!

Look at the urns of boxwood upon the edge of the garden. English gardens are so effortlessly chic.

A door to the garden. I love how everything isn’t overly fussed over, the black and white is a fun touch.

I love the mix of texture. fabrics, pattern. material and everything in this room. What a wonderful estate!

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Color Crush

April 29, 2015

With so many gray days here in Dallas, I find myself craving color. When it comes to color, Christina Murphy Interiors does a spectacular job applying peppy prints with vivid colors. The aesthetic of her rooms creates a terrific twist on modern traditional. There is a refined element to the homes even with the playful application of color.

Why not put a little pep in your design step today! After all, we are half way to Friday!

XOXO

A high gloss living room of blue and white.

Between the moldings and the high gloss of this yummy color, I am obsessed with this room.

Notice the placement of the scones in this breakfast area. Looks great!

The ceiling is a real showstopper in this entry hall.

I love the green and white subway tiles together. Has a gorgeous garden vibe.

Blue and white dreams. I love the different shades and fresh feel of this bedroom.

A smart roman shade and stunning pops of green velvet pillows.

A more elegant and so soft bedroom.

A dramatic den with a very polished vibe.

A unique and divine sconce on this bookshelf. Proves it is all in the details.

I love the moody color and the detail in the ceiling. Murphy really does cover every detail of the design application.

These chairs seem like the perfect width. The light fixture is really the gorgeous moment in this room.

The mix of print and pattern is the focal point in this bedroom. A great reminder to never be afraid to mix pattern!

The black window is an effective placement in this marble bathroom.

The casual and inviting ambience of the shelves and the chic black and white chairs are the ideal juxtaposition.

Love the green!

When you find a pattern you love, run with it.

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Breakfast Club

April 28, 2015

I must admit, I am not one to sit down and eat breakfast. I am the grab a bar and a coffee and whisk myself out the door type of girl. Perhaps if I had a beautiful breakfast room to dine in each morning, I could change my ways. What I love about breakfast rooms is that they tend to be smaller, more intimate spaces. There is also a sense of playful refinement in breakfast rooms, no need for too much formality. After all, breakfast isn’t just good, it’s great!

Here are several images that will leave you hungry for some beautiful breakfast.

It doesn’t get better than this. From the paper to the chairs, this breakfast room is hard to compete with! via AD

Mirrored walls and punches of green. I really love the shape of the table. Via Lonny

A breakfast space in a china room. How incredible are those potted ferns along the counter? via Elle Decor

Cathy Kincaid never disappoints with her application of blue and white and overall ultimately timeless taste.

Yellow pops on these fantastic chairs and exquisite tabletop.

The light fixture is the real highlight here in this neutral breakfast room. via AD

A breakfast room of wood beams, long banquet seating, and multiple windows. Via Elle Decor

Aerin Lauder breakfast room via Elle Decor

An image that has appeared on this blog often. The always chic look of Aerin Lauder’s breakfast room in her Manhattan home. via Elle Decor

A smart and sophisticated breakfast area. I love the variation of stripes and the glass shelving. via AD

An eclectic eating area off of this kitchen. Actually, what I love about this room is that the fridge is separated from the main area. The two doors add a great architectural element of symmetry. via Elle Decor

Miles Redd always uses the most sophisticated palettes of color. I love this room so much, the chairs are undoubtedly my favorite. via AD

Thomas Britt designed this sweet room. The painted walls and doors make it the most inviting space. Via Veranda

How amazing is the detail on the ceiling? I go back and forth on banquets, I think it depends on the space. It really works here. via AD

A feminine and elegant dining area. Marble top tables always add a splash of glamour.

Michael S. Smith masters the art of intimate dining in this room. By the way, how superb is the top of the doorway?! via AD

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Talented Tablescape

April 27, 2015

de Gournay has always been one of my favorite textile houses, so imagine my delight when I discovered that one of my favorite interior designers, Nick Olsen, collaborated with them to create an incredible tablescape at the Lenox Hill Spring Gala. The setting, labeled “The Dark Side Of Eden,” is full of de Gournay’s spectacular hand-painted porcelain and fabrics that evoke a vivid feeling of a lush and complex landscape.

From coral snakes to a hand-painted tree to the fabulous palm tablecloth, de Gournay and Nick Olsen won the night with this playful and colorful tablescape. Plus, how divine are those oversized shiny red apples?! Olsen took his luxurious and high drama design to the next level with the timeless and ever chic work of de Gournay. If only combinations like this could happen every day…

Images courtesy of Nylon Consulting.

