Dingy

My in-laws are arriving for a visit on Thursday. Now I know that is a statement that strikes a bit of fear into many wives.

I am blessed in that Pop Gunn and Grammy Jane are FANTASTIC people. I’ve even been encouraging Mr. Décor to find a job so that we can live closer to them.

But still, a cleaning frenzy has commenced. Light fixtures dusted, mattresses turned, walls and windows washed.

You know, deep cleaning.

Yet, even after all the effort the house felt a little….dingy.

A closer look revealed smudged corners.

I guess that is to be expected in a house full of kids and dogs. So the paint came out and touch up painting commenced. After four hours it did look so much better.

But something still wasn’t quite right….

The dinge remained.

So I rented a steam cleaner and cleaned the carpets. Even though I have a fantastic Dyson vacuum cleaner which I use VERY regularly, the hidden dirt was revealed for all the eye to see:

Which got me thinking. Our society puts a lot of focus on appearance~ on having a good looking outside.

But mom was right, it is the deep inside, that is seen by the One, that truly matters.

In observance of the Sabbath, in lieu of a comment, perhaps offer up a praise to God.

Laura

“As for those who seemed to be important-whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance-those men added nothing to my message.” ~ Galatians 2:6

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4

A Succulent Wreath For Summer

Phoenix has now began its rapid ascent towards summer.

Which meant that my viola and alyssum filled pots of spring wreath needed an update that could withstand 115+ degree temperatures.

I opted to go with faux succulents found at Joann’s because WOW do they look real!

I snipped off individual pieces with wire cutters.

Then pushed them into the still dirt filled pots.

While I don’t love it as much as the live flower filled pots it will do for the long, hot Phoenician summer.

Would you use faux succulents in decorating?

Laura

Blooming Beautiful Gift for Just $3.00

Oh what a busy week! I am knee deep in thorough house cleaning. Our home was a bit neglected while I was in school. Touch up painting is on the menu for today.  I am also trying to get the back patio in shape as we have guests coming for the weekend and then my in laws will arrive for a visit later next week.

Next week is also the last week of school in Arizona. I wanted to make sure I had a thank you gift for Sweet Boy’s teacher. It would also work as a housewarming or birthday gift and perhaps as a special baby or bridal shower party favor.

I found this small enamel bucket in the dollar section at Target. There were various types of flowers in red, yellow and green buckets but I thought the “Forget~ Me~ Nots” were quite appropriate. As you can see it cost a whopping $3. (You can cover the price tag with a flower sticker or just ink it out with a sharpie.)

I took a peek at Pinterest for “Teacher Appreciation” free printables and spied several lovely candidates.

The Larson Lingo

No Biggie guest posting on Skip To My Lou

Blooms Design Online guest posting on Skip To My Lou.

My favorite choice ~ also from Skip To My Lou.

After printing out the PDF download I quickly took a large, square piece of white tulle I had on hand and wrapped up the blue bucket securing it closed with polka dotted ribbon I had purchased at a garage sale several years ago. It was then topped with the tag. (Note: I was a bit more careful cutting out the actual tag used, which of course had Sweet Boy’s given name, not available for blog viewing. :)

If there are any of these buckets left when the dollar section bins soon go on clearance I will select a few for my quick and easy gift closet as packets of seeds can be stowed for a year or so.

What’s blooming in your neck of the woods?

Laura

House Crush: Jenna Lyons

If you follow Décor To Adore on Facebook or Twitter you may have, in the past, read how much I loved Jenna Lyons Park Slope home (128 Garfield Place in Brooklyn) when it was featured in the November 2012 of Lonny Magazine.

I had first seen her home in the November 2008 issue of Domino Magazine. (Sigh, I STILL miss the monthly version of the magazine.) This was followed up by a feature in the September 2009 of Britian’s Livingetc magazine as well as a feature in the September 2011 issue of British Vogue. Some wondered “Was it worthy of all that coverage?” I believe so as Ms. Lyons was constantly creating new vignettes within in her home.

The home was purchased by Lyons and her now ex husband in 2004. Many mourned when it was announced that the home had been sold to Vincent Martin of Depeche Mode in late 2012 for well above asking price by Sotherby’s. But I see it as an opportunity for Ms. Lyons to now have a fresh blank canvas in which to create something fabulously new. 

