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Georgetown Housetour - this weekend!

April 25, 2013, 1:02 pm
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Don't miss the Georgetown house tour THIS WEEKEND - April 28. This is the longest running house tour in the country and benefits the ministries of St John's Episcopal Church.
 Nine beautiful houses of varying styles will be featured on the tour including these 4 pictured here.
Also included is a delightful tea at St John's Parish Hall. I'm most excited by seeing inside the Georgetown Stables below, long ago converted into a quirky residence. I saw them retouching some paint in preparation for the tour just a few weeks ago and it should prove to be very interesting!
Also upcoming as part of the Georgetown Housetour is a lecture given by architect Gil Schafer on May 9th. Information is at the housetour website. Hope to see you there (at both events)!!
Photos courtesy of the Georgetown Housetour.
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A lovely stone house

April 27, 2013, 3:00 am
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It's been awhile since I shared a weekend picture and thought I'd share this adorable stone house I came across last weekend in the Arlington,Virginia suburb of DC.  Houses such as this are always my favorite! I especially like the mature landscaping which provide dappled sunlight in our notoriously hot and humid summers but allow for full sun in our cool winters.  My only comment would be the 'fake' shutters flanking the double windows on the ground floor - don't need them!  What do you think of the house?
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Do you MOO?

May 1, 2013, 5:53 am
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Not MOO cows - MOO cards!  I recently received an order of lovely new blogger cards which I ordered from Moo after hearing about them from everyone (Habitually Chic and Slim Paley for example). The mini-MOOs are half the size of an ordinary business card and oddly enough are the same proportions of a blog header! I ordered them in the matte finish and they arrived within 2 days of placing the order online, couldn't have been easier!  Save 10% off your order HERE.  They also offer stickers, postcards and a wide variety of products and finishes. The cards are available with up to 100 images on the back side (although I ordered mine all the same blog header beautifully drawn by the talented PVE).
What have you ordered and been pleased with lately?
I received no compensation for this post, just happy to share a good product!
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An ingenious solution

May 9, 2013, 10:58 am
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While reading through the April 2013 issue of House & Garden I came across an intriguing little project that I just had to share! When designer Roger Hall had proposed an addition to his 17th century listed house and had it rejected by the planning authorities, he decided to build a garden folly which would give him and his family the extra space they needed as well as provide a focal point to his garden.
He calls the space his 'Posh Shed' and it certainly is closer to posh than shed. What shed do you know of contains a kitchen, bath and working fireplace? The pavilion houses guest quarters as well as a studio for his work in an 18'x18' square; talk about small living at 324 SF (the size of the smallest studios found in NYC).
The pavilion matches the style of the main house which you can just glimpse in the image below including the same beautiful stonework and slate roofing. Behind the fireplace above are a compact mini kitchen and full bathroom for guests. I think I would spend all of my time out here and never go into the main house!
Above you can see how from the garden the pavilion looks like one small albeit tall room but when seen from another perspective 2 floors are clearly visible. I vote this is a clever solution to a problem that makes the end result better as a whole than the original proposed addition - what do you think?
Photography via the article by photographer Sarah Hogan
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An inspiring lecture: Gil Schafer

May 10, 2013, 12:00 pm
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Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending one of those lectures which snaps you right back to life career-wise in a "oh, thats why I'm doing this" kind of way! Award winning architect and president of the ICAA, Gil Schafer spoke in Georgetown about his life, his work, and his book, The Great American House: Tradition for the way we live now.
Many of you are probably familiar with his work through the many national publications in which it has been featured as he works with many top name designers such as Miles Redd and Bunny Williams.  However, his work stands strong on its own and it was a pleasure to hear him speak of his childhood inspiration, his grandmother's country house in Georgia. Ever modest, Schafer is quick to speak on how a great house is 3 parts: Architecture, Decoration, and Landscape. He explained how these topics made his grandmother's house so special and in turn, he pays strict attention to them in each of his projects.
Schafer pointed out that he strives for dignity and comfort in his houses but not strict elegance (although one could argue they are also quite elegant just not in a 'fancy' way.) Hierarchy of spaces is important; so living and dining rooms will be detailed quite differently from family and breakfast rooms ( no bloated, oversized mcmansions here!). Like me, Schafer thinks of himself as an architect who thinks like a decorator. How will you live in a space? Is it comfortable, is there room for curtains, is it so contrived so that someone won't feel at home? Schafer believes decorators teach architects, if they listen, to loosen up.While he tries to give new houses a 'history' he warns one to be careful not to become too kitsch or slavish in its historical decoration: this is a modern time of course.   Schafer also stressed the importance of landscape in a project from the get go and not 5 years later when the  money is available.  He advises someone building a new house to plan on a fully developed landscape with a SMALLER house at first and then later put on an addition as needed.
Schafer practices in the classical language but is not a purist; he believes it's important to live in the current moment in a modern, comfortable way; not a museum (here here!).  His new houses are designed 1 or 2 rooms deep with traditional, proportionally sized rooms that aren't too big so that natural light is spread throughout the space. While his work contains much larger interior openings and windows than found in older houses he keeps the proportions the same so the buildings appear 'correct'. And most important to me during his poetic and inspiring lecture, he correctly used the words house and home; home was rarely uttered. Nails on a chalk board!
Images of Schafer's New York City apartment courtsey Gil Schafer.
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Paris vacation - first days

