loving all of the grande french CHANDELIERS

I saw  s o o o  many gorgeous chandeliers touring the Chateau on my trip to France, I am sharing a few with you today.

Versailles Hall of Mirrors or Grande Gallerie – 18 in total replicas of the originals from the 1700s.

Versailles.

When you have a house of mirrors with ceilings this high, you need many gigantic chandeliers to fill the volume of space.

The chandeliers you would choose, if you were Marie Antoinette decorating her boudoir.

Closer view of the Queen’s Apartment chandelier.

Another brilliant chandelier, Chateau de Beauregarde.

Vaux le Vicomte, built pre Versailles.

Vaux le Vicomte

All photos Sue Womersley

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Tags: chandeliers, Chateau de Beauregard, french chandeliers, Marie Antoinette chandeliers, Vaux le Vicomte, Versailles chandeliers

happy chinese NEW YEAR – 8 room tribute

Chinese New Year celebration begins on January 23rd – which is the night of the New Moon.  The Chinese calendar is Lunar based as opposed to the Solar calendar we use in the West.  Gung Hay Fat Choy as we welcome the year of the Water Dragon. They have some wonderful traditions during the two weeks leading up to New Years.  You can read more about these traditions, Feng Shui and Chinese astrology - on my teacher’s website, Feng Shui Master Marlyna Los FengShuiConsulting.info.

Let’s get to the 8 beautiful rooms containing an element of Chinese decor in the mix…

The Chinese black panels and black laquered coffee table are 5* pieces in this elegant room.

The pair of gorgeous black cabinets are the focal point at the back of the room and really elevate the feel of this space.

The unique red arch is prominently displayed above the mantle, with additional Chinese influence in this room from the sculptures and cushions.

Just LOVE this Thomas O’Brien room…

Vibrant and fun, the Chinoiserie fabric on the blinds was the jumping off point for everything in this room by Amanda Nisbet.

What an intriguing mix!  Don’t you just want to meet the people who live here and find out about their travels?  Great accessories on the table and the garden stool.

This room is rich and layered with the mix of the Chinese cabinet, screen and coffee table with the other antiques.  Variety makes this room so interesting and it is all brought together with the colour palette of Chinese red with the black and cream.

How about that gorgeous wallpaper!!

RELATED POSTS you may  also enjoy…

Chinoiserie

EXOTIC inspired rooms (not THEME rooms)

love Chiang Mai Dragon fabric in the post STATEMENT fabric

My name is Sue Womersley and I am an Interior Decorator in Vancouver BC, Canada.

photo credit

1,8 Traditional Home, 2,3 Living Etc, 4,5 Veranda, 6,7 Traditional Home

Tags: Chinese elements in decor, Chinese New Year, Marlyna Los Feng Shui Master, Water Dragon

INSPIRATIONS for 2012

Today I am celebrating my 101st post, and instead of my musings I thought I would share with you other peoples posts I found inspirational and that have stayed in my mind.  For New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection and new beginnings.  CHEERS!!!

I love this HOLSTEE manifesto – click on it to buy the poster.

Susannah Conway has a lovely inspirational 2012 Workbook giveaway that I love (above) – she writes a beautiful blog, teaches online courses (I enjoyed her “photo meditations” course and am about to start “unravelling”) and has just written a book.  Click on the photo above.

That is Lesley Carter above, hanging off a bridge in a bungee cord.  She is an East Coast Canadian who just uprooted and  moved to California with her husband.  She wrote a BUCKET LIST for the year – which I think is a brilliant way to look at the future – why not a yearly bucket list instead of one for life?  She shares her many adventures on her blog – including impending motherhood.  Click on her photo to see the list.  (and although I don’t know her, I believe she will do it!).  What is on your LIST?

Dominique Browning has a blog, and the most memorable post for me is “Go Where the Love Is”  – simple enough – but powerful – are you going where the love is?  Click on the peonies (above) for the post, and that is the cover of her book that I liked.

Other Blogs I find thought provoking … that you may also enjoy…

BRAiN PiCKINGS 

WHiTE HOT TRUTH

RE PSYCH

BRANDiGiRL BLOG (and link to Freshly Hued while you are there)

FENG SHUi - 

If you never have seen TED talks (spreading ideas in 18 minutes or less), I warn you that you will be hooked – it was hard to pick favorites, but here is a good place to start, in no particular order…

neuroscientist Ramanchandran – mirror neurons, civilization and how we are all connected

brain scientist Jill Bolte Taylor – stroke of insight

life coach Tony Robbins – why we do what we do his seminars are usually 3 days, TEDs are 20 minutes:) action packed!

author Elizabeth Gilbert – nurturing creativity wrote Eat, Pray, Love

author Malcolm Gladwell – spaghetti sauce wrote Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers 

author Seth Godin – marketing (3 to choose from) branding and marketing wonder

and one of my favorite sunset photos of MacKenzie Beach, Tofino BC.  All my best wishes to you for 2012!

