More New York International Gift Show

I was lured to alicia adams alpaca, as we were both guests in the Take Fun Seriously House. We were ships crossing in the night, so I went over to introduce myself.  We were amazed to learn about alpaca fiber, in contrast to Llama and cashmere, not to mention charmed by an effervescent Alicia!

Alpaca is one of the rarest fibers in the world, is softer than cashmere and comes in over 24 natural colors. The wool is fabricated and formed into Alicia's designs by traditional Peruvian artisans. The prices are reasonable, relative to cashmere, so naturally we were excited. 

Alicia and her family raise a herd of 200 Alpaca on their 80 acre farm. Her stylish designs executed by the indigenous people of Peru, combine quality and style, while supporting communities whose craft would be lost without the support of well traveled designers and consumers. 

While Alicia's soft designs entranced me, I embrace the opposite end of the spectrum with equal delight. 

One of a kind Uzbekistan quilts still rock my world. 

Dovecote Decor carries these traditional rag rugs HERE.  Using upholstery grade fabrics in varying color combinations, Patricia Lukas will customize your rug to blend seamlessly with your wall paper and fabric schemes. Sister Parish used them in numerous projects to achieve the understated American Country House look. They are still fresh, sensible and work in a multiple settings. 

In this Maine cotttage, Sister Parish layered bold stripes, quilt patterns and fabrics to achieve her signature of comfortable eleganceW. 

Note how the hooked rug beneath the coffee table makes the graphics pop, when layered over sisal. 

A few examples of hooked rug patterns that we use at Dovecote Decor to layer a room can be seen HERE.  We have many different patterns, so call if you are looking for something not on the website.   

John Robshaw's quilts are another fresh traditional way to punch up a traditional room. 

Annie Selke's Pine Cone Hill has a glorious selection of linens and pajamas, a leading cause of increased bedhead.  Down the aisle there were some more irresistible bed time options. 

On a more formal note, I was searching for some table top items, inspired by House Beautiful's October 2011 issue. It is hands down, my favorite dining room of the year. 

I love the soft green and lavender glassware in this stunning Pat Healing dining room. Lately, clear glass is looking tired to me, so in search of chic table setting ideas, we found some great inspiration. 

Laurent Trade and Designs had nicely scaled hand blown Italian glasses that I am longing for. 

Kiss that Frog (above) has delightfully French themed accessories. These glasses say bienvenue!

All of these glasses are on my wishlist, but our big purchase is my favorite new invention EVER!

We purchased three of these, as shown. This rolling English hamper of suede and leather from Gourmet Trotters and co. U.K. has exquisite details such as, salt and pepper grinders, French cutlery, cutting boards, linen napkins. Both the Queen and Prince Andrew own several! They are very clever in design, as the modular nature of the sections, makes it easy for loading. The lids and bases are magnetized to increase their stability while rolling across a bumpy lawn. I have sold two already, so if you must have one, give us a call. 

Dovecote Decor offers a fine selection of furniture, lighting and accessories

HERE

If you are looking for a specific item that you do not find on our website, please call us: 

336-705-1316

Thank You for visiting!!

Annie Selkie Fresh American Design Booksigning at Belle Maison

Winston Salem is so excited by Annie Selke's visit to Belle Maison next week. I remember the first time the girls and I saw her Pine Cone Hill textile line in the early 1990's at High Point. We loved the clean, vibrant colors and patterns. The comforters are truly the coziest I've ever snuggled under. They are as beautiful in our house today, as they were 10 years ago. When the weather gets cold, I'm wrapped in Pine Cone Hill.

Images ranging through Annie's design categories, help readers define their personal vision: "In Fresh American, there’s no “right” way to create your ideal living space—design ideas become flexible, fluid, and, most of all, fun. You might find that you lean mostly toward one style, but still want to incorporate elements of another. That’s what Fresh American is all about—composing spaces that are entirely you." Are you "Romantic," "Nunaced," "Happy," "Cultured," or "Exuberant?" You might be a combination. Here is how you identify the zodiac of your taste preferences, and execute your look. 

A simple way to evoke the "Happy Preppy" look, Annie explains,  is to loose the pink and green cliches associated with the era. A two tone color palette, in a mixture of graphic plaids, florals and stripes creates an harmonious, pulled together room that is fresh and...well, happy. 

First time apartment owners and renters purchasing one piece at a time, frequently choose a neutral palette, as they select functional pieces on a budget. It makes sense, as neutral goes with everything. A calm design scheme is desirable in urban settings, as a refuge from the bright lights and big city chaos. Beach houses in these hues merge seamlessly, bringing the outdoors in. Done incorrectly, neutral can telegraph indecision, or lack of effort--read rental. Done correctly with textures, shades layers and sculptural forms, it spells c-h-i-c. Annie deciphers the code for lovers of this aesthetic. 

"Cultured Eclectics" love collections, curiosities, art, one of a kind and quirky pieces. It takes confidence to pull the trigger on a great flea market find or e-bay treasure. The big question is: " How do I pull all these disparate interests together. You've got the fever, Annie's got the cure. 

Every day exuberance takes me back. I can vividly remember the first time I walked into a house and saw a shocking pink sofa. It was my boyfriend's house, and his Mother was remarkably pleased. Incorporating graphic wall papers, and florals while celebrating modern design is how this style is achieved. 

If you are a Refined Romantic, you may be a Taurus, lover of home and hearth. Refined Romantics treasure craftsmanship and provenance. Lose the lace and the frills, and look for objects with history, and shine. Bring in fresh flowers from the garden and add floral accents with pillows, wall papers and fabrics. 

Come See Annie Selke at 

Belle Maison in

Historic Reynolda Village

Visit Her Website

And....

Don't forget to make 

Your Shopping List For Market!