May 14, 2013, 2:20 pm
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Dear Reader, I again find myself blessfully and blissfully on vacation in Paris.  The first two days have been spent organically, wandering around the city and reacquainting myself with different charming nooks.
I spent a fair part of the afternoon wandering around the Luxembourg gardens after a delicious lunch at one of my favorite restaurants that I come to again and again; Chez Fernand on the Rue Christine.
I particularly loved these stone urns planted with simple geraniums in the gardens. Also not to be missed is the Chagall exhibit at the nearby Musee Luxembourg.
A walk past the wonderful Invalides convinced me I need to visit inside sometime this trip!
No post on Paris is complete without the ubiquitous shot of the Eiffel Tower.
On the left above is the Hotel Crillon (the clean part of the building) which is sadly closed for renovations. We caught them loading the last of the contents into trucks(famously auctioned off last month at staggering prices).
Paris is full of beautiful doorways but the one above, in a very Parisian turquoise, boasts newly cleaned brass hardware. While I love the patina of age something is just so beautiful about frequently and lovingly maintained old hardware.
After a long day of wandering around the city nothing is better than returning to your own little apartment in the city seen above (rented of course) with copious amounts of stinky cheeses and a still-warm baguette from the local boulangerie. I am again staying in a cozy apartment on the well-located Ile St. Louis which I can't recommend more highly; just say no to hotels!
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Paris Vacation - day 3

May 16, 2013, 10:33 pm
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Day 3 was meant to be one of the trip's highlights and did not disappoint. I scheduled a Pariscityvision tour of both Vaux le Vicomte and Fountainbleu - a little out of the city.
 For the most part I can't recommend these bus tours highly enough; 'leave the driving to us' and enjoy your trip!  Vaux le Vicomte is an amazing 17th century chateau which led Louis XIV to create the Versailles we have today (and imprisonment for its' owner who dared build a greater palace than the sun king!)
 The interiors mostly have been brought back to this early creation but glimpses of the future styles to come still remain as well.  We were lucky with the weather and the chateau was astounding.
 On the way out of the chateau don't miss the large carriage museum and lunch at the cafe located in the stables; very charming.
 Next on the trip was Fountainbleu, country home to French Kings and later emporers for more than 7 centuries.
Fountainbleu will take your breathe away by sheer size and the number of styles included. Really though it is an architectural 'hot mess' that is delightful and magnificent.
 Napolean left the largest mark on the chateau perhaps because he was the last person to make significant changes. Above you see about 1/3 of a corridor showing his family portraits (big family!).
 Napolean's camp bed has been set up within a tented room - so chic!
 Napolean had a throne room set up within the apartments of king Louis XVI. cheeky.....
Which was set up next to Marie Antoinette's bedroom.  I will never understand the flow of these 18th century palaces and their enfilades. How do you live here? bedroom attached to bathroom attached to throne room.
The tour ends at the Hotel Regina across from the Louvre and I suggest you end the day with a drink in their elegant bar as I did.
After dinner at L'Ilot Vache on the Ile St Louis (one of my favorite retaurants I find myself at time and again), I was thankful to climb the million steps up to my own Paris Pied a terre just across the street. Long but fabulous days!
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Paris vacation - day 4

