Inspiration
Be My Valentine{s}
Feb 14 2012 ·0“Oh, if it be to choose and call then mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!”
~Thomas Hood
Valentine’s Day has long been my favorite holiday of the year. There is something so charming and sentimental about a day set aside to celebrate love, don’t you think? I love the symbols and connotations of Valentine’s Day: cupid, pink doilies, red hearts and, who could forget, romance.
Of course Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers. It’s a wonderful day to celebrate all the people in your life you love and hold dear. Whether children, friends or family, what a perfect time to share how much someone means to you.
Perhaps not surprisingly, handmade Valentines are one of my most treasured Valentine traditions. I love making them and I love receiving them. I save them all and each year take out some of my most cherished Valentines to display with love every February. Today I’m going to share them with you!
A sweet bird from a sweet friend~
We always exchange Valentines, and I always look forward to it!
Love is in the air!
This is from my Freddy when he was into paper airplanes.
For my stylin’ friends…
Vintage collage Valentine from G
This Valentine from my friend Danielle makes me feel so special, what a wonderful way to kick off the season!
Handmade Valentines are a family tradition, I love this one with a quote from Em.
When one heart is just not enough…
Inspired by similar handmade Valentines on this year’s Paper Source catalog, I made this guitar card for Freddy.
Love Rocks!
Watercolor martini painted by me, cheers to you Valentine!
Do you recognize this winged girl? 😉
If your own words fail you, a quote will do wonderfully!
I’m so happy I saved Valentines made by little hands. They bring me back to days at the kitchen table strewn with glitter and glue, making Valentines for each other. These Valentines are so sweet and never fail to touch my heart.
So doll up in pink and red today, don a bright and shiny red lipstick, and go ahead and kiss someone on the lips! It’s time to fall “head over heels” in love with the day set aside to celebrate friendship, love, and happiness!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
xoxo,
Pamela
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Resolutions and Intentions 2012
Jan 09 2012 ·0“Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.”
~Oprah Winfrey
It’s the beginning of a new year, a clean slate, a chance to reflect on what we want to accomplish in the coming 12 months. To this end, each January my friend Amy and I have a lunch date where we discuss our intentions (resolutions) for the upcoming year. When we first started this tradition several years ago I was skeptical. So many times you make resolutions that only last a short time and then fall by the wayside. However Amy encouraged me to record my goals and to break them down into achievable steps so I could accomplish them. Furthermore, we agreed to check in with one another periodically throughout the year to revisit our intentions and our progress. By following Amy’s lead and being specific and accountable, I was happily surprised to discover that I really did succeed in many of my intentions.
Of course resolutions and goals don’t always have to be personal. To that end, might I suggest that for 2012 you compile a list of DESIGN INTENTIONS?
Begin by taking a walk around your home with a notebook and pen and make notes regarding areas you would like to improve. As you go room by room, try to think creatively and a bit “outside the box”. Act like a designer and write down your ideas; you can even jot down quick sketches. Review your notes and come up with a list of specific design intentions for your home.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
~Make a space more colorful. Fabric, paint, and accessories are a great way to add color.
~If a room is not working quite right for you and your family, resolve to make it more functional.
~ Invest in a storage system to help de-clutter and organize that closet that annoys you every time you have to look for something.
Source: Organized closet via wildflower on Pinterest
~Add more art to your home, particularly pieces that transport you to another place or make you feel calm.
Source: Paige Railsback via Pamela on Pinterest
~Embellish windows with woven wood blinds and new drapes.
~Change the pillows in one room for that extra punch of color.
~Change the paint color on the walls in a room or two. A can of paint gives the most impact and it is the most reasonable of all design investments!
By thinking about the overall concept and then breaking the process down into smaller steps, you can create a manageable, do-able list of intentions. There’s no time like the present to get started, it is after all the 2nd week of January ;-).
Just as personal intentions and resolutions help us grow in strength and character, design intentions will help you to create a home that is personal, stylish, functional and fresh.
Good Luck, Happy New Year and Best of Design in 2012!
xo,
Pamela
Should you like some professional assistance in compiling or completing your Design Intentions do contact me about my design services.
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The Gift of a Gift
Dec 19 2011 ·0Anyone who knows me knows that I love to wrap gifts. It gives me great pleasure to embrace my presents with papers and ribbons that tease the recipient with anticipation of what might be inside. To me, the gift wrapping is a further expression of my creativity and as much a part of the present as the gift inside.
As always, my gifts are wrapped in colors that compliment my room designs. This year the color scheme is orange and poppy. I’ve chosen double satin ribbons and adorned them with a myriad of sparkly embellishments. They look so beautiful under the Christmas tree just waiting to make someone happy~
This is an overview of the gift wrap materials I use. Ribbons sourced from Jacobson Floral.
