Rethinking the Look of Things No. 63 - Styling the Linen Cabinet

We've all done it, fallen in love with a furniture piece. A chair, a table, a cabinet. If only we could find a space in our home for it, we would take it home with us. If we rethink the traditional use of any one of these pieces we swoon over, they can become our very own. I find this to be true of a cabinet that becomes a beautifully styled home for linens either in the bath or guest room.

Sometimes it isn't the cabinet we find first - it's the empty space we seek the piece for. And perhaps we already have the piece that we give new purpose. Any always remember it isn't always what our trip was about when we find a special addition to our home. 

Be the rebel you know I find great joy being in the company of and dodge the typical vanity or built in closet. Each and every place in our homes needs to hold something more than utility. Sure it's important that this piece have some concealed space because, afterall life can get hectic and we need those spaces that hide our hurried time.

Ditch the cardboard and plastic that our toiletries are packaged in for beautiful baskets and glassware. Be selective - making sure your selections add ease to your daily routine or the coveted quiet retreat of a bubble bath.

Styling a cabinet as linen storage isn't a new idea. It reminds me of an apothecary. The 14th century English word that is derived from the Latin apothica that means "storehouse". What better place to use modern apothecary jars than here. What we "store" here is our "medicine" to renew and rejuvenate. Presented in a spa-like way - a treat for ourselves.

Rethink that hutch or highboy you used in a different way - style it as a linen cabinet in the master ensuite or the guest room. Don't make it look like an afterthought though. Choose wisely because this piece becomes a focal point. It needs to allow for the function of a linen closet. You'll know what's best. Is it a painted piece? Does the design call for a wallpapered back? Will the addition of lighting inside elevate its use? 

That empty wall in a niche or hallway may be beckoning the cabinet that is your styled linen cabinet. Rethink the look of things - be inspired!


Sources: Instagram, Architectural Digest, My Domaine, Pinterest, 

Well Dressed Home No. 65 - Tete a Tete

Bonjour! Regardless of the language we speak human nature thrives on communication. The craving for face to face conversation is sometimes not recognized in our world of technical means of communication, but it is there. A cozy chat with a friend just isn't the same via a screen. Welcome back to the art of conversation! Let's carve this art into our homes. 

Say hello to the tete a tete. A delightful furniture piece dating back to the 19th century. Designed specifically for heart to heart conversation. A gift to those who hold the love language of "quality time". 

The word tete a tete also holds the meaning of "a variety of early flowering fragrant daffodil". I love this piece even more! As communication and the act of giving bridge the gap between two people, so can the tete a tete in a room setting. It's a great way to keep two seating groups all inclusive to everyone in the room. Where a sofa can create a barrier between two seating groups the tete a tete offers openness and welcome to all sharing the space.

A great solution between an open floor plan between our great room and kitchen, the tete a tete with a artful drink table keeps the conversation flowing. The visit becomes more intimate and the memories created abundant. 

The tete a tete will be that piece you sneak time alone on too and that's okay - t's a way to rekindle the sweet memories created from the conversations held there. 

Keep in mind this piece should be kept simplistic by choosing understated fabrics. It is to blend into your living space, so solid textures with a smooth hand for comfort will be best. The lines of the tete a tete are graceful - whether a modern or traditional design - they need to be respected. The attention is on the conversation while the tete a tete provides the quiet setting.

There are no restrictions on which room the tete a tete is best. Once you've fallen in love with this glorious piece you will feel the need to find a place in your home for its spot.

No rules to the room your tete a tete sits in and the time of day a cozy chat occurs! Whether it be at the start of the new day with a cup of coffee in the breakfast nook or at end of day enjoying a glass of wine with a grateful heart.

 The well dressed home deserves a tete a tete and all it brings to our lives.



Sources: Dwell, Decor Pad, Houzz, Anthropology, One Kings Lane, Pinterest

Garden Design No. 27 - The Language of Flowers

My sister is an extremely talented florist and owns a charming shop. Her love of flowers and plants is an innate talent she has had for as long as can remember. In her hands these flowers are loved. Over these last few days she has been posting, on social media the most inspiring messages of the meaning of flowers and how they relate to precious life itself. She stopped by my home last week to bring by a beautiful floral arrangement to help celebrate my birthday.

Her social media posts inspired me to look deeper into the floral arrangement - take in every detail and the meaning, rather than just the gesture.

This is what I have come to know - the message of my birthday arrangement. Freedom, joy, success and overcoming obstacles, courage, strength, understanding, appreciation, and love. Oh, and the leopard hat box the flowers are in? It's meaning? She knows me well!

The bird of paradise symbolizes paradise and freedom, as well as joy. It is also said to be a symbol of success and overcoming obstacles both in workplace and in life in general. The bird of paradise originates from South Africa and the cultivation of this flower was first carried out in 1773 at the Royal Botanical Garden in Kew, South Africa. I love the exotic structure of this flower - there's a humble pride about it.

Paired brilliantly in my floral arrangement is the pin cushion protea. Among the oldest families of flowers on earth dating back 300 million years, the protea is named after Greek god Proteus, a deity that was able to change forms. The protea symbolizes change and transformation. Diversity, courage and strength are also attributed to its meaning. This flower is fascinating in its form closed and especially when it's open. It's a free spirit - a rebel.

Tulip, a wildflower said to originate from Persia. In the 1500s, tulips were extensively cultivated in Turkey, and because of their resemblance to the “tulbend” — a turban worn by Turkish men — were called tulipan. Tulips come in a variety of colors and for the most part, they’re a symbol of a declaration of love. The orange tulip means a sense of understanding and appreciation. 

I may be late in the game of this discovery and appreciation of the meaning of flowers, however the timeliness of this new enlightenment is both precious and perfect. Just like a flower. My selection of the planting of flowers in the past was more from a designer's eye, choosing because of color and shape. What a delight to evolve into creating this additional meaningfulness to plantings that will be forever present in my life. 

My next phone call to my florist will not be to just ask that an arrangement be sent on my behalf in a dollar range - but will be more specific to what is in that arrangement because the flowers in the vase will be part of my message of love, hope, encouragement, and well wishes to those receiving them.

Be inspired by the language of flowers!

Sources: FTD, Tree Symbolism, Teleflora, Pinterest