Tags: blogging, bucket lists, goal setting, inspiration, mantra, New Year

FESTIVAL of lights – vandusen gardens

A continuation of our stay – cation in Vancouver  (from yesterday) was a long overdue visit the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens.  Today, I am sharing some pretty photos with you – which does not do justice to the experience of being there… a cold, crisp (and luckily dry) evening with music, hot chocolate and families having fun.  We arrived at dusk and this is the entrance of the brand new visitor center.  More photos of the visitor center at the end of this post.

These “flowers” are actually recycled water bottles – as mentioned in the post Joy In A Winter Garden.

These “flowers” are clusters of the original “old style” bulbs which give the nice filament glow and the petals are from shaped from stucco mesh.

We had a lovely dinner at the on site restaurant Shaunessy, which has a view over the gardens and gets a fantastic glow inside from all of those lights.  (Must make reservations this time of year)

The beautiful, newly completed Visitor’s Center…  I took these photos a couple of weeks ago on a much quieter day.

That is the new location of the gift shop on the left, which has a great selection and somewhere I have made many purchases.

This was my 100th post, which is hard to believe.  When I started,  I never ever thought this far ahead!  Thanks for reading:) I appreciate your time with me.

All photos sue womersley.

Tags: Festival of Lights, shaunessy, Vandusen Garden, winter garden

HOLIDAY good times

Feeling the need to do something festive, I booked a night at the Granville Island Hotel, made a reservation at the Shaunessy restaurant and headed into Vancouver from the burbs.  A little stay – cation…  a little calm and local adventure after a busy time.

A pretty little boutique hotel, right on the dock.  Sad to admit, I have not been here since my college class graduation/dinner (party).

Newly renovated, no two rooms are alike.

View towards the water.

Lobby.

View from our balcony.

A walkabout Granville Island.

Roasted chestnuts – not for me, but my dad use to like them.  Granville Street Bridge in the background.

The famous Granville Island Public Market – farmers, artisans, vendors and cafes

The Net Loft is home to many stores worth a visit… I often buy gifts here.

Railspur Studios is a little laneway that is tucked away… worth finding these little Artisan Studios for something handcrafted and unique.

Biggest log reindeer EVER.

Native totem pole carving can be viewed here.

True to Granville Island’s industrial roots, Ocean Cement is the oldest business, having resided for 90 years. More on the Granville Island here.

Our trip would not be complete without our trusty hounds, mini - dachshunds Chester & Cashmere, who love a roadtrip and a stay in a hotel.

I love the Christmas lights on the sailboats… view from our balcony at night.

PART 2 tomorrow… this post became very long!

Photos Sue Womersley

Tags: Granville Island, Granville Island Hotel, Granville Island Public Market, Net Loft, Railspur Studios

peaceful COURANCES france

PEACE & BEAUTY – my wish for you.

I am grateful for a two week trip of a lifetime to France in May – and one of the destinations en route from Paris to the Loire Valley was Courances, a garden of Peace and Beauty, so I am sharing it with you today as my gift to you.

Five centuries of garden history.  The layout is typical of a Renaissance Water Garden and Courances is the finest remaining example of this style of water garden in all of France.

This is the Allee d’Honneur, bordered by a pair of canals and a single and double line (above) of plane trees that were planted in 1783.

The Chateau was built in 1628, and as recently as 2010 a sympathetic restoration by the de Ganay family, that removed later embellishments in hopes of recapturing the simplicity of the original building.

Courances is 150 acres and had 14 springs that feed the 17 ponds.

Salle d’eau.  Love the reflected cloud, why the pools are called Miroirs.

There is an intentional auditory dimension.  The sound of water from  these antique fountains that are thoughout the property as example.  Springs, streams … gentle sounds are soothing.

A moat…

Notice more of the fountains – beauty, function and auditory.

The sightlines and axis of the layout are important features and designs of the garden.

The garden is restrained and elegant, and part of the beauty is in the simplicity.

The Grande Canal is 600m long and the second one to be built in France, pre – dating the one built at Fontainbleau.

The Nappes has three levels of water, demonstrating the 16th century mastery of hydraulics.  At Courances, there are no pumps or motors used to move water, the flow is enabled exclusively by subtle manipulation of water levels.

Many quiet places to pause.

View from the rear of the property to the Chateau.  This pool is the Rond de Moingny.  (more lovely reflecting).

This was the oldest tree on the property, tucked away from view.

Reverse view of Les Nappes.

The Miroir is a full two acres of water, reflects the Chateau and is the only 18th century feature.  Courances was one of the first to install a reflecting pool, which was copied by Fontainbleau and Versailles.