May 17, 2013, 10:00 am
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After the excitement of day 3, Day 4 was spent a little slower and more organic.  After sleeping in we wandered over to the Place de la Bastille for the antique brocante market.  Above you see the last remains of the dreaded Bastille.
The brocante market is a moving event throughout the city where antique vendors come from around the world to display their wares. It was the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. Expect to pay about 10 euro for entrance.
 A late lunch in a cafe on the Place des Vosges was a great way to relax and people watch.
 The Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. While the townhouses surrounding the square are all very similar, each is slightly different proving you dont' have to have perfect symmetry to have balance.
Wandering around the Marais is full of surprises. The oldest existing part of the city you never know what you'll stumble upon. Ancient buildings are filled with new and inspiring art and clothing galleries mingled with the cities most fascinating museums located in stunning hotel particuleurs.
Make sure to stop into the church of St Paul St Louis to see the stunning Delacroix paintings in the side chapels.
Even after a gloomy, rainy day, Paris will surprise you with a fantastic evening and an even more spectacular sunset!
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Paris vacation - day 5

May 18, 2013, 1:57 pm
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Day 5 started with a long overdue visit to the Rodin Museum located in the historic hotel Biron.  Despite ongoing restorations (half of the museum and gardens were closed) it was an awe inspiring visit; great house, great art, great story. 
One thing I have to say is that it was nice to see a place that actually looked OLD, at least on the interior. Most things I find here are 'restored' to a state more pristine than their original form.  Whats wrong with old sometimes? Being a museum since 1918 has left it a little worn though.  The entry foyer was a beautiful space seen above.
The art is amazing of course. The movement found within the pieces is my favorite aspect; these large hands were so expressive and probably my favorite piece.
A (quick) stop next door to the Invalides is also recommended, but you don't need to spend too much time here (unless you're interested in military museums).  Check out the chapel and Napolean's tomb (you can't miss it, under the dome!).
After a quick lunch at a local bistro, we jumped on the subway to the Marais to check out the Cognaq-Jay Museum. Often overlooked, the charming museum is housed in a renovated hotel particuleur and is full of 18th century decorative arts and furniture (you KNOW I loved that).  Light on substance perhaps but lots of pretty.
Across the street is the enormous Carnavalet Museum - the museum of the city of Paris. The central garden courtyard, seen above, is gorgeous.  I had avoided this museum on past trips thinking it would be a dry but I was so wrong.
The museum tells the story of the city through its people and events, not dry numbers and facts. Models of the city and its monuments, paintings of celebrities, period rooms, ephemora from the revolution and different time periods: altogether a fascinating look at an interesting but dramatic city.
The period rooms are lovely, this boiserie was highly detailed. The photo above was of Proust's bedroom recreated along with a number of other celebrities.
A bust of architect Mansart lines one of the many stair wells. Don't miss the Carnavalet! Lesson learned.
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Paris vacation - day 6

May 19, 2013, 8:18 am
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As you can probably tell we've done a lot in just a few days! So day 6 was kept intentionally slow. We decided to stay close to home and at the recommendation of a couple we met at dinner one evening checked out the Conciergerie.
 An odd museum, it encompasses the prisons used notoriously during the revolution. The history of the building goes much further back however as it was part of the old Capetian palace from the 15th century. Here you can see a recreation of Marie Antoinette's cell as well as a memorial to her and Louis XVI. I have to be honest and recommend that you skip this museum; so many other greater things to see in Paris!
The bonus to visiting the Conciergerie however was buying tickets to the adjacent St Chapelle and avoiding the horrendous lines!  I had never visited the 13th century chapel before and can literally say it took my breathe away (and not just the tiny circular stair which takes you up to the main Upper Chapel). If you can visit SOON as the restoration of the windows is nearly complete and it is so interesting to contrast the restored windows versus the unrestored.
I have to say some of the worst behavior I've ever seen at a tourist attraction was exhibited here from people of all nationalities and ages.  People were touching the painted surfaces everywhere (despite constant warnings not to and numerous signs) as well as being incredibly loud and disrespectful even though silent signs were everywhere and guides where shushing us like kindergarden children. Really a disappointing environment to have in such splendor. 
The weather has been damp with daily rainfall but even the flooded Seine is a sight to behold in the evening.
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Paris vacation - day 7

