Hollywood Regency

Hollywood Regency-style is back in a big way. Made popular by designers in the 1930's, Hollywood Regency is defined by opulent fabrics (velvets, chenille), large and detailed furniture (tufted sofas), elaborate lighting, and pops of color. Antiques lend an authenticity to this style that's tough to replicate with reproductions or new pieces. Without some 'age', the extravagance of this style can quickly move from lovely to tacky. So look for an antique dresser or mid-century buffet table to lend some personality to your decor...anything goes with this design aesthetic!

This wallpaper and rug are wonderfully complimentary

Grey, white and yellow look fabulous together

DESIGN: Friday-New Jersey

I have a love affair with blue and brown. In fact, my whole house could be and may be completely decorated in varying shades of these two colors. Blue in the bathroom, a rich chocolate brown in the bedroom, soft tan in the foyer...add white trim and you have my whole color palette. This New Jersey home was featured in House Beautiful. Of course, I'm crazy about the color choices. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Love these antique pressed leaves...and the blue wallpaper, too!

Great clock and sidetable

Photos from House Beautiful

DESIGN: Friday-San Francisco

As previously mentioned, white furniture isn't practical for me because I have two lovable, yet furry, black Labradors. This San Francisco townhouse looks great in all white...but I'm assuming they don't have dogs like mine climbing on the furniture. Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!

What a great way to display/hang a coat!

Photos from Country Living

Dwell Studio Fabrics

I've long admired Dwell Studio for it's great designs and patterns. In collaboration with textile company Robert Allen, Dwell offers a terrific collection of fabrics for sale on their website (www.dwellstudio.com). I'm trying to decide between the following fabrics to re-upholster a Victorian settee that I picked up curbside in my neighborhood. Which do you like best? Be sure to check out the Dwell Studio website, too.

Love these yellow colors...

...especially paired with grey accent pillows.

My settee looks similar to this; time for a modern refresh!

Photos from Dwell Studio and Google

Antique Jewelry Tips from Elizabeth Taylor

OK, so these tips aren't really from Elizabeth Taylor, but are still very helpful. Currently, I'm reading Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century about their much-discussed Hollywood love affair. I highly recommend. Richard Burton showered Liz with lots of jewelry over the course of their relationship (including two marriages) and while you may not have the diamonds that Elizabeth Taylor does, you should still care for your pieces.

There are plenty of products specifically geared for cleaning antique jewelry. You need to make sure that the cleaner doesn’t contain ammonia, vinegar, or any other acids or alcohols. 


1) Don’t use soap and water, because most soaps will leave a residue on the metal and make the stones look dull. Windex can damage delicate stones and finishes. Vinegar is also harmful to the gemstones.

2) To get dust and dirt off of your antique jewelry, use the softest toothbrush that you can fine. Or use a very soft cloth to clean the surface of stones and gold or silver.

3) Thoroughly dry all of your jewelry after cleaning! Keep moisture away from stored jewelry also, because dampness is a culprit that encourages verdigris, rust, pitting of plated metals, and other damaging conditions.

4) If you wear it daily or often, clean your jewelry weekly. For pieces you pull out of the jewelry box and wear only once for special occasions, clean after you’ve worn them or just before you put them back into storage.

5) To avoid scratching your antique jewelry, keep it separated from other jewelry in a jewelry pouch.

Wishing you a very happy St. Valentine's Day!

Photos from Google Images