Thankfully, the ice and snow melted this week, replaced by grey skies and rain. But February brings us one month closer to spring - at which time more house renovations will commence.
The steam engine zinc weathervane once graced the roof of a Paris chateau. The vintage metal train on the windowsill also is French. This is the view from the second-floor "Light Room," so named because of the Cecilie Manz-designed Caravaggio lights that dominate the small space. At some point we'll probably knock down the wall between the "Light Room" and my office, creating one large room.
When the Caravaggio lights arrived from Denmark, it was obvious I had underestimated their size. So I bought a Dutch vintage industrial table and the room now serves as a small media library/workspace. The 1930s French mercantile cabinet holds DVDs.
My collection of art and pottery from Santa Fe also is in this room. Sadly, part of it "went missing" in the move from Paris. The chairs and stool are vintage Tolix. Six of the chairs (only two are pictured) are from the Pauchard family's private collection and marked VA for "Villa Autun," their home in Burgundy, France.
The "Louis Louis" desk chair in my office was a gift from my talented friend Di Overton (check out her stylish creations at Ghost Furniture). The black-and-white Paris images are by photographer Peter Turnley.
This is a portion of my office (the linoleum floor both here and in the "Light Room" has to go! We're still considering alternatives). The 30-drawer chest painted in Farrow & Ball's Down Pipe, was handmade by Luke Ellis of Kent & London in Whitstable, England. The chest holds my cameras and photography gear. The vintage French chest next to it stores office supplies.
The zinc ART letters atop the tall chest were found at a Paris brocante. The "City Sunday" magazine racks are from Finnish Design Shop in Helsinki. And a Napoleon III chair holds books and a favourite photograph taken at Reales Alcázares de Sevilla.
Now to replace those floors! Any ideas for something hard-wearing and low-maintenance? Do tell!
Tara, I am useless in design but I do know what I like. I like your style and creativity and how it touches all you do. Can't wait to see photos of your new nest come spring!
Posted by: Mary H. | 04 February 2013 at 01:48
Your style and collections are all so lovely. I would want to sit in any of your rooms and just take them in quietly. I have a real love of hardwood floors, but then the floors there look good. Oh how I would love having so many little drawers to store things in. It is all just awesome.
Posted by: Marilyn | 02 February 2013 at 22:08
I love those Southwest colors and art, but no time more than in the winter -- it's snowing here, very cold and I'm longing for all that the Southwest reminds me of! Golden colors and warmth (though truth be told, it isn't so warm out there these days, either!)
I love the elegance and grace of your spaces, Tara. Functional to be sure, yet clean and open. I'm afraid I'm not so good at implementing that in my space, so you have extra bravos from me!
Posted by: jeanie | 02 February 2013 at 17:10
I forgot to say that I like the rug that is under the table. It ties in perfectly with the linoleum.
Posted by: Sheris White | 02 February 2013 at 02:12
I've never seen linoleum floors like that before. I actually like them. The floors would work very well in our long, wide play hall.
Posted by: Sheris White | 02 February 2013 at 01:31
I love theses glimpses of your gorgeous home, Tara. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Janine | 01 February 2013 at 18:37
Rabbit Rabbit
Happy February.
Love and hugs
Jeanne♥
Posted by: Jeanne | 01 February 2013 at 17:51