But the space deserves one last look and I have collected my favorite images from the different publications mentioned above for this one post.

This is the interior entry of the Victorian gem which dates back to the 1880’s. The arched door and dentil molding is simply magnificent.

Many people often shy away from older homes thinking that they have to fill the space with furniture from the same era. But one can easily see by the following images that is not the case. The classic architecture was mixed with modern furnishings.

My belief has always been if you start with good bones in a space anything will look good.

The living room was done in neutrals with the exception of a bright yellow sofa. Happy, happy.

The formal dining space was separated by a magnificent archway. I adore the twin fireplaces.

If you were wishing you could see into the cabinet in the previous image here you are. I like that simple dishes and pitchers, as well as books, were arranged together.

The artwork could easily be recreated.

The chandeliers were duplicates which I think is a perfect solution to ease the eye in transitioning between two spaces.

I adore the brass helmet lamp.

The kitchen, although a small size, was remodeled by Levenson McDavid Architects and quite functional. I actually don’t mind the silver duct work showing.

This shot includes a glimpse of the backyard.

A blooming dogwood tree in the backyard is the epitome of spring in New York.

The bedroom space featured dark walls and white linens.

If you’ve ever hesitated to paint out fantastic trim this shot shows that it can be quite stunning.

The attached bath featured a herringbone floor, claw foot tub and brass plumbing fixtures.

This shot reminds me a bit of Kelly Wearstler.

A happy childs room.

I enjoy an office that looks like actual work gets done.

For those of you who perhaps aren’t aware of what Jenna Lyons job is, I have to share her dream of a closet.

Oh the shoes….

Jenna Lyons is the creative director for J. Crew.

Her personal fashion style is pretty fabulous too. She has been featured in several fashion magazines, including Glamour and has received tons of pins on Pinterest.  

I can’t wait to see her new space. It was rumored that she was living HERE, but this apartment has now also been sold.

Laura

Mother’s Day 2013

Here is what I have learned about being a mother:

For as much as we hope, plan and of course pray for our children there will come a day when they will do exactly as they please. There is a strong possibility their choices may not coincide with the dreams we have had for them.

You may want to bury your head in the sand against this thought, but perhaps if for one minute you think about the moments you turned your parents hair gray or when your kids turned yours then you know I speak the truth.

Recently, I spent the day with my daughter. She ran up to hug me and my first words to greet her outstretched arms were “That had better be fake!” She said “Mom, it’s your mother’s day gift. Don’t you love it?” Her smiling eyes gave her away.

Now before you get up on tattoo supporting soapbox let me intercept you.

When our girl entered college and we moved her into a condo we made the following deal:

We will financially support you (IE tuition, books, rent, utilities) if you:

Do not use illegal substances (no exceptions)

Maintain a good GPA

Get a part time job for clothing, gas money, etc.

Do not drink excessively

Do not engage in promiscuous behavior (IE bringing home strangers/shacking up with boyfriends, etc .)

Do not smoke

Do not get a tattoo

Why we said this:

The last four requests we as parents felt that such life decisions should be made by a self supporting adult. Smoking and excessive drinking are bad for your health. We’ve lost love ones to lung cancer and alcohol related diseases. Both vices can also be VERY expensive, as are good tattoos~ which yes, can be a work of art.

We felt that if our children could afford to purchase these things or make the adult decision to live with someone then they were adult enough to pay their own way.

Since we live in America you are welcome to disagree with our parenting philosophy. You are also welcome to support our kids. (hee hee)

Ok, so back to the tattoo.

It was fake.

But here’s the thing…I wouldn’t put it past her.

In the early years of her life I would often cradle her in my arms and think wonderful things for her:

She will join cotillion and become a debutante.

She will go to a fabulous university and join a sorority.

The fact is I thought and wished these things for her because deep down I had wanted and never had them myself.

Jacqueline and Lee Bouvier ~ 1951 debutantes (Vogue~ Cecil Beaton)

You know what happened right?

She wanted none of it.

She is quiet, even shy. She likes to stay close to home. She is free spirit who is a deep thinker, wonderful writer, and talented fashion designer. When she comes into her own full self I imagine that the world will have to hold on to its pants.

I recently had a conversation with a friend whose young adult child had made a life choice she wasn’t expecting…had dreamed of…planned for… or even expected.  She was riddled with sorrow and then guilt for being sorrowful.