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Nothing says a luxe night on the town quite like this tablescape. It has an almost Tony Duquette vibe. It has such a powerful ambience.

Tablescape by Nick Olsen featuring de Gournay

Look at the custom cushions made with de Gournay’s midnight blue duchess satin with Red Roman piping. I can’t decide what I like more, the snake on the plates or on the seat cushion?

An aerial view of tablecloth. A striking combination of palm leaves on a jet black.

The intertwined detail of this snake..and to think it is all hand-painted!

The inspiration for the centerpiece design, “L’Eden.”

Another view of the snake on the Duchess Satin.

A truly custom dinner plate. Very meticulously crafted and designed, and with such a chic approach.

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Virginia Modern

April 24, 2015

Since my posts this week were about Virginia Garden Week, I thought I would share a different approach to “historic” Virginia. Renowned designer Darryl Carter restored a 19th century farmhouse in Virginia and took a more relaxed and refreshed spin on the design, without sacrificing historical components. While I do love the classic look of tradition in may Virginia homes, you can’t help but appreciate Carter’s home that depicts the essence of casually chic country living.

Wishing you have a casually chic weekend! wherever you are!

Photos of this home by Darryl Carter are by Simon Upton for Elle Decor.

A modern rustic farmhouse retreat. I love the simplicity of it all!

Open shelving and a free standing island are very effective in this all white home.

Layers of neutral and smart pops of black make for an inviting living area.

I love this dining room, but I love the barn dutch barn door off to the left even more.

A very smart room of shelving that is piled with shades of white tableware.

White steps, white walls, and white floors make the all natural shades of wood strike strongly.

Could you imagine this room in the winter, with a fire and fur blanket?! A true room of relaxation.

Wisteria covered pergola. I love the pigs!!

This galvanized metal tub looks as if it has been there forever!

Serene sitting area.

Neutrals incorporate together to focus on the antiques and woodwork.

A sun-filled bathroom with a light fixture designed by Carter for Urban Electric Company.

That horn chair is such an intriguing twist in this bedroom.

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Virginia Garden Week: James River

April 22, 2015

For part two of my visit to Historic Garden Week, I wanted to share the three enchanting plantations I saw that are located on the James River outside of Richmond. I had to catch a flight that rainy evening, so I was only able to visit 3 of the plantation homes. Despite the steady rain, I can’t even begin to describe how breathtaking it was to explore these historic estates and gardens.

I started first with the Shirley Plantation, where we had a lovely tea overlooking a boxwood garden. We then walked around the property’s vast landscape and went inside the home that is currently owned by a decendant of the founding owners. I could not take pictures of the inside of the home, where the entry way was the main event in terms of timeless taste. The floating stairwell was also incredible to see (unfortunately they didn’t allow pictures inside).

The second estate that we visited was the Westover Plantation. The clear frontrunner of the James River homes. This estate was full of ancient boxwood, superb Georgian architecture, and continues to exist as a working plantation under the owners who currently live in the home and were present during the tour. Their young sons will be the fifth generation to call Westover home. The “Westover doorway” originated here, as did the founder of Richmond, William Byrd.

The last home I visited was the Berkeley Plantation. This home had the most phenomenal grounds and gardens of boxwood. Sadly, we couldn’t wait for the inside tour since we had to run to the airport. The house is situated on a idyllic edge of the river.

I hope you enjoy these photos and your Wednesday!

Photos by Christina Dandar For The Potted Boxwood

Shirley

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This plantation is still in the hands of the original family. It is the oldest family-owned business in North America, dating to 1638. I love the gravel….a sign of a true stately home.

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The entry is so smart and the benches really tie it together. The aesthetic is very relevant to present day.

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A glimpse of my friend Anne Marie in the doorway. A great oversized doormat and potted ferns flank the entry.

English and American Boxwood for sale on the property.

A boxwood garden. Ideal for reading on a spring day.

Westover

And now to my favorite plantation…. The minute I saw this side entry…I knew it would be spectacular.

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170 year old tulip poplars and ancient boxwood line the gravel entry.

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The home is estimated to originate around 1730 and was built by William Byrd II, founder of Richmond, VA. An immense display of Georgian architecture.

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“Ancient” Boxwood surrounds the home. Don’t you just love that…”ancient boxwood.” How do I get some??

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The creation of the “Westover Doorway.” Exceptional entry architecture.

A little dark, but do you see the glory of the ceiling??

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A stunning home in every aspect. Not sure if it was ahead of its time, or just built as timeless as possible. I think both.

