Let's Fall In Love With: Thomas Smythe

No doubt that die-hard Sarah Richardson fans already know this man. And, like me, probably adore him for his personality. If you're a designer, you may also fantasize about having your own Tommy. Imagine daily  collaborations with someone who has such great taste and style? It's truly hard to imagine any project could be difficult to execute with him at your side. I really, really, really want a Tommy of my own!

This library Tommy created for a client was fantastic!

I remember well the first time I saw Tommy Smythe. He was on Sarah's first show Room Service. He was acting as the client, having a guest bedroom makeover. I remember it had a blue velvet headboard, beautiful gray-blue silk taffeta curtains and an antique balloon-back chair that was so pretty.

This client's blue velvet sofa that reminds me of that headboard from his guest room.

Back then, I recall he seemed a bit uncomfortable and maybe even nervous. Perhaps it just seemed that way compared to Sarah's effortless ease on camera. Now we know him as the the casually confident "side-kick" of Sarah's from Design Inc. and Sarah's House. I am a fan of SR as well, and there is no denying her talents, but the fact she has Tommy is what I most envy. Charming, fun and oh so talented in his own right. 

A living room off a clients kitchen with a red sofa! What I really love here is the wallpaper in the Victorian amoire.
 The fun print makes gives it a youthful twist and the black paint, a modern sophistication.
Such a great way to add style to a cherished piece that may be in need an update!


And since I tend to like designs that are more masculine, have a fondness for black and mixing metals, well let's just say every time I see a design he has created, I fall in love.

While I love a twist here and there in a traditional interior, and definitely feel every powder room should be a little jewel box, I must admit I wouldn't have the guts to apply this wall treatment to a client's powder room! On the other hand, the convex mirrors in the small stairwell, well I could pull that off in an instant at my house with my own growing collection!


I rarely see him on television these days, either episodes are not running in the US or I forget to check periodically. Thankfully, Canadian House & Home over the years has highlighted his work, including the interiors of his various apartments. I have many images of his designs saved on my computer, a lot to love.

All images courtesy of the January 2012 issue of Canadian House & Home. Photography by Angus Fergusson. 

Tuesday Tip

Did your house get everything it wanted for Christmas? No? Neither did mine.

I'm crazy about convex mirrors and the arrival of this pair of tiny antique specimans was so exciting!
They are reflecting the columns that lead into the kitchen and make the ceiling look 15 feet tall.


And that's okay. Although I did receive a few new treasures. And new items, even the small ones, sometimes provide the push needed to inspire a few changes. And what better time to do it than the start of a new year?

I have a lock collection. My husband gave me this one for Christmas.
It's the first square one I've ever owned!

I think after the holidays, when everything is put away (I finally finished this past Saturday), a house can feel empty and even a bit lifeless. But that also provides a clean slate and the opportunity for little updates and small changes. Turn it into the winter version of spring cleaning. Just add fresh flowers and music and I promise it will be quite enjoyable!

The way the sunlight was coming into the living room today, it almost looked like spring,
except for the red berries that are abundant on the Holly tree just outside the window!

I definately don't think new things are always needed to make changes, sometimes the best place to shop is at home! Just moving a few things such as a lamp, the items on the coffee table, a chair or small work of art, not only gives the house a fresh perspective, but it's owner as well! Now where to put those convex mirrors...

Peacock Blue: Take Two

How about a little porn just in time for the weekend? The design kind of course! Actually it's a double feature. Not only do each of these rooms have exquisite peacock blue walls, they also each have gold convex mirrors! I have 3 convex mirrors in my own home. Love those too. This is all good....so good.  I've been going through some tear sheets and don't why I haven't shared these images with you before...so very sorry. Enjoy them and your holiday weekend!


Southern Accents Jan-Feb 2008 designer, Markham Roberts



Traditional Home Holiday 2008 designers Courtney Coleman and Bill Brockschimdt



Southern Accents March-April 2008 Richard Keith Langham
The walls are fabric and much richer in the photo.



Designer Miles Redd. Photograph by Thomas Loof.
A scan does not do this justice! The walls are lacquered
 in Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue.

Halloween Decorating

Just the mere mention of these two words would have many running scared. Generally, I think the perception is that Halloween decor is tacky. And often what we see displayed in stores only confirms this fact. However, if you scout beyond the typical discount store, I think the choices have improved greatly and hopefully our perceptions as well.



My spider web convex mirror makes a most suitable backdrop!






A mini skeleton rests in the coffin.

 
Even though my kids are teenagers, I still make the effort to do some sort of Halloween decorating. I think they would be a bit disappointed if I didn't and I know I would miss it too! My assortment is mostly of the vintage reproduction variety mixed with some glittered, beaded and jeweled favorites. Toss in a few fresh pumpkins and a dose of humor and I'm done.




I borrowed one of my husband's vintage French newspapers for this display.

 


White pumpkins, feathers and mice greet visitors.



A trip down memory lane....



