Tortoise shell, tortoiseshell, tortoise-shell: no matter how you spell it, it's popular and has staying power. The earliest use of tortoiseshell dates back to decorative uses in China and Japan. Often, a whole turtle shell was lacquered and used as a bowl. The Ancient Greeks and early Romans also used tortoise shell in jewelry, to back hairbrushes and in hair Continue Reading
Christmas At Arlington
Today is the most celebratory time for Christmas at Arlington National Cemetery. I am departing from my usual Thursday post this week.Sometimes I'm in DC for Christmas. If you happen to fly in over Arlington National Cemetery you will see a sight you will long remember- fresh hand-made wreaths with red ribbons on the graves. If there is a new snow, it's even more Continue Reading
Have I got a book for you!
If you like wallpaper, have I got a book for you! "Wallpaper is back at the forefront of interior fashion but its story is one of fluctuating fortunes. Ten years ago, 80 years ago, 140 years ago, papered walls were beyond passe: today, as in the eighteenth century, they are the last word in decorative chic. All fashions are cyclical, of course, but wallpaper's Continue Reading
A Manse Where the Wallpaper Stars
For 35 years the Preservation Resource Center in New Orleans has presented a tour of Garden District homes. I was visiting my daughter in Denver and was particularly sorry to miss this year's tour because the 1860 era, 10,000 square foot mansion with the famed cornstalk and morning glory fence was one of the homes on the tour. But it was my good fortune that Times Continue Reading
Noshing With the King of Color
Noshing with Carleton Varney, the King of Color, tribute.He bought the oldest established design firm from its founder when he was just 29. He has decorated hotels and resorts around the world, a U.S. embassy, cruise ships and private planes. He has been the interior designer for The Greenbrier for 42 years and just completed the design for its new casino. He's Continue Reading