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I adore the fabrics in the home, some of which have been updated,

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Blue velvet and blue and white! The owner is a fan of my favorite color combination.

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The owner told me that for the summer seasons (before air conditioning), the family would cover all the chairs in a blue and white linen. It was believed the cooler colors and breezy fabrics would make it not seem as stifling.

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A history of blue and white here. What a special display!

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The back door. It could use some potted boxwood I think! 😉

Now to the gardens…

There is such a relaxed sense of these gardens, where as most plantations feel more formal.

Winding grounds make for a fun walk, even in the rain.

BerkEley

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The first official Thanksgiving Day in America. Talk about historical!

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The entry surrounded by glorious boxwood.

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A view from the horizontal path of the entry surrounding the home.

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The back of the estate, surrounded by the James River and rows of boxwood.

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The side of the house, also on the river. I think the boxwood looks incredible separated in mounds. Also, the gazebo is dreamy.

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Further back on the property, the river is straight ahead. It was raining fairly heavily, hence the rain drop on the picture and the unclear view of where the grass ends and the river begins.

A view of the house through the gardens in the back.

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Virginia Garden Week: Charlottesville

April 21, 2015

As I mentioned yesterday, I just came back from Historic Garden Week in Virginia. It was not my first visit to the city, but it was my first time attending this annual event that gives you access to some of Virginia’s most glorious private estates and gardens. I had a picture taking frenzy while I was there, snapping up boxwood, flowering trees, and classic colonial architecture so rich with history. I also have to admit that I indulged in some fabulous meals and picturesque wine tastings with my longest childhood friend and her mother who is a lover of all things gourmet.

Since I took so many pictures, I have to split up my post. Today, I am focusing on the two estates I was able to see on the Charlottesville tour. The first home, Morven, allowed inside photos. The second home, Bloomfield, is a private residence and only allowed photos of the exterior. The history is so rich that I don’t have time to share every detail so be sure to click the history links below for more information.

I hope you enjoy part one! See my James River Plantations visit tomorrow on TPB.

History: Morven & Bloomfield

Photos By Christina Dandar For The Potted Boxwood

Morven

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There is not “nothing” to see at Morven.

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Morven Historic Garden Week_The Potted Boxwood

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The back of Morven, now owned by UVA.

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The inside of the entry.

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What a dining room! The Zuber wallpaper was fascinating. A different scene to see on each wall.

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I love the black and white check on the hardwood. As one person phrased it, “it is glorified linoleum.”

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The kitchen has red and white gingham and hints of blue and white.

Look at this trellis arch and boxwood. LOVE!

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The flowering trees were amazing, the bees were most definitely not so nice.

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Grassy steps to the garden.

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Heavenly.

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The yet to bloom white roses and boxwood.

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Morven gardens were the best of the best.

Bloomfield

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The Bloomfield house. As you can probably tell, I didn’t have time to edit these yet!

Who can do wrong with rows of boxwood.

O

Potted hydrangeas.

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The kitchen garden.

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How does your garden grow?

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A closeup of the flowers on these breathtaking trees.

A colorful spring in Virginia.

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A view of the garage.

Around Charlottesville

A plethora of boxwood at the Ivy nursery store. Next time I visit VA, I am bringing a U-haul!

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A perfect potted boxwood.

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Could you imagine spending a Saturday roaming around here!?

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Trump winery. We had fabulous gourmet sandwiches and wine tasting.

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The scenic drives, sprinkled with bits of color.

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A house called “Boxwood.” After my own heart!

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The private driveway of Boxwood in Ivy, VA.

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A photogenic moment while driving.

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A boxwood farm that I captured while driving.

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The amount of land people have is just unreal.

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Sweet red barns.

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How chic are these egg cartons?!

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A fantastic gourmet market that has plenty of pots to choose from.

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Virginia Is For…Garden Lovers

April 20, 2015

Wow! All I have to say is I had such a spectacular time visiting Virginia this weekend for historic garden week. The architecture, the landscape, and the rich history are just unparalleled. My gracious host (my childhood friend’s mother), had such a perfectly planned weekend and made sure that my visit was a memorable one. I will most definitely make garden week an annual visit, and hope to actually stay the entire week (not just a quick weekend).

Writing this, I am currently in the sky back to Dallas after a bit of a delay. Tomorrow, I will bring you so many phenomenal pictures of my visit, but for today enjoy these pictures I posted to Instagram. I can’t wait to share all of the beauty I encountered (especially the boxwood!).

Happy Monday!

Photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood

Morven_VA Garden Week_Photo by The Potted Boxwood

The Morven Estate in Charlottesville is now owned by UVA. The mounds of boxwood were spectacular. The grounds were the highlight of the house.

