a good read - mrs. mclean

While I'm organizing my many design nerd photos (!!!) over the weekend, I wanted to introduce this lovely lady. I've been reading her autobiography which I purchased in her home town.

She's famously known as the owner of this little bauble.

Her book is wonderful for some light spring/summer reading. She retells the story of her life, from childhood in the Colorado mining towns to society in D.C., Newport, Palm Beach and Bar Harbor. It is a really wonderful story, painted with both tragedy and excitement. I really love how her narrative perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the time.



Images courtesy of the Smithsonian

a good read - newport villas

Newport Villas is one of those favorites, which I open time and time again. As I notice a different house Cliff Walk, I have to check to see if there is anything on it. This book is amazing. It records a number of original photographs and floor plans as well as information on the owners, the architect, designers, subsequent owners, and what has become of the house.

I took some photos from the book to share with you just so you can see how invaluable this work really is if you are a fan of the period. First the loggia from Belcourt.

Then rooms from Villa Rosa, Gray Craig, Cherry Neck Bungalow and Bonniecrest.


This book comes with floor plans as well.


And just for some Newport love, think about supporting the Newport Preservation Society. I'm a fan and have been for a long time. Oddly, I've been to every tour-able house in that town, even those unaffiliated with the Society. Maybe we should look at a few... hmm.

Photos from the book, uploaded by me. I believe a number of these originate from the Newport Preservation Society's Archives.

art history 101

I really do believe that interiors can be extension of you but also your tastes and studies of the arts. In and of themselves as specimens of decorative arts, obviously, but also as a showplace for the accomplishments of civilization. Or at least that's what I think about when I'm shampooing my hair... Anyways, I found this lovely interactive timeline, replete with articles and discussions, from the Met. As a form of Art History 101, it could save someone a couple semesters of tuition! Have a great weekend!

Images from the Met

dracula on decorating

Regarding a house, "I am glad it is old and big. I myself am of an old family, and to live in a new house would kill me. A house cannot be made habitable in a day; and, after all, how few days go to make up a century."
Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's Dracula, 1847

Bran Castle dates back to 1377 in official documentation. It is in Romania and in the region of Transylvania. You can read more about the history of Bran Castle here.
Photo by Stonehill College

Happy Halloween!