Papers and embellishments from Michaels and The Container Store, aren’t they fun?
Ahhh, now to use everything creatively.
Don’t forget the jingle bells for the children. Come to think of it, aren’t we all young at heart at Christmas time? Bells for everyone~
Ornaments make perfect present toppers, especially if they’re ½ price!
Of course, the more design elements that reflect light the better. Nothing beats that festive holiday sparkle!
I love GLITTER wrapping paper! If I don’t have a bit of glitter on me from December 1st to the 25th, I just don’t think I’m fully enjoying the season~
A few ideas for gift tags…
You can hand paint (or make) your gift tags and copy them~ have fun and personalize your gifts.
You can also use photos as gift tags, similar to the place card idea I shared a couple of weeks ago.
Voila here are the gifts under my tree~ isn’t it a beautiful sight? I’m so happy I can enjoy this for a few days before these gifts are given away to make even more people happy!
For more truly outstanding gift wrap ideas visit A Gift Wrapped Life, one my favorite blogs.
“ The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of happy family and friends
all wrapped up in each other.”
~ B Hillis
Merry Christmas!
XO,
Pamela
Decking the Halls
Dec 13 2011 ·0“ Yes, we need a little Christmas right this very minute, candles in the window, carols at the spinet, Yes, we need a little Christmas now….”
~Mame
This is one of my favorite times of the year~ and there are so many reasons why. Tiny white and colored lights everywhere~ remember my motto, “too much of a good thing is wonderful”. Every interior is a bit overdressed (which I love). At my house, champagne and Prosecco are the drinks of choice. Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes (just like all of us) and they are all beautiful (just like all of us). We are surrounded by family and friends singing Christmas carols with glorious voices and twinkles in their eyes, exchanging warm, meaningful embraces. Oh I just love the Holidays, if only they could last a bit longer!
One of my most enjoyable days of the season is always the one I spend decorating my home for Christmas. This year I have a new space with a new palette so my creativity was heightened and ready to go with new ideas and designs. Come and take a peek at what I came up with. I hope you can glean some inspiration to try something new for your own holiday decorating this year!
The Foyer sets the tone with a simple balsam wreath at the base of this sculpture
I love to place the Christmas tree in an area that can be viewed from as many seating areas as possible
This year I treated myself to a new flocked tree (similar tree available from Amazon.com). This is an artificial tree which means I can leave it up as long as I like. The base color of the branches is green which are then beautifully layered with a thick covering of velvetesque snow. It’s quite striking against my poppy-colored art wall.
Each year I add additional ornaments to my collection this year I added orange (a nod to the Pantone color of the year for 2012, Tangerine Tango) and turquoise for depth. These bold glass balls really enhanced my extra special ornaments.
Fireplace mantels offer an unbeatable focal point to hang a festive seasonal swag. This year I used an artificial green base and embellished it with one-of-a-kind treasures from Jacobson’s Floral in Boston.
Here I used golden leaves, flocked fiddle heads and cascading snow dots. You can use whatever baubles strike your fancy ~ just don’t forget to wire them all together!
One of my favorite parts of decorating is rediscovering my treasures that have been hidden away for the year. Here is a hand made Santa by Maine artist Pat Frost. I love his plaster face and hands, vintage clothing and his sand dollar collar.
Every nook and cranny can be “Christmas-ified”. One of my favorite vignettes is this collection of art by Sandy Welch. The wall surface of opalescent seashells by Maya Romanoff (sourced at Donghia, Boston Design Center ) plays perfectly off the sparkle of the antique glitter stars.
Don’t forget the bedrooms. You can trim the headboards with garlands and add wreaths to the windows. We want everyone to have visions of sugar plums dance in their heads on Christmas Eve!
‘Tis the season to enjoy your holiday home!
xo,
Pamela
Shopping the Fleas
Dec 06 2011 ·0As the holiday season kicks into high gear, one of the things on my to do list (along with decorating, of course) is picking out the perfect gifts for those on my list. Lucky for me, I’ve already gotten a jump start on my holiday shopping–in Paris! During my September trip I visited two of the legendary Paris flea markets: Vanves, the smallest flea market and Clignancourt, the largest market with over 2500 stalls.
Whether you are a passionate collector, a lover of a one of a kind antiques or an early holiday shopper you will certainly appreciate the “fleas” of Paris.
Come and take a peek…
First, some of my favorite vistas of Vanves:
This is a view of the vendors lining the street at Vanves, you really have to walk right up to each table to see their precious pieces
This cupid was so pretty among the rosy crystal and china
Baubles galore, how can you go wrong??
