The Back Porch
Living on the Water Can Only Mean Living on the Bay (Chesapeake Bay- that is)
Growing up on the Chesapeake Bay was the foundation of my childhood and the source of many treasured traditions. Despite moving around frequently, the bay near Annapolis became my constant, my home. Yes, I'm one of those people who LOVE crabs! Every year, I have a bushel shipped to San Diego, where I enjoy my own little feast, picking crabs for myself and everyone else. My crab cakes are legendary, especially when paired with a corn and tomato salad, reminiscent of the farm stands we visited on trips to Rehoboth and Ocean City. The corn and tomatoes from those stands are simply the best, bursting with flavor.
How Growing Up on an East Coast Beach Shaped My Style and Lifestyle
Oh, the beach life! Growing up on the East Coast, the beach wasn't just a place; it was a vibe, a muse, a second home. I can still feel the salty air on my face, the sun-drenched sand underfoot, and waves crashing in my ears. Fast forward 46 years, and I've swapped coasts, landing a block and a half from the Pacific in sunny San Diego. Yet, my heart still whispers, “East Coast, best coast,” and I’m already plotting my retirement back east. But that’s a story for another time another blog.
Postcards from France: The Parisian Prints Collection
Bonjour! Anne and I were enchanted by France this past autumn, and from that adventure, our exclusive Parisian Prints collection was born. Captured through our lens while wandering the French landscape, these prints are a love letter to the everyday magic of Paris. Imagine them as a vignette on a cherished wall in your home, each serene and organic image weaving together the threads of romance, history, and design that are quintessentially French. The only thing missing? A bottle of Bordeaux to complete the scene. We hope these prints beckon you to celebrate France's heart and soul in your own space.
Chronicles of Curiosity
Anne and I are buzzing with excitement over our latest collection—it's a project that tugs at our heartstrings. My journey in this industry began as an appraiser and a dealer of fine antiques, while Anne's roots are deeply embedded in a childhood surrounded by historical treasures. She has lived and restored a historic home in Richmond, and embarked on international quests to procure European antiques for a former employer. There's one truth we've come to learn: unless you're fortunate enough to have relatives showering you with heirlooms, assembling a home brimming with the charm of collected history is no small feat. It demands time—lots of it.
Mastering Masion et Objets: An (Un)Ordinary Journey to Paris & Bordeaux
It started with a question. “Have you been to the Masion et Objets show in Paris?” It ended with a 10-day trip to Paris and Bordeaux and this is how it went. The Masion et Objets show in Paris has always been on my list to go ever since I found out about it 15 years ago. It has grown to be the largest home market show with over 3,500 exhibitors in 8 buildings totaling 2,800,000 square-feet. Which means, bring your walking shoes cause there’s a lot of ground to cover. Both Kirsten and I have been in the lighting and home furnishings business for over 30 years; we have been to most of the home market shows in the United States. We always heard the Masion et Objets show was the crème de la crème of market shows; so naturally we had to check it out for ourselves.
Cloth Napkins: Unleashing the Eco-Chic Elegance & Sustainability
When it comes to dining, there are several options for wiping your hands and face. Most people probably opt for a paper napkin, while there are others who use their jeans, shirt, dish rag or paper towel, you know who you are. But what about cloth napkins? Are they worth investing in, or are they just an unnecessary hassle? Keep reading because I am going to explore the pros and cons of using cloth napkins and whether they're a worthy addition to your everyday place setting.
Don't Be Cruel to Crewel
My Pillow Obsession
Let me start by saying I love pillows. My current pillow count in my home is 54 pillows. This includes all the pillows on the sofas, daybed, bedroom beds, chairs, floor and outdoor. So, I don’t consider this unreasonable or cause for concern. Pillows are non-committal. They are like a short-term rental. They are just hanging out for a season or until they start to fall apart and unstuff themselves or until I am just ready for a change. I can’t pin point exactly when this obsession, let’s just call it love, started.
Table Settings: Time to Set the Table
If Your Walls Could Talk, What Would They Say About You?
Have you ever wanted to create your own gallery wall? It can be both exciting and a non starter at the same time. If you have never done anything like it before, it can feel overwhelming at the thought of having to coordinate colors, frames, subjects, and sizes. I spend countless hours browsing the internet for inspiration, looking through catalogs of art, and trying to find pieces that speak to me.
