The Long Hot Summer

First, my apologies for not writing in such a long, long time. It seems like summer is busier than the work year. For me, at least, I find myself busier than ever trying to manage my work, my New York showroom, new pieces, wonderful opportunities that are coming my way (and which I can't wait to tell you all about) and my children, both of whom seem to have more energy in the summer than during the entire year combined! At least for now, while they are 6 and 7, I have opted for keeping them at home doing crafts and activities, playing board games, riding bikes, fighting, bickering, making up, playing together some more, and just being bored from time to time.

We also just got back from two weeks of visiting my inlaws in South Haven, Michigan, a stunning beachfront town.


A century old lighthouse is still a striking site guiding the sailboats in and out of the town.

Liam and Roma on a mission for something apparently very important.

For those of you not familiar with this beautiful part of the country, it is absolutely gorgeous! The Pure Michigan campaign is really true and worth looking into. Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula is one of our favorite stops and the Grand Hotel, where one of my all time favorite movies "Somewhere in Time" was filmed, still draws visitors there.

The Grand Hotel at night. It is truly spectacular to sit on that veranda looking out into the water. During the day, guests can lounge around in resort wear but come 6 p.m., a bell tolls and everyone runs to their room to change as is required. Men are required to wear jackets and ties and ladies must dress in their finest. AJ and I had a wonderful time there when we were first dating and I felt like I was on the Titanic itself. Very old world.

Other hotels on Mackinac Island include the Inn at Stonecliffe.

And Mission Point Resort.

If you haven't yet discovered this part of the country, do yourself the favor. We are truly blessed in this country with such diverse scenery and cultures. The U.S. is definitely worth exploring from coast to coast and everywhere in between.

Of course, before leaving for two weeks of cooler weather up north, I was busy, busy, busy getting all my ducks in a row down here in New Orleans where the days are scorching and humid and the nights are, well, scorching and humid too. But I digress....

So here are some of the pieces that I managed to finish before my hiatus up north.

This gorgeous Louis XV writing desk turned out beautiful and soft in a swedish gustavian finish.

So did this rather rare 19th c. French Empire Sofa or Settee, upholstered in a rich chocolate brown velvet damask.

And one of my favorite pieces is this decadent Louis XVI Wingback Bergere in an iridescent silk taffeta.
An almost matching giltwood settee is being upholstered in the same fabric as we speak. The two would be a handsome pair in any living room.

And right before I left, I had to say goodbye to these beautiful pieces of mine.

This sweet Louis XV painted chair with silk velvet upholstery is on its way to Jakarta, Indonesia to a gorgeous home.

And this bed which I designed, had made, and finished personally, found a most fitting home right here in New Orleans' own Garden District, linens and all.

And now, back to work, to find and restore more beautiful pieces that may find their way to other remote and beautiful places in the world.

Have a beautiful weekend wherever this post finds you.