The way the sunlight beamed through the impeccable antique linens was so beautiful. In Paris it seems everything is more romantic.
I wish I had a grandchild I could’ve purchased these precious fur booties for….
Next, a visit to Clignancourt. With its many meandering alleyways gleaming with treasures, the selection here is definitely more upscale– and so are the price tags. Fortunately it doesn’t cost anything to look…
The silver was polished and simply glowed under the well placed lights
The doors to this vintage Chanel shop were so unusual. Upon closer inspection I could see they were faces of woman, oh how I would love this on my front door! By the way the shop was breathtakingly Chanel: $$$$$
By far my favorite shop was this well kept trim shop that was filled with trims and vintage findings from the proprietors family factory that dated back 200 years! Ahhh which one, or rather, ones to choose?
This exquisite trim was spun silver and simply glowed
For an 8′ x 6′ space, this stall was a piece of heaven on earth for this designer ~ One last look to tide me over until my next trip.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into two of Paris’ famous “fleas”. Whether you’re shopping for brand new treasures or an item with some history this holiday season, I wish you Bonne Chance!
” I love adding antique fabrics, trims or accents to my designs. They bring a history, a patina and a spirit to any room. I often wonder where they lived before I found them.”
Pamela Copeman
xo,
Pamela
Design Days 2011
Oct 12 2011 ·0“Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant.
There is a fire in us which needs to be ignited with sparks.”
~J. G. Von Herder
This past week the Boston Design Center hosted Design Boston 2011, a 3-day market for the professional design community. New collections, new products and upcoming trends were highlighted during this year’s version of the annual event. Taking in such a wide variety of inspiration is certainly the way to light a fire in my soul for the Fall season and the year ahead!
I attended several seminars and was treated to many wonderful speakers including: Design Trends 2012 with Julie Rokowski, Color Forecasts 2012 with Jackie Jordan, Taking Original Art to Final Product with Ken Wampler, Custom Tailored Spaces with Juan Montoya, Candice Olson on Design with none other than Candice Olson from HGTV and Martyn Lawrence Bullard of Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators, who introduced his new, delicious fabric line with Schumacher to name only a few.
I find this is the most exciting time of the year at the Boston Design Center. It is a time for inspiration, for renewal and to set new directions for my designs. My mind is overflowing with creativity and I am looking forward to translating new trends and ideas into finished spaces. If you are considering a project, this is the perfect time to contact me!
Here is a re-cap of an outstanding week and photos of some amazingly talented people (who are great charmers as well).
Ken Wampler, from the Alpha Workshops, Toni Galeno and Maria Howe from the Ailanthus Showroom
Thibeault wallcoverings by the artists at Alpha Workshops
An original block used to print wallcovering
Me with Juan Montonya in the Century Showroom, surrounded by his custom furniture pieces
Candice Olson ~ does she need any introduction? Of HGTV fame, Candice has created an elegant fabric line with Kravet
The Secret to Artful Rooms by Mitchell Owens from Architectural Digest. He presented slides illustrating some new and creative ways to display art ~ notice the sunburst mirror positioned with the art?
This is Donny Duetsch’s home and his eclectic collection of graphic art that fills this large hallway. Note the fabulous curved viewing sofa.
Martyn Lawrence Bullard introduced his new book Live, Love and Decorate as well as his new fabric line with Schumacher
Some of Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s new fabrics
Martyn drew inspiration from the patterns in Turkish tile work
From the Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection at Schumacher
I attended a panel discussion on The Restoration of the Royal Opera House of Versailles featuring Antoine and Catherine Tisserant of Tisserant Art & Style and Charles Spada. Recently re-opened after being closed for the last 20 years, Tisserant Art & Style was awarded the important contract of restoring the Opera House’s chandeliers, lanterns and wall lights. This was particularly fascinating to me after having visited Paris just last month.
A photo of a chandelier undergoing a renovation from the Royal Opera House of Versailles
Notice the height is matched to the men carrying it but the width is much more~
After much painstaking work, the installation
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of the wonders I was able to see at Design Boston. With such an incredible month of design inspiration under my belt I would love to share my experiences more intimately and extensively. If you are interested in a Design Presentation highlighting my experiences and photos of Paris and Design Days 2011, do contact me!
Finally, I would also like to acknowledge the loss of a very creative man last week, I can only ponder what else he may have given us had he had the gift of time~
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
~Steve Jobs
xo,
Pamela
Design is Everywhere: Paris Metro
Oct 04 2011 ·0“Beauty must appeal to the senses, must provide us with immediate enjoyment, must impress or insinuate itself into us without any effort on our part.”
