A VISIT WITH MY INSPIRATION

The day before I was to head back home I made plans to attend 100% Design; but for reasons beyond my control I was not able to go. Gutted was I. So what did I do, gathered up a few friends and tubed it over to Kelly Hoppen's store and studio in Notting Hill. What a way to end my 10-week visit in London. Was I hoping to run into her....sure I was. After all, she's my favorite interior designer. Wouldn't you know it, by the time we got there, we missed her by five stinkin' minutes. 

We were granted a tour of her studio, which was what I imagined: a typical interior designer's studio filled with product books, product samples, sample boards, drawings and stuff. It was great to visit behind the scenes. We received samples of the Kelly Hoppen wallpaper collection, which is nothing but elegant, bold and suave. 

What did I take away from this visit besides my autographed book and a big goofy grin: INSPIRATION

Cheers

Marilyn

Hi my lovelies. It's Monday, I'm back in the states and seriously suffering from a chronic case of travel fatigue. I'll be back on the blogging block soon with lots of goodies to share..

 Happy Monday!!!!!

Orlando, FL.....I'm comin' Home!!!!

Well, like the old English proverb "All good things must come to an end" so has my time here in London. I return to the states in a few days. And, although I am anxious to get home, see my family and play with my dogs, I'm also a bit sad to leave. I had an amazing time here; saw great things, visited amazing historical places, filled my head with good, useful information, filled my belly with good eats, visited a few pubs and, best of all, made and connected with new friends.

WHAT A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE!!! 

I would love to show you all the places I visited, but there are so many pictures.
For now, here are two places I visited:

Buckingham Palace 

I know, bad shot of the Palace, but there were sooooooo many people out here waiting for the Guards

Watched Changing of the Guards. It was nice to see at least once

The back side of Buckingham Palace. We toured the state rooms. Most of the interior design completed by John Nash. I would show you pics but they were strictly forbidden. I must say it was something to see. The interiors are spectacular. 

Me and my blogger, interior designer buddy, Marcey.

I found these really cool pillows in the book shop. Love the colors.

CHISWICK HOUSE

Built and designed by Lord Burlington and William Kent. Another great English country house, which, BTW, was built to showcase Lord Burlington's fine art collection. Nope, no pictures of the interior allowed. 

Chiswick house gardens

Stay tuned for there's plenty more I'm going to share with you.......

For now, enjoy....

Marilyn

The Beauty of Eltham Palace

I can't recall the last time I was completely capitivated by beauty. The grounds at Eltham Palace is breathtaking, serene. As I approached the palace peeking from behind the trees and being greeted by this inviting moat, I couldn't wait to see more. I know, an oxymoron. Moats are usually scary, no. But there was nothing scary here. Although we were experiencing the typical English weather, it didn't matter. Nothing got in the way of my enjoyment of this magnificence.  

A brief history: Eltham Palace is one of the last medieval palace standing. It was acquired by Edward II in 1305 who passed it on to Queen Isabella. Edward IV made several changes includung addition of the great hall in 1470s. The house remained unattended and was even used as a farm for a long time until the 1930s when it morphed into a private residence by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. 

Photo courtesy of English Heritage

I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside but I will tell you, the interiors are stunning and was technologically advanced for its day. With its native and exotic woods and art deco-inspired interior design, this house is equipped with a central vacuum system, internal and external telephone systems and  wired for sound throughout the first floor. The dining room is one of my favorites. 

All photos (with exception of interiors) by MGR

As I wondered the grounds, I found more surprises, more wonders and more inspirational views. The sunken rose garden (smell tickled my nose and colors captured my attention), rock garden and triangular garden together create a magnificent picturesque scene. This is indeed a beautiful place.  

Hope you enjoyed Eltham Palace through my eyes

Marilyn

Color your Books

Got loads of books...grab some colored wrapping paper and cover them. Go for the rainbow, monochromatic, complimentary or the primary color scheme. Or, simply choose one color and create your own dramatic display. 

Photo courtesy of Photobucket

Image by MGR

I saw this display while touring the Design Museum, which immediately grabbed my attention. What's more inspirational than a colorful display of books. This piece was designed by Young Creative Network of the YCN Library, UK. 

Image by MGR

Love it!


Happy Friday

My Trip to Bath with a brief stop at Stonehenge

Finally a little break away from art, architecture and interior design history. 

First stop, Stonehenge. Other than a friend telling me that Stonehenge is a bunch of rocks, knowing it's one of the great wonders of the world and seeing pictures of the rock configuration in books and on the Internet, I had no great expectations. Was I amped up, not really; probably because the trip started at 7:30 am and I was a bit pooped. Even our tour guide, who graciously gave us a brief history on Stonehenge, didn't do it for me. 

But (big but), my feelings changed once I was in the vicinity. Besides the luscious greenery surrounding this mysterious placement of giant stones and the frigid temperature, it was really a wonder. The first set of stones were placed some 3500 years ago. Have a look at the history of Stonehenge. 

Let's go to Bath........sit and enjoy the hour plus bus ride

The lovely countryside was a good interruption from the everyday hustle and bustle of London and the  tube. I enjoyed the calm scenery. 

I've seen moose crossing and deer crossing but tank crossing, this was a first

Houses quietly perched on top of a hill

At least they have transportation.....

And, finally Bath. There's lots to see here: Pulteney Bridge designed by Robert Adam, the Royal Crescent built between 1767 and 1775, The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. These were on my list of top things to see while in Bath and of course, squeeze in a bit of shopping. Didn't quite work out that way.....

Entering the Roman Baths. Love the classical architecture......

The grandiose interior was captivating with grotesque stucco decorated apse and dome. 

.....marbled corinthian columns

And the famous Roman Bath house that was once apart of everyday Roman life. It was a place for entertainment, cleansing and, above all, its healing power. 

There's entertainment from gold people

And silver ones too

Bath Abbey

Bath is a very quaint romantic town with picturesque landscapes and views 

 You can always find some quiet time in the park

I really enjoyed my visit to Bath. The weather rocked, atmosphere was stunning and the scene, well marvelous. What else can a girl ask for........I'm enjoying life :)

However, my time here was too short. If you're ever on this side of the world, pay a visit to Bath. 

Marilyn