Ginger Jar Jamboree

 As a young girl I could never figure out my mother's passion for decorating with blue and white Ginger Jars. I often asked    her " how many jars can one person have"? As an adult, I totally understand that passion.While my collection is not as elaborate or expansive as my mom's, I have a collection, non the less. When decorating with ginger jars,weather you are trying to achieve a sleek sophisticated modern design a traditional look or a coastal feel, you will find that this Asian artifact is a very adaptable and a multifunctional accessory, that will help you achieve just about any look. The modern day Ginger Jars can be found in a vast aray of color, metal or texture.Decorators and designers use the ginger jar in many capacities.There are a few pieces I believe a well designed home should have.(1) A piece of sea life (2) A traditional Asian Ginger Jar. (3) A piece of vintage furniture. Here are some beautiful examples of the traditional jar used in coastal decor as well as some of our modern day versions.

 Aluminum Ginger Jar.. Loving this! Artisanti








circa 1800's




Chevron Ginger Jar fromhttp://www.emiliaceramics.com/





Apartment Therapy Traditional blue and white, with Chinese stools



HGTV Dream House




These beautiful white Filigree lantern jars from The Mermaid Hut compliment any outdoor coastal decor!





Coral jar from Williams Sonoma with palm leaves lends a tropical feel.




A perfect mix of Traditional and Coastal.



Sanibel Sands Seashell Design.Amazon





Burnt orange jar from Emilia Ceramics




I love this clear ginger jar.




Vessel Jars from Williams Sonoma





The botanical sea life collection fromCarons Beach House.




A lovely vignette



These add  a beautiful pop of color in a white kitchen. I use mine in my kitchen to hold kitchen utensils.House Beautiful



Robyn Karp Interiors





Does Your House Have Soul?

 This is an excerpt from a letter ,that Mark Twain wrote to a friend in his happier days.When I first read these words  years ago,they resonated with me and have these prolific words in my home. Shouldn't we all feel this way about our house? Enjoy!

"To us, our house...had a heart, and soul, and eyes to see us with; and approvals and solitude and deep sympathies; it was for us and we were in its confidence and lived in it grace and in the peace of it benediction "


                                                                                                                    Mark Twain

The Mark Twain home is in Harttford,CT

The architecture of this home was so far ahead of its time

My daughter in law did this in calligraphy

If you would like to learn more about the Mark Twain home. go to http://www.marktwainhouse.org/

Linda Woodrum Has Done It Again

Linda Woodrum has done it again with her impeccable design talent .The HGTV dream home this year is in Stowe,VT. This spectacular home sits nestled on a ridge, with a beautiful view.

Linda's ability to mesh styles together effortlessly is what makes Linda still one of my favorite designers.
It was 2004, when I was just learning the interior design business and  was working at a full service interior design and furniture store,when Linda came in, in need of assistance for The
Coastal Living Cottage Of The Year.I was the lucky one that got to assist her through the process of ordering furniture and picking fabric for the various pieces that were going into the cottage.She was so friendly, and down to earth and very receptive to my ideas! I thought "wow" Linda Woodrum really likes what I am suggesting.Linda was in and out of the store for a few months, where I would ALWAYS strike up some engaging conversation with her so i could pick her brain, but I had an ulterior motive, I wanted to be her apprentice...
I am pretty bold and not easily intimidated, so at the end of our brief working relationship I asked her if she was in need of any help,or if I could shadow her.She giggled,and was so humble, she didn't need any help at the time( but of course I new this because she had her partner, but hey, it doesn't hurt to ask) She gave me some valuable advise that I still  use today.You can see the rest of the house at http://www.hgtv.com/





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This sleek, minimal foyer, leads you into a home that is anything but minimal. I love the soothing grey.



The dining area is open and airy with a beautiful view to enjoy any meal. The combination of a maple table paired with sleek leather and metal chairs makes the dining area feel comfortable and inviting.I love the rustic lanterns above the table.



Anyone would feel warm and cozy with this warm color palette,. I love the fireplace.

 The master bedroom is a combination of traditional, modern,masculine and femine . The classic winged back chairs are upholstered with a traditional hounds tooth fabric, with a cute pom pom pillow. The old doors are magnificent in this room, and really adds the unexpected.



The grey drapes add  texture to ground this beautiful room as well as accentuate the beautiful high ceilings.