The Chateau is privately owned and is the home to three generations of the de Ganay family, whose ancestors owned the property at the end of the 19th century.  We had the great fortune to have a private tour by Valentine de Ganay, who wrote a beautiful book on Courances.

the Nymph Arethuse by sculptor Claude Poirier (1656 – 1729).  This is a copy of the original that has resided in the Louvre since 2005.

After the last World War, the parks general outlines were simplified – fewer alleys, more green space for strolling, trees no longer trimmed geometrically and is called an evolution of design and taste over five centuries (married to the practicalities of maintenance).

Happy Christmas and Merry Holidays to you and your family!  Thank you for reading.

All photos Sue Womersley.

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Tags: Courances, France, French Garden, garden, photo Sue Womersley, Sue Womersley

a little HOLIDAY retail therapy

I wanted to share some of the displays I enjoyed during two separate shopping trips in Vancouver, one in Kerrisdale and one in South Granville.  Retail is a tough gig – I worked many years in retail display and owned a home accessory boutique for a few years – it is a passion and requires dedication and constant creativity… I appreciate what efforts retailers go to and here are some inspired ideas…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simple red gerbs, red roses, eucalyptus, hydrangea, pinecones and greens.  Thomas Hobbs

 

White khalanchoe branches and pinecones – simple and inexpensive.

Retro fun window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Holiday decorating, holiday retail, retail display

trio of pretty WREATHS

I love the organic and natural feel of this wreath – the way the longer branches are different directions and lengths and the flowers with the pomegranates – first time I have seen a pomegranate in a wreath.

White apples and pears with pinecones and seed pods is interesting and textural.

While roses and pinecones together is not unique, I like how this has been assembled with the roses in trios surrounded by bunches of pinecones and the little white branches finish it for me.

Inspires me to want to make a wreath!!!

Tags: christmas decor, Holiday decorating ideas, Wreaths

squirrel SMORGASBORD

My original thought was to write about the selection of bulbs I planted.  It is my first year tending my new (to me) garden, and while there are some well established shrubs, there was not one bulb in the spring.  Bulbs are not for those seeking instant gratification – the funny little brown nuggets that hopefully turn into flowers a few months from now.

How I choose colour, height and texture in this spring and round two planting this fall for next spring… except the little brown gems that you plant in hope of beautiful blooms in Spring -  ended up as squirrel food…

BUSTED – the culprit above, and he had accomplices.  Here is what my hungry squirrels ate over the last 8 weeks – my only hope is there are a few left that they did not find…

Blue Pearl Snow Crocus

Mount Hood Daff

Valerie Finnis muscari (had not seen this pretty pale blue before)

White muscari (sorry, don’t remember the name) - I love the little grape hyacinth.

White parrot tulips (Parrot tulips are my favorite tulip – any colour!)

Thalia narcissus.

  Snow drops!!  My Mum loves these, as do I – one of the first brave souls to peek out after winter.

Blue Suede Shoes is the name of this mix of grape hyacinth – what a great name.

Chic viridflora tulips – loved these in my last garden.

I will have to wait til spring to find out if there are any left… hmmm maybe that is why this garden did not have spring flower????

Tags: bulbs, Fall, squirrel smorgasbord

make an ENTRANCE in your home

While writing about EXOTIC INSPIRED rooms, I mentioned entrance halls as an opportunity to have some fun with bolder choices.  Often neglected, even the smallest space can accomodate a small table or even a shelf.   Here are 9 of my favorites to inspire you in your entrance way…

A grand entrance – 5 star items in this mix – gorgeous gilt mirror, inlaid antique table, artwork and branches… enough breathing space around each item that they are not all competing for your attention

The elegance of an antique chair paired with the rustic tree table that actually compliment each other in similar colour family – and a zebra rug for a little shot of wild.

This pink is bold – and for an entrance why not?  You may not want to look at this much vibrancy in your family room – but so fun and energic for a welcoming entrance.  The white wainscotting keeps the pink from being overwhelming – and again a beautiful chair, console and accessories.  Note the repetition of the black on the stairs in the chair fabric and on the wall sconces.

Another pretty chair in a fun fabric, an intricate dresser is perfect for extra storage and WOW love that gorgeous mirror.

Not all of us are blessed with this much space to work with – but an additional chair and a very large table are needed here to fill this volume of space.  Large scale accessories are also needed.  This is an interesting mix – the antiques, with the chrome table (Ikea had one similar) and how about the large foot under the table – a conversation starter!

This is a perfect arrangement for a narrow space – a slim console, a lucite bench and the pair of lamps are great – some height and light – also adds symmetry.  Fun leopard rug.

This home is blessed with a lovely niche and has been taken full advantage of by the arrangement of furniture and accessories to fill it perfectly…. simple but a nice spot to have by the front door.

