October 30th, 2011
Because of the upcoming launch of my brand-new online store, I’ve been neglecting my blog a bit. But not to worry – the shop is almost here, and I’ll be back with so much to share. But I had to pop in to thank Erin of House of Turquoise for her featuring one of my custom homes in my signature neighborhood, Maeve’s Way.
Thank you, Erin, and all your wonderful community for your sweet words. To read the entire post, and to spend some time browsing Erin’s other finds on House of Turquoise, click here!
Posted in Custom Homes, Home Decor, Home Design Studio, Maeve's Way | No Comments »
June 23rd, 2011
This has been a rainy spring – slow to start, gardens and lawns blurry visions through wet windows. Last week we finally had a wonderful string of crisp and sunny days, and I drove past one of my favorite summer sights – a clothesline pinned with sheets snapping in the breeze. So many colors and patterns filtered with light, all those fresh-washed linens billowing like sails. And I thought, I’m going to have a sale.
My seasonal collection of bedding and decorative pillows features all the best trends (lattice prints, French knots, crisp greens and warm corals) and timeless details (the finest materials and most exquisite comforts). And best of all? Now through July 4, 2011, all bedding and decorative pillows are 15% off at the Nicola’s Home design center and retail boutique in Portland, Maine’s Old Port. This even includes my spring and summer lines for Garnet Hill!
So stock up your linen closet. Prepare for house guests, open your cottage or camp, or just tuck yourself into a brand-new bed with summer-ready sheets, duvet covers, quilts, blankets, throws, bolsters, accent pillows and more. Visit us at 215 Commercial Street this holiday weekend and let our design team help you make up your perfect bed!
Posted in Home Decor, Nicola's Home Boutique, Promotions, Shopping | 2 Comments »
June 9th, 2011
Quilts—vintage and modern—were one of my very first design obsessions, and my love affair with all things pieced continues today. My ever-growing collection of vintage quilts is a treasure trove of inspiration, and one I dug into when I created my popular Picnic Quilt for Garnet Hill. The blend of sunwashed seersucker and ticking stripes is impossibly soft, with just the right amount of weight for a Maine spring, summer or fall. And the hand-tacking with golden thread? Like pollen dancing in drowsy, late-afternoon sun. I just can’t get enough.
And so I took a few of the quilts we had on the floor at my Nicola’s Home boutique and design center, and created a year-round indoor picnic by using the quilts as upholstery fabric for a handsome, inviting sofa and chair set that you’ll want to snuggle into year-round. I gave the quilts to the master craftsmen at CR Laine, who create bespoke furnishings of exceptional quality. Bench crafted, hand tailored and just … beautiful. I kept checking in on their progress, and they always indulged me with photos!
(Looks like fun, doesn’t it? Remember, the Nicola Home Design Center can custom-create upholstered furnishings for anyone, using found fabrics as inspiration, or as actual upholstery materials. Cutting into vintage fabrics can seem like a sacrilege, but quilts in particular were made to be used as much as admired. When time has not been kind to the entire quilt, playful projects like these can give them new life. If you’re holding on to a treasured quilt, curtain or embroidery, bring it to our design experts to explore the possibilities.)
Finally, the finished Picnic Quilt set arrived. Come visit the store to see them in person, or email our design consultants for more detailed measurements and photos! I think they would be inspired accents in a little girl’s room or a sweet baby’s nursery – this styling will grow with your little ones, as the color palette is quite sophisticated. The Picnic Quilt sofa and chair would also be quite at home in a cottage-inspired living or guest room, and would add a splash of summer to any cozy corner in your home.
Like all my pieces, this set was designed and built to be a new family heirloom … and quilts, like anything homestead, is very on-trend for fall 2011. An indoor picnic, all year round—thanks to my Nicola Home Picnic Quilt from Garnet Hill!
Posted in Garnet Hill, Home Decor, How To, Nicola's Home Boutique, Tips | 1 Comment »
