Simple

Simple

Charles Spada Interiors

Image via Antiqueson5.com
I have been an admirer of Boston interior designer Charles Spada's work for many years. What appeals to me most about his interiors is that they feature a mix of antiques and contemporary furniture, which blend easily to create an elegant yet liveable interior. I especially love his spare use of animal print fabric for a bit of a surprise, especially on the chairs above. Not sure I have the courage to try this in my own home, but it looks beautiful in the showroom. Mr. Spada has a showroom at the Boston Design Center "Antiques on 5" and also offers antiques for sale on 1stdibs.com
Image via Antiqueson5.com
This image is also from the website Antiques on 5. I especially like the contrast of the red and white check fabric on the chairs with the dark wood furniture.

Image via "Traditional Home" magazine
Last year, "Traditional Home" magazine did a feature on Mr. Spada's apartment located in Milton, Massachusetts, a Boston suburb. Mr. Spada transformed a typical cookie-cutter builder's condominium into an airy elegant home. The neo-classical prints throughout the home and the soft, cool gray and white color scheme greatly appeal to me. Again, I love the touch of animal print on the antique Chippendale stool.

The living room. Normally, honey colored wood floors do not appeal to me, but the rooms have such cool tone that the color of the floors adds warmth to the rooms. The more contemporary style sofa, lamps, and mantle blend easily with the antique furniture and prints.
Another view of the living room
The dining area. I love the use of the antique chairs with leather covered seats and the custom made glassed topped parsons table.
The master bedroom. The lamp looks to me like the Oly Studio faux bois vase turned into a lamp? Gilt frames for the classical prints add bit of shine to the room. The white frames with gilt accents and interest.
Another view of the master bedroom. The paint color on the walls throughout the home is Benjamin Moore "Stonington Gray".
Lastly, a photo of Mr. Spada in his home office. Such a bright and serene looking space to be working. He looks very happy in this space, but as of a few months ago the apartment was up for sale and it probably sold quickly, even in this slow real estate market.
All images of Charles Spada's home are from "Traditional Home" magazine.

A Rose By Any Other Name.....

Image via "Cottage Living"
It has been a cold, gray, rainy, snowy, windy, seemingly endless winter. But, this weekend was different. Much different. This photo of a garden in full bloom says "summer" to me. It's only a matter of time.....
The beautiful pink roses pictured here are "New Dawn" climbers.

French Dressing

This simple, elegant French bedroom with fresh pink roses in the foreground looks like a dream. I like the flexibility one would have with a room such as this. By just changing or removing the rug, bedskirt and patterned drapes (on the right) the room would be very neutral and simple. The roses would stay,of course!
and I might find it a little easier to get up for work in the morning if this bathroom adjoined the bedroom........

....then again, with a home in the French countryside, I'm sure commuting to the office would be optional!
Unfortunately, I don't recall which magazine these photos are from and don't have the name of the owner/designer or photographer. The clippings have been in my file for about five years, but I'm pleased that they scanned so well (especially since this is my first post)!