So you only have room for 1 chair – does this inspire you to add some drama?  The dark navy/indigo wall contrasting the the white chair and sculptural chandelier really shows off the shape and accentuates it.

Space not wide enough for a chair?  One antique shelf and stool plus some artwork – bet you can fit that in the smallest entrance.  I hope you are inspired!

Photos 1,7,8,9 Traditional Home, 2,3,4,5 House Beautiful, 6 Style at Home

My name is Sue Womersley and I love decorating.  I am and Interior Decorator in Vancouver BC.

 

Tags: decorating, entrance hall, entrance halls, entryway, fun fabric, gorgeous mirror, scale accessories, Sue Womersley, wainscotting, zebra rug

frames + calendars + measuring tape = gallery wall

travel and map prints on beautiful Italian paper + William Morris prints + big box frames

+  a Sunday afternoon

 All of these pictures have personal meaning to me – the maps of places I have travelled to, the Van Gogh postcard of the painting he did of a field in Auvers that I visited.  The William Morris prints from a calendar that was a gift from my Mum as she knew of my appreciation of his work and that I had visited the home the Morris family had lived in that year (I have saved it for a very long time).  Sentiment is not always expensive, neither was this gallery wall.

I like gallery walls, and this is a very small one in my office.  I like these pictures together, the colours are all fairly muted with the exception of the Van Gogh, and the collection of maps, the collection of  pattern that is similar scale all play nicely together in matching frames.  Certainly gallery collections do not have to be as coordinated as mine .

I have to be honest – I hang alot of pictures and have done for many years and it is pretty finicky to get the pictures all lined up and straight, but worth the effort.

 Two helpful hanging hints

* plan the layout ahead of putting nails in

* use 2″ painters tape to help with spacing and lining the pictures up

All photos Sue Womersley.  I am an Interior Decorator in Vancouver BC and I love decorating.

Tags: Gallery Wall, picture hanging

STING rocked the QUEEN E

I was very excited last night to see Sting when he was in Vancouver.

I was lucky enough to see the Police reunion tour in 2007.  I was in Grade 8 when Every Breath you take was the top song… amazing how music can transport you back in time. (and I just dated myself!)

Sting just celebrated his 60th birthday recently and put on a fantastic show.

This is the lobby of the Queen Elizabeth theatre.

Officially opened in July 1959, attended by Queen Elizabeth herself.  The theatre is an intimate venue holding 2,700 guests.

View from the second floor outside balcony of the Queen Elizabeth theatre overlooking the Christmas Craft Market and carousel.

We went home by the light of the moon – there was a lunar eclipse at 6 am (apparently – I did not see it – not a morning girl!)

 

Tags: queen elizabeth theatre, sting

seeing STARS – holiday decorating

I have always liked stars and you will find them sprinkled in with my ornaments and decor.

How great is the wall of dimensional stars?  Simple and striking – what more do you need?  Especially with an Eames chair…

FUN!  A trio of different stars in a cluster with a happy face jingle bell – love it

While I have included this with holiday decor because there are some added ribbons and glass baubles, the fabulous collection of stars, hearts, crowns and angels should be enjoyed year round. A great inspiration for how to enjoy your keepsakes.

photos UK home

My name is Sue Womersley and I love decorating.  I am an Interior Decorator located in Vancouver BC.

Tags: christmas decor, Holiday Decor, Seasonal Decorating, stars

4 favorite FESTIVE dining rooms

What is not to love about all four of these dining rooms?  They are all individually gorgeous before the decorations are even added…

What a fantastic example of how sharp black can look.  From the painted furniture, lightshades, and carpet to the addition of gold in the mirror and wallpaper – casually elegant.  Adding the seasonal decor of the black tree, with gold ornaments and striped table runner and even black wine glasses.  I mention it frequently – repetition and strict colour palette – this is a perfect example.

A bit of modern glamour here – the Ghost chair, the trio of chandeliers and the art deco mirror all against the backdrop of the silvery wallpaper – understated elegance.  The holiday decor is subtle – a pair of stag head candle holders (tho those could be left out year round, depending on your look),  some glass ornaments and the simple white stars on each chair.

A little bit country with the french style chairs and the branch wallpaper — and in keeping with the pretty decor the pinecones, grapevine wreaths, simple evergreens on the mantle and the handmade stars and hearts hanging from the light fixture enhance the feel of the room.

I love a good juxtaposition – as the modern chair paired with a harvest table with turned legs.  Keeping with the more modern feel of this dining room, replacing the crystals on the light fixure with glass ornaments and ribbon suits this room perfectly.  How fun are those dog figurines at each place setting?

All photos UK HOME.

My name is Sue Womersley and I love decorating.  I am an Interior Decorator in Vancouver BC.

Tags: dining room, holiday decor. Christmas decor, seasonal decor

best TREEHOUSE ever

Had to share…

Tags: tree house