May 19, 2013, 1:33 pm
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Rainy day 7 was spent primarily at the Louvre. Overwhelming, immense, claustrophobically crowded, and over the top in every way possible, who can visit Paris without a visit to the Louvre?
The apartments of Napoleon III were luckily open and were awe inducing even after the splendors of Fountainbleu. The Grand Salon, seen above, reminded me of a hotel lobby in scale and how I would have loved to have had a drink there!
It was fascinating to see the furniture of Madame Recamier (including HER recamier) as well as numerous portraits of her including the famous one by David. The museum is so immense it is difficult to even follow the maps given upon entering under the Pei Pyramid but treasures abound around every corner.  While the highlights of the museum such as the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, the Venus de Milo, etc., draw huge and overwhelming crowds, other parts of the museum are quieter and cafes are to be found in all sorts of corners for museum breaks.
I think the biggest surprise upon seeing many of the paintings I studied back in art history school is that many of the paintings by David and others of that time period are LIFE SIZE if not larger!  'The Consecration of the Emporer Napoleon' must be at least 30feet long and 20feet high. Vertically challenged Napoleon never looked so big.
The stairwells are so large that you would think you were in Grand Central or some other train station. They provide excellent meeting points however and many have cafes or small gift shops.
Rounding the corner on my escape, I was shocked to see both of Michelangelo's slaves with no one paying any attention to them. It was a joy to be able to study them closely without being jostled about.
'Winged Victory' flies over a palatial set of stairs, straight out of Funny Face; The only thing missing was Fred Astaire!  A quick run over to the Marais for last minute shopping (I'm keeping Mariage Freres in business) before a quiet night at home and packing rounds out this magical trip. I hope you've enjoyed my daily recaps and find something useful for your own trip to the city of lights!
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GIVEAWAY: Novica gift ideas

May 21, 2013, 11:43 am
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I don't often do giveaways here on the blog but NOVICA is a company I really believe in and love to share (I've done a few giveaways with them in the past). They're offering a $75 gift certificate to a reader of my blog.
Use it towards a larger purchase like the Celadon Vase at the top or something less expensive like these fabulous stone obelisks above.
This stone sphere would be really great in a tablescape and I'm loving the classical lines of the Parota wood table lamp below too. A silver heart-shaped necklace would make a great gift.
To enter, simply leave a comment below. Leave additional comments for sharing this on Twitter and on Facebook for even more chances to win! I will randomly select the winner Tuesday, May 28th at noon. Good luck!
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This and That

May 28, 2013, 6:00 am
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I've been busy getting back into the swing of things from my vacation but thought I'd share with you some of my weekend before getting back into normal postings (more Paris and other house tours!). I stopped by my favorite shop in DC, ArtisanLamp (antique lighting fixtures and lamps), where I picked up a number of fixtures for a project. They're soon to be expecting a new shipment of antique fixtures from France as well as the semi-annual sale so be sure to stop by!
The weather couldn't have been better and I spent Sunday visiting local real estate open houses, discovering some hidden neighborhoods that were real gems!
 I loved these antique fixtures flanking the frontdoor of an old stone bungalow.
I pass this house in Georgetown everyday and just love the climbing roses growing over their front railings. This time of year DC is a gardener's paradise with roses exploding throughout the city.
I can't decide if I like it better by day or night! What were you up to this holiday weekend?
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A hidden Venetian garden

May 29, 2013, 7:34 am
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My Australian penpal, Neil, has been traveling again, this time to Italy. He sent me photos of this hidden garden in Venice that I just had to share with you!
The Palazzo Soranzo Cappello dates to the late 16th century and now houses the architecture authority for Venice, Belluno, Padua, and Treviso.
The house is beautiful but it's the garden that steals the show.
This classical folly anchors the end of a lush, green garden.
A closeup reveals a brick structure with worn stucco covering to appear as stone.
I love the Italian mindset as to preservation (the Palazzo was recently restored);  Let it look old, it doesn't need to look brand new like in Paris.
Maybe it's the architect in me but I need some sort of architectural anchor to give a garden interest.
Aren't these blooms spectacular?
You would never guess this was in the heart of Venice!
Perfect spot for a picnic.
The gardens are open to the public during office hours.
 Be sure to check it out on your next Venetian getaway!
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Why don't you.....

May 31, 2013, 5:25 am
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Why don't you buy a lot of different lampshades for your boring chandelier in contrasting fabrics, like here at the Brooks Brother store in Bologna? Love this look!
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Darryl Carter: inside look