~Claude Debussy, French composer
Bonjour mes amis! If you’ve hear that Paris is a romantic city, replete with beauty and inspiration, you’ve heard correctly! It seems everywhere you look and indeed, everywhere you go in Paris, it’s one breathtaking sight after another. Beautiful design details to delight all the senses surround you–even in the subway!
Do come take a peek at some of my favorite design moments from the Paris Metro…
My friend Debbie pointed out these chairs against the veritcal subway tiles at the Chatelet les Halles stop on our way to Montmartre. So striking!
At another Metro stop we walked through this tunnel with an amazing tree themed tile installation. I love how they've elevated the everyday to beautiful and interesting here!
A detail shot of the tree tile mosaic
Of course not all the good design in the Metro had to do with tile…
What a great, suit! Even the commuters in Paris are stylish!
Coming around the corner in one of the Metro stations, I heard music that reminded me of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I followed the music…
and came upon this ensemble of string musicians!
The acoustics the subway halls offer are comparable to a concert hall according to my pianist son.
The music was beautiful!
Here there is no ticket price, just a donation of your choosing.
Back to the business at hand, how many times did I look down the tracks for my train?!
There's even artistry in this colorful, approaching double decker train
I did encounter several more magnificent tile mosaics in the Metro, including this more abstract work:
Just look at the detail!
And yes, it’s signed!
From a totally different genre, another tile installation at the Bastille Metro station:
These tiles were both handpainted and dimensional!
It's always piques my interest when artwork tells a story
I hope you’ve enjoyed these glimpses into the Paris Metro! The designer and artist in me can’t help but notice and want to share some of the beauty that we encountered as we explored Paris. As I love to say, design is everywhere, even underground, you just have to stop and take notice of it!
A view of an iconic cast iron Metropolitain sign in Paris? The pigeon in my painting has an enviable view, wouldn't you agree?
xo,
Pamela
La Ville Lumière
Sep 29 2011 ·0Paris is known as The City of Light and as I discovered on my recent trip it is indeed an illuminated city–in more ways than one! Here are some images I captured in and around Paris. Enjoy!
At the Opera Garnier:
A simple candelabra on the Grand Staircase
The auditorium's chandelier is surrounded by a 1964 mural by Marc Chagall complete with self portraits and Paris points of interest
The reception area, can one ever have too many chandeliers? I think not!
Musée des Arts Decoratifs:
Beautiful lights with patterned shades reminiscent of lace flowers
At the Palace of Versailles:
The Hall of Mirrors, fabulous crystal candelabra chandeliers and me~shall we all dance?
At the Maison et Objet show:
One of many futuristic light fixtures seen in the exhibit halls
These amazing elongated candle lights can bend like bamboo. Wouldn't they look beautiful swaying in the breeze on a seaside patio?
Have a seat on this incredible illuminated chair
Glowing gym rings? Perfect for the sports enthusiast!
Perhaps a little light with your umbrella for a rainy night?
Are those clouds illuminated?
So many incredible fixtures, can you pick a favorite?
We also had the opportunity to visit a Showhouse featuring the most avant-garde Parisian designers. I loved these petite pendant fixtures in this hall.
Half moon pendant lights, en masse
Finallly, the Pantheon and the moon:
Day or night, natural light is always beautiful!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of some of my favorite lights of Paris. While some of these fixtures are over 100 years old and some are so new that they are only concept pieces, they are all illuminating and all amazing!
“Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.”
~James Turrell
xo,
Pamela
C'est Magnifique!
Sep 21 2011 ·0Bonjour mes amis!
Moi before our first day at the Maison et Objet exhibit halls
I have returned from an absolutely amazing, as well as exhausting, trip to Paris! I do believe my eyes are literally sore from taking in all of the incredible beauty we saw during our week long visit. I am full to the brim with inspiration and looking forward to sharing new, creative ideas with my clients! In the meantime, I’m looking forward to sharing the highlights of my trip with you, here on my blog.
To that end, here’s just a little tease of what I’ll be blogging about over the next few weeks…
Light fixtures to die for!
The latest trends from the Maison et Objet show
Breathtaking fashion at Versailles
The beauty and ornate detail of Parisian architecture
Awe-inspiring artwork
HIdden gems of the world famous Paris flea markets
To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway,
“If you are lucky enough to have [visited] Paris…, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
Paris has long been in my heart and after this magnificent trip it is sure to make it’s way into my designs!
xo,
Pamela
Out & About: Trillium on Nantucket
Aug 25 2011 ·0Shopping at Trillium is like salve for the soul. There are always new items, and Robin [the proprietress] always make you feel so at home. I love the reaction I get from friends when they discover the gift I’ve given them came from Trillium.
