Inspiration often comes from observation. In this case, it came from a lookout tower in Blue Mound State Park, the highest point in southern Wisconsin. The tower provides sweeping views of softly rolling hills and tight ravines, windswept crops and grasses, and colors that change with the...
To achieve this she painted the walls Navajo White, opted for plantation shutters instead of curtains, installed recessed lighting where that brass chandelier used to be, and put down simple oatmeal-colored sisal rugs throughout. Where mahogany might have gone, she used glass and Lucite....
As a host, I’m fussy by nature. I love me some punishing party prep—stooping to vacuum hidden corners, fingers cramping as I mince fresh thyme for savory treats. I suppose I like guests to feel special. It also means that when life gets busy, I’m apt to quit hosting altogether. Waaay too much...
Fortunately for me and definitely fortunately for you, Deidre apparently isn’t easily creeped out by approaches from random internet strangers like myself, and graciously accepted my earnest insistence. Of course, I should’ve guessed she’s a designer by trade. Much more of her...