June 4, 2013, 9:16 am
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This past weekend I finally had the chance to tour Darryl Carter's new store and studio here in DC that everyone has been raving over.
 The discrete facade in an up and coming neighborhood, Shaw, belies the large amazing space within. Only a small "Darryl Carter" logo in red on the front windows alerts the visitor that they are in fact in the right place!
One can see why Darryl chose the space for his shop: the beautiful industrial spaces are old, worn, and interesting; the perfect contrast to his quirky but beautiful antiques and custom designed pieces.
 This imposing antique lion greets you as you enter.
The first floor features a lot of smaller items by local artisans such as pottery, dishes, glassware, and art pieces. I loved this old stone urn!
The second floor is large and covers his furnishings, antiques, and a lot of other unusual finds.  Copies of his amazing book are to be found scattered throughout the shop.
 At the rear of the 2nd floor, fabric samples are housed in orderly fashion in industrial metal baskets.
 Stunning intaglios by yet another artist line the stairwell.
Everywhere you look are fascinating objects: both found and antique. This chinoiserie dressing mirror picks up the shelving on the wall opposite.
I always associate this type of striped menswear upholstery with Darryl but this was the only example I could find in the shop!
 Taxidermy is to be found throughout the shop as well as cowhide and zebra skin rugs.
Most of the lighting comes from Darryl's collection for the Urban Electric Company. I especially loved these sconces lighting the stairways.
The Attic space is the most beautiful and gets amazing light through old skylights and dormer windows. Darryl originally intended this to be his personal office but the store got larger than anticipated!
 Imagine taking your phone calls on this comfortable daybed everyday.
I was amazed at the breadth of items that is carried by the store - everything including the kitchen sink!
Behind the shop is a private courtyard, perfect for parties. The lines of this old mattress make for an interesting art installation.
Located in the former garage is the design studio where his staff works and client meetings are held. I loved these metal and glass doors.
The wood paneled space is painted Darryl's favorite color by Benjamin Moore, Bonifant White, which visually expands the space. Even the staplers and tape dispensers on the desks were white! The color is from his line at Benjamin Moore where you can get his look for your own home.

Anchoring the work space is a closet with amazing antique hardware. Antique door hardware is to be found throughout the shop on all of the doors - no detail overlooked - don't miss it!
Darryl's shop is located at 1320 9th St. NW, in Shaw, across the street from the convention center. I encourage you all to visit!
Photos taken with my underwhelming iphone - visit the shop to see everything in greater detail!
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Hillwood: Living Artfully

June 7, 2013, 3:17 pm
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This past week I had the opportunity to preview the new exhibit at the Hillwood estate here in DC: Living Artfully, at home with Marjorie Merriweather Post. I've written about Hillwood many times in the past and am lucky enough to live just a few blocks away. This new exhibit provides some new thrilling opportunities previously unseen at Hillwood!
The exhibit is actually more of an event as parts are to be found throughout the estate focusing on Marjorie's role as hostess at her 4 main estates: Hillwood, Mar-A-Lago, TopRidge, and her yacht, the Sea Cloud.
I'm most excited about this exhibit because this is what I find so fascinating about house museums: I want to know how people actually LIVED. The image above show the dining room with its Mar-A-Lago dining table shown uncovered for a change and set as for a dinner at her Palm Beach estate. Information, photographs, and videos make you feel as though you yourself were a guest!
However the most exciting thing to come out of this exhibit are areas previously unseen in the mansion have been refurbished so they can be opened to the public. Above you see the very utilitarian 50's wetbar located just outside of the Pavilion where Marjorie hosted square dancing as well as first-run movies.
Interesting tidbit; Marjorie's staff were all welcome to watch the movies along with her guests and in the prime spot no less. Staff watched the movie from the balcony while guests sat below in Jansen styled sofas.
Located just off the main entry hall, the ladies powder room has also been opened to the public for the first time (seen above). Family wedding photos are displayed here gallery style on silk bedecked walls.
Check out the period fixtures including pink toilet paper! Interestingly enough, Marjorie purchased home fragrances in such bulk that the museum still has a quantity and uses it to this day in specific areas of the house (smells rather like face powder).
Located just off Marjorie's bedroom suite, her personal beauty parlor is also now open to the public. More photographs of family and friends are adjacent to the latest technology in haircare of the day.
As part of the exhibit the closets are fully stocked as when Marjorie is in residence. At the time her personal maid, Eva Zackrisson, would bring a week's worth at a time down from the main closet in the attic.  Also shown are adorable hooked bathmats used at her numerous houses. As you can see Marjorie loved pink!
 Above you see a collection of her day-wear along with coordinating hats.
Beneath some of her jewelry a small collection of her Bob Inc shoes are shown in different shades to match her numerous ensembles; for both day and evening.
Yet another closet in the dressing area houses some of her evening gowns from 1958-1964 on custom crocheted hangers. Who doesn't want to see this stuff!?
One more space open to the public is a basement bomb shelter (one of 4 on the estate). Notice the pink?  Marjorie provided enough space in the shelters for all of her staff: a gracious hostess as well as a gracious employer.
 Items from her yacht, Sea Cloud, are exhibited in the library.
 Including her custom embroidered shoes which she would occasionally wear on board.
The Snooze Room lies at the top of the main staircase and was where a guest could rest while visiting for the day. It also provided a small separate bedroom for children to the adjacent guest suite.
Out in the Adirondack Pavilion collections from Marjorie's summer house in the mountains, Top Ridge, are displayed.
 I loved this canoe!
 Marjorie even had luggage specifically for each location -notice the tag on the case above?
And what is a society hostess without her napkins embroidered in her monogram. I'll leave you with the adorable little dog annunciation device Marjorie used at Top Ridge.
Everyone must go to Hillwood to see this wonderful exhibit and remember, the collections are updated constantly with always something new to see! The exhibit will run from June 8, 2013 until January 12, 2014.
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Palazzo Madama: a grand stair