 Halloween 2002. My goblins with friends on our front steps.



All of these decorations I've had for quite awhile except for the tea towels! Thanks to an Etsy introduction from my bloggy friend Kat at Low Tide High Style, they arrived Saturday!



Old Spool Embroidery provided bewitching elegance in the kitchen.





What's brewing in spooky decor at your house?



Trick or Treat?


Sources:
Vintage pumpkin heads: Mesmeralda's
Beaded pumpkins & garland: Crate & Barrel
Velvet mice: Pottery Barn
Silk frames with taffeta ribbon: Savvy Home & Garden
Candlesticks & bronze glittered candles: Villeroy & Boch
Acanthus leaf vessel: Pear Tree Cottage

Tea towels: Oldspoolembroidery.etsy.com

All photos courtesy of A&A

Tuesday Tip

Pretty in pink!  I really love peonies and just had to post them once more before the season is over.  I spoke a little about their history and tips for cutting and dealing with ants here.


I love a big bunch on the dining room table!

This past weekend I cut my second group to bloom, which are a common and beloved variety, Sarah Bernhardt. Below, in this first image the sun was bright and you can really see the vivid color and the other is just after a shower, the rain droplets still clinging to the leaves!

Another thing besides their beauty and fragrance that endears me to  peonies, is how easily they can be "arranged" in any type of vase or container.  Anyone can make a peony arrangement look good! This vase is one of my favorites...anyone recognize it or have it among their own collection?  I purchased it in 1996...from a favorite retailer...when they were mostly a mail order catalogue....just a few stores scattered across the US....but they were still called......Pottery Barn!

On the buffet under one of my favorite convex mirrors.

Every type of flower I have ever put in this vase looks beautiful.  Versatility is the key to saving time and money and this vase never disappoints. It also looks good no matter where I place it!  As far as the peony history, again I like the rustic element of the black iron cage surrounding the more refined element of  blown glass.  The arrangement started out in the dining room and then settled here in the living room:

Or right next to the best seat in the house!

Tiny tip:  just for fun, snip the tiny emerging buds and put them in miniture glass vases. So simple and sweet for maybe a silver tray on your bathroom vanity, on top of a favorite pile of books, or next to someone's breakfast dishes for a pretty start to the day!

Tuesday Tip

Spring Cleaning!  In order for me to kick off spring, I must officially say goodbye to winter.  For me, this ritual starts in our laundry/mud room.  It begins with washing and putting away all the coats, hats, scarves and gloves.  The room immediately looks and feels brighter with the white wainscot now more visable after removing all the dark coats cluttering up the hooks!

After everything is washed or drycleaned, and the coats are relocated to a storage closet.  The wool coats go into a canvas hanging bag, and I toss a few of those little cedar balls in the bottom and zip it up.

The hats, scarves and gloves are stored in lined baskets.  I put a dryer sheet in the bottom of each basket and then fold everything so it is ready for the next season.  During fall and winter I am quite happy if things are thrown into the baskets or on the hooks and do not land on the bench below! I use my favorite dryer sheets to line the baskets.  It makes everything, including the room, smell so good!  Here's a little peek into my basket:

This small room is the main entrance for our family.  It's also where the backpacks and shoes land, where the dog eats, where the family calendar and note board is kept, and yes, where the mud gets tracked in and the laundry is done!  Keeping it super organized is a necessity.  Every spring is a reminder to sort through things and freshen it up a bit to keep it looking nice.

One of the ways this can be accomplished is to consider how everyday items are used, such as detergent! There are so many options for beautiful, inexpensive, practical dispensers.  In all likelihood, you already have plenty of options to choose from in your own home.  Just think outside the box....or jug!

I prefer powders.  I don't like dealing with heavy jugs and endless drips.  I have front loading machines and this just really comes down to preference.  For a lively dialogue about powder vs. liquid check out iVillage's Garden Web home forum on this subject.  I also prefer my storage to be open.  Meaning no tops or lids.  Nothing to unscrew or lift off.  Did you know the average person spends 5-7 hours per week in their laundry room?

Another reason to make things attractive and convenient!  A quick scoop out of these crocks and I'm ready to push the start button.  Also, if you don't have a counter across your machines, (one of the 2 things still incomplete in this room!) cover them with a large white towel.  It will keep the surfaces from getting scratched as well as act as a little noise buffer.  Plus, it just looks fresh!

I'll try anything to avoid keeping unsightly boxes and bottles out.  Here is what I have found works best for me over the years:  Crocks, one large for detergent, one small for laundry booster, an oil pouring bottle for fabric softener and plastic scoops to avoid chipping the rims.  If you really want something pretty, try a palm sized clam shell from your last trip to the beach!  My daughter found 2 that are purple and white that we use in the summer.  The green fabric softener is a new scent I thought I would give a try.  I also added the tray this past weekend.  I am hoping that certain members of the household will take a hint of where I would like things left!  Happy Spring!!!

images coursety of CountryHome, Southern Accents, flicr and A&A