The walnut paneled library at Filoli was the favorite of everyone on the tour, including our guide! The room is a copy of the library at Denham Place, England and was purchased before the house was even built by Mr Bourn. The intricate carvings depict roses, tulips, and daisies intertwined with leaves.
I think the reason it remains so popular is it feels the most like a home; it's personal. The room is littered with family portraits including this sketch by Sargent on the wall, above. Also, there is just something about a room filled with books, don't you think? I believe the saying "never trust anyone who doesn't have books in their house".
The Isfahan patterned carpet in the room has a vivid history. It formerly lived at Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight, after having been woven in Agra, India especially for Queen Victoria. It is one of the items original to the house, having been purchased by the Bourns.
I imagine many happy hours were spent on this sofa in front of the fireplace, curled up with a teatray and a stack of books. Thats where I'd be!
While I further indulge myself in a much needed little blogger break (please excuse me!) let me share with you some more treasures from the musee des arts decoratifs at the Louvre in Paris.
I loved these items best for the contrast they provided to the stark black background. Very modern, don't you think? The sumptuous bed, the ornate clock and the beautiful painting all in a dark, dramatically lit room on the 18th century floor.
Like so many places, it's all about the lighting.
It's been awhile since I blogged about a movie, but after seeing 'The kids are all right' last night I knew it was time! Starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore as a couple raising their kids they had through a donor -the film tackles a lot of issues facing modern families today without being preachy. The movie seriously made me laugh and cry and I would recommend you all to see it! However, keep the rating in mind, it's not child friendly (nor would you want to see it with your parents or children no matter their ages if you get my drift; awkward!!)
Without giving any of the plot away, the part of the film I identified with most was just a small sub-plot. The daughter is going off to college and it reminded me so much of the day my parents dropped me off at my dorm room; I saw so many of my own feelings on the face of that bright young actress bringing back a flood of emotions!
While in Provincetown, I picked up this ceramic bird at one of my favorite shops, Yates & Kennedy, that reminded me so much of the cute birds at Deyrolle that I wanted to bring back so badly (but couldn't make it through customs). A few people made fun of me calling it 'granny' but I just think it's adorable. What do you think?
At the same store I also picked up this beautifull scented candle by Patch in NY (their website has the BEST music in the background). Named 'owl' it is scented of sandalwood, tobacco and vetiver and I can't wait for fall to light it!
"It was a singularly mixed world composed of all the talents and tarnished by all the vices; a world where the same fatigue and the same fever appeared in every face" Emile Zola in Nana
While reading these lines on the beach last week, I immediately thought of the Palais Garnier in Paris, otherwise known as the Paris Opera House. Indeed, the whole book has me thinking of the age of opulence.
Rather than talk about the ornate-ness of the building, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
The famous grand staircase, rather dimly lit and hard to capture with my little camera.
One of many hallways meant to contain crowds gathered here to socialize; love the oak chevron patterned floors.
The grand foyer, possibly the most over-the-top room I've ever set foot in; it took my breath away.
So much intricate detail that the eye simply cannot focus; so much gold and shine that light is not needed.
If you get the chance, make sure to visit the Paris Opera House!