June 14, 2013, 1:31 pm
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Many of us have heard of the Palazzo Madama and its famous stair but how many of us have visited? My Australian penpal made a beeline for Turin and the palace while in Italy recently.
He wrote that the stair did not disappoint and even took his breath away. The stair has been copied around the world and for good reason: just look at it!
While the palace dates to the 1st century BC (seriously old) the stair was the last addition done to the complex in the early 18th century. The work was supposed to be a part of an enormous new baroque palace taking the place of the old castle designed by the Italian architect Filippo Juvarra.
 Only this stair and some interior renovations were completed thanks to numerous wars.
 Despite this there is still much to see; it's a large castle turned fascinating museum with something for everyone.
 The stair is seen above on the piano nobile plan at the bottom center in gray with the Hall of the Senate located in light blue in the center.
This grand and impressive hall was built atop a medieval courtyard with Roman excavations which is accessible from the ground level. I love the picture above with the group of people enjoying a snack in the corner of the grand space.
The collections include art of the Italian Piedmont region with everything from an impressive collection of pottery and china (still in their same location from a 1950s reorganization), fine arts, furniture, and sculpture.
 I wish this was my butler's pantry!
Below you see a painting and model of the immense Palace planned for the site by Juvarra of which only the stair was realized.
 The baroque interiors shimmer with gold and shine under colorful silks and beautiful paintings.
The baroque period was one in which the arts delighted the senses - who can't help but feel overwhelmed and awed by this beauty?
Either Neil is a patient man or the museum is unfortunately under-populated; all of these immense empty rooms with so much to see and no people!
The Italians did tend to over do things. One's eye has nowhere to pause in the image above; maybe not so much of a delight as an inundation of the senses. Bling Bling Bling!
I think I could spend an entire day in the museum though browsing the collections, maybe a trip to Turin is in my future?
 From the gardens one can see the earlier parts of the castle.
 They look particularly lush and green in the springtime and certainly well cared for!
 I love the little fountain in the image above.
Such orderly vegetable gardens in raised beds, I'm sure Martha Stewart would call it a good thing!
I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of the Palazzo Madama as much as me!
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Chisel & Mouse: at it again!

June 17, 2013, 6:54 am
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You may remember me talking about Chisel & Mouse before and now the guys at Chisel & Mouse are at it again; this time transforming many of their beautiful plaster architectural models to hanging. Above you can see their version of the entrance to Buckingham Palace on one of my bookshelves but also hanging on my wall below.
They're constantly adding new models to their inventory and improving existing models. Also, the new models are signed and dated. Loving these guys and can't wait to see what they come up with next!
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Going, going, GONE!

June 27, 2013, 9:26 am
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As many of you have been reading and are probably already aware, Google Reader will be ceasing operation on July 1st ( blog lists on blogs showing updated posts). This is how I personally read blogs and I know a number of other people do as well so we all have to find another way to keep up to date!
I've signed up for Bloglovin after having issues with some of the other recommendations I've seen. Every day I get an easy to navigate email with the new postings for the blogs I had entered into the website.  It seems to work well although I'll still miss my blog list here on my blog!
I won't bore you with a lot of redundant information but a great writeup of options can be found at Pigtown DesignHERE. As always you can sign up for an easy email of ArchitectDesign sent to you on the upper right hand sidebar "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" on this page by simply adding your email and hitting 'submit'.  You can also sign up for this blog via amazon which will upload directly to your kindle for a small fee (see information here).  Otherwise please consider adding ArchitectDesign to whatever blog reader service you choose to use as I'm happy to have YOU as a reader! Happy Blogging!
Images from our ICAA tour of hunt country taken earlier this spring: future blogpost in the works!
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