February 23, 2011

The Reading Room...

In this technological world, there are times when I simply wish to retreat and lose myself in a good book. If I had the luxury of space at home, I would design a room specifically for my books, no computers or cell phones just books.

I have a perfect visual of how the room would look: The crown moulding and ceiling rose would be a crisp white, the walls painted in a palette of ivories and ethereal creams to mimic the change in light as the day passes. Soft creamy wool check drapes would frame the beautiful French windows. The floor would be created using reclaimed light oak timbers and reclining atop would be a hand made soft wool rug that would caress the toes. This room would be located at the back of the house and overlook the pretty garden for peace and tranquility. The bookcases would line all available walls and be hand-crafted from English oak with simple traditional styled glass paneled doors. A large ottoman would command a central position with a crystal chandelier above. An antique sofa would take its place on one side of the ottoman and on the other side a pair of wing chairs separated by a pretty putty coloured painted table showcasing a pair of reading lamps and fresh flowers from the garden. A perfectly light and airy room. But wait a moment, there's something missing...

Clearly, the chairs need pillows so I set off to my linen closet in search of inspiration. I wanted to create a matching pair and happily came across some soft chocolate brown and ivory check wool, ivory linen, chocolate brown silk ribbon, simple toile pieces and beautiful mother of pearl buttons for that final hint of luxury. I knew exactly what I wanted to create the moment I picked up the toile pieces and, as luck would have it, everything else fell into place.

With the pillows finished all I need now is my Reading Room...


Eliza
jo@eliza-interiors-and-design.com


Antique & vintage linens from:

Judith McClellan
Antiques & Linens, 1003 West 34th Street
Houston, TX

713 880 9449


I happily welcome your comments x


February 17, 2011

England, my England...



With Spring just around the corner, thoughts of home are ever present. For me it's a time that is quintessentially British and promises gardens full to bursting, flower boxes lining apartment window ledges and large pots that grace grand doorways all proudly displaying the wonders of the season in an array of delicious pastels. No matter if you live in an historic home or mid-century modern, the season brings forth the soft hues of Spring...

I wanted to create something that would be a reminder of home and also represent this perfect time of year. Inspired, I set about making these 'Jack' pillows. They have been created using antique and vintage linens, soft velvet and silk ribbons, lace trims and beautiful mother of pearl buttons. They're pretty, playful and modern with a hint of a bygone era.

Enjoy!


Eliza

jo@eliza-interiors-and-design.com

Linens supplied by:

Judith McClellan

Antiques & Linens
1003 West 34th Street, Houston, TX 77018
713-880 9449


I welcome your comments



February 10, 2011

I drew thee to my valentine...



For a while now, I have felt the need to create some pretty whimsies that would tempt and tease the senses as well as lift the spirits. Amongst my vast array of French textiles, I came across some very beautiful pieces of late 19th century French floral linen that I had purchased some months back. Even the smallest pieces of antique textiles can inspire decorative and creative ideas!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I set about creating some heart ornaments that would conjure images of romance and a little extravagance without being overwhelming. The simple floral design is as inviting today as it was back in the late 19th century. I spent a few hours playing with an assortment of pretty ribbons, buttons, beads and brooches and decided on vintage diamante buttons and crystal and pearl beads. The ribbon is a buttery cream organza that glimmers in the sunlight. They are soft and cushiony and contain the best French lavender I could find; the lavender not only smells wonderful but it protects the linen too.

A token of love best served with perhaps a hand written poem...


The rose is red, the violet's blue
,
The honey's sweet, and so are you

Thou are my love and I am thine

I drew thee to my Valentine

The lot was cast and then I drew

And Fortune said it shou'd be you.

With love


Eliza
jo@eliza-interiors-and-design.com

On sale at Shabby Rose, 211 Midway,
Old Town Spring, Texas
281 528 9797