~another happy Trillium customer
As summer in New England begins to fade, we are reminded that every warm and sunny day is precious and every summer tradition is meant to be cherished. One of my favorite summer traditions is journeying to Nantucket with dear friends. I am blessed to have a friend who owns a home on Nantucket and for the past 22 years she has shared it with me and five other friends. During our summer sojourns we have established many wonderful traditions. Not surprisingly, a few of them revolve around…shopping!
This week I am thrilled to share our very favorite shop for decorative home accessories, tableware and fanciful pillows from all over the globe: Trillium. When you receive a one-of-a-kind bag with a box from Trillium, you just know you are in for a treat!
This colorful table setting is anchored by the simple white plates with a lush beaded detail. These lovely plates will truly highlight whatever bounty is placed upon them. I can just imagine a feast of fresh Nantucket grown vegetables and fish. So scrumptious!
I just love the bright pops of color on this table. The not to be ignored whimsical candlestick transports me to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Be Our Guest indeed!
How charmingly organic are the floating votives with the garden hosta leaves? All you need are these elegant tiered glass vases to add a unique touch to your table.
You know how I adore pillows ~ aren’t these amazing?? I love the mix of textures and patterns, so effective in creating a tactile, dynamic and inviting display.
Every table should have something that catches the light and metallic pieces fit the bill perfectly.
The combination of these feminine glasses from J.L. Coquet on a mixed metallic placemat is at once traditonal, modern and a bit sexy. Oooh la la!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little glimpse into one of my favorite Nantucket shops. Next time you’re on the island be sure to stop in! If you haven’t celebrated summer with your friends yet, embrace the last days of this magical season and toast to the warmth of friendship.
xo,
Pamela
What's Your Favorite Color?
Aug 07 2011 ·0“The world is your kaleidoscope, and the varying combinations of colors which at every succeeding moment it presents to you are the exquisitely adjusted pictures of your ever-moving thoughts.”
~James Edward Allen
When my son was 5 years old I remember him asking my Mom, an artist, that age-old question: What’s your favorite color? Her answer? It is never brown but everyday it is different depending on the day. Sometimes red or blue or green, true Crayola colors.
That answer so resonated with me that I still use it myself. Truly, I see beauty in all colors and am fascinated by color everywhere I go. I find myself composing color palettes in gardens, museums and even retail stores.
During a recent trip to Anthropologie, I was delighted to be surrounded by a number of striking, colorful displays. Here are a few of my favorites to share with you!
Wire words and notebook paper walls provide contrast for this array of lively fabrics!
I'll take one in every color, please!
Each of these quilts has a unique and vibrant color palette, can you chose a favorite?
Colors and yarn become sculptural in this display enclosing a FAB bed
I think anyone would have sweet dreams in this bed!
Oh, yummy Anthropologie, thank you for your continued inspiration every time I visit! Just remember, inspiration and favorite colors are everywhere!
xo,
Pamela
Fanciful & Fresh: MacKenzie-Childs Flower Market
Apr 05 2011 ·0Walking into the MacKenzie-Childs display area at Neiman Marcus was like stepping into a wonderful spring tea party!
Since 1983, MacKenzie-Childs has created one-of-kind collectible ceramics. The company also designs and handcrafts furniture and other home decor, all with the MacKenzie-Childs signature flair. Their latest collection is entitled ‘Flower Market’, a delightful combination of botanical prints, bright colors and whimsy.
This wonderful piece, the Flower Market Bonnet Chair, is right up my alley!
I could easily see the Flower Market wing chair and ottoman as the inspiration for an entire outdoor space
The Flower Market collection also includes tabletop accessories in several different colorways, which looked lovely and lively grouped all together in the store display.
MacKenzie-Childs has long been a favorite of mine, I have several pieces throughout my home. With their dedication to innovation and handcrafting by dedicated artisans, MacKenzie-Childs embodies tradition with a twist. Whether a trip to Neiman Marcus is in your plans or not, it’s well worth the time to take a peek at the MacKenzie-Childs website. Instant inspiration, instant Springtime!
Do Flowers Really Bloom in March?
Mar 25 2011 ·0The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks
~Tennessee Williams
What better way to break free of the lingering gray New England winter than to attend the Boston Flower & Garden Show? The Seaport World Trade Center was a feast for all the senses when I visited with my friend Mrs. Blossom (yes, I really have a friend named Mrs. Blossom).
Among the exhibits there was a plethora of hardscaping, particularly stonework. This wonderful stone arch was created by Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association.