Jessie Davidson Interiors

Thicket by Jessie Davidson Interiors

Archive by Year: 2014

Archive by Month: 3

Around The House

Murals Add Depth & Interest

Designers have been using murals for decades to spark interest and add illusion in dining rooms, grand entrance halls, even powder rooms. Familiar companies who have been creating hand painted papers for murals are Graciede Gournay, and Zuber to mention just a few. Gracie, founded in 1898 by Charles R. Gracie, remains today a family run business, an example of their craft is above. And, de Gournay makes fabulous artisan-created papers as well as elegant porcelain, custom furniture, and mirrors that are truly custom works of art. Enjoy this video segment from Zuber et Cie, it will give you an idea of how labor intensive creating these murals can be! 

I love watching the addition of pigment to a medium.  It’s a bit like cooking!

We recently approached a client’s entrance and stair hall with the idea of installing a wallpapered mural, but found that the space could be overwhelmed by the visual denseness of most murals.  Instead we commissioned a local artist, Julie Lawrence, to create a hand painted, garden inspired mural throughout the narrow space.  We were able to control the number of visual elements, their placement on the walls, and deliver specific plant material that the client loves.  It has become such a refreshing and open area, transitioning to the main living spaces of the home.  We’re all thrilled with the results!

March 14, 2014 by Jessie Davidson

In The Garden

Growing Season

Given the harsh winter we have had in so many parts of the country, it is difficult to think about what is happening in the garden except hibernation!  So it was quite the gift this week to be able to see inside the growing greenhouses at the Chicago Botanic Garden. There are horticulturalists (botanic curators) for every garden and, by plan, they have plants growing throughout the year in preparation for filling display gardens. In these images you’ll see thousands of orchids, pansies, little geraniums, and hundreds of tiny vegetable starts that will soon be transplanted into the fruit and vegetable garden outside. 

This was inspiration for my eyes, yet the smell of damp earth may have been the best treat of all!  If winter has you down, find a greenhouse or conservatory and spend some time there.  Inhale!  And have faith that Spring IS coming sooner or later.

If you are in the Chicago area, don't miss the upcoming Antiques & Garden Fair at the Chicago Botanic Garden from April 11th - 13th, 10 am - 5 pm, daily. It is such a lovely and important show!

March 14, 2014 by Jessie Davidson

What We're Loving

March 2014

1.) Churlish Green No. 251 (paint) by Farrow & Ball - Use this color as an accent or paint the entire room.  It will make you smile every time you see it! 

2.) French Vintage Washtub (new) by Pennoyer Newman - If you are creating a new garden or just adding pots and containers, look at the historically inclined designs of Pennoyer Newman. They will be with you for decades, looking classic and stylish throughout all four seasons. 

3.) Leather Clad Parson’s Tables by Edelman - A Parson’s table is such a simple and classic design….taken to a higher level when clad in Edelman leather. 

4.) David Sutherland’s Louis Soleil Chair - You just have to love this elegant chair.  It is equally comfortable out on the terrace as it is on a screen porch or in a conservatory. Very roomy with a well-sprung seat.

5.) Cynthia Bag in Orange/Melon by Michael Kors - Well, I cannot resist Persimmon, or Melon, or Orange….. and these colors are certainly de rigueur this season. This smaller Cynthia bag is a nice size too. 

6.) Bizet in Chocolate (embroidered linen) by Colefax & Fowler - Chocolate and red have always been wonderful compliments.  This embroidered fabric – new from Colefax & Fowler – employs warm and cool reds which makes it all the more delicious. 

7.) No Life Without Water – CMCA’s ArtLab collaboration with the children of Poland and South Sudan - The Center for Maine Contemporary Art  has created a collaboration between the children of Maine, Poland, and South Sudan.  This short video focuses on the importance of water in our lives and it serves to remind us to save energy and reduce pollution.  

If you are interested in any of the featured ideas or products to help create a home you love, contact me - I am happy to help! Jessie, Jessie Davidson Interiors 

All images from linked sites; Cecil Beaton photograph from here.



March 14, 2014 by Jessie Davidson

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