Dear Friends and Relatives,

I have a confession to make.  A selfish and materialistic confession to make.  I can’t stop checking my Bed Bath and Beyond Registry!

Every time I sit down at the computer my fingers impulsively type in the web address.  I just can’t stop myself.  I’d liken the addiction to huffing.  You get a quick instantaneous gratifying high, plus its easy to do.

I suppose there are a few reasons behind my registry checking affliction. For starters, checking to see what Josh and I are receiving is a guilty pleasure we can enjoy together.  It’s like making your sibling peak in the closet where mom hides the Christmas presents with you.  Shared guilt has a lessened intensity.

Checking is also the realization of a dream.  After attending countless showers my entire life it is finally my turn.  I’ve been telling Josh for about two years now, ” We need to get married just so we can get a new pot/pan/sheet/corn butter boy.”  That time has come, and it feels better than I thought it would.  I’ve got to admit I am humbled by how many wonderful items have been purchased.  I feel extremely loved and I am beyond grateful that God has blessed me with the most fabulous friends and family on the face of this earth.

Much love,

Dear Morocco,

You are a mixed bag my friend.  Due to your geographical location I’ve read that your culture is a mix of African, Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Spanish, Portuguese, and French influences. Each of these influences brought their own influences from China, India, and points south and east, to you.

Question: What does all this cultural blending equal?

Answer: Stunning tiles.

I’ve read that moroccan tiles are created in patterns that are indicative of Islamic Art.  A brief history on Islamic art: it differs from the very  human/naturecentered European art.  Islamic art is historically about bringing out the beauty in the everyday world.  You shouldn’t imitate nature or man, God makes those, but you can make one amazing water foundation.

I guess to over simply the issue, all over Europe Christians painted cherubs and people on their sistine chapel and sculpted other saintly individuals from the Bible. This is a very literal interpretations.  Islamic people in Morocco honored God by creating geometric patterns inspired by stories in the Koran.  Both are truly Divine Design (sorry I borrowed your phrase Candice Olson).

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the stunning patterns in Moroccan tiles. They can be used in almost any contemporary American design.

(images from Design Tegels)

Happy Decorating!

Dear Italy,

Congratulations, you are the first county I will honor in my new section, International Interior Inspiration.  I will sporadically honor the greatest lasting contributions of nations around the world to contemporary American interior design.  It’s daunting to narrow down an entire nation’s contributions to just one element, but I lack humility and  thus dub myself worthy of the challenge.

I begin with you, Italy, because you are the mother land.  Well, two generations removed on my mother’s side, but still, you inspire me.  I believe your greatest enduring design element is Murano glass.  With its origins in the 9th century, these breathtaking pieces can be utilized in any style room today.  Murano is a short boat ride from Venice, and from this bustling sea port town gorgeous glass has been blown and spun into anything from jewelry to vases to chandeliers.  One classy piece of Murano can really add high impact style to any room.

Here is a room by designer Katie Ridder, which features a stunning red Murano glass chandelier.

If anyone wants to buy me this Murano glass penguin for  £170.00 I’d be much obliged.

Ciao,

Dear People with Opinions,

I have a question for you today.  Wood paneling.  Most of the time just the mention of wood paneling gets my gag reflex going, but I have been giving serious though to how rich, elegant, and cozy wood paneling might be.

Wood you please give me your opinion?

Imagine a nice mirror or flat screen TV over the mantle, not that weird lattice contraption.

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Thanks for letting me know what you think.

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it’s all right
~Beetles

Dear Fellow Sun Worshippers,

After three days of working outside in the rain I could think of no more glorious sight to see when I opened my curtains than a bright sunny day!  Light and warmth are some of the greatest gifts mother nature can provide.  That is why I have added sun-room to the list of qualities my dream home must have.

Although mine won’t be furnished with wicker.

Have a sunny day!

dear e.e.cummings,

i hope that you don’t mind that i mangled your quote.  i only changed one word-autumn-and i feel it suits my mood perfectly:

A wind has blown the rain away and blown the sky away and all the leaves away, and the trees stand. I think, I too, have known camp too long.

as you sit snug in your office say a little prayer for the counselors and campers of camp jotoni

love

Dear TV,

Aren’t you a little lonely?  Sure, you have your pal the VCR and that little tramp video game always around to keep you company. But do they really enhance your life?  Do they make you look good? Yeah, yeah, you lost weight.  You’re a flat screen.  But you still just sit there in the living room.

I have just the solution for you TV. Someone you’ve got to meet: good ol’ Shelving.  Shelving will bring out your inner beauty.  You may even become a stunning focal point in a room.  She will keep all those pals in line and store them with grace.  Shelving (she also goes by the nickname Storage) will be a helpful addition to your life.

You two are perfect together!