Adding Some Patina with Wallpaper?!

I am generally not a wallpaper person. I prefer more stark walls to showcase my antiques and artwork. But the Gustavus Collection of papers from Zoffany has me completely in love with wallpaper again. You generally don’t think wallpaper can add patina to a room but let’s have a look. The paper above is called Gustavus and I love the soft faded feeling. It is a perfect backdrop for antiques.

Generally I do not favor florals, but the Elenora paper is just so lovely. Wouldn’t this perfect in a dining room or sunroom? Again, I am in love the muted palette.

I adore this image – the paper, the chairs covered in nubby linen, the antique mirror and chest – I could live in this room.

This paper is called Medici, I love how faded the edges of the design are. These papers really add another layer of depth and Patina to the room. I love how aged they seem.

Speaking of Patina, congratulations to our friends Brooke and Steve Giannetti of Velvet and Linen for the launch of their new book PATINA STYLE. You can learn more about HERE and pre-order it HERE. To see more of Zoffany’s Gustavus line of wallpapers HERE. Both are great inspirations for incorporating a bit more Patina into your Decor.

(Photos Zoffany – Photo credit T. Harvey)

Our Summer Trip to Italy

This summer we are taking the family to Italy. We are not “ten cities in ten days” type of travelers. We like to linger in one place and really explore off the beaten path. When Dave and I lived in Germany we spent many weekends in Italy, but because we often drove, we never went too far south.

So this year, we thought we would first take the kids to see the highlights of Rome and the Vatican; and of course the Fountains.

I am pretty excited about our private tour of Villa Borghese.

And then, as they both have been studying Latin and Pompeii, we head to Pompeii to explore the ruins.

But most of our time will be spent relaxing on the Amalfi coast, a place we have never been.

We plan on hiking the interesting trails from town to town.

Attending family cooking school to learn to make some yummy regional dishes.

In my travel search I came across this fabulous site for renting Italian villas, you can see more HERE. I found an amazing one I wanted to share with you in Positano.

Villa Casa Giusy has the most gorgeous views.

But the inside is equally spectacular – I love the relaxed decor.

Can you imagine living here year round?

The kitchen is just wonderful notice the iron scroll work on the door. I can imagine myself rolling out a big sheet of homemade pasta on that table.

The bedroom is also beautiful. I adore the tile floor. I am so excited to see all the beautiful handmade tiles.

If any of you have been to this area and have recommendations I would love to hear from you. We are so excited and I can’t wait to bring back photos and inspiration from trip. I wonder where it will lead us...

(all contents by Willow Décor and not to be copied with out permission)

Oprah’s Teahouse - Perfect for Easter Dinner!

I couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to have Easter Sunday Dinner than in Oprah’s Teahouse.

Located on her lovely property in Montecito, CA

The spectacular views are enhanced by hydrangea, dahlias and her award winning rose garden.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend!

(all photos Oprah.com)

Dreamy Spring Decor!

I have long been a fan of Designer, Lisa Teague from New Hampshire. Her beautiful work was introduced to me by the fabulous interior photographer, Jamie Salomon. Above is a peek into Lisa’s gorgeous Living Room.

Her color palette is so beautiful, soothing and soft without being too monochromatic. So often we see soft color palettes that turn boring, but Lisa has an extraordinary talent to turn a soft color palette into an exquisite room.

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Here is another angle of the living room – notice the pop of blue on the legs of ottoman. The blue is echoed more softly on the back wall and on banister by the stairs. These are lovely ways to introduce a pop of blue and then soften it by adding paler shades elsewhere in the room.

I love her country kitchen with blackboard wall and open shelving. Notice the addition of the floor runner to add a bit of blue.

Another shade of pale, gray blue in the bedroom.

I adore the antique linen chair.

It is no surprise that Lisa is also writes a wonderful blog on color and design called Color Gypsy you can read it HERE. You can see more of Lisa Teague’s work on her website HERE. Also to see more incredible interiors visit James Salomon Photography HERE.

What do you think readers, doesn’t this home embody a dreamy spring day?

(All content copyrighted by Willow Décor. All photos James Salomon Photography – not to be used with out permission)

Gorgeous Stone Shingle Style Home

I have always loved the charm of shingle style homes. I love the curving architecture and the all the extraordinary details.

When the homeowners wanted to renovate this 1900’s spectacular home, they called on the great talents of Andrew Reck of Oak Hill Architects.

Let’s have a look inside. The house was formerly owned by celebrity chef Todd English, who installed the stone pizza oven in the kitchen. What a wonderful luxury. Notice the thick chunky legs of the center island. I love the heft and country feel they bring to the kitchen.

Interior Designer, Keith Frederick did a beautiful job with the interiors. I adore this built in banquette. The beautiful shade of blue painted on the back wall of the bookcases is a stunning backdrop to the ironstone. To the right is the transition to living room.

Perhaps my favorite feature of this house is the curved Bath. The tile floor is amazing. I also love when architects thoughtfully place windows beside mirror in Baths. The natural light is much more flattering on your face when you are getting ready. The vanity is gorgeous!

The Library above is truly a work of art! Notice the woodwork and the curved window wells.

Here is a closer view of the Library. Notice the period windows with diamond mullions on the upper half. The woodwork and details in this room are outstanding.

Readers, isn’t this house such a beautiful restoration?? To read more about design and details of this house click HERE. To see more photos and learn more about the exceptional talents of Andrew Reck and Oak Hill Architects click HERE.

(all photos Oak Hill Architects)