Two Reads...

As I was running around my house this morning, doing some last minute packing for Northern Michigan, a story came on the Today Show that left my intriqued, to say the least. The "mystery heiress" is a puzzle that left me only wanting more. With a tale of love, money and amazing estates scattered across the country, I am sure we will all be in for a juicey tale of scandal.  The "more" will apparently air on MSNBC sometime in August. Now, if that isn't a teaser I don't know what is. Check out this link and prepare to set your DVRs!

This morning's story also reminded me of an article I read this past week that was sent to me by my friend, Avery (Thanks, Avery!).  Read about the amazingly delapidated, yet vibrant Hudson Valley estate in this New York Times article.

Enjoy your weekend!

It's a Small, Authentic (and Expensive!) World

Photo for NYT by Justin Mott 

This morning during my routine dose of world news a certian article caught my eye. The New York Times Home and Garden feature had a particularly interesting title, "Trophy Hunter's With Their Eyes on Interiors". Click. The next 15 minutes I oogled over the telltale stories of designers who go to the ends of the earth, on an out of this world budget, to make sure their client's homes are unique in every sense of the word. Flying to India to pick up the specific, "just right" glaze? Sure. Nicaragua to select the perfect terracotta tiles? Why not. 

It seems as though, when money is no object, one can find the means to own almost whatever their home desires. I guess this is nothing new in how the world works. Not even political unrest can keep these globetrotting, adventure seeking designers tamed. I do envy their spirit in the thrill of the hunt, but can't help to ask myself when has this world become so small that we are depleting cultures of the indigenous items that make us all unique? Don't get me wrong, I love when an object's history tells a story and it is this lifecycle that provides the narrative we all desire. I am sure these ancient artifacts are going to magnificent, stately homes, I just hope that when the next design trend comes along they aren't all packed up and stored away in some Long Island storage unit only to be forgotten about once again.

Read the article here.

Cheap Chic

Ann sent me this really fun New York Times article this morning.  Being a newly engaged couple I find Scott and I have the same feelings stated by the Wootens in the article.  Scavenging our families basements while trying to gain an independant style can be a conflicting method.  While we are so grateful for the hand me downs we have recieved, there is also the desire to create fresh approach using the timeless furnishings. Wanting to invest in pieces for the long run while not spending tons of money can also solicit a fair amount of problems.

Using $4,500 I would say that this couple has created a refined and youthful look.  Not leaning too far in the direction (and worry) of looking like a parent's place, but also veering away from the college panache, this apartment is bright, cheery and sophisticated.  I think every young couple wants their abode to feel just that... young and stylish.  The majority of adults from my generation are still trying to find a style to define the space in which they are going to play out their life.

Images Via Dona Alberico for the New York Times

I find that the appropriate title for this style can be a "collected interior".  I mean, that's kind of what we are all doing.  We are collecting items that will give our homes an established feeling that is custom tailored to our interests and flair. For those who know me, they know that I have always been a collector.  I like items that have a story.  I like to look at a piece and be reminded of a memory, or a place, or the person I was with. This may be easier said than done, but don't get caught up in the rules.  If you love something it can work.  The interiors with the most spunk have an element of the unexpected.  The things in my home that I get the most compliments may not have a high monetary value, but are items that piqued my interest in some form or another.  Some of my favorite belongings have come from flea markets, garage sales or auction houses.  These are the things that give my house character.  

I did enjoy seeing how a small investment made such a change in the atmosphere of this apartment. While the couple had some good bones to work with, they also were able to insert their own personal finesse with some resonably priced items.

Check out this cool interactive tool.