I told her that it was ok. That she needed to take time to grieve the loss of the dream of the life SHE had had for her child. She wasn’t going to love them any less, she just needed to adjust to a new life, a new dream.

Just like that, a weight was taken from her. She said she hadn’t thought of it that way.

I told her that life, regarding my children, had gotten immensely easier for me since I had accepted that they would be their own person.

Sure I still have dreams.

I hope to be a mother in law someday.

I hope to sit in a rocking chair with several grandchildren.

But ultimately I have to raise them the best I can and then let them go.

It won’t stop me from hoping and praying that they’ll make good decisions.

I can’t help think but God had this all figured out a long time ago.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. ~ Galatians 5:22-26

Happy Mother’s Day!

My kids mom

© 2012 Decor To Adore Laura Ingalls Gunn All Rights Reserved

The Great Gatsby

Yesterday I finished my last class of the spring semester and have two glorious weeks before the summer semester starts. Although I am smack dab in the middle of designing an entire house for truly lovely clients I took today off. The Fashionista has to work on Sunday so she wanted to celebrate Mother’s Day today with me.

Just how will we spend it? At the movies. We’ve been waiting months for the theatrical version of “The Great Gatsby”. It is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book, a 20th century literary classic beloved by both of us.

I am approaching this remake with a bit of trepidation. In my mind there will always be only one Jay Gatsby... my beloved Robert Redford who starred in the 1974 classic.

I imagine that my feelings are a bit like Gatsby himself which his next door neighbor Nick sums up:

"No amount of fire could challenge the fairytale he had stored up in his heart."

But I am willing to give Leo DiCaprio as Gatsby a chance. After all, for his long anticipated encounter with first love Daisy, he fills Nick’s cottage with abundant floral bouquets and macarons. 

However I am thrilled with the casting of Carey Mulligan. She captures the essence of Daisy Buchanan completely. If you haven’t seen her Oscar nominated role in “An Education” put it on your must watch list at once.

I of course am eager to view the film sets which were created by Oscar winner Catherine Martin who also happens to be the wife of the film’s director, Baz Luhrmann.

The movie was filmed primarily in Sydney, Australia and the sets, to include Jay Gatsby’s ballroom, capture the Art Deco opulence of the 1920’s.

His entry hall.

Jay Gatsby’s terrace in the daytime.

The terrace at night.

A dining room scene. Who else wants to roll around on that carpet???

Another shot which provides a closer view of the wallpaper. I’ll take the candlesticks and the fan.

The story’s narrator, Nick Carraway, is played by Tobey Macguire.

Nick lives in a small cottage next door to Gatsby. Dreamy sigh.

The interior of the cottage is done in an Arts and Crafts style. Long time readers might remember from this post that it’s a favorite of mine.

Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s red brick mansion.

It has been said that the home was partly inspired by Old Westbury Gardens on Long Island. I think so.

The Buchanan set features Hollywood Regency inspired interiors as vibrant as Daisy herself.

Oh that chandelier!

A confrontation occurs in a room at the Plaza hotel.

Myrtle Wilson (Tom Buchanan’s mistress) is played by Isla Fisher. Myrtle’s city love nest is quaint 1920’s.

Of course we must cover the fashions. The costume designer was also Catherine Martin. She collaborated with Miuccia Prada who turned to her family’s design archives to come up with 40 background dresses, as well as a few of Daisy’s costumes.

 Brooks Brothers dressed the men.

The French company Solstiss created all the lace. 

Dreamy confection.

I can’t even imagine how heavy this gown was to wear, but it is stunning!

Nick Calloway’s girlfriend, Jordan Baker (played by Elizabeth Debicki, who reminds me of Emily Blunt) sure knows how to dress to impress. 

There is also sumptuous jewelry. A collaboration was formed with Tiffany’s to use archival pieces, as well as create new pieces, for the film. Tiffany’s was selected in large part due to that F. Scott Fitzgerald was a well known customer.

Oh just look at all those diamonds and pearls!

If that is not enough fashion, this months issue of Vogue also features a Gatsby themed spread.

I would wear this entire outfit EVERYWHERE!

One can always hope for a happy ending….

The source for each image can be found by clicking on each picture.

Do you plan on seeing “The Great Gatsby”?

Laura