"Tuscan Style"

For months my wife has been searching for a wrought iron soap dish, so yesterday we trekked to a Pasadena store that might have one. Upon arriving at Napa Style we were not disappointed. They had the perfect soap dish to echo the Spanish Colonial look of our home as well as a treasure trove of other suitable consistently-themed items and accessories. It is often difficult to find decorative accessories to one's style and taste, so when you find them it is a good idea to buy at the time, even if you weren't planning to do so. If you wait they can be unavailable when you finally decide it's time to purchase. In our case, we have several areas in our newly-remodeled home that need decorative items, and Napa Style had the right feel for us. Needless to say, we left the store with much more than just the soap dish!

This elegant rustic style is becoming increasingly popular across the country. In my own design business many clients talk of their love of "Tuscan style" even though it is often ill-defined. In my mind it is a homey, rustic look befitting the very old farmhouses and homes of southern France and the Tuscany region of Italy. It is warm and inviting and, although rustic, can also be very elegant. There is a real honesty to the design, with functional hand-made pieces and the use of heavy woods, wrought iron, and simple decoration. Not only is this style a personal favorite, but my home (a classic 1926 Spanish Colonial) is the perfect backdrop for this rustic design. My "new" home has many such pieces that I designed, such as this little side table for the master bathroom. My upcoming book will describe my home remodel experience as well as show other pieces of furniture and cabinetry designed by me .

Exciting Windows!, Baltimore

I just returned from a fabulous appearance at the Exciting Windows annual conference in Baltimore and it was a treat for several reasons. First, I was around the "best of the best" of window treatment professionals. They have such creativity, enthusiasm and a true love of what they do. I am certain the Exciting Windows organization will become the gold standard of that industry.

Second, the event was held in the Baltimore Tremont Hotel, part of which was once a Masonic lodge. The building dates back to 1866 and the meeting rooms, which have recently been restored, reflect the magnificent style and design of those days. I could have spent a week there admiring all the details!

The Joy of Flying

Sometimes I think I should have been a pilot, which is what I imagined I would be while growing up in England. As a young boy, my father was in the aerospace industry and we annually visited the Farnborough Air Show to see the latest, fastest planes show off their stuff. Last Sunday, flying from LAX to Baltimore, the views of the cloud formations were stunning, appearing as stretches of ocean crashing onto the mountainous rocks. I also saw snowy peaks and endless magnificent views of our country. It is a joy to just stare out the windows and marvel at nature's beauty. This is design at it's finest.

Welcome!

... to Design and Tea!

I look forward to our ongoing conversation about design in your lives. Don't hesitate to click that little "Comments" link at the bottom. The more people talking, the more fun we'll have.

Michael