Caspari Garden Week_Photo by The Potted Boxwood

Can Caspari do any wrong?! Not my first visit to this chic oasis of design, and certainly not my last. My favorite combination of blue, green, and white.

Bloomfield in Ivy, Virginia. The property was very beautiful and their flowing trees were beyond.

This Georgian classic plantation on the James River, Westover, was my favorite property on the tour. The current owners have had this property in their family for generations. It was spectacular. The owners on sight were very friendly and welcoming. A definite winner of the tour. Lots of Blue and White too!

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Lockes Of Love

April 16, 2015

This past Christmas my grandmother bought me a pair of Elizabeth Locke earrings. I opened them, loved them, and then my grandmother said, “I thought it was time for some classic and more mature earrings.” Yes! Elizabeth Locke is a classic, mature, and refined brand of jewelry. So it is no surprise that her house exhibits those same qualities.

Her home is a true Virginian classic. It is true to its roots, yet welcoming and livable. The grounds are impeccable on this renovated 1816 house, and the interior is a testament to Locke’s love of her home’s history. In a place like Virginia, roots are important. I’ll have much more on chic Virginia roots as I am going there tomorrow for Historic Garden Week.

See you back here next week for a recap of garden week and more design dreaming.

XO- TPB

Photos from Architectural Digest. Design: Alison Martin. Architects: Neumann Lewis Buchanan Lanscape: Sue Bowman

The historic home completely restored with all it’s glory and grounds of boxwood perfection.

I am obsessed with the entry way. The double door screened entry and the eclectic tradition.

The blue couch is a fun pop of color against the yellow striped walls. This house is definitely on the classical and historical side of design, but it is to be appreciated and admired.

Did I ever mention how much I love fireplaces in dining rooms? I think they are very necessary.

A functional and warm kitchen. I love how the breakfast table is right in between the island and the main kitchen cabinetry.

This green is a shade beyond ideal. I have this weird urge to see a brown velvet couch in here with a tassle fringe lining on the bottom…anyone else??

Someone important sleeps here, or at least that is what the room conveys. The ceiling work is truly the cherry on top of the traditionally open space.

A sweet powder room of blue, with blue trim on the cabinetry as well.

Another bathroom angle of blue and white in a wallpapered retreat. I admire so much when people use furniture pieces in a bathroom. Too much cabinetry that is all the same can be…well, too much.

How does your boxwood grow? I hear in Virginia it grows pretty amazingly. I look forward to seeing just how lovely it looks this weekend!

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April Showers

April 15, 2015

If someone were to ask me if I was a shower or bath person, I would definitely say bath. I always find this funny since I take a shower every day and bath more infrequently. Showers are important, or at least they should be if you want to have friends and be seen in public. This is why bathrooms are so important. They are an area where time is spent (showering, getting ready, lingering with your eyes half shut when you wake up, or get ready for bed). Bathrooms are always expensive little rooms, but what you put into them is relevant to what you get out of them.

Why not shower pretty? Let the April showers fall outside, and let your shower head fall with perfectly pressurized water inside.

Also, I don’t shower without spraying this first. It makes your shower a spa…it is my every day MUST have!

Like an outdoor shower inside via Veranda Magazine

Doesn’t it feel like it is outside? The bower of glass, hedges, and some potted boxwood. Via Veranda

One of my favorite bathrooms. The marble work is phenomenal and the chrome finishing is divine. Via Elle Decor

The more industrial side of showering. I love the idea of stepping into a “room” to shower. The door really creates that feel. Via AD

The more polished and sophisticated side of showering. I really love the more vertical, striped, and natural look of some marbles in the shower. Having whatever tile or stone go to the ceiling is VERY important. Don’t leave any space between the ceiling, it will make the room feel choppy and small. Via AD

A burst of moroccan blue tile in this tub shower combination via Elle Decor.

A quaint and charming bathroom. I love the glass doorway into the shower, not to mention the checkerboard floor. Via House Beautiful

An outdoor shower oasis. How perfectly spring and dreamy. Via AD

Another industrial door with an architecturally interesting stone floor. Via House Beautiful

Clean, soft, and inviting. I love the bench in the shower! Via AD

A slate gray concrete gives a sense of serenity in this zen shower. Via Elle Decor

You could always just put your shower in your tub?! Or is it a tub in your shower? Look how deep that tub looks..wow! Via AD

I love the visual of a tub right in front of a walk-through shower. Also, the wood beams add a great architectural element. Invigorating.

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