Last Spring when we were in Aspen I was flipping through a wonderful local, mountain magazine and spied the most incredible home. Built by a Connecticut couple, it was not your typical heavy, dark wood and stone fireplace mountain retreat. Designed and decorated by the famous David Easton, I immediately tore out the pages to keep in my inspiration file. Fast forward to September and again I spy the same beautiful retreat. I am even more smitten with new images in Veranda Magazine. Of course this house is worthy of 10 magazine shoots so I wanted to share it with you in case you missed it.
The entry is stunning! All the wood in the home was limed, brushed to bring up the grain, and then washed in a pale gray and antique glaze. The effect is a lighter Scandinavian feeling – and it is a stunning change from the usual mountain décor.
The dining area is beautiful. Notice the gorgeous hand painted wallpaper; it was carefully recreated from a palace in Stockholm. The crystal chandelier adds just the perfect amount of elegance and sparkle and the limestone fireplace completes the room.
The Great room is a stunning mix of soft blues, creams and taupes. The view is as spectacular as the room décor. David Easton reminds us how to design a room where the decor compliments rather than competes with the view. Very few designers could orchestrate this as masterfully as Easton. This room is breathtaking.
In the library we see a better close up of the wood tones.This particular room has been an inspiration for me in my home. I am in the process of creating a room with a very similar feeling in the near future so stay tuned.
The master bedroom is another spectacular space. The iron bed, Chelsea textile linens, antique rug and limestone fireplace just make me swoon. What do you think readers – would you love to ski all day on the mountains of Aspen and then return to this gorgeous home. I am not sure I would ever even get to slopes!
I own and love Easton’s book Timeless Elegance. You can order it HERE. To see more of David Easton’s work click HERE.
(All content property of Willow Décor and not be copied with out permission – Photos: Laura Resen/Veranda)
Since I've been on vacation, and it has been raining most of the time, I have had some extra time to do some Internet shopping. Here are some of my favorite new finds!
First, I stopped by my favorite Swedish Antiques site, 
I loved this dresser with X design. This could go into any room in my house!
But, my favorite piece is this Mora Clock. Notice the lovely, soft lines of this clock. Many of the Mora clocks I have seen recently do not have a good curve scale, they seem a bit off to me. This one is perfect and unique with the diamond detailing on the bottom. Tricia Mitchell has an incredible eye - check out more of her great finds 
I was in awe of this 19th Century 
Made from blue and white Ikat fabric. 
What a rare find! Spectacular!
Look at this lovely antique 
Then I found these gems - gorgeous antique monogrammed 
The monogram and detailing are spectacular! Who knew such treasures were on EBAY?
Finally I found this antique cart cover - Wow - I could just throw that over my sofa and change the entire look of my room! To see all her exquisite textiles 
The sunroom's linen covered Swedish settee and antique column table make a lovely vignette.
The formal dining room also has an interesting table. The antique column capitals were refitted with new bases to make the table the correct height for dining. A limestone top was custom made and the floor reinforced to support this one of a kind piece. Antique mirror and chest enhance the look. Notice how soft the room still feels even with the lack of a carpet. 
In the kitchen hang vintage industrial pendant lights which were re-wired for home use. The Lucite stools are slipcovered to add softness. White cabinets, marble and stainless steel add to the classic look. 
The master bedroom headboard was custom designed by Bowers in a crisp linen. Swedish bench and chest are illuminated by antiqued turned wood chandelier.
Valorie writes an great blog that keeps it all real. She has a great design sense and style. Her experience with design (and life) allows for her refreshing perspective! Visual Vamp is filled with interesting design ideas, as well as designer and artist profiles.
We met up at 
Everywhere you turn in perch. you find another treasure.
I loved this zinc architectural piece - It would make such an interesting mirror. I also adore the antique door it was hanging on.
Isn't this a great little table? I like the way Valorie paired the more formal bust with the very contemporary mirror. 
But, I was very late for a meeting with New Orleans' Bayou Contessa!
Julie was kind enough to spend some time and show me around her beautiful shop. It is housed a 120-year-old building with her showroom in the front and offices in the back. It is a wonderful old historic New Orleans building with 14-foot ceilings and separated into different rooms.
When I walked in I nearly lost my breath. EVERYTHING was so beautiful.
And when I turned to the right, I was overwhelmed again by the beauty of another room.
Here is a collection of some of Julie's sconces and starburst mirrors. The patina on Julie's pieces can not be captured in photographs. There is a great depth and layering in the colors, creating a wonderful effect. Sconces pictured in the top photo are Danica and Michael; in bottom photo, Jodi. 
Every one of Julie pieces was created for an individual client before they were added to the line. They are named after the person they were made for. If someone gets more than one piece, Julie names them after one of their friends or another member of their family. Of course Julie is best known for her chandeliers. Pictured above is the Madeleine.
Here is another favorite of mine - the Isabelle.
Julie also creates other beautiful furniture. Here is her Garland Vanity, complete with signature Julie Neill crown.
Perhaps Julie's most interesting new development is her ability to cut metal into any shape she desires. This is allowing her unlimited options as to what she can create. Pictured above is Artemis Chandelier with crystal drops. 
The Meme Chandelier was stunning!
Here is another new design named Jeffery! And as luck would have it, you will meet Jeffery in my next post!
So how does Julie ensure that her lights remain stunning? She makes them right in New Orleans. We had a chance to visit the studio and meet the artists, hard at work creating these custom pieces. They spend hours layering and layering to create the special finishes. Julie checks each and every one daily to make sure they all have her signature patina!
You may not be aware that Julie is also an accomplished artist and sells some of her work in her shop. Here is one of my favorites. The camera did not capture well the gold pattern or the watery teal blue color. I wish it had fit into my suitcase because it really spoke to me.
